May 28th&nbsp;is Menstrual Hygiene Day, and WaterAid Australia is calling for menstrual health to be recognised as a climate justice issue. This follows new research revealing the worsening impacts of climate change on women and girls in the Pacific.

A scoping report by WaterAid Australia and The Pacific Menstrual Health Network highlights how extreme weather events, rising costs and patriarchal systems are deepening gender inequality and making it harder for women, girls and gender-diverse people to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

Nalini Singh, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and member of the Pacific Menstrual Health Network, said:

"When a cyclone hits, our needs don’t disappear — they multiply. Managing periods becomes almost impossible without access to products, privacy, or dignity. Menstrual health must be included in disaster planning and embedded in all public health and disaster risk reduction policies and laws"

Interview participants across the Pacific reported that evacuation centres often lack the privacy, safety and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities needed to manage menstruation.

Marginalised groups, such as people living with disabilities, rural communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, face even greater barriers during climate emergencies, including a lack of access to menstrual products, dignity kits and inclusive health services.

WaterAid Australia’s Director of Policy and Programs, Meredith Hickman, said periods don’t stop during extreme weather events, but the ability to manage them often does.

“In the Pacific, climate change is compounding existing inequalities and pushing menstrual health further down the priority list during disasters. This is a public health and human rights issue.

We need to ensure that every person who menstruates—regardless of where they live, how they identify, or their ability—can do so safely and with dignity, even in the face of the climate crisis.”

Health systems in the Pacific are already under strain, and climate disasters are making it worse. Interviewees shared that remote clinics often run out of essential supplies, forcing women to delay or skip care for menstrual pain and disorders.

“When nursing stations run out of medication, it shuts down... that's during normal times, irrespective of whether there’s a disaster or not,” said one woman interviewed.

Despite these risks, menstrual health remains deprioritised in disaster response and climate policy. Participants noted that the government and humanitarian focus rarely extends to issues like period pain, menstrual hygiene or menopause.

Cultural and religious taboos around menstruation continue to reinforce shame and limit open conversations in communities across the Pacific. Participants described women being excluded from decision-making spaces, while also carrying the burden of caregiving during climate crises.

Despite limited policy support, grassroots and local organisations are leading efforts to raise awareness and shift harmful norms.

Community-led events and inclusive programs led by organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are helping empower young women and marginalised menstruators.

WaterAid is urging governments, donors and humanitarian organisations to recognise menstrual health as essential to gender equality and climate resilience. The WASH organisation is calling for:

Menstrual health to be integrated into climate action plans and policiesSustained support for grassroots and community-led initiativesInclusive research and data collection that reflects diverse menstruators’ needsInvestment in WASH infrastructure and menstrual product access in schools and emergency settingsStigma-ending education to shift harmful norms and taboos

May 28th&nbsp;is Menstrual Hygiene Day, and WaterAid Australia is calling for menstrual health to be recognised as a climate justice issue. This follows new research revealing the worsening impacts of climate change on women and girls in the Pacific.A scoping report by WaterAid Australia and The Pacific Menstrual Health Network highlights how extreme weather events, rising costs and patriarchal systems are deepening gender inequality and making it harder for women, girls and gender-diverse people to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.Nalini Singh, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and member of the Pacific Menstrual Health Network, said:"When a cyclone hits, our needs don’t disappear — they multiply. Managing periods becomes almost impossible without access to products, privacy, or dignity. Menstrual health must be included in disaster planning and embedded in all public health and disaster risk reduction policies and laws"Interview participants across the Pacific reported that evacuation centres often lack the privacy, safety and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities needed to manage menstruation.Marginalised groups, such as people living with disabilities, rural communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, face even greater barriers during climate emergencies, including a lack of access to menstrual products, dignity kits and inclusive health services.WaterAid Australia’s Director of Policy and Programs, Meredith Hickman, said periods don’t stop during extreme weather events, but the ability to manage them often does.“In the Pacific, climate change is compounding existing inequalities and pushing menstrual health further down the priority list during disasters. This is a public health and human rights issue.We need to ensure that every person who menstruates—regardless of where they live, how they identify, or their ability—can do so safely and with dignity, even in the face of the climate crisis.”Health systems in the Pacific are already under strain, and climate disasters are making it worse. Interviewees shared that remote clinics often run out of essential supplies, forcing women to delay or skip care for menstrual pain and disorders.“When nursing stations run out of medication, it shuts down... that's during normal times, irrespective of whether there’s a disaster or not,” said one woman interviewed.Despite these risks, menstrual health remains deprioritised in disaster response and climate policy. Participants noted that the government and humanitarian focus rarely extends to issues like period pain, menstrual hygiene or menopause.Cultural and religious taboos around menstruation continue to reinforce shame and limit open conversations in communities across the Pacific. Participants described women being excluded from decision-making spaces, while also carrying the burden of caregiving during climate crises.Despite limited policy support, grassroots and local organisations are leading efforts to raise awareness and shift harmful norms.Community-led events and inclusive programs led by organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are helping empower young women and marginalised menstruators.WaterAid is urging governments, donors and humanitarian organisations to recognise menstrual health as essential to gender equality and climate resilience. The WASH organisation is calling for:Menstrual health to be integrated into climate action plans and policiesSustained support for grassroots and community-led initiativesInclusive research and data collection that reflects diverse menstruators’ needsInvestment in WASH infrastructure and menstrual product access in schools and emergency settingsStigma-ending education to shift harmful norms and taboos

Welfare / Nursing / Rehabilitation

Female Related

Government offices / organizations

Pacific Women and Girls at Risk as Climate Change Deepens Menstrual Hygiene Crisis

Scientists have now discovered the oldest ancestor for all the Australian tree frogs, with distant links to the tree frogs of South America.

Newly discovered evidence of Australia’s earliest species of tree frog challenges what we know about when Australian and South American frogs parted ways on the evolutionary tree.

Previously, scientists believed Australian and South American tree frogs separated from each other about 33 million years ago.

But in a study published today in&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2477815" target="_blank">Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology</a>, palaeontologists from UNSW Sydney say the new species,&nbsp;Litoria tylerantiqua, is now at about 55 million years old, the earliest known member of the pelodryadid family of Australian tree frogs.

The study is based on fossils unearthed from Murgon on the traditional lands of the Waka Waka people of south-eastern Queensland. The new species,&nbsp;Litoria tylerantiqua, is named in honour of the late Michael Tyler, a renowned Australian herpetologist globally celebrated for his research on frogs and toads.

“It is only fitting to name Australia’s earliest tree frog in honour of a man who was a giant in Australian frog research and in particular the first to explore the fossil record for Australian frogs,” says study lead author Dr Roy Farman, an adjunct associate lecturer with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/science/our-schools/bees" target="_blank">UNSW School of Biological, Earth &amp; and Environmental Sciences</a>.

Evolutionary history of Australian tree frogs

Around 55 million years ago, Australia, Antarctica and South America were linked together as the last remnants of the southern supercontinent Gondwana. Global climates were warmer during this period, while a forested corridor linked South America and Australia.

Up until now, it was thought the earliest Australian tree frogs came from the Late Oligocene (about 26 million years ago) and the Early Miocene (23 million years ago). Fossils of the Late Oligocene were found at Kangaroo Well in the Northern Territory and Etadunna Formation at Lake Palankarinna, South Australia, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2019/07/plenty-of-life-in-them-yet--25-years-since-world-heritage-listin" target="_blank">Riversleigh World Heritage Area</a>&nbsp;in Queensland revealed tree frogs from the Early Miocene.

But the new species extends the fossil record of pelodryadids by approximately 30 million years, to a time potentially close to the divergence of Australian tree frogs from the South American tree frogs.

Previous estimates based on molecular clock studies – a method scientists use to figure out when different species split from a common ancestor by looking at the rate of genetic changes over time – suggested that Australian and South American tree frogs separated from each other at about 33 million years ago.

“Our research indicates that that date is at least 22 million years too young,” Dr Farman says.

“While molecular studies are important for understanding the evolutionary relationships of different groups of animals, these studies should be calibrated using knowledge from the fossil record and in this case the fossil record provides a more accurate time for separation of the southern world’s tree frogs.”

Using new technology to study ancient frogs

To conduct this research, the authors used CT scans of spirit-preserved frogs from Australian museum collections to compare the three-dimensional shape of the fossil bones with those of living species. The technique – called three-dimensional geometric morphometrics – has only been used on fossil frogs once before. Using these new methods, they were able to unravel the relationships of these fossils to all other groups of frogs living and extinct.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We had a real problem at the start of this study because the pelvic bones of most living frogs were invisible inside whole pickled frogs rather than available for study as skeletons,” Dr Farman says.

“Museums understandably want to ensure these often unique or rare pickled specimens remain intact for molecular studies because DNA can be obtained from their soft tissues. This meant that instead of skeletonising these specimens, we needed instead to make CT scans of them, enabling us to create 3D models of their otherwise invisible skeletons.

“Using these cutting-edge investigative methods, we were able to determine from the shape of the fossil ilia – one of three bones that make up each side of the pelvis – that this new Murgon species of frog is more closely related to the Australian tree frogs (pelodryadids) than the South American tree frogs (phyllomedusids).”

Seasoned survivors that outlasted the dinosaurs

Litoria tylerantiqua&nbsp;joins the only other Murgon frog, the ground-dwelling&nbsp;Platyplectrum casca&nbsp;(previously described as&nbsp;Lechriodus casca), as the oldest frogs known from Australia. Both have living relatives in Australia and New Guinea demonstrating remarkable resilience over time.

“Despite their delicate nature, frogs have been surprisingly successful at surviving several mass extinction events since their origins about 250 million years ago, including the mass extinction 66 million years ago that took out the non-flying dinosaurs,” Dr Farman says.

“Although global extinction events triggered by human activities – such as rapid climate change and the spread of chytrid fungus – may be among the worst challenges frogs have had to face, the fossil record could reveal how some frog groups overcame previous challenges, perhaps by adapting to new, less-threatening habitats. This could provide clues about how we might be able to help by translocating some threatened frogs into more future-secure habitats.”

Frogs such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/02/how-palaeoconservation-can-rescue-animals-at-the-edge-of-existen" target="_blank">the southern corroboree frog</a>&nbsp;are threatened in their current habitats which have become more hostile due to climate change. The authors say that if the fossil record shows physically similar frogs living in very different habitats, today’s frogs may benefit by being reintroduced into similar environments.

Scientists have now discovered the oldest ancestor for all the Australian tree frogs, with distant links to the tree frogs of South America.Newly discovered evidence of Australia’s earliest species of tree frog challenges what we know about when Australian and South American frogs parted ways on the evolutionary tree.Previously, scientists believed Australian and South American tree frogs separated from each other about 33 million years ago.But in a study published today in&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2477815" target="_blank">Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology</a>, palaeontologists from UNSW Sydney say the new species,&nbsp;Litoria tylerantiqua, is now at about 55 million years old, the earliest known member of the pelodryadid family of Australian tree frogs.The study is based on fossils unearthed from Murgon on the traditional lands of the Waka Waka people of south-eastern Queensland. The new species,&nbsp;Litoria tylerantiqua, is named in honour of the late Michael Tyler, a renowned Australian herpetologist globally celebrated for his research on frogs and toads.“It is only fitting to name Australia’s earliest tree frog in honour of a man who was a giant in Australian frog research and in particular the first to explore the fossil record for Australian frogs,” says study lead author Dr Roy Farman, an adjunct associate lecturer with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/science/our-schools/bees" target="_blank">UNSW School of Biological, Earth &amp; and Environmental Sciences</a>.Evolutionary history of Australian tree frogsAround 55 million years ago, Australia, Antarctica and South America were linked together as the last remnants of the southern supercontinent Gondwana. Global climates were warmer during this period, while a forested corridor linked South America and Australia.Up until now, it was thought the earliest Australian tree frogs came from the Late Oligocene (about 26 million years ago) and the Early Miocene (23 million years ago). Fossils of the Late Oligocene were found at Kangaroo Well in the Northern Territory and Etadunna Formation at Lake Palankarinna, South Australia, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2019/07/plenty-of-life-in-them-yet--25-years-since-world-heritage-listin" target="_blank">Riversleigh World Heritage Area</a>&nbsp;in Queensland revealed tree frogs from the Early Miocene.But the new species extends the fossil record of pelodryadids by approximately 30 million years, to a time potentially close to the divergence of Australian tree frogs from the South American tree frogs.Previous estimates based on molecular clock studies – a method scientists use to figure out when different species split from a common ancestor by looking at the rate of genetic changes over time – suggested that Australian and South American tree frogs separated from each other at about 33 million years ago.“Our research indicates that that date is at least 22 million years too young,” Dr Farman says.“While molecular studies are important for understanding the evolutionary relationships of different groups of animals, these studies should be calibrated using knowledge from the fossil record and in this case the fossil record provides a more accurate time for separation of the southern world’s tree frogs.”Using new technology to study ancient frogsTo conduct this research, the authors used CT scans of spirit-preserved frogs from Australian museum collections to compare the three-dimensional shape of the fossil bones with those of living species. The technique – called three-dimensional geometric morphometrics – has only been used on fossil frogs once before. Using these new methods, they were able to unravel the relationships of these fossils to all other groups of frogs living and extinct.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We had a real problem at the start of this study because the pelvic bones of most living frogs were invisible inside whole pickled frogs rather than available for study as skeletons,” Dr Farman says.“Museums understandably want to ensure these often unique or rare pickled specimens remain intact for molecular studies because DNA can be obtained from their soft tissues. This meant that instead of skeletonising these specimens, we needed instead to make CT scans of them, enabling us to create 3D models of their otherwise invisible skeletons.“Using these cutting-edge investigative methods, we were able to determine from the shape of the fossil ilia – one of three bones that make up each side of the pelvis – that this new Murgon species of frog is more closely related to the Australian tree frogs (pelodryadids) than the South American tree frogs (phyllomedusids).”Seasoned survivors that outlasted the dinosaursLitoria tylerantiqua&nbsp;joins the only other Murgon frog, the ground-dwelling&nbsp;Platyplectrum casca&nbsp;(previously described as&nbsp;Lechriodus casca), as the oldest frogs known from Australia. Both have living relatives in Australia and New Guinea demonstrating remarkable resilience over time.“Despite their delicate nature, frogs have been surprisingly successful at surviving several mass extinction events since their origins about 250 million years ago, including the mass extinction 66 million years ago that took out the non-flying dinosaurs,” Dr Farman says.“Although global extinction events triggered by human activities – such as rapid climate change and the spread of chytrid fungus – may be among the worst challenges frogs have had to face, the fossil record could reveal how some frog groups overcame previous challenges, perhaps by adapting to new, less-threatening habitats. This could provide clues about how we might be able to help by translocating some threatened frogs into more future-secure habitats.”Frogs such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/02/how-palaeoconservation-can-rescue-animals-at-the-edge-of-existen" target="_blank">the southern corroboree frog</a>&nbsp;are threatened in their current habitats which have become more hostile due to climate change. The authors say that if the fossil record shows physically similar frogs living in very different habitats, today’s frogs may benefit by being reintroduced into similar environments.

STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Australia’s oldest prehistoric tree frog hops 22 million years back in time

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is excited to be collaborating with Kuddli &amp; Co Designs, a premier jewellery brand known for its exquisite designs, in an exclusive raffle event that aims to raise much-needed funds for Koala conservation.

The raffle features an exquisite jewellery duo, made up of&nbsp;Kuddli &amp; Co’s Sterling Silver Koala with 10K Gold Plated Heart Pendant and Sterling Silver Koala with 10K Gold Plated&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Heart Bangle. Both pieces are valued at over $660 RRP.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Kuddli &amp; Co Designs, a brand that shares our commitment to both beauty and conservation,” said Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation. “This raffle not only offers a chance to own these stunning pieces of jewellery, but it also gives our supporters a meaningful way to support Koala conservation. With every ticket sold, the community is helping to contribute to a brighter future for koalas in Australia.”

The raffle will feature a limited number of tickets at $25 each, offering participants the exclusive chance to win the stunning Sterling Silver Koala Set.

“We hope that this raffle will be the first of many elevated offerings we can bring to the Koala Army community,” Tabart says. “Our supporters have always been generous to us, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with established brands like Kuddli &amp; Co to give back to them.”

Koalas, which face increasing threats from habitat loss, bushfires, and climate change, are in desperate need of conservation efforts. Proceeds from this raffle will directly&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; benefit the AKF’s ongoing initiatives to protect koala populations and ensure their future&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; survival.&nbsp;

To find out more about the raffle and how to buy a ticket, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/shop/products/raffle-kuddli-jewellery-set" target="_blank">here.</a>

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is excited to be collaborating with Kuddli &amp; Co Designs, a premier jewellery brand known for its exquisite designs, in an exclusive raffle event that aims to raise much-needed funds for Koala conservation.The raffle features an exquisite jewellery duo, made up of&nbsp;Kuddli &amp; Co’s Sterling Silver Koala with 10K Gold Plated Heart Pendant and Sterling Silver Koala with 10K Gold Plated&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Heart Bangle. Both pieces are valued at over $660 RRP.&nbsp;“We are thrilled to be partnering with Kuddli &amp; Co Designs, a brand that shares our commitment to both beauty and conservation,” said Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation. “This raffle not only offers a chance to own these stunning pieces of jewellery, but it also gives our supporters a meaningful way to support Koala conservation. With every ticket sold, the community is helping to contribute to a brighter future for koalas in Australia.”The raffle will feature a limited number of tickets at $25 each, offering participants the exclusive chance to win the stunning Sterling Silver Koala Set.“We hope that this raffle will be the first of many elevated offerings we can bring to the Koala Army community,” Tabart says. “Our supporters have always been generous to us, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with established brands like Kuddli &amp; Co to give back to them.”Koalas, which face increasing threats from habitat loss, bushfires, and climate change, are in desperate need of conservation efforts. Proceeds from this raffle will directly&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; benefit the AKF’s ongoing initiatives to protect koala populations and ensure their future&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; survival.&nbsp;To find out more about the raffle and how to buy a ticket, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savethekoala.com/shop/products/raffle-kuddli-jewellery-set" target="_blank">here.</a>

Jewelry / Accessories

Ladies' Fashion

Foundations / Associations

Australian Koala Foundation Partners with Kuddli & Co Designs for Exclusive Jewellery Raffle

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has advised of a range of support measures that will be offered to its farming clients adversely impacted by floods and extreme rainfall in northern Queensland.

Rabobank acting state manager for Queensland, Brad James said that while the situation is still evolving and the full impact of the floods and prolonged heavy rainfall on agriculture will take time to assess – affected primary producers are already dealing with damage to crops, pastures, livestock and infrastructure, including sheds and fencing.

Mr James said, “it is very early days”, with flood water still extremely high in some of those impacted regions.

“The current priority is on the safety and wellbeing of people in affected districts as well as addressing concerns about loss of homes and businesses. As people start the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding from the devastating floods in the coming weeks, the full extent of the damage will become clearer,” he said.

For the agricultural sector, Mr James said, there would be significant concern among producers regarding the loss of crops, pasture and topsoil as well as the impact on livestock and damage to stored inputs and machinery. Additional concerns include potential damage, or loss of access, to road and rail networks – which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region.

“This flood disaster is among the worst in northern Queensland’s recent history and agriculture has undoubtedly borne a significant portion of the damage. However, I want to reassure affected clients that, as a bank focused on agriculture, Rabobank considers it a normal part of our business to support primary producers affected by weather conditions – even extreme events like these,” he said.

“This is as we have done following previous floods and other severe climatic conditions – to ensure our clients are well-positioned to rebuild production and financial positions when conditions improve.”

Mr James said as a global specialist in agribusiness, Rabobank took a long-term view on its clients’ businesses and understood dealing with periods of extreme weather was part of being in the agricultural sector.

“It is our standard practice to support our clients during adverse conditions beyond their control, working with them individually to address these challenges,” he said.

Mr James said Rabobank’s staff would be contacting farming clients in impacted areas to offer support and assess the extent of any damage they have sustained.

He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses had been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.

‘carry on’ finance to keep viable operations running,waiver of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits to allow access to needed funds,deferral of scheduled loan payments andwaiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations.

Any farming clients who had been adversely impacted by the floods and had not yet spoken to the bank should contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has advised of a range of support measures that will be offered to its farming clients adversely impacted by floods and extreme rainfall in northern Queensland.Rabobank acting state manager for Queensland, Brad James said that while the situation is still evolving and the full impact of the floods and prolonged heavy rainfall on agriculture will take time to assess – affected primary producers are already dealing with damage to crops, pastures, livestock and infrastructure, including sheds and fencing.Mr James said, “it is very early days”, with flood water still extremely high in some of those impacted regions.“The current priority is on the safety and wellbeing of people in affected districts as well as addressing concerns about loss of homes and businesses. As people start the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding from the devastating floods in the coming weeks, the full extent of the damage will become clearer,” he said.For the agricultural sector, Mr James said, there would be significant concern among producers regarding the loss of crops, pasture and topsoil as well as the impact on livestock and damage to stored inputs and machinery. Additional concerns include potential damage, or loss of access, to road and rail networks – which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region.“This flood disaster is among the worst in northern Queensland’s recent history and agriculture has undoubtedly borne a significant portion of the damage. However, I want to reassure affected clients that, as a bank focused on agriculture, Rabobank considers it a normal part of our business to support primary producers affected by weather conditions – even extreme events like these,” he said.“This is as we have done following previous floods and other severe climatic conditions – to ensure our clients are well-positioned to rebuild production and financial positions when conditions improve.”Mr James said as a global specialist in agribusiness, Rabobank took a long-term view on its clients’ businesses and understood dealing with periods of extreme weather was part of being in the agricultural sector.“It is our standard practice to support our clients during adverse conditions beyond their control, working with them individually to address these challenges,” he said.Mr James said Rabobank’s staff would be contacting farming clients in impacted areas to offer support and assess the extent of any damage they have sustained.He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses had been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.These included:‘carry on’ finance to keep viable operations running,waiver of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits to allow access to needed funds,deferral of scheduled loan payments andwaiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations.Any farming clients who had been adversely impacted by the floods and had not yet spoken to the bank should contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.