Drones rife at local airports, cup maker collapses with 60 jobs at risk, and more top news

The news Australian professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation in the comments below.

Pilots have spotted more than 460 drones at Australian airports in the last two and a half years. After a drone shut down the busy Heathrow Airport in the UK after fears a collision could be dangerous, Airservices Australia released a report showing drone sightings were rife in Australian airports. At Sydney Airport alone, there were 220 sightings in the last 30 months. Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority said it was rolling out drone-tracking technology at major metropolitan airports this year but some experts were calling for more aggressive measures that could ‘jam’ a drone’s frequency, causing it to fall to the ground.

Australia's last producer of polystyrene coffee cups has collapsed with up to 60 jobs at stake. Remapak appointed administrators last week (paywall), blaming soaring energy costs. The western Sydney-based manufacturer’s general manager Adam Hope said gas costs increased 400% in the last three years and "because we are competing against imported products, for a lot of our customers it's difficult to absorb any price increase." The company had been searching for a biomas alternative to no avail.

With home ownership out of reach for the average 24 year old, an increasing number of Generation Zs are investing in the stock market. Nabtrade data showed Generation Z investors – catergorised as those born after 1995 – increased 73% last year (paywall). Over the same period, the number of Gen Y investors – born between 1981 and 1994 – increased by 20%. Nabtrade’s Gemma Dale said many of these investors were saving for a home deposit and “they see investing as a better strategy than saving through cash”.

A convoy of 50 trucks packed with hay is travelling across the Nullarbor from Western Australia to drought-stricken farmers in New South Wales this week. The group was aiming to help up to 400 farmers and organiser Sam Starcevich said: "Emotionally, drought is something you never get over, personally. As soon as it doesn't rain you think, 'Oh my god, is it going to happen again? Is it not going to rain?' so it's always something there in your mind.”

Exercising during the workday can have untold cognitive and work performance benefits. Past studies have shown that moderate exercise during the day can leave workers more productive and satisfied with their day overall. Similar to recess at school, working out during the lunch hour can help you focus later on, while keeping you healthier. Some companies are even encouraging workers to carve time out of the day for workouts or offering free classes during work hours.

Idea of the Day: Instead of starting the new year with resolutions, choose a word to guide you, suggests philanthropist Melinda Gates.

“I choose a word of the year—a word that encapsulates my aspirations for the twelve months ahead.”

What's your guiding word this year?

— Cayla Dengate