The four-time World Champion cyclist, surfer and adventurer lost 95 per cent of his vision at the age of five, and he faces every challenge with one simple question.

Adapting to his abilities was challenging for Matt Formston, but not as challenging as realising the drive to overcome them was misplaced.

“I wanted to prove to the world that I wasn’t blind, that I didn’t have a disability,” said Matt.

“My drive was based on [the idea] that if I can tackle you, I’m not blind; if I can run faster than you, I’m not blind.

“It was all about other people, I was embarrassed [and it] was adolescent boy logic.”

In the years since, Matt’s drive has become less about proving something to people and more about being curious and offering an example of what it looks like to believe in your ability to do things the world says you can’t.

The Power Of “Why Not?”

Matt grew up in a household where one word wasn’t welcomed.

“I grew up in a house where we weren’t allowed to use the word ‘can’t’,” Matt said.

“If we said we couldn’t do something, Dad would say, ‘why not?’.”

That question would eventually inspire Matt’s memoir, Why Not?, as well as the philosophy he now applies to life and business.

“Life is about perspective,” Matt said.

“You know what do you want to do and the version of who you’d like to be, but might think you can’t become that person. Why not?

“Your answer to that question [why not] shows you the next problem that needs solving for you to get there.”

“Take it right back to something that you can do today, do that, and then do something else tomorrow [to solve the problem].”

A Chain Of Priorities

Part of solving problems, Matt says, is being clear about your values and the standards you want to live by.

“My priority chain is my family first, then sports and business. There will be times when one is more demanding than the other, but the order doesn’t change.”

The same principle shapes life at home.

For Matt’s children, values are reinforced through a simple nightly ritual.

“Every night they say, ‘I am brave, I’m inquisitive, I am grateful, I am kind, I am happy’,” Matt said.

“And we ask them stories about [how they’ve been] each of those things, so that it’s not just words.”

Pushing Beyond What We Think Is Possible

In a culture where comfort is often prioritised, Matt wants people to move beyond assumptions about what they can and cannot do.

“The world’s always been telling me I can’t, and I’ve been telling the world I can,” Matt said.

He believes one of Australia’s cultural challenges is the tendency to discourage people from standing out.

“In Australia, we’re world class at tall poppy syndrome: don’t pop your head up or we’ll cut it off.

“[That attitude] is a safety mechanic because if you say to someone else, ‘you can’t do that’, then no one has to do the work and then no one makes anyone feel uncomfortable.

“Doing hard things is hard and there’s pain on that path, but if we don’t follow it we miss out.”

“The world’s always been telling me I can’t, and I’ve been telling the world I can.”

Matt Formston is the author of Why Not?: Breaking Limits in Sport, Business and Life.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

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The early church’s commitment to generosity can feel confronting in a culture that encourages people to build security through possessions and finances.

Acts 2 paints a remarkable picture of the early church.

Following the arrival of the Holy Spirit, believers gathered together, shared meals, devoted themselves to prayer and teaching, and even sold possessions to help those in need.

“Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.”

This passage raises an uncomfortable question: what should that look like for Christians living in Australia today?

Is Acts 2 for us?

One common reaction to this passage is to assume it belongs to another place and another time.

After all, the first Christians lived in a vastly different society, without government welfare systems, social services or many of the support structures people rely on today.

But that doesn’t mean the principle can simply be ignored. A command is still a command.

The challenge isn’t necessarily whether Christians should give away everything they own, but whether they have developed an attitude of generosity and openness towards others.

The challenge of Acts 2 is not just what we do with our possessions, but what our possessions are doing to us.

Holding things lightly

Modern society often teaches people to find security in their assets. Homes, investments, superannuation and careers can easily become sources of confidence and identity.

Yet the early church demonstrated a different mindset. Rather than asking, “How can I keep this?” believers asked, “How can I help?”

Christians today can express that same spirit in practical ways. That might include sharing resources, offering hospitality, contributing financially, volunteering, mentoring or using skills to help others.

“If you’re not sharing the gift, is it really a gift?”

But generosity isn’t limited to money. People can share time, expertise, encouragement and practical support just as meaningfully.

More than a one-off act

Acts 2 wasn’t simply about giving things away.

It was part of a much broader expression of Christian faith. The believers devoted themselves to prayer, fellowship, learning and community life. Generosity was one outcome of a transformed heart, rather than a standalone obligation and this wider context is sometimes overlooked.

The sharing of possessions happened alongside worship, discipleship and deep relationships.

Work still matters

Another New Testament passage helps balance the consideration.

In 2 Thessalonians 3, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to work diligently and not become idle.

Generosity, then, is not presented as an alternative to work, but as something that flows from faithful stewardship. People in Acts 2 did not appear to stop working after sharing their possessions.

Instead, they continued contributing while helping to meet the needs around them.

“What’s in your wallet matters less than what’s in your heart.”

What does generosity look like today?

One of the most challenging parts of the passage is recognising the needs around us.

Even if you set aside money specifically to be generous to other, reading Acts 2 can leave you wondering if you’re attentive enough to fining opportunities to help others.

Generosity is less about following a specific formula and more about cultivating a heart that is willing to respond.

Whether it’s sharing possessions, offering hospitality, helping a neighbour, supporting someone in financial difficulty or contributing skills and time, the invitation remains the same: to hold what we have with open hands and recognise that everything we possess ultimately comes from God.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Ben hosts Mornings on Hope 103.2 and the ‘Money: Faith & Finance’ podcast.

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How emoji trends have shifted from pandemic-era reactions to everyday laughter, and why Australians are still embracing these tiny digital expressions.

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but in 2026, a single emoji can say just about everything.

Google Trends recently highlighted the emojis that reached all-time highs in US searches each year, creating a surprisingly accurate snapshot of how online culture has evolved. The list ranges from the memorable pandemic-era  in 2020 to  in 2021, the relatable melting face in 2022, the cheerful  pink heart in 2023, and finally the return of full-blown laughter with  rolling on the floor laughing in 2026.

While these particular trends come from the United States, the broader story is one that will feel familiar to Australians too.

Why emojis keep changing

Emojis have become one of the world’s most widely understood forms of communication. According to data compiled by Emojipedia, emoji use continues to grow globally, with billions of emoji appearing in social media posts, messages and online conversations every day.

What’s interesting is that new favourites often emerge during significant cultural moments. The melting face emoji , for example, became a symbol of exhaustion, awkwardness and “holding it together” during a period when many people felt overwhelmed. The pink heart quickly found popularity thanks to its warm, friendly tone and fresh alternative to traditional hearts.

In short, emojis evolve because we do.

Australia’s love affair with emojis

Australians have long been enthusiastic emoji users. Adobe’s Global Emoji Trends research found more than half of Australians increased their emoji use, while 91 per cent said emojis make it easier to express themselves. Many also felt emojis helped create friendlier and more engaging conversations.

Australian favourites tend to mirror broader international trends. Laughter faces, hearts, thumbs-up gestures and expressions of gratitude consistently feature among the country’s most-used emojis. Meta’s Australian data has similarly shown positive and expressive emojis dominating Facebook and Instagram conversations.

Perhaps that’s no surprise. In an era of short-form content, emojis can quickly add humour, warmth or context that text alone sometimes struggles to deliver.

What younger users are doing differently

If you’ve ever received a message filled with emojis and wondered whether it meant exactly what it appeared to mean, you’re not alone.

One of the most fascinating parts of emoji culture is how meanings change between generations. Linguists and emoji researchers have noted that some younger usersincreasingly use  (skull) to mean “I’m dead from laughing”, while  (loudly crying face) is often used to express overwhelming amusement rather than sadness.

Meanwhile, emojis such as  and  remain hugely popular globally, even if some online communities occasionally joke that they’re “old-school”. The reality is that emoji preferences vary widely across age groups, platforms and friendship circles. What feels current on TikTok may be different from what’s popular on Facebook, Instagram or family group chats.

The same goes for language itself. Some commentators have pointed out that phrases like “I’ll Google it” are gradually giving way to broader expressions such as “I’ll search it”, reflecting changes in how people use technology. Like emojis, digital language keeps adapting to new habits and platforms.

The future of emoji

If Google’s timeline proves anything, it’s that emojis are more than colourful decorations. They act as tiny cultural time capsules, capturing how people feel, joke and connect at a particular moment in history.

Emojis act as tiny cultural time capsules, capturing how people feel, joke and connect at a particular moment in history.

Today’s favourite emoji may be tomorrow’s nostalgic throwback. Yet whether you’re sending a classic , a cheerful , a dramatically melting  or a full-scale , the goal remains the same: helping us say a little more with a little less.

And that’s a language almost everyone understands.

This article was researched and prepared by staff writers, with assistance from AI in its presentation. Final review and fact-checking were undertaken by our Digital Team prior to publication.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Beth Rivers is a digital manager and writer from Sydney, Australia.

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It’s never too late to invest in your marriage.

Is counselling for grandparents “a thing?” The short answer is: yes.

As the National Grandparent Movement’s Ian Barnett puts it, “Married life, like most of life, has particular seasons… It doesn’t somehow get easier if you’ve been married 20 or 30 years. For many couples, it can get harder.”

Ian encourages older couples to see counselling as growth, not failure.

“My wife and I have done counselling… we’ve done a number of marriage courses… If you don’t set aside time, sadly, [issues] just get glossed over until a point in time happens,” Ian shares.

Honest reflection and real change

A common hurdle is simply getting started.

“It’s really hard… when you start to reflect or analyse, you may have to change. Therein lies the problem,” Ian says.

He notes that whatever isn’t faced earlier “you do carry it on into your… later years.”

Many couples only consider getting help when a big issue surfaces.

“Let’s all admit that you need to do something, okay? And the something might depend on what’s happening.”

Don’t let problems fester

Drawing on timeless relationship wisdom, Ian shares a practice that’s helped in his own marriage.

“One of the most helpful pieces of marriage advice comes from Ephesians 4 about not letting the sun go down on your anger. You can’t ignore it. These things in life you cannot ignore.”

Practical first steps can be simple and kind.

“The best thing you can do if you haven’t wrestled with an issue is to be honest and to say to your husband or wife, look, there is something we need to talk about… I’d like you to extend grace to me as I try and say the things I need to say.”

Counselling with care and purpose

It’s always advisable to seek a qualified professional when possible.

“I’d probably encourage people to think about someone who’s a professional counsellor, someone who’s actually gone through a process of being able to listen to the issue [and] provide a helpful way forward.”

And for those hesitant to begin, he offers reassurance.

“If you can find value in actually sharing lovingly and graciously and opening lines of communication and listening and showing love… that’s a great thing.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Four Warning Signs to Watch For and How Parents Can Respond

Collette Smart, a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker and internationally published author with 25 years’ experience working in private and public schools as well as in private practice, says parents should focus on patterns rather than isolated moments in their teens behaviour.

“We’re not talking about a one-off bad day… we’re looking for something that’s becoming a pattern,” Collette said.

Behaviour changes that continue over time often signal something deeper.

Four key warning signs parents can watch for:

1. Withdrawal and disconnection from family, friends or activities
2. Risk-taking behaviour, including unsafe choices or concerning relationships
3. Changes in school performance or motivation
4. Expressions of hopelessness or distress

Even comments made lightly about not being here anymore should be taken seriously.

“It is not attention-seeking behaviour… it means your child is in a place of distress,” Collette said.

How parents can respond

When teens show signs of distress, Collette said it is important to understand what is behind the behaviour.

“Crisis behaviour is often communication. It’s not defiance,” she said.

Connection helps teens feel safe enough to open up.

Rather than reacting quickly with correction or discipline, parents are encouraged to slow down and prioritise connection. Simple moments such as sitting together, sharing a meal or going for a walk can help rebuild trust and create space for conversation.

“Teens need emotional safety first,” Collette said.

Listening carefully, asking gentle questions and staying present can help create that sense of safety.

Connection before correction

According to Collette, timing matters, particularly during emotional moments.

In the middle of a crisis, discipline is not the first response.

“Be that safe space in the storm,” she said. In difficult moments, a calm and steady response matters most.

Once things settle, parents can return to conversations about boundaries and next steps, including professional support if needed. Teens do not always ask for help directly, but their behaviour often reflects what they are experiencing.

Staying calm, present and connected can help young people feel supported and less alone during difficult seasons.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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New McCrindle research reveals Australian parents value updates about their child’s social and emotional wellbeing just as much as academic results.

McCrindle’s latest education insights report found parents are equally likely to value updates about their child’s behaviour and social development (55 per cent) as they are updates about grades and academic results (55 per cent).

The findings reflect a growing desire among families to understand not just how their children are performing at school, but how they are coping, connecting and growing as people.

The Whole Child Matters

The report found today’s parents increasingly expect schools to communicate about social and emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress.

In fact, the largest gap between what parents value and what they feel schools are delivering relates to updates on their child’s social and emotional wellbeing. Parents rated this as a high priority, yet many felt they were not receiving enough information in this area.

Researchers identified a seven-point gap between parental expectations and school performance when it comes to wellbeing communication, making it the biggest disconnect in the study.

Parents are Looking for Partnership

The research suggests families want communication that feels collaborative rather than transactional.

Almost half of parents (48 per cent) said a genuine parent-school partnership involves two-way communication with opportunities to provide feedback. Meanwhile, 47 per cent said they want information that helps them reinforce learning at home.

Approachable staff, clear communication and feeling that the school is a trusted ally were also key factors in building strong parent relationships.

Belonging Starts With Being Known

One of the strongest findings in the report centres on belonging.

When asked what belonging to a school community looks like, the most common response was that teachers know their child well, with 51 per cent of parents selecting this option.

Parents also highlighted feeling welcomed at school events (48 per cent), sharing values with the school (46 per cent) and feeling comfortable on campus (44 per cent).

According to the report, parents are not simply looking for information. They are looking for assurance that their children are genuinely known, valued and supported.

More Than Marks

Academic success remains important to Australian families.

However, the findings suggest parents increasingly view education through a broader lens that includes emotional wellbeing, relationships, belonging and personal development.

As schools continue adapting to changing expectations, the message from parents appears clear: report cards still matter, but they are only part of the story.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Ian Barnett’s level of preparation for being a grandparent was “absolutely nothing”.

Quite the admission on Grandparenthood from the leader of the National Grandparent Movement Australia, who has been a grandfather for 17 years.

To better prepare others, Ian shared the top seven things he wants you to know about grandparenting, especially if grandchildren have not even arrived yet.

1. Grandchildren change your perspective

Looking back, Ian wishes he had known how much grandparenting would reshape his view of life.

“Having grandkids gives you a real different perspective about what’s important and what’s not important,” he said.

“You actually now can have time to stop and reflect and to be intentional and have an impact on grandkids.”

What once felt urgent often doesn’t seem so important anymore.

“Having grandkids gives you a real different perspective about what’s important and what’s not important.”

2. There’s no ‘Mum and Dad guilt’

One of the biggest surprises for Ian has been the freedom that comes from not carrying the daily pressures of parenting.

“As a grandparent now, if I’m on the floor playing with my grandkids, I don’t have to get up to do the next thing,” Ian said.

Reflecting on his years as a father, he added: “It’s okay if the washing is done later; I don’t think I realised that as a parent.

“As a grandparent, I really do.”

3. Your grandkids already think you’re grand

Forget appearances, achievements or status.

“Our grandkids think we are grand,” Ian said.

“They don’t mind that we’re wrinkly.

“They don’t mind that our hair’s changing colour. They accept you for who you are.”

For grandkids, love and presence matter far more than perfection.

4. Love runs deeper than you expected

For Ian, love sits at the centre of everything.

“You don’t realise how much love you have in your tank until grandkids come along,” he said.

Seeing his children become parents has brought fresh appreciation for family and faith.

“Love is the pivot of everything else. Unconditional. Let them know it, let them see it.”

5. Nothing beats a child’s laughter

Among all the lessons of being grandfather to seven grandchildren, one stands out for its simplicity.

“There’s nothing like the laughter of kids,” Ian said. “That is such a great experience.”

Even after an exhausting day, he says replaying those moments brings joy and renewed energy.

6. They give you hope for the future

In a world often dominated by difficult headlines, grandchildren remind Ian the future is worth believing in.

“They are the hope for the future,” he said.

While concerns about youth mental health and online pressures are real, Ian finds confidence in seeing young people grow, learn and embrace faith.

“Jesus himself has actually come and brought us new life and a new hope.”

7. They remind you what really matters

The final lesson should resonate with us all, at any stage of life.

“There are things that really matter and there are things that absolutely don’t matter in life,” Ian said.

Watching his grandchildren grow has shifted his focus away from performance and towards relationships.

“Being loved, feeling loved, that really matters above all the other achievements you want them to have,” Ian said.

After 17 years as a grandfather, Ian’s advice is straightforward: “Love more, engage more, listen more and talk less.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Ben hosts Mornings on Hope 103.2 and the ‘Money: Faith & Finance’ podcast.

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‘The Chosen in the Wild’ revealed the surprising impact The Chosen has had on its cast, leading to honest conversations about faith and life.

“The wild does so much of my job for me,” Bear shares.

“It opens people up.”

Compared to the sanitised nature of a studio interview, climbing mountains, crossing rivers and sharing meals around a campfire allows people to slow down and speak more honestly.

“If you don’t rush them and let people kind of talk… before you know, you’re having really beautiful, honest, genuine conversations,” Bear said.

Taking the cast beyond their comfort zones

Across six episodes, cast members including Elizabeth Tabish, Jonathan Roumie, Noah James and The Chosen director Dallas Jenkins are parachuted out of helicopters, taught how to eat wild game and cross ravines while talking about life before and after The Chosen, and its profound impact on their personal lives.

“I just wasn’t prepared for the impact that this show has had on the lives of the people who play the characters,” Bear said.

“Many of them weren’t particularly big faith people before.

“Somehow this journey changed them and got into their hearts.

“There’s been a lot of emotion on The Chosen in the Wild. I wasn’t prepared for that, but I loved it.”

An earthy approach to faith

Longtime fans of Bear Grylls will know his own Christian faith has been a constant influence on his life, becoming an official ambassador for the Alpha Course in 2016 and just last year releasing The Greatest Story Ever Told, a retelling of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

One of Bear’s goals with The Chosen in the Wild was to show how “earthy” faith can be, and how it exists outside the constraints of traditional church environments.

“It doesn’t have to always be churchy and religious, but it’s there to help you through the battles,” Bear said.

“Christ has been a good compass for me.”

The right time to talk about faith

Bear thinks “it’s the right time” to talk more about his faith, and that fans of The Chosen will appreciate the depth of the new show.

“The audience for The Chosen in the Wild want me to go there a bit more,” Bear said.

“It’s been a privilege to [make the show] and I’m excited for people to watch it.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

Feature image: Screenshot of The Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls | Official Cover – Amazon Prime

Scripture Union NSW CEO Jim Wackett shares practical advice for understanding God’s Word and growing in faith.

Jim Wackett says the Bible is best understood as a library of books that together tell one great story.

“It’s a library of 66 books,” Jim said.

“It’s a mixture of history, law, biography, poetry, wisdom literature and letters.”

While those books cover a wide range of genres and time periods, Jim believes they all contribute to one overarching narrative.

“They all form part of one great narrative arc that tells the story of humankind’s sin and brokenness and the way that God has sought to reconcile Himself with humanity, particularly through His Son Jesus.”

Start with Jesus

One of the most common mistakes new readers make is starting at Genesis and attempting to read straight through to Revelation.

While that approach works for some people, Jim recommends beginning with Jesus.

He calls it the “Star Wars approach”.

“Start with the story’s great hero first and then go into the hero’s backstory,” Jim said.

For new Christians, Jim recommends:

1. Start with the Gospel of Mark.
2. Read the Gospel of Luke.
3. Continue into the book of Acts.
4. Then begin exploring the Old Testament.

The Gospels present the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, while Acts tells the story of the early church and how the message of Jesus spread throughout the world.

Every story in the Bible ultimately points towards Jesus.

Understanding the Old Testament

Once readers understand the story of Jesus, Jim believes the Old Testament becomes much easier to understand.

From Noah and Abraham to Moses, David and the prophets, many of the Bible’s major figures point forward to the coming of Christ.

Jim recalled a line from The Jesus Storybook Bible that has stayed with him over the years:

“Every story whispers His name.”

While the Old Testament contains remarkable stories, it also highlights humanity’s need for a Saviour.

The stories of Genesis, Exodus and the historical books help readers understand both the human condition and God’s plan of redemption that ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus.

Don’t read the Bible alone

While personal Bible reading is important, Jim encouraged new Christians not to treat studying Scripture as a solo activity.

He compared it to joining a gym.

“You can go into the gym by yourself and try and work it all out, but it really helps to have a coach or trainer who can show you how things work,” he said.

In the same way, experienced Christians, churches and Bible study groups can help readers understand difficult passages and provide valuable context.

Reading with others also creates opportunities for discussion, encouragement and accountability.

Helpful tools for beginners

For those looking for practical ways to get started, Jim recommended the YouVersion Bible app, which offers reading plans, multiple translations and guided studies.

Bible reading plans can also be helpful because they break larger sections of Scripture into manageable pieces and focus on particular themes, topics or books.

Taking the first step

For those feeling intimidated by the size or complexity of the Bible, Jim’s encouragement was simple: start with Jesus and keep going.

Understanding the Bible takes time, but every chapter contributes to the bigger story of God’s relationship with humanity.

For many Christians, reading Scripture becomes not just an exercise in learning, but an important way of growing in faith and understanding the God revealed through its pages.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2.

Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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In this time of global unrest, is there room for the return of hope?

As this year opened with local unrest and worldwide conflict, a growing sense of instability and unpredictability took hold.

To better understand the impact of current events across our communities, researchers at McCrindle have researched our current responses to world events, comparing them with the ways we acted in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, publishing The Impact of Global Events on Australia’s Morale and Behaviour report.

“Taking the pulse of the nation matters because people matter. The best leaders understand people and this study provides the evidence needed to transition from reactive responses to strategic, empathy-based leadership,” the report stated.

From how Australians feel about safety through to their thoughts on electric vehicles, the report provides a window into how the community is responding to current events.

For more than a quarter of Australians the world doesn’t feel safe now

A sense of safety underpins strong communities, yet many Australians feel unsettled: 27% say the world feels unsafe, and concern about global conflict has risen sharply since 2023.

According to the report, “Younger generations are disproportionately affected by negative emotions, feeling more overwhelmed or scared than their older counterparts. This mirrors experiences from the pandemic.”

While most people feel safer close to home, this uncertainty can lead many to withdraw, spend less and stick to what feels familiar.

Building connection across our communities is essential in these volatile times.

Australians are divided on how long the Iran conflict might last

Behaviour is shaped more by perceived risk than present conditions, so expectations about the conflict’s duration reveal how deeply habits may shift.

Over a third of Australians (36%) expect the situation in Iran to stabilise within three months, while 28% anticipate instability lasting a year or longer.

Longer timelines can result in reductions in spending, investing and career moves as people try to manage their own risk.

Anxiety and frustration are higher now than in March 2020

Even though the Iran conflict is happening at a distance, it’s resulting in higher levels of anxiety and frustration than Covid 19 did for the average Australian.

While we might not feel as likely to be impacted by the unrest in Iran, our levels of frustration are higher, with 50% or Australians using the word to describe their current feelings about the conflict.

Younger generations are more likely to be feeling negative emotions

In Australia, Gen Z and Gen Y are feeling the impact even more than the older generations.

…people are changing what they do, reducing non-essential spending and travel and changing behaviour to support their own wellbeing through prayer, managing anxiety and turning off the news.

According to the report, “Younger generations are disproportionately affected by negative emotions, feeling more overwhelmed or scared than their older counterparts. This mirrors experiences from the pandemic.”

The majority of Australians are changing their behaviour as a response

While the conflict is happening on the other side of the world, the impact is being felt by Australian households and businesses every day. As a result, people are changing what they do, reducing non-essential spending and travel and changing behaviour to support their own wellbeing through prayer, managing anxiety and turning off the news.

“These shifts are important because they demonstrate a proactive focus on maintaining personal stability and resilience during times of uncertainty,” explains the report.

Even in these volatile times, the older generations are bringing stability to the country, with 36% of Gen X and 43% of Baby Boomers making no change to their routines.

The impact on cars and their drivers

It’s at the petrol pump that most Australians are feeling the impact of world events, with only 23% reporting no change in their driving habits due to petrol prices.

The pressure of rising fuel prices is also pushing more people to consider moving to electric vehicles either now or in the future, with 31% indicating that they are very open to making the switch and another 37% being somewhat or slightly interested.

What next? Leading through challenge

The truth is that with challenge also comes opportunity. Opportunity to do things differently, to engage communities together and to develop creative solutions to what is in front of us.

In the same way that Jeremiah called the Israelites to be fully committed to seeking the best for the place they were in, we too can choose to be wholehearted in bringing hope and life to our country even in uncertain times.

The report illustrates the opportunity we all face, to respond with hope and step up to lead those around us, in our families, workplaces and especially in the wider community.

In the same way that Jeremiah called the Israelites to be fully committed to seeking the best for the place they were in, we too can choose to be wholehearted in bringing hope and life to our country even in uncertain times.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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