Journalists rumoured to replace Alex Cullen on Today

<p>Two female Channel Nine journalists are rumoured to be the front runners for Alex Cullen's sports presenter role on the <em>Today </em>show, after he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/we-ll-miss-him-terribly-alex-cullen-steps-down-from-today" target="_blank" rel="noopener">axed for accepting a $50,000 gift</a> from billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>Insiders have told the <em>Daily Mail </em>that Roz Kelly and Danika Mason are the top contenders for the role, alongside Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic. </p> <p>They also claim that Kelly is "the obvious first choice" with her current role as the sports presenter on Friday and Saturday evenings, but she might not be too keen on taking the role. </p> <p>"She's polished and the viewers already know her and love her. But she's got two young sons and her husband has to travel to India a lot for work," the source told the <em>Daily Mail. </em></p> <p>"Right now, her life is really finely balanced and in a good place so she might not be too keen to take on all the pressures and demands of live television five days a week." </p> <p>"Danika is also equally amazing and is the other really strong contender that everyone is talking about at the moment," the source continued. </p> <p>Another source suggested that Mason was actually the top pick for the position, as she already has a loyal NRL fan base. </p> <p>"Danika would have to be the top pick - she's an absolute live wire, which is what you need at breakfast, and is a hard-worker who throws herself into every challenge with everything she's got," they said. </p> <p>"While nothing has been decided as yet, she's definitely in strong consideration." </p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

"We'll miss him terribly": Alex Cullen steps down from Today

<p>Alex Cullen is "stepping down permanently" from <em>Today</em> after accepting a huge cash prize from billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>After Cullen referred to Portelli as "McLaren Man" on the Channel Nine morning show and pocketed $50,000 for using Portelli's preferred moniker, Cullen disappeared from screens for several days for breaching the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>Despite handing the money back, which has since been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/billionaire-adrian-portelli-responds-to-50k-mclaren-man-controversy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donated to charity</a>, Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo confirmed on Friday morning that Cullen would not be retuning to the show. </p> <p>“As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network."</p> <p>“Alex has, of course, been part of the <em>Today</em> family for five years now, he’s always ready with a smile and a laugh and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly, that’s for sure."</p> <p>“Alex is a terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future.”</p> <p>The scandal began when Portelli put a call out on social media, challenging journalists to refer to him publicly as "McLaren Man" instead of his common nickname "Lambo Guy", which he earned after showing up to <em>The Block</em> auctions in a bright yellow Lamborghini. </p> <p>Portelli said whoever completed the challenge would earn a hefty cash prize, and after Cullen used the new nickname live on <em>Today</em> just hours later, Portelli shared a screenshot of a bank transfer to Cullen for a whopping $50,000. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

TV

Billionaire Adrian Portelli responds to $50k "McLaren Man" controversy

<p>Alex Cullen has returned the $50,000 that he received after taking on billionaire <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/nine-reporter-stood-down-over-controversial-50k-gift" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Portelli's challenge</a> of offering money to the first journalist to call him "McLaren Man" on-air, an act that has landed the <em>Today</em> show presenter in hot water. </p> <p>Cullen was stood down from the show, after dropping the moniker on-air during a live cross on Friday morning, with Channel Nine condemning his actions for breaching the  Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>“Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously," they said at the time.</p> <p>“Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned. While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.”</p> <p>On Tuesday, Portelli revealed that he had chosen to donate the returned cash to two charities on behalf of Cullen. </p> <p>“Alex Cullen … on behalf of you, mate, $25,000 to the Salvation Army and $25,000 to the RSPCA,” Portelli wrote in a post to social media. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFEzS3QS4ib/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFEzS3QS4ib/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Adrian Portelli (@adrian_portelli)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>He added that Cullen was "an absolute gentleman" and that he hoped Channel Nine would not fire him. </p> <p>“I’ve kept pretty quiet about what unfolded with Alex, but even before he’d heard from Ch9, we had a conversation where he expressed his desire to donate the money. That speaks volumes about his character.”</p> <p>Portelli then offered to work with Cullen in some capacity if he does end up losing his job. </p> <p>While Cullen has yet to comment on what happened, his Instagram has been flooded with messages of support from his fans. </p> <p>“Nine isn’t the same without you,” one person said.</p> <p>“I stand with you Alex — you are the best,” another wrote.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

Nine reporter stood down over controversial $50k gift

<p><em>Today</em> show presenter Alex Cullen has been stood down after accepting a huge cash prize from <em>The Block</em> billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>Portelli, known for his attention-grabbing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/the-block-billionaire-s-generous-christmas-stunt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antics</a>, recently announced that he was sick of his nickname "Lambo guy", which had stuck after turned up to a 2022 auction of <em>The Block</em> in a yellow Lamborghini. </p> <p>The billionaire put a call out to the media saying that he would give $50,000 to the first journalist or presenter to publicly call him by his new preferred nickname "McLaren Man." </p> <p>Cullen dropped the nickname on-air during a <em>Today</em> show cross from the Australian Open on Friday morning, even sharing footage of the moment on his Instagram account afterwards, tagging Portelli in the post.</p> <p>“We have a winner! Well played sir,” Portelli wrote in an Instagram story, sharing a screenshot of a bank transfer. </p> <p>Cullen's employer, Channel Nine, said that the presenter had agreed to step down on Saturday while the network looked into the payment. </p> <p>“Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,” a Nine spokesperson told <em>news.com.au</em>. </p> <p>“Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned.</p> <p>“While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.”</p> <p>Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and inappropriately using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>It was created by journalists in 1944 to promote basic values for the Australian media industry.</p> <p>As news of the controversy spread, Portelli took to Instagram to speak out against journalists who still refer to him as "Lambo guy". </p> <p>“I wanted to show the media that I do have a large platform as well, and I’m not afraid to use it. Maybe be a bit more respectful, and I’ll respect you guys as well,” he said in a video posted on Saturday night.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Cold Chisel member's sister dies in tragic accident

<p>Brenda Walker, an award-winning Australian author and the sister of Cold Chisel member Don Walker, has been killed in a horrific accident at Kings Park in Perth. </p> <p>The 67-year-old was crossing Kings Park Road on Tuesday when she was hit by an allegedly speeding driver in a Toyota Yaris hatchback just before 7am on Tuesday. </p> <p>She sustained critical injuries in the incident and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but could not be saved.</p> <p>“She was such a kind, intelligent, caring and generous person who had a positive effect on many lives,” her family told 7News.</p> <p>“She will be dearly missed by many.”</p> <p>Walker was born in Grafton, NSW and studied at the University of New England in Armidale before gaining a PhD in English at the Australian National University.</p> <p>She moved to Perth in 1984 and was a Winthrop professor of English and cultural studies at the University of Western Australia.</p> <p>A spokesperson from the university has paid tribute to her saying they were deeply saddened to learn of her death. </p> <p>“Our thoughts and condolences are with Professor Walker’s family and friends at this time." </p> <p>A former student also paid tribute on social media, saying:  “She was a teacher who changed my life with her great encouragement and her astute methods.”</p> <p>“She got into a lot of corners of my life because you only meet a proper guru every so often. It tends to affect you," he continued.</p> <p>“Brenda’s passing is a massive loss to Australian literature, because there are dozens like me with much the same story, and many many more who have met her through her brilliant writing. Her memory will be a monument.” </p> <p>She has written several award-winning novels including <em>Reading By Moonlight, The Wing of the Night </em>and<em> Poe’s Cat.</em></p> <p>A 30-year-old man was allegedly driving the Yaris that struck her and was arrested at the scene. </p> <p>He was charged with dangerous driving causing death and appeared at the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.</p> <p><em>Image: news.com.au/ 7News</em></p>

Caring

Donald Bradman's baggy green sells for eye-watering price

<p>Sir Donald Bradman's baggy green that he wore in his final Australian Test series has fetched nearly half a million at auction. </p> <p>The cap was worn by Bradman during the 1947-48 series, when the Indian team played on Australia soil for the first time in history. </p> <p>The baggy green fetched a whopping $390,000, with the final price totalling $479,700 including auction costs.</p> <p>It attracted significant interest from potential buyers from both Australia and overseas, with the winning buyer coming out on top after a 10 minute flurry at Bonhams Auction House in Sydney on Tuesday evening.</p> <p>The auction house described the cap as "sun faded and worn", with "some insect damage" and "some loss to edge of peak".</p> <p>The cap was also advertised as “the only known Baggy Green” to have been worn by Bradman during the series, where he cored 715 runs in six innings at an average of 178.75, with three centuries and a double-hundred.</p> <p>Bradman had gifted it to India's team manager at the time, who then gave it to the team's wicket keeper. </p> <p>While it is currently not known who placed the winning bid, the cap itself has particular significance to Indian fans, as the series took place just months after the country gained independence. </p> <p>For Aussie fans, the cap was worn during Bradman's final game on Australian soil, with the cricket legend embarking on a farewell tour of England afterwards. </p> <p>This is not the first cap of Bradman's to go under the hammer, with the cap he wore during his 1928 Test debut fetching over $450,000 plus fees in 2020.</p> <p>The late Shane Warne's baggy green currently holds the record for sale at auction, after selling for $1m when auctioned off in 2020. </p> <p><em>Image: Design Pics Inc/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

"Nobody wins": Sam Newman provides update after explosive outburst

<p>The future of Sam Newman's podcast is in jeopardy after his co-host Don Scott has officially quit the program. </p> <p>The shock exit comes after Newman launched into an expletive-ridden tirade at Scott last week in a now deleted segment of the podcast, which ended with Newman telling Scott to "f**k off" as he left the building. </p> <p>Now, Scott has returned to the You <em>Cannot Be Serious</em> podcast, but only to confirm he isn't coming back. </p> <p>“You do whatever you want to do … (but) what is the point of trying to have a discussion with somebody who is going off their brain?” Scott asked.</p> <p>“You do not talk to anybody no matter whether it is on-air or wherever in life when they are not rational, so you walk away."</p> <p>“I’m not getting into this … This is like a domestic and nobody wins in a domestic."</p> <p>“You can put your view as much as you like and I am not here to defend or whatever else."</p> <p>“Everybody has a different personality. I am not in to conflict.”</p> <p>Newman, who refused to believe he overreacted during the argument, asked, “Can we finally say that you’re not going to do the podcast anymore? Is that what’s going to happen?”</p> <p>Scott replied, “That’s fine at the moment, no.”</p> <p>Newman doubled down, saying, “This is history … This is breaking news. Don has now left the building, as Elvis has, and he’s not going to do the podcast anymore."</p> <p>“This is another show of disgraceful behaviour from someone who is acting like a child … it’s beyond belief.”</p> <p>Later on social media, Newman said that if Scott wasn't taking part in the podcast anymore, he wasn't sure how long they would continue with the show. </p> <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/CyPXhh5vX0W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CyPXhh5vX0W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John ‘Sam’ Newman (@originalsmartassam)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Won’t do it without Don, and even if he reconsiders, it will not be the same. So …”</p> <p>He finished the video by leaving the future of the podcast up the air, saying “<em>You Cannot Be Serious</em>, I don’t know if we’ll be on again but who cares.”</p> <p>Speaking to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/fiona-byrne/sam-newman-blows-his-stack-as-don-scott-quits-their-podcast/news-story/97e08f9c1549100c36e0dfc7fe46cfab" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Herald Sun</em></a> after the podcast dropped, Newman labelled Scott’s exit a “pathetic act of treachery”.</p> <p>“I am a friend of Don’s, yes, nice to know who you are dealing with though, someone who won’t stand up and face the music if you have a disagreement, not sure how that works,” he said.</p> <p>“Walking away from something shows a complete disregard for any relationship you have had in the past.</p> <p>“That is just a pathetic act of treachery.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram </em></p>

News

"F*** off, go home": Sam Newman loses it at podcast co-host

<p>Sam Newman's podcast could be on the rocks after an expletive-ridden tirade caused a rift between the pair. </p> <p>The former AFL player hosts the <em>You Cannot Be Serious</em> podcast with Don Scott, who stormed off in the middle of a recording. </p> <p>The<em> Herald Sun</em> first reported Newman’s foul-mouthed blow up at Scott over technical issues they were having in the studio. </p> <p>“Holy s**t. Jesus Christ, if you touch that f***ing thing again. Stop it, I’m serious, f*** you, God almighty,” Newman said.</p> <p>Newman went on to say: “I can’t do it. If you could f***ing do something properly for once in your f***ing life, don’t touch the microphone and speak into it and stop eating. F***. Go out, go home.”</p> <p>As Scott appeared to walk away, Newman said, “Good, f*** off”.</p> <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/Cx9g3W9vuRB/?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/Cx9g3W9vuRB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John ‘Sam’ Newman (@originalsmartassam)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Newman posted a video to his Instagram page to promote the episode of the podcast, with his producer saying, "We've just had the biggest blow up that I've ever seen, and I don't know if Don is going to be back."</p> <p>Sam then chimed in, saying "Don has left the premises! This podcast could be the last one we ever do because he left!"</p> <p>Newman and Scott have both spoken publicly since the argument with Newman admitting he “temporarily lost it” when Scott broke a microphone and headphones.</p> <p>When approached by the <em>Herald Sun</em> for a comment on the blow up, Don Scott refused to confirm if he would ever return to the podcast, leaving its future up in the air. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram </em></p>

News

Son of death cap mushroom victim reveals mother's last message

<p>Simon Patterson, the son of Don and Gail Patterson, who tragically fell victim to a mushroom-related incident in Victoria, has spoken emotionally at a public memorial in Korumburra. This marked Simon's first public address since the unfortunate incident.</p> <p>Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, tragically passed away after consuming a mushroom-infused meal at Erin Patterson's residence in Leongatha, Victoria. </p> <p>At the Korumburra Recreation Centre, Simon emotionally shared, “Mum and dad were very much a team working at life together. The fact they died on consecutive days is fitting in some ways, as it reflects their togetherness as a couple that they always worked so hard to grow.”</p> <p>Simon also disclosed the remarkable resilience of his father, who, despite being in his 70s, managed to survive an emergency liver transplant after the toxic meal. Sadly, his overall health deteriorated rapidly thereafter. Simon recounted the final message his mother sent to their family group chat before her hospitalisation, expressing gratitude for the love they shared.</p> <p>“It was no fluke that mum’s final text message as she lay in Dandenong Hospital was: ‘Lots of love to you all’.</p> <p>"As Mum and Dad lay in comas in the hospital in their final days and each day, we were unsure if they would recover or not, it was comforting to know that when we said: ‘See you later,’ we knew it was true.</p> <p>“The only thing we didn’t know was when. In the meantime, we’ll miss them.” </p> <p>Simon acknowledged his parents' strong Christian faith and emphasised that they were open-minded believers who respected diverse perspectives. He reflected on their perspective on death as an inevitable part of life but not the ultimate end.</p> <p>In a gesture of gratitude, Simon thanked the medical staff at Austin and Dandenong hospitals for their care, particularly noting the compassionate act that allowed Gail to see Don one last time before his transfer to the ICU.</p> <p>Heather Wilkinson's situation remains critical, and her husband, Ian Wilkinson, a church pastor, is recovering in the hospital after consuming the same meal. Reverend Fran Grimes expressed support for Ian's recovery during the memorial service.</p> <p>Detectives are collaborating with the Department of Health to further investigate the incident.</p> <p><em>Images: 7 News / Twitter (X)</em></p>

Family & Pets

Don Giovanni Sydney: Review

<p dir="ltr">From the first spine-tingling chord the orchestra plays beneath a stage covered in skulls and shrouded in shadow, <em>Don Giovanni</em> at the Sydney Opera House promises a thrilling take on the iconic opera.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ukrainian baritone Andrei Kymach shines as the suave Don Giovanni, highlighting the anti-hero’s enjoyment of his lifestyle and his unrepentant nature and showing off his velvety tone.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4bb2f4d7-7fff-c825-2e92-5840650e8c05"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/01/don-giovanni1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Andrei Kymach as Don Giovanni and the cast of Don Giovanni. Image: Keith Saunders (Supplied)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Kymach is joined in his Australian debut by French-Israeli bass-baritone Yuri Kissin as Leporello, who brings a slice of comedic light to an otherwise dark and grim production. Acting as the “conscience” of his machiavellian and unrepenting master, Kissin does this all while delivering a rich tone and perfectly executing Mozart’s rapid passages.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the final day of Don Giovanni’s life, the downfall of the serial rapist and scoundrel is apparent from the very beginning, in a story that is packed to the brim with vengeance, grief and rage.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a post-#metoo world, the solidarity between Donna Anna (Sophie Salvesani), Donna Elvira (Bronwyn Douglass), and Zerlina (Cathy-Di Zhang) in holding Don Giovanni accountable for his actions is a standout theme.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eb234abf-7fff-4fa1-3756-ab2a5f551560"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/01/don-giovanni2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Juan de Dios Mateos as Don Ottavio and Sophie Salvasani as Donna Elvira (left), Bronwyn Douglass as Donna Anna (middle), Cathy-Di Zhang and Andrew Williams as Zerlina and Masetto. Images: Keith Saunders (Supplied)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Whisperings of what he’s really like and Donna Anna’s unrelenting campaign to prevent others from sharing her fate are moments that are reminiscent of the stories of women protecting each other from male abusers in the real world.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even in contrast to the scale of Don Giovanni’s misdeeds, no-one is without flaws and the cast portray their characters as authentic and messily human.</p> <p dir="ltr">Salvesani offers a believable depiction of grief and a need for justice following the death of her father, the Commendatore (David Parkin), while Douglass offers up a rich portrayal of a woman torn between love for Don Giovanni, hatred at his deceptions and grief over his impending death, and Zhang straddles the line between loyalty to her husband and the allure of a better life with Don Giovanni.</p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew Williams’ portrayal of Masetto throws an ugly light over the peasant’s jealousy and misguided anger towards his new bride, the victim of Don Giovanni’s attention, while Juan de Dios Mateos brings the supportive yet impatient Don Ottavio to life with great vocal artistry and control.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6f97c350-7fff-3e60-cf6c-3777fbc0d821"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/01/don-giovanni3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The cast of Don GIovanni at the Sydney Opera House. Image: Keith Saunders (Supplied)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">This rendition of David McVicar’s Gothic reimagining - where even the chorus become part of the scenery - features a cast of debuting stars, supported by a slimmed-down orchestra that perfectly captures the range of Mozart’s score, from the boisterous celebration of Zerlina and Masetto’s nuptials to the chilling moment Parkin appears on Don Giovanni’s doorstep as the ghoulish statue of the Commendatore.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5ba2a2ff-7fff-e8e0-d980-fda7bf6ab269"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/01/don-giovanni4.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>David Parkin as Commendatore and Andrei Kymach as Don Giovanni. Image: Keith Saunders (Supplied)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Don Giovanni’s fate - being dragged to the Underworld by harpies with abdominal wounds of unknown origin - carries a haunting warning that our actions - and particularly our willingness to change - comes with consequences.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Don Giovanni</em> will be playing at the Sydney Opera House until February 17. To get tickets, head <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/don-giovanni-sydney?scroll=story">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Keith Saunders (Supplied)</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-9698cbf6-7fff-8157-e613-5a8407b3d146"></span></p>

Music

Don Bradman's private retreat hits the market

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A home once owned by renowned cricketer Sir Donald Bradman is on the market following his daughter-in-law’s decision to sell.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The property has been listed with a price guide of $1.95 million.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bradman first bought the home in Adelaide Hills 62 years ago with his son John, who changed his last name to Bradsen to avoid unwanted attention.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">John’s former wife, Judith, has lived there for the past 27 years.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844909/bradman9.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a91958992cda4f46a6b284d34226ed05" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The original certificate of title signed by Sir Donald Bradman. Image: Raine &amp; Horne Strathalbyn</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The press were always interested in Don, so this place provided a space where he could enjoy his family life without being observed,” Ms Bradsen </span><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/bradmans-hills-haven-at-117-sheoak-rd-crafers-west-set-to-bowl-market-over/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He could just be himself here because when we dined out people would always approach him. Nobody knew he owned it, nobody. Only very close family friends of Don and then John and mine enjoyed the property.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Bradsen said her father-in-law would often spend time at the property enjoying the outdoors and doing maintenance work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In the early days, he would come up here often,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He spent a lot of time clearing the woody weeds and he enjoyed the odd bonfire.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He had a fire get away from him once in the valley. We would joke about it later, and I’m not sure if the CFS was called or not back in the day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The property, known as Glenquarry Farm, sits on a whopping 8.893-hectare allotment, and is believed to have been built by a runaway from a British naval expedition in 1836.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A four-bedroom freestanding home sits on the property, as well as outbuildings, a cellar, a studio, and a stable.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The property also features a decommissioned Mt Lofty freestone quarry, extensive gardens, and a stretch of lawn well-suited to a game of cricket.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Natural stone, slatted timber, and open fires are found throughout the home, which also includes a separate wing for guests and an undercover, gabled courtyard.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The home has also seen several renovations over the years, with “The Don” playing his part.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Every time I paint I think of him telling me what to do because he was a keen painter,” Ms Bradsen said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The simplicity of the house really reflects his tastes - the modesty of the cottage, I think he enjoyed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He always had his own chair and he would sit on the verandah and watch everyone play, and our children climbed over him and loved him dearly.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Bradsen has said it was time to move on to a new home after living alone at the property for many years, and hopes a new family can enjoy it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m downsizing and I’d rather have this place enjoyed by more than just one person,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paul Clifford of Raine &amp; Horne Strathalbyn is managing the sale of the home, which has been described as a “unique and historic hideaway” according to </span><a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/117-sheoak-road-crafers-west-5152-south-australia"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the listing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Getty Images, Raine &amp; Horne Strathalbyn</span></em></p>

Real Estate

Karl's joke about the Queen's walking stick goes global

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Karl Stefanovic has made headlines across the UK after making a crude joke about the Queen using a walking stick at a public engagement for the first time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The monarch was seen using the stick while attending a service at Westminster Abbey marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844816/queen-stick.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3cde2b26359944cc9093727c65ca4188" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Alex Cullen reported the day’s headlines on Wednesday, he said, “She was using a cane. She was 95.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stefanovic replied: “She could use it to beat you up.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’d let her win. She’s 95,” Cullen joked.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844814/cullen-queen.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3b7ca1c8bc49433780edab0d74303d73" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Today / Channel 9</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She would smash you bro,” Stefanovic continued, to which Cullen said: “She would smash me and then jump on me.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I suppose she is single,” Stefanovic replied, prompting laughter across the panel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And shout at me for being a proud Republican,” Stefanovic added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since the episode aired, the hosts have received some backlash on social media.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">British supporters of the Queen took to Twitter to share their criticisms and call for Stefanovic’s firing, while British and US news publications described the joke as “crude”, “gross”, and “uncolored”.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Today host Karl Stefanovic makes gross joke about Queen Elizabeth, 95, using a walking stick <a href="https://t.co/vsQdM43R2L">https://t.co/vsQdM43R2L</a></p> — USMAIL24 (@usmail24) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmail24/status/1448255493621886976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Not the 1st time Aussie showbiz clowns have mocked Our Royal Family to try &amp; improve their status, when it just shows how pathetically desperate the Aussie mainstream media is for presenters, they have to scrape scum from the barrels,” user Upstart Eagle tweeted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m assuming [Stefanovic’s] aged about 12, in which case he needs his arse smacked and no supper,” author Peter Maughan tweeted.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic makes crude joke about the Queen using a walking stick. Stefanovic &amp; Cullen should be fired for their rudeness, disrespect &amp; crude insinuations, that stick is to help our 95 year old Queen &amp; that sort of rubbish on our TV program should be dealt with harshly,</p> — Old Bill (@Cuthred) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cuthred/status/1448119643206529029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was the first time the Queen used the walking aid since 2004, when she was recovering following a knee operation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though many are concerned for the Queen’s health, it is understood she used the stick for comfort.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Today / Channel 9</span></em></p>

TV

Today Show newsreader welcomes baby boy

<p>Newsreader for <em>The Today Show</em> Alex Cullen has shared heart-warming news on Monday morning.</p> <p>The journalist and his wife Bonnie have welcomed a baby boy to their growing family. </p> <p>The baby boy was morning early on Sunday morning and has yet to be named by his adoring parents. </p> <p><em>Today</em> hosts Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon were thrilled announced the birth on air this morning with beaming smiles and well wishes for the parents. </p> <p>Ally said, "<span>"He's no longer the only man in the house, his beautiful wife Bonnie delivered a healthy baby boy early yesterday morning."</span><br /><br /><span>"His twin girls Audrey and Evie are very excited to have a little brother."</span></p> <p><span>They shares a series of photos form the parents of their new son, as well as a snap of a very tired Alex taking a nap alongside his baby. </span></p> <p><span>This is the third child for Alex and Bonnie who are also parents to two-and-a-half year old twins, Audrey and Evie.</span></p> <p><span>Alex also shared the exciting news with his thousands of Instagram followers, which welcomed a flood of </span>congratulatory messages. </p> <p>He captioned the photos with, "<span>We couldn’t be happier. Our healthy, happy little boy came into the world at 1.08 on Sunday morning weighing 3.7 kilograms."</span></p> <p><span>"After 41 and a half weeks it was well and truly worth the wait! Name TBC and can’t wait for his big twin sisters Audrey and Evie to meet him, boss him and shower him with cuddles."</span></p> <p><span>"I marvel at Bonnie’s strength especially in these very trying times. Just amazing. Mum and baby Cullen recovering well."</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Channel Nine</em></p>

Family & Pets

Karl Stefanovic storms off Today show live on air after Allison Langdon’s hurtful tweets

<p><span>Karl Stefanovic could not hide his hurt when it was revealed a colleague had “bagged him out” on social media on Friday morning. </span><br /><br /><span>The Today show host, 45, walked off set during a live broadcast after being told his co-anchor Allison Langdon had seemingly made a hurtful tweet about him. </span><br /><br /><span>Karl surprised viewers by calling out Langdon, 41, for making disparaging remarks about him and sports reporter Alex Cullen on Twitter. </span><br /><br /><span>Following Alex's sports update, Karl said: “I don’t think they'd be alone in bagging colleagues out privately, obviously.”</span><br /><br /><span>“Yeah, it happens,” Alex solemnly responded. </span><br /><br /><span>Karl went on to say: “It does happen, and it's not very nice. I've actually managed to intercept a tweet Ally sent Tim [Davies, Today's weather presenter], and this is what it says here.”</span><br /><br /><span>He then read aloud the hurtful Twitter post to his co-hosts and viewed at home.</span><br /><br /><span>“Hey Tim, I think Alex and Karl are LAZY and letting the team down. I'm so sick of carrying them every morning,” it read.</span><br /><br /><span>“So that's Allison Langdon to Tim. That's good, isn't it?” Karl said, bitterly.</span><br /><br /><span>“Alex added: “That hurts. That hurts me right in the bread basket.”</span><br /><br /><span>Allison defended her hurtful words: “Look, I stand by it!”</span><br /><br /><span>Karl then stood up and began to walk off set in protest, but stopped to confer with Alex, who was also pretending to have hurt feelings.</span><br /><br /><span>The pair swiftly moved on to talk about the NRL, and Allison went into a weather segment with Tim.</span><br /><br /><span>Karl's walk-off was revealed to simply be a joke, however, as a quick glance at Allison's verified Twitter account shows that she hasn't tweeted since May 29.</span><br /><br /><span>There are several websites that allow users to generate “fake tweets”, which seems to be what the Today show producers did for the cheeky segment.</span></p>

News

Elizabeth Hurley dons iconic dress from 21 years ago and looks even better now

<p><span>Elizabeth Hurley has proven age is not an issue when it comes to wearing old clothes, and this includes when she pulled out the iridescent cowl-neck Versace dress she famously wore to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards in 1999.</span><br /><br /><span>The 54-year-old took to Instagram to share an image of her stunning old glamour outfit, which is part of a campaign in which celebrities show off their home-style amid the coronavirus lockdown.</span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAWD6XylmcI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAWD6XylmcI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Elizabeth Hurley (@elizabethhurley1)</a> on May 18, 2020 at 2:42pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>“Just hanging at home watching tv for @harpersbazaarus in a @versace dress I wore 21 years ago to the #cfdaawards,” she wrote.</span><br /><br /><span>A fan took to the comments to write: “And you look even more beautiful today! Teach us your ways!”</span><br /><br /><span>Hurley is still turning heads in the immaculate gown that she wore while accompaniment by her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant back in 1999.</span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYoizFn8Zp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYoizFn8Zp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by NW Magazine (@nwmag)</a> on May 19, 2020 at 2:41pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The famous pair ended their relationship just one year later in 2000 after a long 13 years of dating, but have remained close friends.</span><br /><br /><span>Grant is the godfather to Hurley’s son Damian, 18, with Steve Bing.</span><br /><br /><span>“I love him, but he’s very annoying,” Hurley joked about the actor, while appearing on Watch What Happens Live appearance in 2015.</span><br /><br /><span>“My friends used to call him Grumpelstiltskin. He is grumpy," she said, adding he “remains my best friend to this day.”</span></p>

Beauty & Style

"I’m bloody disappointed": Senior NSW minister flaunts Easter travel ban

<p>Embattled Minister Don Harwin has urgently returned to Sydney apologising to the Premier and the people of Sydney.</p> <p>The Arts Minister was caught residing at his Pearl Beach holiday home on the Central Coast, despite countless government pleas for Sydneysiders to stay out of regional NSW to avoid the spread of the virus.</p> <p>Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was “disappointed” – despite being aware of Harwin’s plans before<span> </span><em>The Daily Telegraph</em><span> </span>reported it.</p> <p>Berejiklian said it was important her colleagues were “seen to stick to the rule” yet also attempted to defend Harwin by saying he fled to the coast before the lockdown took place.</p> <p>She did not speak about the fact that he had travelled back and forth at least twice in that period.</p> <p>When asked why she’s expressing her disappointment only after<span> </span><em>The Daily Telegraph</em><span> </span>made the news public, Berejiklian said “based on what he told me strictly he hadn’t breached the rules because they were prior to the restrictions”. </p> <p>“But as I say today, it’s not strictly about the rules it’s about the message to the community.”</p> <p>Harwin, who usually lives in Elizabeth Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was spotted at his $1.3 million beachside investment property.</p> <p>The Premier said she will not sack the minister even if he receives a penalty, saying you can’t terminate everyone who gets a fine.</p> <p>In a written statement this morning, Harwin said: “I apologise to the Premier and the people of NSW”.</p> <p>“I took advice from my department officials about the Public Health Order to ensure I adhered to the guidelines during this period.</p> <p>“I have no desire to cause a distraction for the Government at this important time and have returned to my Sydney home.”</p> <p>Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said if Harwin’s reasoning for travelling isn’t adequate, then he won’t hesitate to issue a fine.</p> <p>“If (Harwin’s) excuse doesn’t cut the mustard he’ll get the fine,” he said.</p> <p>Mr Fuller said Harwin will be subjected to a line of questioning and pointed out that there was evidence of another person in his home, which may have also breached the rules.</p> <p>Harwin confirmed he had been at the holiday home for “about three weeks” and in that time had once travelled to and from Sydney for a medical appointment.</p> <p>However, he was also in Parliament on March 24 – two weeks ago – which he did not mention.</p> <p>Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who has strongly advised Sydneysiders to stay away from the regions, said there was a clear expectation for everyone to stay in their principal place of residence.</p> <p>“The rules apply to everyone, politicians aren’t exempt – we need to set the standard and I’m bloody disappointed,” he said.</p> <p>“Everyone could go to their holiday home – we are asking people not to. This sets a bad example.”</p>

Travel Trouble

Inside cricket legend Don Bradman’s magnificent Sydney home

Domestic Travel

Channel 7 releases second Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion video following backlash

<p>After Channel 7’s exclusive interview with Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion aired on Sunday night, the network received an immediate wave of backlash.</p> <p>Interviewer Alex Cullen was scrutinised for not asking the pair questions about whether they had misused funds from the public for travel and whether Mr Joyce had helped Ms Campion receive a lucrative job with the National Party.</p> <p>Seven Network responded to the criticism by posting a part two of the controversial tell-all.</p> <p>Retweeting the second video, Cullen wrote: “For those who asked."</p> <p>Before releasing the second video, Cullen had justified the decision to focus the TV interview on the couple’s relationship and their newborn son, Sebastian.</p> <p>Cullen said the former deputy Prime Minister had denied any wrongdoing and so there was “nothing new” to contribute to the interview.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I’d like to make it clear that q’s about Joyce’s alleged tax-payer funded travel rorts and claims of sexual misconduct were asked in our <a href="https://twitter.com/sundaynighton7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundaynighton7</a> I/V. The response to these q’s was the same as we’ve heard time and time again. Vehemently denied hence nothing new. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Auspol</a></p> — Alex Cullen (@alextcullen) <a href="https://twitter.com/alextcullen/status/1003468641117978624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>But Channel 7 decided to release the extra footage last night, which showed Mr Joyce responding to the misused funds allegations and Ms Campion claiming she is owed money for her work in Parliament.</p> <p>In the newly released footage, Ms Campion shared with Cullen some of the insults that were thrown at her when it was first reported that she was pregnant.</p> <p>“I’m a rent-a-root,” Ms Campion said, gesturing with air quotes to share what she had read on social media written about herself.</p> <p>"Yeah,” Mr Joyce replied with an awkward laugh.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Barnaby_Joyce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Barnaby_Joyce</a> says he's not worried about the political consequences of a paid interview on Seven's <a href="https://twitter.com/sundaynighton7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundaynighton7</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley7News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Riley7News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7News?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7News</a> <a href="https://t.co/WPhI1my92U">pic.twitter.com/WPhI1my92U</a></p> — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsSydney/status/1003555417316720640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>The politician also responded to allegations the couple had misused funds from the public to take several trips.</p> <p>“They have investigated this to death,” Mr Joyce said, claiming he has been questioned by the Parliamentary Expenses Authority.  </p> <p>“I’ve had like 160 inquiries and at this point not one, not one, has come up saying, ‘Oh, this is a problem’.”</p> <p>Ms Campion revealed that she is also having her expenses investigated.</p> <p>“They have found that they actually owe me money,” she said.</p> <p>Reports have suggested that Ms Campion’s high-paying jobs were created to move her out of Mr Joyce’s office when the affair started.</p> <p>However, Ms Campion claimed she took a pay cut to work with the Nationals after working with the NSW government.</p> <p>“I actually took a big pay cut. My wage actually dropped significantly,” she said.</p> <p>Yesterday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull denied the couple’s allegations that they had been told by members of parliament to get an abortion.</p> <p>“I’m not aware of anybody doing that to anyone,” Mr Turnbull said.</p> <p>Last night’s episode of <em>Q&amp;A </em>addressed the controversial interview with former Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie revealing she was worried about Mr Joyce’s health.</p> <p>“Look, I’m going to be very brutally honest and I have been about this all the way through. This is beyond a midlife crisis. This is not the Barnaby Joyce I know. I am concerned about his mental welfare. I’m not going to sit here and kick them while he’s down and out. My heart is going out to him and both of them,” she said.</p> <p>“But if you can’t keep it in your pants you’re going to pay the price. It’s as simple as that and he’s now paying the price for that.”</p>

TV

New mum Serena Williams dons catsuit to win in French Open return

<p>Serena Williams has made her return to grand slam competition in stunning form, winning her first round of the French Open in straight-set match.</p> <p>Competing as a mother for the first time in a major – nine months after giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia – the unseeded Williams dispatched Kristyna Pliskova 7-6, 6-4 on Tuesday.</p> <p>She will now face Australian Ashleigh Barty in the second round.</p> <p><img width="425" height="284" src="http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/9814648-3x2-700x467.jpg" alt="Serena Williams swings tennis racket on court." style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Williams, who loves to make a sartorial statement, donned a black “catsuit” for her comeback and dedicated her win to all the mums who had “tough pregnancies”.</p> <p>“All the mums out here that had a tough pregnancy and had to come back and try to be fierce in the middle of everything, that’s what this represents,” Williams said after the match. “You can’t beat a catsuit, right?”</p> <p>She also opened up about life as a working mother.</p> <p>"Well, my priority is Olympia. No matter what, that's my priority. I have given tennis so much, and tennis has actually given me a lot, and I couldn't be more grateful," Williams said.</p> <p>Williams has spoken candidly about her <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/2018/02/serena-williams-almost-died-giving-birth/">postpartum complications</a></span></strong> that “almost killed her”.</p>

Body

Lisa Wilkinson knew about claims against Don Burke for 25 years

<p>Lisa Wilkinson has spoken out about the Don Burke scandal, revealing she had been aware of the claims against the television gardener for 25 years.</p> <p>Wilkinson told Alicia Loxley at the event it was a well-known industry secret.</p> <p>“For evil to prosper, all it takes is for good men to do nothing,” Wilkinson said.</p> <p> “It has been an open secret. The stuff on Don Burke I’ve been hearing it for 25 years.</p> <p>“That was really well known, but it takes bravery to come forward knowing there could be ramifications.</p> <p>“When you come into a culture that’s well established, everybody has this unspoken set of rules, (such as) this behaviour is acceptable, and there’s not a lot that isn’t, as long as it’s kept under wraps.</p> <p>“If anybody tries to step outside and tell others about it, you won’t be allowed back in.</p> <p>“TV stations, media organisations and the film industry are very guilty of that, because there’s a lot of people want to make it.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

TV