Newcastle photographer wins Ocean Photographer of the Year

Matty Smith's portrait of a tawny nurse shark won the 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year Fine Art category.

Why it mattersIt recognises Australian talent in global competition. It also shifts public perception of sharks from fearsome to thoughtful.

AustraliaAustralian photographer's work gains international recognition; celebrates ocean conservation through visual storytelling.

✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 h ago

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Group of ten people in winter clothing posed on rocks beside a lake with forest backdrop

✓ The Sydney Morning HeraldCulture & Curiosity

Trent Felton wins Alone Australia season 4 after 52 days in Finnish wilderness

Trent Felton, a 40-year-old Tasmanian chef, outlasted nine other contestants to win Alone Australia season 4, surviving 52 days in northern Finland.

Why it mattersFelton's win shows how survival skills and discipline in extreme conditions can unlock real reward, and his story has sparked wider interest in the show.

File image: Heritage street with jacaranda trees, skaters resting near buildings

✓ The StandardCulture & Curiosity

Warrnambool teacher's own play wins place on VCE drama curriculum

Megan Twycross wrote a play called Stuck now studied by VCE drama students across Victoria.

That is three stories, about two minutes.

A sitting is ten stories, about five minutes, and then you are done for the day.

Read the other seven →

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Newcastle photographer wins Ocean Photographer of the Year

Next in today's edition

Trent Felton wins Alone Australia season 4 after 52 days in Finnish wilderness

Warrnambool teacher's own play wins place on VCE drama curriculum

That is three stories, about two minutes.

Tomorrow's edition, 7am