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Cause of fatal Sea World chopper crash finally revealed

A catastrophic combination of radio failure and limited visibility led to the tragic mid-air collision of two Sea World helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023, a final investigation report has revealed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its long-awaited findings on Wednesday, more than two years after the accident that claimed four lives and left nine others injured at the height of the summer holiday season. According to the report, a critical inbound taxiing call from one helicopter, which was carrying five passengers, failed to transmit to a second helicopter preparing for takeoff with six people aboard. Investigators determined that a fault in the antenna of the first helicopter, VH-XKQ, prevented the transmission, despite the pilot having made the call. The faulty antenna had been an issue for several days prior to the crash. While the ground crew had earlier advised that the airspace was clear, by the time the second helicopter lifted off, that advice was no longer valid. The first helicopter had been waiting for a taxi call from the second chopper to ensure safe separation, but the call never came. “Neither pilot was aware of the existence of faults in the radio of VH-XKQ that likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call,” the ATSB report stated. Without functioning radio communications, neither pilot could pinpoint the location of the other aircraft, contributing to the fatal collision. The investigation also identified limited visibility from both helicopters and the pilots’ divided attention – focused partly on boat traffic and other aircraft in the area – as additional contributing factors. Sea World Helicopters’ safety systems, including radio calls, hand signals, and visual warning devices, were found to be inadequate. These shortcomings led both pilots to incorrectly assess the position of the other helicopter. Further compounding the tragedy, the ATSB found evidence that some passengers were improperly restrained, although it could not determine how this affected the severity of their injuries. The report also highlighted operational changes leading up to the crash. A week before the incident, the helicopters were swapped, and a year earlier, the helipads had been relocated – both changes that contributed to a breakdown in safety protocols and increased collision risk. The new aircraft lacked internal company radios, had no live traffic displays, and the pilots were unfamiliar with the systems, the report noted. The collision claimed the lives of pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36. Tadros’ 10-year-old son Nicholas survived but required extensive surgeries. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son Leon were also hospitalised with serious injuries. Michael James, the pilot of the second helicopter, managed to execute an emergency landing despite suffering injuries from shattered glass. He passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer. The findings come as Shine Lawyers, representing several victims and families affected by the crash, prepare for civil proceedings. Claims of up to $925,000 per person have been lodged against Sea World Helicopters, and the release of the ATSB report is expected to inform further legal action. “This was such a profoundly unnecessary loss of life which must be prosecuted fully to ensure it never happens again,” said litigation specialist Roger Singh. “We will examine the findings of this report with a view to identifying other potential defendants and further damages which may be sought.” Images: ATSB

Legal

Incredible breakthrough after scientists make dire wolves "de-extinct"

The legendary dire wolf – an iconic creature that vanished around 13,000 years ago and gained fame through HBO’s Game of Thrones – has made an extraordinary return. This resurgence is the result of a cutting-edge genetic project spearheaded by Colossal Biosciences, marking the first-ever successful "de-extinction" of a species. In a groundbreaking announcement recently, Colossal revealed the birth of three healthy dire wolf pups – Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi – who were created by combining DNA from ancient dire wolf fossils and the genes of their closest living relative, the grey wolf. The news marks a milestone in both genetic engineering and conservation science, offering a glimpse into the future of species revival. The pups' arrival was made possible by the expertise of Colossal’s team, which used DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, expressed his excitement over the breakthrough, saying, “It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic’. Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.” The dire wolf pups were created using somatic cell nuclear transfer, a cloning technique that involved inserting cell nuclei from the ancient DNA into donor egg cells. These embryos were then implanted into a surrogate dog mother, who gave birth in January. The pups are now thriving in a secure 800-hectare ecological preserve, where they receive round-the-clock care from a dedicated team of 10 staff members. The dire wolf, once a dominant predator across North America, were fierce hunters that roamed alongside Ice Age megafauna such as mastodons and sabre-toothed tigers. They preyed on large mammals like horses, bison and potentially mammoths, but after these species went extinct, the dire wolf's reign also came to an end. According to palaeontologist Julie Meachen, with the loss of their prey, the dire wolf was gradually replaced by the grey wolf, which filled the ecological void. Dire wolves were notably larger and more muscular than their modern grey relatives, with jaws and shoulders built for powerful hunts. Their revival has captivated both science enthusiasts and pop culture fans alike. Lamm and George Church, a Harvard biologist, co-founded Colossal Biosciences with the ambitious goal of bringing back extinct species. The company is also working toward reviving the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger, and has already successfully engineered a woolly mouse, known for its curly fur reminiscent of the woolly mammoth's iconic coat. Dr Christopher Mason, a scientific adviser for Colossal, hailed the de-extinction of the dire wolf as a transformative leap in genetic engineering. "This is an extraordinary technological leap for both science and conservation," he stated. "It’s a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct." Images: Colossal Biosciences

Technology

Good news for beach lovers

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to find a cigarette butt. Gross, right? This disturbing scene is typical of coastal pollution in Australia. But fortunately <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25003261">our new research</a> shows the problem is getting better, not worse. Over the past ten years, the amount of waste across Australian coastal cities has reduced by almost 40%. We’re also finding more places with no rubbish at all. We surveyed for debris in and around six Australian urban areas between 2022 and 2024. Then we compared our results to previous surveys carried out a decade ago. We found less coastal pollution overall and reset a new baseline for further research. Our study shows efforts to clean up Australia’s beaches have been working. These policies, practices and outreach campaigns have reduced the extent of pollution in coastal habitats near urban centres. But we can’t become complacent. There’s plenty of work still to be done. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A beautiful sandy beach, as seen from the cliff top." /></a><figcaption>One of the many beaches surveyed by CSIRO. TJ Lawson</figcaption></figure> <h2>What we did</h2> In Australia, three-quarters of the rubbish on our coasts is <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fee.1447">plastic</a>. Even cigarette butts are mainly made of plastic. To tackle the pollution effectively, we need to understand where the waste is coming from and how it gets into the environment. Research has shown much of the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep44479">coastal debris</a> comes from local inland areas. Poor waste management practices can result in debris eventually making its way <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15611">through rivers</a> to the coast and <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1260352">out to sea</a>. We focused on urban areas because high population density and industrial activity contributes to waste in the environment. We examined six areas across Australia: <ul> <li>Perth in Western Australia</li> <li>Port Augusta in South Australia</li> <li>Hobart in Tasmania</li> <li>Newcastle in New South Wales</li> <li>Sunshine Coast in Queensland</li> <li>Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.</li> </ul> These places represent a starting point for the national baseline. At each location we studied sites on the coast, along rivers and inland, within a 100 kilometre radius. We inspected strips of land 2m wide. This involved two trained scientists standing in an upright position looking downward, slowly walking along a line surveying for debris items. Together they captured information about every piece of debris they came across, including the type of material and what it was originally used for (where possible). <h2>What we found</h2> On average, we found 0.15 items of debris per square metre of land surveyed. That’s roughly one piece of rubbish every five steps. Plastic was the most common type of waste. But in many cases it was unclear what the item was originally used for. For example, fragments of hard plastic of unknown origin were found in a quarter of all surveyed areas. Polystyrene fragments were the most common item overall (24% of all debris fragments). Other frequently encountered items included food wrappers or labels, cigarette butts, and hard plastic bottle caps or lids. We found more waste near farms, industry and disadvantaged areas. The types of waste varied among cities. For example, cigarette butts were the most prevalent items in Newcastle, Perth and the Sunshine Coast. But food wrappers and beverage cans were more prevalent in Port Augusta and Alice Springs, respectively. Hobart had the highest occurrence of beverage bottles and bottle fragments. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=533&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=533&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=533&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of Australia showing the cities surveyed and their most prevalent waste item." /></a><figcaption>The most common type of waste varied among cities. CSIRO</figcaption></figure> <h2>Targeting problem items</h2> Identifying the different types of litter in the environment can help policymakers and waste managers target specific items and improve waste recovery. Research has shown container deposit legislation, which enables people to take eligible beverage containers to a collection point for a refund, has reduced the number of beverage containers in the coastal environment by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17305377">40%</a>. Hobart did not have a container deposit scheme in place at the time of our survey. Plastic bag bans can reduce <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31109543/">bag litter</a>. Now polystyrene food service items are becoming increasingly targeted by <a href="https://digital.detritusjournal.com/articles/policy-instruments-to-reduce-consumption-of-expanded-polystyrene-food-service-ware-in-the-usa/284">policymakers</a>. <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <h2>Making progress</h2> When we compared our results to the <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fee.1447">previous survey</a> from 2011-14 we found a 39% decrease in coastal debris. We also found 16% more areas where no debris was present. Our results <a href="https://theconversation.com/local-efforts-have-cut-plastic-waste-on-australias-beaches-by-almost-30-in-6-years-184243">support previous research</a> that found an ongoing trend towards less waste on Australian beaches. We think our research demonstrates the effectiveness of improved waste management policies, campaigns such as the “Five R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, then Recycle” – as well as clean-up efforts. It’s likely that increased awareness is making a big dent in the problem. But reducing the production of plastic, and invoking changes further up the supply chain, would likely further help reduce mismanaged waste in the environment. <h2>Implications for the future</h2> Measuring and monitoring litter can inform policymaking and waste management. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25003261">Our research</a> serves as a benchmark for evaluating and informing future efforts to reduce plastic waste. We are heartened by the findings. But continued effort is needed from people across government, industry and Australian communities. Everyone needs to address how we produce, use and dispose of plastic for a cleaner and healthier planet. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/253221/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephanie-brodie-1492706">Stephanie Brodie</a>, Research Scientist in Marine Ecology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/britta-denise-hardesty-2907">Britta Denise Hardesty</a>, Senior Principal Research Scientist, Environment, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/good-news-beach-lovers-our-research-found-39-less-plastic-waste-around-australian-coastal-cities-than-a-decade-ago-253221">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock </div>

Domestic Travel

Sweet feat: high schooler smashes Raelene Boyle's 57-year-old sprint record

Australian sprinting has a new superstar in the making! In a jaw-dropping performance at the national junior athletics championships in Perth, 17-year-old Leah O’Brien rocketed to glory, obliterating a 57-year-old record set by the legendary Raelene Boyle. O’Brien, a WA schoolgirl, stunned the athletics world by storming to victory in the under-18 100 metres, clocking an electrifying 11.14 seconds – with a perfectly legal tailwind of +1.7 metres per second. Her blistering run toppled Boyle’s iconic mark of 11.20 seconds from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, a record many believed would stand for generations. “I think I have really put my name out there,” an elated O’Brien said, beaming with pride. “It's crazy to be running these times while still in high school!” But the milestones didn’t stop there. O’Brien’s dazzling dash also catapulted her into Australian sprinting history, drawing level with Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson on the all-time national open 100m list – now tied at fourth-fastest ever. Only Torrie Lewis (11.10), Melissa Breen (11.11) and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor (11.12) have ever run faster. To make the feat even sweeter, O’Brien now finds herself ranked ninth in the world under-18 rankings, a remarkable achievement for the young star. Cheered on by family and friends, O’Brien soaked up the moment. “This is definitely the most support I’ve ever had. It’s so great to experience this moment with the people I love and share the happiness.” And she wasn’t done yet. Earlier in the championships, O’Brien also stormed to victory in the 200m, clocking a personal best of 23.37 seconds despite facing a stiff headwind of -1.1 m/s. In a thrilling race, she powered past Queensland’s Thewbelle Philp with her trademark long stride and high knee lift, leaving the field in her wake. The sprint sensation isn’t slowing down anytime soon. O’Brien will return to the track this week at the WA Athletics Stadium to contest the open 100m, where she’ll face established stars like Torrie Lewis, Bree Rizzo and Ebony Lane. With talents like O’Brien, Lewis, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/i-m-saying-that-hands-down-matt-shirvo-s-bold-prediction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gout Gout</a> and Lachlan Kennedy rising rapidly through the ranks, Australia’s sprinting future looks brighter than ever as the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics begins. Images: Australian Athletics

Body

Tragedy on first cruise: Aussie couple’s dream trip ends in heartbreak

What began as a dream getaway for Aussie couple Glenn and Beverley Stein has ended in devastating tragedy, after Glenn, 74, died suddenly during their very first cruise. Described as "humble and hardworking", the couple had never been overseas or on a cruise before. Their four-day voyage from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, a generous gift from their son after a lucky windfall, was meant to be a long-overdue escape for the pair, who had spent more than 50 years side by side. "They had never been on a cruise before, never even been overseas," daughter-in-law Sarah <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/carnival-cruise-passengers-8500-blow-after-on-board-tragedy-they-didnt-realise-033649566.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared with Yahoo News</a>. "One of their sons won some money so he thought it might be nice to buy them a cruise." According to Sarah, the couple were thoroughly enjoying their time onboard. But just a few days into the trip, Glenn began to feel unwell, suspecting it was merely “a bit of food poisoning”. True to their no-fuss nature, the Steins tried not to worry and went to bed, assuming he would feel better by morning. Tragically, Beverley awoke the next day to find Glenn unconscious. In shock, she raised the alarm with the ship’s housekeeping staff, who immediately called the onboard medical team. “The staff were amazing. We’ve got a 43-page report detailing all the care they gave him," Sarah said, commending the cruise medical team for their efforts and support during the ordeal. Glenn’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Doctors soon discovered he was suffering from a life-threatening strangulated hernia, requiring emergency surgery. As they awaited an airlift to Bundaberg Hospital, the crew urged Beverley to speak with her husband and prepare for the worst. Even aboard the emergency helicopter, Glenn’s health continued to fail. Once at the hospital, paramedics warned the couple’s children, already en route, to call in immediately. “They managed to speak to Glenn, which was really nice,” Sarah said. Heartbreakingly, just minutes later, when Sarah and her husband tried to call, they were told Glenn had passed away. "He had literally just passed away as soon as they got off the phone." Adding to the family's anguish, they soon discovered that because Glenn and Beverley had unknowingly crossed into international waters, and hadn't purchased travel insurance, Beverley was left facing an $8,500 medical bill. “This was their first cruise; they didn’t realise it was actually out of Australian waters,” Sarah explained, calling the experience a “cautionary tale” for other travellers. While understanding of the fees, the family is now hoping the cruise company might show some compassion and reduce the amount. Loved ones have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bev-after-the-sudden-loss-of-her-beloved-husband-glenn?cdn-cache=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched a GoFundMe</a> to help cover the medical costs and funeral expenses. "Bev is not only grieving the loss of her life partner but is now also facing overwhelming financial pressure," the family wrote. "Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward covering the significant costs associated with Glenn’s passing and supporting Bev as she begins to navigate life without him." Despite their grief, the family has found bittersweet moments of humour in the aftermath. “It’s really funny,” Sarah recalled, “his daughter mentioned, ‘Dad always said he never wanted a fuss and just wanted to go quietly,’ and it’s ended up being a helicopter out and on the news – so he couldn’t have been more dramatic." As they rally around Beverley, the Steins’ loved ones hope their story will serve as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance — and of cherishing every moment with the ones you love. Images: GoFundMe

Cruising

Karl Stefanovic and Nine reportedly being sued by convicted con man

Convicted conman Peter Foster has reportedly launched a $4 million lawsuit against Today show host Karl Stefanovic and the Nine Network, accusing them of orchestrating a sensationalised arrest for television cameras. Foster, a career fraudster with a long history of legal troubles, claims his dramatic takedown on a Port Douglas beach in August 2020 was staged in collaboration with police to create captivating footage for Nine’s 60 Minutes program. The arrest, which was captured by a Nine news crew and drone footage, followed a 60 Minutes investigation alleging Foster had tried to hire a hitman to eliminate international scam investigator Ken Gamble. In the exclusive report titled "King Hit", Stefanovic confronted Foster at a Gold Coast café with secret recordings that appeared to capture Foster negotiating a $100,000 deal to make Gamble "completely disappear". Foster denied the accusations during the televised encounter. Weeks later, Nine cameras rolled as undercover police officers tackled Foster on the beach, handcuffed him and extradited him to New South Wales. However, charges related to alleged fraud were dropped six months later due to insufficient evidence of offences committed within NSW. The network followed up with a second explosive segment, "Despicable Him", chronicling Foster’s arrest and legal battles. Foster, who successfully sued NSW Police for $140,000 over false arrest and wrongful imprisonment, has now escalated his fight to the NSW Supreme Court, targeting Stefanovic and Nine. While the Nine Network has told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14570091/karl-stefanovic-peter-foster.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> it is unaware of the lawsuit, Foster insists the case focuses on his arrest and the role the network allegedly played in it. “We're pursuing Channel Nine and Stefanovic – and it’s not just for your simple old defamation because, you know, my reputation isn't worth a hell of a lot,” Foster told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14570091/karl-stefanovic-peter-foster.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>. “What we're aiming for is (suing over) the arrest on the beach in Port Douglas.” Foster claims the “made-for-TV” arrest left him with a significant knee injury and emotional distress, alleging Nine’s involvement inflamed the situation. “Channel Nine put fuel on the fire. They were a willing participant. They didn't do the due diligence," he said. "The bottom line is, you know, I wrongly copped seven-and-a-half months of imprisonment." Estimating his damages at over $4 million, Foster and his legal team are now actively trying to serve legal papers to Stefanovic, who has been absent from the Today show for the past two weeks. The network maintains Stefanovic is on scheduled leave and is expected to return on Monday. Foster, however, speculates otherwise, cheekily suggesting on social media that Stefanovic's absence is tied to his legal pursuit. "I'm currently trying to serve legal papers on Karl Stefanovic," Foster posted on Facebook alongside a satirical "Where's Wally?"-inspired image renamed "Where's Karl?". “Karl – if you're reading this, you can run but you can't hide. Believe me... I should know.” As the legal saga unfolds, Foster’s high-stakes battle against one of Australia's most recognisable TV faces and its media giant promises to keep making headlines. Images: 60 Minutes / IFW Global

Legal

Stunning prediction for Aussie homeowners in wake of Trump's trade war

Australian homeowners could see their mortgage repayments tumble by as much as $9,000 annually if Donald Trump’s escalating trade war triggers a global recession, with experts predicting a double interest rate cut as soon as May. As stock markets worldwide reel from the fallout of Trump’s latest trade moves – with China now deeply involved – fears of a US recession are intensifying. On Monday alone, around $100 billion was wiped from the Australian share market amid growing global trade tensions. Yet, for Australian mortgage holders, there could be a surprising silver lining. According to ANZ, homeowners with a $600,000 loan could save between $76 and $156 a month under four forecasted rate cuts of 0.25 per cent each over the next year. For those with a $500,000 mortgage, repayments could fall by about $76 a month, while families with larger $1 million loans could pocket savings of around $153 monthly – amounting to a staggering $9,000 annually. ANZ’s chief economist, Richard Yetsenga, said the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to cut rates in May, July and August. “We now expect the RBA to ease in May, July, and August – 25 basis points at each meeting,” Yetsenga said, adding that a double rate cut of 50 basis points in May is not off the table if global growth deteriorates further. Earlier this year, the RBA trimmed the cash rate by 25 basis points in February, offering homeowners with variable rate loans some relief – saving them around $100 to $150 a month, or potentially more than $1,200 annually. In a stunning prediction, Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed these forecasts while hinting at up to four interest rate cuts this year, with the potential for a significant 50 basis point cut as early as next month. “The next Reserve Bank interest rate cut in May might be as big as 50 basis points,” Chalmers said. “Forecasting is difficult enough in stable times, but even more so in uncertain times.” Despite the grim outlook for markets, Chalmers offered reassurance, especially for Australians nearing retirement whose superannuation balances are being rocked by market volatility. “Everyone with a super fund, everyone with shares, probably every Australian, is watching the global markets with trepidation,” Chalmers said. “But we are better placed, better prepared, and Australians should take comfort in that.” The Treasurer also voiced concerns about the impact of the trade war on Asia, noting that tariffs are hitting countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam particularly hard, while China’s economy may prove more resilient. ANZ expects Asian currencies to take the brunt of the adjustment as the tariffs unfold. While uncertainties loom large, for Aussie homeowners at least, the prospect of falling interest rates offers some financial relief in an increasingly unpredictable global economy. Images: Youtube

Money & Banking

Financial markets are tanking. Here’s why it’s best not to panic

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Financial markets around the world have been slammed by the Trump adminstration’s sweeping tariffs on its trading partners, and China’s swift retaliation. Share markets have posted their biggest declines since the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, as fears of US recession surged. Iron ore, copper, oil, gold and the Australian dollar have all tumbled. On Wall Street, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/sp-500-loses-24-trillion-market-value-biggest-one-day-loss-since-2020-2025-04-03/">leading indices</a> have fallen around 10% since the tariffs were announced, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq is down 20% from its recent peak. European and Asian markets have also slumped. In Australia, the key S&P/ASX 200 slid another 4.2% on Monday to levels last seen in December 2023, taking its three-day losses since the announcement to more than 7%. <hr /> <iframe id="AJ2rZ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AJ2rZ/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> <h2>Why are markets reacting so badly?</h2> Financial markets reacted so negatively because the tariffs were much larger than expected. They represent the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-05/trump-tariffs-upend-80-year-old-world-economic-order/105139464">biggest upheaval</a> in global trade in 80 years. Many traders were hoping the tariffs would be used mainly as a bargaining tool. <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-digs-in-says-markets-may-have-to-take-medicine-as-stock-futures-plunge-191201959.html">But comments</a> by US President Donald Trump that markets may need to “take medicine” seem to suggest otherwise. The tariffs are expected to weaken economic growth in the US as consumers pare back spending on more expensive imports, while businesses shelve investment plans. Leading US bank JP Morgan has put the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/jpmorgan-lifts-global-recession-odds-60-us-tariffs-stoke-fears-2025-04-04/">chance of a US recession</a> as high as 60%. This comes at a time when the US economy was already looking fragile. The highly regarded GDPNow model developed by the <a href="https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow">Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank</a> indicates US March quarter GDP will fall 2.8%, and that was before the tariff announcement. <h2>Worries about global growth</h2> Fears of a recession in the United States and the potential for a global downturn has led to a broad sell-off in commodity prices, including iron ore, copper and oil. Further, the Australian dollar, which is seen as a barometer for risk, has <a href="https://wise.com/au/currency-converter/currencies/aud-australian-dollar">fallen below 60 US cents</a> in local trading – its lowest level since 2009. While the direct impact of tariffs on Australia is expected to be modest (with around 6% of our exports going to US), the indirect impact could be substantial. China, Japan and South Korea together take more than 50% of Australia’s exports, and all have been hit with significantly higher tariffs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Monday that the direct impact on the Australian economy would be “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-07/asx-markets-business-news-live-updates/105144276">manageable</a>”. The full effect on Australia will depend on how other countries respond, and whether we can redirect trade to other markets. The rapid decline in the Australian dollar will help offset some of the negative effects associated with a global downturn and the fall in commodity prices. We can also expect some interest-rate relief. Economists are now predicting <a href="https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/traders-expect-up-to-five-rba-rate-cuts-amid-market-turmoil-this-year-20250407-p5lpo0">three further interest rate cuts</a> by the Reserve Bank, starting in May. This brings economists into line with financial market forecasts. <h2>Hang in there, markets will recover</h2> Watching equity markets tumble so dramatically can be unsettling for any investor. However, it is important to note that equity markets have experienced many downturns over the past 125 years due to wars, pandemics, financial crises and recessions. But these market impacts have generally been temporary. <hr /> <iframe id="lsNFF" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lsNFF/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> History suggests that over the long term, equity prices continue to rise, supported by growing economies and rising incomes. The key thing for investors to remember is to not panic. Now is not the time to decide to switch your superannuation or other investments to cash. This risks missing the next upswing while also crystallising any current losses. For example, despite the steep market sell-off in March 2020 as the first COVID lockdowns came into effect, the Australian share market had completely recovered those losses by June 2021. It is good practice for investors to regularly reassess their risk profile to make sure it is right for their current stage of life. This means reducing the allocation to riskier assets as investors get closer to retirement age, while also maintaining a cash buffer to avoid having to sell assets during more turbulent periods such as now. <h2>Super funds are exposed to global risks</h2> The current sell-off has highlighted a potential issue facing the superannuation industry. So much of our superannuation is now invested in global equity markets, mostly in the US, because Australia’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-02/australia-superannuation-retirement-savings/105098840">superannuation savings pool</a> – at more than A$4 trillion – has outgrown the investment opportunities available in Australia. Another issue facing the superannuation industry is the growth of cyber attacks, with several funds <a href="https://theconversation.com/hackers-have-hit-major-super-funds-a-cyber-expert-explains-how-to-stop-it-happening-again-253835">targeted in a recent attack</a>. Given the massive size of the assets held by some funds, it would seem they need to improve their security to be on par with that of the banking system.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/253929/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-hartigan-1491669">Luke Hartigan</a>, Lecturer in Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/financial-markets-are-tanking-heres-why-its-best-not-to-panic-253929">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock </div>

Money & Banking

News

Captain Cook statue vandalised ahead of Australia Day

A statue of Captain Cook has been vandalised in Sydney just days ahead of Australia Day. The statue, which sits on Belmore Road in Randwick, had its hand ripped off in the attack and parts of its face destroyed before it was covered in red paint. It's the second time in 12 months the statue has been vandalised, with the attack being condemned by Randwick councilor Andrew Hay. "The Captain Cook Statue has been vandalised again," he said in a statement. "They've broken the sandstone and cut off his hand and nose." "Low lives in Randwick know no bounds, or have any reverence for great people of history, and will vandalise him to make a political point that he's not directly related to." Randwick City councillor Dr Carolyn Martin told 2GB radio that the vandals scaled the fence around the statue and left it in an "absolute mess". "It's absolutely disgraceful behaviour. We're all absolutely horrified," she said. Randwick mayor Dylan Parker also called out the vandalism, saying, "Vandalism has no place in public discussion." "Vandalism is an illegal act that does a disservice to progressing your cause, a disservice to the community and a disservice to reconciliation." "Council will clean and restore the statue. The statue was cleaned and restored last year after a similar incident in February 2024." Australia Day, which is recognised each year on January 26th, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Philip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. But for many First Nations people, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning' because it marks the beginning of Australia's colonisation. Image credits: 2GB

News

Man dies and several others injured after severe storms lash NSW

A man has tragically died after severe thunderstorms pummelled New South Wales on Wednesday night. The extreme storm system swept through the eastern part of the state on Wednesday evening, leaving several people injured and thousands without power. In the central west town of Cowra, 300km west of Sydney, a man in his 80s was killed when a tree fell on his car as the region experienced wind gust speeds of 107km/h at the time, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Police were in attendance at the scene and had launched an investigation into the incident, while the man has yet to be formally identified. Four campers have also been injured when their shelters were destroyed in high winds at Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region in the state’s southwest. The storm also triggered major power outages with Endeavour Energy reporting more than 47,000 impacted customers across the Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Illawarra and the South Coast at 10pm, and Ausgrid reporting more than 62,000. On Thursday morning, the SES said they had received 2250 calls and responded to more than 1800 incidents in the last 24 hours, with the majority of the incidents were for fallen trees, powerlines and damaged properties. Scattered showers and severe storms are expected to continue on Thursday, particularly in the east and north east of the state. Image credits: 9News

News

Lidia Thorpe barred from Parliament after Pauline Hanson clash

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has been suspended from parliament after she threw pieces of paper at Pauline Hanson in the upper house as a row over racism erupted. The incident occurred when One Nation leader Hanson attempted to refer former Labor senator Fatima Payman to a parliamentary committee over her dual Afghan citizenship, questioning her eligibility to sit in the upper house. Senator Thorpe backed Senator Payman, yelling "convicted racist" at Senator Hanson as she threw torn-up documents at her. The outburst escalated when Senator Thorpe gave the middle finger over her shoulder as she walked out of the chamber. Labor Senate leader Penny Wong moved the motion to oust Senator Thorpe until the end of Thursday, passing 46 votes to 11. The government, coalition, Senator Hanson, David Pocock and Ralph Babet voted in favour of the motion. Only the Greens stood against it, and while Senator Thorpe's staff attended the vote, she did not. Senator Wong then spoke about the need for a safe workplace, stating, "All Australians have a right to be safe at work... This fortnight alone the senator has been censured, she has sworn in the chamber, repeatedly made offensive gestures when leaving the chamber and made comments resulting in First Nation senators from across this chamber feeling culturally unsafe, and all of that was prior to today's incident, which culminated in Senator Thorpe tearing up papers and throwing them at another senator on the Senate floor." Defending the Greens' decision, Senate leader Larissa Waters said, "A number of our senators feel unsafe due to the conduct of Senator Thorpe. And a number of senators in this place feel unsafe due to the conduct of Senator Hanson." This incident is the latest in a series of controversial actions by Senator Thorpe. She was recently censured by the upper house over her publicised protest against King Charles during the monarch's visit to Parliament House in October. During that incident, Thorpe shouted at the King, "You committed genocide against our people; give us our land back; give us back what you stole from us … we want a treaty in this country." Images: Nine News

News

World reacts as Donald Trump wins US election

World leaders, celebrities and millions of Americans have shared their first reactions and messages of support - or messages of anger, upset and frustration - as Donald Trump claimed his victory in the US election. The Republican leader won both the electoral college vote and the popular vote, taking a hold of the majority of key swing states, as his victory just hours after the polls closed. The win will see Trump re-enter the White House in January as the 47th President, making him the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. Reactions to the unprecedented win flooded online spaces, with world leaders sending their congratulations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the election of the US president marked an important moment for Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and vowed to work closely with the Trump administration. “Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends,” he said. “Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and — above all — enduring respect and affection between our peoples." “I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal Coalition, describing the US as an “overwhelming force for good”. Unsurprisingly, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to speak to Trump, writing on X, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship.” Elon Musk, petulant billionaire and owner of Twitter, also shared a series of memes on X, after he publicly endorsed Trump throughout his campaign. Among the posts is an image of Musk holding a bathroom sink photoshopped into the Oval Office with the caption "Let that sink in", a reference to how he marked his controversial takeover of X when it was still known as Twitter. Musk also shared a photo of a conversation he was having with Trump as votes were being counted. "The future is gonna be so [fire]," Musk said with American flag emojis. "The future is gonna be fantastic," he said in a follow up post with a photo of his recent SpaceX rocket test that Trump discussed at length, for some reason, in his declaration speech. Despite the messages of well wishes from world leaders, social media has been awash with messages of disbelief and anger since the victory was announced, with many American citizens anxious and scared about the next four years under Trump's controversial <a href="https://www.project2025.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Project 2025</a>, which will see mass deportations of immigrants, more tax cuts to the rich, harsher penalties for those seeking abortions or reproductive care, and unprecedented power in the hands of a President with authoritarian aspirations. Image credits: Brian Prahl/Shutterstock

News

Travel

Why older couples love short cruises for a quick romantic getaway

Long holidays are great, but they are not always practical, especially when you just want a quick break together. They can be expensive, require a lot of planning and sometimes feel more tiring than relaxing. A <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/short-cruises" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smooth, short cruise</a> is the perfect balance for older couples. There’s just enough time to unwind, visit new places and enjoy amazing food and entertainment, all without the stress of organising every detail. With options from Carnival, Australia’s leading cruise line, a quick and relaxing romantic getaway is easier than ever. Everything is taken care of, so you can simply step on board and make the most of your time together. To show you what makes them special, here’s why short cruises have become a favourite getaway for couples looking to relax and reconnect. Skip the stress and start your holiday sooner Planning a holiday can sometimes feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Long flights, busy airports and endless logistics take time and effort, which can make a romantic getaway feel stressful before it even begins. But taking a break doesn’t have to be complicated. A Carnival <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/short-cruises/sydney" target="_blank" rel="noopener">short cruise from Sydney</a> or Brisbane is an easy way to escape for a few days without the stress of flights or long drives. Enjoy slow mornings together on a peaceful deck, take in the ocean views or visit a beautiful destination like Tasmania or Moreton Island. Enjoy time together without going far You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a romantic break. A short cruise lets you escape for a few days, soak up the ocean views and spend uninterrupted time together. Set sail from Brisbane or Sydney and choose from a three-day cruise at sea, a four day cruise to Moreton Island or Airlie Beach, or a <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/short-cruises/5-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five-day cruise</a> to Tasmania. Spend quality time with onboard activities <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/Carnivalimage-1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Finding time to unwind together isn’t always easy, but a Carnival short cruise makes it simple. With plenty of <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/onboard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exciting onboard activities</a>, you can do as much or as little as you like. Lounge by the pool, enjoy some quiet time at <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/onboard/serenity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> an adults-only retreat</a> or watch a live music performance. You can even play video games or visit the fitness centre together. For total relaxation, book a couples’ treatment at Cloud 9 Spa* and let the stress melt away. In the evening, share new experiences together. Watch a Playlist Productions show, enjoy stand-up comedy at The Punchliner Comedy Club or settle in for a movie under the stars. If you prefer a quieter night, find a cosy spot to take in the ocean views or enjoy a drink with live acoustic music. Share great food at every meal <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/Carnivalimage-3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Good food is even better when shared, and a Carnival short cruise gives couples plenty of <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/dining" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dining </a>options to enjoy together. Start the day with a relaxed breakfast and freshly brewed coffee, or grab a quick bite from the main dining room. For a special night, Fahrenheit 555* or Luke’s Bar & Grill* serves perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood in a cosy setting. If you’re in the mood for something to eat, the pizzeria has fresh-made pizza, and Bonsai Sushi Express* offers quick, fresh sushi. For something classic, Guy’s Burger Joint serves juicy burgers. With so many choices, every meal is a chance to relax and spend time together. Plan your next romantic getaway A few days away is sometimes all you need to recharge and reconnect. On a short cruise, you can enjoy new experiences, soak up the ocean views and make the most of every moment together without worrying about travel logistics. All the details are sorted, so you can focus on choosing the perfect destination and how long you’d like to relax together. Visit the <a href="https://www.carnival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carnival Cruise website</a> to find a short cruise that fits your schedule, and start planning your next romantic getaway today. Images: Supplied *Charges apply This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Carnival

Cruising

"Abhorrent behaviour": Newlywed charged after assaulting Jetstar check-in staff

A man who launched a violent attack on an airport worker during a "meltdown" on his wedding day has pleaded guilty to assault. Alok Sharma, 43, an Indian national, was overwhelmed by visa troubles before his "woeful lapse in judgment" at Perth Airport on February 25, according to his defence. Sharma attacked a 24-year-old Jetstar employee at a service counter as he attempted to board a flight to Bali with his wife. The Perth Magistrates Court heard that Sharma used a luggage conveyor belt to jump over the counter before slapping the victim. As she attempted to escape, he pulled her to the ground and kicked her. A female colleague intervened, attempting to shield the victim while shouting at Sharma to leave. Two bystanders assisted in restraining him until federal police arrived and made an arrest. The prosecution described the victim as visibly distressed and in shock following the assault. The altercation began after Sharma became agitated over issues with his visa and passport. Initially, he was told he could not cut in line. After rejoining the queue, he returned an hour later and launched his "entirely unprovoked" attack. Sharma’s lawyer acknowledged that his actions were unacceptable but argued that he had been under immense pressure due to the travel complications. Describing the incident as a "blip" in Sharma’s otherwise clean record, the lawyer said Sharma fully accepted responsibility and deeply regretted his behaviour. Sharma, who holds two master’s degrees and has worked for major global financial institutions such as Citibank, Barclays and Oracle, has lived in Australia for over two years on a student visa. Following the attack, Sharma was charged with one count of common assault and was ordered to pay $7,500 in compensation to the victim. He was granted a spent conviction, which allows him to avoid a criminal record, a crucial factor for future employment and visa applications. Magistrate Steven Heath said that such a conviction is rarely granted and condemned Sharma’s actions. "Those that work in the airport environment are entitled to a safe workplace. This assault went beyond a single slap – it included a kick while the victim was on the ground. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable," Heath said. Australian Federal Police (AFP) Acting Superintendent Aviation Shona Davis reiterated that violence against airport workers and passengers would not be tolerated. "No one should go to work and be subjected to violence or aggression," Davis stated. Jetstar also condemned the attack. "This was an utterly shocking act of violence. Abhorrent behaviour like this can never be tolerated, and we thank the AFP for their response," a spokesperson said. Image: Australian Federal Police

Travel Trouble

Cruise passenger facing life sentence after onboard discovery

A Brazilian passenger has been charged with drug-related offences after authorities discovered a significant quantity of cocaine hidden in his cruise ship cabin upon docking in Sydney Harbour on Saturday. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that the 48-year-old man had concealed 10kg of cocaine within the ceiling cavity of his room aboard the vessel, which had arrived from Argentina. During a search conducted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officials, officers reportedly uncovered 28 individually wrapped parcels of the substance, which tested positive for cocaine. In addition to the drugs, authorities also discovered "body packing material" hidden in the ceiling cavity and the wardrobe. According to the AFP, such materials are commonly used by drug couriers attempting to smuggle narcotics across international borders and security checkpoints. An examination of the suspect’s mobile phone allegedly revealed further evidence linked to drug trafficking. The AFP subsequently charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy highlighted the potential impact of the drug haul, noting that the seized cocaine could have been distributed in 10,000 individual street deals, with an estimated street value of $3 million. “This amount of cocaine could have been sold in the community as 10,000 individual street deals of 1 gram for about $3 million,” Cressy stated. “Drug traffickers are motivated by greed, and they do not care about the harm they cause. These drug deals put pressure on the health system.” The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that between 2022 and 2023, there were more than two hospitalisations per day in Australia due to drug-related incidents. ABF Superintendent Matt O’Connor acknowledged the increased risk of drug smuggling during the cruise season but reassured the public of law enforcement's vigilance in tackling such operations. “The cruising season brings with it additional opportunities for criminal syndicates to attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into the country; however, Border Force officers are very attuned to their pivoting tactics,” O’Connor said. “Our ABF officers process and border-clear thousands of passengers and crew members on every international cruise ship which arrives into Sydney and are ready to respond to any threat which may present itself.” The accused is set to appear in court as investigations continue into the broader implications of the smuggling attempt. Images: Australian Federal Police

Travel Trouble

New details emerge after Gold Coast Hilton Hotel catches fire

New details have emerged after a massive fire erupted at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel on the Gold Coast overnight, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff. The blaze originated on the roof of the hotel's western tower at around 2am, with debris falling onto the second-floor restaurant area, notably affecting establishments like Steampunk Surfers Paradise. Emergency services responded promptly, with multiple fire crews arriving to combat the flames. The Queensland Fire Department reported that the fire on the pool deck was extinguished by around 2:20am, and the roof fire was under control by 2:40am. Guests were then permitted to return to their rooms at around 3am. Surfers Paradise resident Joevy Lyn captured dramatic footage of debris tumbling 120m from the roof to the streets below. Legendary Australian jockey Shane Dye, who was staying on the 34th floor of a neighbouring tower, witnessed the fire firsthand and told the Courier Mail: "Everything was on fire and in flames, I couldn't believe it. It was right outside my window." Dye evacuated his building amid initial confusion, saying that hotel staff were initially unaware of the severity of the situation. Another guest, Leah Nicholson, who was staying at the Hilton with her wife and three-year-old daughter, reported not hearing any alarms but, upon contacting the front desk, was told of the fire. The family then descended 14 flights of stairs to evacuate, only hearing evacuation alarms upon reaching the ground level. Queensland police assisted in the evacuation, and while the cause of the fire remains under investigation, a woman staying at an apartment across the road reportedly said she believed the Hilton sign had exploded. “The H on top of the Hilton building just started to catch on fire and then it all started to explode,” the woman told 7NEWS. “Parts of it started to fall which caught … other parts of the building on fire. It was quite intense.” Images: 7NEWS

Travel Trouble

Health

"The heartbeat of Blondie": Legendary rocker passes away

Clem Burke, the powerhouse drummer who kept the beat for Blondie across decades of chart-topping success, has died at the age of 70 following a private battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news was announced by Blondie’s founding members, singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein, in a solemn statement shared to the band’s official Instagram page on Monday. “It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer,” they wrote. “Clem was not just a drummer. He was the heartbeat of Blondie.” Known for his unmatched energy and passion, Burke’s talent propelled Blondie through their meteoric rise from the New York City rock scene of the 1970s to international acclaim. Harry and Stein praised him as a force both on and off stage, calling him “a source of inspiration” and remembering his “vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and rock solid work ethic”. Burke’s thunderous drumming powered Blondie’s biggest hits, including “Call Me” and “One Way Or Another”. Though the band originally disbanded in 1982, they reunited in 1997, with Burke once again behind the kit. His final album with the band was Pollinator, released in 2017. Beyond Blondie, Burke’s legendary career saw him perform alongside music greats such as David Bowie, Bob Dylan, the Ramones – with whom he briefly played drums in 1987 – as well as Eurythmics, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett and countless others. As the band wrote, Burke was a self-proclaimed “Rock & Roll survivalist”, whose versatility and dedication made him a beloved collaborator in every circle he entered. Burke is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Ellen Burke. The couple, who married in 2003, did not have children. The type of cancer Burke battled was not disclosed in the band’s announcement. Harry and Stein concluded their tribute with a message of gratitude and mourning: “His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of. We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.” “As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed, Dr Burke.” Images: Instagram

Caring

A new COVID variant is on the rise: what you need to know

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> More than five years since COVID was <a href="https://www.who.int/europe/emergencies/situations/covid-19">declared a pandemic</a>, we’re still facing the regular emergence of new variants of the virus, SARS-CoV-2. The latest variant on the rise is LP.8.1. It’s <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/australian-respiratory-surveillance-reports-2025">increasing in Australia</a>, making up close to <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/respiratory-surveillance-20250322.pdf">one in five COVID cases</a> in New South Wales. Elsewhere it’s become even more dominant, comprising at least three in five cases <a href="https://inews.co.uk/news/health/lp-covid-variant-cases-future-waves-3598768">in the United Kingdom</a>, for example. So what is LP.8.1? And is it cause for concern? Let’s look at what we know so far. <h2>An offshoot of Omicron</h2> LP.8.1 was first <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/risk-evaluation-for-sars-cov-2-variant-under-monitoring-lp81">detected in July 2024</a>. It’s a descendant of Omicron, specifically of KP.1.1.3, which is descended from <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-emergence-of-jn-1-is-an-evolutionary-step-change-in-the-covid-pandemic-why-is-this-significant-220285">JN.1</a>, a subvariant that caused large waves of COVID infections around the world in late 2023 and early 2024. The <a href="https://www.who.int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) designated LP.8.1 as a <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/risk-evaluation-for-sars-cov-2-variant-under-monitoring-lp81">variant under monitoring</a> in January. This was in response to its significant growth globally, and reflects that it has genetic changes which may allow the virus to spread more easily and pose a greater risk to human health. Specifically, LP.8.1 has mutations at six locations in its spike protein, the protein which allows SARS-CoV-2 to attach to our cells. One of these mutations, V445R, is thought to allow this variant to spread more easily relative to other circulating variants. V445R has been shown to increase binding to human lung cells in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00015-5/fulltext">laboratory studies</a>. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=468&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=468&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=468&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=588&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=588&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658901/original/file-20250401-56-eywcgb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=588&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A chart showing the distribution of different COVID variants in different colours." /><figcaption>The proportion of COVID cases caused by LP.8.1 has been rising in New South Wales. <a class="source" href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/respiratory-surveillance-20250322.pdf">NSW Health</a></figcaption></figure> Notably, the symptoms of LP.8.1 don’t appear <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/risk-evaluation-for-sars-cov-2-variant-under-monitoring-lp81">to be any more severe</a> than other circulating strains. And the WHO has evaluated the additional public health risk LP.8.1 poses at a global level to be low. What’s more, LP.8.1 remains a variant under monitoring, rather than a variant of interest or a variant of concern. In other words, these changes to the virus with LP.8.1 are small, and not likely to make a big difference to the trajectory of the pandemic. <h2>That doesn’t mean cases won’t rise</h2> COVID as a whole is still a major national and international health concern. So far this year there have been close to <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/australian-respiratory-surveillance-reports-2025">45,000 new cases recorded in Australia</a>, while around <a href="https://covidlive.com.au/report/daily-hospitalised/aus">260 people are currently in hospital</a> with the virus. Because many people are no longer testing or reporting their infections, the real number of cases is probably far higher. In <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/australian-respiratory-surveillance-reports-2025">Australia</a>, LP.8.1 has become the <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/respiratory-surveillance-20250322.pdf">third most dominant strain in NSW</a> (behind <a href="https://theconversation.com/xec-is-now-in-australia-heres-what-we-know-about-this-hybrid-covid-variant-239292">XEC</a> and KP.3). It <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/respiratory-surveillance-20250322.pdf">has been growing</a> over the past couple of months and this trend looks set to continue. This is not to say it’s not growing similarly in other states and territories, however NSW Health publishes <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/reports.aspx">weekly respiratory surveillance</a> with a breakdown of different COVID variants in the state. Sequences of LP.8.1 in the <a href="https://gisaid.org/">GISAID database</a>, used to track the prevalence of variants around the world, increased from <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/risk-evaluation-for-sars-cov-2-variant-under-monitoring-lp81">around 3%</a> at the end of 2024 to 38% of global sequences as of <a href="https://x.com/Mike_Honey_/status/1905816340331728914">mid March</a>. In some countries it’s climbed particularly high. In the United States LP.8.1 is responsible for <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions">55% of cases</a>. In <a href="https://inews.co.uk/news/health/lp-covid-variant-cases-future-waves-3598768">the UK</a>, where LP.8.1 is making up at least 60% of cases, scientists fear <a href="https://inews.co.uk/news/science/new-covid-wave-cases-hospitalisations-3611459?srsltid=AfmBOor_V7pQrPMPhUYQA2KCZgRfsI_CpxTwIRiHDFJHIJhq2kbAmD42">it may be driving a new wave</a>. <h2>Will COVID vaccines work against LP.8.1?</h2> Current COVID vaccines, including the most recently available <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-covid-vaccines-may-be-coming-to-australia-heres-what-to-know-about-the-jn-1-shots-237652">JN.1 shots</a>, are still expected to <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/risk-evaluation-for-sars-cov-2-variant-under-monitoring-lp81">offer good protection</a> against symptomatic and severe disease with LP.8.1. Nonetheless, due to its designation as a variant under monitoring, WHO member countries will continue to study the behaviour <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/risk-evaluation-for-sars-cov-2-variant-under-monitoring-lp81">of the LP.8.1 variant</a>, including any potential capacity to evade our immunity. While there’s no cause for panic due to LP.8.1 variant at this stage, COVID can still be a severe disease for some. Continued vigilance and vaccination, particularly <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination">for medically vulnerable groups</a>, is essential in minimising the impact of the disease.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/253237/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/thomas-jeffries-1511629">Thomas Jeffries</a>, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-new-covid-variant-is-on-the-rise-heres-what-to-know-about-lp-8-1-253237">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock </div>

Caring

Sad end to search for missing Queensland mother

The family of Tayla Spies, a 29-year-old mother-of-three who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/major-breakthrough-over-mother-of-three-missing-for-two-months" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vanished over two months ago</a>, has confirmed the devastating news that human remains found near her abandoned vehicle belong to her. Her sister, Rebecca Spies, shared the heartbreaking update in an emotional post on Facebook on Sunday. “It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the devastating loss of our beautiful Tayla,” she wrote. “Although she may no longer be here with us, she will always be in our hearts and I will carry her with me wherever I go.” Rebecca expressed deep gratitude to the many people who supported the family throughout the agonising search for Tayla. “We truly will be forever grateful to our family and friends for surrounding us, supporting us, picking us up when we fell down and for never letting us walk one step of this alone," she said. "Tayla was and always will be so incredibly loved, more than she would ever know. Please bear with us as we grieve and navigate through this excruciating loss as a family.” Tayla’s disappearance on February 2 sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Roma. She had been on a weekend trip with her partner in Dalby, several hours from home, when she was last seen. After leaving the Windsor Hotel, she set off alone in her white 2017 Toyota HiLux, while her partner travelled separately. She was later seen refuelling at a service station in Condamine. However, in a puzzling turn of events, Tayla did not follow her usual route home to Roma. Instead, she unexpectedly turned onto the Carnarvon Highway towards the New South Wales border after reaching Surat – a decision that left her family baffled. “Nobody knows why she turned left in Surat to head south instead of north to Roma,” Rebecca had previously told the Brisbane Times. “A number of people had heard from Tayla over the weekend that she disappeared, and she had told everybody on Sunday, February 2, that she was coming home to Roma.” In the painful weeks that followed, there had been no activity on Tayla’s bank accounts or phone, and she heartbreakingly missed her 29th birthday. Police mounted an intensive search, scouring a sprawling 9,000 square kilometres across Western Downs, from Yuleba and Wullumbilla South to Teelba, Glenmorgan and Meandarra. Hope turned to heartbreak on April 3, when Tayla’s HiLux was discovered. Human remains were located nearby shortly after. In a tearful TikTok video, Rebecca revealed that she received the devastating call on Friday. “The police and my family do believe those remains are Tayla’s,” she said. “I was told, at 12.25, that they found remains and it’s most likely my sister.” As of now, police are yet to formally confirm the identity of the remains. Loved ones remember Tayla as a devoted mother and cherished sister whose life was tragically cut short. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and begin the painful journey of healing. Images: Queensland Police

Caring

Robert Irwin trades khakis for undies in bold new shoot

Move over, crocodiles – there’s a new reptilian threat to Australian wildlife, and yes . . . you guessed it: it’s Robert Irwin’s python. The 21-year-old wildlife warrior and noted khaki enthusiast has undergone a full-scale metamorphosis, trading in his signature cargo shorts for something a little more… breathable. That’s right, Robert Irwin is now an underwear model The I’m A Celeb co-host has been unveiled as the latest face (and torso) of Bonds Underwear, joining Australian rapper Tkay Maidza in a new campaign aimed at expanding the brand’s reach in the US. And reach it certainly has – thanks to a campaign that features Irwin draped in snakes, a strategically placed spider... and very little else. Since going live at midnight on the Bonds Instagram account, the photos have sent the internet into a tailspin. Some fans were quick to declare the campaign “iconic” and “hot”, while others are grappling with the existential crisis of finding Steve Irwin’s son attractive. “I feel dirty,” one commenter admitted, presumably before closing their laptop in shame. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BONDS (@bondsaus)</a> </div> </blockquote> Morning show hosts, meanwhile, are struggling to keep it together. Today host Sarah Abo, upon seeing the revealing images, was left flustered on-air, musing about Irwin’s “python”. “It is quite long, isn’t it?” she remarked, before realising what she had just said and attempting to backpedal – unsuccessfully. In a strategic move to maximise thirst levels, Bonds has launched the campaign in the US alongside a People magazine interview, in which Irwin confirmed that, yes, he is single. “I’m single. It’s funny, I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align,” he told the outlet, prompting an immediate rush of applications from hopeful admirers worldwide. And while this is far from Irwin’s first foray into the world of high-fashion photoshoots – he’s previously graced the pages of GQ and Stellar – this marks the first time we’ve seen quite so… much of him. One thing’s for certain: Steve Irwin wrestled crocodiles, but Robert Irwin is wrestling with the internet’s thirst. Crikey, indeed. Images: Bonds, Instagram

Body

Lifestyle

Baby Lightning strikes! Aussie Olympian gives birth to fifth child

Aussie Olympic champion Libby Trickett has shared some joyful news – her family has grown with the arrival of baby number five! The 40-year-old swimmer took to Instagram to announce the birth of her newest bundle of joy, revealing his beautiful name and details of his arrival. Trickett and her husband, Luke, proudly welcomed Archie Wilson Lightning Trickett into the world at 7:51am on April 3rd, via an elective caesarean. Baby Archie weighed in at a healthy 3.99kg and measured 53cm long. "The shape of our family is complete," Trickett wrote, beaming with happiness. "Definitely promise it’s for reals this time! I’m really almost certain this time... though I’ve come to realise that I probably would have babies forever. I know that I’ve pushed my body to its absolute limits with this one." Trickett shared that Archie’s arrival was a calm and joyous experience, filled with laughter and love. "Every birth I’ve had has been extraordinary and this one was no different. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to meet our baby boy," she added. The couple’s new arrival is already adored by his siblings, as Trickett sweetly noted that Archie is being "suitably smothered" by his three big sisters and big brother. "We have all been struck with love," she gushed. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Libby Trickett (@libby_trickett)</a> </div> </blockquote> In a fun twist, Trickett revealed that they never found out the gender of any of their children during pregnancy – and she managed to guess wrong every single time! "I didn’t predict a single one and I feel so lucky because I couldn’t have wished for more," she laughed. The heartwarming announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from friends, fans and fellow athletes. Surfing legend Mick Fanning commented, "Congratulations," while fellow swimming great Grant Hackett wrote, "Woohoo 🎉 A massive congratulations." Olympian Jana Pittman also chimed in, saying, "Enormous congrats xxxxx." With their growing family now complete, the Tricketts are soaking up every moment of love and joy with little Archie. Image: Instagram

Family & Pets

Schumacher family announces joyous news

The Schumacher family has reason to celebrate, as Gina Schumacher, daughter of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, has joyfully announced the birth of her first child. Gina shared the heartwarming news over the weekend, revealing that her baby girl, Millie, arrived on March 29. "Welcome to the world, Millie," Gina wrote in a touching Instagram post. "Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie." The 28-year-old professional horse rider first revealed she was expecting back in December, with an adorable announcement featuring balloons next to a saddle and cowboy boots — a nod to her equestrian passion. Since the announcement of Millie's arrival, Gina has been showered with love and congratulations from fans and figures across the F1 world. Max Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, commented: “Congrats” with a heart emoji, while the official Mercedes F1 team account sent their well wishes in German: “Herzlichen Glückwunsch”. Gina’s brother, Mick Schumacher, also expressed his pride, posting: “Proud of you” alongside a love heart emoji. Gina and her husband, Iain Betkhe, tied the knot in a private ceremony in September last year. The couple, both horse enthusiasts, have been together for nearly seven years before exchanging vows. Their intimate wedding was carefully kept out of the public eye, with strict privacy measures in place to ensure a special day away from media attention. While fans continue to keep Michael Schumacher in their thoughts – the seven-time F1 champion has been out of the public eye since a skiing accident in 2013 – this joyful addition to the family brings a welcome moment of happiness and hope. As the Schumacher family embraces this new chapter, well-wishers from around the globe are sharing in their joy. Welcome to the world, baby Millie! Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

King Charles captivates crowd with catchy tune – on a carrot!

King Charles is known for his green thumb, but few expected his latest foray into horticulture to involve making music with his vegetables. Yet, at a recent reception at Windsor Castle, the monarch delighted guests by playing a tune on a carrot recorder – proving that when it comes to community music, he’s not just another couch potato. The unusual performance took place during a celebration honouring 350 individuals for their contributions to community music. In attendance was the London Vegetable Orchestra, the UK’s only ensemble dedicated to playing instruments made entirely from locally sourced produce. As a special tribute, they presented Charles with a custom-made carrot recorder, a gift fit for a king – provided he didn’t get too hungry halfway through the performance. With a twinkle in his eye (and perhaps a bit of carrot juice on his fingers), Charles joined the orchestra for a stirring rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". If ever there was a moment that showcased the monarchy’s versatility, this was it – one day handling affairs of state, the next belting out nursery rhymes on root vegetables. One member of the orchestra revealed that they had “stayed up all night” crafting the carrot recorder. Now, that's dedication, although we imagine there was a fair bit of trial and error, and possibly some rather aggressive snacking, before they got it just right. The London Vegetable Orchestra, founded over a decade ago by Royal Academy of Music students, isn’t just about carrots. Their performance also featured potato tubas, pepper trumpets and even a swede saxophone – though no reports suggest Charles attempted a full brass section with a bell pepper trombone. Perhaps that’s a challenge for his next engagement? Also in attendance were members of the Sing For Freedom Choir, the Royal College of Music, and celebrated British saxophonist YolanDa Brown. Buckingham Palace explained that the event aimed to celebrate grassroots music initiatives and highlight the role of music in strengthening communities. While grassroots music often refers to local musical movements, this event took the term quite literally, with instruments plucked straight from the soil. Radio DJ Alan Livingstone, who found his calling as a DJ later in life, spoke with Charles about his career change. The King, ever the encourager, told him it was “wonderful” that he had found a new passion. With this kind of support, perhaps we can expect a royal DJ set at the next event, although the logistics of scratching records made from parsnips remain questionable. The event marked King Charles’ return to public duties following a brief hospital stay due to cancer treatment side effects. Since his diagnosis in February 2024, his schedule has been carefully managed, balancing royal responsibilities with recovery. Despite this, his presence at the event – and his willingness to take up a carrot and play – demonstrates his unwavering commitment to uplifting community initiatives. The big question now: will King Charles’ vegetable virtuosity lead to a full royal concert? Will he branch out to the cucumber clarinet or the beetroot bass? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain, when it comes to bringing joy to the people, Charles has proved he’s not afraid to take a fresh, organic approach. Image: ITV News

Food & Wine

66-year-old woman reveals why she just gave birth to her 10th child

In a remarkable turn of events, 66-year-old Alexandra Hildebrandt gave birth to her 10th child, a healthy baby boy named Philipp, on March 19 at Charité Hospital in Berlin. The birth, carried out via cesarean section, saw Philipp weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Hildebrandt, a well-known human rights activist and the director of Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie Museum, insists that she conceived naturally, without the aid of fertility drugs, and faced no difficulties during the process. Baby Philipp joins an already large and diverse family, including siblings Svitlana (46), Artiom (36), Elisabeth (12), Maximilian (12), Alexandra (10), Leopold (8), Anna (7), Maria (4), and Katharina (2). Remarkably, eight of these children were born after Hildebrandt turned 53, all during her second marriage to former CDU politician Daniel Dormann. For Hildebrandt, having a big family is both fulfilling and fundamental. “A big family is not only something wonderful, but above all, it is important for raising children properly,” she told The Today Show. Despite her age, she has received only positive feedback from friends and family regarding her pregnancy and childbirth. Dr Wolfgang Henrich, Hildebrandt’s OB/GYN, described her pregnancy as “largely uncomplicated”. However, medical experts caution that pregnancies at such an advanced age come with significant risks. Dr Brian Levine, a fertility specialist based in New York City, notes that the biological likelihood of a woman conceiving naturally at 66 is extremely low. Additionally, the risks of hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome rise significantly with age. Hildebrandt is not alone in making headlines for late-life motherhood. In 2023, 70-year-old Safina Namukwaya from Uganda gave birth to twins via in vitro fertilisation using donor eggs and her husband’s sperm. Despite concerns about her age, Namukwaya expressed joy at her newfound motherhood, saying that age should not be a barrier to having children. As for Hildebrandt, she credits her lifestyle for her ability to conceive and carry a child at her age. “I eat very healthily, swim regularly for an hour, walk for two hours,” she shared in an interview with Bild. She also noted that she has never smoked, consumed alcohol or used contraceptives. Images: The Today Show

Family & Pets

Finance

Major breakthrough over mother of three missing for two months

Authorities have located a ute believed to belong to Tayla Spies, a Queensland mother of three who vanished more than two months ago. Spies, 29, was last seen on CCTV footage at a service station in Condamine on Sunday, February 2. She had spent the weekend with her partner in Dalby but failed to return home to Roma. Since her disappearance, she has not contacted any family or friends, heightening concerns for her safety. Police confirmed on Frida morning that they discovered Spies’ white Toyota Hilux in Noorindoo, approximately 40km north-east of Surat. Officers were alerted to the vehicle’s presence on a property along Yuleba-Sarat Road at about 3pm. A search of the vehicle revealed some of Spies’ belongings inside, though authorities have not disclosed specific details about the items found. Before its recovery, the ute was last seen on CCTV traveling down Surat’s main street at 11:10am on the day she went missing. This sighting remains a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have since resumed extensive searches in the area in hopes of finding further clues about her whereabouts. Spies is described as Caucasian, approximately 170cm tall, with a slim build, brown shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. She has the word "KARMA" tattooed across her chest. Her family and friends continue to plead for any information that might help locate her. Police and local search teams have been scouring the surrounding area, using drones, tracking dogs, and ground search crews to cover as much terrain as possible. Despite these efforts, there have been no confirmed sightings of Spies since she was last seen on CCTV in Condamine. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding her disappearance to come forward. Whether it be a small detail or a major lead, investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen Spies or her vehicle. Those with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or their nearest police station immediately. Images: Queensland Police

Legal

Despite some key milestones since 2000, Australia still has a long way to go on gender equality

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Australia has a gender problem. Despite social, economic and political reform aimed at improving opportunities for women, gender gaps are increasing and Australia is falling behind other countries. The World Economic Forum currently places Australia 24th among 146 countries, down from 15th in 2006. At the current rate of change, the forum suggests it will take <a href="https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024/">more than 130 years</a> to achieve gender equality globally. Australia has taken important steps forward in some areas, while progress in other areas remains painfully slow. So how far have we come since 2000, and how much further do we have to go? <h2>The good stuff</h2> There are now more women in <a href="https://www.aigroup.com.au/resourcecentre/research-economics/factsheets/factsheet-gender-and-the-australian-labour-market/#:%7E:text=Female%20labour%20market%20participation%20was,gender%20participation%20gap%20of%208%25.">the labour market</a>, in <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/cohesive/representation-parliament">parliament</a>, and leading <a href="https://www.forbes.com.au/lists/people/women-of-the-asx/">large companies</a> than at any other time. Over the past 25 years, there have been major social and political milestones that indicate progress. These include the appointment of Australia’s first female governor-general in 2008 and prime minister in 2010, the introduction of universal paid parental leave in 2011, a high-profile inquiry into workplace sexual harassment in 2020, and new legislation requiring the public reporting of gender pay gaps in 2023. <h2>Timeline of equality milestones</h2> <ul id="timelineList"> <li> <h2>2000</h2> Child Care Benefit introduced, subsidising cost of children for eligible families </li> <li> <h2>2008</h2> First female Governor-General (Dame Quentin Bryce) </li> <li> <h2>2010</h2> First female Prime Minister elected (Julia Gillard) First Aboriginal woman from Australia elected to UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Megan Davis) Australia’s first national paid parental leave scheme </li> <li> <h2>2012</h2> Julia Gillard misogyny speech Workplace Gender Equality Act becomes law, Workplace Gender Equality Agency established </li> <li> <h2>2013</h2> Dad or Partner Pay Leave commenced </li> <li> <h2>2016</h2> First Indigenous woman elected to House of Representatives (Linda Burney) </li> <li> <h2>2017</h2> Launch of Women’s Australian Football League #metoo movement spreads globally to draw attention to sexual harassment and assault </li> <li> <h2>2020</h2> Respect@Work National Inquiry into sexual harassment in the Australian workplace chaired by Kate Jenkins released. </li> <li> <h2>2021</h2> Grace Tame named Australian of the Year for her advocacy in sexual violence/harassment campaigns Independent review into Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces launched </li> <li> <h2>2022</h2> National plan to end violence against women is finalised </li> <li> <h2>2023</h2> Closing the Gender Pay Gap Bill passes parliament </li> <li> <h2>2024</h2> Superannuation on government-funded paid parental leave from July 1, 2025 Parental leave to be increased to 26 weeks from July 2026. </li> </ul> There are, however, other areas where progress is agonisingly slow. <h2>Violence and financial insecurity</h2> Women are <a href="https://www.wgea.gov.au/newsroom/wgea-bcec-gender-equity-insights-2024-report">more likely</a> to be in casual and part-time employment than men. This is part of the reason women retire with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-21/carer-credits-proposal-aims-to-reduce-superannuation-gap/10826246">about half</a> the superannuation savings of men. This is also linked to financial insecurity later in life. Older women are among the <a href="https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/age-discrimination/projects/risk-homelessness-older-women">fastest-growing groups</a> of people experiencing homelessness. The situation for First Nations women is even more severe. The <a href="https://www.niaa.gov.au/news-and-media/closing-gap-report-released">most recent</a> Closing the Gap report indicates First Nations women and children are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to violence compared with non-Indigenous women. They are also <a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-women-are-dying-violent-preventable-deaths-endless-inquiries-wont-help-unless-we-act-244815">seven times more likely</a> to die from family violence. Improving outcomes for Indigenous women and children requires tackling the long-term effects of colonisation, removal from Country, the Stolen Generations, incarceration and intergenerational trauma. This means challenging not only gender inequality but also racism, discrimination and violence. At work, <a href="https://www.wgea.gov.au/publications/employer-gender-pay-gaps-report">the latest data</a> from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency suggests the gender pay gap is narrowing, with 56% of organisations reporting improvements. On average, though, the pay gap is still substantial at 21.8% with women earning only 78 cents for every $1 earned by men. This totals an average yearly shortfall of $28,425. There are also some notable organisations where the gender pay gap has widened. <h2>The burden of unpaid work</h2> Another measure of inequality that has proved stubbornly slow to change is women’s unequal responsibilities for unpaid domestic and care work. Without real change in gender divisions of time spent on unpaid housework and care, our capacity to move towards equality in pay gaps and employment is very limited. Australian women undertake almost 70% of unpaid household labour. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/how-australians-use-their-time/latest-release">time use data</a> show that of those who participate in domestic labour, women spend an average of 4.13 hours per day on unpaid domestic and care work, compared with men’s 2.14 hours. This gap equates to more than a third of a full-time job. If we add up all work (domestic, care and paid), mothers have the longest working week by about 10 hours. This has changed very little over time. These charts, based on analyses of data from the Households, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study, show what drives this gap. Women respond to increased demand for care and domestic work by doing more, while men do not. Parenthood significantly increases the time women spend on unpaid care and housework, while also reducing their time in employment. <hr /> <iframe id="115GU" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/115GU/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <hr /> Men increase their time in unpaid care after a birth, but the jump is minor compared with women, and there is no change to men’s employment hours. Not surprisingly given these patterns, parenthood is associated with substantial declines in women’s <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/research/research-reports/employment-patterns-and-trends-families-children">employment hours</a>, earnings, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/4/275">career progression</a>, and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jomf.12531">mental health and wellbeing</a>. <h2>The way forward</h2> Current policy priorities primarily incentivise women to remain in employment, while continuing to undertake a disproportionate share of unpaid family work, through moving to part-time employment or making use of other forms of workplace flexibility. This approach focuses on “fixing” women rather than on the <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-psych-032620-030938">structural roots of the problem</a>. There is limited financial or cultural encouragement for men to step out of employment for care work, or reduce their hours, despite the introduction of a two-week Dad and Partner Pay scheme <a href="https://www.wgea.gov.au/parental-leave">in 2013</a> and more recent changes to expand support and access. Fathers who wish to be more actively involved in care and family life face significant financial barriers, with current schemes only covering a basic wage. If one member of the family has to take time out or reduce their hours, it usually makes financial sense for this to be a woman, given the gender earning gap. The benefits of enabling men to share care work will not only be improvements for women, but will also improve family relationships and outcomes for children. <a href="https://theconversation.com/roses-are-red-violets-are-blue-ill-stay-forever-if-you-scrub-out-the-loo-72793">Research shows</a> relationship conflict declines when men do more at home. Time spent with fathers has been found to be especially beneficial for children’s <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-48232-001">cognitive development</a>. Fixing the gender problem is not just about helping women. It’s good for everyone. Gender inequality costs the Australian economy <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/business/the-us225-billion-a-year-australia-could-benefit-from-with-a-focus-on-women/">$225 billion annually</a>, or 12% of gross domestic product. Globally, the World Bank <a href="https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/fd676a12-7ee4-5c6a-ab2b-83365ed25bf1/content">estimates</a> gender inequality costs US$160.2 trillion. We can’t afford to slip further behind or to take more than a century to fix the problem. <hr /> This piece is part of a series on how Australia has changed since the year 2000. You can read other pieces in the series <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/first-quarter-of-the-century-series-172070">here</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/250250/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/janeen-baxter-611570">Janeen Baxter</a>, Director, ARC Life Course Centre and ARC Kathleen Fitzpatrick Laureate Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/despite-some-key-milestones-since-2000-australia-still-has-a-long-way-to-go-on-gender-equality-250250">original article</a>. Image: </div>

Legal

Refinancing your home later in life – what you need to know

There are many reasons why you may look to refinance your home. The obvious one is to lower mortgage repayments with a better rate. However, other reasons people refinance later in life include: <ul> <li>unlocking equity to invest</li> <li>paying down other debts</li> <li>buying a holiday home</li> <li>funding extended travel</li> <li>launching a new business</li> <li>supporting children with a property deposit</li> </ul> Regardless of why you want to refinance, the points below will help you navigate your options. Changing lenders It may have been a while since you last revisited your mortgage, meaning you may not be aware of current lending options and traps. A common trick lenders use is the so-called “headline rate” to grab your attention. However, this interest rate is typically not what you end up paying. It may only be an introductory rate for the first few months, or hefty fees attached may wipe out any savings. Banks aren’t the only ones offering loans nowadays. Registered non-bank lenders, fintechs and online lenders can refinance your mortgage and provide other credit services the same as any bank; they just don’t take cash deposits. Alternatively, you could explore credit unions and mutual societies. Also consider any shareholder benefits you may have. Most banks have done away with them now but may still honour pre-existing ones. If you change lenders, you could lose this entitlement – permanently. Reverse mortgages Generally, only available to people aged 60-plus, a reverse mortgage effectively allows you to unlock equity in your home without you needing to make immediate repayments. However, they often have strict conditions including: <ul> <li>minimum borrowing amounts</li> <li>maximum borrowing ratios</li> <li>higher interest rates than standard mortgages</li> </ul> Crucially, the interest accrues over time and is repaid when you sell, move or pass away. As such, your debt liability grows over time – potentially impacting your future living arrangements and how much is left for beneficiaries in your will. The Govt has the “loan equity scheme” as another option to lenders. I just want to highlight the need to be careful with reverse mortgages. Changing homes Rather than selling, downsizing could involve making an investment property your primary residence and then renting out your existing home. This approach may require you to refinance both loans simultaneously. There will also be tax considerations to work through – including Capital Gains Tax liabilities when you do sell, negative gearing, depreciation, and changes to your income tax. Then there are the lifestyle factors to weigh up, especially if you are moving to a different area: <ul> <li>living expenses</li> <li>insurance and travel costs</li> <li>access to healthcare</li> <li>rental income</li> <li>property management expenses</li> </ul> Remember that if you have a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF), it CANNOT own any property that you directly use yourself, including your home. Becoming Bank of Mum and Dad Refinancing can unlock equity to support adult children with their first property deposit. However, it isn’t without its risks. Ask yourself honestly: <ul> <li>Will this be a gift or loan?</li> <li>If a loan, under what terms? Will interest be applied? How and when will repayments be made? What if they default?</li> <li>What happens if their relationship breaks down, will you get your money back?</li> <li>How does going without that money affect your retirement?</li> <li>Do you have alternative assets to support you if your circumstances change?</li> <li>How does this affect inheritances or deposit contributions to your other children?</li> <li>Can you assist them another way without using your home equity?</li> </ul> Draw up a written agreement outlining all conditions and scenarios to avoid disagreements in the future. Pension impacts Don’t overlook how refinancing your home could impact your pension. While your home is exempt from the means test, any income or assets you generate from unlocking equity is not. You could inadvertently see your pension amount reduced or your eligibility voided altogether. This would come as a nasty shock if you haven’t pre-budgeted for such a change! Getting advice To ensure you get the best bang for your buck when refinancing, be sure to enlist the help of a good: <ul> <li>mortgage broker to source the best loans for your circumstances</li> <li>insurance broker to ensure your cover is right sized for your needs, risk and budget</li> <li>accountant to work through any tax implications</li> <li>estate planner to manage any changes</li> <li>financial adviser to keep your investments and financial strategy working for you</li> </ul> Ultimately, decisions – including about refinancing – are only as good the information you have at hand. So, make sure you have all the relevant facts before signing on the dotted line. Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a style="color: #467886;" title="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/" href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754.

Money & Banking

Outrage as school allows students to opt out of Anzac Day service

A public primary school in Sydney’s northwest has sparked controversy after allowing students to opt out of its upcoming Anzac Day service. The decision by Sherwood Ridge Public School has drawn criticism from parents, veterans and community leaders, who argue that all students should recognise the sacrifices made by Australia’s service members. Principal Jody Sullivan recently emailed parents, requesting that they inform the school if they did not want their children to attend a commemorative assembly scheduled for April 10. The move was aimed at accommodating a small group of Christian students whose families object to commemorating war due to their religious beliefs. The announcement was met with strong condemnation, particularly from veterans and advocacy groups. Former commando and RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge responded by <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14557953/Anzac-Day-Sherwood-Ridge.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telling Daily Mail Australia</a>, “Anzac Day is not a celebration of war; in fact, it commemorates the horrors of war and ensures the sacrifices of those who served and died are never forgotten. Our young people learn about Australia’s proud military past.” Less than a dozen students will be supervised in alternative learning activities while the rest of the school participates in the assembly. Despite the limited scope of the decision, many feel it still sets a troubling precedent. Veteran Advocacy Australia branded the move as “disgusting” and called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to intervene. Former NSW Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott also criticised the decision, stating, “It really is an insult to the families of the 100,000 who died for this country.” Parents took to social media to express their dismay, with one mother writing, “Honouring and remembering those that have fought and lost their lives to keep us safe has nothing to do with religion.” Another parent argued, “This is not commemorating war; it is remembering those who gave their all to keep this country free.” The NSW Department of Education has since responded, reaffirming its expectation that all public schools commemorate Anzac Day with memorial ceremonies. Secretary Murat Dizdar stated, “Our students are required to learn about the importance of Anzac Day and the sacrifice our servicemen and women made, and continue to make, as part of their regular lessons.” While Sherwood Ridge Public School has acknowledged that its message could have been communicated more selectively, the backlash as the nation prepares to mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate about how Anzac Day should be observed in schools. Images: Supplied

Legal

Entertainment

"Yes, Burger Boy!": Australian Idol winner crowned for 2025

What a night to remember! After two electrifying evenings packed with powerhouse performances and surprise guest appearances, Australian Idol has officially crowned its 2025 winner. In a grand finale brimming with excitement, finalists Iilysh Retallick, Gisella Colletti and Marshall Hamburger delivered unforgettable performances – but it was 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger who stole the show and captured the hearts of the nation. Marshall’s victory marks a sensational end to the show’s tenth season, earning him not only the coveted title of Australian Idol 2025 but also a life-changing prize package: $100,000 in cash and an exclusive recording deal with Hive Sound Studios. Overflowing with gratitude, Marshall beamed moments after his name was announced. “Thank you, Australia, thank you so much. You're gonna hear a lot of me in the future, I'll be out there,” he promised, as cheers erupted across the studio. Fans didn’t hold back their excitement, lighting up social media with praise for the newly crowned star. "I’m so happy congratulations Marshall," one fan wrote, while another cheered, "What a legend!" And in a playful nod to his surname, another delighted supporter exclaimed, "Yes, Burger Boy!" <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIJN6_MiD5_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIJN6_MiD5_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Australian Idol (@australianidol)</a> </div> </blockquote> Behind the scenes, Australian Idol host Scott Tweedie shared some fun insights into the suspenseful process of announcing the winner live on air, revealing the team’s clever methods to avoid any mishaps during such high-stakes moments. "We have it written down, so there’s no way that communication can be wrong," he explained. "On the card we've got in our hands, it has the winner's name – and we even use the 'thumb rule.' Your thumb has to be on the name you’re about to announce, so you cannot say the wrong name." Adding to the excitement, co-host Ricki-Lee, who has a deep-rooted history with Idol, typically takes centre stage for the final announcement. "Because of her DNA with Idol, I think she is the best at doing those really big announcements," Scott said, noting he’s always ready to back her up live on air. With a thrilling season now complete, all eyes are on Marshall Hamburger as he embarks on what promises to be an incredible musical journey. If his grand finale performance is any indication, Australia – and the world – will be hearing plenty from this rising star. Images: Instagram

Hanson Handover: Pauline Hanson's daughter steps into the political arena

It seems politics really does run in the family. Lee Hanson, daughter of the ever-controversial Pauline Hanson, has decided to follow in her mother’s well-trodden (and often stormy) footsteps, announcing her candidacy for a Tasmanian senate seat under the One Nation banner. Lee, who has spent the past 13 years in Tasmania – presumably perfecting her ability to handle both cold weather and heated debates – says her top priorities are cost of living, education and healthcare. All reasonable concerns, although we can't help but wonder if she’s also prepared for the free political rollercoaster ride that comes with being part of One Nation. Both mother and daughter took to the Sunrise stage to discuss this next-generation political move, and the conversation was a mix of admiration, mild surprise and the kind of family banter that makes family barbeques look tame. When host Nat Barr asked Lee why she was willingly stepping into the political firestorm, she admitted: “If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be standing here right now, I would say, ‘Absolutely not, no way!’” Pauline, ever the proud mother, was quick to throw her support behind her daughter: “I have an immense amount of pride in her… She has a lot to offer on the floor of parliament. It’s not an easy job. It’s a tough job.” (That’s politician-speak for good luck, kid – you’ll need it.) The interview also touched on how the two Hansons navigate political disagreements. Surprisingly, there aren’t many, but Lee assures us she challenges her mother’s thinking. “No, (we) don’t argue politically," she said. "I test her thinking and provide a different context from a next generation.” Pauline, in a rare moment of concession, admitted Lee is probably “a bit more diplomatic” – which, given Pauline’s long history of fiery speeches and memorable headlines, is a bit like saying a housecat is slightly more diplomatic than a lion. The interview wrapped up with a wholesome twist, as Pauline took a moment to wish her grandson, Noah, a happy birthday. So, will Lee Hanson make her own mark in politics? Or will she remain forever in her mother’s shadow? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – Australian politics just got a whole lot more interesting. Images: Sunrise

Chaos at Sunrise as Nat Barr and Shirvo told to evacuate

It was a normal morning at Sunrise – until it wasn’t. Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington, Australia’s trusted duo for morning headlines, found themselves in an unexpected plot twist when a blaring alarm interrupted their broadcast. Just as they were busy reminiscing about The Sound of Music turning 60, their usual smooth delivery was derailed by an insistent fire alarm. “Hey, that’s a fire alarm! We might have to evacuate here,” a concerned Shirvo said, his journalistic instincts kicking in faster than a sprinter off the blocks. Barr, ever the professional, sought confirmation from the floor crew. “Are we being told to evacuate?” she asked, as though a second opinion might change the fact that alarms generally mean "leave". Despite a classic “Should we stay or should we go?” moment, the pair was finally ushered out – only to be showered in gold confetti by the Sunrise crew, who clearly had been planning this for weeks. “Of course it is – April Fools’,” Shirvo said, shaking his head as he wiped glitter from his suit. Barr, likely already composing a strongly worded email to the prank masterminds, chuckled in defeat. And so, another Sunrise April 1st came and went, proving once again that news anchors aren’t just here to report the stories – they sometimes are the story. Images: Network 7

Pete Evans announces major new high-profile venture

Former My Kitchen Rules celebrity chef Pete Evans has landed a high-profile speaking engagement at the world’s largest Bitcoin convention, set to take place in Las Vegas this May. Evans, who was dropped from his hosting role on the popular Seven reality cooking show in 2020 due to his controversial views on Covid vaccines and masks, has since shifted his focus to cryptocurrency. On Monday, he took to Instagram to announce his upcoming appearance at Bitcoin Vegas, where he will discuss the intersection of long-term health and financial wealth. “I am honoured and excited to be speaking at Bitcoin Vegas in May on the marriage of long-term regenerative health and wealth for ALL,” Evans wrote in his post. Tickets for the event range from $500 to $3,000 USD, with attendees gaining access to speeches from influential figures, including US senators, tech billionaires and Evans himself. Evans’ latest venture follows a turbulent period in his career. In November 2020, he was engulfed in controversy after sharing a cartoon on Instagram that featured the Nazi-associated “black sun” symbol. Although Evans swiftly deleted the post and claimed he was unaware of its racist connotations, the backlash was equally swift. Major Australian retailers such as Target and Kmart severed ties with him, and brands like Baccarat followed suit. Speaking on the "Secrets of the Underworld" podcast in February, Evans described the fallout as a “coordinated attack”. “Within the space of 24 hours, the 15 business partners I was involved with all pretty much publicly denounced me,” he said. “For that to happen, it has to be a coordinated effort from some party. I don’t know who or what, but it wasn’t like, ‘Pete fked up,’ it was like, ‘Pete fked up, let’s put the attack dogs onto this.’” Evans has since said that the backlash was meant to deter others from questioning mainstream narratives surrounding vaccines and other issues. “This is what we can do to somebody, so be good boys and girls, just go along with the agenda, don’t stick your head up because we will financially destroy you,” he said. Image: Instagram

Property

A decade in the making: Jamie Durie finally unveils dream home

After a decade of meticulous planning, popular TV host Jamie Durie has finally revealed his dream home, a breathtaking sustainable property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The Seven Network presenter took to Instagram to share an album of images showcasing the eco-friendly sanctuary he built for his family. "Grateful. 10 years of planning, 2 years of construction and we’re finally back home," Durie, 54, captioned the post. The luxurious and environmentally conscious home is now the residence of Durie, his fiancée Ameka Jane, and their two children: three-year-old daughter Beau and one-year-old son Nash. The entire process of planning and construction has been chronicled on Durie’s latest TV venture, Growing Home With Jamie Durie, airing on Seven. "It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to build an off-the-grid house," Durie told Woman’s Day in November. "Ten years ago, I sketched the house. We lodged the plans five years ago, and then the last two years have been dedicated to construction." Durie said that the journey to completion was anything but smooth. "I don’t think poor Ameka had any idea what she was signing up for when we met. But she came up with a number of ideas that added a lot of value to it." He also admitted that building the house tested the family in a variety of ways. "Any family out there who’s building their own house will go through the same as what we’ve gone through," he said. "Huge budget blowouts, rising interest rates, massive construction costs that are constantly going up. We’ve had to go back to the bank four times." Despite the hurdles, Durie and Jane remained committed to using innovative eco-friendly features wherever they could. "We challenged ourselves with new eco-initiatives that not many people would ever dream of trying, or may not even know about," he said, before describing the experience as "the toughest project I have ever taken on in my whole life". Following Durie’s Instagram reveal, a wave of celebrity friends flooded the comments section with praise for the spectacular home. The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur wrote, "Mate!!! Just wow";fFormer Bachelor star Anna Heinrich called it "incredible"; while TV personality Sally Obermeder simply stated, "WOW". Comedian Dave Hughes was equally impressed, writing, "That’s proper wow. My god." Getaway host Catriona Rowntree described the home as "bloomin’ gorgeous". Images: Instagram

Real Estate

Dr Chris Brown recalls "dramatic" personal renovation disaster

Dream Home host Dr Chris Brown has revealed his own renovation fail on the latest episode of the show. The vet turned TV star has taken on a new role where he guides six teams of aspiring renovators through the joys — and pitfalls — of house remodelling in the new Channel 7 reality show. Speaking to 7NEWS, the star recalled the terrifying moment his home nearly fell in on itself when he was trying to build a garage. “On my first renovation, I decided I needed a garage underneath my house,” he said, adding that he had council approval for the renovation. “With a couple of tradies, we went about digging out the garage underneath the house, in the sand. “We just kept on digging, digging, digging, until a rather large sound indicated the house was about to fall into the hole! “So that’s about as dramatic as it as it gets. “To have your house sort of falling in on itself, that was a pretty big learning curve.” He said that the problem was solved "very quickly" with a lot of underpinning and structural support. “A lot of those steel support posts that you can sort of wind up and down, they went in, and thankfully the house didn’t fold in half,” he said, laughing at the situation. He added that unexpected situations like this are what make renovation shows so appealing as "there’s so much natural drama, you don’t have to fake anything." “Choices have to be made, and it’s either the right way or the wrong way, and you only really discover that as you go along," he added. “Sometimes it’s too late to turn back once you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake.” Chris added that his role on the show is almost as a"coach" to the pairs, supporting them through the renovation challenges, and helping them get to the finish line. “What these couples are going through, and just how much they put on the line to get these renovations done, is quite inspiring and quite uplifting and but also thoroughly entertaining,” he said. Image: Seven

Real Estate

Yoko Ono selling John Lennon's New York home for first time in 50 years

For the first time in 50 years, the house where John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in New York City has hit the market. The brick, bluestone and terra cotta structure at 496 Broome St. was the first home the pair bought together in New York City before they moved to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Yoko Ono has held onto the property since she first bought it with the late Beatles member, and has now listed it with her son with JLL Real Estate, for an asking price of $US5.5 million ($8.23m AUD). “The building on Broome St. was sort of like a base for their artistic ventures,” Philip Norman, author of “John Lennon: The Life,” told the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/05/21/real-estate/yoko-ono-lists-former-nyc-home-for-5-5m/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a>. “Bank Street was their salon, where people could just walk in.” First built in 1885, the two-storey building has an open-plan format, with a gallery-like ground floor space with 14.4-foot-high ceilings, an open kitchen and a lofted bedroom. On the second floor, there’s a live-work space and a recording studio. “496 Broome St. is both a unique piece of New York history and popular culture and a prime investment opportunity for the right buyer,” said Paul Smadbeck, who holds the listing. “Versatile zoning and its location in one of the city’s most desirable and trendsetting neighbourhoods offers an exciting opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind property.” Image credits: Mediapunch / JLL Real Estate

Real Estate

Airbnb launches real-life "Up" house - and it actually floats!

Airbnb is taking its latest listing to the sky - literally. The accommodation provider has announced a partnership that will see the iconic house from Pixar's hit film Up being lifted into the air, balloons and all. In their ongoing quest to redefine hospitality, Airbnb has launched a permanent category called “Icons,” which features partnerships with brands and celebrities that promise unforgettable experiences. Suspended over the New Mexico desert with the aid of a crane, the property looks like an exact replica of the home and contains adorable easter eggs from the film - including the Adventure Book. “Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination — until now,” Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky said in a statement. “As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world … we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth." The house offers a stunning view of the desert, which you can enjoy while sitting on replica's of Ellie and Carl's chairs or have breakfast with a view in the kitchen. Alternatively, you could look at the stars while sitting on the front porch - but don't look down because the adventure is out there. Of course there are questions about the logistics of the stay, including plumbing and electricity, but the accommodation giant has assured that the house is “fully functional,” connected to generators and utilities that will be seamlessly managed before and after its flight. Other fantastical listings include a replica of the mansion from the “X-Men ’97” cartoon, a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Italy, and Prince's house that was featured in the legendary film Purple Rain. Check out the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1126185893236246260?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1715826165_M2NkZDdkODdhMjcy&source_impression_id=p3_1715826166_A20M4770EGAtl8AV&modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up</a> listing here, be warned the sweet listing may make you shed a tear or two. Images: Airbnb

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