Running For A Cause: Brooke McIntosh’s Record-Breaking Mission

Perth’s Brooke McIntosh is setting out on her toughest challenge yet—a 14,080km run around Australia to raise $1.4 million for mental health. The 29-year-old will cover 80km daily for 180 days, aiming to shatter the female record of 340 days.

McIntosh’s journey started after surviving two major car accidents and battling her own mental health struggles. In 2023, she ran 1,600km from the Pilbara to Perth, raising $75,000. Now, she’s going bigger.
“I want to help people unlearn their limits and see their true potential,” she says. Her daily grind? A marathon before lunch, a power nap, then more running. She’ll battle exhaustion, injuries, and 8,000-calorie meal plans. No music, no podcasts—just her thoughts and the road.

She’s running for The Blue Tree Project, a charity encouraging mental health conversations. “Because we can’t see mental health, we need to talk about it.” With her brother, AFL player Kamdyn McIntosh, backing her, she’s ready to push through pain and self-doubt.

”I will do whatever it takes to get to the finish line.”

Brooke’s route: Perth → Adelaide → Melbourne → Sydney → Brisbane → Darwin → back to Perth.

For more information, see: https://www.nine.com.au/sport/athletics/2025-brooke-mcintosh-interview-run-around-australia-raising-funds-mental-health-exclusive-20250228-p5lg3d.html

To donate to Brooke’s run, visit: https://just-one-more.raiselysite.com/

Photo Credit: https://echonewspaper.com.au/news/outback-marathon-documentary-launches/

Putting the Hammer Down: Costa Rica Finally Bans Hammerhead Fishing

Costa Rica just threw down the hammer on hammerhead shark fishing—finally! A new decree bans catching, selling, or trading these critically endangered sharks, including the smooth, scalloped, and great hammerhead.

For years, hammerheads have been hunted for their fins, thanks to the high demand for shark fin soup (a delicacy In China). Despite being protected under CITES since 2013, Costa Rica dragged its feet on enforcing real protections. “Too little, too late,” says marine biologist Randall Arauz, pointing out that hammerhead populations have already dropped by 90%.

The country’s shark policies have flip-flopped for years. In 2017, a former president actually legalised parts of the shark trade, but the Supreme Court later reversed it. A sanctuary was set up in 2018, but young hammerheads were still being overfished before they could even reproduce. Conservation groups even accused officials of allowing thousands of shark fins to be shipped to China.

Conservationists have criticised the government’s inaction, arguing the ban should have come years ago. Environmentalists are sceptical, hoping the Hammerhead sharks finally be able to restore their numbers.

The ban is ultimately a win as Arauz states; “This is good news.”

For more information, see: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/02/costa-rica-announces-ban-on-fishing-of-hammerhead-sharks/#:~:text=MEXICO%20CITY%20%E2%80%94%20Fishing%20for%20hammerhead,such%20as%20fins%20and%20teeth

Photo Credit: https://seaturtles.org/taking-action-to-protect-the-sharks-of-costa-rica/

On the rise: Jemma Tribe’s New Book Empowers Women to Take Charge

Jemma Tribe, a business leader, and councillor from NSW’s South Coast, is on a mission to help women navigate the challenges of career and leadership. Launched on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025, her new book, A Handbook for Women on Their Way Up, offers a practical guide to overcoming barriers, dealing with self-doubt, and pushing back against outdated attitudes.

Tribe’s inspiration comes from her own experiences with sexism in business and politics. She recalls being told she was “too unattractive and not slim enough” to succeed in politics—a moment that could have been crushing but instead fuelled her drive to create change. The book combines personal stories with actionable advice, aiming to give women the tools to build confidence and carve their own paths.

Beyond writing, Tribe has made a tangible impact in her community. As president of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber, she supported local businesses, and her Nowra Community Food Store helps people access affordable groceries. Recently elected to Shoalhaven Council, she continues to advocate for women and social change.

Since its launch, A Handbook for Women on Their Way Up has been well received, nearly selling out at its first event. Available online and at Dymocks in Nowra, the book is a call to action for women who are ready to push past limitations and step into leadership. Tribe’s message is clear: success isn’t about fitting a mould; it’s about rewriting the rules.

For more information, see: https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/8909533/jemma-tribes-journey-to-empower-women/?cs=203

Photo Credit: https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/8909533/jemma-tribes-journey-to-empower-women/