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

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

Body

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

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

Federal Budget 2025: The short, sharp and – sort of – sweet version

The federal budget is always a massive, jargon-filled beast, but don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Here’s a quick and easy rundown of the key numbers, economic forecasts and big-ticket promises (without making your head spin). Whether it’s tax cuts, energy bill relief, or debt figures that sound like someone’s phone number, this summary gives you the essentials in plain English. THE BIG PICTURE: WHERE THE MONEY’S GOING (AND COMING FROM) Economic Growth: The economy is expected to grow by 1.5% in 2024-25, which isn’t exactly fireworks but at least it’s moving in the right direction. Unemployment Rate: The jobless rate is set to rise to 4.25%, meaning more people might be dusting off their résumés. Inflation: The cost of living squeeze is easing slightly, with inflation forecast to drop to 2.5%, finally giving our wallets a breather. Wages Growth: Paychecks are expected to grow by 3%, so while you won’t be rolling in cash, you might afford an extra coffee per week. Living Standards: Household disposable income is expected to rise a bit faster than planned, so that’s a small win for the grocery bill. Migration: Net overseas migration is slowing down, dropping from 435,000 in 2023-24 to 225,000 by 2026-27, as the government tweaks immigration settings. The Big One: Budget Deficit: The country will be $27.6 billion in the red this year, which sounds bad, but hey, it’s better than some past years. Commonwealth Debt: The nation’s credit card balance will hit $940 billion in 2024-25 before cracking $1 trillion the year after, making it one of the biggest IOUs in Aussie history. Net Debt: The government’s net debt will rise to $556 billion, proving once again that we’re all experts at spending more than we have. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU (IF LABOR STAYS IN POWER)? If Labor wins the next election, they’ve got a shopping list of goodies lined up. From tax cuts and cheaper meds to more affordable childcare and a crackdown on dodgy workplace contracts, here’s what they’re promising in order to make life a little easier (or at least a little less expensive). Tax Cuts: Everyone gets a tiny tax break worth about $10 a week, starting in July 2026 – not enough for a holiday, but maybe an extra beer, depending on where you buy your drinks. Energy Bill Relief: Households and small businesses will get $150 off their power bills, because, let’s face it, electricity prices are still a killer. Cheaper Medicines: Prescription drugs will be capped at $25 per script, meaning fewer nasty surprises at the pharmacy checkout. Healthcare Boost: More bulk-billing, 50 new urgent care clinics, and extra funding for nurses and GPs, costing a whopping $9 billion over four years – great news if you hate long waits at the doctor. Childcare Help: Families earning up to $500,000 (yes, you read that right) will get at least three days of subsidised childcare, costing $427 million over five years. First Home Buyer Support: The Help to Buy scheme will get a boost, making it a bit easier for first-home buyers to get into the market (assuming they can still afford avocado toast). Workplace Shake-Up: Banning non-compete clauses for low- and middle-income workers could boost wages by $2,500 a year – so no more weird contracts stopping you from getting a better job. HECS Debt Slash: A 20% cut to student loan debt, wiping $16 billion from the books – a rare win for anyone still haunted by their HECS balance. Disaster Recovery: $1.2 billion is going towards helping communities in southeast Queensland and northern NSW recover from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred – because Mother Nature isn’t playing nice. Big Infrastructure Plans: Expect major upgrades like $7.2 billion for Queensland’s Bruce Highway, $2 billion for a new rail hub in Melbourne, and $1 billion for Sydney’s southwest rail corridor – so maybe, just maybe, your commute will be a little less torturous. Defence Spending: A fast-tracked $1 billion investment in guided weapons, submarines and frigates, because apparently, we’re getting serious about military hardware. And that’s the budget in a nutshell! More spending, some relief for households, and a debt number that’ll make your calculator cry. Images: WikiCommons

Money & Banking

A late start, then a big boom: why it took until 1975 for Australians to finally watch TV in colour

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Some 50 years ago, on March 1 1975, Australian television stations officially moved to colour. Networks celebrated the day, known as “<a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/story/c-day-and-the-colour-monster-national-archives-of-australia/LAWRcgnnNY1cKA?hl=en">C-Day</a>”, with unique slogans such as “come to colour” (ABC TV), “Seven colours your world” (Seven Network), “living colour” (Nine Network) and “first in colour” (<a href="https://televisionau.com/feature-articles/network-ten">0-10 Network</a>, which later became Network Ten). The ABC, Seven and Nine networks also updated their logos to incorporate colour. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7gZdYVZJNc?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> For most viewers, however, nothing looked much different. The majority owned a black and white TV, while a coloured broadcast required a colour TV set. Advertisers were initially reluctant to accept the change, which required them to re-shoot black and white commercials with colour stock at a significantly higher cost. Many reasoned viewers were still watching the ads in black and white. And initially this assumption was correct. But by nine months later, 17% of Australian homes <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110829595?searchTerm=colour%20television%20in%20australia%201975">had a colour receiver</a>. This rose to 31% by July 1976. By 1978, 64% of Melbourne and 70% of Sydney households owned colour TV sets, making Australia one of the world’s fastest adopters of colour TV. According to the Federation of Australian Commercial Television Stations (FACTS) annual report for 1975–76, colour TV increased overall viewership by 5%, with people watching for longer periods. The 1976 Montreal Olympics also led to an <a href="https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/asset/96836-olympic-games-coverage-colour">increase in TV sales</a>, with the colour broadcast shared between the ABC, Seven and Nine. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L-75iIoshak?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Highlights from the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games marathon event.</figcaption></figure> <h2>A late start</h2> With the United States introducing colour TV from 1954, it’s peculiar that Australia took so long to make the transition – especially since conversations about this had been underway since the 1960s. In 1965, a report outlining the process and economic considerations of transitioning to colour was tabled in parliament. Feedback from the US highlighted problems around broader acceptance in the marketplace. Colour TV sets were expensive and most programs were still being shot in black and white, despite the availability of colour. Networks were the most hesitant (even though they’d go on to become one of the most major benefactors). In 1969, it was <a href="https://australianfoodtimeline.com.au/colour-tv-introduced/">estimated transitioning to colour</a> would cost the ABC A$46 million (the equivalent of $265,709,944 today) over six years. The federal government, led by then prime minister Robert Menzies, decided to take a cautious approach to the transition – allowing manufacturers, broadcasters and the public time to prepare. The first colour “test” broadcast took place on June 15 1967, with <a href="https://televisionau.com/2025/03/tv-50-years-in-colour.html">live coverage</a> of a Pakenham country horse racing event in Victoria (although few people would have had coloured TV sets at this point). Other TV shows also tested broadcasting in colour between 1972 and 1974, with limited colour telecasts aired from mid-1974. It wasn’t until March 1975 that colour TV was being transmitted permanently. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vIqqiK4ncfs?wmode=transparent&start=40" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>‘Aunty Jack Introduces Colour’ was a one-off television special of The Aunty Jack Show, broadcast on the ABC on February 28 1975.</figcaption></figure> <h2>The cinema industry panics</h2> <a href="https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/withdrawal-from-1971">Australia’s involvement</a> in the Vietnam War created further urgency to televise in colour. With the war ending in April 1975, Australians watched the last moments in colour. Other significant events broadcast in colour that year included the December federal election, in which Malcolm Fraser defeated Gough Whitlam after the latter was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXq056TJhU4">dramatically dismissed</a> as prime minister on November 11. With the public’s growing interest in colour TV, local manufacturers began lobbying for higher tariffs on imports to encourage domestic colour TV production. In the mid 1970s, a new colour set in Australia cost between $1,000 and $1,300, while the average full-time annual income was <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/6302.0Main+Features1Sep%201975?OpenDocument=">around $8,000</a>. Still in the throes of a financial recession, customers began seeking out illegally-imported colour TV sets – which were appearing at car boot markets across the country. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wTKMqPg4hM8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>British childrens show The Wombles came to Australian screens shortly after colour TV was introduced.</figcaption></figure> The government also created an advertising campaign warning the public of scammers who would offer to convert black-and-white TVs to colour. These door-to-door “salesmen” <a href="https://hoaxes.org/archive/permalink/instant_color_tv#google_vignette">claimed to have</a> a special screen which, when placed over a TV, would magically turn it colourful. By 1972, the estimated cost of upgrading broadcasting technology to colour <a href="https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/colour-tv-part-1">had reached $116 million</a>. The cinema industry, in a panic, even questioned whether colour TV could damage a viewer’s eyesight. The industry had previously suffered huge losses in cinema attendance with the introduction of black-and-white TV from 1956. Cinemas had a monopoly on colour and were petrified over what the introduction of colour to television could do to their attendances. Such fears were founded. In 1974 Australia had 68 million admissions to the cinema. By 1976, there were just 28.9 million admissions. Never again would yearly cinema admissions reach <a href="https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/fact-finders/cinema/industry-trends/historical-admissions">above 40 million</a>. But despite the complaints – from the cinema industry, advertisers, broadcasters and manufacturers – audiences were ready for colour. And any network that dared to program in black and white would subject itself to a barrage of annoyed viewers. Colour TV was here to stay.<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/251363/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-gaunson-265553">Stephen Gaunson</a>, Associate Professor in Cinema Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-late-start-then-a-big-boom-why-it-took-until-1975-for-australians-to-finally-watch-tv-in-colour-251363">original article</a>. Image: Youtube/Austvarchive </div>

Tributes flow after Aussie tennis icon passes away

Fred Stolle has died at the age of 86. The tennis icon, with the nickname “Fiery”, began his career in the tennis world as a ball boy at the Davis Cup between Italy and the United States in 1951. He progressed through the ranks and made his breakthrough in 1965 at the French Open. The following year, he played at the US Open and achieved some of his best results in doubles, claiming 10 major doubles titles and another seven mixed doubles crowns. He was also a member of the Australian Davis Cup team, helping the nation claim three straight Davis Cup titles from 1964-66. Following his career on the court, Stolle made his debut in the commentary booth alongside John Newcombe and Tony Trabert, and became known to tennis fans for his insight and humour. Tributes have poured in from giants of the tennis world, with former teammate and friend Rod Laver leading tributes with an emotional post on X. “As I wrote in my book on the Golden Era of Aussie tennis, Fred Stolle was too nice a guy to hold a grudge,” he wrote. “He won many grand slams and was in the finals of many more. “It took the best to beat the best. We never tired of reliving the past as we travelled the world looking into the future with an enduring love of the sport. You will be missed, Fiery, RIP.” Paul McNamee, a former doubles world No. 1, also paid tribute to Stolle on X, writing: “Fiery Fred Stolle is no longer with us. What a player, what a commentator, what a bloke." “One of that great group of Aussie tennis players who made history, and whose legacy is perhaps unrivalled. “Thank you Fred for your wit, your friendship and for just being you. We’ll miss you.” Liz Smylie, who won the 1985 Wimbledon doubles title, wrote: “Very sad news to hear of the passing of Fred Stolle. “A champion player and person whose knowledge, generosity and expertise in the booth was legendary. He’ll be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.” Craig Tiley, chief executive of Tennis Australia and director of the Australian Open, shared: “When we speak about Australia’s golden era and the progression from amateur to professional, Stolle’s name is right up there with the best. RIP Fiery.” Stolle is survived by wife Pat, his son Sandon, and daughters Monique and Nadine. Image: X

Caring

Beloved champion athlete dies from rare brain tumour

A beloved Australian athlete has tragically died after a high-profile battle with a rare and aggressive brain tumour. Jenny Alcorn, a champion triathlete, passed away on Monday at the age of 66, with her partner Margot Rupe breaking the devastating news. “She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible,” Rupe said. “She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children." “Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game." “Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person." “We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.” Alcorn was a sporting legend and Alcorn was recognised just last year at the AusTriathlon Awards, as she was particularly well known in Queensland as a coach, a competitor, and an inspiration to many. In 2016, at the age of 55, Alcorn came out of retirement and won the famous Kona Ironman World Championships in her age group. Last December, Alcorn’s “three-decade contribution” to Australia’s triathlon scene was recognised with the President’s Special Recognition Award, as the Trizone website said, “Her honour highlighted not just her achievements as an athlete and coach, but her inspiring resilience while battling a rare brain tumour." Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club member Dan Teasdale and close friend of Alcorn's paid tribute to his late friend. “She was always a fantastic spectator so you’d hear her yelling out ‘go Danny boy’ on the side of the race,” he said. “She was a very caring, loving person but a tough-as-nails athlete. She never had a bad word to say about anyone she was very inclusive, welcomed everyone and loved the sport triathlon.” Image credits: Instagram

Caring

"Disgusting": Radio host slammed over women's sports comments

Triple M host Marty Sheargold has been slammed online for comments he made on-air about the Matildas and women's sport, with many calling him "disgusting" and "a f**king joke". When the Triple M program and podcast, The Marty Sheargold Show, began discussing the Matildas performance in the annual SheBelieves Cup along in the US along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation. During their discussion of the competition, Sheargold used the opportunity to rip into the world of women's sport, leaving the radio station flooded with complaints. The conversation between Sheargold and co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralson began with Ralston mentioning the tournament to date, as he said, “In football or soccer it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” referencing the Tillies' defeat to Japan. Sheargold immediately jumped in with the following rant, including downplaying the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup on home soil. “There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold began. “They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters." “You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold continued, as laughter rang out in the background. “All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a b***h’. Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse.” Ralston then tried to continue with the sports news bulletin, stating: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.” Sheargold jumped in, screaming “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men” as more laughter rang out in the studio. “We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around,” Ralston said as he tried to continue the sports report. Sheargold responded: “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that,” as a sound affect and more laughs were heard, before he added, “Got any men’s sport?” Ralston replied: “Yeah I do, baseball, the New York Yankees have dropped their 49-year ban on beards, on facial hair,” as Sheargold was quick to comment, “Now this is a good story.” The sexist exchange came to light after Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone posted part of the on-air clip on TikTok with the caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world." “I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5.30pm) on the way to training and all I could think about was the young girls sitting in the car with their parents, maybe on the way to or from their own training sessions hearing this." “I’m sure many of them would have been hurt and confused … I was in disbelief. This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio??? HOW??” Many were quick to share their outrage in the comments section, with one person writing, “Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording.” Another added, “Disgusting. Can’t believe they think this is OK to air,” while someone else simply called Sheargold an "awful human." In response to the backlash, an SCA spokesperson said, “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas - made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February - do not align with Triple M's views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women's and men's sports. We are sorry for any offence caused.” Marty Sheargold also responded to the controversy, saying in a statement, "Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise.” Image credits: Triple M / Getty Images

Legal

I spy with my little eye: 3 unusual Australian plant ecosystems to spot on your next roadtrip

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> When the growing gets tough, the tough trees and shrubs get growing. Australia’s environment is brutal. Its ancient, low-nutrient soils and generally low rainfall make it a hard place for plants to grow. Despite this, the continent is filled with wonderfully diverse plant ecosystems. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be easy to miss these seemingly unremarkable species. So, here are three little-known Australian plant species and ecosystems to look out for during your next roadtrip. <h2>1. Cycads and eucalypts</h2> If you are driving a coastal route along southern New South Wales, keep an eye out for the stunning combination of burrawang cycads (Macrozamia communis) and spotted gum (Corymbia maculata). These species live in harmony along the <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Meet%20one%20of%20the%20world's%20most%20southern%20Cycads&text=On%20the%20New%20South%20Wales,Spotted%20Gums%20(Corymbia%20maculata).">NSW coastline</a>, from Kempsey to Bega, and inland as far as Mudgee. If you’re on a road trip, now is the perfect time to talk to children about ancient moving continents, volcanoes and dinosaurs. Cycads are <a href="https://anpsa.org.au/APOL2009/feb09-s3.html">ancient gymnosperms</a> (cone-bearing plants) which evolved long before the Gondwanan supercontinent separated. These tough, hardy plants saw the dinosaurs come and go, and their relatives are found all around the world. These <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Not%20only%20is%20Macrozamia%20communis,inland%20as%20far%20as%20Mudgee.">cycads</a> form a striking understorey to the spotted gum. As their scientific name (Macrozamia communis) suggests, they form a dense community. Further north in Queensland, pineapple cycads (Lepidozamia peroffskyana), and Western Australia’s zamia palm (Macrozamia riedlei) are also worth spotting. Cycad seeds are poisonous, but First Nations Australians worked out a complex process to prepare them for <a href="https://www.apscience.org.au/apsf20036/">safe eating</a>. This involved dissolving the <a href="https://www.scienceflip.com.au/subjects/chemistry/equilibriumandacidreactions/learn10/">plant’s toxins</a> in running water, cooking, working and grinding the seeds into a powder. Spotted gums evolved long after dinosaurs went extinct. Early eucalypt fossils date from about 34 million years ago, while current species are often only a few million years old. Spotted gums are a great example of how plants that survive tough environments often also do well in difficult <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-humble-spotted-gum-is-a-world-class-urban-tree-heres-why-212540">urban situations</a>. Cycads are similarly found growing in poor soils and arid conditions. They have long, glossy leaves up to about 1.5 metres in length with lots of leaflets. There are both male and female plants. The female cone is an impressive, wide-domed structure that can be almost half a metre across. Its bright orange-red seeds are eaten by <a href="https://backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/cycads/#:%7E:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20female,bats%20will%20feed%20on%20them.">foraging marsupials</a>, large birds and flying foxes. Spotted gums are tall, straight eucalyptus trees with dark green, glossy leaves. Old bark creates dark grey spots against their cream coloured trunk, giving them a mottled look. It is interesting to see ancient and modern species in such a close community relationship in cycad-spotted gum forests. Both are also well-adapted to the fires that frequent their habitat. <h2>2. Ancient acacias</h2> Travelling inland, the environment gets even tougher. Most large trees disappear and are replaced by woodlands dominated by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/abares/forestsaustralia/publishingimages/forest%20profiles%202005/acacia_forests_2005.pdf">inland acacia</a> (wattle) species. These inland acacias are short but mighty, with deep, extensive root systems. Two of these species, <a href="http://theconversation.com/the-mighty-mulga-grows-deep-and-lives-long-118838">mulga</a> (Acacia aneura) and brigalow (A. harpophylla) are part of Australian folklore. A Banjo Paterson character <a href="https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00072.txt">says</a>: “You know how the brigalow grows […] saplings about as thick as a man’s arm”. Nutrients and water resources are limited, so mulga and brigalow trees are often evenly spaced across the landscape. This eerie symmetry makes it look like they were planted by humans. Many people are unaware that the twisted, stunted specimens they see are more than 250 years old and occupy vast tracts of the Australian landscape. <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/action-plan/priority-plants/waddy-wood">Waddy-wood</a> (Acacia peuce) is a rare species of acacia, found in just three locations on the edge of the Simpson Desert. This tree has very strong wood, and was used by Indigenous Australians for making clubs (waddys) and tools for carrying fire. Inland acacias were widely used by Indigenous Australians for their wood, resins and medicinal properties. They have also been used as <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/671421/using-mulga-as-a-forage-supplement-for-livestock-in-droughts.pdf">fodder for livestock</a>, especially during drought. These <a href="https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/13430/1/QJAS_6%5B2%5D_1949_pp87-139_everist.pdf">crucial species</a> provide important habitat for other plants and animals. But they are under threat. As old trees collapse and die, there are no young trees replacing them. This is because of drought and grazing, compounded by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-risk-mitigation-plan-acacia.pdf">climate change</a>. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/desertification">Desertification</a> – where fertile land is degraded until it essentially becomes desert – is becoming a huge problem due to the massive area dominated by acacias. <h2>3. Boabs</h2> If you’re driving across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, you might come across the <a href="https://theconversation.com/built-like-buildings-boab-trees-are-life-savers-with-a-chequered-past-118821">mighty boab</a> (Adansonia gregoryii). These close relatives of the African and Madagascan baobabs <a href="https://theconversation.com/baobab-trees-all-come-from-madagascar-new-study-reveals-that-their-seeds-and-seedlings-floated-to-mainland-africa-and-all-the-way-to-australia-231031">floated to Australia</a> as seeds or seedlings around 12 million years ago. These <a href="https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2019/07/how-did-the-iconic-boab-tree-get-to-australia/">deciduous trees</a> live in mostly dry environments that also experience strong monsoonal-type rains. Boabs trap and store water in their trunks, allowing them not only to survive but thrive. Their African and Madagascan baobab relatives are sometimes called <a href="https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-african-baobab-tree/">trees of life</a>, as they support many species. Australian boabs are similar. They offer habitat, roosting and nesting sites. Their flowers and fruits are food sources to many species of insects and birds. They were – and are – important trees in First Nations cultures. Carvings and symbols on their trunks can last for more than a century, much longer than on other trees. These are called <a href="https://www.snexplores.org/article/carvings-australia-boab-trees-lost-history-first-nation">dendroglyphs</a>. For example, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-boab-trees-of-the-remote-tanami-desert-are-carved-with-centuries-of-indigenous-history-and-theyre-under-threat-191676">snake carvings</a> dated to more than 200 years old have been found on boab trees in Northern Australia’s Tanami Desert. While these special trees are usually found far from the beaten track, they can be spotted growing around Darwin and other remote towns. If you get the chance to see them, count yourself lucky. <h2>Tough terrain, tough trees</h2> Plant communities are remarkably resilient. They also display great creativity when evolving ways to survive tough environments. Make sure to keep an eye out as you’re exploring Australia and enjoy the fascinating plants our country has to offer.<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/246129/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/i-spy-with-my-little-eye-3-unusual-australian-plant-ecosystems-to-spot-on-your-next-roadtrip-246129">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

"Living legend": Bruce McAvaney makes the best call in sports history

In breaking news that has AFL fans across Australia leaping from their couches with unbridled joy, legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney is officially back in the Channel 7 commentary box for the 2025 season! Yes, you heard that right. The man, the myth, the vocal magician who can make a standard half-forward flanker look like an Olympic gold medallist is returning to bless our ears once again. On Wednesday, Seven confirmed that the Australian Football Hall of Famer and Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductee will headline the network’s AFL coverage on Sunday nights and for marquee matches. Translation? Footy just got 100 per cent more special. For those unfamiliar with McAvaney’s illustrious career (aka, people who have spent the last three decades living under a rock), the 71-year-old maestro has called over a thousand AFL games, 20 AFL Grand Finals, and hosted 21 Brownlow Medal nights – an incredible feat that makes even the most seasoned commentators look like they’re still on their learner’s permit. McAvaney, who originally retired from AFL commentary in 2021, sent the nation into a frenzy when he made a thrilling cameo in the 2024 AFL Finals. The brief return had fans (and possibly a few rival broadcasters) whispering, "Could he? Would he? Should he?!" Well, the answer is a resounding YES. Reflecting on his return, McAvaney shared, “I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to hold my end up, but I enjoyed it and loved it... I’m 71 and my health is going well.” In other words, the GOAT of AFL commentary wasn’t just dipping his toes back in the water – he was cannonballing right back into the deep end. Seven’s Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, described McAvaney as a “living legend” – which might be the understatement of the year. McAvaney himself is apparently itching to get back behind the mic. “Some of my fondest memories have been in Seven’s AFL commentary box," he said. "And I can’t wait to witness more unforgettable moments during the 2025 season.” Meanwhile, across the AFL media landscape, Fox Footy has been bolstering its already stacked lineup, securing the services of Leigh Matthews, Tom Hawkins and Shaun Burgoyne. But let’s be honest – while Fox is building an empire, Seven just re-signed the emperor. So, footy fans, prepare yourselves. The dulcet tones of Bruce McAvaney are back, and the 2025 AFL season just became a whole lot more special. Image: Seven Network

Australian women will soon be eligible for a menopause health check. Here’s what to expect

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> The federal government has recently pledged to create a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments. It’s due to be available <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/more-choice-lower-costs-and-better-health-care-for-women.pdf">from July 1</a>. The announcement featured in the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause?language=en">government’s response</a> to the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report">Senate inquiry</a> into menopause, released last week, though was first flagged earlier this month as part of the government’s pre-election funding package <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-08/federal-labor-promises-funding-boost-for-womens-health/104914202">for women’s health</a>. So what is a menopause health assessment? And how will it improve the health care women receive during this stage in their lives? <h2>Why we need this</h2> Outside reproductive health, women’s health care has generally been modelled on the needs of men. A prime example is the government-funded <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=AN.0.38&qt=noteID">midlife health check</a> for people aged 45 to 49. This is intended to identify and manage risks to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The recent <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause">Senate inquiry</a> into issues related to menopause and perimenopuase highlighted that the timing of this health check is not fit for purpose for women. This is because at <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">menopause</a>, which occurs on average at the <a href="https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/what-is-menopause">age of 51 in Australia</a>, women’s health profiles change. Women <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">gain tummy fat</a>, their <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2682462/">cholesterol levels go up</a>, and glucose (sugar) metabolism <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28953212/">becomes less efficient</a>. All these changes <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">increase a woman’s risk</a> of heart disease and diabetes. Vast numbers of women are given a clean bill of health at this midlife health check in their late 40s. But when they subsequently go through menopause, they can go on to develop heart disease and diabetes <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867423009054%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">risk factors</a>, which may go undetected. Some women also go through <a href="https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/INTERNATIONAL-GUIDELINE-ON-POI-2024.pdf">early menopause</a>: around 12% between the ages of 40 and 45, and around 4% before 40. Those women who experience menopause before age 45 are known to be at significantly <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2551981">higher risk of heart disease</a> than other women. But, by the time women with early menopause qualify for the midlife health check, <a href="https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/INTERNATIONAL-GUIDELINE-ON-POI-2024.pdf">crucial metabolic changes</a> may have silently occurred, and the opportunity to intervene early to address them may be missed. <h2>What will a menopause health check involve?</h2> The federal government has committed <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">A$26 million</a> over two years to fund the new menopause health assessments, as part of a $64.5 million package designed to improve health care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Some <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">$12.8 million</a> will also be dedicated to a menopause-related community awareness campaign. My own research has shown women understand menopause means the loss of fertility, but often have little <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/13697137.2020.1791072?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">knowledge of the health changes</a> that occur as part of the menopause transition. So increasing health literacy around menopause is much needed. Similarly, for the introduction of these menopause-specific consultations to be effective, women will need to know what these health checks are for, if they’re eligible, and how to access a menopause health check. The new menopause health checks will be provided by GPs. Exactly what they will involve is yet to be clarified. But I would anticipate they will include a combination of the assessment and management of perimenopause and menopause, overall health and wellbeing, and assessment of risk and prevention of future ill health, notably heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. <h2>Upskilling health-care providers</h2> Equally, health-care providers will need to understand the impact of menopause on long-term health and how best to mitigate against disease risks, including the role of <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cen.15211">menopausal hormone therapy</a>. My research has shown <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/13697137.2021.1936486?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">health-care providers lack confidence</a> in delivering menopause-related care, indicating a need for more education around menopause. In line with this, the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">Senate inquiry</a> called for the upskilling of the medical workforce in the field of menopause through medical school training, postgraduate specialist programs, and ongoing education of clinicians. While the government cannot mandate what is taught in medical schools or the content of specialist training programs, its <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/government-response-to-inquiry-issues-related-to-menopause-and-perimenopause.pdf">response to the inquiry</a> encourages these institutions to incorporate menopause in their curricula. Further, part of the government funding will go towards expanding a professional development program on managing menopause offered by <a href="https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-professionals/elearning-modules/courses-for-gps">Jean Hailes for Women’s Health</a>. <h2>A good start, but still not enough</h2> The government’s new funding, and the new menopause health checks in particular, recognises that women’s health is strongly dictated by major biological events, such as menopause, as opposed to age. This is good news. But we need to do more to equip health professionals to provide the best menopause care to women in these health assessments and beyond. Adding new menopause modules to medical school and specialist training programs will ensure greater awareness of the impact of menopause on women’s health and wellbeing. However, awareness alone won’t ensure high-level training for the complex care many perimenopausal and menopausal women need. The opportunities for medical graduates to gain hands-on clinical experience in menopausal medicine are mostly limited to the select few who get to work in a hospital specialist menopause clinic during their training. Notably, there’s no credentialed training program in menopause medicine in Australia. Meanwhile, the North American Menopause Society does offer a <a href="https://menopause.org/professional-resources/mscp-certification">credentialed program</a>. The challenge has been that menopause does not belong to one medical specialty. This is why we need an accredited training program – for both GPs and medical specialists – to ensure a truly skilled workforce able to deliver gold standard menopause care. But without further federal funding to set this up, it will not happen.<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/249499/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, Chair of Women's Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/australian-women-will-soon-be-eligible-for-a-menopause-health-check-heres-what-to-expect-249499">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Matildas greats defend Sam Kerr

Former Matildas co-captain Kate Gill and national women's team great Joey Peters have both lept to Sam Kerr's defence, amid the soccer star's <a href="https://o60.me/rtlyu9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trial</a> for the charge of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. While Kerr has admitted she felt "embarrassed" after watching footage from the incident that occured on January 30 2023, she denied that she was “drunk and kicking off” in the back of the taxi Football Australia will wait until the trial's complete to make a call on whether Kerr will be stripped from her role as the Matildas captain. However, Gill and Peters have both defended Kerr, saying that she should "definitely" retain the armband. "She’s the first person to acknowledge if she’s done something wrong and made a mistake," Gill said, as she hailed Kerr for being an "exceptional human being". Gill led the Matildas between 2013 and 2014, making 86 appearances for Australia, returning 41 international goals. "She’s got morals about her, so it’s hard to question her from that kind of area." “It’s hard for us to all sit in judgment when we don’t have access to the full facts and understand what happened and how Sam was made to feel in that moment,” she said. “There should be no reason why she shouldn’t captain her country. “She wears her heart on her sleeve, she loves playing for her country, she loves captaining her country, and she’s given her some very inspirational and fantastic sporting moments. “We shouldn’t forget that.” Former Matildas star Joey Peters, who won 110 caps for Australia between 1996 and 2009 also backed Kerr. "I just have full admiration for Sam Kerr and what she’s done throughout our game," she said. "What we’re hearing about the case, I don’t think it takes away anything from the quality person that she is." "She has disrupted the world of football, and we can’t expect her to be quiet and sit back and be a ‘nicey-nicey girl’ because she’s not that at all on the pitch. She’s lethal, so for her to stick up for herself off the field, for me personally, I 100 per cent back her." Kerr captained Australia to fourth place at the Olympic Games in 2020. She has made 128 appearances for Australia since 2009 and has returned 69 goals. “I can’t imagine the pressure that she’s under with her public profile. She’s in this pressure cooker and delivered so much for our game and continues to do that, and we should hold her in the highest regard whatever happens, because we all make mistakes as humans," Peters added. “In Sam Kerr’s case, she’s an absolute champion of our game and should be treated as that in her home country for sure. “It’s not that I don’t care what she’s (allegedly) done, but in this particular instance, we’ve got to protect her and cheer her on.” Image: Kim Price/CSM/ Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Readers response: Who is your favourite Australian artist, writer, or musician?

We asked our readers who their favourite Australian artist, writer, or musicians are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said about their favourite homegrown talents. Greg Curtin - Judith Durham. Her voice had an amazing quality. Julie Richardson - Australia has a number of top artists, my personal favourite is John Farnham. Gail Ladds - Russell Morris. Absolutely brilliant voice. Denise Houlihan - Such a tough one, so many great musicians, one under the radar was Mark Gillespie, he always made good music. Top of the voices would have to be John Farnham, but so many! Neil Watt - So many brilliant artists in this country. Joe Camilleri is a particular fave. Faye Inskip - My favourite writer is Fiona Macintosh...her books are well researched and well written. Catherine Borthwick - Any member of Powderfinger for sure! They were all brilliant. Vicki Coulta - John Farnham, Shirley from Skyhooks, Jimmy Barnes, Russell Morris, Michael Hutchence from INXS, Bon Scott from AC/DC and so many more! Dianne Strachan - John Williamson. Sue Pentecost - Delta Goodrem! Great singer. Image credits: Shutterstock

Music

Around 3% of us will develop a brain aneurysm in our lives. So what is it and how do you treat it?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-nealon-1481995">Jessica Nealon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands announced on air that he <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-03/kyle-sandilands-brain-aneurysm-diagnosis/104888826">has a brain aneurysm</a> and needs urgent brain surgery. Typically an aneurysm occurs when a part of the wall of an artery (a type of blood vessel) becomes stretched and bulges out. You can get an aneurysm <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/aneurysm">in any blood vessel</a>, but they are most common in the brain’s arteries and the aorta, the large artery that leaves the heart. Many people can have a brain aneurysm and never know. But a brain (or aortic) aneurysm that ruptures and bursts can be fatal. So, what causes a brain aneurysm? And what’s the risk of rupture? <h2>Weakness in the artery wall</h2> Our arteries need strong walls because blood is constantly pumped through them and pushed against the walls. An <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/aneurysms">aneurysm</a> can develop if there is a weak part of an artery wall. The walls of arteries are made of three layers: an inner lining of cells, a middle layer of muscle and elastic fibres, and a tough outer layer of mostly collagen (a type of protein). Damage to any of these layers causes the wall to become thin and stretched. It can then balloon outward, leading to an aneurysm. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4399795/">Genetics</a> and <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-aneurysms">certain inherited disorders</a> can cause weak artery walls and brain aneurysms in some people. For all of us, our artery walls become weaker as we age, and brain aneurysms are more common as we get older. The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557867/">average age for a brain aneurysm</a> to be detected is 50 (Sandilands is 53). Females have a higher risk of brain aneurysm than males <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/">after about age 50</a>. Declining oestrogen around menopause reduces the collagen in the artery wall, causing it to become weaker. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646696/original/file-20250204-15-i55mtq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="An illustration showing a brain aneurysm." /><figcaption>A brain aneurysm occurs when a part of the wall of an artery balloons out. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/human-brain-blocking-stroke-aneurysm-disease-2171173339">Alfmaler/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> High blood pressure can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm. In someone with high blood pressure, blood inside the arteries is pushed against the walls with greater force. This can <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3163429/">stretch and weaken the artery walls</a>. Another <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/introduction">common condition</a> called atherosclerosis can also <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-arteriosclerosis">cause brain aneurysms</a>. In atherosclerosis, plaques made mostly of fat build up in arteries and stick to the artery walls. This directly damages the cell lining, and weakens the muscle and elastic fibres in the middle layer of the artery wall. <h2>Several lifestyle factors increase risk</h2> Anything that increases inflammation or causes atherosclerosis or high blood pressure in turn increases your risk of a brain aneurysm. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6527044/">Smoking and heavy drinking</a> affect all of these, and nicotine <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6214667/">directly damages</a> the artery wall. Sandilands mentioned <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/kyle-sandilands-reveals-shock-health-diagnosis-i-may-be-dead/news-story/62f9f05c6f0a03702632ec8d622cf97a">his cocaine use</a> in discussing his diagnosis. He said: "The facts are, a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go." Indeed, cocaine abuse <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-aneurysm/causes/">increases the risk of a brain aneurysm</a>. It causes very high blood pressure because it causes arteries to spasm and constrict. Cocaine use is also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878875023017400">linked to worse outcomes</a> if a brain aneurysm ruptures. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ejn.15992">Stress</a> and a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6243058/#:%7E:text=High%2Dfat%20diets%20(HFDs),many%20organs%20(see%20text).">high-fat diet</a> also increase inflammation. <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/atherosclerosis#:%7E:text=Atherosclerosis%20is%20thickening%20or%20hardening,activity%2C%20and%20eating%20saturated%20fats.">High cholesterol</a> can also cause atherosclerosis. And <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/risk-factors/overweight-and-obesity">being overweight</a> increases your blood pressure. <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.121.022277">A study</a> of more than 60,000 people found smoking and high blood pressure were the strongest risk factors for a brain aneurysm. <h2>Is it always a medical emergency?</h2> About <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557867/">three in 100 people</a> will have a brain aneurysm, varying in size from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557867/">less than 5mm to more than 25mm</a> in diameter. The majority are only discovered while undergoing imaging for something else (for example, head trauma), because small aneurysms may not cause any symptoms. Larger aneurysms can cause symptoms because they can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483">press against brain tissues and nerves</a>. Sandilands described “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-03/kyle-sandilands-brain-aneurysm-diagnosis/104888826">a lot of headache problems</a>” leading up to his diagnosis. Headaches can be due to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483">minor leaks of blood</a> from the aneurysm. They indicate a risk of the aneurysm rupturing in subsequent days or weeks. Less than <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46015-2">one in 100 brain aneurysms will rupture</a>, often called a “brain bleed”. This causes a <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/subarachnoid-hemorrhage#:%7E:text=A%20subarachnoid%20hemorrhage%20is%20bleeding,brain%20and%20inside%20the%20skull.">subarachnoid haemorrhage</a>, which is a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/subarachnoid-haemorrhage/">type of stroke</a>. If it does occur, rupture of a brain aneurysm is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/">life-threatening</a>: nearly one in four people will die within 24 hours, and one in two within three months. If someone’s brain aneurysm ruptures, they usually experience a sudden, severe headache, often described as a “<a href="https://www.bafound.org/blog/three-signs-your-bad-headache-might-be-a-ruptured-brain-aneurysm/">thunderclap headache</a>”. They may also have <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-aneurysms">other symptoms of a stroke</a> such as changes in vision, loss of movement, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness. <h2>Surgery can prevent a rupture</h2> Whether surgery will be used to treat a brain aneurysm depends on its size and location, as well as the age and health of the patient. The medical team will balance the potential benefits with the risks of the surgery. A small aneurysm with low risk of rupture will usually <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2323531/">just be monitored</a>. However, once a brain aneurysm reaches <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/">7mm or more</a>, surgery is generally needed. In <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-aneurysm/treatment/#:%7E:text=A%20cut%20is%20made%20in,permanently%20clamped%20on%20the%20aneurysm.">surgery to repair a brain aneurysm</a>, the surgeon will temporarily remove a small part of the skull, then cut through the coverings of the brain to place a tiny metal clip to close off the bulging part of the aneurysm. Another option is <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/endovascular-coiling">endovascular</a> (meaning within the vessel) coiling. A surgeon can pass a catheter into the femoral artery in the thigh, through the aorta to the brain. They can then place a coil inside the aneurysm which forms a clot to close off the aneurysm sac. <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007372.htm">After either surgery</a>, usually the person will stay in hospital for up to a week. It can take <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-aneurysm-clipping-surgery#recovery">6–8 weeks</a> for full recovery, though doctors may continue monitoring with annual imaging tests for a few years afterwards. You can <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-prevent-a-brain-aneurysm#prevention">lower your risk of a brain aneurysm</a> by not smoking, moderating alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.<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/248882/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jessica-nealon-1481995">Jessica Nealon</a>, Senior Lecturer in Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/around-3-of-us-will-develop-a-brain-aneurysm-in-our-lives-so-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-treat-it-248882">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Essendon coach dies aged 59 following cancer battle

Essendon VFL and assistant coach Dale Tapping has passed away aged 59 following a battle with cancer. The football veteran was first diagnosed with myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer, two years ago. Despite his health battle, Tapping played a key role leading the Bombers forwards in 2024, and late last year, he was announced as the club's VFL coach for 2025 and 2026. Tapping passed away on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family. “On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we are deeply saddened by Dale’s loss,” club president Dave Barham said. “Dale was a man of impeccable character who was universally loved and respected by those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him over his 28 years in the football industry. “Our club’s thoughts are with his wife Kellie, children Summer and Mason, and the extended Tapping family at this most challenging of times. “He has left a lasting impact on the Essendon Football Club and across the broader football community, and will be remembered as a selfless individual whose passion and care for people and the game was evident in everything he did.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The Essendon Football Club is in mourning after the passing of VFL Senior Coach Dale Tapping on Tuesday morning. A universally loved football person, Tapping bravely fought Myeloma, a form of blood cancer, for over two years. Rest in peace, Tapps ❤️ — Essendon FC (@essendonfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/essendonfc/status/1886562363937316975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote> Essendon's AFL coach Brad Scott also paid tribute to his friend and colleague. “Dale was an outstanding coach, but his true legacy lies in the profound impact he had on players and staff personally,” Scott said. “His dedication to their growth — both on and off the field — along with his genuine love for seeing people succeed were qualities admired by all. “It was a privilege to have coached with him, and his legacy at the club will endure through the players and staff he mentored throughout his career. “Dale will be deeply missed by the AFL industry and everyone at the Bombers. Our thoughts are with his wife Kellie, and children Summer and Mason, who have shown incredible strength throughout this difficult time.” Brisbane Lions head coach and former colleague Chris Fagan also paid tribute, by recalling Tapping's impact on his first years at the club. “I met Dale at a Leading Teams leadership seminar in 2016. I immediately admired his enthusiasm and love for coaching and AFL football,” Fagan said. He also recalled how Tapping's positive and resilient attitude helped the Brisbane Lions progress, adding that the VFL coach's “fingerprints are all over” their 2023 premiership. “He was a fantastic football person, a super coach, a great Dad to Summer and Mason and husband to Kel. We will all miss him dearly.” Tapping first went public with his diagnosis in April 2023, sharing how difficult it had been to decide how to tell their kids. “Talking to them, that was ... I’m getting a bit emotional now,” he said at the time. “That’d be the hardest conversation I’ve ever had to have." He is survived by his wife Kellie, and children Summer and Mason. Image: X

Caring

Big banks finally cut fixed-interest mortgage rates

NAB has become the first big bank to announce it has cut its fixed rate mortgages across all loan terms. The bank is the first of the big four banks to cut its fixed rates in 2025, two weeks out from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s first meeting when it is tipped to cut the cash rate. NAB announced on Monday that their lowest fixed rate is now 5.84 per cent, with a deposit of at least 20 per cent on a three-year term. “NAB is the first of the big four banks to cut fixed rates in 2025, with other banks likely to follow,” Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall said. “The cost of wholesale fixed rate funding has started to ease slightly. This, combined with a prospective cash rate cut, should push other banks into moving on fixed rates.” The cuts from NAB come almost two weeks after Macquarie Bank lowered its fixed rates, however, ANZ still has the lowest fixed rate out of the big four banks at 5.74 per cent for a two-year or three-year term. “While a few banks are now starting to sharpen their offerings, fixed rates still have a way to fall before they become fashionable again with borrowers,” Tindall said. “We expect the big four banks in particular to pass on cash rate cuts in full, at least for the first couple of cash rate cuts,” she said. “But we might even see some banks choose to pass on even more to new customers in order to take advantage of that re-engagement for borrowers in what a competitive rate looks like.” “Many homeowners have been waiting for well over a year for a cash rate cut. It’s hard to see them throwing in the towel and switching to a fixed rate now when the RBA is poised to move." “That said, there’s no guarantee we’ll see a barrage of cash rate cuts and borrowers should factor this into their thinking.” Image credits: Shutterstock <p class="mb-4 font-serif text-article-body" style="font-family: var(--font-google-newsreader),serif; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 1.2275rem; line-height: 26.514px; caret-color: #2a2a2a; color: #2a2a2a;">

Money & Banking

Kyle Sandilands reveals major health diagnosis live on air

Kyle Sandilands has shared his shocking health diagnosis live on air, telling his listeners he is due to undergo emergency brain surgery. The radio shock jock shared the news on Monday morning, saying he would be stepping back from the KIIS FM hosting role to look after his health and recover from the major operation. “On Friday, I was told by my medical team, which sounds like I’m already very sick - to have a medical team - that I have a brain aneurysm and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,” Sandilands told listeners. “If you just tuned in to us after all these years, lap it up. And if you’re in Melbourne ... you’re coming to the party too late. You may get your wish. I may be dead.” After being away on Friday, Sandilands shared that he received his diagnosis after a difficult period of difficult headaches. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFlTXUwo5w6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFlTXUwo5w6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a> </div> </blockquote> "It's not a blockage. It's like, imagine your blood vessel is the garden hose, and the garden hose is weak and it blisters out like a big bubble, you know, like a puncture in it. (It's) like a bike tyre with a big bubble - that bubble's the aneurysm, so it's not blocked," he explained. "It's expanded and if it bursts, (I will become) either a vegetable, in the wheelchair, or dead instantly" Sandilands expects to take eight weeks off from his hit show, The Kyle and Jackie O Show, to recover. “My wife, every time I look at her, her eyes well up with tears. She is already counting down the days.” “The facts are a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go,” he said. Sandilands then used his condition as a warning to others, saying, "If anyone is having persistent headaches or any of those recurring issues, get a brain scan. It could save your life." Image credits: Instagram

Caring

"Un-Australian": Aussies called out over "selfish" summer habit

Australians have been called out for taking part in a "selfish" summer trend that has left many people fuming. The trend began as many erupted over the increase use of beach cabanas and "reserving" spaces on the sand, which then led to similar behaviour at campsites and carparks. Eager Aussies would set up a cabana or rope off a campsite and leave their belongings behind, only to return a matter of hours later and still have their spot reserved. One of Australia's leading etiquette experts, Jo Hayes, spoke to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-called-out-over-selfish-summer-trend-taking-over-car-parks-and-campsites-un-australian-055035070.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a> on the matter, and said the "poor" trend is "reflective of a general societal decline". She argued such acts are "bad form" and even branded them "un-Australian". It turns out the "reservations" aren't exclusive to beaches or campsites, as one woman was recently photographed standing in the middle of a car park at Balmoral Beach in Sydney, in a bid to deter others from seizing the spot, arguing her "husband was coming soon". Hayes said the "only people who have the right to do such reserving" are the local council/regulators in charge of that area, adding, "It's not fair." "There are ways that one can reserve the best, desired spots, that align with common decency and proper etiquette," Hayes said. "This is the way things were done in previous generations. Get to the venue early, claim your spot and set up your gear, then stay there — you must have at least one person staying with the claimed spot." "If you've taken the time to get there ahead of others — all power to you. Well done. But you don't have the right to lay down a blanket, or cordon off an area with your own self-made sign, and then choof off." Hayes said that when in doubt, apply the golden rule of thumb: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. "The average Joe doesn't have the right to 'reserve' a spot and leave," she reiterated. "If a group wants to have an event at a council park, they can contact local council to officially reserve the spot. Council puts up a sign stating that the area is reserved for an event. One can't just put up their own sign." Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

"No end in sight": Australian Idol star's sad health update

Courtney Murphy, beloved Australian Idol finalist from 2004, has shared a difficult update nearly a year after being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer. The 45-year-old musician revealed in an interview with Perth Now that his fight against the disease remains ongoing, with no clear end in sight. “It’s nearly a year on now from my diagnosis, and there’s no end in sight as far as treatment goes,” Murphy said. “I’ve told my doctors to throw everything they’ve got at it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m going to keep looking forward to putting out the next album.” Murphy was diagnosed with advanced-stage bowel cancer in March 2024 and has been undergoing intensive treatment since. Murphy first captured Australia’s hearts during Australian Idol, where his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances earned him a devoted fanbase. Following the competition, he continued to thrive as a musician, joining the cast of the Queen-inspired musical We Will Rock You in 2018 and performing both as a solo artist and with his siblings in their band, The Murphy Brothers. Over the years, Murphy has entertained audiences across WA and beyond, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the local music scene. Murphy’s diagnosis has been a devastating blow for his family, especially coming so soon after the loss of his father, Kim, who passed away following a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumour. In April 2024, Murphy’s family launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign to help support him and his young family through the challenges ahead. The father of three, who is unable to work during treatment, has been relying on the generosity of his community to ease the financial burden. “Our beautiful brother Courtney Murphy is in for the fight of his life,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Many of you will know Courtney for his amazing musical talent and his big voice. We think it’s fair to say he’s been entertaining West Aussies for the best part of 30 years… Now, we’re asking for your help to support him as he faces this incredible challenge.” For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made through the family’s <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a>, which serves as a lifeline for Murphy, his wife, and their three young children during this difficult time. At the time of writing, donations had soared above $140,000, well on its way to the $200k target.

Caring

Readers response: What’s an Australian icon or landmark that holds a special meaning for you?

We asked our readers what Australian icon or landmark holds a special meaning for them, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Rae Dutton - Ayers Rock (Uluru). I climbed it in my twenties. Everyone there that day was completely respectful and we just took photos. Such a shame people are no longer allowed to experience that. Darryl Wilkes - Being a Sydneysider, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House of course. Lynette Miller - The Blue Mountains. I have relatives up there so been going since my brother and I were kids love it always stunning. Kathryn Potter - The Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, NSW. Tony Smith - The domes of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park. Breathtaking and Spiritual. Val Derksen - Richmond, Tasmania. Margie Buckingham - The Australia Rock at Narooma. Janita Hill - Coorong and River Murray Mouth. Feeling of belonging. Irene Loring - Rottnest and Port Hedland. Marian Monaghan - Pildappa Rock on Eyre Peninsula. Image credits: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Grace Tame for "taking focus away" from the 2025 Australian of the Year finalists with her choice of outfit. The former Australian of the Year winner was greeted by Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, as she donned a t-shirt that said "F*** Murdoch". Speaking with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/live/perth" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">ABC Radio Perth</a> on Monday, Albanese was asked about his meeting with Tame and his views on her T-shirt, as he said her stunt was disrespectful towards the award's finalists. “I held a function. It is something that, in my view, took away from the people who were there, and my focus was simply on that,” he said. Albanese believed Tame’s decision to wear the t-shirt had clearly been designed to get attention, as he said, “I don’t intend to add to that attention because I do think that it takes away from what the day should be about, which is the amazing people who were nominated as Australians of the Year.” When asked if he agreed with the message of what Tame was trying to portray, Albanese said that he “clearly disagreed” and he wants debate to be respectful, adding, “People are allowed to express themselves, but I thought it was disrespectful of the event and of the people who that event was primarily for.” Tame explained her decision to wear the shirt to the event to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/25/grace-tame-wears-anti-murdoch-shirt-to-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-australian-of-the-year-morning-tea-ntwnfb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian Australia</a>, saying, “[The T-shirt is] clearly not just about Murdoch, it’s the obscene greed, inhumanity and disconnection that he symbolises, which are destroying our planet.” “For far too long this world and its resources have been undemocratically controlled by a small number of morbidly wealthy oligarchs. If we want to dismantle this corrupt system, if we want legitimate climate action, equity, truth, justice, democracy, peace, land back, etc, then resisting forces like Murdoch is a good starting point.” Image credits: Instagram

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"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

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