It's been more than a week since the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano erupted, sending an ash cloud kilometres into the sky, and fuelling a deadly tsunami that was felt by nations across the Pacific.

But despite many days having now passed, we still have very little information about what's happening on the ground as the recovery effort has been badly impacted by the destruction of Tonga's only undersea communications cable.

The Quicky speaks to a woman who's spent nearly three decades liaising between the Australian and Tongan Governments, and an expert in the fibre-optic submarine cable that connects the people of Tonga to the rest of the world to find out the latest developments.

CREDITS 

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to: 

Louise S.R. Waterhouse - Honorary Consul-General of Tonga in Australia

Samiuela Fonua - Chairperson of Tonga Cable Limited (TCL) which owns and manages the fibre-optic submarine cable, connecting Tonga to Fiji

Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane

Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri

Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/

CONTACT US

Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

GET IN TOUCH:

Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Just by reading or listening to our content, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au 

It's been more than a week since the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano erupted, sending an ash cloud kilometres into the sky, and fuelling a deadly tsunami that was felt by nations across the Pacific.
But despite many days having now passed, we still have very little information about what's happening on the ground as the recovery effort has been badly impacted by the destruction of Tonga's only undersea communications cable.
The Quicky speaks to a woman who's spent nearly three decades liaising between the Australian and Tongan Governments, and an expert in the fibre-optic submarine cable that connects the people of Tonga to the rest of the world to find out the latest developments.
CREDITS&nbsp;
Host: Claire Murphy
With thanks to:&nbsp;
Louise S.R. Waterhouse - <a href="https://protocol.dfat.gov.au/Public/Consulates/201/State/2">Honorary Consul-General</a> of Tonga in Australia
Samiuela Fonua - Chairperson of Tonga Cable Limited (<a href="http://www.pacificsoe.org/tonga/state-owned-enterprises/tonga-cable-limited/">TCL</a>) which&nbsp;owns and manages the fibre-optic submarine cable, connecting Tonga to Fiji
<ol aria-label="Notifications"></ol>
Producer: Claire Murphy
Executive Producer:&nbsp;Siobh&aacute;n Moran-McFarlane
Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri
Subscribe to The Quicky at...<a href="https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/"> https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/</a>
CONTACT US
Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
GET IN TOUCH:
Feedback? We&rsquo;re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at <a href="mailto:podcast@mamamia.com.au">podcast@mamamia.com.au</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Just by reading or listening to our content, you&rsquo;re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We&rsquo;re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au&nbsp;

Do you find the news cycle overwhelming?  Depressing? Confusing? Boring? Endless?
Then you need The Quicky.   Mamamia's daily podcast that gets you up to speed on the top stories, then deep dives on one topic you want to know more about.  
It's the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day.

The Quicky

A daily news podcast that gets you up to speed on everything happening in the world. Hosted by journalist Claire Murphy. 

A daily news podcast that gets you up to speed on everything happening in the world. Hosted by journalist Claire Murphy.&nbsp;

The Quicky by Mamamia

Do you find the news cycle overwhelming? Depressing? Confusing? Boring? Endless?

Then you need The Quicky. Mamamia's daily podcast that gets you up to speed on the top stories, then deep dives on one topic you want to know more about.

It's the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day.

Do you find the news cycle overwhelming? Depressing? Confusing? Boring? Endless?
Then you need The Quicky. Mamamia's daily podcast that gets you up to speed on the top stories, then deep dives on one topic you want to know more about.
It's the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day.

What Happened In Tonga & Why Do We Still Know So Little?

🗞️ HEADLINES


Recently returned 'ISIS Brides' to apply for bail
Witnesses provide real-life impact statements at Antisemitism Royal Commission 
New research shows Australia's food and grocery sector is strained amid rising costs
Richard Lewer named winner of the 2026 Archibald Prize
Julie Bishop resigns as Chancellor from ANU
One Nation eyes a win in Farrer byelection
Bonnie Tyler placed into coma following emergency surgery 

 📩 GET IN TOUCH

Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?

Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

🎙️ CREDITS

Host: Taylah Strano

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Support independent women's media

Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TRANSCRIPT:
Hey I’m Taylah Strano with the latest from The Quicky newsroom for Friday, May 8.

A pair of Islamic State-linked women accused of crimes against humanity are behind bars but plan to make bail applications after they were arrested on return to Australia.

The 53-year-old and a 31-year-old faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday morning charged with several crimes against humanity offences allegedly committed in Syria.

They landed back in Melbourne on Thursday evening as part of a larger group of women and children who lived in a Syrian refugee camp.

In a packed courtroom, the women appeared separately. They were both remanded in custody until Monday, when they will apply for bail.

Day five of hearings at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has continued with eight witnesses providing evidence in Sydney.

This marks the first block of public hearings, focusing on the definition and nature of antisemitism, its impact on people’s lives, and how it’s measured.

Twenty-two-year-old Mia Kline described feeling the need to “de-Jew” herself as part of her statement describing an interaction with her housemates that ultimately led to her moving out. She said she stopped referring to Jewish engagements in conversation and removed a Star of David necklace to avoid antisemitism.

Meantime, another person, who identified as not being Jewish and appeared anonymously, described criticism she incurred after writing and sharing social media posts surrounding the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

New research shows Australia’s food and grocery sector is strained amid rising costs.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council is warning a perfect storm of global conflict, surging energy costs and domestic economic pressures is forcing an unavoidable reckoning for the nation’s food and grocery suppliers and manufacturers.

AFGC Director of Stakeholders, Engagement and Policy Scott McGrath says some of the household staples we rely on could become more expensive or harder to access if suppliers, manufacturers and retailers continue to shoulder the brunt of rising costs.

People may not realize, but oil and energy underpin almost everything, and it's not just transport that relies on it.

Packaging, manufacturing processes such as refrigeration, crucial for food freshness, and shipping are all affected when prices rise globally.

Even everyday items like nappies rely heavily on components like plastic packaging, which is tied to oil.

Australia’s most prestigious portrait prize has just been awarded to Richard Lewer.

The Archibald Prize, which includes a $100,000 cash award, goes to the Melbourne-based artist for his portrait of Pitjantjatjara elder and senior artist Iluwanti Ken.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has resigned as chancellor of one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

Previously one of the Liberal government’s most senior ministers, Ms Bishop’s tenure at Australian National University was marred by months of turmoil, including job cuts, bullying allegations and disputes between staff and university management.

A contentious cost-cutting proposal, which would have made hundreds of staff forcibly redundant, was abandoned when Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell quit her post in late 2025.

Coalition parties have conceded holding onto the seat of Farrer will be a tall order ahead of the crucial by-election.

Voters will head to the polls on Saturday to replace former opposition leader Sussan Ley following her resignation.

The electorate has been held by Coalition parties since the seat’s creation in 1949, but the contest is looming with a showdown between One Nation’s David Farley and independent Michelle Millthorpe.

And singer Bonnie Tyler has reportedly been put into an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.

The 74-year-old was said to be recovering after she was rushed to hospital near her home in Portugal for emergency intestinal surgery, but doctors have now reportedly placed her in a coma to assist her recovery.

A spokesperson for the “Total Eclipse of the Heart” singer has asked for privacy at this difficult time.

That’s your latest news headlines.

On Monday’s episode of The Quicky, we’ll have an update on everything you need to know as more hantavirus cases crop up across the globe.

Listen to The Quicky wherever you get your podcasts.

🗞️ HEADLINES
<ul>
<li>
Recently returned 'ISIS Brides' to apply for bail
</li>
<li>Witnesses provide real-life impact statements at Antisemitism Royal Commission&nbsp;</li>
<li>New research shows Australia's food and grocery sector is strained amid rising costs</li>
<li>Richard Lewer named winner of the 2026 Archibald Prize</li>
<li>Julie Bishop resigns as Chancellor from ANU</li>
<li>One Nation eyes a win in Farrer byelection</li>
<li>Bonnie Tyler placed into coma following emergency surgery&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;📩 GET IN TOUCH
Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?
<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">Send us a voice note</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
🎙️ CREDITS
Host: Taylah Strano
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Group&nbsp;Executive Producer:&nbsp;Ilaria Brophy
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=quicky">Support independent women's media</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequicky/">Check out The Quicky Instagram here</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequickypod"> and our TikTok here</a>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/">Discover more Mamamia podcasts here</a>
Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/mamamia/id6442502456">check it out here!</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.
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TRANSCRIPT: Hey I&rsquo;m Taylah Strano with the latest from The Quicky newsroom for Friday, May 8.
A pair of Islamic State-linked women accused of crimes against humanity are behind bars but plan to make bail applications after they were arrested on return to Australia.
The 53-year-old and a 31-year-old faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday morning charged with several crimes against humanity offences allegedly committed in Syria.
They landed back in Melbourne on Thursday evening as part of a larger group of women and children who lived in a Syrian refugee camp.
In a packed courtroom, the women appeared separately. They were both remanded in custody until Monday, when they will apply for bail.
Day five of hearings at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has continued with eight witnesses providing evidence in Sydney.
This marks the first block of public hearings, focusing on the definition and nature of antisemitism, its impact on people&rsquo;s lives, and how it&rsquo;s measured.
Twenty-two-year-old Mia Kline described feeling the need to &ldquo;de-Jew&rdquo; herself as part of her statement describing an interaction with her housemates that ultimately led to her moving out. She said she stopped referring to Jewish engagements in conversation and removed a Star of David necklace to avoid antisemitism.
Meantime, another person, who identified as not being Jewish and appeared anonymously, described criticism she incurred after writing and sharing social media posts surrounding the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
New research shows Australia&rsquo;s food and grocery sector is strained amid rising costs.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council is warning a perfect storm of global conflict, surging energy costs and domestic economic pressures is forcing an unavoidable reckoning for the nation&rsquo;s food and grocery suppliers and manufacturers.
AFGC Director of Stakeholders, Engagement and Policy Scott McGrath says some of the household staples we rely on could become more expensive or harder to access if suppliers, manufacturers and retailers continue to shoulder the brunt of rising costs.
People may not realize, but oil and energy underpin almost everything, and it's not just transport that relies on it.
Packaging, manufacturing processes such as refrigeration, crucial for food freshness, and shipping are all affected when prices rise globally.
Even everyday items like nappies rely heavily on components like plastic packaging, which is tied to oil.
Australia&rsquo;s most prestigious portrait prize has just been awarded to Richard Lewer.
The Archibald Prize, which includes a $100,000 cash award, goes to the Melbourne-based artist for his portrait of Pitjantjatjara elder and senior artist Iluwanti Ken.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has resigned as chancellor of one of the nation&rsquo;s most prestigious universities.
Previously one of the Liberal government&rsquo;s most senior ministers, Ms Bishop&rsquo;s tenure at Australian National University was marred by months of turmoil, including job cuts, bullying allegations and disputes between staff and university management.
A contentious cost-cutting proposal, which would have made hundreds of staff forcibly redundant, was abandoned when Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell quit her post in late 2025.
Coalition parties have conceded holding onto the seat of Farrer will be a tall order ahead of the crucial by-election.
Voters will head to the polls on Saturday to replace former opposition leader Sussan Ley following her resignation.
The electorate has been held by Coalition parties since the seat&rsquo;s creation in 1949, but the contest is looming with a showdown between One Nation&rsquo;s David Farley and independent Michelle Millthorpe.
And singer Bonnie Tyler has reportedly been put into an induced coma following emergency intestinal surgery.
The 74-year-old was said to be recovering after she was rushed to hospital near her home in Portugal for emergency intestinal surgery, but doctors have now reportedly placed her in a coma to assist her recovery.
A spokesperson for the &ldquo;Total Eclipse of the Heart&rdquo; singer has asked for privacy at this difficult time.
That&rsquo;s your latest news headlines.
On Monday&rsquo;s episode of The Quicky, we&rsquo;ll have an update on everything you need to know as more hantavirus cases crop up across the globe.
Listen to The Quicky wherever you get your podcasts.

HEADLINES: What Happens Next With Australia’s ISIS Brides? & One Nation Eyes A Weekend Win

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/7fb9a9c4-9b69-4f69-b624-b44400378144/transcript

Sir David Attenborough turns 100 today, marking a century of a life dedicated to the natural world. From his early days at the BBC in the 1950s to becoming the most recognisable voice in documentary history, we look back at the landmark career of a man who brought the wild into our living rooms.

🗞️ HEADLINES
A woman who returned to Australia after spending years in a Syrian refugee camp has been charged with crimes against humanity, as two more women are expected to be charged today
Thousands of people have attended candlelight vigils to honour and grieve for Kumanjayi Little Baby
Countries are scrambling to trace passengers who left the cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak
A man has reportedly been arrested after allegedly approaching Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and shouting 
The defamation battle between Rebel Wilson and The Deb star Charlotte MacInnes is set to wrap up

 📩 GET IN TOUCH

Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?

Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

🎙️ CREDITS

Hosts: Taylah Strano & Claire Murphy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Support independent women's media

Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Sir David Attenborough turns 100 today, marking a century of a life dedicated to the natural world. From his early days at the BBC in the 1950s to becoming the most recognisable voice in documentary history, we look back at the landmark career of a man who brought the wild into our living rooms.
🗞️ HEADLINES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">A woman who returned to Australia after spending years in a Syrian refugee camp has been charged with crimes against humanity, as two more women are expected to be charged today</li>
<li aria-level="1">Thousands of people have attended candlelight vigils to honour and grieve for Kumanjayi Little Baby</li>
<li aria-level="1">Countries are scrambling to trace passengers who left the cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak</li>
<li aria-level="1">A man has reportedly been arrested after allegedly approaching Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and shouting&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">The defamation battle between Rebel Wilson and The Deb star Charlotte MacInnes is set to wrap up</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;📩 GET IN TOUCH
Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?
<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">Send us a voice note</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
🎙️ CREDITS
Hosts:&nbsp;Taylah Strano &amp; Claire Murphy
Audio Producer:&nbsp;Scott Stronach&nbsp;
Group&nbsp;Executive Producer:&nbsp;Ilaria Brophy
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=quicky">Support independent women's media</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequicky/">Check out The Quicky Instagram here</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequickypod"> and our TikTok here</a>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/">Discover more Mamamia podcasts here</a>
Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/mamamia/id6442502456">check it out here!</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Hantavirus Cruise Ship Tracing Operation & A Milestone Birthday Celebration 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/44c0f401-9d97-4a97-ad46-b443004969a8/transcript

🗞️ HEADLINES


A federal judge has unsealed an alleged suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first time the document has been made public.
Lisa Wilkinson and Network Ten remain locked in a legal dispute over costs from Bruce Lehrmann’s failed defamation case.


A national watchdog could soon be established to oversee Australia’s childcare sector, in a bid to strengthen safety and consistency across services.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has been moved out of intensive care but will remain in hospital as he recovers from pneumonia.
Jane Fonda has paid tribute to her ex-husband Ted Turner, founder of CNN and Turner Broadcasting, following the news of his death.

Support services are available: 
Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au, Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

 📩 GET IN TOUCH

Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?

Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

🎙️ CREDITS

Host: Grace Rouvray

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Support independent women's media

Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

🗞️ HEADLINES
<ul>
<li>
A federal judge has unsealed an alleged suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first time the document has been made public.
</li>
<li>Lisa Wilkinson and Network Ten remain locked in a legal dispute over costs from Bruce Lehrmann&rsquo;s failed defamation case.</li>
<li>
A national watchdog could soon be established to oversee Australia&rsquo;s childcare sector, in a bid to strengthen safety and consistency across services.
</li>
<li>Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has been moved out of intensive care but will remain in hospital as he recovers from pneumonia.</li>
<li>Jane Fonda has paid tribute to her ex-husband Ted Turner, founder of CNN and Turner Broadcasting, following the news of his death.</li>
</ul>
Support services are available:&nbsp; Lifeline: <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au">www.lifeline.org.au</a>, Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14 Beyond Blue:<a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/"> https://www.beyondblue.org.au/</a>
&nbsp;📩 GET IN TOUCH
Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?
<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">Send us a voice note</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
🎙️ CREDITS
Host: Grace Rouvray
Audio Producer:&nbsp;Scott Stronach
Group&nbsp;Executive Producer:&nbsp;Ilaria Brophy
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=quicky">Support independent women's media</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequicky/">Check out The Quicky Instagram here</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequickypod"> and our TikTok here</a>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/">Discover more Mamamia podcasts here</a>
Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/mamamia/id6442502456">check it out here!</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

HEADLINES: Epstein Alleged Suicide Note  & Jane Fonda Pays Tribute To Ex-Husband 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/8be36732-88ed-4506-b8c1-b443000b63e9/transcript

What Happened In Tonga & Why Do We Still Know So Little?

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