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5 April 2026

🌦️ Bat poo bonanza

Grey-headed flying foxes' droppings worth hundreds of millions ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Morning Post

Sydney

Sunday, 5 April 2026  •  Issue #643

🌦️23°/17°
Shower or two developing
☀️ UV 7  •  🌅 Sunset 5:45 PM
 

Happy Easter Sunday! While you're enjoying family gatherings and perhaps a chocolate egg or two, we've got some fascinating news about bat droppings worth a fortune, plus updates on the US-Iran crisis and what's on around Sydney this week.

— Nathan, Editor

At a Glance

📰 Bat poo worth hundreds of millions, study reveals

🎭 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Phantom of the Opera + 4 more events

✈️ Travel & Deals: Celebrity Edge: 10-night Great Barrier Reef cruise from Sydney — 75% off 2nd guest

🕰️ On this day in 1976: Reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes died aboard a plane travelling...

Today's Sydney

Bat poo worth hundreds of millions, study reveals

They might be smelly, ugly and noisy, but grey-headed flying foxes produce droppings with extraordinary economic and ecological value, according to a new study. The research shows the species' guano plays a crucial role in Australia's ecosystem and has been undervalued for decades. It's a reminder that even the least loved creatures have their place in nature's economy.

via ABC Sydney

Datacentres spark blackout and housing fears

Sydney councils are warning that new datacentres could trigger blackouts, block housing developments and affect residents' health. One council told a NSW inquiry the facilities are 'directly competing' with potential residential builds near public transport, raising concerns about the city's energy grid and development priorities.

via The Guardian Sydney

Around Australia

Swimmer Sam Williamson's comeback from career-threatening injury

After a devastating knee injury that left his kneecap 'halfway up his thigh', swimmer Sam Williamson is back in the pool and eyeing Commonwealth Games glory. The world champion is now working to replicate the form that took him to the top.

via ABC News

Pezzullo report reveals 'reckless' conduct with Liberal powerbroker

A confidential report obtained through FOI has found former home affairs boss Michael Pezzullo was 'reckless' in his engagement with a Liberal powerbroker, exceeding the boundaries of normal public service practice.

via The Guardian Australia

Around the World

Trump sets 48-hour deadline for Iran — The US president has given Iran 48 hours to make a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz as the search continues for a missing US airman after a fighter jet was shot down.

via Sydney Morning Herald🔒 paywall

UN warns of nuclear accident risk as Iran reports attacks — The International Atomic Energy Agency has voiced 'deep concern' and urged restraint to avoid a nuclear accident at Iran's Bushehr plant following reported new attacks.

via BBC World

What's On

Music

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Phantom of the Opera

Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, until 3 May

The Andrew Lloyd Webber classic on a floating stage with nightly fireworks for its 40th anniversary.

Exhibition

Ron Mueck: Encounter

Exhibition venue

Experience hyperrealistic sculptures from one of the world's most celebrated contemporary artists.

Exhibition

Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat

Exhibition venue

Discover new works from acclaimed local artist Mike Hewson in this intimate exhibition.

Film

Alliance Française French Film Festival 2026

Various Sydney venues

Immerse yourself in the best of contemporary French cinema at Australia's favourite film festival.

Markets

Le Marché French Markets at The Entertainment Quarter

The Entertainment Quarter

Browse artisan French produce, pastries, cheeses and gourmet goods at this authentic market.

Got an event to share? Let us know →

Travel & Deals

Every Sunday we share a holiday or travel deal worth knowing about.

Celebrity Edge: 10-night Great Barrier Reef cruise from Sydney — 75% off 2nd guest

Sail roundtrip from Sydney on Celebrity Edge visiting Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Willis Island. Ten nights exploring the Queensland coast and Great Barrier Reef on one of the newest premium ships at sea. Currently offering 75% off the second guest plus up to $700 in bonus savings — ideal for couples.

💡 Multiple 2026 departure dates available — November sailings tend to offer the best weather for reef snorkelling. Book a balcony cabin for sunrise views over the Coral Sea.

Daily Brainteaser

🧩

I'm tall when I'm young and short when I'm old. What am I?

Answer revealed at the bottom of today's edition.

Daily Games

✏️ Today's Featured Game

Crossword

10 clues · ~3 min

1 Across Granny Smith or Pink Lady
6 Across Simple and unadorned
7 Across Decorator's liquid
Play Crossword →

Yesterday: 🧠 41 played  ·  💡 37 played  ·  ✏️ 35 played

🧠 Trivia · Arts & Literature · 7 Qs→
Which novel by Charlotte Brontë features the governess Jane and her...
💡 Word Ladder · 3 steps→
PALM → ??? → PINE

On This Day

Anniversary of

• Reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes died aboard a plane travelling from Acapulco to Houston at age 70. (1976)

• A Qantas Boeing 747 flew from London to Sydney in a record time of 17 hours and 3 minutes during its Bicentennial flight. (1988)

• Charlton Heston, American actor and political activist, died at age 84 in Beverly Hills. (2008)

• Demonstrations began outside Parliament House in Canberra following the Mabo High Court case, which would soon overturn terra nullius. (1992)

🎂 Born on this day: Australian cricket wicket-keeper Ian Healy (1964), Australian NFL player Colin Scotts (1963), and Swedish ABBA singer Agnetha Fältskog (1950).

Brainteaser Answer
A candle.

One Last Smile

One Last Smile illustration

The secret to a long marriage is separate blankets and the same sense of humour.

Send this to a friend who’d laugh

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