At just 13 years old, Maya Ahmed has made her literary debut with Operation R.A.D., a gripping sci-fi mystery. Set in the vibrant 1980s, the novel follows a group of teens as they navigate friendship, loyalty, and bullying while facing a global threat. Maya’s love for ’80s sci-fi, combined with her own teenage experiences, gives the story a unique and authentic perspective.

Balancing schoolwork and writing, Maya dedicated early mornings and after-school hours to bring her novel to life. She began with detailed character sketches and a structured plot outline before expanding them into a full narrative filled with suspenseful scenes and an exciting climax.

Her father, Santo Ahmed, highlights Maya’s determination and the unwavering support of their family in pursuing her dreams. Maya encourages other young writers to stay focused, avoid distractions, and follow their passions. She hopes Operation R.A.D. will not only inspire readers but also one day be adapted for the big screen.

Operation R.A.D. was published by Hembury Books and is now available on Amazon.

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In this episode of Cannabiz in Conversation, we explore the ongoing debate around medicinal cannabis reform in Australia.

Hosted by Ahron Young, the discussion features Teresa Nicoletti from the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA), Professor Nicholas Lintzeris from the University of Sydney, Martin Lane from Cannabiz, and Dr Priya Ayyar from Releaf Clinics.

Medicinal cannabis use has exceeded early projections, putting pressure on the regulatory system. Patients with chronic conditions must navigate the TGA’s Special Access Scheme B (SASB) to access treatment, while doctors face administrative hurdles. Concerns about misuse are raised, but most prescriptions are genuinely for medical purposes rather than recreational use.

Proposed reforms aim to improve patient access while maintaining safety, product quality, and prescriber education. Overly strict restrictions could push patients toward the black market, while thoughtful reform could position Australia as a global leader in medicinal cannabis access.

On this latest episode of Beyond The Deal, host Dion Besser spoke with Samantha McLean from Elite Agent about more than a decade of change in Australia’s real estate industry. Over 11 years of interviewing top operators, McLean has seen technology and transparency transform the market, giving buyers and sellers unprecedented access to pricing data and AI-assisted valuations. While these tools are powerful, she warns they can also produce inaccuracies if relied on without professional guidance.

McLean emphasised that despite technological advances, trust remains the foundation of every successful real estate transaction. Buyers still choose agents based on experience, negotiation skills and local knowledge, proving that personal relationships continue to outweigh algorithms. Sellers should use AI insights as a starting point, but thorough research and multiple agent interviews remain crucial to finding the right professional.

Personalised marketing strategies

For buyers, navigating complex pricing, underquoting and competitive markets requires skilled agents who can interpret data and guide decision-making. McLean also highlighted the growing importance of personalised marketing strategies, ensuring a property’s unique features stand out rather than relying solely on price.

In the end, McLean told Dion that the agents who thrive in today’s market are those who balance technology with human insight, demonstrating integrity, expertise and a genuine connection with their clients — proving that even in a digital age, people still matter most.