Caring

“It was an honour to have met her": Beloved TV star passes away at 96

Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved television personalities, Emmie Silbery, who has passed away at the age of 96 following a long battle with dementia. Emmie captured the hearts of viewers nationwide as a cherished member of the Silbery family trio on Gogglebox Australia, alongside her daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle. On Monday, a heartbroken Isabelle confirmed the news of Emmie’s death with a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram. “Our Emmie, waited for me to come home for one last snuggle,” Isabelle wrote. “Her last words, ‘I’m ready to hang up now’.” Fans knew Emmie for her warmth, wit and wisdom, and for many, she felt like a member of their own family. Her presence on screen from 2015 brought generations together, and her absence in recent seasons was sorely felt. “She was 96, an orphan, a nurse, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, the oldest woman on TV, a great grandmother, an author and so much more,” Isabelle continued in her post. “Thank you for loving her as much as we did and will forever. Have a big rest now — you deserve it. Xxxxx.” Tributes have since poured in from across the country, with fellow Gogglebox cast members and Aussie celebrities expressing their grief and gratitude for having known her. <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/DL1b0z8TCQ9/?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/DL1b0z8TCQ9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Isabelle Richards (Silbery) (@isabellesilbery)</a> </div> </blockquote> “Beautiful Emmie. Words can’t describe what you meant to so many of us,” wrote Angie Kent. “Thank you for the countless laughs, tears, goosebumps and memories! Rest now. Your girls are so loved and looked after.” “It was an honour to have met her. She was a truly special woman. May she rest in peace,” commented Matty Fahd. Longtime co-stars Lee and Keith Riley described their heartbreak in a poignant message: “Our hearts are so heavy with sadness. Emmie was our adopted grandmother to Keith and I as we lost our grandparents years ago. You told us so many stories about your life and now they are memories for us to keep. Rest in peace, sweetheart you’ll never be far from our hearts.” Australian media figures also offered their condolences. Lisa Wilkinson wrote: “I’m so sad to hear the news Isabelle. What a beautiful, talented, giving soul she was, and so loved by us all. I hope she knew that. Glad you got that last snuggle. Sending love to you and your wonderful mum.” Actress Pia Miranda added: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family all the love. She was an icon.” In February 2023, Emmie officially stepped back from the show following her dementia diagnosis. At the time, her family shared the sad news with fans in a heartfelt message, saying, “It’s been a very challenging time for our family and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions. Emmie has been diagnosed with dementia and we wanted to be transparent about this as many families experience it.” Despite her declining health, Emmie made a touching final appearance in January this year during a cast reunion, where she was embraced by her co-stars in an emotional and affectionate gathering. “It was great to see our darling Emmie again,” wrote Lee and Keith in a video post from the day, showing the joy and love she continued to inspire, even in her final chapter. A symbol of strength, humour and family, Emmie Silbery's passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her, both on and off screen. Images: Instagram

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Sole survivor of deadly mushroom meal breaks silence after verdict

The lone survivor of the deadly beef Wellington lunch that shocked the nation has broken his silence, sharing a message of faith and strength as his community continues to grieve. Ian Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor and the only survivor of a meal that killed three members of his extended family, posted a heartfelt message outside Korumburra Baptist Church on Tuesday: “Life can be hard, but God is faithful”. The quiet but powerful statement came just one day after Erin Patterson, 50, was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/guilty-erin-patterson-spends-first-night-behind-bars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found guilty</a> of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Prosecutors said she deliberately served her guests a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at her home on July 29, 2023. The lunch claimed the lives of Don and Gail Patterson – parents of Erin’s estranged husband Simon – and Mr Wilkinson’s wife, Heather. All three died in hospital in the days following the meal. Throughout the high-profile 46-day trial in Morwell, Patterson maintained her innocence, pleading not guilty and claiming she had not intentionally poisoned her guests. But jurors <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/chilling-images-and-cctv-released-after-erin-patterson-guilty-verdict" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unanimously convicted her</a> after hearing harrowing details of the victims’ final days and the toxicology evidence linking the mushrooms to their deaths. In a message attributed to the leadership team at Korumburra Baptist Church, where Mr Wilkinson has been pastor for more than two decades, the congregation asked for privacy as they continue to support both the Wilkinson and Patterson families. “We all greatly miss Heather, Don and Gail, whether we were friends for a short time or over 20 years. They were very special people who loved God and lived to bless others,” the statement read. “It’s been a long journey, and we continue to lovingly support Ian, Simon and all the Wilkinson and Patterson family members through this difficult time.” The church also thanked the community and wider Baptist network for their ongoing support and prayers, reaffirming Pastor Ian’s words: “Life can be hard, but God is faithful, and He is always with us.” Outside the homes of both Simon Patterson and Ian Wilkinson, signs were posted warning members of the media to stay away, with notices explicitly stating that entry by journalists was not permitted and that trespassers would be reported to police. Just a short drive away at Korumburra Cemetery, where Don, Gail and Heather are buried, a handful of mourners paid quiet respects. A modest bouquet of flowers marked Don and Gail’s grave, a poignant reminder of a tragedy that left two small towns in mourning. Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, speaking shortly after the verdict, also urged media and the public to respect the families’ grief. “It’s very important that we remember we’ve had three people die and one person who nearly died and was seriously injured as a result. That has led to these charges,” he said. “I ask that we acknowledge those people and not forget them. I also ask that the Patterson and Wilkinson families be given privacy during this time.” Image: Supplied

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New details after woman attacked by lion at Qld zoo

A woman has lost her arm after a shocking lion attack at a Queensland zoo where she had worked with the animal for more than two decades. Emergency services rushed to Darling Downs Zoo, located near Toowoomba, around 8.30am on Sunday following reports that a lion had mauled a staff member. Paramedics stabilised the woman at the scene before she was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Authorities confirmed the woman suffered severe injuries to one arm, which was later amputated. The zoo issued a statement shortly after the incident, describing the woman as a “much-loved member of our family” who was observing keepers working with the lion when the attack occurred. “This is something that she has done many, many times over the past 20 years,” the statement read. “She is well-versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals. Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it.” The zoo confirmed the lion involved never left its enclosure and there was no risk to staff or the public at any time. In a follow-up message, zoo management clarified the woman was not a keeper nor an immediate family member of the owners, Steve and Stephanie Robinson. They also stressed the lion “will definitely not be put down or punished in any way”. “The animal did nothing wrong. It remains safely within its enclosure,” the zoo said. Police and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. WHSQ personnel have been on site since Sunday morning. A WHSQ spokesperson confirmed the agency had been notified and was assessing the incident. Nationals leader and local Maranoa MP David Littleproud offered his sympathies, describing the event as a “horrific incident”. “This is a tragedy and a shock to not just staff at the zoo, but the entire community,” he said. “I also wish the person involved in the attack all the very best with their recovery and offer support in any small way possible.” Darling Downs Zoo was closed to visitors on Sunday but is expected to reopen on Tuesday. The privately run zoo has been in operation for 20 years and is home to a number of exotic animals, including tawny and rare white lions. The zoo has recently promoted “supervised encounters” with its lionesses, describing the experiences as strictly monitored and designed for both visitor enjoyment and animal wellbeing. “Every cent of the money that they raise goes into a fund to build an expanded multi pride lion complex,” the zoo said in a recent social media post. The full details of the incident remain unclear and are unlikely to be known until the injured woman can be interviewed. Images: Nine News

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Julian McMahon's cause of death revealed

Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his charismatic roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed and Home and Away, has died aged 56. McMahon passed away peacefully on Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer, his wife Kelly confirmed in a heartfelt statement. “With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” she said. “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.” Born into one of Australia’s most prominent families, McMahon was the son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and philanthropist Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his political pedigree, he chose a life in the arts – one that would take him from Australian soap operas to global television success. McMahon first appeared on Australian screens in The Power, The Passion in 1989 before finding broader fame on Home and Away. He later moved to the United States, landing a role on Another World and later recurring parts in Profiler and the hit supernatural series Charmed. His breakout role came as the magnetic and morally complex Dr Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and international acclaim during the show's six-season run. More recently, McMahon starred in the Stan Original Film The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage, and earlier this year appeared in Netflix’s political mystery drama The Residence, portraying fictional Australian Prime Minister Stephen Roos – a role that echoed his real-life connection to Australian politics. McMahon’s personal life was also in the public eye. He was married to singer and actress Dannii Minogue in the 1990s, and later to Baywatch star Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison Elizabeth, now 25. He married his wife Kelly in 2014. Julian McMahon is remembered not only for his talent and commanding screen presence but for the warmth, generosity and spirit that endeared him to family, friends and fans alike. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy in television and film – and in the hearts of those who loved him. A private service will be held in the coming days. Images: Instagram

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Tributes pour in for Peter Russell-Clarke

Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished culinary and creative figures, Peter Russell-Clarke, who has died aged 89 following complications from a stroke. His family confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon, revealing the television chef, author and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday. "In the end it was quite a relief for the family that he wasn't suffering anymore," his son, Peter Russell-Clarke Jr, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-06/peter-russell-clarke-dies-aged-89/105500112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the ABC</a>. Born in Ballarat in 1935, Russell-Clarke’s life was one of reinvention and extraordinary creativity. His career began at just 14, as a junior artist in an advertising agency, before branching out into freelance cartooning and food consulting for magazines like New Idea and Woman's Day. But it was in front of a television camera that he found national fame – and a place in the hearts of millions. Clad in his trademark neckerchief, Russell-Clarke became a household name in the 1980s through his ABC cooking show Come and Get It, best remembered for his cheery catchphrase “G’day!”. Running from 1983 to 1992, the show aired 900 episodes and became one of Australia’s earliest examples of food television success. "I realised that the bloke in front of the camera got more applause than the person who wrote it," he told the ABC in 2017. "So I wrote myself into the series and I became known as a cook rather than a painter or a writer." He wasn’t just a chef on television – he was a tireless advocate for fresh, local ingredients, promoting healthy eating long before it became fashionable. Through his work with the Australian Dairy Corporation, the Australian Egg Board and Kraft Cheese, he brought farm-to-table thinking to the mainstream, years ahead of the trend. His talents were recognised at the highest levels. In 1977, he cooked for the Prince of Wales’s Silver Jubilee dinner. Over the years, he prepared meals for Australian prime ministers, Victorian premiers and the Duke of Edinburgh. Russell-Clarke authored more than 35 cookbooks and was appointed a United Nations food ambassador, his influence extending far beyond the kitchen. "He was a very big character," said his son. "He had strong opinions and liked to share them... It wasn't just a job, it was his life, and that came across in everything he did." That lifelong passion was forged early. After his parents separated, a young Russell-Clarke experienced periods of hardship, including time spent in foster care and on the streets of Melbourne. It was there, scavenging scraps from Victoria Market and observing restaurants at work, that his love for food began. From those humble beginnings came Come and Get It, where he would demonstrate how to cook simple, nourishing meals in just five minutes – introducing a generation to the value of eating well with what you have. But cooking was just one facet of Russell-Clarke’s creative life. Before and after his time on screen, he was an accomplished artist. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he worked as a commercial painter and spent a decade as The Herald’s political cartoonist. His visual art was exhibited across Australia and abroad, collected by institutions including the National Immigration Museum, and even commissioned by the federal government. "[While painting] you're mucking around with colour, form, texture, shape. And with cooking, you're doing the same thing," he told the National Portrait Gallery in 2022. "Cooking is only supplying heat to food. The same as painting. Painting is supplying paint to a surface." His family remembers him not just as a public figure, but as a deeply committed husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jan, their children Peter and Wendy, and three grandchildren. Peter Russell-Clarke leaves behind a legacy woven from food, art, and a boundless curiosity about the world. In kitchens, galleries, and hearts across the country, he will be sorely missed. Images: Instagram

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"Devastated": Football star dies at 28, just days after wedding

Liverpool and Portugal football star Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car crash in Spain, just days after celebrating his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso. The 28-year-old forward was killed alongside his younger brother, 26-year-old Andre Silva, in the early hours of Thursday morning near Zamora in north-western Spain. Authorities confirmed the pair died at the scene after their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and burst into flames. The heartbreaking accident comes less than two weeks after Jota married Rute in Portugal on June 22. The couple, who shared three children, had posted a joyful photo from their wedding day with the caption: “Yes to forever.” Now, that forever has been cruelly cut short. Jota had only recently capped off one of the most successful periods of his career. In May, he helped Liverpool clinch the English Premier League title, contributing six goals across the season. He also featured for Portugal in their dramatic UEFA Nations League final win over Spain last month, coming off the bench in extra time before his team triumphed in a penalty shootout. In a statement, Liverpool FC expressed their devastation: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” it read. “We will be making no further comment at this time and request privacy for the family, friends, teammates, and club staff as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.” Portuguese football is also in mourning. Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, paid tribute to both brothers, describing Jota as “much more than a fantastic player... an extraordinary person, respected by all.” “We have lost two champions,” he added. “The passing of Diogo and Andre Jota represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… <a href="https://t.co/KG4coUHY1P">pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P</a> — Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1940707922608054436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> Jota made almost 50 appearances for the national team and was known as much for his spirited play as for his humility and positivity off the pitch. A minute’s silence was held ahead of Portugal’s Women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday, following a request from the federation. Jota’s career began at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016. He was loaned to Porto and then moved to England, joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. His performances at Wolves were electric, helping the club earn promotion and firmly establish themselves in the Premier League. Wolves, where Jota is still adored by fans, released a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten.” He joined Liverpool in 2018, quickly becoming a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s side. In the 2021-22 season, he played key roles in Liverpool’s FA Cup and League Cup victories, scoring in both final shootouts against Chelsea. Off the field, Jota was a dedicated family man, sharing a quiet life away from the spotlight with Rute and their three young children. The world of football – and the families of both men – are reeling from the loss. Jota was 28. Andre Silva was 26. Images: X (Formerly Twitter)

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Iconic Hollywood star found dead at 67

Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced Hollywood tough guy who made his mark in Quentin Tarantino's blood-soaked cinematic universe, has died. He was 67. The veteran actor was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on Thursday morning and later pronounced dead, authorities confirmed. His manager, Ron Smith, said the cause of death was cardiac arrest. Known for portraying menacing antiheroes and morally ambiguous outlaws, Madsen built a career playing unforgettable characters on the fringes of society – from the ear-slicing Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs to the washed-up hitman Budd in Kill Bill: Vol. 2. “In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film... and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life,” his team – managers Ron Smith and Susan Ferris, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez – said in a joint statement. “He was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.” Over a career spanning four decades, Madsen became a cult figure, equally at home in gritty crime thrillers, indie dramas, and blockbuster fare. His smouldering screen presence, weary stare, and distinctive voice earned him dozens of roles — many of them dangerous, unpredictable, and unforgettable. Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, Madsen was the son of a firefighter and a filmmaker. His sister, Virginia Madsen, is an Oscar-nominated actor. He got his start on stage at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, where he apprenticed under John Malkovich – an experience that shaped his early work in films like WarGames and The Natural. But it was 1992’s Reservoir Dogs that turned Madsen into a cinematic icon. As Mr. Blonde, the sadistic criminal who danced gleefully to “Stuck in the Middle With You” while torturing a cop, he etched one of the most disturbing, charismatic villains in film history. His performance earned praise from critic Roger Ebert, who wrote, “Madsen… emerges with the kind of really menacing screen presence only a few actors achieve.” He was originally cast to play Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, a role that eventually went to John Travolta after Madsen opted instead for Wyatt Earp – a decision he later said he regretted. Still, his collaborations with Tarantino remained a defining element of his career. Beyond Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Madsen appeared in The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, helping bring the director’s stylised worlds to life with quiet intensity and simmering menace. Outside of Tarantino’s orbit, Madsen racked up credits in films like The Doors, Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, Sin City, and even the James Bond adventure Die Another Day. He also lent his voice to video games including Grand Theft Auto III and Dishonored, and published poetry and photography that revealed a softer, more introspective side. Though his name became synonymous with grit and danger, Madsen's passion for art in all forms endured. His independent film work remained prolific until the end, with several projects – Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives – still on the horizon. Madsen was married three times, most recently to DeAnna Morgan. He is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen. His son Hudson tragically died in 2022, a loss that friends say weighed heavily on him. Michael Madsen may have spent much of his screen life on the edge, but behind the gruff exterior was a fiercely devoted artist who never stopped working, creating or chasing the next role. He leaves behind a legacy of fearless performances, an indelible mark on American cinema – as well as a generation of fans who will never hear “Stuck in the Middle With You” the same way again. Images: X (Formerly Twitter)

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‘It feels like I am being forced to harm a child’: Why Aussie teachers are burning out

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Australia is in the grip of a <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/national-teacher-workforce-action-plan">teacher shortage</a>. Teachers are <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-am-exhausted-australian-teachers-speak-about-how-compassion-fatigue-is-harming-them-and-their-work-244519#:%7E:text=I%20found%2073.9%25%20of%20respondents,Victorian%20teachers%20reported%20similar%20rates.">burning out</a>, warning the job is no longer sustainable and leaving the profession. We know this is due to <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-like-banging-our-heads-against-the-wall-why-a-move-to-outsource-lesson-planning-has-nsw-teachers-hopping-mad-188081">excessive workloads</a>, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00049441221086654">stress</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/make-me-a-sandwich-our-surveys-disturbing-picture-of-how-some-boys-treat-their-teachers-228891">abuse</a>. But research suggests there is another element at play: some teachers are also experiencing moral injury. Moral injury occurs when teachers are forced to act against their values – leaving them feeling disillusioned and complicit in harm. In <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2025.2504523">my study</a> of 57 Australian teachers, many shared emotionally-charged accounts of being put in impossible situations at work. <h2>What is moral injury?</h2> Moral injury is when professionals cannot act in line with their values due to external demands. It differs from burnout or compassion fatigue: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303817089_Understanding_the_burnout_experience_Recent_research_and_its_implications_for_psychiatry">burnout</a> stems from chronic stress and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/compassion-fatigue">compassion fatigue</a> comes from emotional overload. Moral injury was initially developed in <a href="https://moralinjuryproject.syr.edu/about-moral-injury/">military psychology</a> but has since been applied to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0969733020966776">healthcare</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2237202#abstract">education</a> – professions where high-stakes ethical decision-making and institutional failures often collide. Previous studies on <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/0002831219848690">moral injury in schools</a> have shown how rigid disciplinary policies, high-stakes testing regimes and chronic underfunding often force teachers to act in ways that contradict their professional judgement. This can lead to frustration, guilt and professional disillusionment. Recent studies have <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2237202">reframed moral injury as a systemic issue</a> rather than an individual psychological condition. This is because institutional constraints – such as inflexible accountability measures and bureaucratic inefficiencies – prevent teachers from fulfilling their ethical responsibilities. <h2>My new study</h2> This research stems from an <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13384-024-00755-8">initial study</a>, which looked at burnout in Australian teachers. The initial study included a national sample of 2,000 educators. This <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2025.2504523">new study</a> is a subset of 57 teachers who participated in follow-up surveys and focus groups. The teachers were a mix of primary and secondary teachers and some also held leadership positions within their schools. While the original study focused on compassion fatigue and burnout, a striking pattern emerged: teachers repeatedly described moral conflicts in their work. <h2>‘It feels like I’m being forced to harm a child’</h2> A key theme of the new research was teachers having to enforce school or departmental policies they believed were harmful. This was particularly the case when it came to discipline. As one teacher described: <blockquote> The policy says I should suspend a student for attendance issues, but their home life is falling apart. How does that help? It feels like I’m being forced to harm a child instead of helping them. </blockquote> Others talked about having to focus on standardised tests (for example, NAPLAN), rather than using their professional judgement to meet children’s individual needs. This is a <a href="https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/opinion-the-fundamental-flaws-of-standardised-testing/273711">contentious issue for teachers</a>. As one high school teacher told us: <blockquote> We’re asked to push students through the curriculum even when we know they haven’t grasped the basics […] but we’re the ones who carry the guilt. </blockquote> A primary teacher similarly noted: <blockquote> Teaching to the test means leaving so many kids behind. It’s not what education should be. </blockquote> <h2>‘It’s heartbreaking’</h2> Teachers also spoke about teaching in environments that were not adequately resourced. In some schools, teacher shortages were so severe that unqualified staff were delivering classes: <blockquote> We’ve got classes being taught by teacher aides […] but that’s because we don’t have enough staff. </blockquote> Or in other classes, students were not getting the help they needed. <blockquote> Larger class sizes and fewer staff mean that the kids who need the most attention are getting the least. It’s heartbreaking. </blockquote> The emotional impact was profound, as one high school teacher told us: <blockquote> At some point, you stop fighting. You realise that no matter how many times you raise concerns, nothing changes. It’s like the system is designed to wear you down until you just comply. </blockquote> <h2>What can schools do to prevent moral injury?</h2> While these findings are confronting, teachers also gave positive examples of what can buffer against moral injury in the workplace. This involved listening to teachers and including them in policies and decisions. One primary teacher told us how their school had changed their disciplinary approach: <blockquote> Our school’s push for restorative justice instead of punitive measures has been a game changer. It lets us address the root causes of issues instead of just punishing kids. </blockquote> Others talked about being asked to collaborate with school leadership to address discipline issues. As one primary teacher said: <blockquote> We helped create a new behaviour management framework. Having a say in the process made all the difference. </blockquote> <h2>What now?</h2> My research indicates when teachers are consistently asked to compromise their ethics, they don’t just burn out, they question the integrity of the entire system. This suggests if we want to keep teachers in classrooms, we need to do more than lighten their workloads. We need to make sure they are no longer placed in positions where doing their job means going against their professional values. This means teachers need to feel heard, respected and empowered in classrooms and schools.<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/258821/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glenys-oberg-1334483">Glenys Oberg</a>, PhD candidate in education and trauma, <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/it-feels-like-i-am-being-forced-to-harm-a-child-research-shows-how-teachers-are-suffering-moral-injury-258821">original article</a>. Image: Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio </div>

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1200 children to undergo testing after child abuse charges laid

Warning: This article contains details of alleged child sexual abuse which may be distressing to some readers. More than 1,200 children are being urged to undergo precautionary health screening after a former childcare worker was charged with more than 70 offences relating to alleged child sexual abuse at a centre in Melbourne’s south-west. Joshua Dale Brown, 26, from Point Cook, has been charged over alleged sexual offences against eight children – aged between five months and two years – at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook, where he worked between April 2022 and January 2023. Victoria Police revealed Brown has worked at 20 childcare centres between 2017 and 2025, with investigations ongoing and additional allegations, including one involving a centre in Essendon, being pursued. Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said the case is “incredibly distressing”, describing the allegations as confronting and involving “some of our most vulnerable people in our community”. The charges laid against Brown include sexual penetration of a child, producing child abuse material, and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety. Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad began investigating in May after they allegedly uncovered child abuse material and executed a search warrant at Brown’s Point Cook home. He had not previously been known to police and held a valid Working with Children Check at the time of his employment. Police said the families of the eight alleged victims were notified last week. “As you can imagine, this was deeply distressing for the families to hear,” said Acting Commander Janet Stevenson, adding that not all centres where Brown worked are believed to be connected to the alleged offences. In a coordinated response, Victoria Police and the Department of Health have contacted more than 2,600 families whose children may have been at centres during Brown’s employment. About 1,200 children have been recommended for infectious disease testing “out of an abundance of caution”, authorities said. Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath said while the public health risk is low, the testing was being recommended due to a potential exposure risk during the relevant period. “We do understand this is another distressing element to the situation and we’re taking this approach as a precaution,” Dr McGrath said, assuring families that any infections could be treated with antibiotics and that there is no broader risk to the public. Letters sent to families on Tuesday stated: “At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that your child has been offended against. If this changes, you will be contacted directly by Victoria Police.” Support lines staffed by professionals have been established, and the government has promised free testing and assistance for affected families. G8 Education, the operator of the Point Cook centre, said it was “extremely distressed” by the allegations and is fully cooperating with authorities. In a statement, the company said all legally required employment and background checks were carried out during Brown’s employment. “G8 Education has no tolerance for any behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children,” the company said. Brown has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court in September. The investigation remains ongoing. Images: ABC News / Supplied

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Play School icon passes away at 86

Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished performers, with the passing of actor and playwright Donald Macdonald, aged 86. The former Play School presenter and prolific stage and screen actor died following a battle with cancer. News of his death was shared on Monday by entertainment reporter Craig Bennett, who described him as “one of our showbiz greats”. Macdonald’s contributions to Australian entertainment stretched across more than four decades. He began his television career in the 1960s, notably appearing on Play School between 1966 and 1969, captivating a generation of young viewers with his warmth and charisma. Beyond the children’s show, Macdonald carved out a distinguished career on the stage and screen. He wrote the hit play Caravan, dazzled on London’s West End, and brought joy to audiences through roles in iconic Australian series including Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop, Skyways, and A Country Practice. His film appearances included Superman Returns, while his stage credits also included Is Australia Really Necessary, A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down, and more. Bennett, who had spent time with Macdonald in his final days, paid tribute with a touching post on social media. “Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen,” he wrote. “Donald was a dapper delight and always great company.” In a poignant detail, Bennett recalled turning Macdonald’s hospital room into a celebration just days before his passing, joined by his cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett. “On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie,” Bennett wrote. “Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying ‘what the heck!’ Vale to a true gentleman.” Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to share their grief and memories. One wrote, “We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald… What a lovely gentleman.” Another added, “A very good man… was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories.” In a heartfelt message, one fan wrote: “A sad day for those left behind who loved this dear gentleman… May he rest in peace.” Donald Macdonald is remembered not just for the roles he played, but for the kindness, humour and generosity he brought to every stage he graced and every person he met. Images: Supplied

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Lung cancer screening is about to start. Here's what you need to know

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> From July, eligible Australians will be screened for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">lung cancer</a> as part of the nation’s first new <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/cancer/screening-for-cancer">cancer screening</a> program for almost 20 years. The program aims to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms emerge and cancer spreads. This early detection and treatment is predicted to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a>. <h2>Why lung cancer?</h2> <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Lung cancer</a> is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer but causes the greatest number of cancer deaths. It’s <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">more common</a> in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, rural and remote Australians, and lower income groups than in the general population. <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Overall</a>, less than one in five patients with lung cancer will survive five years. But for those diagnosed when the cancer is small and has not spread, two-thirds of people survive five years. <h2>Who is eligible?</h2> The lung cancer screening program only targets people at higher risk of lung cancer, based on their smoking history and their age. This is different to a population-wide screening program, such as screening for bowel cancer, which is based on age alone. The lung cancer program <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">screens people</a> 50-70 years old with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as breathlessness, a persisting cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, becoming very tired or losing weight. To be eligible, current smokers must also have a history of at least 30 “<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pack-year">pack years</a>”. To calculate this you multiply the number of packets (of 20 cigarettes) you smoke a day by the number of years you’ve been smoking them. For instance, if you smoke one packet (20 cigarettes) a day for a year that is one pack year. Smoking two packets a day for six months (half a year) is also a pack year. People who have quit smoking in the past ten years but have accumulated 30 or more pack years before quitting are also eligible. <h2>What does screening involve?</h2> Ask your GP or health worker if you are eligible. If you are, you will be referred for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This uses much lower doses of x-rays than a regular CT but is enough to find nodules in the lung. These are small lumps which could be clumps of cancer cells, inflammatory cells or scarring from old infections. Imaging involves lying on a table for 10-15 minutes while the scanner takes images of your chest. So people must also be able to lie flat in a scanner to be part of the program. After the scan, the results are sent to you, your GP and the <a href="https://www.ncsr.gov.au/">National Cancer Screening Register</a>. You’ll be contacted if the scan is normal and will then be reminded in two years’ time to screen again. If your scan has findings that need to be followed, you will be sent back to your GP who may arrange a further scan in <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#the-screening-pathway">three to 12 months</a>. If lung cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a lung specialist for further tests. <h2>What are the benefits and risks?</h2> <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793">International</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(25)00082-8/fulltext">trials</a> show screening people at high risk of lung cancer reduces their chance of dying prematurely from it, and the benefits outweigh any harm. The aim is to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a> by <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#why-screening-is-important">increasing the detection</a> of <a href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/lung-cancer/diagnosis/staging-prognosis/">stage 1 disease</a> (a small cancer, 4 centimetres or less, confined to the lung), which has a greater chance of being treated successfully. The risks of radiation exposure are minimised by using low-dose CT screening. The other greatest risk is a false positive. This is where the imaging suggests cancer, but further tests rule it out. This varies across studies from almost <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in ten to one in two</a> of those having their first scan. If imaging suggests cancer, this usually requires a repeat scan. But about <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in 100</a> of those whose imaging suggests cancer but were later found not to have it have invasive biopsies. This involves taking a sample of the nodule to see if it contains cancerous cells. Some people will be diagnosed with a cancer that will never cause a problem in their lifetime, for instance because it is slow growing or they are likely to die of other illnesses first. This so-called overdiagnosis varies from <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">none to two-thirds of lung cancers diagnosed</a>, depending on the study. <h2>How much will it cost?</h2> The Australian government <a href="https://lungfoundation.com.au/advocacy/national-lung-cancer-screening-program/">has earmarked</a> A$264 million over four years to screen for lung cancer, and $101 million a year after that. The initial GP consultation will be free if your GP bulk bills, or if not you may be charged an out-of-pocket fee for the consultation. This may be a barrier to the uptake of screening. Subsequent investigations and consultations will be billed as usual. There will be no cost for the low-dose CT scans. <h2>What should I do?</h2> If you are 50-70 and a heavy smoker see your GP about screening for lung cancer. But the <a href="https://www.ilcn.org/smoking-cessation-in-lung-cancer-screening-the-latest-randomized-controlled-trial-evidence/">greater gain</a> in terms of reducing your risk of lung cancer is to also give up smoking. If you’ve already given up smoking, you’ve already reduced your risk of lung cancer. However, since lung cancer can take several years to develop or show on a CT scan, see your GP if you were once a heavy smoker but have quit in the past ten years to see if you are eligible for screening. By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-olver-1047">Ian Olver</a>, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</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/lung-cancer-screening-is-about-to-start-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-smoke-or-have-quit-253227">original article</a>. Image: Pexels / Towfiqu barbhuiya </div>

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What causes the 'winter blues' and why is it more common in women?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit “off”. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels. Maybe you’re less motivated to do things you previously enjoyed in the warmer months. The “winter blues” can feel like an inevitable part of life. You might feel sluggish or less social, but you can still get on with your day. However, if your winter blues are making everyday life difficult and interfering with your work and relationships, it could be the sign of something more serious. Seasonal affective disorder is more than a seasonal slump – it’s a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/">recognised psychiatric condition</a>. Here’s what to look for and how to get help. <h2>What is seasonal affective disorder?</h2> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395623001899?via%3Dihub">The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</a> officially recognises seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent major depressive disorder “with seasonal pattern”. In other words, the condition shares many symptoms with major depressive disorder, but it also follows a seasonal rhythm. While this might be most common in winter, the disorder can also occur in <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder">summer</a>. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/">Symptoms include</a>: <ul> <li> persistent low mood or feelings of sadness </li> <li> loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed </li> <li> low energy and fatigue, even after lots of sleep </li> <li> changes in appetite </li> <li> weight gain or weight loss </li> <li> difficulty concentrating </li> <li> sleeping more or less than usual </li> <li> feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness </li> <li> in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide. </li> </ul> Research suggests seasonal affective disorder affects up to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/PRBM.S114906">10% of the global population</a>. Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4673349/">women</a>, people aged between <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4673349/">18 and 30 years</a>, and those living <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08039480902799040">far from the equator</a>, where winter daylight hours are especially limited. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395623001899?via%3Dihub">review</a> of the Australian research on seasonal affective disorder showed the highest proportion of Australians with seasonal affective disorder was found in the most southern state, Tasmania (9% of the population). <h2>What causes it?</h2> Unfortunately, the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is still poorly understood. Some theories propose it is primarily caused by a lack of light in the environment, although we are not exactly sure how this leads to depression. As sunlight is responsible for the production of vitamin D, some have suggested a lack of vitamin D is what causes depression. However, the evidence for such a link is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2530312022000431">inconclusive</a>. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.3/alewy">Others</a> suggest a lack of light in winter delays the circadian rhythms which regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Poor sleep is related to many mental health difficulties, <a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-a-strong-link-between-anxiety-and-depression-and-sleep-problems-and-it-goes-both-ways-76145">including depression</a>. <h2>Seasonal affective disorder can be treated</h2> Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments for seasonal affective disorder. Relief may be found through a combination of approaches. Bright light therapy is usually the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2017/6867957">first treatment recommended</a> for seasonal affective disorder. It involves sitting near a specially designed lightbox (with a strength of 10,000 lux) for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the body’s internal clock. Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to help people develop some flexibility around <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">the negative thoughts</a> that might maintain seasonal affective disorder symptoms (for example, “I am worthless because I never get up to anything meaningful in winter”). Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, time spent outdoors (even on gloomy days), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">can all support recovery</a>. Antidepressants – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">may be prescribed</a> when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when other treatments have not worked. <h2>What else helps?</h2> Even those without seasonal affective disorder might need to fight the winter blues. So, what works? Prioritise social connection Schedule regular, achievable and pleasant <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-024-02722-1">activities with friends</a>, such as trivia at the pub or a brisk walk. Reframe winter Rather than dreading the cold, see if you can embrace what is special about this time of year. The mindset of “<a href="https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge">hygge</a>” (a Danish and Norwegian term for cosiness and contentment) may help. Let winter be your excuse for snuggling on your couch with a thick blanket and hot chocolate while catching up on books and TV shows. Or see if there are any winter-specific activities (such as night markets) where you live. Maximise daylight Taking a walk during lunchtime <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">when the sun is out</a>, even briefly, can make a difference. <h2>The bottom line</h2> If your “winter blues” last more than two weeks, start interfering with your daily life or feel overwhelming, then it might be time to seek professional help. Speaking to your GP or mental health professional can help you get support early and prevent symptoms getting worse.<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/259375/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kelvin-shiu-fung-wong-1468053">Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong</a>, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</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/trouble-getting-out-of-bed-signs-the-winter-blues-may-be-something-more-serious-259375">original article</a>. Image: Pexels / </div>

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Family speaks out after teen found guilty of murdering Melbourne doctor

The grieving family of Melbourne doctor Ash Gordon has spoken of their bittersweet relief after the teenager who stabbed him to death was found guilty of murder. A Supreme Court jury convicted the 17-year-old boy following a harrowing trial in which the youth had already pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated burglary. Dr Gordon was killed in the early hours of January 13 last year after waking to find intruders in his Doncaster unit, in Melbourne’s north-east. He chased the two 16-year-olds into the street, but was fatally stabbed less than a kilometre from his home. The brutal and senseless loss of the much-loved doctor sent shockwaves through his community – and left his family shattered. Speaking to A Current Affair, Ash’s sister Nat said the guilty verdict brought some measure of justice after what she described as a long, “gut-wrenching” legal process. "To get a guilty verdict was a huge relief for the family,” she said. “It will never bring him back but it cements for us that we have everyone behind us." Their father, Glen Gordon, described the emotional toll the trial had taken – and the quiet moment of comfort that came with the jury’s decision. "It's been a struggle, but after the verdict today, it just felt like a big weight has been lifted off our shoulders," he said. "It's still a sad situation, but at least the person got what he deserved." Since Ash’s death, the family has channelled their grief into a push for reform – advocating for tougher bail laws and stronger sentencing for youth offenders. "It definitely doesn't get any easier, nothing will ever bring him back, but a small win was had today – not only by us but the wider community and the justice system,” Nat said. Determined not to let her brother’s death be in vain, she issued a heartfelt plea for change. "At the end of the day, if there is no verdict and no consequences, they will continue to do this,” she said. “It won’t be just my family – it will be every family within the country feeling the pain that we’re feeling, and I never, ever want to inflict that pain on any other family." "I don’t want my brother’s memory to be in vain." Images: A Current Affair

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Shock after true extent of Princess Kate's cancer battle revealed

Shocking new revelations have shed light on the true severity of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ private health battle, with reports now claiming the royal is “fortunate to even be speaking of recovery” following an intense and harrowing cancer fight throughout 2024. In June last year, the princess appeared poised and radiant at Trooping the Colour – waving to crowds and smiling with trademark composure. But hidden beneath her Jenny Packham dress was a semi-permanent port embedded in her chest, a small but vital medical device delivering life-saving chemotherapy. At the time, the extent of her illness remained entirely unknown to the public. Kensington Palace has never confirmed what type of cancer Kate was battling, nor offered a timeline beyond a brief video statement in March. But now, a deeply personal report by the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English has detailed just how critical her condition was – and the lengths the future queen went to maintain a sense of normalcy. English writes that the princess had already been “seriously unwell” before undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. Post-operative testing revealed cancer, prompting immediate chemotherapy and the insertion of the port – a direct line for potent treatment into a vein near the heart. “It was a literal lifeline,” English reported, “which offers no cast-iron guarantee of success, even if you are a royal.” Kate’s courage to appear publicly – even as she endured punishing side effects – was reportedly accompanied by deeply private suffering. Aides have since revealed she endured “months of hell” with multiple hospital visits conducted in secrecy, entering through side doors at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital. The new information arrives in the wake of a last-minute cancellation at Royal Ascot earlier this month, where palace insiders reportedly reacted with alarm after the princess withdrew just 30 minutes before her expected arrival. Rumours briefly swirled that she required urgent medical attention, a sign that her recovery remains fragile. Sources say the ordeal has prompted Kate to “recalibrate her entire life”, with royal duties to be dramatically scaled back for the rest of the year. She is still expected to attend Wimbledon and join the French state visit in July, but a broader return to public life appears uncertain. An overseas tour remains unlikely, and Prince William is expected to travel alone to Brazil in November for the Earthshot Prize. As one palace insider put it, the recent upheaval is “a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo… It can take years [to recover].” While Kate is now said to be through treatment, the question of when – or if – she will return to a full royal workload remains unanswered. As English wrote earlier this year: “The Princess of Wales has been to hell and back.” Now, it’s clear just how far she had to travel – and how much strength it took to return. Images: Instagram

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1960s teen idol turned real-life hero dies aged 81

Bobby Sherman, the beloved pop star whose boyish charm, soulful voice and shaggy mop of hair made him a teen idol in the 1960s and ’70s, has died at the age of 81. The singer, actor and later paramedic passed away holding his wife’s hand, after a courageous battle with stage four cancer. Sherman’s wife, Brigitte Poublon, shared the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, with family friend John Stamos posting her tribute on Instagram. “Bobby left this world holding my hand – just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage,” she wrote. “I was his Cinderella, and he was my prince charming. Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That’s who Bobby was – brave, gentle, and full of light.” <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/DLSmV0HJ8n9/?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/DLSmV0HJ8n9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Stamos (@johnstamos)</a> </div> </blockquote> For millions, Sherman was the clean-cut dream of a generation. His smiling face graced the covers of Tiger Beat and Sixteen magazines, his songs filled bedrooms, and his posters adorned the walls of adoring fans. With hits like Little Woman, Julie, Do Ya Love Me, and Easy Come, Easy Go, he secured his place in pop history. At his peak, he landed at eighth in TV Guide’s list of TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols. But beyond the fame and flashing cameras, Sherman chose a quieter, nobler path. In 1988, he turned away from the spotlight to serve his community, becoming a paramedic and trainer with the Los Angeles Police Department. His wife reflected on that choice: “He saved lives. He showed us what real heroism looks like – quiet, selfless, and deeply human.” Sherman’s career began in the mid-1960s on ABC’s Shindig! and soared with roles on Here Come the Brides and Getting Together. He filled arenas, appeared on lunchboxes and cereal boxes, and released six albums that made the Billboard 200 chart. But as he later admitted, the pace of stardom took its toll. “It was so hectic for three years that I didn’t know what home was,” he once said. Sherman is survived by his sons, Tyler and Christopher, and six grandchildren. His family, while grieving, says they feel the warmth of his legacy – his voice, his music, and above all, his kindness. Stamos paid tribute to Sherman with a simple farewell: “From one ex teen idol, to another – rest in peace Bobby Sherman.” Images: Instagram

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Bali shooting victim's widow shares heartbreaking letter

The grieving wife of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/new-details-emerge-after-aussie-shot-dead-in-bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Australian man who was shot dead while on holiday in Bali</a> has delivered a heartbreaking tribute, describing him as “the best dad in the world” as she faces the task of raising their six children alone. Jazmyn Gourdeas, whose husband was gunned down during what Indonesian authorities allege was a brutal premeditated murder, shared her sorrow in a handwritten letter read by the family’s lawyer at a press conference on Tuesday. “My husband was a loving man and the best dad in the world. Now I have the unimaginable task of going home to tell [the kids] that he’s no longer here,” the letter read. Ms Gourdeas also thanked Indonesian police for their support and pleaded for privacy so her family can grieve. Family lawyer Sary Latief said Ms Gourdeas was struggling to cope with the tragedy. “She doesn’t have the appetite to eat, she’s lost a lot of weight, she looks very pale, she’s really worried, she wants to go home,” Ms Latief told reporters. Ms Gourdeas’ mother and brother have travelled to Indonesia to support her during this harrowing time. The violent attack unfolded on June 14 inside a villa the couple had rented in Bali to celebrate Ms Gourdeas’ 30th birthday. Police <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/three-aussie-men-may-face-death-penalty-over-fatal-bali-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allege that three men</a> forced their way into the property, where Mr Radmanovic was beaten before being fatally shot. Another man, Sanar Ghanim, was also shot but managed to escape. Ms Gourdeas, who witnessed the horrific incident while hiding from the attackers, is now left to care for six children aged between nine months and 13 years, including three children with epilepsy who require ongoing medical care. Close friend Jamie Lee has launched a fundraiser to support the family, describing the loss as “sudden and devastating”. “Now Jazmyn faces the unimaginable challenge of caring for their large family alone,” she said. “The weight of single motherhood is beginning to weigh on her.” Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya confirmed that three Australian men have been arrested over the alleged murder. “We are certain these three are the perpetrators. They are Australian nationals according to their passports,” he said. If convicted of murder under Indonesian law, the accused could face the death penalty. Images: Facebook

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Why women turn to illegal cannabis despite rising medical demand

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> The number of women using medicinal cannabis is growing in New Zealand and overseas. They use cannabis treatment for general conditions such as <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jwh.2020.8437">pain, anxiety, inflammation and nausea</a>, as well as gynaecological conditions, including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40445778/">endometriosis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39766334/">pelvic floor conditions</a>, and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10314536/">menopause</a>. However, their experiences with medicinal cannabis remain under-explored in research and overlooked in policy and regulation. As our work shows, they face several gender-specific barriers to accessing medicinal cannabis. Some of these hurdles lead women to seeking cannabis from illegal markets. New Zealand introduced the <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/medicinal-cannabis/about-the-medicinal-cannabis-scheme">medicinal cannabis scheme</a> five years ago to enable access to legal, safe and quality-controlled cannabis products for any condition a doctor would deem suitable for a prescription. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39418607/">recent analysis</a> found the number of medicinal cannabis products dispensed has increased more than 14-fold since 2020, with more than 160,000 prescriptions administered during 2023/2024. In the first two years of the scheme, women were the primary recipients of medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of prescriptions issued to female patients <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-regions-age-groups-and-ethnicities-using-the-most-medicinal-cannabis/LNG7NHEDI5GYJMG6SCER7B3HKQ/">doubled to 47,633</a>. Our findings from a <a href="https://nzdrugtrends.co.nz/">large-scale national survey</a> show that although women perceive physicians as supportive of prescribing medicinal cannabis, they were less likely to have prescriptions than men. This is similar to <a href="https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-00992-1">findings from Australia</a>. Potential reasons include the <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/annual-update-key-results-2022-23-new-zealand-health-survey">cost of visiting health professionals</a>, unpaid care-giving duties, lower workforce participation and a <a href="https://www.women.govt.nz/women-and-work/gender-pay-gap">pay disparity</a> – all creating barriers to accessing health services. Women were also more likely not to disclose their medicinal cannabis use to others, citing it would be less accepted by society because of their gender. <h2>Gendered risks in illegal cannabis markets</h2> Our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2025.2481297?src=#d1e531">latest study</a> aligned with <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1536">Australia</a> in finding that women often seek cannabis from illegal sources because of perceived lower prices. Many could not financially sustain accessing legal prescriptions because medicinal cannabis is not funded by New Zealand’s drug-buying agency Pharmac. Study participants discussed the health risks of accessing illegal cannabis such as consuming products without knowing how strong they are or whether they have been <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/tga-warns-consumers-about-potential-harm-unlawfully-supplied-medicinal-cannabis">contaminated</a> with harmful substances. They also characterised illegal cannabis markets as unsafe and intimidating for women, with little legal protection and the presence of predatory male sellers. Some even described gender-specific experiences of physical assault, intimidation and sexual harassment, particularly when cannabis buying occurred in drug houses or locations controlled by the seller. Women accessing medicinal cannabis in illegal markets increasingly relied on female suppliers, viewing them as safer and more reliable. Some also helped connect others to these suppliers and used social media to warn other women of unsafe male suppliers. This created informal women-led support networks for access. <h2>Accessing legal prescriptions</h2> <figure class="align-right "><figcaption></figcaption></figure> One of our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2025.2476989">recent studies</a> found many women begin their journeys with medicinal cannabis online via social media, often leading them to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-09021-y">cannabis clinics</a> with a strong digital presence. Women are now a growing demographic for specialised medicinal cannabis clinics in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32019776/">New Zealand</a> and in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229921000819">other countries</a>. Cannabis clinics have a reputation among medicinal cannabis consumers for being more knowledgeable and positive about treatments than general practitioners and other health providers. Women have been encouraged by positive online testimonies from other women using cannabis treatments for gynaecological and other conditions. Female medicinal cannabis patients also described the financial burden of accessing a prescription, including consultation fees and the costs of products as barriers to access. Their relationships with their GPs strongly influenced their decision to seek a prescription. Those with prior experiences of having their pain underestimated or misdiagnosed in mainstream care were more likely to source legal medicinal cannabis from cannabis clinics. <h2>Policy and practice</h2> The current scientific evidence for using medicinal cannabis for gynaecological conditions is still emerging. Clinical trials are under way in Australia to evaluate cannabis treatment for <a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/nicmhri/research/research_projects/medicinal_cannabis_and_endometriosis">endometriosis and period pain</a>. Women’s reliance on online sources and personal recommendations to learn about medicinal cannabis highlights a gap in public awareness and government education about the legal prescription scheme. <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/hc/HC22122">Hesitance to discuss and recommend cannabis</a> treatment among GPs also persists as a barrier to access. Online peer networks on social media platforms are promoting women’s agency and informing their decision making around medicinal cannabis, but also raise the risks of misinformation. Although marketing of medicinal cannabis to women may improve their engagement with the prescription scheme, it may also put them in a vulnerable position where they are encouraged to pursue expensive treatment options which may not be effective. The collective findings from our studies indicate complex financial, social and systemic factors affecting safe and equitable access to medicinal cannabis for women. To improve women’s engagement with New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis scheme, we suggest GPs should have informed and non-stigmatising discussions with female patients to explore when medicinal cannabis might be an appropriate treatment option. Better access to good official consumer information about medicinal cannabis and greater investment in clinical trials for gynaecological conditions would also improve and support women’s decision making about their health.<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/258797/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vinuli-withanarachchie-1278697">Vinuli Withanarachchie</a>, PhD candidate, College of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-wilkins-1110463">Chris Wilkins</a>, Professor of Policy and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marta-rychert-1108013">Marta Rychert</a>, Associate Professor in Drug Policy and Health Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey 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/more-women-are-using-medical-cannabis-but-new-research-shows-barriers-push-some-into-illegal-markets-258797">original article</a>. Image: Pexels / Binoid CBD and Alesia Kozik </div>

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4yr old fighting for life after Bali accident

A young Adelaide girl is fighting for her life in hospital after a horrific accident while on a family holiday in Bali. Four-year-old Marigold Jessie – lovingly known as Goldie – suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain after falling from a treehouse at the family’s villa. The much-loved little girl was rushed to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain. In a race against time, Goldie was then flown back to Adelaide and taken straight to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where she remains in intensive care. Her aunty, Sophie McInnerney, said the family was devastated but holding onto hope. “Goldie isn’t a stranger to hospitals … it’s where she spent the first 100 days of her life after she was born at just 25 weeks,” Ms McInnerney said. “Goldie has an incredible fighting (and feisty) spirit and is the bravest little soul we know, but she has a long road ahead to recovery. Lucky for Goldie, she has the most doting and dedicated parents in Nick and Carly who will be there holding her hand the whole way.” Ms McInnerney has set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/marigold-jessie-and-her-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a> to help support the family during this incredibly difficult time. The fundraiser has already raised more than $63,700 in just two days, as people from near and far rally around the family. “They are going to need a lot of love and support to get through this,” Ms McInnerney said. “Every little bit helps ease the enormous emotional and financial strain they’re under.” The family remains by Goldie’s bedside, willing her to recover, as friends and strangers alike send messages of hope and strength. Images: GoFundMe

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Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

The cricket world is in mourning following the death of David “Syd” Lawrence, the pioneering fast bowler who became the first British-born Black cricketer to play for the national side. Lawrence, 61, passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, a diagnosis he received just last year. The former Gloucestershire star, remembered as much for his generosity and spirit as for his fearsome pace, was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recognition that filled him with pride in his final months. “It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name,” he said just last week. “I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.” Lawrence’s family confirmed his passing in a statement filled with love and sorrow. “’Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” they said. Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a “trailblazer” and a man who made an “indelible mark” on the sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected on his extraordinary legacy: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes... Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.” Lawrence’s international career, which promised so much, was cruelly cut short by a devastating knee injury during England’s 1992 tour of New Zealand. He played five Tests but left an unforgettable impression, not least for his fiery pace and unrelenting passion. His beloved Gloucestershire Cricket Club, where he played 280 matches over 16 years and later served as president, expressed their devastation. “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.” Before England’s clash with India at Headingley, the cricketing world paused to remember Lawrence, with stars including Ben Stokes joining in a minute’s applause – a small gesture to honour a giant of the game whose courage, charisma and kindness touched so many. Lawrence’s loss leaves a hole in the heart of English cricket – a reminder of a player who not only broke barriers but inspired generations. Images: England and Wales Cricket Board / X (formerly Twitter)

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"Her light touched millions": TV chef found dead at home

Beloved chef and television personality Anne Burrell has died at the age of 55, leaving fans, colleagues and loved ones heartbroken. The Food Network star was found unconscious at her Brooklyn home on Tuesday morning, local time, and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services, according to the New York Police Department. The cause of her death has not yet been determined, with authorities confirming that an investigation is ongoing. Burrell’s family shared a moving statement, remembering her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend”. “Her smile lit up every room she entered,” the statement read. “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit and boundless love remain eternal.” The Food Network also paid tribute to the culinary icon, describing Burrell as “a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.” “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss,” the network’s statement continued. Burrell’s sudden passing came just days after she shared a cheerful selfie on Instagram, appearing happy and healthy. Known for her signature spiky blonde hair and vibrant personality, Burrell built a career that inspired home cooks and professionals alike. She married Stuart Claxton in 2021, becoming stepmother to his son, Javier. The couple wed in Burrell’s hometown of Cazenovia, New York, in a ceremony filled with joy and personal touches that reflected her zest for life. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Burrell honed her craft in Italy before returning to the US, where she worked in renowned kitchens and later taught at the Institute of Culinary Education. Her television break came as a sous chef on Iron Chef America in 2005, followed by her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which ran for eight seasons. She also became a familiar face on Worst Cooks in America, Chopped, Chef Wanted, and other Food Network programs. Only months before her death, Burrell welcomed viewers into her colourful Brooklyn loft, a space she described with characteristic humour and charm. “Everything here is a little crooked, and I think that suits me just well,” she said at the time. “I think I’m a little crooked, so I feel right at home here.” Anne Burrell’s sudden loss leaves a void in the culinary world, but her influence – and the joy she found in sharing her passion for food – will not be forgotten. Images: Instagram

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