Search

Farmer Wants a Wife star breaks silence after split

Farmer Wants a Wife fan favourite Farmer Andrew has confirmed his split from Claire Saunders after the pair cancelled their upcoming wedding. The pair, who met each other on the 2023 season of the show, initially shared that their wedding had been postponed in July for “reasons out of our control”. On Monday, Andrew confirmed that the relationship ended in a lengthy Instagram post. “It feels the right time to share what’s been happening in my life on the farm and beyond,” he began. “For someone who’s more used to being surrounded by sheep and nature than the buzz of social media, this is a bit out of the box. But here goes.” He explained that a few years ago he wanted to share the farm life with "someone special" so he decided to sign up for the show. “I never imagined meeting such an amazing group of women, each with their own spirit and story. It was exciting and humbling, reminding me of how important love and connection are,” he said. “Amidst it all, one extraordinary woman captured my heart, and we decided to give it a shot. “We moved in together, dreaming of a future where our love would grown alongside the farm. It was fast-paced, passionate and fun. He continued saying that life had other plans for them and despite their love and effort, "sometimes things just don’t work out." “Living together brought its own challenges, and we realised our paths weren’t meant to stay intertwined.” He said that while it was "sad" the relationship had to end, they gave it their all. “Though it didn’t lead us where we hoped, it helped us grow. It’s been a huge outlay of heart and soul. And while it’s painful to walk away, we’ve both emerged stronger, wiser, and more attuned to what really matters.” He then went on to thank his family, friends and followers who helped him through tough times, and shared his plan going forward. “As I move forward, I’m choosing to celebrate the love we shared, the lessons learned, and the strength gained. “No regrets, just gratitude. Now, it’s time to dive back into farm life. here’s never a dull moment with the challenges, adventures and pleasures that come from living and working on the land, and I look forward to sharing this journey, hoping we can all find inspiration," he ended the post. The former couple announced their engagement in March 2021, after Claire moved to Andrew's farm in Narromine, regional NSW. Images: Instagram

Relationships

"Violent threats": The Block star opens up after sudden exit

Paige and Jesse, contestants on the 2024 season of The Block, have finally addressed the intense backlash they've received following their portrayal on the popular reality show. The couple, who became social media’s latest "villains" due to multiple on-screen arguments, have opened up about the toll it has taken on their mental health. Fans of the show have accused the duo of having a "toxic relationship", and some online commentators have left harsh, often cruel comments directed at them. The 27-year-old Paige expressed her dismay at the negativity, calling it "really sad" to see so many of her fellow contestants also receiving hate. “It's just a TV show as well," she told <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/lifestyle/what-you-dont-see-on-tv-the-block-star-on-horrific-consequence-of-being-a-reality-villian-053436673.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo Lifestyle</a>. "I don't think it's appropriate whatsoever.” The attacks have gotten so bad that Paige revealed that Jesse has taken control of her Instagram to filter hateful messages, and she has deleted her Facebook presence completely, to avoid the barrage of negativity. In her interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, Paige revealed how serious the situation has become, explaining that the constant harassment has led her to turn off comments on her social media to safeguard her “sanity”. “I've had a lot of death threats, violent threats, and nasty comments that are unimaginable. I turned the comments off for my own wellbeing,” she said, explaining that the online abuse began almost immediately after the first episode aired. While Channel Nine has provided counselling and mental health resources for them, Paige says that her biggest support has come from her family and from Jesse. Her family, who have moved in with them temporarily, have been a source of strength, with Paige explaining that her brother also experienced severe online bullying when they were younger. “I think just being around grounded people, it's a lot harder to fall into those traps,” she shared. Jesse also opened up about the difficulties of watching themselves on TV, admitting that the negative portrayal has made them question their self-identity. However, they’ve found comfort in reconnecting with their co-stars, who remind them of the fun, positive moments that weren’t aired. “You start to question yourself when you’re watching yourself on TV,” Jesse said, adding that they often reflect on the good times during filming, despite what viewers see. Despite the negative attention, Paige and Jesse have also experienced an outpouring of support. Following Paige’s <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paigebeechey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">candid three-part TikTok series</a>, where she revealed details about their experience on the show and their decision to leave on bad terms, the couple received a flood of encouraging messages. “The response that I got was pretty huge,” Paige said. “I received so many wonderful messages from women, men, current contestants, past contestants.” Jesse echoed her sentiments, sharing that for every few negative comments, there were significantly more positive ones. “It’s like, okay, there actually are people who understand and care and realise that it's more than just a show,” he said. As part of her post-exit TikTok series, Paige levelled a parting shot at the long-running renovation show itself, saying “The Block is over to me. All I want to do now is implore the network that when this show continues, there needs to be serious reform on how you prepare contestants.” Images: Channel Nine

ATO urges Aussies to cash in on nearly $18 billion in lost or unclaimed super

The Australian Taxation Office is urging people to check whether they are eligible to cash in on almost $17.8 billion in lost or unclaimed superannuation. Lost super is when your fund has lost touch with you or your account is inactive, and this can occur if you've changed your name, moved homes or changed jobs, without updating your details. The lost super becomes unclaimed when your fund transfers this lost money to the ATO. "Since 2021, the ATO has reunited almost $6.4 billion of unclaimed super with its owners. But there is still more than $17.8 billion waiting to be found," ATO deputy commissioner Emma Rosenzweig said. "If you've changed jobs, moved house or simply forgotten to update your details, you may have lost or unclaimed super. "We're urging Australians to check if some of the $17.8 billion in lost and unclaimed super belongs to them." As of June 30, 2024, super funds and the ATO are holding lost super for over 7.1 million accounts, with retirees among those with lost or unclaimed super. The ATO revealed it was holding $471 million on behalf of those aged over 65. “Superannuation is a key part of your retirement, and we want to make sure Australians are claiming the investment they’ve worked for,” Rosenzweig said. You can check for lost super online through the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/growing-and-keeping-track-of-your-super/keeping-track-of-your-super/super-health-check#ato-Check3Checkforlostandunclaimedsuper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ATO</a>. For those wanting to search for unclaimed cash, including unclaimed refunds, share dividends, uncashed cheques and more, you can visit <a href="https://asic.gov.au/for-consumers/unclaimed-money/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">federal</a> and state websites to see if you have anything owed to you. Unclaimed money is cash owed to people who can't be located, either due to name or address changes, lost paperwork or just forgot about the cash. Image: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Aussies outraged over price of staple snack

Australians have expressed outrage over the price of Tim Tams, after one Reddit user spotted the staple snack being sold in stores and online for $6 per pack. “I (remember) when a double pack used to only be about $4.50. F**k this shit,” the user who posted the photo stated. Others blasted the price hike as excessive and "un-Australian". One commenter pointed out that the iconic Australian biscuit was potentially cheaper overseas, despite the import taxes. “That’s in Australia? They’re half that in Canada and they have to import them from Australia,” one said. “Like many other shrunken and quality reduced products I can live without them," another added. Arnott's traditional flavours are currently listed at $6 in Coles and Woolworths, while a family packet will set buyers back $7. An Arnott's spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the price hike was due to increased input costs. “Like most Australian manufacturers, we are experiencing a significant increase in our input costs, including the surging price of cocoa," the spokesperson said. “This has led us to make the difficult decision to increase the price of our Tim Tam biscuits. “We continue to invest in promotional programs with our retailers year-round, to ensure consumers can buy our products at great value prices. ‘The changes are necessary for Arnott’s to remain competitive as an Australian manufacturer and to continue to make the delicious products Australians know and love.” Image: Reddit

Money & Banking

Heritage Aussie number plate to fetch over a million

A South Australian number plate is expected to sell at auction for over a million dollars. The sought-after No. 8 Plate was first issued in 1906 to Arthur Ernest Ayers, the son of South Australian businessman and politician Sir Henry Ayers, the original owner of the Ayers House in Adelaide. The number plate became available for the first time in February this year, with the online auction going live late last month. Almost 1,700 bids have already been made, with the leading bid as of Monday morning at around $1.32 million with the auction closing at 7pm (local time). “It’s very rare and very special,” Historic Plates auctioneer, Stewart Kay, said. The last time the SA Government issued a single digit number plate was in 1985, when plate No. 7 was sold. “These plates are all about the paperwork, so having a set of number plates hanging in grandad’s shed might not necessary confer ownership.” He added that the plate would likely be sold to a prominent Adelaide businessman for around $1.3 to $1.5 million. This is a record price for a South Australian number plate, with the previous highest being for a SA No. 1 Plate commemorating the Adelaide Grand Prix, which fetched $593,000 in 2020. Kay added that the older the number plate and lower the number, the higher the return expected at auction. “Number plates are a very historic connection back to 120 years ago when they were first issued,” Kay said. “They’re sort of triple threat, they look fantastic on a car, they have a great return in terms of investment and they have a certain level of prestige to them.” Anyone can purchase the rights to a number plate, however the plates can only be affixed to a vehicle that is registered to the state it belongs in. In New South Wales, a No. 1 plate surpassed its $10 million estimate and was sold for $12.4 million in January. Earlier this year, Victoria’s "luckiest" number plate with the number 888-888 sold for an eye-watering $230,000 to an anonymous buyer after it was privately owned for the past 30 years. Image: 7News

Money & Banking

7News star lashes out at criticism over news segment

Comedian Mark Humphries has hit back at critics, responding to the criticism surrounding his satirical segment on Channel Seven's evening news. Many viewers responded angrily to his new gig after the first airing of The 6.57pm News that airs on Friday night, with Humphries admitting he found the controversy over the lighthearted segment "bizarre". “I was so stunned because I did five years at 7.30, the ABC’s flagship current affairs program, which I think of all the shows to have a comedy segment, that’s even less likely to have one,” he told <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stellarmag/?hl=en">Stellar Magazine</a>. “I didn’t know people felt so strongly about the 6 o’clock news and how its integrity must be defended. And, you know, it’s the last three minutes at the end of the week before Better Homes And Gardens. I’ve said this before, but the great thing about The 6.57pm News is that if you want to avoid it, you know exactly what time to tune out. [The reaction] was bizarre.” He added: “The worst thing that was said about me, that stays with me is, ‘I look like a Ken doll gone wrong!’” The addition of the satirical segment came courtesy of newly appointed news director Anthony De Ceglie who said the segment “will use satire to cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss”. When the comedy segment first aired in July, many were quick to voice their disapproval. “This was an appalling segment … hire, rather than sack, journos,” said one on 7News’ social media. “It was a deplorable segment that has no place in a news bulletin,” another added. Image credits: Seven

Landmark aged care reforms set to benefit millions of Aussies

The federal government has reached a deal with the coalition for the long-awaited aged care reforms including $4.3 billion for in-home services. This means that senior citizens will be given more support and choice to live their golden years in dignity, as they intend to help them live at home for longer and improve conditions and protections for those in aged care facilities. "$4.3 billion will be invested in Support at Home, to come into effect on the first of July next year," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at Parliament House on Thursday. The Support at Home package is expected to help 1.4 million Australians live independently at home with support, before going into aged care by 2035. It will provide support for nursing, occupational therapy and day-to-day tasks like cleaning, showering, dressing and shopping, with wait times for packages cut from 12 to three months. The government will also pay all of the cost of clinical care services, with a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs. Those using the Support at Home program could also get $25,000 in aid to spend their final three months at home, instead of the hospital. The $5.6 billion reform package is also set to affect the availability of funding for residential aged care, including a "no worse off" assurance that people currently in aged care won't be asked to pay more for their care. New aged care quality standards will also be implemented to improve the sector and drive higher-quality care. The government also promised more resources to investigate and penalise bad behaviour by providers. Albanese said the reforms will be the "greatest improvement" to the aged care sector in 30 years. “This is about caring for the generation that cared for us,” he said. “We will deliver historic aged care reforms to ensure the viability and quality of our aged care system and support the growing number of older Australians choosing to retain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.” Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the changes would lead to more services for older Australians. “Our reforms will create better and safer care, help reduce the fear of a system that has been neglected for far too long,” she said. The reform has been welcomed as the number of Australians over the age of 65 is expected to double and those older than 85 are predicted to triple in the next four decades. Images: Shutterstock

Caring

Aussie icon has all four Olympic medals stolen in brazen robbery

Four-time Olympic champion Drew Ginn has had his medals stolen in a bold robbery. Three gold medals and a silver medal were taken from the rower's Land Rover on Thursday night. Ginn, 49, won medals at four games, one from Atlanta in 1996, Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. The theft occurred between 9pm on Thursday September 6, and 5am Friday September 7, at Docklands in Melbourne's CBD, and police have asked the public to keep an eye out for the medals at pawn shops and online marketplaces. “Mr Ginn’s Olympic medals had been left in his car due to a speaking engagement at a school,” police said. The thief also took a Rip Curl wetsuit, a Go Pro camera, and Sony headphones. Melbourne crime investigation unit Detective Sergeant Timothy Reiher said the medals were “unbelievably rare items with significant sentimental value”. “Olympic medals are awarded to the best of the best and are priceless to their recipients.” “We ask that people look out for these medals in pawn shops and online selling platforms.” Police have released an image of the four medals, and anyone with information has been encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or make an online report. Image: news.com.au/ Nic Bothma/EPA/ Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Beloved Hey Hey It's Saturday star passes away

Beloved Australian entertainer Marty Morton has passed away at the age of 82. Morton, who was best known for his role as a children's entertainer in the 1970s on shows such as The Super Flying Fun Show and Hey, Hey It’s Saturday, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. His sons, Anthony and Terry, confirmed the news on behalf of their family in an emotional statement, writing, “It is with great sadness that my first post in a very long time, is to let you know that my father, Marty (Darrell) Morton passed away on the morning of Friday." “He almost made it to 83. I love him and will miss him big time.” Morton was born in Lancashire in the north of England in 1941 before moving to Australia with his family at a young age. His 50-year career in entertainment began on the stage, before the talent ventriloquist became a regular face on television, where he appeared with puppet Emu on The Super Flying Fun Show alongside Marilyn Mayo. Along with his work in children’s television, Morton also featured in a string of other guest roles including on Spyforce, Division 4, The Young Doctors and All Saints, and maintained a presence on the cabaret and comedy circuit. His contributions to Australian entertainment were recognised by the Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, where he was awarded the Versatile Variety Act of the Year in 1982, 1983 and 1986. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, with attendees asked to dress “happy and bright with even a touch of cringe if you feel the need”, with Terry saying, “It’s dad, remember.” “Dad had two favourite charities, A.L.V.A inc. (entertainers’ benevolent fund), and the Cancer Council. Dad would have preferred a donation to charity rather than flowers.” Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Body found in search for wife of former rugby star

A body has been found in the search for Jenny Hastings, the wife of the former Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings. Jenny, 60, went missing at Wardie Bay, a wild swimming spot near Edinburgh, on Tuesday. A massive search involving police, ambulance and coastguard crews was launched in the Firth of Forth, according to The Sun. Despite their efforts, the search was stood down on Tuesday night. On Saturday afternoon, police said a woman's body was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry, near Edinburgh. Formal identification has yet to take place, but police said that: “The family of missing woman Jenny Hastings has been informed.” They also said "there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal". Police were treating her disappearance as a “high-risk missing persons case,” as Jenny struggles with her mental health. Her family previously issued a statement amid fears she was dead. “It appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her," they said. “She loved the water but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety. “The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken. We miss our Jenny. “She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.” Scottish Rugby also shared a statement on social media yesterday, sending their love and support to the Hastings family. “Scottish Rugby sends its love and support to Scott Hastings, Scotland cap 848, after his wife Jenny was reported missing whilst swimming earlier this week. “Our thoughts are with their children, and the wider Hastings family, at this heartbreaking time.” Jenny had been open about her struggles with mental health. In March 2017, she disappeared from the couple's Edinburgh home for 36 hours and walked to the Pentland Hills while she was suffering from depression. The couple both became ambassadors for charity Support in Mind Scotland and devoted work to helping others with their own mental health by staying active. They helped launch the 100 Streets challenge, encouraging people to get out and exercise with friends. Images: news.com.au

Caring

Aussies top global list for biggest gambling losses

A new report has revealed that Australians are the biggest gambling losers in the world, with the average Australian adult gambling away $1635 per year according to the Grattan Institute think tank. That is more than most households pay for power and exceeds the average spend in similar countries like the US and New Zealand. Collectively, Australians lost $24 billion to gambling in 2020-21, with half of that amount lost through poker machines. The rest was lost on sports or race betting, in casinos, and on lotteries and Keno. The report also claims that there are more pokies than post boxes and public toilets across Australia, bringing light to the "lax approach" that has let the industry "run wild". "Gambling products are designed to be addictive, and the consequences can be catastrophic: job loss, bankruptcy, relationship breakdown, family violence, even suicide," the report's authors wrote. People in the Northern Territory and NSW lost the most amount of money, with the two states having the highest concentration of polies in their jurisdiction. The report recommended the federal government ban all gambling advertisements and urged them to cut the number of pokies in each state over time. They also suggested a mandatory pre-commitment system for online gambling and pokies, which would put a limit on daily losses. There are many different ways to get help and information about gambling. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858; use <a href="https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/tools-resources/chat-counselling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online counselling</a>. Images: SNEHIT PHOTO / Shutterstock.com

Money & Banking

Sunrise star announces cancer diagnosis live on air

In a heartfelt and emotional moment, Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew, 41, revealed on live television that she has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The popular news presenter made the announcement during an 8am segment on Seven’s breakfast program on Friday, telling viewers she is determined to stay positive despite the shock diagnosis. Bartholomew, who has been a familiar face on Australian television for years, took a moment at the end of the bulletin to share her personal news. “I have been diagnosed with cancer," she said. "That’s a shock to say and hard to say. It is a really good kind. It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself I will be completely fine,” she said, her voice breaking as she fought back tears. The news presenter revealed that she first received the diagnosis in July but chose to go public now for two main reasons. Firstly, she wanted to share the moment with her audience, who have followed her through many of life’s major milestones. “Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger... and more resilient. That’s exactly what I plan to do,” she said. Secondly, Bartholomew explained that she hoped her story would encourage others to prioritise their health, especially after turning 40. She shared that she had undergone a series of routine tests earlier in the year after a series of health checks, including a skin check inspired by her colleague <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/nat-barr-shares-scary-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nat Barr’s skin cancer scare</a>. “One of those tests came back with levels out of whack,” Bartholomew said, explaining how her cancer was detected. Despite the emotional moment, Bartholomew confirmed to viewers that her prognosis is positive. “I’m feeling very positive and lucky,” she said, adding that her treatment plan involves a daily medication that allows her to manage the condition effectively. Her announcement was followed by a supportive group hug from her fellow Sunrise team members. Bartholomew’s revelation comes just months after her co-star Nat Barr <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/nat-barr-shares-scary-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opened up about her own battle with skin cancer</a>. Barr had undergone treatment earlier this year after discovering a small cancerous spot on her nose. Fortunately, Barr caught it early and required minimal treatment. In addition to her TV career, Bartholomew is a dedicated mother of two children, Molly, 4, and Thomas, 2, whom she shares with her husband, Neil Varcoe. The couple has been deeply involved in a passion project, renovating a historic hotel, The Victoria 1846, in Carcoar, NSW, with plans to open it as a boutique hotel in 2025. Their project has been a labour of love, with Varcoe leaving his job last year to focus on the hotel restoration full-time, leading the couple to live separately during the week. Bartholomew has also shared insights into her husband’s battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, which had taken a toll on their lives in recent years. Despite the challenges, Bartholomew has remained optimistic, continuing her professional and personal commitments, including signing on as an ambassador for Witchery’s White Shirt Campaign, which raises funds for ovarian cancer research. Images: Sunrise

Caring

"It's a miracle that I'm living": Victory dance for Aussie Paralympic superstar

Alexa Leary has emerged victorious at the Paralympic Games with a gold medal, three years after her life was changed from a horrific bike crash. In July 2021, Alexa was on a bike ride training as a triathlete when her front wheel clipped a bike in front of her, sending her flying form her bike at 70 kilometres an hour. Leary then underwent lifesaving surgery after the crash shattered her skull and left her unable to walk or talk, and spent 111 days in hospital. Now, the 23-year-old from the Sunshine Coast broke her own 100m freestyle world record on Thursday morning, walking away with a gold medal. "It's been a long, rough journey for me," Leary said at the Paris La Defense Arena. "It's a miracle that I'm living, and I'm walking and I'm talking. I was told that I never would three years ago, and I've just come so far." "I am so impressed with myself. I'm like, 'Lex, look how far you've actually come'. "It's not sad to talk about, but it's an emotional thing. My family is the reason why I'm here, and they're up there [in the stands] looking at me. Honestly, it's amazing." Alexa, who still struggles with memory problems and regulating her emotions, then shared how she kept at it in the pool as a recovery tool after her life-changing surgery, but found herself wanting to keep bettering her athletic ability. "I'm a passionate person," Alexa said after winning solo Paralympic gold. "When I want it, I'm going to go out and do it. I have to. "So I wanted to keep swimming for recovery. But I was like, 'Nah, I'm more than that!'." Alexa's parents, Belinda and Russ, watched their daughter's extraordinary win from the sidelines, reflecting on the haunting memories of Alexa's journey in hospital and how she came out the other side. Russ said, "I reckon she wanted that [gold medal] in her belly for three years. She wanted it. She got it. Unbelievable." Belinda added, "She's the same girl [post-accident], but everything's heightened, but all she ever wanted was to show people that anything is possible." "And what she's been through over the last three years, her thing is with a TBI [traumatic brain injury] anything is possible." Image credits: Nine News

Caring

Parents of Aussies killed in Mexico share heartwarming update

The grieving parents of the two Aussie brothers who were killed in Mexico while on a surfing trip have shared a heartwarming update more than four months after their deaths. Jake and Callum Robinson were tragically killed in the province of Baja California in Mexico on April 27th, as their bodies were discovered at the bottom of a 15-metre-deep well during a large scale police operation. Following their deaths, more than $520,000 was raised by the community to help the boy's parents, Martin and Debra, who have revealed the money has helped create a foundation to continue their sons' legacy through philanthropic activities. The heartwarming update was shared by Perth not-for-profit group Indian Ocean Paddlers on the family's behalf on Monday. The group was among thousands of donors, who rallied behind the family to assist with costly expenses, including repatriation and funeral costs. The Robinsons are "forever grateful" for the support received, writing, "We have been overwhelmed by the love we have received in Australia." "To drive this initiative, we have created a foundation as a tribute to Callum and Jake and will be guided by people well versed in caring for others." "Although it’s early days, we hope to have a webpage available soon which will provide information on how your precious donation money will be spent. Your support is more than just a financial gift; it’s testament to the power of community and the belief that together, we can create lasting change." "You have played a crucial role in making our vision a reality, and for that, we will be forever grateful." The Robinsons also opened up on how they're coping four months on from losing their sons, saying, "Not a day goes by when we don’t think about our beautiful sons, the connections they had with people like you and the lives they could have had." Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Cash boost for millions of Aussies as indexation kicks in

Millions of Australians are set to get a cash boost within weeks as the Services Australia payments are indexed on top of additional increases to Rent Assistance payments, with the changes coming into effect on September 20 The indexation will be applied to a range of pensions and payments including the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, and Parenting Payments. The indexation increases of up to $41.50 a fortnight will vary based on the payments. Centrelink JobSeeker recipients will receive an extra $71.20 per fortnight. “Single JobSeeker Payment recipients with an assessed partial capacity to work of 0 to 14 hours per week will move to the higher rate of JobSeeker, receiving $849.50 a fortnight,” the Department of Social Services said. The maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance will be increased by 10 per cent. For families with one or two children, he Rent Assistance fortnightly payment will increase by $27.02. Single age pensioners will see an increase of $28.10 to their fortnightly payments, and recipients in a couple will receive a combined $42.40 increase to their payments. The same increase will apply to the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment. Single recipients receiving the fortnightly Parenting Payment will receive a $19.80 increase, while single recipients without children will get a $15.30 boost. Image: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Disbelief as Aussie Paralympian stripped of medal

Australian athlete Jaryd Clifford has been disqualified and stripped of his medal after officials stepped in at the end of the mens 5000m event in Paris. The 25-year-old runner crossed the line in third place, claiming a bronze medal and was celebrating with his team when the news came in of his disqualification. Paralympic officials claim the Aussie had dropped the tether which ties him to his guide moments before he had crossed the line in the men’s T13 final. Vision-impaired runners must hold onto the tether until they’ve finished the race in its entirety. Clifford, who was the only runner in the field to use a guide, was left visibly distraught after learning he had been disqualified and stripped of his bronze medal. “I went and saw mum and dad and my girlfriend and broke down,” Clifford said. “I had my little cry on the side of the track. If you talk about reacting to results as grief, I had my grieving moment." “Out on the track, I was a little bit numb, I’m still a bit numb … I am pretty shattered, to be honest, if I’m frank about it, we went in with the aim of winning gold.” He later wrote on social media, “I’m absolutely gutted that we made such a critical mistake today. Remaining tethered is a fundamental rule of guiding and I’m shattered that I lost my mind in those final metres. I’ve got so much more to give, I promise to bring everything for the 1500m on Tuesday.” Fans watching on couldn’t believe the Aussie had been stripped of the medal in a moment that had no impact on the final outcome of the race, as one person on X wrote: “So you run 4999 metres tethered and one not? That wouldn't affect the result of the race so the race rules are s**t.” Image credits: Ulrik Pedersen/CSM/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

"Fresh chapter": Channel 7 reveals new star line-up

Channel 7 has revealed yet another shake-up in its news presenter lineup, following months of significant reshuffles and the departures of several high-profile television personalities from the network. On Sunday, the network announced what it described as a "fresh chapter" for its 7News Sydney team, with veteran broadcasters Angela Cox and Mark Ferguson appointed as co-anchors for the flagship 6pm bulletin. Cox, who has served as a weekend news co-presenter for the past four years, temporarily filled in for Ferguson while he was on leave during the Olympics. This period of transition occurred amid a series of changes initiated by Seven's news and current affairs director, Anthony De Ceglie. The timing of Ferguson's leave had sparked speculation about his future at the network, particularly against the backdrop of reported cost-cutting measures due to a significant drop in ad revenue. However, the latest announcement puts those rumours to rest, affirming Ferguson's continued role at the helm of 7News Sydney. Cox, who has spent two decades with Channel 7, including a notable seven-year tenure as a foreign correspondent in the US, expressed her excitement about the new role. "Mark’s warmth, integrity and authority behind the news desk has rightfully earned him a loyal following," she said. "He’s also a great bloke, always professional, very funny and a great husband and family man. "The news landscape has changed so much. The way we consume news is radically different now than even 10 years ago and 7NEWS is evolving too." Cox is set to co-anchor her first bulletin with Ferguson on Sunday, September 8, following his return from filming a special series of news reports. Ferguson, who has been the face of the 7News Sydney bulletin for a decade, celebrated his 40th year in the media industry in February. His vast experience and reputation as one of Australia's most trusted news voices make him a key figure in this new co-anchor format. "This new co-anchor approach brings a new sense of dynamism, innovation, and flexibility to the hour-long program," said De Ceglie in a statement. "I am incredibly excited to see Mark and Angela work together." Sunday's announcement is the latest in a series of changes within Channel 7's newsrooms. In July, star Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/apparently-my-time-is-up-veteran-channel-7-anchor-s-abrupt-departure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was unexpectedly axed</a> after nearly two decades with the network, a move she revealed on social media after being informed of her departure while at a hairdresser's appointment. August saw the departure of veteran sports presenter Shane Webcke from the news desk, though he will continue contributing NRL insights for the network. Additionally, senior journalist Steve Hart <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/channel-seven-loses-veteran-reporter-to-rival-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced his exit</a> from the Brisbane newsroom in an internal email to staff last month. In contrast to these exits, Channel 7 has also made strategic hires, including the recent addition of former ABC journalist Karina Carvalho as a 7News presenter in Melbourne. As Channel 7 continues to navigate these changes, the network's commitment to refreshing its news lineup is evident, with the Cox-Ferguson co-anchor team set to usher in this "fresh chapter" for 7News Sydney. Images: 7News

New support system helps older Aussies who have fallen victim to scams

A new support system has been set up to help vulnerable older Australians who have fallen victim to dangerous scams. With millions of Aussies targeted every year, many of these targets are elderly with 30 percent of victims hesitant to come forward because they are too embarrassed to admit what's happened to them. One such victim, 86-year-old Mary, said she was humiliated after falling for a scam saying she is old enough to know better. "It serves me right, I shouldn't have been so trusting," she said. "You blame yourself and you don't really want to tell people how stupid you are, so you think, 'Well, I'll just have to bear it'." Mary was scammed when she received a call from a man pretending to be a technician, saying he needed access to her computer to resolve a problem in her area. Step by step, the "technician" got Mary to log-in and give him complete access to her entire online identification, completely cleaning her out of $20,000 in savings. This is why <a title="ID Support NSW" href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ID Support NSW</a> is now offering a free service to help older Australians be able to protect themselves online and spot suspicious activity. "The most common scams are romance and impersonation scams, where people pretend to be someone they're not," ID Support NSW's Jacqueline Wilson told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/scam-awareness-week-id-support-nsw-offering-free-help-for-older-australians/20d3f8d6-fe32-4b1d-af32-294e47f4412d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a>. "Most start with a text or call and once someone responds or engages, they usually end up losing money." Jacqueline said the best thing you could do if you even suspect a scammer was to just hang up the phone, saying, "You don't need to indulge them, you don't need to be polite, you don't need to engage in a long conversation." Image credits: Today

Legal

Thousands of eligible Aussies to receive cost-of-living payments

Around 210,000 eligible South Australian households will receive a cost-of-living payment this week, including pensioners, Centrelink recipients and low-income earners. A Cost of Living Concession of $255.60 will be paid to all eligible households, with the annual payments made to eligible tenants and self-funded retirees doubled to match the amount given to homeowners. The payment is part of the state government's $266.2 million cost-of-living relief package announced in this year's state budget. This included the one-off additional payment of $243.90 to households who received last year's cost-of-living payment in June. South Australia's Premier Peter Malinsauskas said the government had delivered the “single largest cost-of-living assistance package in South Australia’s history”. “We know people are doing it tough and cost-of-living pressures are continuing to have an impact on many South Australians,” he said. “In the past two months, our government will have issued more than $100 million in targeted cost-of-living relief to South Australian households.” Pensioners and other card holders including, the Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran Gold Card, Low Income Health Care Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, as well as low-income households and those receiving Centrelink payments including JobSeeker, the Parenting Payment and Youth Allowance, are eligible to receive the SA Cost Of Living Concession. Those who want to receive the concession for that financial year will need to apply <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions/household-concessions/cost-of-living-concessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online</a> by December 31 and only one person per household can receive the payment and it will be based on your circumstances on July 1. Those who have previously received the payment and whose circumstances haven't changed don't need to reapply. The payments started rolling out this month, with Human Services Minister Nat Cook saying that all payments should come through by early next week. “This includes everyone who received a payment last year and who is still eligible, as well as new applications which have been processed up to now,” Cook said. "Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for cost-of-living support should head to the sa.gov.au website to have a look at the eligibility criteria." Other states have also provided cost-of-living support, with eligible seniors in Western Australia able to receive a Cost of Living Rebate of $107.12 for singles and $160.68 for couples. While in the ACT, apprentices and tradies in the state can get a one-off $250 Cost Of Living payment if they are employed by an ACT employer. NSW has a few cost-of-living initiatives including up to $350 energy rebates for eligible households, and up to $4,220 early childhood fee relief for 3 to 5-year-olds attending eligible community and mobile preschools. Image: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Aussie travellers warned over bird flu outbreak

Australian travellers have been warned to be cautious after concerns about the sudden outbreak of bird flu. Strains of Avian Influenza, known as the bird flu, are circulating across the globe, with <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Traveller</a> warning of outbreaks in Europe, North and South America and Asia. “Human infection is rare. But be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries,” the alert states. The virus typically affects birds but can be transferred to other animals before being passed on to humans. “Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked using safe food handling practices,” the alert states. Travellers have been urged to look out for signs of infection, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, and pneumonia. Travellers have also been urged to minimise contact with animals in areas affected by the bird flu, avoid contact with dead or sick animals (including wild birds), and avoid poultry farms and live bird “wet” markets. While there is no specialised vaccine for bird flu, travellers have been urged to check that their other influenza vaccines are up to date before travelling. Smart Traveller states, “If you feel unwell while travelling back to Australia, tell a crew member or airport staff. Make sure to tell them about any contact with sick people or animals.” Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Farmer Wants a Wife star breaks silence after split

"Violent threats": The Block star opens up after sudden exit

ATO urges Aussies to cash in on nearly $18 billion in lost or unclaimed super

Aussies outraged over price of staple snack

Heritage Aussie number plate to fetch over a million

7News star lashes out at criticism over news segment

Landmark aged care reforms set to benefit millions of Aussies

Aussie icon has all four Olympic medals stolen in brazen robbery

Beloved Hey Hey It's Saturday star passes away

Body found in search for wife of former rugby star

Aussies top global list for biggest gambling losses

Sunrise star announces cancer diagnosis live on air

"It's a miracle that I'm living": Victory dance for Aussie Paralympic superstar

Parents of Aussies killed in Mexico share heartwarming update

Cash boost for millions of Aussies as indexation kicks in

Disbelief as Aussie Paralympian stripped of medal

"Fresh chapter": Channel 7 reveals new star line-up

New support system helps older Aussies who have fallen victim to scams

Thousands of eligible Aussies to receive cost-of-living payments

Aussie travellers warned over bird flu outbreak

Our Partners