Search

Tragedy on first cruise: Aussie couple’s dream trip ends in heartbreak

<p>What began as a dream getaway for Aussie couple Glenn and Beverley Stein has ended in devastating tragedy, after Glenn, 74, died suddenly during their very first cruise.</p> <p>Described as "humble and hardworking", the couple had never been overseas or on a cruise before. Their four-day voyage from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, a generous gift from their son after a lucky windfall, was meant to be a long-overdue escape for the pair, who had spent more than 50 years side by side.</p> <p>"They had never been on a cruise before, never even been overseas," daughter-in-law Sarah <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/carnival-cruise-passengers-8500-blow-after-on-board-tragedy-they-didnt-realise-033649566.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared with Yahoo News</a>. "One of their sons won some money so he thought it might be nice to buy them a cruise."</p> <p>According to Sarah, the couple were thoroughly enjoying their time onboard. But just a few days into the trip, Glenn began to feel unwell, suspecting it was merely “a bit of food poisoning”. True to their no-fuss nature, the Steins tried not to worry and went to bed, assuming he would feel better by morning.</p> <p>Tragically, Beverley awoke the next day to find Glenn unconscious. In shock, she raised the alarm with the ship’s housekeeping staff, who immediately called the onboard medical team. “The staff were amazing. We’ve got a 43-page report detailing all the care they gave him," Sarah said, commending the cruise medical team for their efforts and support during the ordeal.</p> <p>Glenn’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Doctors soon discovered he was suffering from a life-threatening strangulated hernia, requiring emergency surgery. As they awaited an airlift to Bundaberg Hospital, the crew urged Beverley to speak with her husband and prepare for the worst.</p> <p>Even aboard the emergency helicopter, Glenn’s health continued to fail. Once at the hospital, paramedics warned the couple’s children, already en route, to call in immediately.</p> <p>“They managed to speak to Glenn, which was really nice,” Sarah said. Heartbreakingly, just minutes later, when Sarah and her husband tried to call, they were told Glenn had passed away. "He had literally just passed away as soon as they got off the phone."</p> <p>Adding to the family's anguish, they soon discovered that because Glenn and Beverley had unknowingly crossed into international waters, and hadn't purchased travel insurance, Beverley was left facing an $8,500 medical bill.</p> <p>“This was their first cruise; they didn’t realise it was actually out of Australian waters,” Sarah explained, calling the experience a “cautionary tale” for other travellers. While understanding of the fees, the family is now hoping the cruise company might show some compassion and reduce the amount.</p> <p>Loved ones have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bev-after-the-sudden-loss-of-her-beloved-husband-glenn?cdn-cache=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched a GoFundMe</a> to help cover the medical costs and funeral expenses. "Bev is not only grieving the loss of her life partner but is now also facing overwhelming financial pressure," the family wrote. "Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward covering the significant costs associated with Glenn’s passing and supporting Bev as she begins to navigate life without him."</p> <p>Despite their grief, the family has found bittersweet moments of humour in the aftermath. “It’s really funny,” Sarah recalled, “his daughter mentioned, ‘Dad always said he never wanted a fuss and just wanted to go quietly,’ and it’s ended up being a helicopter out and on the news – so he couldn’t have been more dramatic."</p> <p>As they rally around Beverley, the Steins’ loved ones hope their story will serve as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance — and of cherishing every moment with the ones you love.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

Cruising

Brittany Higgins celebrates birth of first child

<p>Brittany Higgins and husband David Sharaz, have announced the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>The former Liberal Party staffer took to Instagram to share her baby joy, with a photo of her newborn son asleep in a hospital cot. </p> <p> “Last night we welcomed our little boy into the world," she began in the caption. </p> <p>“A huge thank-you to the amazing midwives, nurses and doctors for their care and kindness,” Higgins continued. </p> <p>“We’re both looking forward to getting to dote on the newest member of the family — forever grateful for all the love and support we’ve received.”</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/DGsdv2DJh-n/?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/p/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her comments were flooded with messages of congratulations from friends and followers, with one writing: "Very lucky little man to have you both as his parents" </p> <p>Another commented: "So lovely. Congrats to you both. You will be fabulous parents." </p> <p>"Omg!!!!! Best news. Congrats to you both let the fun begin 🫶🏼" a third wrote. </p> <p>Higgins revealed she was pregnant with her first child in July 2024, three months later she shared an emotional update, saying that she had a pregnancy health scare during her second trimester. </p> <p>"A fortnight ago, David Sharaz and I had the scare of our lives after the midwife told us halfway through my second trimester my blood test had raised red flags," she said at the time. </p> <p>“Our baby had a high probability of a genetic disorder — which wouldn’t have mattered to us — but scarily could mean he may be incompatible with life outside of the womb.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Fortunately, doctors had since given the all-clear, and her baby is now "perfectly fine and healthy." </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Instagram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

<p>A world-first study has shown that Ozempic can reduce drinking among those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD). </p> <p>A small clinical trial, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamapsychiatry.2024.4789">JAMA Psychiatry</a>, studied 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder and found that those taking semaglutide – the generic name of Ozempic – for nine weeks saw significantly reductions in how much alcohol they drank, as well as cravings for alcohol, compared with people on a placebo.</p> <p>The findings underscore many real-world claims of those taking these medicines have already hinted at: Ozempic and similar drugs, already incredibly popular, could help reduce risks of over-consuming alcohol, if the results bear out in larger and longer trials.</p> <p>Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the lead author of the study, said, "We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving."</p> <p>"What I didn't expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications."</p> <p>The drug works in both the gut and the brain, which may be the way they could help with alcohol-use disorder, said Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist at the US National Institutes of Health who wasn't involved in this study.</p> <p>"More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) of action of these medications in AUD," Leggio, who's published research on semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol drinking in animals, wrote to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/health/ozempic-alcohol-use-disorder-trial/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a></em>.</p> <p>"Nonetheless, the work done now suggests that mechanisms may include their effect in reducing alcohol craving and in reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol."</p> <p>Whether Ozempic and other similar drugs present a new way of treating AUD will depend on larger trials in patients more heavily afflicted by the disorder, experts said, and potentially whether research can yield a better understanding of how the medicines work to reduce drinking.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

How Rex could become the next national carrier

<p>The federal government could acquire Rex Airlines if a suitable private sector buyer can’t be found for the struggling airline. </p> <p>The government will be working with Rex administrators and shortlisted bidders to find a buyer committed to breathing new life into the regional carrier. </p> <p>If the plan falls through, the Albanese government will begin working on contingency plans, including preparations for a potential Commonwealth acquisition.</p> <p>This will be the second time the government has stepped in to help Rex, after they vowed to take on Rex Airlines' $50 million debt in order to keep the company, that collapsed on June 30th 2024, servicing regional Australia. </p> <p>“Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.</p> <p>“That’s why we’re taking steps to ensure the best possible deal for the sale of Rex.”</p> <p>Should Rex be nationalised, it would be the first time a federal government has owned an airline in three decades after Qantas was privatised in 1995.</p> <p>“When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities the government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education and critical connections,” federal Transport Minister Catherine King said.</p> <p>“We are recognising that today and stepping in to keep these routes in the air.”</p> <p>The government has also guaranteed Rex’s regional flight slots at Sydney Airport until October 2026.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

Social media star Pesto the penguin celebrates first birthday

<p>Social media star Pesto the penguin, who has earned an army of online followers for his big and fluffy appearance, is turning one.</p> <p>The King Penguin, who calls the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium home, has celebrated his birthday with a slimmed down look, worlds away from the 23.5 kilogram big boy who went viral in 2024.</p> <p>"It's kind of crazy how fast this year has gone, it feels like only yesterday that he hatched out of his little egg," Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne's Catherine Bushell told <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>"He only weighed around 200 grams, then went up to 23.5 kilograms at his heaviest and now back down to around 16 kilograms."</p> <p>Pesto's special day will be celebrated on Friday, which also happens to be Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne's 25th anniversary.</p> <p>"It's going to be a pretty big day, lots of celebration going on both in and out of the exhibit. Pesto has got a jelly cake today and lots of fun enrichment for he and the rest of his colony to enjoy," she said.</p> <p>"There's also lots of fun for the people, our first 1000 guests today will all get a free cupcake, but the party's going on all weekend, we've got a DJ and all sorts of celebrations happening tomorrow as well, so it will certainly be a party fit for a king."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Few Australians know the second verse of our national anthem – or how out of date it is

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p>There are two verses to Advance Australia Fair, but do you know the second? Probably not.</p> <p>It’s in our citizenship booklet, <a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/our-common-bond">Our Common Bond</a>, suggesting Aussies know it and new citizens could be questioned on it in their citizenship test.</p> <p>Yet <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-anthem/australian-national-anthem-use-and-protocol">official protocol</a> makes singing it optional. And who’ll choose to sing both verses when thousands of sporting fans just want the game to start?</p> <p>There are living generations who never properly learnt Advance Australia Fair. Before 1984, <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-years-on-advance-australia-fair-no-longer-reflects-the-values-of-many-what-could-replace-it-226737">most school students</a> sang God Save the Queen. Schools today teach verse one, but whether we learn verse two is haphazard.</p> <p>If school students sing along to a pre-recorded accompaniment with two verses, we’ll learn verse two. If we sing along with a squeaking school beginner band, one verse is probably all we’ll endure.</p> <p>I suspect if we knew the second verse our common bond would be arguing about it. Australians <a href="https://theconversation.com/outrage-over-schoolgirl-refusing-to-stand-for-anthem-shows-rise-of-aggressive-nationalism-103160">acted passionately</a> when debating one word in verse one, yet verse two barely raises an eyebrow. It’s the controversy we need to have (after we’ve googled the lyrics).</p> <h2>The birth of our second verse</h2> <p>The problem with verse two comes from its origins. It wasn’t in Peter Dodds McCormick’s original 1878 composition. His <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62087415">second verse</a> championed gallant Cook sailing with British courage to raise old England’s flag, proving “Britannia rules the waves”. His third and fourth verses weren’t any more appropriate.</p> <p>So, before Advance Australia Fair became our anthem in 1984, the National Australia Day Council made shrewd edits.</p> <p>Instead of using verse two from McCormick’s original version, they turned to <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-165919018/view?partId=nla.obj-165919026">another version of Advance Australia Fair</a> written for federation in 1901.</p> <p>The federation version introduced a new commemorative verse, the only other verse the council kept:</p> <blockquote> <p>Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands </p> <p>To make our youthful Commonwealth renowned of all the lands </p> <p>For loyal sons beyond the seas we’ve boundless plains to share </p> <p>With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair.</p> </blockquote> <p>Next, the council fixed the gendered language in the federation verse. “Loyal sons” became “those who’ve come”. They deleted “youthful” with an uncanny premonition that age would become sensitive.</p> <p>(For verse one, Australians resolved the debate ingeniously in 2021 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/31/we-are-one-and-free-australian-anthem-to-change-in-attempt-to-recognise-indigenous-history">by replacing</a> “young and free” with “one and free”.)</p> <p>But that’s all the council changed in verse two. They endorsed the rest.</p> <h2>What’s wrong with verse two?</h2> <p>The federation verse, understandably, celebrated the politics of 1901.</p> <p>The lyrics begin mildly but repetitively, “Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands”. I’m not sure why we’re toiling in both verses. Perhaps Aussies have an exceptional work ethic.</p> <p>In the next line, the word “commonwealth” was included to mark federation. The forming of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 marked a transition from six British colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland) into one nation.</p> <p>On one hand, it celebrates unity and cooperation between colonies. But by singing the intended meaning of the verse, that the nation began when the colonies united, we disrespect the knowledge Australia already was many nations of First Peoples.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Illustration: White Australia - the great national policy song" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The federation verse says Australia has ‘boundless plains to share’ – but many were excluded from this vision of Australia.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Australia_-_the_great_national_policy_song_.webp">Wikimedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>The second questionable lyric in verse two is “for those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share”.</p> <p>In 1901, Australia’s idea of sharing land was specific. We recruited enthusiastically for more British immigration, yet rejected migrants who weren’t white.</p> <p><a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/immigration-restriction-act-1901">The Immigration Restriction Act 1901</a>, one of our parliament’s first laws, allowed immigration officers to set near impossible dictation tests in any European language. In effect, this meant anyone could be excluded from immigrating by what would be known as the White Australia Policy.</p> <p>Australia’s 21st century approach to sharing with foreigners also draws media attention. The breach of human rights at <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-un-says-australia-violated-human-rights-law-but-its-unlikely-to-change-the-way-we-treat-refugees-247096">detention centres</a> and the limiting of <a href="https://theconversation.com/international-student-numbers-in-australia-will-be-controlled-by-a-new-informal-cap-heres-how-it-will-work-246318">international student visas</a> to stem migration suggest we have “bounds” after all.</p> <h2>The way forward</h2> <p>If the federation verse is theoretically testable for new citizens, then we should check if the values of 1901 and 2025 still match. Without checking, Australia is stagnating, not advancing.</p> <p>The way forward is in the last line of verse two: “With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair”.</p> <p>In 1901, that was a plea for spirit and cooperation between colonies when forming a national parliament.</p> <p>Yet, there’s a timeless truth in those words. By debating our anthem courageously, we can be united by challenge, enriched by diversity and ingenious at rewriting lyrics.<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/246678/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285"><em>Wendy Hargreaves</em></a><em>, Senior Learning Advisor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Izhar KHAN/Shutterstock Editorial </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/few-australians-know-the-second-verse-of-our-national-anthem-or-how-out-of-date-it-is-246678">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Music

Bruce Willis makes first public appearance in three years

<p>Bruce Willis has been spotted out in public for the first time in three years for one very good reason. </p> <p>After living away from the spotlight for many years after being diagnosed with dementia, the 69-year-old stepped out to share his gratitude to the firefighters battling the LA fires. </p> <p>The actor's wife, Emma Heming Willis, took to Instagram to share a video of Willis shaking hands and chatting with firefighters before posing for a picture.</p> <p>"Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a "thank you for your service."," Emma wrote in the caption.</p> <p>"Yesterday was no different ❤️🤍💙".</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/DE5Iup8Pylc/?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/DE5Iup8Pylc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This is the first time the Hollywood icon has been seen in public since his family announced he has been diagnosed with the language disorder aphasia in 2022, before also being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.</p> <p>The actor stepped away from the spotlight after his dual diagnosis, with his family regularly sharing updates about his health battle on social media.</p> <p>In December, Emma shared a touching tribute to her husband on their 17th anniversary.</p> <p>"Anniversaries used to bring excitement – now, if I'm honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach," she wrote beside what appeared to be a throwback image of the couple in Turks and Caicos.</p> <p>"I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the 'why him, why us,' to feel the anger and grief. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it's because of him. I'd do it all over again and again in a heartbeat 💞".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

John Farnham to become a grandfather for the first time

<p>John Farnham is set to become a grandfather for the first time. </p> <p>On Thursday, the legendary singer's son James took to Instagram to announce that his partner Tessa is pregnant with a baby boy due later this year. </p> <p>The clip showed James setting alight a burn away cake with the words "coming 2025" inscribed on it. The inscription peeled away to reveal the word "Boy", confirming that the couple are having a son. </p> <p>He also shared a photo of an ultrasound of their unborn baby's hand, with the caption: "Coming 2025! Tessa, I love you so much!"</p> <p>James' celebrity friends were quick to congratulate the couple's joyous baby news. </p> <p>"Congratulations guys. Great news to kick off the year," wrote <em>Sunrise </em>weatherman Sam Mac's fiancée Rebecca James.</p> <p>"Ahhhhhhh this is the best ever! So happy for you guys," added Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson.</p> <p>"Yeah wooohooo, so happy for you both. Congratulations to the coolest parents," wrote one person. </p> <p>"Woohoo! Massive congratulations to you both! Baby Boy is very lucky to have you both as their mummy and daddy! Big love," added another. </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/DEj0BaHzmRM/?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/DEj0BaHzmRM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Farnham (@jimbofarnham)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>James has been in a relationship with Tessa for several years, and even attended the premiere of the <em>John Farnham: Finding the Voice</em> documentary together in Melbourne in 2023.</p> <p>The joyful news comes after a challenging period for Farnham and his family following his battle with mouth cancer. </p> <p>In August 2022, Farnham underwent surgery and treatment for mouth cancer. The following year, he was declared cancer free following multiple surgeries and eight weeks of radiation therapy. </p> <p>However, the beloved singer later shared that the life-saving surgery has left him unable to sing. </p> <p>“My facial disfigurement from the surgery means I can’t open my mouth wide enough for a strip of spaghetti, let alone to sing,” Farnham said in an excerpt from his memoir published by the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em>.</p> <p>“I can’t get the movement to make the sounds I want to make, that’s where the vibrations and my voice come from. It’s a very disconcerting thing. And trying hurts.”</p> <p>Despite the challenges, the legendary singer hopes that he will be able to perform again one day. </p> <p>“I was given a gift and to be able to get out there and affect people in some way was special, I would like to continue doing that,” he said.</p> <p>“Though I am not putting all my hopes into it, we’ll see.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

AFL star welcomes first child after devastating loss

<p>AFL star Harry Himmelberg and his wife Taylia have announced the birth of their first child. </p> <p>The couple, who tied the knot in October, announced the birth on Instagram and revealed their newborn daughter's sweet name.</p> <p>"12.12.24 Hazel Olive Himmelberg 🤍," they wrote in their joint post, underneath some sweet family pictures.</p> <p>Their post was flooded with messaged of congratulations from friends and fans, with Kellie Finlayson, the wife of Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson, writing, "Welcome to this big world you special little soul <3."</p> <p>GWS Giants, the team Himmelberg plays for, added, "Congratulations <3."</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/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?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/p/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Taylia Himmelberg (@taysarris)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The baby girl's arrival comes after the pair revealed they had suffered two devastating miscarriages prior to welcoming their daughter.</p> <p>"I had two miscarriages prior, one like the month before I fell pregnant with our little girl now and our problem was definitely not getting pregnant, just trying to hold on to it," Taylia told <a title="The Herald Sun" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Fconfidential%2Fgws-giants-defender-harry-himmelberg-says-miscarriage-isnt-spoken-about-enough%2Fnews-story%2F6fc19034578dd92607965594b32c6519&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><em>The Herald Sun</em>.</a></p> <p>"It is pretty scary, the whole process, until she's born, and we get to hold her I don't think that anxiety will go away because you never know what can happen."</p> <p> </p> <p>Himmelberg added, "There is a stigma about it and the doctors said it's quite common and were really positive, which eased our mind as well."</p> <p>The new parents are believed to have first started dating back in 2020.</p> <p>They got engaged in a romantic proposal in Paris in October 2023, and tied the knot at a registry office in October.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Purple Wiggle welcomes first child

<p>Purple Wiggle John Pearce is officially a dad!</p> <p>Pearce welcomed his first child together with his wife Jessie on Monday and recently shared the news to fans on social media. </p> <p>“Welcome to the world our beautiful angel,” they wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“We have never felt a love like this.”</p> <p>They shared an adorable family photo of them holding their baby boy, Henry Nicholas Adamo Pearce, and another photo of their sleeping bub.</p> <p>Pearce’s fellow Wiggles members congratulated the couple, who have been married since 2019.</p> <p>“Congratulations John and Jess. So happy for you both and can’t wait to meet Henry. Lots of love,” Red Wiggle Simon Pryce said.</p> <p>“Beautiful boy welcome to the world! Congratulations Jesse and Johnny,” veteran Blue Wiggle Anthony Field wrote.</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/DDtPAO-yRvM/?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/p/DDtPAO-yRvM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Adamo Pearce (@johnpearce)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Youngest member Tsehay Hawkins added: “Congratulations you two!!! So happy for you guys. Love lil Henry already.”</p> <p>"Gorgeous boy little Henry 😍 congratulations Mama and Papa, can’t wait to meet the little treasure 💜" added Red Wiggle Caterina Mete, who also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/double-the-joy-red-wiggle-welcomes-twin-daughters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently gave birth</a> to identical twin girls, Dolly and Gigi, in July.</p> <p>"Jess, Johnny and Henry sending you all the love in the world 💜💜💜" commented veteran Purple wiggle Lachlan Gillespie.</p> <p>Pearce first started capturing hearts all over Australia as a member of the Aussie pop band Justice Crew before joining The Wiggles in 2021.</p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Queensland's first TV star dies aged 90

<p>Queensland's first television star, Hugh Cornish, has died at a retirement village in Hamilton, Brisbane aged 90. </p> <p>A major figure in television, the iconic presenter made history as the first person to ever greet Channel 9 audiences in Queensland when television went live on August 16, 1959.</p> <p>"I said something like, 'Hello Brisbane, welcome to television' and really, that was it," Cornish recalled in a 1990s interview. </p> <p>His son Tim, confirmed the news of his passing on social media. </p> <p>"Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars. He was the greatest gentleman you could ever hope to meet," he shared.</p> <p>Cornish began his media career as a radio presenter at 4IP in Ipswich in 1934. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Following his first TV appearance, Cornish eventually became the general manager of Channel 9 Queensland, and was the first person to run the same shows every night instead of once a week. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">In the 1960s he hosted the variety show </span><em>Brisbane Tonight </em>before he went on to present the talent show <em>Stairway to the Stars </em>in the 1970s.</p> <p>He later served as an executive at Nine and the Seven Network.</p> <p>The TV star was remembered by his loved ones today after news of his death. </p> <p>"Every time I think of Hugh Cornish, I think, I know we had the best days in the television industry because they were pioneering days," former television director Garry Gibson said.</p> <p>"I just remember him as a kind loveable person who would help anybody.</p> <p>"This man was interested in television and he wanted to make entertainment and we all chased that."</p> <p>Managing director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher said his contributions to the media landscape were second to none. </p> <p>"His face and voice became a trusted presence in countless homes," Blucher said in a statement.</p> <p>"For decades, he brought warmth, professionalism, and dedication to Channel Nine's screen."</p> <p>Veteran newsman Brett DeBritz added that many in this industry "owed their careers" to Cornish. </p> <p>"Everybody who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the guy who brought local current affairs to Channel Nine, and he was also an entertainer.</p> <p>"A lot of people owe their careers to him."</p> <p>"He probably made a bigger impact on getting talent known and up and running in Brisbane than anybody else I know, ever," producer-director and friend John Stainton said.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Australia's first supermodel dies at age 87

<p>Australia's first supermodel Maggie Tabberer has passed away at the age of 87. </p> <p>The two-time Gold Logie winner and Australian television icon died on Friday morning, her daughter confirmed in an emotional Instagram post.</p> <p>“This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna,” Maggie’s daughter, author and stylist Amanda Tabberer wrote.</p> <p>“She was an icon in every sense of the word and we will miss her dearly … along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace Nanna. We love you to bits forever.”</p> <p>Kicking off decades of work in the modelling and television industry, Ms Tabberer was one of Australia’s best-known entertainment personalities after being named Australia’s Model of the Year in 1960.</p> <p>Throughout her career, Tabberer wrote a fashion column for <em>The Daily Mirror</em>, was the subject of two Archibald prize winning artworks, hosted her own chat show, launched her own clothing label, and was the fashion editor of <em>The Australian Women’s Weekly</em>.</p> <p>In 1998, Ms Tabberer was awarded the Order of Australia for her contributions to the fashion industry and support for various charities.</p> <p>Journalist Andrew Hornery led the tributes for Maggie, as he took to his Instagram account with a touching tribute to Ms Tabberer, calling her a “legend, icon (and) champion”.</p> <p>“There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven decade career,” Mr Hornery wrote. “We crossed paths many times and it was always a pleasure."</p> <p>“She enjoyed a little tittle tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour - self deprecating but always positive. What a life. Vale lovely lady.”</p> <p>TV host and journalist Leila McKinnon wrote, "Beautiful Maggie, what a wonderful woman, vale to such a generous spirit, we loved her. Sending our love to you ❤️."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Australian Women’s Weekly / news.com.au</em></p>

Caring

First driver fined under new road rules

<p>The driver of a luxury car is believed to be the first person fined under new rules that requires high-powered vehicle owners to hold a special license.</p> <p>New legislation in South Australia came into force on December 1st this year that requires drivers of ultra high-powered vehicles (UHPV) to hold a U class licence.</p> <p>Drivers who flout the rules can be hit with six demerit points a maximum fine of $2,500 for the first offence, with the penalty for subsequent offences potentially leading to one year of imprisonment.</p> <p>On Monday, police in South Australia revealed a man driving a Lamborghini had been fined for allegedly breaching the new law on Sunday: the first day the legislation came into force.</p> <p>“About 7.30am on Sunday 1 December, police stopped a Lamborghini Huracan on Queensborough Ave, Hillcrest after noticing it was not bearing a rear number plate,” a South Australia Police spokesman wrote in a media release.</p> <p>“The officer identified the vehicle as being classed as an UHPV however checks on the man’s licence revealed that he did not have the required ‘U’ class licence endorsement."</p> <p>“A 36-year-old man from Evandale was issued with an expiation notice for driving with an expired licence for that class of vehicle.”</p> <p>The requirement for the licence was introduced following the death of Sophia Naismith, according to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.</p> <p>In 2019, Sophia Naismith, 15, and her friend were struck luxury Lamborghini after the luxury car mounted the kerb and hit the teenagers before crashing into a restaurant. </p> <p>The Naismiths campaigned for changes and they were introduced, with Attorney-General Kyam Maher saying: “If you drive an ultra high-powered vehicle, you need to go through training to have that accredited on your licence.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: South Australia Police</em></p>

Legal

Lindt Cafe siege hero revealed for the first time

<p>The name of the hero police officer who killed terrorist Man Haron Monis ten years ago during the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney has finally been revealed. </p> <p>For the last decade, Ben Besant was only known as Officer A, his name suppressed for his own protection. </p> <p>Now, he can finally tell his story publicly for the first time, following a court decision to lift his suppression order on Friday. </p> <p>“I’m never one to walk away from a fight, and I have been fighting for a long time to have my name returned to me,” he told told Seven’s <em>Spotlight </em>program.</p> <p>The former NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit Officer led the assault and fired the final shots that took Monis down. </p> <p>While the suppression order was for his own protection, Besant said that not being able to tell anyone about the moment aggravated his PTSD, that cost him his career, marriage and home.</p> <p>“It’s become such a big issue for me to be able to get my name back,” he said.</p> <p>The siege lasted 17-hours and Besant told Spotlight that it took 17 shots to bring down the terrorist. </p> <p>His mission now is to help other frontline responders deal with the effects of PTSD. </p> <p>Besant added that having his identity back will help him deal with what has become the most difficult day of the year for him. </p> <p>The decision comes two weeks before the 10-year anniversary of the siege. </p> <p>On the morning of December, 15, 2014, Monis took eight staff members and 10 customers hostage inside the popular cafe on Martin Place, Sydney. </p> <p>Police quickly evacuated the area and surrounded the building, as the terrorist claimed he was armed and had a bomb in his backpack. </p> <p>At 2.13am the next morning the cafe’s manager, Tori Johnson, 34, was shot dead by Monis, promoting police to storm the building.</p> <p>Barrister and Sydney mother-of-three, Katrina Dawson, 38, died when she was hit by fragments of police bullets.</p> <p><em>Images: Seven/Spotlight</em></p>

Legal

Australia passes world-first social media ban for children under-16

<p>Children under-16 will be banned from using social media from the end of next year, after the world-first legislation passed the parliament on Thursday. </p> <p>The law means that anyone under the age of 16 will be blocked from using platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook among others, and will make the platforms liable with fines of up to $50 million for failing to prevent these children from holding social media accounts. </p> <p>The Senate passed the bill 34 votes to 19 last Thursday, with The House of Representatives approving the legislation by 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday.</p> <p>The platforms will have one year to work out how to implement the ban before penalties are enforced, however the laws have received mixed reviews from tech companies and mental health experts alike. </p> <p>Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation had been “rushed.”</p> <p>Digital Industry Group Inc., an advocate for the platforms in Australia, also questioned how it would work and the impact it would have on children. </p> <p>“The social media ban legislation has been released and passed within a week and, as a result, no one can confidently explain how it will work in practice – the community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required of them,” DIGI managing director Sunita Bose said.</p> <p>The platforms cannot force people to provide government-issued identity documents, including the Digital ID, to assess their age. </p> <p>“This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off,” Greens senator David Shoebridge said. </p> <p>Mental health experts agreed that the social media ban could dangerously isolate children who used social media to find support. </p> <p>Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, added the legislation failed to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health. </p> <p>“The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation. Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste,” Stone said in a statement.</p> <p>Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a “monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online," in an email to the AP. </p> <p>Wayne Holdsworth, a father whose son took his own life following a sextortion scam, also approved the decision to introduce the age restriction. </p> <p>Meta Platforms has responded to the new laws saying: “Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament."</p> <p>“However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.”</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>BigTunaOnline / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Technology

Woman horrified after man brings his mother to first date

<p dir="ltr">A woman has been left stunned after her crush invited his mother to infiltrate their first date. </p> <p dir="ltr">The young woman took to Reddit to recall the mortifying moment, and to ask users if she was out of line by leaving the awkward date. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 23-year-old began the story by explaining how she matched with a 25-year-old man, who she referred to as Jake, on the dating app Hinge. </p> <p dir="ltr">She explained that the couple had been “chatting for a few weeks, and he seemed like a solid guy — funny, good taste in music, and even remembered I loved Italian food.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He planned the date at this nice little spot in Dallas, which I thought was sweet,” she added. </p> <p dir="ltr">She continued, “I show up, and everything's fine at first. He's already there, we hug, and he even complimented my outfit.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“But like five minutes after I sit down, this older woman walks in. Jake stands up, waves her over, and says, ‘This is my mom!’ 'I thought I misheard him for a second.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After he introduced his mother to his date, she pulled up a chair and began asking the 23-year-old a slew of invasive questions. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She sits down at the table, all casual, and starts introducing herself to me like this is normal. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there, trying to figure out if I'm being pranked. I kind of laugh nervously and say, ‘Oh, I didn't know you were bringing anyone,’ and he goes, ‘Oh, she just wanted to meet you. Don't worry—it's not a big deal’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“But it was a big deal because she didn't just stop by to say hi — she ordered wine and stayed. The whole time, she's asking me these personal questions about my job, my family, even if I want kids someday.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“It was like an interview, not a date. Jake barely said anything. He just smiled and kept nodding like this was all normal,” she revealed. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman then shared that after 20 minutes of the awkward encounter, she decided to leave, and texted Jake that same evening to say she didn’t want to go on another date. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “I couldn't take it anymore. I said I wasn't feeling great and needed to leave. I texted him later, saying I didn't think it would work out and wished him well.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although she thought she did the right thing, she began doubting her decision and questioned if she was in the wrong. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 23-year-old concluded the post by asking, '”Now I feel kind of bad. My roommate says I did the right thing because honestly, who brings their mom to a first date? But my coworker said it was rude to just leave and that maybe his mom was just super close to him or nervous for him or whatever. Was I wrong for walking out?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Reddit users flocked to the comments section and ran to her defence as they slammed Jake for bringing his mother along on the date. </p> <p dir="ltr">One person said, “It's absurd that he would bring her. Unless she needs constant supervision due to some health issue. That is a very strange dynamic. You did what most anyone else would have done. Best of luck.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

Indulge in first-class luxury with L’Occitane’s enchanting Christmas range

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to luxurious, first-class skin and body care, L’Occitane has long been at the top of the game. </p> <p dir="ltr">With their enchanting scents and captivating formulas, it's no surprise that L'Occitane have once again released a decadent Christmas range, with new tantalizing scents. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Citrus Road limited edition gift packs feature four new scents: Shea Combawa, Rose Citron, Shea Kumquat and Almond Citron Luminciana. Each of these new scents feature a unique balance of citrus and floral, reinventing classic L’Occitane products with new fragrances. </p> <p dir="ltr">This year’s Christmas collection offers gift packs of the new scents, featuring an array of body mists, the iconic shower oils, body lotions, hand creams and shower gels, each available for just $139. </p> <p dir="ltr">For those on a more mindful budget, L’Occitane are once again offering their Christmas ornaments that are stacked with mini products and retailing for just $25, as well as a selection of stocking stuffers ranging between $35 and $49. </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/DBdKO3pAqm6/?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/DBdKO3pAqm6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by L’Occitane en Provence | ANZ (@loccitaneanz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">For the L’Occitane loyalists who are all too excited for December 25th, countdown to Christmas with the Deluxe and Classic advent calendars, giving you a new product to indulge in every day of the festive month. You can get your hands on the Classic calendar for just $125, or the Deluxe calendar - that boasts a $403 value - for $199. </p> <p dir="ltr">These gifts are a treat for the senses, and while available at every budget, you will never be compromising on quality. The L’Occitane Holiday range is available both in-store and online. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / Supplied</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Margot Robbie welcomes first child

<p>Margot Robbie has reportedly given birth to her first child with her husband, British filmmaker Tom Ackerley.</p> <p>According to <em>People</em>, the 34-year-old Australian actress gave birth to a baby boy on October 17 in Los Angeles. </p> <p>Her family is reportedly in the process of planning to travel out to the US.</p> <p>The actress known for her iconic roles in films like<em> I, Tonya, Wolf of Wall Street </em>and <em>Barbie</em>, has kept a low profile throughout her pregnancy, with friends and family also remaining tight-lipped on news of the baby.</p> <p>Ackerley was spotted carrying a box of nappies on the streets of LA on October 30, sparking speculation they had welcomed their baby. </p> <p>Robbie and Ackerley, met on the set of<em> Suite Française</em> in 2013, where he was an assistant director and she starred as Celine Joseph. </p> <p>They then married in December 2016 during a private ceremony in Byron Bay. </p> <p>Robbie's pregnancy was made public in July, with the couple enjoying a romantic babymoon to Sardinia, Italy a month later. </p> <p>The actress made her last red carpet appearance on September 9, when she attended the screening of the comedy movie she produced with her husband. </p> <p>Robbie has previously revealed how much she enjoys working with her husband. </p> <p>“I’m a great advocate of doing business with your partner,” she told <em>Porter </em>in 2018.</p> <p>“Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow. I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better." </p> <p><em>Image: CraSH/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Hunt for Australia's first Golden Bachelor begins

<p>While former <em>Sunrise </em>host Samantha Armytage has been confirmed to host Nine's new reality series <em>The Golden Bachelor,</em> there are still a few major roles to fill. </p> <p>The bachelor and all the women needed for the series are yet to be found, but one well-known businessman is believed to be a leading contender for the show. </p> <p>“We are looking for Australia’s first Golden Bachelor and many incredible women who want to find love again,” read the official casting website. </p> <p>Nine are looking for people aged between 60 and 75 years old who are “looking for the last great love” of their life, live in Australia and are single. </p> <p>“Do you know someone in their golden years who deserves one more shot at their happily ever after?” the casting notice read. </p> <p>According to TV Blackbox expert Steve Molk, “Mark Bouris is being touted as their guy.” </p> <p>Bouris, 68, is a podcaster for <em>Straight Talk</em> and a former host of Nine's <em>The Celebrity Apprentice</em>. </p> <p>Molk added that it's not uncommon for a network to create buzz with the announcement “in the hope it will help shake the trees for prospective applicants to flock and submit their audition”.</p> <p>Although Nine has yet to confirm their broadcast date, Molk believes that it's likely to air mid next year. </p> <p>“This gives them time to cast and film while still showing partners why they would want to drop their cash with Nine."</p> <p>Armytage said the Australian version of the show has “got a different spin”. </p> <p>“This is for people who are looking for love again, who’ve got some miles on their tyres and are ready to fall in love again,” she told Nine's <em>Today</em> on October 29. </p> <p>“These are people with life experience. There’s going to be some great stories here, some kind of sad stories in some.</p> <p>“We’re looking for a happy fairytale ending.”</p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

Missing woman found after 12 days in national park

<p>Missing woman Lovisa 'Kiki' Sjoberg has been found alive after almost two weeks lost in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales. </p> <p>The 48-year-old photographer was last seen driving into the Kosciuszko National Park on October 15th and was reported missing six days later when she failed to return a hire car.</p> <p>After setting up a command post at the Kiandra Courthouse on the Snowy Mountains Hwy, police began an intensive search for the woman immediately.</p> <p>A wide-scale search was conducted involving the Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Rural Fire Service, a Surf Life Saving Helicopter and members of the public.</p> <p>On Sunday afternoon, the woman was found injured on the Nungar Creek Trail at Kiandra.</p> <p>She was treated at the scene by paramedics for exposure and what appeared to be a snake bite before being taken to a local hospital in a stable condition.</p> <p>Worried friends of Ms Sjoberg have expressed their relief and joy on Facebook about the news of her discovery, thanking the community for their support. </p> <p><em>Image credits: NSW Police / llawarra Police Rescue Squad</em></p>

Caring

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Tragedy on first cruise: Aussie couple’s dream trip ends in heartbreak

Brittany Higgins celebrates birth of first child

Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

How Rex could become the next national carrier

Social media star Pesto the penguin celebrates first birthday

Few Australians know the second verse of our national anthem – or how out of date it is

Bruce Willis makes first public appearance in three years

John Farnham to become a grandfather for the first time

AFL star welcomes first child after devastating loss

Purple Wiggle welcomes first child

Queensland's first TV star dies aged 90

Australia's first supermodel dies at age 87

First driver fined under new road rules

Lindt Cafe siege hero revealed for the first time

Australia passes world-first social media ban for children under-16

Woman horrified after man brings his mother to first date

Indulge in first-class luxury with L’Occitane’s enchanting Christmas range

Margot Robbie welcomes first child

Hunt for Australia's first Golden Bachelor begins

Missing woman found after 12 days in national park

Our Partners