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Four-Person Custom Bicycle Challenges Australia in Charity Ride

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According to ABC News on October 3, 2025, a custom four-person bicycle named Ruby has recently captured the attention of Australia’s cycling community. Four female teachers are riding the bike from Perth in Western Australia to Sydney, covering more than 4,000 kilometers to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity Gotcha-4-Life.

Ruby was designed and manufactured by a company in Oregon, USA. It measures 3.8 meters in length, weighs 33 kilograms, and features four seats, eight pedals, and a 22-speed gear system controlled by the rider at the rear. Its wheels have a special 40-spoke design to distribute the weight from four riders pedaling simultaneously, ensuring stability.

The bike was originally used in a 2023 charity cycling race in Canada and is extremely rare, with only a few in the world. Due to its large size and unique structure, Ruby faces numerous challenges while riding. Louise Ginn, riding in the front, said that turning is difficult due to the large turning radius, and crosswinds are hard to control, requiring full-body tension to maintain balance. The four-person design means each rider’s position affects the others, so they typically do not switch seats.

Maintenance during the long journey is also challenging. Ginn said they have already replaced three rear wheels, and the chain and gears have been damaged by the combined pedaling effort. One spoke even broke. Many bike shop technicians were surprised and unsure how to repair such a rare bike, sometimes needing to move it outside the shop for repairs.

This cross-country charity ride tests the riders’ endurance while attracting public attention. The four teachers hope that Ruby’s unique appearance and the long-distance challenge will raise awareness and support for suicide prevention.

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Australian Postal Workers’ Dashcam Footage Shows Vehicle Collisions

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On October 7, 2025, the Australia Post released footage showing postal workers being hit by vehicles during deliveries. Statistics indicate at least five postal workers are injured weekly through no fault of their own. Over the past fiscal year, more than 280 postal workers suffered fractures, concussions, and other serious injuries, requiring hospitalization and causing psychological trauma.

Russell Munro, Australia Post’s Head of Safety, stated that postal workers face increasing threats from unsafe driving while serving the public. He emphasized road safety as a shared responsibility, urging drivers to “stay alert and watch out for postal workers.”

To address this, Australia Post is replacing older motorcycles with electric delivery vehicles (eDVs) equipped with multi-directional cameras, GPS, and emergency buttons. Data shows that eDVs reduce the severity of injuries.

Ahead of the Christmas peak, Australia Post has also hired 3,500 temporary staff. Drivers are urged to follow traffic rules to ensure postal worker safety.

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Melbourne Metro Tunnel Completes Last Two Stations

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On October 6, 2025, Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel project completed construction of its last two downtown underground stations: Town Hall and State Library. This marks the completion of two 9-kilometer twin-track tunnels connecting the Sunbury line to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

Both stations are in busy central locations and involved complex construction. The State Library Station reaches a depth of 36 meters, while Town Hall Station is 27 meters deep. Both required tunneling through existing City Loop rail lines with extensive structural support and waterproofing to ensure surrounding building safety.

Station designs combine functionality and cultural elements. The State Library Station features a 12-meter high domed entrance and showcases Indigenous artist Danie Mellor’s work Forever, highlighting cultural heritage. Town Hall Station uses branch-shaped columns reflecting the surrounding square, creating a unique city landmark.

The new stations will connect with Anzac, Arden, and Parkville stations, forming a new railway corridor, reducing daily commuting time, and alleviating peak-hour congestion. Victoria’s government plans to open the new stations in early December 2025 and will adjust train schedules to integrate the new tunnel system, pending final safety reviews and testing.

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Anti-Semitic Graffiti Tarnishes October 7 Commemoration

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On October 7, 2025, Australia’s Jewish community held a memorial in Melbourne to commemorate the 1,200 people killed during the 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel. Hundreds attended to lay flowers, observe silence, and recite memorials. However, graffiti supporting Hamas appeared in the city, overshadowing the event and drawing public concern.

Reports indicate a billboard in Fitzroy was vandalized with the phrase “Glory belongs to Hamas”. Victoria Police blocked the area and launched an investigation, collecting surveillance footage and seeking witnesses, emphasizing that hate speech actions will be prosecuted.

Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the act as “extremely wrong and offensive”, and noted such behavior does not promote peace. Federal opposition leader Sussan Ley also expressed shock, calling it “deeply disturbing”, reminding the public that Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the Australian government. Prime Minister Albanese said October 7, 2023, was one of the darkest days in Jewish history and that Hamas’ attacks contradict human values.

The incident sparked societal concern over rising anti-Semitism. Jewish community representatives called on the government to strengthen measures against hate crimes and urged public respect for multiculturalism and religious beliefs. International observers also expressed concern about ongoing global anti-Semitism.

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