Vintage names are trending again amongst newborns, appearing in the top names for baby girls. Name Consultant, Michelle Casey, told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "The vintage names, they are full of charm but they also have a modern usability, which makes them familiar but also really fresh."

The Greens have launched a plan to close loopholes in federal legislation that would remove lethal shark nets. The plan would involve alternative measures to prevent shark attacks such as shark spotter programs, eco-shark barriers, and increased public education, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Bond University Dr Daryl McPhee told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "I think we need to transition away from lethal methods but we need not to rush, we need to bring the whole community along with us."

Long Drive for Drought will go to air at 2:15pm on Sunday, on the Nine Network across the country. The piece follows a group of 40-Series Land Cruiser enthusiasts as they set off on an Outback Adventure. The initiative aims to support, and raise awareness for the plight of farmers struggling on the land.  Brent Reeman, Founder of Long Drive for Drought, told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "its primary purpose is to raise money for our chosen charity, Farm Angels. Farm Angels supports Aussie farmers who are doing it a little bit tough for all sorts of reasons." 

Negotiations between landowners and government officials have recently concluded in Papa New Guinea, resulting in the reopening of the Kokoda track. A longstanding dispute over unpaid government compensation has led to the track's closure for several weeks, resulting in financial consequences. Founder of Adventure Professionals Glen Azar told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "By the time the season opens up again and definitely by Anzac, we're told full steam ahead." "They've [Kokoda Track Authority] guaranteed they're going to sort all the problems out and their handshake agreement that happened two days ago seems to back that up," Mr Azar continued.

A Sunshine Coast man has rescued a dad and young son from a dangerous rip using a beer keg. Rescuer Matthew Neale told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "I was just doing my job." "I walked down the beach and thought I might get a bit of practice in doing our beach assessment, and over in the distance, I see a fella waving his arm. I thought struth, this is on me," Mr Neale continued.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has identified 44 fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafes in Brisbane that violated workplace laws, resulting in fines totaling $162,000. The most frequent violation was the failure to pay penalty rates, with the Ombudsman recovering almost $450,000 for 365 underpaid workers.  Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "There were 51 different sites in the event, over these four suburbs Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Macgregor and Robertson."

There’s new research coming out of DrinkWise which has revealed a very interesting shift to how Aussies feel about drinking. CEO of DrinkWise, Simon Strahan joined Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons to discuss the details of the latest research. "Over half of Australians are looking at cutting back their consumption and are looking for ways to do that," Mr Strahan said. 

There’s major unrest in South Korea today, the President has attempted to declare emergency martial law and accused the opposition of controlling the parliament and sympathising with North Korea. President YOON SUK YEO’s cabinet has now voted to lift it. It’s a big mess and to break it all down we're joined by Neil Fergus, CEO of Intelligent Risks.

We have seen all types of stuff-ups captured by the media in 2024, from supermarkets to politicians. Communication and credibility expert Dr Neryl East joined Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons to rank the biggest blunders in 2024.

Per the 7:30 Report, A nine-year-old girl has been targeted by a predator in the UK on the popular gaming platform, 'Roblox'. Concerningly, platforms like Roblox don’t fit under the new social media laws that have recently passed through parliament.  Standards Australia has released a landmark draft today, that outlines requirements intended to support children's privacy, safety, and well-being in virtual environments. Kirra Pendergast, founder of ‘Safe on Social’, told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "It's not a shame to speak up and tell their parents when anything is a bit weird, and that's what will keep them safe."

The Business Council of Australia has released its Regulation Rumble Report, which has revealed that Queensland is one of the worst states in the country to do business. BCA Chief Executive Bran Black joined Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons to discuss the report.

As the holiday season begins, it is important to know your rights surrounding whether you can be forced to take holiday leave. To explain the parameters surrounding what can be asked of you over the festive period, Nick Marouchak, an employment lawyer and Director of MKI Legal joined Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons.

The social media ban was among 31 bills to pass the Senate on Friday.  Professor Rocky Scopelitti, author and futurologist, told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "This isn't just a social media ban, it's a digital timeout for an entire generation." Professor Scopelitti told Dean Miller, "I think that's going to set us backwards and create a generation that is going to be digitally behind". 

With Christmas around the corner, it's time to start organising presents. Gift-Giving and Gift-Wrapping Expert Vivienne Anthon joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to provide the best tips and tricks for Christmas presents.

The House of Representatives passed a slew of bills in a late-night sitting, and dozens of new laws will come into effect. 4BC Political Editor Michael Pachi joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss how these laws will lead up to an early election.

Ashley Paul Griffith has pleaded guilty to  307 offences.  He was handed a life sentence with a non-parole period of 27 years.  9News Reporter Anna Rawlings joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons from the courthouse to discuss the sentence. 

The London production of Les Misérables, the world's longest-running musical, has just kicked off its amazing 40th year and is still packing theaters with sold-out crowds. Sir Cameron Mackintosh has put together a reimagined arena version of the show, which has received rave reviews across the UK and major cities in Europe.  The undisputed leading lady of Australian musical theatre, Marina Prior, will star as Madame Thenardier. Ms Prior told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "it is such a special show, any opportunity to be doingLes Misérables again... I am just so honoured to be a part of it."

Waste operator Cleanaway has pleaded guilty to seven offences and has been fined more than $600,000 in relation to odour nuisance at New Chum.  The court found that,  following the 2022 floods, a strong-smelling leachate was produced, and Cleanaway failed to take reasonable and practicable measures to stop the smell. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "It's a step in the right direction. I appreciate the state government doing this."

New research offers new hope to people who have struggled to get effective treatment for their depression. Researchers have discovered how to diagnose melancholia, which is a severe form of depression, by analysing the facial expressions and brain activity of people as they watched highly emotive films. Lead Researcher at QIMR Berghofer, Dr Philip Mosley, told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "we are hoping with this research, we will be able to say loudly that, all depression is not the same."

The LNP has implemented the Fresh Start strategy to improve multiple portfolios in Queensland. In health, Health Minister Tim Nicholls has announced the implementation of real-time hospital data, changes to the names of satellite hospitals, and the addition of new infrastructure. Minister Nicholls told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "We're always going to be spending more money in health because of a growing and ageing population demands it...We will be doing things better and smarter, and making sure they're effective."

Layne Beachley, one of the world’s most successful surfers teamed up with her friend Tess Brouwer as they both needed a toolkit to rebuild their lives after feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and lost.  The Awake Academy program has helped thousands, and the book is an essential guide to the tools they used to wake up! Layne Beachley joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons. 

The issue of youth crime has been in the spotlight for months, especially in the wake of the LNP pre-election flagship ‘adult time, adult crime’ policy. Alternative to addressing the problem through incarceration, one program facilitated by the Queensland Police has been working to prevent youth crime through mentorship. Project Booyah Chief Inspector, Michael Volk, joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss how the problem is addressing youth crime through prevention.

Political analysts believe with the next federal election to be the first where Gen Z and Millennials will outnumber boomers in every state and territory, is the influence of the Baby Boomer waning? And what does that mean for the election campaign? Kos Samaras, Director of Strategy and Analytics at the Redbridge Group shares his views.

We’re hearing from business leaders that ever-increasing red tape on businesses of all sizes and sagging productivity risks putting Australia on the road to becoming the ‘unlucky country’ with Australia setting a new record for business insolvencies, we tackle it all with business operator and coffee entrepreneur Phil Di Bella.

Tickets to the final performances here in Brisbane of Sister Act The Musical are going on sale this week. For those who haven’t seen the movie, it tells the story of a lounge singer who is forced to join a convent after being placed in a witness protection program and  one of the stars Rhonda Burchmore joins us.

Sofie Formica is questioning if anything can be done to allow incoming state governments to be given important information after the Liberal state government discovered a massive blowout on health projects by the former Labor government.

The team at the University of Queensland has partnered with the University of the Sunshine Coast and is calling for volunteers to take part in a clinical trial for a new vaccine.  UQ Virologist Professor Keith Chappell, joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss the new trial. 

New data shows that produce wrapped in plastic is cheaper 73% of the time.  Campaign Manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Cip Hamilton, told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons they are calling for accountability from the supermarkets. "We're in the midst of a cost of living crisis, we have an environmental crisis and we're being charged more to avoid plastic packaging in our weekly shop." Ms Hamilton said. 

The Australian Word of the Year has been decided for 2024.  Senior Researcher at the Australian National University, Mark Gwynn, joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss the chosen word.  "We're after something that talks about the year in Australia," Mr Gwynn said. 

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia believes pressure can be eased on GP's and ED’s if patients think of the pharmacy first. There are calls to create a Masters of Pharmacy qualification to better prepare graduates for the pharmacy of the future.

Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp have a musical connection that has blossomed for over 20 years. Their new release takes a fresh look at their Southern Skies collection, where they reimagine songs from some of Australia and New Zealand’s most iconic female artists. Karin Schaupp joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss all things music. 

The Queensland Government is set to begin the 100-day review into Olympic infrastructure.  Committee for Brisbane Chief Executive, Jen Williams, told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons that the government needs to consider how to work with private businesses to deliver the 2032 Olympics.

An Australia-led global study by Macquarie University PhD candidate Claire Galea has revealed that babies who are read books from birth start school with greater vocabularies.  Ms Galea told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "We've got statistically robust results to show children who are read to and who received these books into their home...were more likely to be interested in books, asked to be read to and show those emerging literacy skills."

New South Wales Police have charged Alan Jones with 24 offences.  These charges include 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault with authority, nine counts of assault with an act of indecency, two counts of sexually touching another person without their consent, and two counts of common assault. The 83-year-old was granted conditional bail and will face court next month

CEO of Intelligent Risks, Neil Fergus joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to share insights on international relations including APEC and the war in Ukraine and Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Astrophysicist Dr. Sara Webb has released a new book titled The Little Book of Cosmic Catastrophes. This small book explores some very big ideas, from asteroids to alien invasions. 

The annual AMAQ Hospital Check has been publicly released, raising issues of safety, bullying, discrimination, and burnout. The survey included 831 doctors in training at hospitals around Queensland.  AMAQ President, Dr Nick Yim told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "There's a lot of work that needs to be done. We need to keep our junior doctors safe." 

Dr Sue Radd is one of Australia’s leading nutritionists and the author of ‘Food As Medicine: Cooking to Prevent and Treat Diabetes’ is joining us on World Diabetes Day, one in 20 Australians are living with diabetes and if current trends continue, the prevalence of diabetes in Australia is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has announced that Best Practice Industry Principles on government projects will be suspended immediately.  CEO of Master Builders Queensland, Paul Bidwell, told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "The Crisafulli Government, within weeks has done what the Miles Government has said no to for months. It's a big step forward but we still need to work on existing projects."

Known for his success as a singer-songwriter in Savage Garden Darren Hayes has released his memoir Unlovable. Mr Hayes told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "The mental health aspect and the domestic violence that our family went through and managed to survive is something I felt a duty to document." 

President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet President Joe Biden at the White House. CEO of Intelligent Risks, Neil Fergus, joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss the importance of the meeting.

Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam has been charged with one count each of drive while relevant drug is present in blood and drive motor vehicle without a driver licence. The Broncos have released a statement regarding the incident.

Macquarie University has been investigating how light can play a part in preventing shark attacks. Professor Nathan Hart, told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "What we found is that the bright light stopped the sharks from biting those seal decoys, which it otherwise would ordinarily do."

The latest Australian Unity Wellbeing Index survey reveals a widespread sense of malaise across all age groups, satisfaction with life in Australia has also reached its lowest point in the 24-year history of the survey data collection. Research fellow at Deakin University School of Psychology and report lead author Kate Lycett joined us to discuss the findings.

Lock Jaw Ladder Grip founder Craig Charlton joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons to discuss the world-first ladder safety invention.

The Queensland Teachers' Union has released data showing that direct-to-school funding has dropped as much as $89 per student annually since 2015. Queensland Association of State School Principals President, Pat Murphy told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "I think we all know if we were paid the same amount of money as we were in 2015, what you get for that money doesn't go that far."

Owner of The Prop House Collective, Jano Kotsas, joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons on Sofie Formica to share the Christmas trends for 2024.

A Qantas flight bound for Brisbane caused a grassfire at Sydney Airport due to an engine issue.  4BC Medical Expert Gino Pecoraro was on the flight and told Sofie Formica on 4BC Afternoons, "We were taking off, and all of a sudden, you heard a loud bang and a thud over the right-hand side."

Ben Elton AM will be back in Australia, bringing his Authentic Stupidity Tour to the Fortitude Music Hall.

Calls for the introduction of age restrictions on social media continue to grow as the tragic human toll rises.