Residents of Australia are grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Fina, which has caused significant damage in Darwin and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts celebrated the first flights of peregrine falcon chicks in Melbourne, and a record-breaking bagpipe performance drew crowds. Protests against a weapons expo in Sydney resulted in multiple arrests, while a stunning supermoon graced the skies over Bondi Beach.

Cyclone Fina's Impact on Darwin
Tropical Cyclone Fina, the strongest cyclone to approach Darwin since Cyclone Tracy in 1974, intensified to a category 4 storm as it moved towards the northeast Kimberley coast. The cyclone initially made landfall as a category 3 system on Saturday, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall to the Tiwi Islands and Darwin. Residents are now in cleanup mode following a night of damaging weather, with local authorities assessing the extent of the damage and coordinating recovery efforts.

Wildlife Milestones in Melbourne
In a heartwarming wildlife event, three peregrine falcons hatched in late September took their first flights from a skyscraper ledge in Melbourne's central business district. The chicks, two females and one male, captured the attention of thousands who watched their live stream. One falcon experienced a dramatic crash landing but successfully took to the skies on its second attempt, marking a significant milestone for the species in an urban environment.

Record-Breaking Bagpipe Performance
Melbourne's Federation Square hosted a remarkable gathering of 374 bagpipe players who performed AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock’n’Roll)" in an attempt to set a new world record for the largest bagpipe ensemble. The event surpassed the previous record of 333 players set in Bulgaria in 2012. The performance brought together musicians from various backgrounds, showcasing the cultural diversity and community spirit of the city.

Protests Against Weapons Expo in Sydney
In Sydney, twelve individuals were charged following a large protest against a state-sponsored defense conference at Darling Harbour. Hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the presence of Israeli weapons companies at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition. The Palestine Action Group had intended to blockade the expo, but police presence, including uniformed and mounted officers, prevented any disruptions. The protest highlighted ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Supermoon Over Bondi Beach
Sydney residents were treated to a spectacular view of November's "beaver" supermoon, which is the largest supermoon expected in 2025. The moon rose dramatically over Bondi Beach on Wednesday evening, captivating onlookers with its brightness and size. The phenomenon occurs when the moon is closer to Earth than usual, creating an optical illusion that enhances its appearance against the horizon. The event was well-attended, with many taking the opportunity to capture the moment.

Wrap-up
Australia's recent events reflect a mix of natural challenges, wildlife achievements, cultural celebrations, and social activism. As communities recover from Cyclone Fina, the spirit of resilience is evident in both the wildlife milestones and the cultural events that continue to bring people together. The protests against the weapons expo underscore ongoing social issues that resonate deeply within the community.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team