Search

Sir David Attenborough marks 99th birthday with special appeal

As he nears his 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough – the beloved voice of the natural world for generations – has delivered perhaps his most emotional and urgent message yet: time is running out, not just for him, but for the planet. In a new documentary titled Ocean: With David Attenborough, set to release in cinemas on May 8 – the very day he turns 99 – the legendary broadcaster confronts the fragility of Earth’s ecosystems with stirring honesty. It is a deeply personal reflection on a lifetime of observing the planet’s wonders and wounds. “Now, as I approach the end of my life,” he says, “we know the opposite is true,” referring to the misguided idea that the sea was once a wilderness to be conquered. “The key to saving the planet is not on land, but at sea.” These words don’t come from a man resigned to despair, but from one who has spent nearly a century in awe of the world’s resilience. And yet, Attenborough doesn’t shy away from the pain of witnessing environmental decline. “The planet is in such poor health,” he admits, “that I would find it hard not to lose hope – were it not for the ocean.” It is here, in the depths of Earth’s oceans, that Attenborough finds not only scientific promise but emotional solace. “If we save the sea, we save our world,” he declares with conviction. “After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important.” The documentary, as sweeping as it is intimate, takes viewers across oceans in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania, exploring coral reefs, mangroves, coastal communities, marine sanctuaries and more. It highlights bold efforts by scientists and communities working to reverse the damage caused by humanity’s relentless exploitation – efforts that offer not only solutions but hope. With characteristic reverence and poetic clarity, Attenborough traces the sea’s central role in sustaining life on Earth. The film does more than educate – it pleads for connection, for urgency, for action. From Zoo Quest in the 1950s to Life on Earth, The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Dynasties, Sir David’s work has been a chronicle of the natural world’s magnificence and its mounting distress. But never before has his message felt so personal – or so final. It's a legacy project: not just a film, but a farewell letter from a man who has given his life to showing us the beauty of this planet.

Caring

Carlton mourns the loss of one of the greats of the game

The Australian football world is in mourning following the passing of one of the game's most electrifying figures, Peter Bosustow, aged 67. Bosustow, affectionately known as "The Buzz", died early Monday morning in Perth after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife Shelley, son Brent and daughter Brooke, who were by his side to say their final goodbyes. The son of former Carlton player Bob Bosustow, Peter lit up Princes Park from the moment he crossed from Perth in 1981, joining fellow Western Australian Ken Hunter. Both became instant sensations, but it was Bosustow's acrobatics, sharp goal sense and larger-than-life personality that quickly made him a Carlton cult hero. In just three seasons and 65 games for the Blues, Bosustow made an indelible impact, booting 146 goals and helping lead the club to back-to-back premierships in 1981 and 1982. His inaugural season remains one of the most memorable in AFL history, winning both the Goal of the Year and Mark of the Year awards, alongside lifting the premiership trophy. Former teammate Ken Hunter remembered Bosustow fondly, saying, “I think of what a character ‘Buzz’ was and how much he took to the big stage. He was a unique character and a rare football talent in equal measure. The Carlton people loved ‘Buzz’ and he loved Carlton.” Bosustow's highlight reel moments – none greater than his soaring mark over Geelong's John Mossop at Princes Park and his instinctive goal against Ian Nankervis at VFL Park – are still cherished by Blues fans. His ability to turn a game in a few magical moments made him a constant crowd favourite. Former Carlton coach David Parkin paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Bosustow as “an exceptional talent” who was "probably as exciting a player to watch as we ever had". Parkin recalled Bosustow's breathtaking smother, gather and goal during the 1981 semi-final as the quintessential example of his rare brilliance. After three seasons, Bosustow returned to WA in 1984 due to his father's illness. He continued to shine at WAFL level with Perth, where he played 141 games and kicked 379 goals, also representing WA against Victoria and South Australia. He topped Perth’s goalkicking three times and was later named in the club's Team of the Century. A comeback attempt at Carlton in 1986 ultimately fell short, but his connection with the club and its supporters never wavered. Bosustow's final years were marked by courage in the face of illness. Diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer, he fought valiantly and even celebrated a brief cancer-free period in 2023. However, his second battle with cancer recently became public, and earlier this month he was hospitalised in Perth. Remarkably, Bosustow spent his final evening watching his beloved Blues claim a stirring victory over Geelong at the MCG – the same club against which he once performed some of his most iconic feats. According to reports, he raised a fist in celebration at the final siren. Throughout his illness, Bosustow received widespread support from the football community, with fundraising efforts in 2022 attended by many of his former teammates and friends. Peter Bosustow leaves behind a legacy as one of football’s most charismatic and spectacular talents. His high-flying marks, impossible goals and infectious spirit will forever be part of Carlton's rich history — and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to witness "The Buzz" in full flight. Images: Carlton FC

Caring

A century after its discovery, scientists capture first confirmed footage of a colossal squid in the deep

<div class="theconversation-article-body">The colossal squid was first described in 1925 based on specimens from the stomach of a commercially hunted sperm whale. A century later, an international voyage captured the first confirmed video of this species in its natural habitat – a 30-centimetre juvenile, at a depth of 600 metres near the South Sandwich Islands. Colossal squid can grow up to seven metres and weigh as much as 500 kilograms, making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. But little is known about their life cycle. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lzPoG9H8Hlo?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>The first sighting of a juvenile colossal squid in its natural environment. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute.</figcaption></figure> The footage of a young colossal squid in the water column was a serendipitous sighting, as many deep-sea squid observations are. It was seen during the live “divestream” feed of a remotely operated vehicle during the <a href="https://2022annualreport.schmidtocean.org/">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> and <a href="https://oceancensus.org/">Ocean Census</a> partner expedition searching for new deep-sea species and habitats in the far south Atlantic, mostly focusing on the seafloor. Those tuned into the stream had the remarkable experience of seeing a live colossal squid in its deep-sea home, although its identity was not confirmed until the high-definition footage could be reviewed later. Predators such as whales and seabirds are still one of our best sources of information about the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) because they are much better at finding it than we are. This partially explains why we have only just filmed this species in its natural habitat. Not only do these animals live in an enormous, dark and three-dimensional environment, they are also probably actively avoiding us. Most of our deep-sea exploration equipment is large, noisy and uses bright lights if we are trying to film animals. But the colossal squid can detect and avoid diving sperm whales, which probably produce a strong light signal as they swim down and disturb bioluminescent animals. The squid best able to avoid such predators have been passing on their genes for millions of years. This leaves us with a current population of visually acute, likely light-avoiding animals, well capable of detecting a light signal from many metres away. <h2>Delicate beauty of deep-sea animals</h2> The colossal squid is part of the “glass” squid family (Cranchiidae). Three known glass squid species are found in the Antarctic ocean, but it can be difficult to distinguish them on camera. Researchers from the organisation Kolossal, aiming to film the colossal squid, observed a similarly sized glass squid during their fourth Antarctic mission in 2023. But since the characteristic features needed to identify a colossal squid – hooks on the ends of the two long tentacles and in the middle of each of the eight shorter arms – weren’t clearly visible, its exact identity remains unconfirmed. In the Schmidt Ocean Institute footage, the mid-arm hooks are visible. And for this young individual, the resemblance to other glass squids is also clear. With age and size, colossal squid likely lose their transparent appearance and become much more of an anomaly within the family. While many will be amused by the idea of a “small colossal” squid, this footage showcases a beauty shared by many deep-sea animals, in contrast to the monster hype and “stuff of nightmares” click-bait titles we see all too often. This colossal squid looks like a delicate glass sculpture, with fins of such fine musculature they are barely visible. It has shining iridescent eyes and graceful arms fanned out from the head. At full size, the colossal squid may be a formidable predator, with its stout arms and array of sharp hooks, able to tackle two-metre-long toothfish. But in our first confirmed view of it at home in the deep sea, we can marvel at the elegance of this animal, thriving in an environment where humans require so much technology even to visit remotely. <h2>Stranger than science fiction</h2> Until recently, few people were able to take part in deep-sea exploration. But now, anyone with an internet connection can be “in the room” while we explore these habitats and observe animals for the first time. It’s hard to overstate the importance of the deep sea. It holds hundreds of thousands of undiscovered species, it is probably where life on Earth started, and it makes up 95% of the available living space on our planet. It has animals more splendid and strange than our most creative science fiction imaginings. This includes squids that start life looking like small light bulbs and then grow into true giants; colonies of individuals living together with each contributing to the group’s success; animals where males (often parasitic) are orders of magnitude smaller than females. This first confirmed sighting of a colossal squid inspires and reminds us how much we have left to learn. <hr /> The expedition that captured the footage of the colossal squid was a collaboration between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-NEKTON Ocean Census, and GoSouth (a joint project between the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research and the British Antarctic Survey).<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/254584/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <hr /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kat-bolstad-646280">Kat Bolstad</a>, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-century-after-its-discovery-scientists-capture-first-confirmed-footage-of-a-colossal-squid-in-the-deep-254584">original article</a>. Image: Schmidt Ocean Institute </div>

Technology

Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

If you're like me – and most Aussie drivers – I do my best to avoid being pulled over. I check my mirrors, stick to the speed limit (mostly), and keep my rego up to date. But for some "people" out there, the road rules are more of a vague suggestion than a requirement. Enter the sovereign citizen number plate fiasco – because what better way to invite the attention of the cops than slapping an illegal plate on your car? In Adelaide this week, one particularly bold Toyota driver decided to test the limits of both the law and common sense by cruising around with a number plate that simply read "PRIVATE". If that wasn’t enough to get the attention of South Australia Police, the plate also featured the cryptic phrase "Special Trust Security" below that in tiny letter. Because nothing says "totally legitimate vehicle" like an official-looking but entirely made-up title. A sharp-eyed local spotted this masterpiece of vehicular rebellion and did what any responsible citizen would do: posted it online for all of Australia to mock. "What the F are these? Surely not legal?" they asked, unknowingly triggering a flood of gleeful internet ridicule. "They're plates which will guarantee SAPOL will pull them over at their first opportunity," one commenter noted. Others speculated that the driver might be part of the ever-growing "sovereign citizen" movement – a loose collection of legal theorists whose main belief is that laws are just an optional lifestyle choice. SAPOL wasted no time <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-bizarre-number-plate-prompts-933-fine-warning-not-legal-010747837.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirming that these plates were, in fact, highly illegal</a>. Not just "a slap on the wrist" illegal – more like "here's a $933 fine before you even get to say 'but my rights!'" illegal. "These plates appear fake and are not plates that have been issued by SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. Translation: They might as well have written their rego number on a napkin. The online reaction was ruthless. "It’s the best way to show off your dreadful understanding of the law to an already disinterested police officer," one person quipped. Another called it "a sovereign citizen in the wild", while a third dubbed them "please pull me over plates". The internet, as always, did not disappoint. But this isn't a one-off. In 2023, a photo surfaced of a Holden in Queensland sporting an even more outlandish plate. This one featured the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", and even claimed that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine. Extra points for creativity, but again, zero points for legal accuracy. Even more baffling, the plate included a real registration number – in absurdly tiny print. Presumably for that tiny sliver of plausible deniability. While most of us are content to pay our rego and drive without incident, these rogue motorists seem determined to treat traffic laws like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Unfortunately for them, SAPOL isn't in the habit of playing along. So next time you see someone cruising around with an official-looking but entirely nonsensical number plate, just remember – they’re not just driving, they’re providing free entertainment for the rest of us. Images: Reddit

Legal

To tip or not to tip? Kyle weighs in on the great debate

In a country where tipping is about as popular as warm beer, Kyle Sandilands has somehow managed to ignite a national debate with his bold approach after revealing his personal tipping policy: doubling the bill. While everyday Australians are grumbling about feeling "under surveillance" by watchful waitstaff, Sandilands has effectively turned the concept of tipping on its head by making it rain on every meal. “Whatever the bill is, I’ll pay that again,” he declared on air, leaving co-host Jackie O and newsreader Brooklyn Ross stunned. The revelation has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from admiration to outright panic. Many hospitality workers have suddenly discovered a newfound appreciation for Sandilands, with one Sydney waiter reportedly seen frantically Googling his favourite restaurants in hopes of securing a booking. Meanwhile, local economists are nervously clutching their calculators. "If this catches on, we could see a rapid rise in inflation, an economic boom in hospitality, or Kyle Sandilands accidentally becoming Australia's next Reserve Bank governor," speculated one financial analyst. Not everyone, however, is on board with the tipping craze. Outraged anti-tipping Australians have taken to social media, decrying the practice as "un-Australian" and a gateway to the country becoming “the 51st state of America”. One particularly passionate commenter warned, "This is how it starts! First, it's tipping, then it's calling football ‘soccer’, and next thing you know, we’re driving on the right side of the road!" Despite the uproar, Sandilands seems unfazed. With his unique approach, he may have found a loophole in Australia’s new EFTPOS tipping culture – if everyone else sticks to the modest 5-25% suggested range, he might actually be saving money. “You’re doubling the cost,” Ross pointed out in disbelief. “I’ll save big time,” Sandilands responded, seemingly unconcerned with mathematical realities. As for whether his fellow Australians will follow suit or hold the line against tipping tyranny, only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: if you see Kyle Sandilands dining out, you might want to consider switching tables – and bringing an extra billfold. Images: KIIS FM

Money & Banking

Cricket great takes aim at Albo's beer tax freeze

Cricket great David Warner has slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's move to combat soaring beer prices. On Monday, Albanese promised to pause the government's tax hike on beers poured at pubs for the next two years. Albanese announced the policy while enjoying his "first beer of the year" at the Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre in Marrickville. "This will make a difference. It is a positive announcement. As I said, good for beer drinkers, good for pubs and clubs, good for cost of living pressures," he said. Australia's inflation-indexed alcohol tax - which increases twice annually - has long been an issue for breweries, pub owners and customers. This month, there was a 3.5 per cent rise on the price of beer, an additional cost that usually gets passed onto the customer. The Prime Minister said if he is re-elected, the Labor government would freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for 24 months from the next indexation date this coming August. However, Warner believes this move is a "few years too late," slamming the Prime Minister's pledge on social media. Warner, who is an investor and director of Victoria's St Andrews Beach Brewery, has been affected by the rising prices. Shortly after Albanese's announcement, Coalition treasury spokesman Angus Taylor said Peter Dutton, if elected, would also freeze tax. "The government has chosen the eve of an election to promise voters a freeze on a tax that has skyrocketed due to its failure to address inflation at its core," Taylor said. Image: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial/ Instagram

Money & Banking

Little-known road markings implemented to made roads safer

Aussie drivers could see a nationwide roll out of new road markings in an effort to improve road safety. While authorities continue to try to curb the number of people dying and being seriously injured on roads, many motorists have grown frustrated with state governments over the constant threat of hefty fines and the loss of demerit points. Authorities are now looking at alternative approaches to help reach the ambitious goal of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050, without further over-saturating roads with camera detectors. One new initiative, which is currently being trialed in Adelaide, is the introduction of new road markings intended to quickly grab the attention of drivers and alert them to a change up ahead without the threat of a fine or loss of demerit points. Known as 'dragon's teeth', the three-dimensional road markings are meant to "increase driver attention and create a sense of warning," leading road safety scientist at the University of Adelaide Mario Mongiardini told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-warned-as-little-known-road-markings-could-be-rolled-out-across-australia-003513352.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a>. If successful, the markings could be seen across the country, because they can be implemented "cheaply and quickly" by state authorities. The road markings, which are made of thermoplastic, are easy for councils and road authorities to implement and are designed to be durable and offer friction and grip for cyclists and motorcyclists. Mongiardini said inspiration for the markings came from Singapore, where they have adopted similar tactics. "They noticed drivers started to become much more compliant," Mario explained. "So that is one source of inspiration." Adelaide is not the only place they exist in Australia, with RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches, explaining "similar markings, without the 3D effect are used at school zones in other states such as NSW, where they indicate to drivers that there is an elevated risk and lower speeds may be more appropriate." Dr Chris Stokes, another researcher at the University of Adelaide, warned that the markings must be part of a multifaceted approach to road safety, with this specific road treatment thought to only work effectively if they're used sparingly. "You can't expect to have them around every corner, if that happens, people will quickly lose trust in the system," he explained. "They are not to be used where the environment speaks for itself." The markings are supposed to be used as a "complimentary" tactic, to work in tandem with reduced speed limits and changing the texture of roads too. "Hopefully if it's successful you may see them in some areas of Australia," Mongiardini said, but "don’t expect to see them all over the road, only where they are needed." Image credits: RAA

Legal

Driver reveals "surprising" way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine

An Aussie driver who copped a $410 fine and three demerit points after their passenger made a common seatbelt move has revealed how they argued his way out of the ticket. Numerous motorists have been fined in recent weeks over the little-known road rule, where the driver could be penalised if a passenger reclines their seat too far back. Aussie lawyer Hayder Shkara argued that the rule is "step too far" as well-rested passengers can help curb the growing rate of fatalities by taking over from fatigued drivers on long car trips. Shkara shared the story of how one of his followers had successfully overturned the seatbelt fine and demerit points on social media. "He applied for a review with the police, and he actually got approved," Shkara said. "In his review he focused on the fact that car manufacturers were allowed to import these vehicles with the ability to recline in the first place, and that if there was an actual issue with the vehicle in terms of its design, it should have been stopped at the importation basis. "[He] said to the police that they were practicing safe driving protocols by changing drivers and making sure that one driver was rested and at police actually withdrew the fine. He didn't have to pay anything, and he didn't get any demerit points." Shkara told Yahoo that "normally applications for review in traffic offences are extremely difficult to be successful in and there is a low margin of success." "What is the purpose of seat belts? It is for driver and passenger safety. But we all know that fatigue is a big problem for drivers, so if drivers are switching in and out, I believe that the safer thing to do is for one driver to have proper rest so they can continue to drive safely." He said he would also encourage others who receive a fine for the same offence to try and appeal their case, as the "review doesn't require you to pay any legal fees and it is worth a shot." Image: NSW Centre for Road Safety/ TikTok

Legal

Matildas greats defend Sam Kerr

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

Legal

Aussie drivers warned over little-known "speed fine trap"

Road authorities are warning drivers of a "speed fine trap" in the lead-up to school's return. In NSW, four back-to-back pupil free days will take place from February 1 until February 5, as teachers and staff prep for the new school year, with students set to return on the 6th. While there will be no kids on campus, school zones will be in operation on those days, with speed limits being enforced. "Pupil-free days continue to be a major speed trap for motorists," NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said. Last year, 2,184 fines for speeding were issued to drivers in just two days prior to term one. An average of 1,092 fines were issued between January 30 and 31 in 2024, which was almost double the daily average for February (598). Khoury added that motorists are at risk of being fined at almost twice the rate during pupil-free days, as most drivers are "oblivious" to the rule. "It is extremely frustrating when drivers who normally abide by the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones are fined on pupil-free days because they were oblivious to the fact that the speed limits applied despite their children not being at school," he said. "The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones and school zone speed limits have overwhelming public support — we just don’t want people inadvertently breaking the law and getting fined." He added: "Please be extra alert tomorrow as you drive through school zones as speed limits will apply." The number of pupil free days will increase from six days in 2024 to eight days in 2025. This includes the four pupil-free days on January 31 and February 3, 4 and 5. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

“Lesson learnt”: Expat fined for parking mistake

A British expat has copped a hefty fine after going against a "common sense" road rule. The man had just moved to Sydney and was visiting the famous beaches in Shoalhaven, NSW when he copped a $200 fine for parking on the wrong side of the road, facing against the direction of traffic flow. “Never heard of this before. It didn’t say anything about no parking and I’ve come back, and I’ve got a ticket, ” he said n the video posted on social media. While it is an offence in Australia, in the UK the parking technique is permitted, except at night. “Lesson learnt,” he ended his clip. The video received a lot of comments, with one asking the obvious question: “Didn’t you see what the other cars were doing?” Another added: “If the cars are all facing the one way, park that way. Why would you park facing the wrong way then all the other cars are facing the other way?” “Wasn’t it obvious?” a different person questioned. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important; width: 535px;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7462819112226540833&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40archoz_2025%2Fvideo%2F7462819112226540833&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-useast2a.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-useast2a-p-0037-euttp%2FogAIQEeARJOEnAQfRA5kCUnTbHGDECF1PRWDjH%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-useast2a-i-0068-euttp%2Fo0nbEYRzCBSwQAAwr8ARPoEAiB5iZIQdj0FCv.image%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1737849600%26x-signature%3DbzHLO2CQeaQN%252BZr1Nmm%252Fw5t8q1A%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Others told him that it was just "common sense" but he insisted that everyone in the UK parks in different directions” despite also driving on the left-hand side of the road. A few people explained why they think the rule exists. “I think it’s because to get out of that park you would have to drive into oncoming traffic,” one user suggested. “Maybe in the UK your lanes are small and this would be okay but 99 per cent of our roads are wide and this is not needed.” “And to get into that park in the first place, you have to drive on the wrong side,” another person pointed out. Some British commenters could relate to the man's mistake, saying: “I’ve been caught out doing this too,” and “It did my head in when I first moved here!” The penalty for parking in the wrong direction of travel can reach up to 257, and in school zones, this fine can increase to $330 plus two demerit points. <em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; 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: TikTok

Money & Banking

Warning issued as drivers flout school zone rules

Motorists have confessed to speeding in school zones and using their phones while driving through drop-off areas, a new study has revealed. The study released by insurer AAMI on Wednesday, found that 56 per cent of primary school children in NSW are now driven or accompanied to and from school by an adult. Only 37 per cent of parents allow their children to travel to school independently or with peers, a huge shift compared to previous years, where nearly seven in ten Australians (69 per cent) regularly walked, biked, or scooted to and from school on their own. The main reason for this included dangerous driving behaviours by others, however, some parents have admitted to their own unsafe habits near schools. A quarter of the 1,000 survey respondents admitted speeding through school zones because they didn't notice signs. 12 per cent admitted to speeding through school zones when they don't see any children around, and others admitted to being distracted by their phone. A further 12 per cent admitted they do not always follow school 'Drop and Go' zone rules, with over 10 per cent having double parked or stopped in the middle of the road in front of their children's school. As children head back to school next week, AAMI Motor Claims Executive Manager Luisa Rose said the "findings indicate a generational shift" in how children are commuting to and from school. "With this shift in our approach to school travel we need to be aware children may not have road safety skills and awareness, increasing the risk of an accident occurring in a school zone," Rose said. "While understandably not everyone can walk, ride or scoot to school due to distance and time, one thing everyone can do is learn, and follow, is the road rules to ensure our children are safe when arriving at and leaving school." Russell White, chair and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation added that deaths among children aged zero to seven years has increased by 54 per cent last year compared to 2023. "This year, we hope to see a decrease in road fatalities especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help," he added. "AAMI's research findings revealed that Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe. "Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times." Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Big change for new buses after Hunter Valley crash

Australian buses and coaches fitted with seatbelts will soon be required to have announcements reminding people to buckle up, following the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that killed 10 people almost two years ago. On Tuesday, the federal government announced that the new rule will require these vehicles to include visual and audio alerts reminding passengers to buckle up, similar to those on airplanes. “Travelling by bus is one of the safest forms of transport in Australia, and these new audible and visual signage requirements will ensure this continues to be the case,” federal assistant Regional Development Minister Anthony Chisholm said. The government also announced it had closed a loophole where some buses with seats under 1m high were exempted from requiring seatbelts. Under the regulations, all new bus and coach models must comply by November 1, 2026, while existing models will need to make the changes by November 1, 2027. “These safety outcomes further improve what is generally regarded as the most stringent seatbelt rules for buses in the world,” Bus industry confederation chair Tony Hopkins said. “With seat belt usage currently as low as 7 per cent on some services, this provides a simple but powerful message that reminds bus passengers to fasten a seat belt. “After all, if a seat belt is provided in a bus it must be worn by law.” Image: Mino Surkala / Shutterstock.com

Domestic Travel

Even calm people can fly into a rage behind the wheel. Here’s how to curb your road rage – before it’s too late

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> If someone bumps into us on the footpath or in the mall, we’re generally quite forgiving. We instinctively apologise or step aside, and usually don’t scream at, stalk, or attack the other person. But put us in a car, and <a href="https://x.com/Boenau/status/1755234912540459059">something changes</a>. People who appear calm in everyday life suddenly tailgate, honk, or shout at strangers. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753524002467?casa_token=76NSmREtG8MAAAAA:yFEcndOLjARRfthZMFwOQ3UmPeqgJEwSuAvkaA51rH8fA7v8RzHDamohBhf8Ai7jb3Nrp98pz4I">Problems at work</a> or home can suddenly explode in the form of righteous anger toward other road users. Road rage <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457523000192">increases crash risk</a>, and victims of road rage incidents often have <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">children in the car</a> with them. So, why does driving <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437524000914?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">bring out the worst in us</a>? And more importantly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">what can we do about it</a>? <h2>Road rage remains common</h2> <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">Recent</a> <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">surveys</a> indicate road rage remains common in Australia. In September 2024, insurer NRMA <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">reported</a> a survey of 1,464 of its members in two states found many had witnessed road rage incidents such as: <ul> <li>tailgating (71%)</li> <li>drivers beeping other drivers (67%)</li> <li>drivers gesturing angrily at other drivers (60%)</li> <li>drivers deliberately cutting in front of other vehicles (58%)</li> <li>drivers getting out of their car to confront to confront another driver (14%)</li> <li>stalking (10%)</li> <li>physical assault (4%).</li> </ul> Another insurer, Budget Direct, <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html">reported</a> last year on a survey of 825 people that found about 83% had experienced shouting, cursing, or rude gestures from other people on the road (up by 18% since 2021). And of the female respondents, 87% reported they’d copped this kind of behaviour from other road users. Common triggers for driver anger include tailgating, perceived rudeness (such as not giving a “thank you” wave), and witnessing another person driving dangerously. Aggressive driving behaviours tend to be more common in <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.031918298391749">younger, male drivers</a>. Road rage is a global problem, with studies finding road rage remains common in places such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457509002012?casa_token=G4nhNdF3olAAAAAA:8tdP0GyMiwN4_n4fekvQB-EiUSLa8Q2sgbpMhfUNWh0w9YqeiWft1aPY2ZSFLngcSFZAHfMOQhA">Japan</a>, the <a href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/nearly-80-percent-of-drivers-express-significant-anger-aggression-or-road-rage/">US</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847805000884">New Zealand</a> and the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847898000096">UK</a>, but the degree varies significantly from country to country. <h2>Who is more likely to fly into a rage on the road?</h2> Some of us are more likely than others to fly into a rage while driving. One way researchers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722">measure</a> this is via a testing tool known as the <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/rokada/psyctest/driving.pdf">Driving Anger Scale</a>. Data from many studies using this test show drivers who are more prone to anger in general are <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/driving-anger-as-a-psychological-construct-twenty-years-of-resear">more likely to turn that anger into aggression</a>. They get annoyed by more things, are quicker to act on their feelings, take more risks, and as a result, are more likely to be involved in anger-related crashes. Research suggests that while female drivers experience anger just as much as male drivers, they are less likely to act on it in a <a href="https://www.turkpsikiyatri.com/PDF/C18S3/en/angerExpression.pdf">negative way</a>. Female drivers tend to feel more intense anger in certain situations, such as when <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722#f0010">faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions</a>, compared to their male counterparts. <h2>What can I do to reduce my road rage?</h2> In a car, we’re physically separated from others, which creates a sense of distance and anonymity – two factors that lower our usual social filters. Encounters feel fleeting. There’s a good chance you won’t be held accountable for what you or say or do, compared to if you were outside the car. And yet, we perceive the stakes as high because mistakes or bad decisions on the road can have serious consequences. This mix of isolation, stress, and the illusion of being in a bubble is a perfect recipe for heightened frustration and anger. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">Research</a> suggests techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy may help. These include learning to identify when you are starting to feel angry, trying to find alternative explanations for other people’s behaviour, using mindfulness and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001758">relaxation</a> and trying to move away from the trigger. The American Automobile Association also <a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Road-Rage-Brochure.pdf">suggests</a> you can reduce road rage incidents by being a more considerate driver yourself – always use your indicator, avoid cutting others off and maintain a safe distance from other cars. Try to stay calm when other drivers are angry, and allow extra time in your journey to reduce stress. If driving anger is a frequent issue, consider seeking support or <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anger-management">anger management resources</a>. Avoiding — or at least being aware of — <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847821002667">anger rumination</a> can make a big difference. This happens when someone replays anger-inducing events, like being cut off in traffic, over and over in their mind. Instead of letting it go, they dwell on it, fuelling their frustration and making it harder to stay calm. Recognising this pattern and shifting focus — like taking a deep breath or distracting yourself — can help stop anger from escalating into aggression. More broadly, public awareness campaigns highlighting the link between anger and risky driving could also encourage more drivers to seek help. The next time you get behind the wheel, try to remember the other driver, the cyclist, or pedestrian is just another person — someone you might pass on the street without a second thought. We’re often good at forgiving minor missteps in non-driving contexts. Let’s try to bring that same patience and understanding to the road.<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/244402/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk & Resilience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/even-calm-people-can-fly-into-a-rage-behind-the-wheel-heres-how-to-curb-your-road-rage-before-its-too-late-244402">original article</a>. </div>

Mind

New road initiatives rolling out this year

Several new road initiatives are set to be introduced this year, as government plans to trial out new technology in 2025. From wireless solar powered signs advising motorists of new hazards to in-road pods that collect data on traffic volume and speed, these initiatives will be trialled on regional roads as part of the NSW government's $5 million Smarter Highways program. Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the road, which will activate the Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environment Systems (SHAVES) to warn drivers about hazards. The system will have self-adaptive electronic signage which will be able to predict events and advise motorist, including bad weather and animals approaching the road. The signs will communicate with each other using localised radio communications. The NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said that the introduction of the technology aims to "reduce risky driving actions such as not driving to the conditions". They are also trialling a new in-road 4G traffic counter device which can detect and provide info on vehicle volumes, speeds, road temperatures and system health among other information in real time. It is being trialled on the Great Western Highway at Kelso and the Newell Highway at Dubbo, with its use particularly important for the start and end of holidays and during special events. “The more information you can give to the motoring public about an incident early, the better,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told Yahoo News. “We’ve always said more needs to be done to alert people earlier when there is an incident. It gives them the time they need to make a judgement on whether they need to proceed along a different route, or delay their journey”. The NRMA supports the trials and introduction of the new technology, with Khoury saying: "the more we are relying on new technology to make our roads more efficient and safer, the better the outcome for the public.” Here are the five Smarter Highways trials this year 1. Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)- Self-adaptive electronic signage able to predict events and advise motorists of hazards. 2. Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer - 4G powered devices in the road to provide data on traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other issues. 3. Rural Intersection Activated Warning System - Road sensors advise motorists through Variable Speed Limit signs of a slow and large vehicle entering from a side road. 4. Improved local area traffic management during major disruptions 5. Permanent Congestion Management - Using radars and traffic signals to manage traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains. Image: NSW Govt

Domestic Travel

"29-year-old child": Footy great slams Nick Kyrgios

AFL Premiership winner Kane Cornes has slammed Nick Kyrgios after the tennis superstar has been making headlines for his Australian Open exit. There have been plenty of stories about the tennis player's fitness and his future in the sport, and Cornes, who is now one of the most outspoken members of the sporting media has had enough of the Kyrgios drama. “I just feel we talk about this guy too much,” Cornes began on SEN 1116 radio. “I understand why, but he’s absolutely dominated the headlines in the last two-to-three weeks in the lead-up to the Australian Open. “That’s not unusual, that happens, and we’re not going to hear the last of him. “I feel like his role in the game will be significant whether he’s playing or not because he is box office. “And despite him being our most disappointing Australian athlete ever, he will still have a role to play because people are interested in him.” “This is a guy who sits there and criticises everyone else,” Cornes continued. “He sits on his high horse and criticises everyone, be that ball kids, line judges, other opponents. “Look at the class which Roger Federer or other players with a similar level of talent as Nick carried themselves. “He’s a child. He’s a 29-year-old child. The way that he carries himself, the ambassador that he’s been, put all that in the mix, I think no one has disappointed more. “No one has been spoken about more with less results than this guy over a long period of time. “Yet still, here we are, and I get it and it’s a credit to him that people are interested in him, that we’re still talking about him.” Kyrgios has hit back at the comments on X, saying that Cornes' criticism was unfounded. "Gotta love comments from an athlete who didn't play a global sport," he posted. Social media users were quick to share their own opinions on disappointing athletes in response to Cornes' comments, with one person writing: “He’s not even the most disappointing tennis player. Tomic has him well covered.” Another sports fan said: “Cmon guys... Nick is Nick but that Raygun could not even be defined as an athlete so she leads the list of ‘international disgraces’ and its daylight to second, whoever that may be.” However others backed Kyrgios, with one writing: “Nick has played in an era where there are 3 absolute legends of the game who have dominated and he’s beaten all 3 something no one else has managed to do!! Wake up you clowns comparing Nick to Raygun, Ben Simmons, Tomic, Jarryd Hayne etc absolute disgrace you guys are!” Image: Channel 7/ Rachel Bach/Shutterstock Editorial

Retirement Life

True meaning behind common Aussie road sign

Thousands of drivers past this Australian road sign every day - but very few know what it means. A confused motorist took to Reddit to share an image of the road sign they spotted on the Northern Territory's Stuart Highway, which featured a picture of a hand. He and and his travel companion assumed the sign meant there was a spot to wash your hands or windows nearby, however they were both wrong. The sign, which was part of a larger rest area sign, indicates there is Aboriginal artwork in the area. "According to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia), published in 'Road Sign Guidelines' issued 28/03/2023, it means 'Aboriginal Attractions'," one person commented "Yep, usually rock art or some other Aboriginal site," said another. It is often seen in national parks and is the same symbol used nationally. People shared their own hilarious assumptions with one writing: "Warning, jazz hands in 2km", while another commented: "Beware of swarming ants". "Love that it's for indigenous art, but my first thought was a warning to tourists to not put bare skin on the bitumen," another commented. Others admitted they never paid any particular attention to the sign. "Oh I've never seen this before! And think it's great. Honestly my brain went to kids craft area for some reason but why would a random regional picnic stop have a kids craft area," one wrote. "I genuinely thought someone had just spray painted the sign with their hand on it. i have never seen this," another commented. A third person added their own hilarious interpretation saying: "This is so cool, have never seen one of these before. I have to admit my first thought was 'car scene in the titanic' though." Image: Reddit/ Google

Domestic Travel

The Great Wheelie Bin Debate rolls on: What's the correct way?!

Australia is no stranger to heated debates – rugby versus Aussie rules, meat pie versus sausage roll, or which state has the best beaches. But a new challenger has emerged for the crown of most contentious topic: the humble wheelie bin. In the bustling inner-city suburbs, where space is as precious as a parking spot on a Friday night, one resident in Carlton, Sydney, has found themselves at the centre of the latest bin-based brouhaha. The seemingly innocuous act of placing wheelie bins for collection has sparked a clash of titanic proportions between neighbours, with one visually impaired newcomer caught in the middle. According to the frustrated resident, the bins in question have been making a weekly pilgrimage to the worst possible spot. “These people have been leaving their bins blocking the crossing every single bloody week since I moved here in October,” they vented. A photo shared online reveals the crime scene: two wheelie bins defiantly parked at a crossing entryway, appearing to guard it like bouncers at an exclusive nightclub. For anyone not blessed with perfect vision, navigating around them is less of a dance and more of a hazardous obstacle course: <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/12/wheelie-bins_reddit.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> “I’ve been so shocked at how the bins are put out. I see them on the street and I just question how that’s allowed... it’s a freaking jerk move,” the resident continued. Adding to the drama, they highlighted the danger: “I’m visually impaired, it’s not safe to just cross the road anywhere.” Bin battles are nothing new in Australia. Earlier this year, Melbourne residents went head-to-head over the correct bin-spacing protocol. Should there be a gap between bins? Should they form an impenetrable wall of waste? After what we can only imagine was a spirited exchange of opinions (and possibly garbage puns), the local council stepped in to confirm: gaps are indeed preferable. Meanwhile, Georges River Council’s website offers sage advice to would-be bin wranglers: “Avoid obstructing the footpath and driveways”, and for the love of all things recyclable, “never place items on the road or gutters”. This guidance, alas, has yet to penetrate the stubborn psyche of certain Carlton bin-barons. Our beleaguered resident, unwilling to let this trashy behaviour go unchecked, has considered taking direct action. “I’ve thought about taping a note to the bins, asking kindly to please not block the crossing, maybe explaining why it’s dangerous,” they mused. Such a note, perhaps paired with a smiley face or a diagram, could be just the diplomatic olive branch needed to defuse the situation. Or it could escalate into the neighbourhood’s first wheelie bin Cold War. Watch this carefully placed, wheelie-bin sized space. Images: Shutterstock, Reddit

Home & Garden

Happy news after AFL great's devastating diagnosis

Anthony Rocca has shared a positive update on his cancer battle. The Collingwood goalkicking great was diagnosed with with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma earlier this year after a series of tests and scan, and had to step back from his role as coach of under-18s side Northern Knights to get treatment. On Tuesday, he revealed that he had undergone the final day of his sixth and last round of chemotherapy, which had been successful, with two years of maintenance immunotherapy to go. “I’m fortunate to be able to say that all is looking great and it has gone to plan,” Rocca wrote on social media. “A heartfelt thank you to my oncologist, nurses and all the staff at Epworth hospital. “They are truly remarkable, caring and show great teamwork dealing with people with challenging circumstances. “I am feeling great and looking forward (to) 2025. “Thank you to everyone who has called and texted, your love and support is greatly appreciated.” <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/DDYW8whygYE/?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/DDYW8whygYE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Anthony Rocca (@anthonyrocca23)</a> </div> </blockquote> The AFL great received an outpouring of support current and former Collingwood stars including Scott Pendlebury, Brodie Grundy and Mason Cox, who all celebrated the happy news. His wife also shared that she and their children Mia and Max are “so proud”. “Chemo was tough, but you were tougher,” she wrote. “You were the perfect patient, never complaining and took everything in your stride. “We love you so much and we are also thankful and grateful to the oncologist, nurses and staff at Epworth. We f***en love you!” Rocca retired in 2009 after a long career in the AFL that began with the Sydney Swans. Image: Instagram

Caring

Aussies reminded to look out for this lifesaving roadside marker

Aussie drivers are being reminded about a little-known roadside marker that could save your life. As the holiday season approaches, drivers have been reminded of the purpose of the small green circles that appear on roadside reflector poles. "With the holiday period fast approaching, I wanted to remind residents about green reflectors," federal MP Colin Boyce wrote over the weekend. "You may have noticed some green reflectors on guide posts beside the road on some highways. These indicate that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up soon so you can indicate your intentions early and be prepared," he said. The number of dots indicate the distance between you and the place you can pull over. Three dots mean that drivers are approximately 500 metres from a safe place to pull over, two means you're 250 metres away and one green circle appears just before the area. "The idea is from road safety advocate and B double truck driver Rod Hannifey, alerting drivers that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up," the Queensland MP added. "While the idea was originally intended for long haul truck drivers all road users can use them." Many Aussies have shared their enthusiasm for the highway initiative, and how important it was for caravan and motorhome drivers especially. "A lot more people need to know about this. Especially people with caravans," one woman commented. "Would love this all over Australia! There's nothing worse than driving at night with a screaming baby in the back who wants a feed and not knowing if it's a safe place to pull over," another said. Others have shared that they hadn't noticed the markings or realise what it meant. "Have asked a few people recently if they knew what these reflectors stood for, and not one knew. Explanation followed. Should be a compulsory question asked of caravaners," one local wrote. "One of the world's best kept secrets! Thanks," another said. Images: Truck Friendly/ Yahoo

Travel Tips

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Sir David Attenborough marks 99th birthday with special appeal

Carlton mourns the loss of one of the greats of the game

A century after its discovery, scientists capture first confirmed footage of a colossal squid in the deep

Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

To tip or not to tip? Kyle weighs in on the great debate

Cricket great takes aim at Albo's beer tax freeze

Little-known road markings implemented to made roads safer

Driver reveals "surprising" way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine

Matildas greats defend Sam Kerr

Aussie drivers warned over little-known "speed fine trap"

“Lesson learnt”: Expat fined for parking mistake

Warning issued as drivers flout school zone rules

Big change for new buses after Hunter Valley crash

Even calm people can fly into a rage behind the wheel. Here’s how to curb your road rage – before it’s too late

New road initiatives rolling out this year

"29-year-old child": Footy great slams Nick Kyrgios

True meaning behind common Aussie road sign

The Great Wheelie Bin Debate rolls on: What's the correct way?!

Happy news after AFL great's devastating diagnosis

Aussies reminded to look out for this lifesaving roadside marker

Our Partners