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Husband of Aussie TV presenter dies two years after his wife's passing

Alan Plummer, husband of TV presenter Erin Jayne Plummer who <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tv-presenter-s-cause-of-death-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> in 2022, has passed away. The 49-year-old passed away in a suspected self-harm incident in Sydney's northern beaches on Saturday, with his death leaving the couple's three daughters orphaned. The tragedy comes two years after his wife, who was a host on Studio 10, died at just 42 years old in May 2022. Erin represented Australia as a synchronised swimmer at three world championships and won 11 national titles, before going on to have a successful career hosting advertorials, appearing on Studio 10, TVSN, Mornings with Keri-Anne and The Morning Show. At the time of Erin's death, Studio 10 host Sarah Harris shared the devastating news with the audience. “For two decades, Erin has been a friendly and familiar face on Australian telly, and for a lot of that she's been brightening up our mornings with her bubbly personality and megawatt smile." “Erin was just a gorgeous human inside and out... We'll miss your sunshine around the studio, Erin Jayne, and all of us here are sending lots of love and strength to her family. You'll be very missed.” A NSW Police Force spokesperson confirmed the Alan's death in a statement to Daily Mail Australia, saying, “Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner regarding the death of a 49-year-old man at Freshwater on Saturday.” Mr Plummer had recently sold the family’s four-bedroom Freshwater home, which they had owned for more than two decades. He was the former director of Shine VIP Tours Australia PTY LTD — a now-defunct company that was shut down in 2020. Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Former Qantas CEO to have bonuses slashed

Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is set to have his bonuses slashed by $9 million. The decision comes after the airline pledged to implement all 23 recommendations made in its review of key governance matters, which were revealed in an update on 2023 financial year executive remuneration. Joyce, who left his role as the Qantas CEO in September 2023, will have his last annual salary with the airline cut by $9.26m, leaving him with $1.8 million. His hefty bonuses were withheld amid mounting pressure from investors following a string of controversies, including the illegal sacking of 1,700 workers, the selling of tickets on already cancelled flights and allegations of anti-competitive behaviour. Qantas released a statement on Thursday saying Mr Joyce's whopping salary led to a number of mistakes that lead to “considerable harm” across multiple areas of the company. “The events that damaged Qantas and its reputation and caused considerable harm to relationships with customers, employees and other stakeholders were due to a number of factors,” the statement read. Following a settlement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the airline admitted to “misleading customers in relation to flight cancellations processes” and with the approval of the Federal Court, will pay a $100m penalty on top of also agreeing to a $20m customer remediation program. Incoming Qantas chairman John Mullen said it was important that the board learns from previous mistakes. “It’s important that the board understands what went wrong and learns from the mistakes of the past as it’s clear that we let Australians down,” he said. “As the national carrier it is our duty to make sure we always act in the best interest of stakeholders and hold ourselves to the highest level of accountability.” Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Alan Jones breaks silence with big announcement

Radio veteran Alan Jones has made it clear that he intends to return to the broadcasting scene, despite facing health setbacks and controversies. In a recent video released to the public, the 82-year-old affirmed his commitment to getting back behind the microphone. Jones, a prominent figure in Australian media, addressed the various challenges he has encountered during his hiatus. Last year, he found himself embroiled in a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-jones-vehemently-denies-bombshell-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">series of allegations</a> reported by Nine Newspapers, which accused him of misconduct involving young men. Firmly denying these allegations, Jones reiterated his stance, labelling the claims as "demonstrably false" and refuting them entirely. “I’m not going to dwell here on the allegations made about me other than I refute them entirely and the inferences associated with them,” Jones said in the video announcement. “But the get-Jones campaign is nothing new in my life.” Despite the legal storm looming over him, Jones departed for London before Christmas, attributing his trip to a promise made to his godson to experience the vibrant theatre scene of London's West End. Dispelling speculations about the purpose of his journey, Jones clarified that his visit to London was not aimed at seeking assistance from his protégé Jake Thrupp, who was reportedly in Bali during most of Jones' stay. Instead, Jones expressed his eagerness to resume his broadcasting endeavours, particularly through the online platform ADH TV, with plans initially set for February of this year. However, unforeseen health issues have posed significant hurdles to Jones' plans for a swift return. Admitting to grappling with persistent health concerns, including "traumatic pain", Jones disclosed that he had been delaying necessary medical intervention. “I have every intention of returning to broadcasting eventually, it is what I do,” he said. “My work has been my life. I could have retired but as I’ve often said ‘if you stop, you drop’.” Recent images capturing him using a walking stick underscored the severity of his condition, prompting him to confront the reality of his physical limitations. Jones candidly shared his health prognosis, revealing that his condition had been assessed as "poor" by medical professionals. Advised to prioritise his well-being, he acknowledged the necessity of addressing his health before resuming his professional duties. “I have suffered no mental ageing," he said, "but I am living with two choices - constant pain where painkillers become totally ineffective or powerful medication with side effects including loss of agility and movement and erratic sleep.” Images: Getty

Retirement Life

How baby boomers are benefiting from Australia's "worst financial mistake"

A financial expert has explained how baby boomers have remained largely unscathed by the ongoing housing crisis in Australia. ABC finance guru Alan Kohler described the crisis as Australia's "worst financial mistake", as Adelaide has now become the country's second least affordable city. The South Australian capital, which has long been known as one of the more affordable places in the country to live, has skyrocketed in price, as the median price for houses and units in Adelaide was $721,376 in January, which is 7.9 times higher than the state's average full-time salary of $91,026. "There are a couple of things that might surprise you: Adelaide became the second, least affordable Australian city last year," Mr Kohler explained. "Adelaide has just taken over from Hobart in second place." "What's going on: put simply, incomes in Adelaide, Hobart and Brisbane are not keeping up with house prices, which are being pushed up by fast-rising population and by first-home buyers." Mr Kohler, a baby boomer, noted that when he and his wife bought their first home in Melbourne for $40,000 in 1980, he was earning $11,500 as a journalist, meaning his home cost just 3.5 times his income before a mortgage deposit. "When my wife and I bought our first house in 1980, the average house price was 3.5 times average income," he said. "Now, it's 7.5 times and rising." "That didn't have to happen: it's Australia's worst, economic mistake." Mr Kohler said parents were increasingly propping up the mortgage deposits of first-home buyers, as first-home buyer subsidies from the federal government only pushed up property prices. "Despite rising prices and crushing interest rates, first-home buyers were the fastest-growing type of borrower," he said. "The Bank of Mum and Dad coughing up early inheritances and politicians showering them with grants and concessions, desperate to appear to be doing something about affordability while actually making it worse." Image credits: Shutterstock / ABC

Money & Banking

Alan Jones vehemently denies bombshell allegations

Veteran Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has found himself at the centre of serious allegations involving indecent assault on multiple young men during the peak of his illustrious radio career. The accusations suggest that Jones exploited his influential position to prey on individuals, engaging in inappropriate behaviour without their consent. Former employees and acquaintances have come forward with disturbing accounts of alleged indecent assaults by Jones. One ex-2GB employee revealed to Nine Newspapers that he was "repeatedly indecently assaulted" during work-related activities, including instances when he drove Jones home. The accuser described a disturbing pattern of escalating misconduct, highlighting the power dynamics at play. Another individual, Odin Childs, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/he-d-go-the-grope-alan-jones-accused-of-indecently-assaulting-young-men-20231205-p5epai.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed that Jones allegedly groped him in 2008</a> while he was working as a waiter at a restaurant. Fearful of repercussions in his professional life, Childs chose not to report the incident at the time, underscoring the perceived influence that Jones held in the Australian media landscape. A third man recounted an unsettling experience in 2008 when he was invited to what he believed was a dinner party at Jones' apartment near the Sydney Opera House. The alleged victim described feeling "scared sh*tless" after an encounter where Jones purportedly "just grabs you and kisses you all over". Jones vehemently denies all accusations, with his legal representatives from Mark O'Brien Legal dismissing the allegations as "scandalous, grossly offensive, and seriously defamatory". Jones' successor on 2GB, Ben Fordham, addressed the sensitive topic on the radio show, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations but emphasising that they remain unproven: "We don't hide around here from tough topics," Fordham said. "The allegations have come from multiple people. But they have not been proven." The allegations against Jones have sent shockwaves through the media landscape, prompting a reassessment of power dynamics within the industry. As the controversy surrounding Jones unfolds, the broader conversation about workplace harassment and abuse of power within the media industry continues to gain momentum. Images: Getty

Legal

7 things you never knew about MAS*H

Did you know M*A*S*H ran more than three times longer than the actual Korean War? It may have graced our screens for 11 years, but you might not know all there is to know about the classic TV series, M*A*S*H. <ol> <li>No one wanted a laugh track – Despite pleas from the show’s producers, the network (CBS) went ahead and added in canned laughter. You might have noticed the laugh track growing quieter and quieter as the years progressed, and in the UK, the laugh track was removed entirely.</li> <li>CBS banned an “unpatriotic” episode – An idea for an episode was shot down by the network for being “unpatriotic”. It involved soldiers standing outside in the freezing cold to make themselves sick enough to be sent home – a tactic actually used during the war.</li> <li>The writers got back at complaining cast members – If ever an actor complained about their script (or asked for changes), the writing team would change the script to make it “parka weather”, making the cast swelter in jackets through days in excess of 32°C on their Florida film set.</li> <li>Patients were named after sports teams – After running out of names for patients visiting the hospital, the writers turned to baseball teams. In season six, four Marines are named after California Angels infielders, while in season seven, they named patients after the 1978 Los Angeles Dodgers.</li> <li>M*A*S*H hosted some big-name stars – Guest appearances on the show include Ron Howard, Leslie Nielsen, Patrick Swayze, Laurence Fishburne and Rita Wilson.</li> <li>The series finale broke records – The two-and-a-half-hour 1983 series finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” was watched by a staggering 121.6 million people in the US alone – back then, that was 77 per cent of households with TV sets. It remains the most-watched episode of a TV show in US history.</li> <li>The time capsule didn’t stay buried long – In the series’ second-last episode, the M*A*S*H gang bury a time capsule. When the show wrapped up, the land used as the show’s set was sold, and a construction worker found the capsule just months later. After getting in contact with Alan Alda to return it, Alda told the worker he could keep it.</li> </ol> Image credits: Getty Images

“Completely harmless”: Alan Jones pictured in blackface

An historical photo of Alan Jones has caused a stir online, with the snap depicting him in blackface. The photo was taken in 1986, with the moment taking place at the Wallabies team function in New Zealand, back when Jones was the coach for the Australian rugby team. The radio shock jock decided to paint his face black as he was impersonating 1920s vaudeville singer Al Jolson. Some of the biggest names in Australian rugby who witnessed Jones's recital have leapt to their old coach's defence, saying his performance was part of a night of harmless fun. Bledisloe Cup-winning Wallabies captain Andrew Slack was quick to defend Jones, as he questioned why the photos, which were taken 37 years ago, would resurface now. “If we turn this into something offensive the world has gone crazy,” Slack told Daily Mail Australia. He went on to explain that his controversial costume was part of a night of harmless fun, as players and coaches took part in a talent show. “We all had to do various things,” he said. “It was basically a fancy dress party to loosen up.” “That would be a reasonably regular thing on a tour in those days, that you'd have some sort of internal party, no one else involved, just the boys.” “Someone putting themselves out to sing when they can't sing or read a poem.” “Alan did an Al Jolson number. He had the hat and the cane and whatever. It was fun.” “That's what it was, completely harmless and good fun. If we turn this into something offensive the world has gone crazy but that's what it was.” You can view the pictures of Alan Jones <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-12651343/Alan-Jones-blackface-Al-Jolson-New-Zealand.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image credits: Getty Images

News

"His hero narrative has massively failed": Qantas staff's brutal response to Alan Joyce's early exit

A former Qantas pilot and several current staff members have recounted the moment they found out about now former-CEO Alan Joyce's early exit from the company. Joyce was planning to retire from his CEO role in November, but shocked the nation on <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-joyce-announces-shock-early-departure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tuesday</a> when he decided he would be stepping back, effective immediately. His resignation comes after 22 years in the role, as Qantas continues to face mounting pressures over unprecedented customer dissatisfaction, and a looming glass action lawsuit over cancelled flights. Upon hearing the news, past and present Qantas employees erupted in celebration. Retired Qantas pilot captain Richard de Crespigny was on board a flight on Tuesday when the news broke mid-air that Joyce was gone, sparking extraordinary celebrations. "I was on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne this morning and when I landed the cabin crew were giving each other high-fives," de Crespigny told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/former-qantas-pilot-richard-de-crespigny-speaks-out-following-ceo-alan-joyce-resignation/18040563-db75-41c4-af7c-b5ed8af84bf6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. Another ground staff member said, "We're celebrating wildly, not just because he's leaving but because his hero narrative has massively failed." Mr de Crespigny, who worked for Qantas for 34 years warned the airline won't regain trust overnight just because Joyce has taken off. "It's built in teaspoons and destroyed in shovel loads," he said. "It takes incredible skill, determination and empathy to build it up; it's got to be protected." Mr de Crespigny went on to say the Qantas business restructure after the travel industry was decimated by the Covid pandemic was not good enough, and the upper management made some terrible decisions. During the pandemic, Mr Joyce locked out employees during an industrial dispute before hundreds of staff lost their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Some of them didn't come out of it well at all. They lost their jobs, they lost their houses, they lost their marriages," de Crespigny said. "The workers that held Qantas up … they really suffered greatly." "And it hasn't been a good vision to see the executive team, the CEO, continue to get bonuses at the expense of maybe baggage handlers and other people that have lost their jobs. This is not a good example of leadership." Image credits: A Current Affair

Travel Trouble

Alan Joyce announces shock early departure

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is stepping down from his position earlier than anticipated, following a period of mounting public and regulatory pressure on the national airline. After dedicating 22 years to Qantas, with a 15-year tenure as its chief executive, Joyce's last day in office was confirmed by Qantas in a statement to the ASX. The airline has been mired in a series of negative headlines for several months, including <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/alan-joyce-grilled-over-cancelled-flights-and-covid-credits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allegations of selling tickets for nonexistent flights</a>, exorbitant airfares, high cancellation rates and issues related to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/alan-joyce-grilled-over-cancelled-flights-and-covid-credits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flight credits</a>. Vanessa Hudson, the incoming leader designated to fill Joyce's shoes, will now take on the role of managing director and group chief executive, effective from Wednesday August 6. This unexpected announcement was made on Tuesday morning, with Mr. Joyce stating, "In the last few weeks, the focus on Qantas and events of the past make it clear to me that the company needs to move ahead with its renewal as a priority. "The best thing I can do under these circumstances is to bring forward my retirement and hand over to Vanessa and the new management team now, knowing they will do an excellent job. "There is a lot I am proud of over my 22 years at Qantas, including the past 15 years as CEO. There have been many ups and downs, and there is clearly much work still to be done, especially to make sure we always deliver for our customers. But I leave knowing that the company is fundamentally strong and has a bright future." Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder expressed gratitude to Joyce for his years of service and leadership but acknowledged that the transition is occurring during a challenging period for Qantas. Joyce's decision to step down came shortly after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission initiated legal action against the airline, accusing it of selling tickets for over 8,000 flights scheduled between May and July of the previous year, even after those flights had been cancelled. Image: Getty

Legal

Alan Joyce grilled over cancelled flights and Covid credits

Outgoing Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has faced a line of tough questioning after appearing in front of a Senate committee on Monday, who questioned his enormous salary in the face of the cost of living crisis. At the explosive public hearing of the select committee on the cost of living, which Joyce had to be summonsed to after repeatedly refusing to attend, the outgoing Qantas chief executive defended the record $2.47bn full-year profit he announced just days earlier. Senators were confused by the extraordinary profit, given Qantas has seen 12 months of soaring customer dissatisfaction and a looming class action lawsuit over the travel credits policy during the height of the pandemic, as well as facing accusations of anti-competitive behaviour, and historically high cancellation rates out of Sydney airport. Joyce defended the profits, saying Qantas had been caught up in a wave of “criticism of corporate profits” due to cost-of-living pressures. As well as the company's incredible profits, Joyce himself, who is walking away from the CEO role at the end of the year, is set to walk away with as much as $24 million in personal pay. Labor senator Tony Sheldon quizzed Joyce on if he feels "embarrassed" over his huge personal salary, given the airline’s soaring complaints and his decisions to restructure the airline to pay employees less. Joyce refused to answer the question, saying the senator was "making a whole series of points that are just incorrect.” Joyce was then grilled on the seemingly "strategic" cancellation of domestic flights, in which some senators, as well as airline competitors, had accused Qantas of booking in flights out of Sydney airport and then cancelling them last minute, to block other airlines from increasing their services. He again denied these claims, stating that Qantas’s cancellation rate on a national level (not out of Sydney specifically) were the lowest of the major carriers, and blamed the cancellations on “supply chain issues” and “air traffic control delays”. Finally, Joyce was confronted over his policy of not refunding travel credits that were issued when travellers' trips were cancelled during the height of the pandemic. In June, Qantas announced more than $500 million in Covid credits remained unclaimed and would expire by the end of the year. While refunds have been offered for some credits, not everyone was able to claim these, and a class action lawsuit is now claiming compensation for lost interest on the credits. At the Senate committee meeting, Jetstar chief executive, Steph Tully, said the number of unclaimed credits now lies at $370 million, however this figure did not reflect Jetstar or overseas customers’ credits. “Around $100m” in Jetstar credits remain unclaimed, on top of Qantas’s $370m, Tully said. Senator Sheldon then slammed Tully for "not being transparent” before asking “what’s stopping you from refunding the money”. Tully replied “lots of reasons”, citing codeshare flights and “half-taken trips”. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Australia’s first TV weatherman passes away at 94

Australian meteorologist and TV presenter Alan Wilkie has died at age 94, just two months after his fellow weather presenter brother Ray Wilkie. Alan passed away peacefully on Monday night surrounded by his three children, Andrew, Katrina and Michelle, according to 9News. The weatherman is being remembered as Australia's first TV weatherman after first appearing on the ABC in 1956. He then joined Nine in the late 1970s and had delivered the weather for the channel for over 25 years. His passion for the weather was obvious as it was estimated that he has read the weather 10,000 times throughout his career. In an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly in 1977, Alan reflected on his first ever TV appearance and he explained that he only applied for the job because his previous employer, the Bureau of Meteorology, insisted. “It was in the very first week of television and I nearly died. I was so frightened. I don’t remember a single thing I said, but it must have been all right,” he said. Alan grew up in the small town of Childers, Queensland and initially wanted to become a teacher but then went on to study science instead at the University of Queensland. His brother, Ray, was also a meteorologist and well-known weather presenter for Network 10. Ray passed away in May at age 98. Images: Nine News

News

Alan Joyce preparing to sell controversial $20 million mansion

Outgoing Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is saying goodbye to more than his long-time role at the airline as he prepares to sell his controversial harbourside mansion. The veteran airline boss purchased the gorgeous North Shore home for a staggering $19 million in May 2022. Soon after he was forced to launch a fierce defence of his excessive spending habits after Qantas announced a whopping $1.9 billion loss. The airline came under fire for poor customer service, extended wait times for flyers, and drama over lost bags and late flights, amid legal action over its move to lay off workers that lead to Joyce launching the defence of his own record as airline boss. He said he was tired of being forced to justify his professional and personal decisions. “Why is it relevant what I do in my private life? I’m not a public figure. People regard the CEO of Qantas as like a politician and it definitely shouldn’t be. It’s a business figure,’ Joyce told The Australian in 2022. “It’s been well reported over the years how much I get paid, so I do have the money because Qantas went to record profits and had a record share price.” According to reports, Joyce is set to sell his short-term blue chip pile in Mosman, overlooking Mosman Bay and move into a generous penthouse in The Rocks. It is understood that Joyce has undertaken some refurbishments on the Mosman home. That paired with the competitive market for prestige homes in Sydney means the home could sell for more than $20 million. The luxe home has been previously owned by former foreign exchange dealer Alison Ethell and her sister, Jane, since 1993 when it cost $1.25 million. Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

"40 years ago today": Alan Alda celebrates MASH milestone

Alan Alda has celebrated the 40th anniversary of the iconic M*A*S*H (MASH) season finale. The series, which ran on CBS from 1972 to 1983, totalled an impressive 11 seasons with 251 episodes - all of which Alan Alda appeared in as the memorable Benjamin Franklin 'Hawkeye' Pierce. However, his credits weren’t limited to just acting, with Alda dabbling in some crew work during his time on the show. And it was Alda himself who wrote and directed the series finale, titled ‘Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen’. The episode ran for two-and-a-half hours, set a ratings record that many consider to be near impossible to beat, and reportedly still holds the title of being the most watched scripted television show episode of all time. In the US alone, over 60% of households tuned in to see the lives of the MASH unit change at the end of the Korean War. Now, 40 years after the episode went to air, Alda has looked back on the milestone, taking to Twitter to celebrate. Alda didn’t so much as have to mention the show’s title, with the show’s legacy doing the work for him. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 40 years ago today. ⌛️❤️ — Alan Alda (@alanalda) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanalda/status/1630617599116558369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> In Alda’s replies, and on social media in general, a screengrab from the episode began to circulate - the word ‘goodbye’ spelled out in rocks on a small hillside - and fans proved eager to reflect and celebrate with him. “40 years ago today we got back 30 min of our Sunday night. I would gladly give 30 min of any night to watch the magnificent writings & acting of that MASH unit again,” wrote one fan, before going on to thank those involved in the production. “MASH is one of my comfort shows and still brings me joy, laughter, and tears no matter how many times I’ve seen an episode,” said another, “thank you.” “Ended before I was even born, yet it's still one of my all-time favorite shows!” shared one fan too young to have caught the original run, but was thrilled to join in on the reminiscing, “I'm even in the middle of a rewatch at the moment!” “When I was a kid, I watched the show with my dad - usually as an excuse to stay up a little bit later and spend time with him,” someone else shared, “I wouldn't trade that for anything. This past summer, I watched it again with my son. Still perfect.” “It was shown later in the year here in the UK,” one fan told Alda, “my dad recorded it on our newly rented VCR. To this day he’s never watched the last episode as he never wanted it to end.” And for those seeking a return to MASH themselves, publicist Danny Deraney shared an emotional clip from the finale to celebrate the occasion, while citing the show’s ratings success. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 40 years ago today, MASH aired its final episode. The episode, directed and Co-written by <a href="https://twitter.com/alanalda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alanalda</a>, became the most watched television program in history. "Goodbye, Farewell, Amen." <a href="https://t.co/a0Qv252oCj">pic.twitter.com/a0Qv252oCj</a> — Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyDeraney/status/1630661000834990081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Twitter, Getty

Going once, going twice! Alan Jones' very own luxury garage sale

Controversial presenter Alan Jones is selling hundreds of treasured personal items. Everything is set to go, from his much-loved Bentley, furniture and sporting memorabilia to artwork, RM Williams boots, encyclopaedias and champagne bottles. It’s all up for grabs. The veteran broadcaster, 81, recently underwent urgent spinal surgery and has enlisted Lawsons Auctioneers to sell an extensive range of possessions. It follows the recent sale and settlement of his sprawling Fitzroy Falls property in the NSW Southern Highlands, south-west of Sydney. Topping the 600-odd list of Jones' possessions is an Arthur Boyd artwork estimated to be worth up to $300,000, along with his beloved 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, which could fetch as much as $90,000. For those after a bargain, prices for items such as photos start from as little as $20. Bidders could also snare a walnut-veneered writing bureau which has been valued between $6000-$8000, a lamp used by former Liberal MP Michael Yabsley ($600 -$800), oak armchairs ($2000-$3000) or a handcrafted grandfather clock ($1000-$2000). The auctioneers have listed a Balinese daybed complete with comfy cushions for as little as $800. If you need a horse float, Jones has one that will go under the hammer for an estimated $6000-$8000. For fellow sports fanatics, there’s an array of cricket memorabilia from greats of the game include Steve Waugh and the late Don Bradman, including signed bats, shirts and gloves. There's also horse-racing memorabilia and a range of photos of Jones with famous Australians such as trainer Gai Waterhouse and late cricket great Shane Warne. For book lovers, a set of four leatherbound books featuring the poetry of Charlotte Bronte is valued between $60-$80 while a set of Australian encyclopaedias which include collectors' item editions could fetch up as much as $200. Items from Jones' wardrobe including RM Williams boots, trainers and Drizabone coats are also up for grabs. Many items are inscribed with the initials AJ, including a Tiffany & Co crystal wine decanter. Items range from Buddha figures, statues, artwork, glass bowls and Wedgewood crockery to a croquet set, kitchen appliances, an untested treadmill, vintage tennis racquets, champagne buckets and an empty six litre bottle of Bollinger. The online-only auction, titled the Alan Jones AO Collection, went live late Sunday night and closes January 14. Image: Facebook

Money & Banking

Alan Jones provides update after illness left him in hospital

Alan Jones has given an update to his health after having to disappear from his show for the rest of the year. The 81-year-old journalist was ordered to take a few weeks off due to an “illness” last month that left him in hospital. He has now taken to Facebook to provide an update on his condition saying he has a bit of rehab ahead of him but is excited for the new year. “I want to thank the thousands of people who have wished me well and offered support during my recent hospitalisation,” he wrote. “It’s something of a cliche to say that if you are going to be sick or require the most intricate surgery, there’s no place in the world better than Australia. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Falanjonesaustralia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02u9juyocF3LzMo5qpEZQACTnUAsicu824uCEiwujd19EMgmL5Z6hJVRJS6V7vBmUTl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="259" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “My doctors and nursing staff were unbelievable; as has been the support from people known and unknown to me. “I have a bit of rehabilitation ahead of me, but if you fall off the horse, the first thing you must do is get back on again. “I’m well and truly in the saddle and riding into a much improved future. “In offering thanks to you all, may I also wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and rewarding 2023.” Alan’s fans and loyal viewers were thankful for his speedy recovery and wished him well for the new year. “So very happy to see you up and raring to go again, Alan. Best wishes!” one comment read. “Alan, Good to hear your recovering,” another wrote. “I’m pleased you are on the mend Alan. Have a wonderful Christmas. You are a national treasure and we must look after you,” someone else commented. Image: Facebook

Caring

Alan Jones offloads farm home for less than expected

After a seven-month campaign, Alan Jones’ farm in the NSW Southern Highlands has finally sold, and is believed to have resulted in a smaller profit than initial hopes. The home was sold for an undisclosed price by Liam Griffiths of Inglis Rural Property to a buyer on a walk-in, walk-out basis, meaning that extras such as furniture are included in the sale. However, it is understood that the property sold for less than the initial desired price of $16-$17.5 million, per <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/alan-jones-sells-southern-highlands-farm-discounted-from-17-5m-high-hopes-2-1186063/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain</a>. First listed in April this year, Griffiths took over the listing in October with a price range of $15 to $16 million. Jones has owned the property, known as Elizabeth Farm and Charleville in honour of his parents, since 2003 and has commissioned a major redesign that saw the two main residences link up with a mutual courtyard, creating a ten-bedroom home. Out of a total of 25 bedrooms, Jones has resided in a two-bedroom wing with a formal and informal living and dining room, a central living room and a home office, while his niece Tonia Taylor and her family have lived in a wing with eight bedrooms, a rumpus room, and central living and dining room. While the home was recently marketed based on its equestrian facilities, it also boasts a tennis court and pavilion built for Taylor and her tennis coach husband, as well as a separate two-bedroom caretaker’s cottage, and a “hootenanny” shed. The property also features landscaped gardens, a private natural forest called Wombat Woods, life-sized elephant and giraffe sculptures, and an ornamental lake and island with dyed water. With the sale of the Fitzroy Falls farm, Jones’ portfolio consists of his Circular Quay apartment purchased for $10.5 million in 2017, as well as his riverfront home in Southport, which he paid $12.25 million for in 2021. Images: Getty Images, Inglis Rural Property

Real Estate

Alan Jones in hospital

Alan Jones won’t be appearing on his regular TV show for a few weeks due to an illness. A member of his team updated his Facebook saying the 81-year-old is in hospital but “all is okay”. “This is to advise that Alan is off air and will be for some weeks,” the post read. “He is in hospital, but all is okay. “Alan apologises to his loyal viewers.” His fans wished him a speedy recovery hoping to see him back on air very soon. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Falanjonesaustralia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0dTMUmmVCEkWY7UyFLUzYxnwjVMb8EeJhmuKHmokNEveGC1PbCxo2W2cQBzrdTfhnl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="220" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “Praying for a full recovery Alan. We need your plain common sense messages to keep us all informed on the political scene,” someone wrote. “Praying for a good recovery Alan, take it easy,” another commented. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, we need your voice so greatly!!” another comment read. “Looking forward to hearing from you after you make a full recovery...rest up and get well soon Alan,” one wrote. “So sorry to hear you are in hospital. I wish you a very speedy recovery,” another read. This is not the first time the journalist has disappeared from his shows due to illness. In the past few years, the former radio host has been in and out of hospital due to the flu, back pain and knee reconstructions. Despite all this, his fans are encouraged to get in contact with him via email on <a href="mailto:alanjones@adh.tv">alanjones@adh.tv</a>. Image: Facebook

Caring

Qantas reports huge loss but even bigger revenue

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has announced a whopping $1.9 billion loss for the 2022 Financial Year. Following almost two years of next to no flights due to the Covid pandemic, Mr Joyce explained that flights are “all full” as they push to get them out of storage. He however revealed that despite air travel resuming, his company has faced a devastating loss but quite an impressive revenue. “The Group had an underlying loss before tax of almost $1.9 billion, and a statutory loss before tax of just under $1.2 billion,” Mr Joyce said. “That brings our total losses since the start of the pandemic to more than $7 billion and takes lost revenue to more than $25 billion. “To put that in perspective, on a statutory basis, COVID cost us more money in the past three years than we made in the five years before that. “The fact we’ve been able to steer through this is remarkable. And now that we are through it, things are improving even faster than we expected.” Mr Joyce then noted the frustration felt by flyers due to delayed and cancelled flights, lost luggage, and labour shortage. He said that they are working toward improving customers’ experience as leisure flying soared to 125 per cent of pre-Covid levels and business travel to 90 per cent. “As many of you have probably experienced, strong travel demand has also brought some difficulties,” he continued. “We knew the recovery was coming and we were ready for the restart. What we weren’t ready for – after 18 months of COVID being suppressed – was such high levels of community transmission and the sick leave that followed. “The rebound in travel demand also coincided with a massive labour shortage. Of course, that shortage has been more acute in aviation because of how many people left the industry during two very uncertain years. “All of this resulted in well-publicised problems: long queues, delayed flights and misplaced bags. “It was incredibly tough for our people and deeply frustrating for our passengers. It simply wasn’t good enough, and for that, we have apologised.” Mr Joyce revealed that the company has hired more than 1,500 staff since April, with more new recruits to come in the next few months. “We’re reducing our domestic flying – in part – to give us more buffer. We are rostering more crew across fewer flights, which means we can better cover sick leave that is averaging almost 50 per cent above normal,” he continued. “We’re also investing more in technology, including an upgrade to our airport kiosks and bag drop facilities, as well as new scanners at boarding gates.” Image: Getty

Travel Trouble

Alan Fletcher's post-Neighbours career change

The highly-anticipated Neighbours finale drew in an <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/ratings-revealed-for-neighbours-finale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian audience</a> of almost one million viewers, and many more overseas. Now, Neighbours royalty Alan Fletcher has revealed a major career change. The 65-year-old actor, who played Dr Karl Kennedy for 27 years after joining the cast in 1994, is now considering an interesting choice in career. Alan told Magic Radio’s Breakfast Show, “Now that I’ve finished Neighbours, I’m thinking about actually going into medicine.” The Perth-born TV star added he had always tried to keep his personal life separate from his on-screen persona, but was now having a change of heart. “While I’ve been on Neighbours, I religiously don’t give medical advice, because I’m really worried of the authorities tracking me down,” he joked. His drastic career news comes after fellow Neighbours castmate Ryan Moloney, who had played Jarrod “Toadie” Rebecchi on the show since 1995, revealed <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/neighbours-star-reveals-next-big-career-step" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his own change</a> away from the small screen. The 42-year-old actor said he was planning to settle into post-Neighbours life as a humble tradie. “I’m not ruling anything out,” Moloney told The Daily Telegraph. “I’m doing civil construction course which is about driving excavators and building roads.” He added, “I like playing with those kinds of machines. I like doing earthworks, all that kind of manual labour stuff." “That’s where I’m at, but who knows where it’s all going to end up?” After 37 years and 8903 episodes, Neighbours finally drew to a close in a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/i-m-not-crying-you-re-crying-viewers-react-to-neighbours-finale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tear-jerking finale</a> last week. Image credits: Getty Images <div id="indie-campaign-rHsIzpAmAj7xkA4llYlH-2" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" data-campaign-name="NCA ENTERTAINMENT newsletter" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1640955600000" data-to="1677502800000"></div> <div class="media image" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.203px; margin-bottom: 32px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> </div>

Qantas chief Alan Joyce’s home egged by unknown vandals

A harbourside property belonging to Qantas boss Alan Joyce has been the target of egg and toilet-paper-wielding vandals. The property, purchased by Joyce and his partner Shane Lloyd for $19 million earlier this year, is believed to have been struck on Monday night, after splattered eggs and toilet paper were spotted littering the roof on Tuesday, per <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/vandals-toilet-paper-and-egg-qantas-boss-19m-harbourside-mansion/news-story/c67d2637924a3ee0c7723feb99a686a8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. Police are yet to reveal any leads on the culprits. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/alan-joyce-vandals.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Alan Joyce’s home was seen covered in toilet paper and smashed eggs. Image: Nine News It comes as Qantas faces public backlash for its treatment of workers and the decline in the quality of its service since flights resumed. Unions have slammed the national airline’s approach to saving money during the pandemic, which saw the company pocket $855 million in jobkeeper payments while two thirds of its 30,000-person workforce were stood down, as well as the outsourcing of 1,683 ground crew jobs - a move deemed illegal by the Federal Court. “Qantas has led a years-long war on workers to control the decline in wages and conditions in aviation,” Transport Workers Union national secretary recently said of the company’s behaviour under Joyce’s leadership. Though cost-saving measures have impacted Joyce’s salary, which was revealed to be $24 million in 2018, he still brings in a hefty $2 million a year post-pandemic. The couple have relocated to the harbourside six-bedroom home from their apartment in The Rocks, neighbours say they have spent little time there since. Images: Nine News / Getty Images

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