Welcome to the Good News Roundup for December 29, 2025
Mission Australia Welcomes Hundreds for 50th Annual Christmas Lunch in the Park
More than 1000 people have turned out to Mission Australia’s Annual Christmas Lunch in the Park, offering the shared experience of Christmas lunch for people who otherwise might have spent the day alone.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the free event in Perth, Western Australia, with every attendee also receiving a care park containing essential personal items.
Mission Australia says the lunch provides an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy each other’s company, while also offering support both for the day and into the future.
Read more about Mission Australia’s annual event here.
New Life and New Songs Returning to the Galapagos Islands
Conservationists have confirmed the return of a small, near-flightless bird on a small island in the Galapagos archipelago, almost 200 years after it was last seen.
The Galapagos Rail was last recorded on the island of Floreana in 1835 by Charles Darwin, but the group behind the removal of invasive rats and cats on the island say the bird has made a remarkable comeback.
It’s one of many noticeable changes to native species on the island since the feral predators were removed, including new songs now being sung by native finches.
You can read more here.
Factory Staff Receive ‘Life-Changing’ Bonus Following Sale of Company
Staff at a factory in Louisiana have had the ultimate Christmas gift, with each of the 540 full time staff receiving significant bonuses following the sale of the company.
Fibrebond was sold for US$1.7b, with the now-former CEO Graham Walker telling the Wall Street Journal he would only agree to the sale if 15% of proceeds were gifted to employees.
Staff received an average of more than US $440,000 each – spread across five years – with many describing the bonus cash as ‘life changing’.
Read the full story here.
Largest Wildlife Overpass in North America Opens to Assist Animals to Cross Safely
North America’s largest wildlife overpass has officially been completed along Colorado’s Interstate 25, in a move that is aimed at continuing to reduce the number of animal-car collisions.
Constructed in an area known for the movement of larger animals such as elk and pronghorn, the overpass measures 209 by 200 feet and compliments underpasses already built along the I-25.
It’s hoped the overpass will save both human lives and those of the animals, and you can read more here
