In a typically and not entirely politically correct kind of way, an Australian Mayor has managed to enrage the sensitive feelings of his countries women – and even some of the men. This is surprising since it is well known that the outback of Australia and the PC world of the California and London are not exactly on the same wavelength.

Australia's immigration detention policy has seen a rather unusual relaxation of the tough policies.

A solicitor [attorney] and civil liberties campaigner was arrested, handcuffed and allegedly had his rib broken by police after offering legal assistance to a man being searched in public. Kristian Bolwell said police manhandled him and broke his rib last week after he displayed his solicitor's identification card to a man being searched in a pub and said, "Hi, I am a solicitor, would you like any help?"

Xenon Pictures and 7th Art bring the Australian hit Kenny to America this summer with Los Angeles first up on the theatrical screening schedule in mid-July. Screenings at festivals such as SXSW in Austin, Texas, and Palm Springs International Film Festival were enormously successful. Shot in a mockumentary style, this utterly charming story about Kenny Smyth, a porta-potty rep/delivery man, has been winning over critics and fans since its 2006 debut Down Under.

The construction union says grief among workers over the deaths of two colleagues in a high-rise accident on the Gold Coast in south-east Queensland has turned to anger.

The first Australian map of the entire Antarctica has become part of the National Archives collection.

Another Brick in the Wall, Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here. Three of the most played songs of all times from one of the most successful bands of all time - Pink Floyd. On Friday evening, July 18 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre the best songs of this iconic band will be given the ultimate symphonic treatment by the magnificent 70-piece Queensland Orchestra in a one-off concert event.

Outstanding young Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen returns to Brisbane with world renowned pianist Boris Berman as soloist in Brahm's First Piano Concerto. It was under the guiding baton of Pietari Inkinen that The Queensland Orchestra won the coveted 2007 ABC Limelight Award for Best Orchestral Performance for the May 4 Piers Lane Plays Beethoven concert. Can he do it again in 2008 when he partners with Russian pianist, Boris Berman'.

Playschool star and multi award-winning actress Deborah Mailman will join The Queensland Orchestra and the internationally acclaimed Silver-Garburg piano duo in a very special concert performance of the much loved Hans Christian Andersen story, The Little Mermaid.

Will the inspector discover the culprit?, what fabulous discoveries will young Emily make when she visits her Granpa’s house to play? All will be revealed in the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Windmill Performing Arts June blockbuster double bill, The Composer is Dead and Granpa.

Calling for an end to nuclear weapons across the world, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged nations of the Asia-Pacific region to work jointly to usher in an era of peace.

The Australian Ballet in association with QPAC presents Maina Gielgud's much-loved and extraordinarily beautiful production of Giselle between 8 and 12 July at the Lyric Theatre in Brisbane.