Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs.
Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from Dec 22 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.
Boxing Day Spend Surge
Sydney, Dec 22: Finder research suggests about one-third of Australians (33%) plan to shop the 2025 Boxing Day sales, with average spending of $440 per shopper and an estimated $3.1 billion nationwide. Gen Y and Gen X are expected to spend the most.
“If you missed out on the Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales a few weeks ago, there will be plenty of chances to score bargains across both physical stores and online.
“That means plenty of opportunities to catch a bargain from home, without lining up or fighting the crowds.”
“Don’t get sucked into buying something you don’t actually need just because it looks like a good deal. Stick to a list and have a strict budget in place.”
China Southern Adds Flights
Sydney, Dec 22L China Southern Airlines will expand its Sydney–Guangzhou route to a record three daily flights year-round for the first time, making Sydney Airport the airline’s largest market in Oceania. The schedule rises from two daily to three daily services during Northern Summer (5 April 2026 to 3 October 2026), matching the three-daily Northern Winter program, with a fourth daily service during peak Chinese New Year periods.
The increase will add 420 return flights and almost 125,000 extra seats over the season, covering peak travel periods including Easter, Golden Week and school holidays. All flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with 28 Business Class and 269 Economy seats.
Sydney Airport Group Executive Aviation Growth and Group Strategy, Greg Botham, said: “This is a great step forward for year-round travel between Sydney and China, delivering nearly 125,000 extra seats over the season. For the first time, China Southern Airlines will be flying three times a day right across the year, giving passengers more choice and flexibility.
“It’s a strong vote of confidence in Sydney, and a great example of what we can achieve through our long-standing partnership with China Southern Airlines.”
China Southern Airlines Regional General Manager, Jason Sun, said: “We are pleased to be growing our Sydney – Guangzhou services to three flights a day all year round, with a fourth daily service added during the busy Chinese New Year period.
“This expansion represents the highest level of service China Southern Airlines has ever operated between Sydney and Guangzhou, introduced at a time when travel demand is at its strongest and delivers an improved experience for passengers.
“By strengthening our schedule, we are improving the overall travel experience for passengers, while also enhancing connectivity through our Guangzhou hub to destinations across China and our broader international network.”
City Beach Fined $14m
Sydney, Dec 22: Fashion retailer Fewstone, trading as City Beach, has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $14 million in penalties for selling non-compliant button battery products, after admitting it supplied items that breached mandatory safety and information standards between June 2022 and October 2024.
The Court found City Beach supplied products that did not comply with the button battery safety standard on more than 54,000 occasions and the information standard on more than 56,000 occasions, including toys, digital notepads, keyrings, lights and light-up Jibbitz accessories for Crocs, many of which were marketed or intended for children. The Court said City Beach’s conduct put more than 50,000 young children at risk of severe injury or death, and criticised its lack of urgency in recalling the products.
“Today’s penalty sends clear message to businesses and suppliers that failing to meet safety standards for button batteries is unacceptable and can result in serious penalties,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.
“Button batteries pose a significant risk to children, and can be fatal. The ACCC will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against businesses that fail to comply with the button battery standards.”
The ACCC said the case was its first court proceeding for breaches of the button battery safety standards. The Court also granted an injunction restraining future contraventions, ordered City Beach to implement a consumer law compliance program, and required advertising as part of its voluntary recall.
Media & PR: editor@dailystraits.com. Copyright 2021–Present DailyStraits.com. All rights reserved.