Welcome to the Good News Roundup for June 30, 2025
Lithuanian Adventurer Loses Leg in Dramatic Tasmanian River Rescue
We start this week with a story almost too incredible to believe, about a Lithuanian adventurer who became trapped in Tasmania’s Franklin River after slipping and wedging his leg between rocks in fast-moving rapids.
Despite his friends’ efforts to free him, Valdas Bieliauskas was stuck for over 20 hours and developing hypothermia when the decision was made to amputate his leg to save his life.
His rescuers feared he was already dead by the time the extraordinary underwater operation was complete, but remarkably, he survived to tell the story.
Read the unbelievable story here.
Scientists Encouraged to Share Their Failures
A new study from the University of Michigan has found that scientists who openly acknowledge their failures are more trusted than those who only showcase their successes.
The research analysed social media posts from members of the scientific community and found that showing a more human side to science was positively received.
The study was in response to growing pressure on scientists to use platforms like LinkedIn to build connections and secure funding or support for their work.
Read more here.
Adventure Sports Replacing the Rush of Youth Crime
A youth crime intervention program in Queensland is showing significant promise, using adventure sports to help young people replace the ‘high’ of criminal behaviour.
Project Booyah targets teenagers identified by police as being at high risk of offending, offering learning experiences like abseiling and mountain biking to replace the rush some may associate with crime.
The program recently reported a graduation rate of 90 per cent.
Read the full article here.
Quick-Thinking Delivery Driver Saves Man from Burning Building
A lorry driver in Dublin is being praised for his quick thinking, for pulling his truck up alongside a burning building to allow a man to jump to safety from the second storey.
Tomasz Zareba was on his morning grocery run when he spotted the flames pouring from a city building, and people jumping for their lives.
A man climbed out onto the roof of the lorry, and when the fire brigade arrived, Tomasz continued on with his morning drop offs.
Learn more about the humble hero, here.
