Written by Sofia Pizzinato

Solahart powers Domain Group’s #1 energy-efficient home

Domain.com.au has named its top energy-efficient homes, with the Solahart’s cutting-edge solar technology playing a key role in the number one listing.

Cinque House, a luxury South Coast property renovated by Rachel and Ryan Carr of The Block fame, features a 12.45kW Solahart solar-power system and a smart Home Energy Management System (HEMS). The technology is designed to optimise energy flow and savings, which is projected to cut $4,300 from energy bills in the first year alone, with estimated lifetime savings of more than $114,000.

Solahart General Manager Stephen Cranch says HEMS is the “brains” of the system: “It decides where your energy goes, whether to power the home, charge the battery, or feed back to the grid.”

Solahart is an IMPACT client.

 Job market woes

Australia is facing a growing  . More than one million people are ready to work immediately, yet job mobility continues to decline, now sitting at just 7.7 per cent, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This marks the second year in a row the rate has dropped, pointing to deeper issues within the labour market. Many jobseekers are held back by barriers such as lack of childcare, ongoing education, age discrimination and health conditions.

ABS data also shows an increase in job losses, while fewer people are changing roles. The Australian Council of Social Services has described the figures as deeply concerning and is calling for urgent reform.

With underemployment rising and fewer entry level opportunities available, advocates say the system must evolve to truly support Australians who are ready and willing to work.

 YouTube faces ban

The federal government is taking a bold stance on online safety, reversing earlier plans to exempt YouTube from its upcoming social media ban.

Starting December 10, users under the age of 16 will be blocked from creating or logging into YouTube accounts. According to the eSafety Commissioner Dr Inman Grant, research showed the platform had the highest rate (37 per cent) for young Australians experiencing harm.

Google has threatened legal action to the ban, but the government remains firm, with Communications Minister Anika Wells stating, “We can’t control the ocean, but we can police the sharks”.

 Aussies rule Reddit

According to Meltwater’s July Global Statshot Report, Australia is making a global impact with 33 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over used Reddit in the past month. That is the highest usage rate in the world and nearly three times the global average of 11.9 per cent.

Australia ranks fourth worldwide for Reddit’s potential ad reach, with the platform able to connect with 94 per cent of Australians aged 13 and above.

With 17 million monthly users, Reddit has firmly cemented its place as one of the most influential digital platforms in the country.

 Smooth FM claims Sydney’s top radio spot

Smooth FM has surged ahead to claim the coveted No.1 spot in Sydney’s radio ratings, knocking longtime leader 2GB off the top. With a strong 12.3 per cent audience share, Smooth FM narrowly held steady while 2GB slipped by 2 points to 11.6 per cent.

Yet, despite the overall dip, 2GB’s breakfast host Ben Fordham continues to dominate morning airwaves, boasting the city’s most popular breakfast show with a 14.7 per cent share.

KIIS continues its climb, moving into third place with a 10.4 per cent share, marking the biggest increase across the survey. Classic Hits Gold, Nova, and ABC Sydney followed in the rankings, with the latter facing declines in nearly every time slot.

Overall, more than 4.5 million Sydney listeners tuned in across all platforms, highlighting a competitive and shifting radio landscape.