SBS News In Depth

The theme at this year's Garma festival is Bukmak, which means everyone in Yolngu language — an expression of unity and a celebration of the diversity of modern Australia. And it was the tragic death of one five-year-old little girl, Kumanjayi Little Baby in April that has become a powerful symbol of what's possible when a community comes together.

South Australia may be facing Australia’s first mass wildlife death event linked to H5N1 bird flu. More than 80 sick or dying greater crested terns have been found on an island off the South Australian coast. Nationally, the government says the virus can no longer be eradicated. While the risk to human health remains low, native species could be hit hard.

Japan is launching its first foreign intelligence agency since World War Two, backed by a massive US$400 million budget. Driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the move aims to counter escalating threats from China, North Korea, and Russia - placing Japan alongside global espionage powers like the CIA and MI6. But will this historic shift successfully deter regional aggression, or will it risk making relations worse?

.

Climate change will be a pressing issue at next month's Pacific Islands Forum, which is being hosted by Palau, with calls for every regional player to be at the table, so opportunities for progress aren't lost. Last year, Taiwan was among other non-member states not invited due to pressure from China. Palau's government has told SBS, it expects entire island communities to be lost to rising seas by the end of the century, calling on Australia to contribute more to climate adaptation.

The Garma Festival is underway in northeast Arnhem Land, with the four-day event showcasing traditional Yolŋu art, song, dance and storytelling. Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, this year’s festival is expected to attract about two-thousand guests, including Australia’s most famous blue heeler, Bluey.