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What are the long-term effects of quitting social media? Almost nobody can log off long enough to find out

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-malouff-313652">John Malouff</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a> Being on social media has become synonymous with living in the 21st century. Year after year, we see new platforms and smarter algorithms roping us into highly addictive online worlds. Now, a growing number of people have noticed this trend and are actively making an effort to resist it. Anecdotally, a case can be made for quitting social media, and there are myriad reasons why someone might want to. But is there evidence that doing so is good for you in the long term? <h2>Drivers for quitting</h2> Although there are too many social media platforms to name, most people tend to think of the “big five”: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Research has found people have various reasons for quitting one or more of these apps. Many quit over concerns about negative impacts on their mental and physical health. For example, studies have shown adolescent girls in particular can experience negative body image as a result of viewing manipulated <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-have-all-heard-social-media-can-impact-womens-body-image-but-it-isnt-all-bad-205214">selfies on Instagram</a>. People also <a href="https://www.qscience.com/content/journals/10.5339/connect.2023.spt.3?crawler=true">choose to quit</a> due to disliking ads, feeling like they’re wasting time, or if they’re worried about their privacy. The question then is: does quitting social media resolve these concerns? <h2>Mixed research outcomes</h2> It’s difficult to determine whether there are clear and lasting benefits to quitting social media – and a look at the research explains why. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17459435.2020.1817140">One 2020 study</a> found people who had quit social media saw improvements in their close relationships, and were pleased to be free of comparison with others. But some also said they <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17459435.2020.1817140">missed</a> the informational and entertainment aspects of it. In a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328838624_No_More_FOMO_Limiting_Social_Media_Decreases_Loneliness_and_Depression">2018 study</a>, researchers assessed the psychological state of 143 American undergraduates before randomly assigning one group a daily ten-minute limit for Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, per platform. Three weeks later, those who limited their social media use showed significantly lower levels of loneliness and depression. However, there was no significant effect on anxiety, self-esteem or wellbeing. And in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0217743&fbclid=IwAR1oLvPyeJDwMhD4WlODKU1A360ttIcaV_tManJs1_qEr-VAVZPsD0xQjq0">one 2019 study</a> with 78 participants, half were asked to take a one-week break from Facebook and Instagram. To the researchers’ surprise, the users in this group who were generally active on social media experienced less positive psychological effects than those in the control group. With research findings painting several different pictures, it’s safe to say our relationship with social media – and how it affects us – is very complex. <h2>Research constraints</h2> There appear to be no published studies that have assessed the long-term impacts of permanently quitting social media. This is probably because it’s difficult to find participants who will agree to be randomly assigned the task of dropping social media forever. One important consideration is that a percentage of individuals who quit social media will eventually <a href="https://cyberleninka.org/article/n/992039/viewer">go back</a>. Reasons for returning include feeling left out, fearing loss of connections, wanting to regain access to interesting or useful information, feeling social pressure to rejoin, or simply feeling that quitting wasn’t the right choice. Even if researchers do find a large enough group of people willing to quit social media for good, conducting long-term follow-ups would be highly resource-intensive. Beyond that, it would be difficult to figure out how much of a participant’s increase (or decrease) in life satisfaction is due to quitting social media, and not other factors. As such, there’s currently no evidence that quitting social media comes with concrete long-term benefits. And in the short term, results are mixed. <h2>To quit, or not to quit?</h2> However, that doesn’t mean quitting (for a short or long period) wouldn’t be beneficial for some people. It’s likely that any potential benefits will depend on the individual doing the quitting, and why they’re doing it. For instance, consensus that does emerge from the research is that <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-social-media-make-us-more-or-less-lonely-depends-on-how-you-use-it-128468">the way you use</a> social media plays a significant role in how negative or positive your experience is. By <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2056305120919105">using social media mindfully</a>, users can minimise potential harms while retaining the benefits. For some, it may only be one platform causing unease. If you strongly dislike Instagram’s tendency to be hyper-focused on people’s private lives, then you could simply stop using Instagram. Another technique is to curate your social media feeds by engaging only with content you find useful and positive. For instance, many young women take steps to avoid seeing <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-have-all-heard-social-media-can-impact-womens-body-image-but-it-isnt-all-bad-205214?fbclid=IwAR3cX7l116GAj0nnKDAk16x6GP6iRCxH_VutjIbxOiCij1yCqWmeOK0s0f0">perfect bodies all day</a> on their social media. If you’re still wondering whether quitting might be good for you, the simplest way to find out is to <a href="https://hbr.org/2018/10/i-ran-4-experiments-to-break-my-social-media-addiction-heres-what-worked">experiment</a> and do it. Take a break from one or more types of social media. After some time ask yourself whether the benefits seem worth it to you. If the answer is “yes”, make the break permanent. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-malouff-313652">John Malouff</a>, Associate Professor, School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-long-term-effects-of-quitting-social-media-almost-nobody-can-log-off-long-enough-to-find-out-205478">original article</a>. Images: Getty

Technology

Mountain biking gives this Tasmanian town a sustainable future. Logging does not

In the late 19th century it was tin mining that drove the economic life of Derby, about 100 km from Launceston in north-eastern Tasmania. But the mine has long closed. From a peak of more than 3,000, by the 2016 census Derby’s population <a href="https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC60149">was 178</a>, with a 20% unemployment rate. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/431452/original/file-20211111-17-1hl4tek.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="Map of Derby's location in northeast Tasmania." /> Derby’s location in northeast Tasmania. What has saved Derby from becoming another <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-21/world-class-mountain-bike-trail-transforms-derby-from-ghost-tow/9677344">mining ghost town</a> is finding a more sustainable mountain resource: mountain biking. This transition could be considered a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/mountain-bike-boom-a-boon-for-country-towns/9153572">role model</a> for the world, a story of hope for mining communities seeking to transition away from unsustainable resource extraction to something more about maintaining balance with nature. But there’s something competing against this vision. As in many parts of Tasmania, and elsewhere, the forests through which the Blue Derby Trail Network trails have been built are still threatened by logging. <h2>Origins of the the Derby venture</h2> In 2015, with funding from the federal government, two local councils (Dorset Council and Break O'Day Council) opened the first 20 km section of the Blue Derby Trail Network, a system of mountain-bike trails that now extends 125 km through temperate old-growth rainforest, catering to a range of skill levels and riding styles. There are easy trails such as “Crusty Rusty”, a “mostly undulating” track with two crossings of the local Cascade River. There are extremely difficult trails, such as “23 Stitches”, 800 metres of “fast, descending jump trail, littered with dirt jumps, rollers and tabletops”. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3MJEoTyXbcg?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> The 23 Stitches, rated ‘extremely difficult’ The attractions of Blue Derby Trail Network were quickly acknowledged by interstate and international mountain-bike enthusiasts. By 2017 Dorset Council mayor Greg Howard was boasting the trails were attracting <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-26/mountain-bike-trails-driving-major-change-in-derby/9276384?nw=0">30,000 visitors</a> a year, with the initial investment of $3.1 million returning $30 million a year. <h2>Turmoil amid renewal</h2> Logging of Tasmania’s public forests is overseen by the state-owned business known as Sustainable Timber Tasmania (previously Forestry Tasmania). It manages 816,000 hectares of public forest designated as “Permanent Timber Production Zone land”. This area represents about 12% of Tasmania’s total land area and 24% of its forests. Each year Sustainable Timber Tasmania is required to extract 137,000 cubic metres of sawlogs from these forests. It maintains a “Three Year Plan” for what parts of Tasmania it is going to log. It updated this document in July 2021. This plan includes logging two coupes (<a href="https://www.sttas.com.au/forest-operations-management/our-operations/three-year-wood-production-plans/3yp-north-east-region">CC105A and C119A</a>) covering 85 hectares that border the Blue Derby Trail Network by the end of the year. A third coupe, covering 40 hectares, is scheduled for <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7070498/protesters-descend-on-mountain-bike-trails/">clear-felling in 2022</a>. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/431419/original/file-20211111-21-jy54dd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/431419/original/file-20211111-21-jy54dd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Part of the Blue Derby trail system." /></a> Part of the Blue Derby trail system. <a href="https://www.ridebluederby.com.au/" class="source">Blue Derby Pods Ride</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" class="license">CC BY</a> Local views on this logging are mixed. Dorset Council mayor Greg Howard has said <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-31/derby-mountain-bike-trail-logging-concerns/12502316">it won’t make any difference</a> to the mountain bike trails. Conservationists and others are more defiant. Local conservation group Blue Derby Wild has <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7070498/protesters-descend-on-mountain-bike-trails/">organised protests</a>) involving cyclists, hikers and activists. This battle between logging and outdoor recreation in Derby exemplifies the conflict between extraction and conservation affecting communities across Tasmania, Australia and the world. <h2>The value of mountain bike tourism</h2> This week more than 180 Tasmanian tourism businesses signed <a href="https://tasmaniantimes.com/2021/11/on-forestry-tourism/">an open letter</a> calling for the state government to end logging in native forests. The letter says: <blockquote> Brand Tasmania promises an island at the bottom of the world where ancient forests and wild rivers await to reconnect people to their wild side, through nature based tourism experiences found nowhere else on earth. </blockquote> Mountain biking has become an increasingly valuable part of this tourism mix since the late <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222216.1997.11949800">1990s</a>, when communities in iconic destinations such as Moab, Utah and Whistler, British Columbia began building mountain-bike trails. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/431415/original/file-20211111-21-1hob0f3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/431415/original/file-20211111-21-1hob0f3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Mountain biking in Canyonlands National Park, near Moab, Utah." /></a> Mountain biking in Canyonlands National Park, near Moab, Utah. Shutterstock While the size and value of the industry internationally is difficult to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1354816620901955">assess</a>, mountain bike tourists are <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1356766719842321">typically affluent</a>. They travel an average 12 nights a year, spending US$130 to US$23O each day of their visit. A <a href="https://www.auscycling.org.au/nat/news/mountain-biking-australia-economic-and-participation-analysis">study</a> published in March 2021 (commissioned by the group AusCycling and funded by the federal government’s <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regions/regional-community-programs/building-better-regions-fund">Building Better Region Fund</a>), estimates Australia’s mountain bike market is worth <a href="https://www.auscycling.org.au/nat/news/mountain-biking-australia-economic-and-participation-analysis">about A$600 million a year</a>, supporting more than 6,000 jobs. How does the mountain-bike tourism compare with the value of logging? Again, while there are no studies that directly quantify this, comparisons between logging and ecotourism more generally point strong to the latter. A study on the economic contribution of ecotourism versus logging in the <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Securing_the_Wet_Tropics.html?id=N9UshWGGUAIC&redir_esc=y">Wet Tropics of Queensland area</a>, for example, found ecotourism was worth up to ten times more than logging. In Tasmania, the tourism industry directly employs about <a href="https://www.tra.gov.au/data-and-research/reports/national-tourism-satellite-account-2019-20/national-tourism-satellite-account-2019-20">21,000 poeple</a>, compared with about 2,500 in logging (at the time of <a href="https://www.tffpn.com.au/forest-facts/">the 2016 census</a>). <h2>Clear-cut choice</h2> Derby has been pioneer in mountain-bike tourism. Communities looking to emulate its success include <a href="https://lalarrbagauwa.harcourt.vic.au/">Harcourt</a> in Victoria, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-05/york-trails-adrenaline/100350674">York</a> in Western Australia. and <a href="https://aboutregional.com.au/mogo-locals-worry-about-the-impact-of-logging-on-mountain-bike-tourism/">Mogo</a> in New South Wales – which is also battling logging plans threatening the mountain bike trails. Mountain bikers predominantly seek out destinations based on the quality of the trail systems, the attractiveness of the terrain and appeal of the natural <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jsm/30/3/article-p265.xml">scenery</a>. But just as important is <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14775085.2016.1164069">support from the local community</a> and <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/tri/2014/00000018/00000001/art00002">politicians</a>. In Derby the choice between logging and sustainable tourism should be clear-cut. Mining didn’t last. Nor can logging. Long-term protections are needed now.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/166176/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/richard-buning-943392">Richard Buning</a>, Lecturer in Tourism, School of Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/mountain-biking-gives-this-tasmanian-town-a-sustainable-future-logging-does-not-166176">original article</a>.

Domestic Travel

The Leadbeater’s possum finally had its day in court. It may change the future of logging in Australia

The Federal Court <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-27/leadbeaters-possum-federal-court-rules-vicforests-logging-breach/12292046">last week ruled</a> that VicForests – a timber company owned by the Victorian government – breached environmental laws when they razed the habitat of the critically endangered <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=273">Leadbeater’s possum</a> and the vulnerable <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=254">greater glider</a>. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/27/vicforests-breached-forestry-agreement-with-central-highlands-logging-court-rules">Environmentalists</a> welcomed the judge’s decision, which sets an important legal precedent. Under so-called “regional forest agreements”, a number of logging operations around Australia are exempt from federal environment laws. This effectively puts logging interests above those of <a href="https://npansw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/npa_regional-forest-agreements-have-failed-to-protect-the-environment.pdf">threatened species</a>. The court ruling narrows these exemptions and provides an opportunity to create stronger forestry laws. A legal loophole Since 1971, the Leadbeater’s possum has been the faunal emblem of Victoria. But only about 1,200 adults are left in the wild, almost exclusively in the Central Highlands region. Official <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/273-conservation-advice-22062019.pdf">conservation advice</a> identifies the greatest threat to the species as habitat loss and fragmentation caused by the collapse of hollow-bearing trees, wildfire, logging and climate change. Australia’s federal environmental laws require environmental impact assessment of any action likely to significantly impact a matter of national environmental significance, <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/epabca1999588/s18.html">such as a listed threatened species</a>. But thanks to exemptions under regional forest agreements, logging has continued in the Central Highlands – <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/while-victoria-s-forests-burnt-logging-continued-20200115-p53rm3.html">even in the aftermath of this summer’s devastating bushfires</a>. So what are regional forest agreements? Regional forest agreements were designed as a response to the so-called “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/20/regional-forest-agreement-renewals-spark-fresh-forest-wars">forest wars</a>” of the 1980s and 1990s. In 1995, after logging trucks blockaded parliament, then Prime Minister Paul Keating offered a deal to the states: the federal government would accredit state forest management systems, and in return federal law would no longer apply to logging operations. Drawing up regional forest agreements between state and federal governments achieved this. Between 1997 and 2001, <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/forestry/policies/rfa">ten different agreements</a> were signed, covering logging regions in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia. These agreements were for 20 years, which means many have now either expired and been renewed or extended, or are about to expire. The agreements are <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/rfaa2002268/s4.html">supposed to satisfy a number of conditions</a>. This includes that they’re based on an assessment of environmental and social values of forest areas. They should also provide for the ecologically sustainable management and use of forested areas, and the long-term stability of forest and forest industries. But <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC15042">conservation experts argue</a> the agreements have failed both to deliver certainty to forestry operations or to protect environmental values and ensure the conservation of biodiversity. History of the court case The legal proceedings against VicForests were initiated in 2017 by <a href="https://www.leadbeaters.org.au/">Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum</a>, a small community group which relied on crowd funding to cover legal costs. Initially, the group argued Victoria’s failure to undertake a required review of the <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/forestry/policies/rfa/regions/vic-centralhighlands">Central Highlands regional forest agreements</a> every five years meant the usual exemption to federal environment laws should not apply. But in early 2018, Justice Mortimer <a href="https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2018/2018fca0178">ruled</a> against this. But she also rejected VicForests’ arguments that any operation in an area covered by a regional forest agreement is automatically exempt from federal law. She ruled that the logging operations will only be exempt from federal law if they comply with Victoria’s accredited system of forest management. This includes the requirements for threatened species, as specified in official action and management plans. The Federal Court has handed down a scathing ruling in Leadbeater's Possum vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VicForests?src=hash">#VicForests</a> today, saying VicForests has shirked responsibility for surveying forests and uses a flawed habitat mapping system, putting the threatened Greater Glider and Leadbeater's Possum at risk. In response to this ruling, Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum reformulated their claim. They argued logging operations in 66 coupes (small areas of forest harvested in one operation) didn’t meet these requirements for threatened species, and so the exemption from federal laws didn’t apply. The court ruling In her ruling last week, the judge found VicForests unlawfully logged 26 coupes home to the Leadbeater’s possum and greater glider, and that logging a scheduled 41 other sections would put them at risk. The court found the company breached a number of aspects of the <a href="https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/29311/Code-of-Practice-for-Timber-Production-2014.pdf">Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014</a>. This code is part of the Victorian regulatory system accredited by the regional forest agreement. In particular, VicForests had not, as required, applied the “precautionary principle” in planning and conducting logging operations in coupes containing the greater glider. Nor had VicForests developed a comprehensive forest survey system, or engaged in a careful evaluation of management options to avoid dangers to these threatened species. These failures meant the logging operations were not covered by the exemption from federal laws. As such, the court found VicForests had breached federal environmental law, as the logging operation had, or were likely to have, a significant impact on the two threatened species. What now? This case will have clear implications for logging operations governed by regional forest agreements. In fact, the <a href="https://ausfpa.com.au/media-releases/state-and-federal-governments-must-resolve-rfa-uncertainty-following-federal-court-decision/">timber industry</a> has called for state and federal governments to urgently respond to the case, and clarify the future of regional forest agreements. Arguably, logging operations conducted under a regional forest agreement can no longer rely on the exemption from federal environmental laws if those operations don’t comply with the state regulatory frameworks accredited under the regional forest agreements, especially provisions that protect threatened species. And while making logging operations subject to federal environmental laws is a good thing, it’s not enough. Federal environmental laws are weak and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/31/australias-national-environment-laws-actually-allow-extinction-to-happen?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail">don’t prevent species extinctions</a>. In any case, the result is the perfect opportunity for state and federal governments to rethink forest management. That means properly taking into account the ongoing threats to threatened species from climate change, wildfires and habitat loss. Written by Julie Dehm. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-leadbeaters-possum-finally-had-its-day-in-court-it-may-change-the-future-of-logging-in-australia-139652">The Conversation</a>.

Travel Tips

Hundreds of koalas brutally murdered during routine logging

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES A few hundred of perhaps Australia’s most beloved animal, koalas, have reportedly been murdered in Victoria this week. Animals Australia has shared devastating images of injured and dead koalas who were “mowed down” after logging occurred 12km west of Portland. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> On becoming aware of this situation on Friday, we flew in a veterinary team from <a href="https://twitter.com/Vets_Compassion?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vets_Compassion</a>. A second vet team was flown in to assist with the treatment of surviving animals yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/sSlF43IbLV">pic.twitter.com/sSlF43IbLV</a> — Animals Australia (@AnimalsAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnimalsAus/status/1223738890277646336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote> The species – who are now a threatened species after one of Australia’s worst bushfire season in recorded history – were hurt at a razed bluegum plantation. “Koalas are having their homes mowed down,” said Animals Australia. “On becoming aware of this situation on Friday, we flew in a veterinary team,” Animals Australia confirmed on Sunday morning. “With the support of local authorities and wildlife carers, vets are seeking to save as many of these precious animals as possible.” The details of this case are still unknown, Animals Australia confirmed on Sunday. “We are still gathering the details as to what has occurred in this case but it would appear that there are various breaches of legislation, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which we will be supporting authorities to pursue,” they said on social media. “By law, the companies that own these plantations must provide koala ‘spotters’ to identify koalas in trees before logging commences, so that animals can be safely removed and relocated. “There is also a legal responsibility to ensure the welfare of koalas after logging has ceased.” It is assumed that in result of the habitat destruction from bushfires, hundreds of koalas sought refuge on commercial property. “The logging of these forests then destroys precious habitat,” shared Animals Australia. Wildlife Victoria CEO Dr Megan Davidson said it was impossible to understand how the logging could happen if koalas were in them. “In these tragic cases, we are so sad not only for the animals, but also for the wildlife carers and vets who are on the ground dealing with the horrors of dead, broken, sick and orphaned animals,” Davidson said. “Here’s a thought,” shared Animals Australia. “How about instead of planting plantations then mowing them down, we should be planting blue gum and leaving them for koalas to live in.” The gruesome images have resulted in calls for change at a national level, with a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.change.org/p/daniel-andrews-koala-massacres-portland-victoria?recruiter=743946376&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_petition&recruited_by_id=05242690-62d9-11e7-88b5-65895f00d004" target="_blank">Change.org petition</a> already up and running. “This barbaric practice needs to stop across the state and immediately,” the petition – directed to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews – reads. As reported by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) there are less than 100,000 koalas left in the wild and the population could be in fact as low as 43,000. If Australia’s koala population falls below 50,000 it would be “functionally extinct”, the AKF said.

Family & Pets

No-bake mango cheesecake log

With no baking involved, you can easily whip up this dessert in the kitchen with your grandkids. Serves: 6-8 Prep time: 45 mins + 6 hours chilling Ingredients: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">3 Calypso® mangoes </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">250g cream cheese, chilled, chopped</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup caster sugar</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">300ml thickened cream</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 tsp vanilla bean paste</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">½ cup sour cream</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 tbs coconut milk, chilled</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 tbs dark Rum, Kahlua or Malibu </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">250g packet Arnott’s Choc Ripple Biscuits</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Edible flowers to serve, optional </li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Cut the cheeks from 1 mango, scoop the flesh from the cheeks and process until smooth, you will need 1/2 cup of puree. Add the chilled cream cheese and ¼ cup of the caster sugar, pulse until well combined (see tip).</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Whisk the cream with remaining ¼ cup caster sugar and vanilla to form soft peaks. Add the sour cream and whisk until thick. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the cream mixture down the centre of a 30cm long serving plate or board. Combine the coconut milk and rum in a shallow dish. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Dip one side of 2 biscuits into the coconut milk mixture. Sandwich together with 1 tablespoon of mango cheesecake mixture. Stand upright in the cream at one end of the plate/board. Working with one biscuit at a time, dip into coconut milk, then top with mango cheesecake mixture and sandwich against biscuits on the plate. Repeat to form a log-shape. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of log. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Before serving, remove the cheeks from the remaining mangoes. Carefully scoop out the flesh then thinly slice. Arrange the mango over the biscuit log and top with edible flowers. Cut diagonally into pieces and serve. </li> </ol> Tips: <ul> <li>Don’t over process the mango and cheese mixture, just pulse in short sharp bursts until combined.</li> <li>For a kid friendly option, replace the liqueur with more coconut milk.</li> </ul>

Food & Wine

Can you spot the cat taking a nap among these logs?

Well, we’ve put you to the test this week, first with the image of the <a href="/news/news/2016/08/spot-the-waving-child-hidden-in-this-rocky-landscape/" target="_blank">little girl hidden in a rocky outcrop</a><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/can-you-spot-the-error-in-this-world-map/"></a>, then with the deceptive <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/can-you-spot-the-error-in-this-world-map/">mistakes in a map of the world</a>. But today’s brain teaser might just be the trickiest one yet. Can you see the cat hidden among the logs in the image below? <img width="500" height="694" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/25453/cat-logs-_500x694.jpg" alt="Cat Logs -" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> It’s sleeping on a pile. We guarantee you won’t spot it straight away! Still can’t see it? Scroll down for the answer. <img width="500" height="694" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/25454/cat-logs-reveal_500x694.jpg" alt="Cat Logs Reveal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Did you spot the cat? And if so, how long did it take? Let us know in the comments! Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/can-you-spot-the-error-in-this-world-map/">Can you spot the error in this world map?</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/spot-the-waving-child-hidden-in-this-rocky-landscape/">Can you spot the little girl waving to the camera?</a> <a href="/health/eye-care/2016/04/eyesight-test-red-circle-hidden-image/">Can you see the image hidden in this circle?</a>

News

100-year-old converted log cabin in Yarra Valley cottage

From converted <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/train-carriage-transformed-into-luxury-airbnb/" target="_blank">train carriages</a> to <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/melbourne-airbnb-treehouse/" target="_blank">rainforest treehouses</a>, we’ve seen a lot of incredible properties from the folks at Airbnb. But today’s property is a little bit special. Just 10 minutes from some of the best wineries in Australia with a view worth of any postcard, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5457104/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_yarralogcabin" target="_blank">Kennedy’s Lodge</a> is a 100-year-old log cabin that has been converted into delightful holiday accommodation for a night, weekend or maybe even more. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5457104/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_yarralogcabin" target="_blank">Kennedy’s Lodge</a> is located on seven acres of glorious bushland in the heart of the Yarra Valley with a range of wildlife to be found on the property including sheep, dogs, cat and horse along with the odd kangaroo, blue-tongued lizards and lots of bird life. <img width="500" height="290" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24070/yarra-valley-2-view-_500x290.jpg" alt="Yarra Valley 2 (view ) -"/> The cabin itself has been studiously converted to make it comfortable for travellers of all ages and tastes, and features all the modern amenities you would expect. Just scroll through the gallery to see how great a job they did! The Yarra Valley is home to some of Australia’s best wineries, most spectacular scenic views and lushest National Parks and you will be in a prime position to enjoy it all when you stay at Kennedy’s Lodge. You’ll also be close to cafes, restaurants and country pubs. The sights and sounds of the region are all easily accessible with Warburton 10 minutes, Healesville 20 minutes and Yarra Glen a half hour drive away. To have a look at Kennedy’s Lodge and admire some of the best views you will see in an Airbnb property in Australia, scroll through the gallery above. And to find out more about this property, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5457104/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_yarralogcabin" target="_blank">click here</a>. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/seniors-retreat-in-tasmania-swiss-village-grindelwald/">Seniors retreat in Tasmania’s Swiss Village</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/melbourne-airbnb-treehouse/">Live among the trees an hour from Melbourne with Airbnb</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/6-perfect-airbnbs-for-getting-back-to-nature/">6 perfect Airbnbs for getting back to nature</a>

Accommodation

The most perfect rustic log cabin in the woods

Looking for some peace and tranquillity in your next holiday escape? You can get in tune with nature at this rustic log cabin in the woods, situated on the small island of Awaji in Japan. Perched atop a hill in a forest, this log cabin is the perfect escape for people looking for a relaxing holiday getaway. Unwind on the large deck as you soak in the amazing scenery. And don’t worry, even though the secluded home is hidden in the woods, shops and tourist attractions are just a short drive away. Scroll through the gallery above to sneak a peek of the property. You can find more about the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/4105824/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_tadashi" target="_blank">Airbnb listing here.</a> <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/stay-in-hamlets-castle-on-airbnb/">You can stay in Shakespeare’s Hamlet’s castle for $10</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/best-beach-houses-on-airbnb/">3 of the best beach houses on Airbnb</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/colourful-reversible-destiny-loft-on-airbnb/">You can rent this crazy and colourful loft on Airbnb</a>

Accommodation

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