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Brrrrr! Australia's coldest town revealed

<p>Australia is in the grip of an icy blast as temperatures plummet across large parts of the country, with the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year – just around the corner.</p> <p>On Friday morning, widespread frost coated much of New South Wales, Victoria and even parts of Queensland. A combination of cold air and clear skies pushed temperatures below zero, with some areas recording their coldest morning in two years.</p> <p>“This is definitely the lowest temperatures that we’ve seen this year [for some],” Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-20/australias-coldest-towns-as-winter-weather-brings-frost/105433446" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told ABC News</a>. “But that makes sense as we’ve moved into the beginning of winter, and typically that sort of June, July period is the coldest for most parts of Australia.”</p> <p>But which town can truly claim the crown as Australia’s coldest? The very question was put to the BOM’s climate team, and the stats reveal two chilly champions – depending on how you measure it.</p> <p><strong>Cooma: Coldest Nights</strong></p> <p>When it comes to overnight minimum temperatures, Cooma in southern New South Wales takes top honours. Nestled at 800 metres elevation in the Snowy Mountains region, Cooma averages a frosty -2.6°C on July nights, with the airport recording a similar -2°C. This week, Cooma lived up to its reputation, shivering through -7°C on Thursday and a bone-chilling -8.5°C on Friday morning.</p> <p>“Anything elevated is going to be cooler because the temperature does decrease with height,” Ms Bradbury explained. “So Cooma, because it’s got that little bit of elevation, generally sees a cooler climate than some of those lower-lying areas.”</p> <p>Honourable mention goes to Walcha in the Northern Tablelands, where July nights average a brisk -2.2°C.</p> <p><strong>Oberon: Coldest Days</strong></p> <p>If daytime chill is the measure, Oberon in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales takes the title. Even in the middle of the day, July temperatures in Oberon barely reach between 8.1°C and 8.8°C on average. Throw in a bit of wind chill, and it feels colder still.</p> <p>“When it’s windier, it feels colder,” Ms Bradbury said. “When it’s more humid or the dew point temperature is higher, it tends to feel warmer.”</p> <p>In fact, both Oberon and Cooma are tied for coldest town when you look at average temperatures overall – no tie-breaker needed to know it’s freezing in both.</p> <p><strong>Record low for Australia... and beyond</strong></p> <p>While Cooma and Oberon claim the coldest town titles, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Australia was far more extreme. Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains hit -23°C on June 29, 1994. On a global scale, Vostok Station in Antarctica holds the record low, plunging to a staggering -89.4°C on July 21, 1983.</p> <p>With the winter solstice upon us, Australians can expect a few more weeks of frosty mornings and icy days – and perhaps a few more records to fall before spring begins to thaw the chill.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Qantas jet collides with airbridge

<p>A Qantas flight arriving in Brisbane has been involved in a minor collision after its aircraft made contact with an airbridge while taxiing, prompting an investigation by both the airline and airport authorities.</p> <p>The Boeing 737-800, operating as flight QF186 from Queenstown, New Zealand, touched down at Brisbane International Airport around 6.30pm on Wednesday. While taxiing to its designated gate, the aircraft collided with the passenger bridge.</p> <p>No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and all on board disembarked safely via portable stairs brought to the plane.</p> <p>In a statement, Qantas confirmed the incident and said engineers would assess and repair the aircraft before it returned to service. “We’re investigating how an aerobridge made contact with the front of one of our aircraft at Brisbane Airport,” the airline said.</p> <p>Brisbane Airport’s executive general manager of aviation, Ryan Both, stressed that safety remains the airport’s highest priority. “Last night a Qantas flight arrived from Queenstown and the aerobridge made contact with the aircraft, and we’re supporting Qantas with the investigation,” he said. “We really want to reinforce that safety is our first priority at Brisbane Airport and is absolutely paramount, so we’ll be doing everything we can to look into what happened and make sure we learn from it.”</p> <p>Both Qantas and Brisbane Airport Corporation say they are working together to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a repeat.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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"Mona Lisa moan": Mass tourism causes shutdown of The Louvre

<p>The Louvre Museum, global icon of art and culture, stood eerily silent on Monday as striking staff forced its sudden closure, leaving thousands of bewildered tourists stranded beneath its iconic glass pyramid.</p> <p>In a dramatic scene rarely witnessed at the world’s most-visited museum, the very people entrusted with preserving and presenting humanity’s greatest artistic treasures – from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo – walked off the job in protest at what they describe as dangerous overcrowding, chronic understaffing, and decaying infrastructure.</p> <p>“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” quipped Kevin Ward, 62, a visitor from Milwaukee, as he waited in an unmoving queue. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”</p> <p>The walkout came without warning during a routine internal meeting, as gallery attendants, security staff and ticket agents jointly refused to take their posts. While the Louvre has closed its doors in the past – during wars, the pandemic, or in isolated strikes — rarely has it done so so abruptly, leaving crowds with tickets in hand and nowhere to go.</p> <p>Monday’s strike follows a wave of anti-tourism protests across southern Europe just a day earlier, where thousands in cities like Venice, Lisbon and Barcelona rallied against what they say is the destructive impact of mass tourism.</p> <p>Inside the Louvre, workers say they’ve reached a breaking point. “We can’t wait six years for help,” said gallery attendant Sarah Sefian, referring to President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” rescue plan announced earlier this year. “Our teams are under pressure now. It’s not just about the art – it’s about the people protecting it.”</p> <p>The Mona Lisa lies at the heart of the storm. Around 20,000 visitors daily cram into the Salle des États to glimpse da Vinci’s masterpiece – a scene more akin to a rock concert than a contemplative art experience. “You don’t see a painting,” lamented Ji-Hyun Park, 28, visiting from Seoul. “You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out.”</p> <p>Macron’s ambitious plan promises a dedicated Mona Lisa room, a new Seine-side entrance, and a modernised visitor experience by 2031. Yet staff argue that these promises mask a deeper crisis, with state funding for the Louvre’s operations shrinking by more than 20% over the past decade even as visitor numbers have soared.</p> <p>“We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here,” said Sefian. “Scratch the surface and the financial support gets worse every year.”</p> <p>Louvre president Laurence des Cars, in a leaked memo, described parts of the building as “no longer watertight” and warned of dangerous temperature fluctuations that could threaten priceless artworks. She characterised the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal,” citing limited bathrooms, poor signage and few rest areas, exacerbated by the pyramid’s greenhouse effect in summer heat.</p> <p>By late Monday, workers said they might briefly reopen a limited “masterpiece route” – offering access to the Mona Lisa and other highlights – but the full museum is expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday.</p> <p>As the Louvre teeters between record-breaking crowds and crumbling infrastructure, staff and visitors alike are left grappling with an unsettling reality: France’s most cherished cultural treasure is struggling to cope with the very popularity that makes it world-famous.</p> <p>Images: Instagram / Pexels / Mahmut</p>

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Idiotic tourist breaks "Van Gogh chair" by sitting on it for a selfie

<p>In the kind of absurd "accident" that would make even the most patient museum curator clutch their pearls – or perhaps, their Swarovski crystals – a tourist visiting Italy’s Palazzo Maffei in Verona recently left behind more than just memories, after crushing a delicate, crystal-encrusted chair and making a hasty exit.</p> <p>Captured on surveillance video (and now immortalised on Facebook for all to see), the visitor can be seen plonking down onto Nicola Bolla’s "Van Gogh chair" – a fragile work of art bedazzled with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. The result? A dramatic collapse that sent the chair, and possibly the tourist’s dignity, crashing to the floor.</p> <p>“The nightmare of every museum has become a reality, even at Palazzo Maffei,” the museum lamented in a Facebook post, sharing the video. A staff member in the clip sums it up perfectly: “What you just saw would be ridiculous if it hadn’t, unfortunately, actually happened.”</p> <p>According to the museum, the tourist waited until security’s back was turned before staging what we can only assume was an ill-advised attempt at a glittery throne selfie. Alas, the chair – described by the museum as “extremely fragile” – was no match for the moment.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5iItn5ojrk?si=7Kp2vG5XYK06Dk8Q" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>For several tense days, curators feared that the damage might be irreparable. But happily, a number of skilled restorers, police and security teams came together to save the chair.</p> <p>“Heartfelt thanks go to the police, our security department and the restorers, whose valuable work allowed the recovery of the work,” the museum announced, surely with a collective sigh of relief (and perhaps a vow to invest in sturdier furniture).</p> <p>The price tag for the restoration remains a mystery, as does the identity of the crystal-crushing culprit. For now, the museum is using the incident to call for more respect for art – ideally, the kind that doesn’t involve sitting on it.</p> <p>Let this be a reminder to all tourists: look, admire, but maybe keep your behinds off the artworks.</p> <p><em>Images: Courtesy of <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Palazzo Maffei, Verona</span></em></p>

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New details emerge after Aussie shot dead in Bali

<p>An Australian man has been killed and another wounded in a shocking shooting at a villa in one of Bali’s most popular tourist regions.</p> <p>The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Badung area, just over 10 kilometres north of Kuta, when gunfire erupted inside the accommodation.</p> <p>Zivan Radmanovic, 32, who had strong ties to Melbourne, was identified as the man who died at the scene from gunshot wounds. His wife, who was in the villa at the time, was unharmed but witnessed the attack. Another Melbourne man, Sanar Ghanim – aged in his 30s and previously jailed over a non-fatal shooting in Melbourne – was also shot and taken to hospital for treatment.</p> <p>Badung Police chief Arif Batubara confirmed the details, telling media: “A shooting incident has happened. There are two victims, both Australian nationals. We cannot yet determine the motive for this shooting and also who the perpetrator is until our investigation is complete.”</p> <p>According to a police statement cited by the ABC, Mr Radmanovic’s wife awoke shortly after midnight to the sound of her husband’s screams. She reported seeing a man wearing a bright orange jacket and dark helmet shoot her husband in the bathroom before fleeing. Moments later, she heard further gunshots and Mr Ghanim’s cries for help.</p> <p>Witnesses said they saw a man on a scooter wearing a green ride-hailing jacket and face covering, speaking in what they described as a strong Australian accent, saying: “I can’t start my bike.”</p> <p>No arrests have been made, and police say investigations are ongoing.</p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the families. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said. “DFAT stands ready to provide consular assistance to another Australian injured in the same incident.”</p> <p>Mr Ghanim, who remains in hospital, is known to have links to the Melbourne underworld and has a child with the stepdaughter of slain crime figure Carl Williams.</p> <p><em>Images: 9 News / Facebook</em></p>

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CCTV released after at least 290 die in Air India plane crash

<p>At least 290 people have died after an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday.</p> <p>The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 to London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 people when it went down moments after takeoff, plummeting into the doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College and Hospital. The crash ignited a massive fire that engulfed part of the building and nearby residences, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.</p> <p>Emergency responders raced to the scene, where they found the fuselage partially embedded in the hospital structure and surrounding trees scorched. Dozens of victims, including passengers, hospital residents and local civilians, were transported to nearby medical centres, though authorities have warned the death toll is likely to rise.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrFTKHnH00Q?si=d6L3VN0CZlEAvuwy" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Among the victims were several minors and at least three medical students. Between 50 and 60 more students were admitted to local hospitals, with two to three currently in intensive care, the Federation of All India Medical Association said.</p> <p>Miraculously, at least one person survived the crash. British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, reportedly seated in 11A, was pulled from the wreckage and is receiving treatment. Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh told <em>The Hindustan Times</em>, “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”</p> <p>Flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended following the disaster but have since resumed on a limited basis.</p> <p>Air India confirmed the passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. A reception centre has been established at Gatwick Airport to assist families and provide updates.</p> <p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, saying the country had been “stunned and saddened” by the tragedy, which he described as “heartbreaking beyond words”. Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran called it a “tragic accident”, assuring the public that the airline was doing “everything in our power” to support emergency crews and affected families.</p> <p>In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were “devastating” and confirmed he is receiving ongoing updates. Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that crisis teams have been activated in both London and Delhi to assist British nationals.</p> <p>King Charles III released a statement saying he and Queen Camilla were “desperately shocked” by the crash, offering their thoughts to victims and praising the “heroic efforts” of emergency responders.</p> <p>The disaster marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. Boeing, which has more than 1,175 Dreamliners in service worldwide, said it is working closely with Air India and expressed condolences to all affected.</p> <p>As investigations begin into the cause of the crash, India and the international aviation community are left grappling with one of the deadliest air disasters in recent history.</p> <p><em>Images: CCTV / YouTube</em></p>

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Dramatic rescue operation after tourist boat sinks off Bali coast

<p>There were dramatic scenes off the southeast coast of Bali on Wednesday when a tourist boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized near Nusa Lembongan.</p> <p>The vessel, known as <em>The Tanis</em>, had just departed Lembongan Village around 4.30pm local time with 89 people on board – 77 foreigners and 12 Indonesian nationals – when it was struck by a wave from behind and began taking on water.</p> <p>Eyewitnesses rushed to assist as the vessel tilted, causing passengers to slip into the sea. A large-scale rescue effort was launched immediately, and by 6.30pm all passengers had been safely evacuated, with authorities confirming there were no fatalities or serious injuries.</p> <p>Divers were later deployed to search the sunken boat and surrounding seabed as a precaution, ensuring no one had been left behind.</p> <p>Footage of the incident was shared by @bali.info.official, who reported that the boat was still relatively new, having only been in operation for about three months. According to their post, the boat was offloading passengers from Gili at Mushroom Bay, with its bow resting onshore, when powerful waves began to strike its stern.</p> <p>“The captain made the decision to move the boat back out to sea,” the post explained, “but because the boat was already filled with water, it became unstable. The panic among passengers made the situation worse, causing the boat to tilt and eventually sink.”</p> <p>Despite the chaos, locals and nearby responders coordinated to recover both passengers and their belongings. "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped rescue the passengers and recover their belongings," the post concluded.</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/reel/DKe5vZHSciB/?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/DKe5vZHSciB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BALI INFO (@bali.info.official)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Most of the rescued tourists opted to remain in Nusa Lembongan for the night, while only two chose to continue their journey to Sanur Harbor– the original destination of <em>The Tanis</em>, which has a total capacity of 125 passengers.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Tourists flee in terror as Mount Etna erupts

<p>What began as a bucket-list adventure quickly turned to chaos as one of the world’s most formidable volcanoes, Mount Etna, erupted with terrifying ferocity during a sightseeing tour on Monday. The explosion, described as sudden and deafening, sent tourists scrambling for their lives as ash and fire rained down from the sky.</p> <p>The dramatic eruption struck without warning, unleashing a thunderous boom that echoed across the Sicilian landscape. A plume of ash, hot gas and rock shot several kilometres into the air, engulfing the mountain's summit in darkness and igniting panic among those exploring the crater’s edge.</p> <p>In harrowing footage now circulating on social media, wide-eyed tourists are seen sprinting down the slopes of the volcano as thick, grey ash clouds blot out the sun behind them. Some, gripped by a mix of fear and awe, paused only momentarily – phones raised – to capture the apocalyptic spectacle unfolding above them.</p> <p>“It arrived all at once – an immense smoke, immense, immense roar,” recalled Giuseppe Panfallo, a guide with Go Etna, whose group of 40 tourists was perilously close to the blast. In video shared with CNN, his group is seen huddled together as a towering wall of ash looms behind them. “We were two steps away. Thank goodness we had a responsible guide.”</p> <p>Aviation authorities issued an immediate red alert to aircraft as sulphuric clouds billowed into the atmosphere, disrupting air traffic in the region. The eruption – the most powerful seen from Etna since 2014 – was accompanied by what experts believe was a partial collapse of the volcano’s south-east crater, adding to the eruption’s sudden intensity.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="de">Sudden eruption on Etna volcano! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/etna?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#etna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sicily?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sicily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/volcano?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#volcano</a> <a href="https://t.co/WCpwNcQ5U8">pic.twitter.com/WCpwNcQ5U8</a></p> <p>— finnbaen (@finnbenedikt) <a href="https://twitter.com/finnbenedikt/status/1929493329609154780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Hiking guide Alessio Zocco, 33, who was leading a separate group at the time, described the eruption’s signature moment: “Today’s eruption seemed, at first, similar to others – but what made it stand out was a sudden, powerful boom. It was a dramatic moment, but fortunately short-lived.”</p> <p>Etna, which draws approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, is revered for its breathtaking beauty and feared for its unpredictable temperament. Despite its history of activity, Monday’s eruption served as a stark reminder of the volcano’s raw, untamed power.</p> <p>“Mount Etna is a majestic and unpredictable force of nature,” Zocco said. “It commands respect, but it also offers one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring experiences you can witness.”</p> <p>Miraculously, all tourists and trekkers on the mountain were evacuated without injury, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory. But the memory of the eruption – and the terror it inspired – will linger long after the ash settles.</p> <p>As emergency crews continue to monitor the volcano for aftershocks, authorities have urged caution to those hoping to witness Etna's fury up close. For the hundreds caught in Monday’s drama, the message is clear: nature may be beautiful – but it is never to be underestimated.</p> <p><em>Images: X (formerly Twitter)</em></p>

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Fallout after French President shoved in the face by wife

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has found himself at the centre of an unexpected media storm after a moment of apparent tension with his wife, Brigitte Macron, was caught on camera as the couple disembarked from a plane in Hanoi.</p> <p>Arriving on Monday for a six-day tour of Southeast Asia, the Macrons made headlines not for diplomacy, but for a brief, seemingly physical exchange at the top of the aircraft stairs.</p> <p>Brigitte, 72, dressed in a striking red suit, appeared to shove her husband’s face with both hands as the cockpit door opened – just as members of the international press and Vietnamese officials looked on.</p> <p>The 47-year-old president appeared visibly taken aback, momentarily flustered before regaining his composure. He smiled awkwardly and waved before descending the stairs without his wife, who remained momentarily behind, partially obscured by the fuselage and refusing to take his arm.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rwST8m0dRlM?si=Q9p9oNRkdbPSqowR" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>When questioned about the moment, Macron dismissed it with a laugh, telling reporters, “We are squabbling and, rather, joking with my wife. I’m surprised by it – it turns into some kind of global catastrophe where people are even coming up with theories to explain it. It’s nonsense.”</p> <p>The Elysee Palace echoed the president’s tone, describing the incident as “a moment of closeness” and “a laugh” shared between the couple before beginning their official engagements.</p> <p>Still, the footage quickly went viral on social media, prompting a flurry of speculation, jokes and criticism. While some observers saw it as harmless marital banter, others questioned the optics and tone, calling it an “embarrassing” spectacle for the French head of state.</p> <p>Gilbert Collard, a former member of the European Parliament, sarcastically commented, “Everyone is laughing,” referencing the well-known age gap and history of the couple, who met at a Jesuit high school where Brigitte was Macron’s drama teacher. He was 15 at the time.</p> <p>Social media users piled on, with one post noting, “Looks like even world leaders have to navigate a little domestic turbulence! Just goes to show, no matter how high you fly, there’s always someone to keep you grounded.”</p> <p>Others shared screenshots of Macron’s seemingly clenched jaw and balled fist in the seconds following the push, scrutinising his body language in search of deeper meaning.</p> <p>The Hanoi visit marks the first by a French president in nearly a decade, aimed at bolstering France's diplomatic and economic presence in the region – especially in its former colony. Yet for now, global attention remains fixed not on policy, but on a fleeting, dramatic moment between two of Europe’s most scrutinised public figures.</p> <p>As the tour continues, so too does speculation about what really happened on those stairs – and whether the Macrons will manage to shift the narrative back to matters of state.</p> <p><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

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Aussies devastated as travel agency collapses, leaving holidays in ruins

<p>Dozens of Australian travellers have had their holiday dreams shattered and lost tens of thousands of dollars following the sudden collapse of online travel agency Traveldream.</p> <p><a href="https://www.traveldream.com.au/au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Traveldream</a>, operated under the business name Australian Travel Deals Pty Ltd, went into administration on April 28, ceasing operations immediately and leaving customers stranded across the globe – or worse, never even departing on their long-planned trips.</p> <p>The financial fallout has been severe, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/aussies-dream-holidays-up-in-the-air-after-travel-agent-collapses/news-story/e4466dea16a9bd796f0e244cfb013597" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to news.com.au</a>, who spoke to several impacted customers, including a mother and her two daughters who lost $33,000, and a group of Australian travellers who arrived at their overseas accommodation only to be told no booking existed in their name.</p> <p>Among the most devastating stories is that of Donna Lamberth and her husband, who lost $15,500. The Queensland couple had saved for two years to embark on the “trip of a lifetime” through North America, including a cruise in Alaska and a stop in Las Vegas. After fully paying for the holiday in December, Ms Lamberth was stunned to learn only a small deposit had been made on their cruise booking.</p> <p>“I burst into tears,” she said. “My bags were packed. I haven’t even unpacked my bags yet.”</p> <p>Ms Lamberth and her husband were forced to cancel their entire two-month trip.</p> <p>At least 75 customers are confirmed to have lost money due to the collapse, according to Bill Karageozis of insolvency firm Mcleods, who has been appointed administrator. He expects that number could rise to as many as 100 creditors. The company’s total debt is currently estimated to be under $1 million, and it has no tangible assets to recoup losses.</p> <p>Some impacted travellers have managed to salvage elements of their trips by contacting airlines and cruise companies directly. Among the suggested providers are Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Holland America Cruises.</p> <p>One group of 300 Australians booked through Traveldream for a North American tour set to begin on May 19 now face uncertainty. Lorraine Micairan, a Sydney mother of five, is among them. She and her husband paid $12,000 for their trip and discovered many of their bookings were never paid for, despite receiving an itinerary and booking confirmations.</p> <p>“When I checked in online it said it’s cancelled,” she said. “Qantas told me there was no payment.”</p> <p>Thanks to last-minute scrambles and additional out-of-pocket expenses, Ms Micairan and her travel companions were able to rescue their trip. Still, she says the experience has left them financially and emotionally drained.</p> <p>Meanwhile, other customers were not so fortunate. Friends Michelle Brown and Tammy Meurant, along with their husbands, landed in Vancouver only to find their hotel booking had been cancelled just days earlier – likely by a third party due to non-payment by Traveldream.</p> <p>“They said: ‘Sorry, we don’t have a booking,’” Ms Brown recounted. “It was cancelled on the 6th. We arrived on the 9th.”</p> <p>The group had to scramble to find alternative accommodation via Airbnb and are bracing for more disruptions throughout their trip.</p> <p>Traveldream was founded in 2016 and led by Melbourne-based director Christopher Banson, who has not publicly commented on the situation. Banson also operates Salt Water Hotels and Resorts – a separate travel business with 30 properties nationwide – which remains unaffected by Traveldream’s demise.</p> <p>Another shareholder in the failed company, Travel Dream Australia Pty Ltd, is reportedly owed $49,000. That company is solely directed by Paul Mercuri, Traveldream’s co-founder, who was no longer involved in the business at the time of its collapse.</p> <p>Administrators are now urging affected customers to act swiftly in identifying any prepaid travel services that can be salvaged. For many, however, the damage is already done.</p> <p>“I’m going to have to save again,” Ms Lamberth said. “It’s a lot of money to lose.”</p> <p><em>Image: Traveldream</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Another Aussie traveller found dead in Thailand

<p>A 41-year-old Australian man from South Australia has been found dead in the waters off Freedom Beach in Phuket, three days after he was reported missing by his wife while on holiday.</p> <p>According to Thai authorities, the man was last seen on May 7, prompting a search effort after his disappearance. His body was discovered on the morning of May 10 by the chief lifeguard during a routine patrol. The lifeguard spotted the body drifting about 20 metres from the shore amid strong surf conditions.</p> <p>Officers from Karon Police Station responded to the call and retrieved the body using ropes due to the rough seas. The man was found wearing only black underpants, and emergency responders pulled him to shore for formal identification.</p> <p>Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit confirmed that the man had been in Thailand since April 20. He told local outlet Asia Pacific Press that the victim’s family has been notified.</p> <p>“We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,” Lt. Col. Chamnankit said. “Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide.”</p> <p>The body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. </p> <p>This incident marks the second death of an Australian tourist in Thailand within the past week. On May 3, 22-year-old Melbourne man Corey Walsh died after jumping from a tour boat near the popular snorkelling area of Koh Racha Yai. Authorities said he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before repeatedly entering the water.</p> <p>Walsh was pulled from the sea unconscious and unresponsive. Despite efforts by tour conductors and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at Chalong Hospital. No illegal substances were found on board, though empty alcohol bottles were recovered.</p> <p>These back-to-back tragedies come after the drowning of Chinese tourist Zhang Xiaohan, 30, who was scuba diving near Kabakan Island in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. She was swept away by strong currents while attempting to retrieve her GoPro camera. Her body was later found 88 metres underwater, near a known diving route.</p> <p><em>Image: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Asia Pacific Press</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Dire warning issued to Aussie travellers as conflict escalates

<p>Australians are being urged to reconsider travel to Pakistan and brace for possible flight disruptions to India following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations.</p> <p>Updated travel advice issued by <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smartraveller</a> early Wednesday warns that the “current security situation” between India and Pakistan presents significant risks for travellers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is urging Australians to exercise heightened caution in both countries, with particularly stern warnings about travel to Pakistan.</p> <p>“We recommend you monitor local media for updates, stay alert, take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities,” the advisory reads.</p> <p>The alert highlights a “volatile security situation” in Pakistan, recommending that Australians reconsider any plans to travel there. It also notes that Pakistan has closed the Wagah border crossing with India, halting all cross-border travel indefinitely.</p> <p>“If you have plans to travel to India from Pakistan, reconsider your route and follow the advice of local authorities,” the alert states.</p> <p>The warning follows a major military incident early Wednesday morning, in which India reportedly fired missiles into Pakistani territory. Islamabad has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of further escalation between the two rivals.</p> <p>The latest outbreak of violence stems from an April 22 attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir. The assault, which occurred in the popular mountain destination of Pahalgam, left 26 people dead. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militants responsible, a charge Pakistan has denied.</p> <p>Flight disruptions are already being reported, and travellers are being advised to confirm flight details with airlines before heading to the airport. “Some airports in India (particularly in the north-west) may close, and airline schedules may be affected,” the DFAT alert warns.</p> <p>For India, the Australian government maintains a general “exercise a high degree of caution” advisory, but advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir and to the India-Pakistan border region, with the exception of the Atari-Wagah crossing and Manipur. The advisory also urges travellers to reconsider their need to visit Chhattisgarh and India’s border regions.</p> <p>The renewed tensions are part of a long and often violent history between India and Pakistan, who have fought multiple wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. The latest developments are of particular concern to Australia's large South Asian communities.</p> <p>With tensions rising and uncertainty mounting, the Australian government is urging all travellers to remain vigilant and informed.</p> <p>For the latest updates, Australians are encouraged to monitor <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smartraveller</a> and official government communications.</p> <p><em>Image: ABC News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Three seriously injured in helicopter crash off Vic coast

<p>Three people have survived a serious helicopter crash that took place near Point Lonsdale on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula on Friday morning, according to Victoria Police.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to the scene just after 10:00am, when the helicopter is believed to have crashed into shallow water off Fellows Road, between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. Footage obtained by the Nine News shows the wreckage lying partially submerged on a beach.</p> <p>Police confirmed that all three occupants of the aircraft sustained serious injuries. Two of the individuals – a man and a woman – were airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, while a third man was transported by road to Geelong University Hospital.</p> <p>“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said, adding that the identities of the victims are still to be formally confirmed.</p> <p>Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded swiftly and worked in coordination with other emergency services to stabilise and transport the injured. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) reported that its firefighters arrived within two minutes of receiving the call and found the helicopter 30 to 50 metres offshore.</p> <p>FRV personnel, alongside Surf Life Saving teams and paramedics, helped safely bring the three occupants ashore.</p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation and is currently gathering information to determine the cause of the crash.</p> <p>Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers or the ATSB.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Jeep plunges into Swan River after wild Perth standoff

<p>A tense morning in Perth's western suburbs exploded into high drama as a police standoff ended with a man deliberately driving a Jeep off Claremont Jetty and into the Swan River, following hours of chaos, confrontation and confusion.</p> <p>The ordeal began around 9am local time (11am AEST), when a black Jeep was seen mounting the Claremont Jetty, its driver erratic and agitated. Within minutes, police had mobilised in force, positioning a squad car to block the only exit and deploying a full-scale response – including Tactical Response Group officers, police negotiators, the canine unit and a hovering police helicopter.</p> <p>Witnesses described a surreal and frightening scene as the driver shouted at police and bystanders, repeatedly revved the engine, and exited the vehicle several times to yell defiantly.</p> <p>“He was revving the car lots, shouting out at the police – I didn’t know what he was going to do,” said witness Cathy Greatrex. “Pretty scary, really.”</p> <p>The man’s mother arrived on the jetty and was seen pleading with her son from behind the police cordon, while officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. Behind the scenes, police had laid down a stinger device and reinforced their blockade with tactical vehicles.</p> <p>Tensions escalated just before midday when the Jeep suddenly lurched forward, ramming the parked police car and pushing it backwards, crumpling the front of the vehicle in a violent display of defiance.</p> <p>Minutes later, the vehicle's rear wheel slipped off the jetty’s edge as the driver reversed. Seizing the moment, he accelerated again – this time with no turning back. In front of stunned onlookers and dozens of officers, the Jeep launched off the end of the jetty and plunged into the Swan River.</p> <p>Within moments, officers rushed to the edge as the vehicle bobbed in the water, partially submerged. The man climbed onto the overturned Jeep before diving back into the water. Police with guns and Tasers drawn quickly surrounded the area.</p> <p>The Tactical Response Group moved in swiftly, pulling the man from the water and carrying him to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under police guard. Authorities confirmed that while his injuries were not believed to be serious, he remains under observation.</p> <p>The motive for the dramatic standoff remains unclear. However, new CCTV footage from nearby Walter Street may offer some clues. Earlier that morning, the same Jeep was captured careening through a residential area.</p> <p>“He literally just came right up, ramped up, knocked my green bin again and missed me – went down this concrete path,” resident Carina Robert said. “I just stood here with my jaw hanging on the ground, and then he turned the corner and there were almighty screeches tearing down the road.”</p> <p>As night fell, questions lingered about what drove the man to such a reckless and dangerous act. No charges have been laid, and police continue to investigate the full circumstances leading up to the event.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Financial markets are tanking. Here’s why it’s best not to panic

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Financial markets around the world have been slammed by the Trump adminstration’s sweeping tariffs on its trading partners, and China’s swift retaliation.</p> <p>Share markets have posted their biggest declines since the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, as fears of US recession surged. Iron ore, copper, oil, gold and the Australian dollar have all tumbled.</p> <p>On Wall Street, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/sp-500-loses-24-trillion-market-value-biggest-one-day-loss-since-2020-2025-04-03/">leading indices</a> have fallen around 10% since the tariffs were announced, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq is down 20% from its recent peak. European and Asian markets have also slumped.</p> <p>In Australia, the key S&amp;P/ASX 200 slid another 4.2% on Monday to levels last seen in December 2023, taking its three-day losses since the announcement to more than 7%.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="AJ2rZ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AJ2rZ/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>Why are markets reacting so badly?</h2> <p>Financial markets reacted so negatively because the tariffs were much larger than expected. They represent the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-05/trump-tariffs-upend-80-year-old-world-economic-order/105139464">biggest upheaval</a> in global trade in 80 years.</p> <p>Many traders were hoping the tariffs would be used mainly as a bargaining tool. <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-digs-in-says-markets-may-have-to-take-medicine-as-stock-futures-plunge-191201959.html">But comments</a> by US President Donald Trump that markets may need to “take medicine” seem to suggest otherwise.</p> <p>The tariffs are expected to weaken economic growth in the US as consumers pare back spending on more expensive imports, while businesses shelve investment plans. Leading US bank JP Morgan has put the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/jpmorgan-lifts-global-recession-odds-60-us-tariffs-stoke-fears-2025-04-04/">chance of a US recession</a> as high as 60%.</p> <p>This comes at a time when the US economy was already looking fragile. The highly regarded GDPNow model developed by the <a href="https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow">Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank</a> indicates US March quarter GDP will fall 2.8%, and that was before the tariff announcement.</p> <h2>Worries about global growth</h2> <p>Fears of a recession in the United States and the potential for a global downturn has led to a broad sell-off in commodity prices, including iron ore, copper and oil. Further, the Australian dollar, which is seen as a barometer for risk, has <a href="https://wise.com/au/currency-converter/currencies/aud-australian-dollar">fallen below 60 US cents</a> in local trading – its lowest level since 2009.</p> <p>While the direct impact of tariffs on Australia is expected to be modest (with around 6% of our exports going to US), the indirect impact could be substantial. China, Japan and South Korea together take more than 50% of Australia’s exports, and all have been hit with significantly higher tariffs.</p> <p>Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Monday that the direct impact on the Australian economy would be “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-07/asx-markets-business-news-live-updates/105144276">manageable</a>”.</p> <p>The full effect on Australia will depend on how other countries respond, and whether we can redirect trade to other markets.</p> <p>The rapid decline in the Australian dollar will help offset some of the negative effects associated with a global downturn and the fall in commodity prices.</p> <p>We can also expect some interest-rate relief. Economists are now predicting <a href="https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/traders-expect-up-to-five-rba-rate-cuts-amid-market-turmoil-this-year-20250407-p5lpo0">three further interest rate cuts</a> by the Reserve Bank, starting in May. This brings economists into line with financial market forecasts.</p> <h2>Hang in there, markets will recover</h2> <p>Watching equity markets tumble so dramatically can be unsettling for any investor. However, it is important to note that equity markets have experienced many downturns over the past 125 years due to wars, pandemics, financial crises and recessions. But these market impacts have generally been temporary.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="lsNFF" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lsNFF/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>History suggests that over the long term, equity prices continue to rise, supported by growing economies and rising incomes.</p> <p>The key thing for investors to remember is to not panic. Now is not the time to decide to switch your superannuation or other investments to cash. This risks missing the next upswing while also crystallising any current losses.</p> <p>For example, despite the steep market sell-off in March 2020 as the first COVID lockdowns came into effect, the Australian share market had completely recovered those losses by June 2021.</p> <p>It is good practice for investors to regularly reassess their risk profile to make sure it is right for their current stage of life. This means reducing the allocation to riskier assets as investors get closer to retirement age, while also maintaining a cash buffer to avoid having to sell assets during more turbulent periods such as now.</p> <h2>Super funds are exposed to global risks</h2> <p>The current sell-off has highlighted a potential issue facing the superannuation industry.</p> <p>So much of our superannuation is now invested in global equity markets, mostly in the US, because Australia’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-02/australia-superannuation-retirement-savings/105098840">superannuation savings pool</a> – at more than A$4 trillion – has outgrown the investment opportunities available in Australia.</p> <p>Another issue facing the superannuation industry is the growth of cyber attacks, with several funds <a href="https://theconversation.com/hackers-have-hit-major-super-funds-a-cyber-expert-explains-how-to-stop-it-happening-again-253835">targeted in a recent attack</a>. Given the massive size of the assets held by some funds, it would seem they need to improve their security to be on par with that of the banking system.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/253929/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-hartigan-1491669">Luke Hartigan</a>, Lecturer in Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>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/financial-markets-are-tanking-heres-why-its-best-not-to-panic-253929">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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Refinancing your home later in life – what you need to know

<p>There are many reasons why you may look to refinance your home. The obvious one is to lower mortgage repayments with a better rate. However, other reasons people refinance later in life include:</p> <ul> <li>unlocking equity to invest</li> <li>paying down other debts</li> <li>buying a holiday home</li> <li>funding extended travel</li> <li>launching a new business</li> <li>supporting children with a property deposit</li> </ul> <p>Regardless of why you want to refinance, the points below will help you navigate your options.</p> <p><strong>Changing lenders</strong></p> <p>It may have been a while since you last revisited your mortgage, meaning you may not be aware of current lending options and traps.</p> <p>A common trick lenders use is the so-called “headline rate” to grab your attention. However, this interest rate is typically not what you end up paying. It may only be an introductory rate for the first few months, or hefty fees attached may wipe out any savings.</p> <p>Banks aren’t the only ones offering loans nowadays. Registered non-bank lenders, fintechs and online lenders can refinance your mortgage and provide other credit services the same as any bank; they just don’t take cash deposits. Alternatively, you could explore credit unions and mutual societies.</p> <p>Also consider any shareholder benefits you may have. Most banks have done away with them now but may still honour pre-existing ones. If you change lenders, you could lose this entitlement – permanently.</p> <p><strong>Reverse mortgages</strong></p> <p>Generally, only available to people aged 60-plus, a reverse mortgage effectively allows you to unlock equity in your home without you needing to make immediate repayments.</p> <p>However, they often have strict conditions including:</p> <ul> <li>minimum borrowing amounts</li> <li>maximum borrowing ratios</li> <li>higher interest rates than standard mortgages</li> </ul> <p>Crucially, the interest accrues over time and is repaid when you sell, move or pass away. As such, your debt liability grows over time – potentially impacting your future living arrangements and how much is left for beneficiaries in your will.  The Govt has the “loan equity scheme” as another option to lenders.  I just want to highlight the need to be careful with reverse mortgages.</p> <p><strong>Changing homes</strong></p> <p>Rather than selling, downsizing could involve making an investment property your primary residence and then renting out your existing home.</p> <p>This approach may require you to refinance both loans simultaneously. There will also be tax considerations to work through – including Capital Gains Tax liabilities when you do sell, negative gearing, depreciation, and changes to your income tax.</p> <p>Then there are the lifestyle factors to weigh up, especially if you are moving to a different area:</p> <ul> <li>living expenses</li> <li>insurance and travel costs</li> <li>access to healthcare</li> <li>rental income</li> <li>property management expenses</li> </ul> <p>Remember that if you have a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF), it CANNOT own any property that you directly use yourself, including your home.</p> <p><strong>Becoming Bank of Mum and Dad</strong></p> <p>Refinancing can unlock equity to support adult children with their first property deposit. However, it isn’t without its risks.</p> <p>Ask yourself honestly:</p> <ul> <li>Will this be a gift or loan?</li> <li>If a loan, under what terms? Will interest be applied? How and when will repayments be made? What if they default?</li> <li>What happens if their relationship breaks down, will you get your money back?</li> <li>How does going without that money affect your retirement?</li> <li>Do you have alternative assets to support you if your circumstances change?</li> <li>How does this affect inheritances or deposit contributions to your other children?</li> <li>Can you assist them another way without using your home equity?</li> </ul> <p>Draw up a written agreement outlining all conditions and scenarios to avoid disagreements in the future.</p> <p><strong>Pension impacts</strong></p> <p>Don’t overlook how refinancing your home could impact your pension. While your home is exempt from the means test, any income or assets you generate from unlocking equity is not.</p> <p>You could inadvertently see your pension amount reduced or your eligibility voided altogether. This would come as a nasty shock if you haven’t pre-budgeted for such a change!</p> <p><strong>Getting advice</strong></p> <p>To ensure you get the best bang for your buck when refinancing, be sure to enlist the help of a good:</p> <ul> <li>mortgage broker to source the best loans for your circumstances</li> <li>insurance broker to ensure your cover is right sized for your needs, risk and budget</li> <li>accountant to work through any tax implications</li> <li>estate planner to manage any changes</li> <li>financial adviser to keep your investments and financial strategy working for you</li> </ul> <p>Ultimately, decisions – including about refinancing – are only as good the information you have at hand. So, make sure you have all the relevant facts before signing on the dotted line.</p> <p><em><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #242424;">Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at </span><a style="color: #467886;" title="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/" href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</span></a></em></p> <p><em><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #242424;">Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754.</span></em></p>

Money & Banking

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5 mistakes people make setting financial goals

<p>In discussions around money and goal setting, people talk a lot about financial freedom. What does that mean to you, though? We might redefine money as ‘a unit of choice’, because the more money you make, the more choices you have. Everyone’s aspirations are different, which is one reason why there’s no one-size-fits- all approach to wealth.</p> <p>It’s time to begin to understand what financial freedom means to you, because how on earth are you going to get there, if you don’t know where <em>there</em> is? How will you craft a strategic wealth-building plan when you don’t know what your target is? How will you know if you are making the right decisions in the right areas, decisions that are intentionally and systematically advancing you towards your outcomes. Here are some of the big mistakes I see people make when setting financial goals.</p> <h2>Mistake #1: They have none!</h2> <p>Without a goal, how will you know what to steer towards? You are left just ‘hoping’ that one day things will work out. With no clear direction to head towards, any actions you take are more or less random. You’re often left sitting idle and going nowhere fast, just swept along by whatever current comes your way.</p> <h2>Mistake #2: They make them too big</h2> <p>This might seem counterintuitive, especially since the typical conversation about personal development emphasises aiming for big, ambitious goals. And while these can be valuable, helping to elevate your thinking and giving you something inspiring to work towards, the problem arises when they are your only focus. Without smaller, achievable milestones to serve as stepping stones, the gap between where you are now and your ultimate goal can feel overwhelming. This can make it hard for your subconscious mind to fully commit, leading to procrastination or self-sabotage due to fear of not knowing how to get there. </p> <h2>Mistake #3: They make them too small</h2> <p>While small goals may seem manageable, they can lack the power to ignite your motivation or emotional drive or to be the catalyst that pulls you towards something greater than who and where you are in life right now. Small, uninspiring goals can make it easy to remain complacent. Without a purpose or vision that stretches you, there’s no real incentive to pursue them with passion. They don’t create the emotional connection that’s essential for driving sustained effort and overcoming obstacles. As a result, you may never fully commit to these goals, and they end up being more like tasks to check off a list than meaningful milestones on your path to success.</p> <h2>Mistake #4: They are vague and wishy-washy</h2> <p>When your goals are unclear and lack focus, they are difficult to achieve. Goals like ‘I want to be rich’ of ‘I want more money’ are too broad to provide any real direction. Without concrete details – such as specific numbers, deadlines or actionable steps – you don’t have a clear path to follow. Vague goals make it hard to measure progress or stay motivated, because there’s nothing tangible to work towards. As a result, your efforts can become inconsistent, and it’s easy to lose focus. Without clarity, you can’t point your actions in a specific direction, which makes it unlikely you’ll make any meaningful progress. A well-defined goal, on the other hand, creates a roadmap and keeps you accountable along the way.</p> <h2>Mistake #5: They have no plan to make it real</h2> <p>Setting a clear goal is undeniably important but it’s only part of the process. Just because someone says they want a specific outcome does not mean they will achieve it. Yet many people fixate solely on the goal itself, or they try to manifest wealth and happiness through the ‘law of attraction’ alone.</p> <p>Most people spend 95 per cent of their time focusing on setting the goal and only 5 per cent on the actions needed to achieve it. Do you see the flaw in that approach? Instead, reverse the focus. Spend 5 per cent of your time defining the goal, and 95 per cent of your time working towards making it a reality. This is where having the right system becomes crucial.</p> <p>How do we break free from impotent goal setting and instead craft a set of financial goals that are not only big, beautiful and inspiring, but achievable. By setting targets that are tangible and tactical and are going to set you up to win, you become more than who you are right now.</p> <p>In the end, a goal without a plan is just an idea. A plan without a goal is simply directionless effort. It may keep you busy, but it won’t lead you anywhere meaningful. Both the goal and the plan must work together – one providing the destination, the other offering the roadmap. I always tell my clients they will never out-earn themselves. If you want to level up your results in life, you have to first level up as a person and raise the standards in how you choose to play the game.</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from Escape the Middle (Wiley $32.95) by Todd Polke. Todd is an investor, entrepreneur and international educator in investing and wealth creation. For over two decades, he has guided thousands of individuals in growing and scaling their wealth to achieve financial independence. Find out more at <a href="https://www.portfoliowealth.com%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.portfoliowealth.com </a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Cruise passenger facing life sentence after onboard discovery

<p>A Brazilian passenger has been charged with drug-related offences after authorities discovered a significant quantity of cocaine hidden in his cruise ship cabin upon docking in Sydney Harbour on Saturday.</p> <p>The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that the 48-year-old man had concealed 10kg of cocaine within the ceiling cavity of his room aboard the vessel, which had arrived from Argentina. During a search conducted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officials, officers reportedly uncovered 28 individually wrapped parcels of the substance, which tested positive for cocaine.</p> <p>In addition to the drugs, authorities also discovered "body packing material" hidden in the ceiling cavity and the wardrobe. According to the AFP, such materials are commonly used by drug couriers attempting to smuggle narcotics across international borders and security checkpoints.</p> <p>An examination of the suspect’s mobile phone allegedly revealed further evidence linked to drug trafficking. The AFP subsequently charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.</p> <p>AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy highlighted the potential impact of the drug haul, noting that the seized cocaine could have been distributed in 10,000 individual street deals, with an estimated street value of $3 million.</p> <p>“This amount of cocaine could have been sold in the community as 10,000 individual street deals of 1 gram for about $3 million,” Cressy stated. “Drug traffickers are motivated by greed, and they do not care about the harm they cause. These drug deals put pressure on the health system.”</p> <p>The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that between 2022 and 2023, there were more than two hospitalisations per day in Australia due to drug-related incidents.</p> <p>ABF Superintendent Matt O’Connor acknowledged the increased risk of drug smuggling during the cruise season but reassured the public of law enforcement's vigilance in tackling such operations.</p> <p>“The cruising season brings with it additional opportunities for criminal syndicates to attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into the country; however, Border Force officers are very attuned to their pivoting tactics,” O’Connor said. “Our ABF officers process and border-clear thousands of passengers and crew members on every international cruise ship which arrives into Sydney and are ready to respond to any threat which may present itself.”</p> <p>The accused is set to appear in court as investigations continue into the broader implications of the smuggling attempt.</p> <p><em>Images: Australian Federal Police</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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New details emerge after Gold Coast Hilton Hotel catches fire

<p>New details have emerged after a massive fire erupted at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel on the Gold Coast overnight, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff.</p> <p>The blaze originated on the roof of the hotel's western tower at around 2am, with debris falling onto the second-floor restaurant area, notably affecting establishments like Steampunk Surfers Paradise. </p> <p>Emergency services responded promptly, with multiple fire crews arriving to combat the flames. The Queensland Fire Department reported that the fire on the pool deck was extinguished by around 2:20am, and the roof fire was under control by 2:40am. Guests were then permitted to return to their rooms at around 3am. </p> <p>Surfers Paradise resident Joevy Lyn captured dramatic footage of debris tumbling 120m from the roof to the streets below.  Legendary Australian jockey Shane Dye, who was staying on the 34th floor of a neighbouring tower, witnessed the fire firsthand and told the Courier Mail: "Everything was on fire and in flames, I couldn't believe it. It was right outside my window." Dye evacuated his building amid initial confusion, saying that hotel staff were initially unaware of the severity of the situation. </p> <p>Another guest, Leah Nicholson, who was staying at the Hilton with her wife and three-year-old daughter, reported not hearing any alarms but, upon contacting the front desk, was told of the fire. The family then descended 14 flights of stairs to evacuate, only hearing evacuation alarms upon reaching the ground level. </p> <p>Queensland police assisted in the evacuation, and while the cause of the fire remains under investigation, a woman staying at an apartment across the road reportedly said she believed the Hilton sign had exploded.</p> <p>“The H on top of the Hilton building just started to catch on fire and then it all started to explode,” the woman told 7NEWS. “Parts of it started to fall which caught … other parts of the building on fire. It was quite intense.”</p> <p><em>Images: 7NEWS</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Police warn against idiotic cyclone behaviour

<p>As Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashes powerful storm surges and massive waves along Australia’s coastline, videos have emerged on social media showing people risking their lives for the perfect shot - despite repeated warnings from authorities to stay away from dangerous coastal areas.</p> <p>Footage circulating online captures individuals walking along the shoreline, snapping pictures, and even getting knocked over by monstrous waves. Some videos have amassed hundreds of thousands of views, sparking widespread criticism.</p> <p>One alarming incident occurred at Elephant Rock in Currumbin, where a group of people became trapped at a lookout after massive swells wiped out the road connecting them to the mainland. Viewers of the viral video condemned their reckless actions, with many questioning why they were out sightseeing during such treacherous conditions.</p> <p>Authorities have also reported a missing jet skier on the Gold Coast, heightening concerns about public safety during the storm. Gold Coast Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles expressed his frustration over the situation.</p> <p>“We all need to be a bit more smart about this and ensure that we don’t have any unneeded rescues or potentially worse where we’re looking at fatalities,” he said. “This isn’t a sunset where you can take a nice picture. You’re dealing with Mother Nature at her wildest.”</p> <p>Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates has threatened fines of up to $16,100 for those ignoring safety warnings and engaging in reckless behaviour along the coast. “For all those people that are going down to the beach and standing on the rock walls or on the sand, please stay away,” Gates pleaded on Thursday afternoon.</p> <p>“We’ve been in touch with police today. There’s been some really foolish behaviour, and it’s so important that people stay away from the beach.</p> <p>“We have been declared a disaster zone, which enables police to take action, and anyone performing a reckless action can actually be fined up to $16,100.”</p> <p>She went on to stress the importance of spreading the message widely, hoping to deter further risky actions: “It’s really in an effort to keep people who are a bit stupid, safe. We need to tell them over and over again, stay out of the water. It’s dangerous.”</p> <p>Her concerns were echoed by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, who urged residents to avoid becoming “environmental tourists” during the storm.</p> <p>“Don’t put others in danger because you want to become an environmental tourist or take some of these selfies and put yourself in harm’s way,” he said in a press conference alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns. “Heed the warnings, stay at home and protect your loved ones, and please stay safe.”</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

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