Pacific Security & Health Impacts: Fiji and Australia push a regional plan for peace and cooperation as China’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile test raises tension across the Pacific, with leaders warning against militarising the ocean—an issue that can spill into human security, including health and education. Wildlife & Pet Safety: A new study says pet cats were linked to fewer than 1% of threatened wildlife cases taken to NSW carers over 11 years, reigniting debate about domestic vs feral cat risk. Bird Flu Watch: NSW confirms a second H5 bird flu case in a giant petrel on the Mid North Coast; officials say the risk to human health remains low and urge the public to report sick or dead birds. Snake Bite Incident: A cyclist in northern NSW was bitten by an eastern brown snake tangled in her bike chain; she was treated at hospital and released, while the snake was euthanased. Vanuatu-France Partnership: President Nikenike Vurobaravu praised France’s ongoing support for Vanuatu, highlighting help in education, health, climate resilience, disaster preparedness and environmental protection. Public Health Milestone: WHO validated El Salvador has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a major step toward global blindness elimination by 2030. Health System Context: A World Bank update on Papua New Guinea notes economic growth isn’t yet creating enough quality jobs, pushing many into subsistence and informal work—raising pressure on health and livelihoods.