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Uproar over council's bin "shaming" move

<p>As councils around the country make big changes to the way we dispose of waste, one council's move has left an entire street in Melbourne "offended". </p> <p>On Wednesday morning, Essendon mum Kali took out her bins and thought nothing more of her weekly habit. It was when she came back after a coffee run that she spotted a tag that had "oh no" written in big red letters. </p> <p>"We found items that don't belong in your mixed recycling bin," the note read, identifying reusable shopping bags as the culprit. </p> <p>When she looked around all but one household on her street had the same yellow note. </p> <p>"I came back  and saw all these tags on the bins, I thought 'That's a bit weird'," she told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>. </p> <p>"It was the talk of the street," she said, after finding out that fellow residents were in "uproar" over the tags. </p> <p>Kali, a mum-of-two, has lived in her home for over nine years and said this was the first time she saw the tag on her bin. </p> <p> "It's just a bizarre thing to do," she said.</p> <p>"I thought it was funny that I got bin shamed. I'm sure we're all guilty of [recycling incorrectly], it's an easy mistake.</p> <p>"Our whole street was embarrassed about it," she added, saying "other neighbours were more offended". </p> <p>Kali is adamant that she didn't do anything wrong, as she ensures the bags in her bin were made out of paper, but said that "you don’t know who is putting things in your bin."</p> <p>A council spokesperson told <em>Yahoo </em>that the move was made to "inform" residents. </p> <p> "Council’s intention is to provide information to people at their homes through our kerbside bin education program to create more awareness, so everyone in the community can recycle right," the spokesperson said.</p> <p>"We understand that recycling can be confusing and that there may be a misunderstanding in what can and can’t go into a recycling bin."</p> <p><em>Images: Yahoo News</em></p>

Home & Garden

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"Absurd" $312 fine for common bin act

<p>Aussies have been warned to not leave out their bins for too long unless they want to cop a $312 fine. </p> <p>An Adelaide resident was stunned after they received a "final warning" letter from their local council, stating it had received complaints over their bins. </p> <p>“How is ‘$312’ justified for leaving a bin out too long on a quiet back road,” the confused resident wrote on Reddit. </p> <p>They also said the penalty was "absurd", however, council said the resident was not fined. </p> <p>Hadi Jafari, another local from Kilburn, said he was "really surprised" about the cost. </p> <p>“$300 for a fine is really hard for people to afford, it is really a lot of money,” he told <em>The Advertiser</em>.</p> <p>He added that his family would struggle to pay the amount if they were fined over the common act. </p> <p>“We would probably have to repay it over time, I don’t think we could pay it at once so that is not good.”</p> <p>Under Port Adelaide Enfield Council’s waste management by-laws, bins have to be placed out after 4pm the night before rubbish collection and taken back in by midnight the day after. </p> <p>Council also clarified that it has only issued four fines in the last five years. </p> <p>Residents caught in the common act first receive a reminder letter that their bins have been reported to council. </p> <p>“However as a final resort expiations may be issued,” council said in a statement.</p> <p>The council said it receives 200 complaints annually in relation to bins being left on the street, however the number of warning letters issued has not been disclosed.  </p> <p>Port Adelaide Enfield Council noted other councils also have bylaws in place regarding bin collection.</p> <p>“This is because when people do not remove their bins from footpaths, it can result in impediments to people being able to use the footpath for walking, people with prams, people in wheelchairs, incorrect use of bins and contamination, and it can also impact vehicle and emergency access on streets.”</p> <p>Image: Shutterstock</p>

Legal

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Shoppers outraged over Coles bin full of discarded groceries

<p>A shocking photo of a bin filled with discarded groceries at the back of a Coles supermarket has gone viral, outraging many shoppers. </p> <p>The photo, taken behind the Drouin store in West Gippsland, Victoria, shows a skip bin measuring over a metre high overflowing with tens of thousands of dollars worth of food, including meat, ice cream, pasta, pizzas, dips, cheeses, juice and smoked salmon.</p> <p>According to <em>7News</em>, the products were thrown out after the region was hit with a storm that caused a power outage, and as the store did not have a backup generator, the refrigerated food was spoiled and needed to be thrown out.</p> <p>Coles has explained that items had to be discarded to ensure customer safety, but many shoppers were left shocked and infuriated about the waste, arguing the store should have been ready for the storms with backup generators.</p> <p>“For the 2023/24 financial year, Coles Australia reported a net profit of $1.1 billion and can’t afford back up generators, go figure,” one wrote.</p> <p>Others insisted some of the food could have been saved or donated, as one person said, “Butter that stays on the bench for two weeks (is) fine!” while another insisted, “at least donate it”.</p> <p>A supermarket worker commiserated with the upset shoppers, as they wrote online, “As someone who works for one of the supermarket chains, I have had to partake in this due to a prolonged power outage earlier this year.”</p> <p>“I feel for these staff, there’s nothing worse than having to throw out so much refrigerated stock. Coming from a family who didn’t have much, I get the pain people feel from this incident.”</p> <p>However, one social media user noted that regarding donations, “legally they cannot, if they give someone food poisoning and kill them they are liable”.</p> <p>A Coles spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/photograph-of-coles-bin-full-of-discarded-items-stuns-shoppers/news-story/871cedeb7daf66422534e4aee55f1ee4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> that food safety is a top priority, saying in a statement, “Due to the extreme weather that hit much of Victoria early last week, there were widespread power outages, including in the Drouin and surrounding areas.” </p> <p>“Food safety is paramount at Coles and unfortunately as a result of products being un-refrigerated for an extended period of time, for safety and quality reasons, we needed to dispose of a number of products to ensure customer safety. </p> <p>“Where possible, Coles always donates product that is fit for use and safe for consumption to food rescue organisations.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Money & Banking

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New York City mocked for only just discovering wheelie bins

<p>New York City has been trolled online after discovering wheelie bins for the first time. </p> <p>In order to tackle the "trash revolution", the mayor of NYC Eric Adams announced that wheelie bins will be introduced city wide, instead of the current system which is just leaving rubbish bags on the street.</p> <p>Despite the introduction of wheelie bins being a great solution for the city's trash and rodent problem, many were shocked to learn that the receptacles don't already exist there. </p> <p>Introducing the roll out, Mayor Adams began his press conference rolling in a bin and proudly demonstrating how to use it before celebrating with colleagues.</p> <p>He said “many people thought it was impossible” that these wheelie bins were going to be part of the city’s “trash revolution”.</p> <p>“We all have one unified dislike, and those are those pesky New York City rats,” Mr Adams said.</p> <p>“They’re getting more and more bold. They no longer run from you. They just hang out and just do what they want. We want to make sure we change that in a real way.”</p> <p>NYC department of sanitation commissioner Jessica Tisch described the official NYC bin as a “beautiful, rat-fighting piece of engineering” to conquer the estimated three million rats that dominate the streets. </p> <p>The wheelie bin announcement, which was intended to impress New Yorkers, has also gone global – with Europeans and Australians baffled by concept of wheelie bins being new.</p> <p>“Oh my word! Are they seriously showing their constituents how to use a trash can?” wrote one person.</p> <p>“Huh, they don’t have wheelie bins? What century do they live in?” said a second.</p> <p>“How the hell is this revolutionary??” agreed another.</p> <p>“So they finally figured out putting your trash in piles on the sidewalk is not a good idea,” mocked someone else.</p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter) </em></p>

Home & Garden

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Woman found in wheelie bin identified as English teacher

<p>The body of a woman found in a wheelie bin at a waste management facility has been identified as a 67-year-old teacher. </p> <p>Staff at Repurpose It in the north Melbourne suburb of  Epping found the body of Annette Brennan while moving green waste last Wednesday. </p> <p>Police believe that the 67-year-old was inside a bin picked up outside a home in Coolaroo on Tuesday July 2nd, which was then taken to the facility in Epping. </p> <p>Brennan spent most of her life teaching English to students, many of whom were international, and has been described as “gentle and kind”. </p> <p>Police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection to Brennan's death, who has since been charged with murder and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.</p> <p>Homicide detectives believe the pair were known to each other. </p> <p>On Monday night, Repurpose It CEO George Hatzimanolis said staff were “deeply saddened” by the incident.</p> <p>“Our staff members who made this tragic discovery are understandably shaken, and we are ensuring they receive the support and counselling they need,” he said.</p> <p>“We ask for privacy and understanding for our employees as we navigate through this challenging situation. We are fully co-operating with the police as they conduct their investigations.”</p> <p>Police are still combing through CCTV in the Coolaroo area and have urged anyone who may have video from between June 23rd and July 2nd to contact them.</p> <p>Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour in the area. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise </em></p>

Caring

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“Is this illegal?”: Mum sparks debate over divisive rubbish bin tactic

<p>A mother has reignited an age-old debate over neighbourhood etiquette, asking whether it is "illegal or frowned upon” to add rubbish to a neighbour’s wheelie bin if yours is completely full.</p> <p>Brooke Bliss, who lives on the NSW Mid North Coast, said that in her area bins were only collected once a fortnight and her outside bins fill up very quickly as a family of five. </p> <p>Often left with overflowing rubbish by the time collection day rolls around, Bliss admitted that she waits till the "dead of night" on the day before the bins are emptied and tosses a couple of bags of general waste into neighbours' bins.</p> <p>“Is this illegal or frowned upon?” the creator asked her followers in a video online.</p> <p>The mother-of-three explained to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/mum-sparks-debate-over-widespread-rubbish-bin-tactic-everyone-does---but-is-it-illegal-004710089.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News Australia</em></a>, “It’s actually super stressful, especially when you have young children… the bins fill up quite quickly.”</p> <p>“I find that my bin is full maybe like the fourth day after it’s just been collected and there’s still another eight or so days to go.”</p> <p>She added that she had “the most lovely neighbours” who would never have an issue with it, but she’d heard of other people being told not to do that by other residents.</p> <p>“I mean, if your neighbours aren’t letting you do that even if they have room in their bin, you then have the rubbish lying around your property because you have nowhere else to put it," Bliss added.</p> <p>Many fellow Aussies commenting on her video said they also sneak rubbish into their neighbours' bins and that once they were on the kerb they were fair game, with one adding, "as long as you're not putting rubbish in recycling or garden waste".</p> <p>“Both our neighbours know we do this to them,” one wrote, while another said, “I do it in broad daylight.” With a third adding, "everyone does this".</p> <p>While there are technically no laws against using your neighbours' bin, trespassing could be an issue unless you wait until the bin is on council land. </p> <p>A spokesman for Bliss's local council said that the move is generally frowned upon unless there is an agreement among neighbours.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Shutterstock</em></p>

Legal

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"Can't WAIT to try this": Tradie's simple bin night hack

<p>Taking the wheelie bins out and having to drag them back in is a chore that many dread, but one Aussie tradie has made life so much easier with his simple hack. </p> <p>Kyle Hume took to TikTok to share his simple yet effective trick to bring in two bins back from the curb at the same time, without having to wrangle two bins with both hands or make multiple trips. </p> <p>"I've been wheeling two bins my whole life until I noticed this," he shared. </p> <p>Hume's trick is to line up two bins in front of each other, resting the lid of the bin at the front on top of the bin at the back, and then closing the lid so it creates a makeshift hook that allows you to tip both bins back and wheel them in unison. </p> <p> </p> <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: 573px; max-width: 100%;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7360205539604696336&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40kylehume7%2Fvideo%2F7360205539604696336%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2FoYPnEqGncBAAtH22Eli4AIzBQC4wEANEIsf1ki%3Fx-expires%3D1715479200%26x-signature%3Di%252BOzi1g942kcQ1F0%252FqQuNd7eiho%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>Many Aussies were "flabbergasted" by the trick, taking to the comments to express their shock at the simple method. </p> <p>"I've learned more on TikTok about adulting than I ever did in school," one joked. </p> <p>"I have four bins - this is going to save my life," another added. </p> <p>"What? Are you kidding me?" a third exclaimed. </p> <p>However, not everyone was impressed with his method, with some saying that it wouldn't work and there is a risk of damaging the bins. </p> <p>"Guessing that green bin slipped over and split using this hack, lol," one wrote. </p> <p>"This seems awkward and clunky," another added. </p> <p>"Don't you have two arms?" a third wrote. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Royal family mourns shock death just months after wedding

<p>Princess Rajwa of Jordan has found herself in mourning just eight months after her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/kate-and-will-s-stunning-appearance-at-royal-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fairy-tale royal wedding</a> to Crown Prince Hussein.</p> <p>The sombre news of her father's passing was solemnly shared on Prince Hussein's social media accounts, accompanied by a heartfelt message and a poignant photograph capturing a tender moment between the Crown Prince and his father-in-law, Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif.</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/C3fsAFooyLt/?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/C3fsAFooyLt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Al Hussein bin Abdullah II (@alhusseinjo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>With heavy hearts, the announcement conveyed the depth of loss felt by the royal family. Prince Hussein's message, translated into English, reads: </p> <p>"With more sadness and sorrow, we mourn the death of my wife's father, my beloved uncle Abba Faisal.</p> <p>"We knew him as a generous person with good character and religion. We can only be satisfied with God's judgement and destiny. May Allah have mercy on him and dwell him in his spacious paradise and inspire us patience and solace.</p> <p>"With profound sadness and sorrow, we bid farewell to my beloved father-in-law.</p> <p>"We will always remember his kindness, generosity, and integrity. May God bestow mercy upon him and grant us patience and strength."</p> <p>Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, 71, served as the chairman and chief executive officer of the esteemed Al Saif Group, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and philanthropy. Survived by his wife, Azza Al Sudairi, and four children – Faisal, Nayef, Dana, and Rajwa – Al Saif's passing leaves a void not only in his family but also in the business and social spheres he influenced.</p> <p>Al-Saif's absence was notably felt during his daughter's wedding to Crown Prince Hussein on June 1, 2023. Though he couldn't walk Princess Rajwa down the aisle, his presence and support were evident as he stood alongside his wife and daughter to greet guests at the reception. The absence of Princess Rajwa's father during such a significant life event is undoubtedly a poignant aspect of her wedding day memories.</p> <p>The cause of Al Saif's death remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to the solemn proceedings. A statement from the royal family, shared on the official website, conveyed condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members:</p> <p>"The Royal Hashemite Court mourns the passing of the father of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, may his soul rest in peace.</p> <p>"By His Majesty King Abdullah's orders, the Royal Hashemite Court has announced three days of mourning, as of Sunday, 18 February 2024.</p> <p>"The Royal Hashemite Court expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to Their Majesties King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, and to Al Saif family in these difficult times."</p> <p>The wedding of Princess Rajwa and Crown Prince Hussein was a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of dignitaries and royalty – including <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/kate-and-will-s-stunning-appearance-at-royal-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kate and William, the Prince and Princess of Wales</a>. Hosted at the Zahran Palace in Amman, the ceremony symbolised the union of two families and the beginning of a new chapter for the young couple. </p> <p>Since her marriage, Princess Rajwa has seamlessly integrated into royal life, representing her father-in-law, King Abdullah II, in official capacities. Her grace and poise have endeared her to the Jordanian people, even as she navigates the complexities of her newfound role.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Ignore it": The one parking ticket Aussies can chuck in the bin

<p>Western Australian driver, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Connor Wright,</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> has gone viral after sharing his advice on how to handle penalty notices issued by private parking companies.</span></p> <p>The TikTok, which now has over 1.5 million views, started off with Wright recalling the moment he walked back to his car to find a ticket issued by Parking Enforcement Services (PES), a division of Wilson Parking. </p> <p>Wright then proceeds to rip up the ticket and told others to "make sure to read the fine print on these bad boys".</p> <p>"If you read at the back, it says important information: 'This is not a parking fine'," he said. </p> <p>"Useless, throw it in the bin, don't pay that sh*t."</p> <p>Many have commented how they "wish they knew this earlier". </p> <p>The ticket itself is a 'breach notice' which starts at a $65 penalty from Wilson and is only issued when a person drives into private car park, for example in a shopping centre, and break the terms and conditions issued by the private entity. </p> <p>"What they try and do is recover the debt for the loss incurred, effectively like a breach of contract, but they're not fines — only a statutory body has the power to issue a fine." Sydney Criminal Lawyers James Clements told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>. </p> <p>Clements also called the penalty a "bullying tactic" to "effectively try scaring people into paying them," but it is difficult to enforce it due to government "crackdowns." </p> <p>However parking fines from bodies like councils, some universities and hospitals should be paid.</p> <p>Clements advises that when you receive the breach notice you should "ignore it" or "write back and say, 'I dispute this and do not intend to pay'."</p> <p>"What you don't want to do is write to them and say that you disclose you were the driver."</p> <p>Drivers are also encouraged to read signs and the terms and conditions when entering a private car park. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Legal

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Al Pacino expecting fourth child at 83

<p dir="ltr">Al Pacino is expecting his fourth child at 83 with his girlfriend Noor Alfallah, 29 who is eight months pregnant.</p> <p dir="ltr">A close friend of the actor revealed that Pacino “could not be happier” and is over the moon at the prospect of welcoming his fourth child with Noor, despite their 54-year age gap.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although the news was unexpected, the close friend denied the rumours claiming that Noor kept the pregnancy a secret for 11 weeks.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If she waited until 11 weeks to tell Al it is because she found out then,” they told the <em>DailyMail</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She's wanted to have a baby for years and Al could not be happier. He loves Noor and the feeling is mutual,” they added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The source also claimed that the couple were not trying for a baby when Noor got pregnant, but it did happen naturally and that “obviously, Al is still very able”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The obvious question is, why did the pair wait for eight months to reveal the pregnancy?</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the source, “Al waited to reveal the pregnancy news until now because they didn't want people hounding them. They are a private couple and would like to keep it that way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The source also denied the wild allegations that Noor is only dating the <em>Scarface</em> star to take advantage of Pacino's wealth as “complete and utter b******t”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not only does Noor come from an extremely wealthy family, but she has also worked to obtain her own wealth,” they added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images/ Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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How to deep clean your kitchen bin

<p>Cleaning the kitchen bin is household chore that can be easily overlooked until a stench begins to creep into your home.</p> <p>To rid your bin of the odour, follow these deep cleaning steps so that you can have a fresh-smelling and clean kitchen bin.</p> <p><strong>1. Put on your rubber gloves</strong></p> <p>Cleaning a bin requires you to handle an object that has been full of food scraps and questionable liquids, it is best to wear some rubber gloves to protect you from the germs.</p> <p><strong>2. Empty the bin</strong></p> <p>Begin by emptying your bin and ensuring that there are no lingering food particles in the bottom. Your main objective is to remove any gunk that can be seen.</p> <p><strong>3. Wash the bin</strong></p> <p>If you have access to an outside area, take your bin outside and hose it down. If you can only clean your bin indoors, then you can do this in the bathtub. Once the bin has been rinsed, pat it down with paper towel.</p> <p><strong>4. Spray with disinfectant</strong></p> <p>Using a disinfectant cleaner of your preference, generously spray down the inside and outside of your bin. Also include the top and bottom of the bin as you spray.</p> <p><strong>5. Scrub the bin</strong></p> <p>Use a toilet brush or other long-handled nylon bristle brush to scrub your bin thoroughly. After you have finished scrubbing all over, let the disinfectant cleaner sit for five minutes.</p> <p><strong>6. Rinse and dry</strong></p> <p>After the five minutes has passed, rinse the can thoroughly. Depending on what you prefer, let the bin dry in the sun or dry it with a towel.</p> <p>Once you have deep cleaned your bin, maintain your hard work by wiping down the inside and outside of the bin with disinfectant spray every time you empty the trash can.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Body of missing woman hidden inside wheelie bin

<p dir="ltr">The search for the remains of Queensland woman Lesley Trotter continues after police find “strong evidence” that her body was put in a wheelie bin near her home before being collected by a rubbish truck.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 78-year-old had been missing since March 27, sparking alarm when her family members reported that she was not home and had left her mobile phone and wallet behind.</p> <p dir="ltr">Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham told reporters on Tuesday that the body, believed to be Trotter’s, was placed in the general waste bin on Maryvale St on March 28.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was evident at that time that the person we believe is Ms Trotter was deceased,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Due to the positioning of the body, I can’t rule out foul play at this stage.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Massingham did not elaborate on the extent of her injuries or how police knew about the positioning of Trotter’s body, given that they are still searching for her remains.</p> <p dir="ltr">Massingham also revealed that the bin was collected by a rubbish truck scheduled for that morning, which was then taken to Nudgee Waste Transfer Station, where the rubbish was dropped into a pit.</p> <p dir="ltr">“An additional 22 trucks also visited the site on that Tuesday,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The loads from each of those trucks was compressed and then was taken away from the facility in six B-double semi-trailers.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that the rubbish was then taken to dump sites in Rochedale and Swanbank, which are now being quarantined.</p> <p dir="ltr">Massingham said that police currently have no suspects, despite having conducted interviews over the weekend.</p> <p dir="ltr">They are also planning an extensive search this week to recover Trotter’s remains, with detectives expecting it to be a “difficult operation”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Massingham added that once Trotter’s body is recovered, they will forensically examine it to “try find any piece of evidence” which will help them determine her cause of death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Forensic samples- reportedly including blood- were collected from Trotter’s unit complex and a neighbouring unit complex, although Massingham said that the relevance of these samples “are not yet clear and may be unrelated to this matter”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is obviously a disturbing development,” Massingham said, adding that Trotter’s family members have been informed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is traumatic to them. I think this is confronting for them, the nature ... would be concerning for any family, particularly a lady of that age ... looking forward to the next chapter of her life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Police were investigating a possible link between Trotter’s disappearance and her recycling habits, after it was revealed that her neighbours had complained about her taking rubbish out of wheelie bins and leaving it on the ground.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, Massingham has stressed that this was only “one aspect” of the investigation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Queensland Police, 7News</em></p>

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Five things to do in Dubai

<p>Having won the bid to hold the Expo 2020, Dubai continues to cement it’s position as one of the travel hotspots you should be adding to you to-do list. A thriving metropolis with world-class attractions on its doorstep, one of the best things about Dubai is its accessibility to Australia.</p> <p>Furthermore, the city stretches some 40 kilometers along the coast, a straight up-and-down journey from one place to the next. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and now, with the metro up and running, getting around is all too easy. Offering culture mixed with newfangled architecture and a melting pit of cultures thanks to its large expat population, it’s an experience like no other.</p> <p>A couple of tips for those interested in visiting, Dubai is a Muslim emirate. So while it is relaxed compared to other areas in the UAE, you should be respectful of their ways such as covering up even though it can often be very hot. Covering ones shoulders and wearing trousers or skirt to the knee should be enough. Also, while there is plenty of alcohol to be had, drinking is limited to licensed venues that are housed in hotels.</p> <p>Other than that, there is a lot to explore and amazing things to see in the Arabian city. Enjoy!</p> <p><strong>The Burj buidlings</strong> <br />Both the Burj Khalifa 
and the Burj Al Arab are sites to behold. The Khalifa is the most amazing of the two. As the tallest structure on the planet, it's impossible to miss from the moment you arrive in Dubai. The opportunity to view the city from the observation deck on the 134th floor is not to be missed – either day or night, the view is truly spectacular. Then the Burj Al Arab is the world’s only seven-star hotel and has been an icon for Dubai for many years now. From the aquariums that flank the escalator to the underwater seafood restaurant or the exotic glass elevator, it is all eye candy for new visitors. Definitely stop in for high tea or cocktails in the Skyview Bar, but book at least a week in advance.</p> <p><strong>The Dubai Mall 

</strong><br />You’ve likely heard of the infamous shopping in Dubai and until you experience Dubai Mall, you won't really understand the scale of its amazement. It is simply huge, with something for everyone inside. The shopping and eating are almost a side attraction. With a 22-screen cinema; an indoor theme park, called Sega World; a world for children, called Kidzania; a giant Aquarium with an underwater zoo; and a full-sized ice rink you, will want for little. Just be sure to be wearing comfortable shoes. To top it all off is the Dubai Fountain, which has shows – set to music – every evening at 6.  </p> <p><strong>Walk down Jumeirah Beach Walk</strong> <br />Locally known as JBR, it is the largest single-phase residential construction in the world. Made up of 36 towers dotted along the beach front in Dubai Marina, JBR is a lovely, wide promenade flanked on one side by shops, cafes and restaurants and on the other by a single-lane road. This is the ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely meal while people and car watching. You’re guaranteed to see some jaw-dropping sites such as a gold-plated Porsche Cayenne, a two-tone Ferrari or a monkey or cheetah hanging out a local’s car window as they drive by.</p> <p><strong>Desert safari</strong><br />Be sure to book in a desert safari. There are many carriers you can choose from, but most include a camel ride, four-wheel driving and a traditional Arabic BBQ in the desert complete with belly dancers. Arabian Adventures is known to be one of the best to book with.</p> <p><strong>Souk it up

</strong><br />Whatever you do, don’t leave Dubai without visiting at least one souk. Some of the better ones include the Old Souk for textiles and materials, The Gold Souk for some great deals on gold and the Meena Bazaar. Walking through the souks offers a real chance to soak up the Arabic culture, shop like a local and come home with some fabulous Middle Eastern treasures.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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$5000 fine for smelly bins set to cause a huge stink

<p dir="ltr">New rules introduced in a Perth suburb could see them face a fine of up to $5,000 if their rubbish bins get too smelly.</p> <p dir="ltr">A new law could see residents of Victoria Park cop a hefty fine if their green-lidded Garden Organics (GO) bins have a bad odour, which were introduced for the disposal of grass clippings, weeds, leaves and sticks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mayor Karen Vernon told <em><a href="https://www.6pr.com.au/rumour-confirmed-vic-park-ratepayers-face-5k-fine-for-smelly-organic-bins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6PR</a></em> the fine was introduced in a bid to ensure people sorted their rubbish correctly.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will need some powers, as a local council, to be able to make that behaviour change appropriately,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So what’s really important is that the contents of that third bin is just organic material, so there needs to be no level of contamination in there, that’s what makes an organic collection process to work really well,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">While some have shared their support for the move, others have taken to social media to critique the “rubbish” decision.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Fining someone because their rubbish bin smells, should be a council service to disinfect bins when emptied. We pay astronomical rates let‘s see them justified,” Sheldon Baker wrote on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Omg who seriously has clean smelling rubbish after a week in an outside bin? Maybe they can provide deodorant for our bins or perfume!” Christine Stephan said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I mean, if your bins smell, it‘s because you are lazy and that’s on you,” Kendall Mulvena-Trinder said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rumours have also emerged that the council would employ “bin smellers” as part of the decision, with Councillor Vernon dismissing them as “exaggerated”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That certainly doesn’t mean we will be employing people to go smell other people’s bins,’’ she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the GO bin is currently restricted to garden waste, the council is hoping to expand this to food organics in the “not too distant future”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3c38e030-7fff-0f36-9a51-abf4ba6ea50d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @townofvicpark (Instagram)</em></p>

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Heartbroken father of shot girl speaks out

<p dir="ltr">The heartbroken father of one of the women who was showered with gunshots while sitting in a car has spoken out about his “beloved angel”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lametta Fadlallah, 48, and Amy Al-Hazzouri, 39, were gunned down as they sat in a car on Hendy Avenue, Panania in Sydney’s inner south-west about 10 pm on Saturday.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is believed that Ms Fadlallah had some information about underground figures and was targetted to be kept quiet. </p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, Ms Al-Hazzouri was in the wrong place at the wrong time and succumbed to her wounds, dying a short time later. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her grieving father, Khaled, broke down as he described her as an “angel, friendly and beautiful”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Beautiful, beautiful," he told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/double-sydney-murder-family-of-innocent-hairdresser-caught-up-in-panania-execution-speaks-out/12288bff-40fa-4e60-8441-be817c69fe33?ocid=Social-9NewsS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Anyone who used to be upset, depressed, anything would go to Amy and she would give them the support, the power and energy.</p> <p dir="ltr">"They would go to Amy, Amy was everything to them, that's the kind of person she was."</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Al-Hazzouri said that he wished that it was him that died instead of his daughter. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her sister, Manal Raunegger, launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/amy-hazouri-transfer-her-body-to-lebanon?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> in hopes of raising enough money to help transport Amy to Lebanon to be laid to rest. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Amy, you left us too soon my darling. May Allah have mercy on you, the heart of your sister. I can’t believe it, you’re done, you won’t tell me again,” her post read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Amy Hazouri was my beautiful sister, who was an innocent party who was murdered in southwest Sydney on Saturday 13th August 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Amy was the sole provider for our family in Lebanon that is currently struggling with the economic crisis in Lebanon. We require urgent funds to carry out funeral services and transfer her body to Lebanon to lay at rest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our mother is not well and cannot travel to Australia to see her daughter. We are asking family, friends and the community to donate what they can and share this page around as we require urgent funds during this time as we cannot afford this service.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Every dollar and support is appreciated. May her soul rest in peace.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are investigating the shooting which they have described as an “assassination”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Four torched cars were found nearby in Presland Ave in Revesby, Devlin Drive in Wattle Grove and Elizabeth Crescent in Yagoona, with police hoping to find any links relating to the shooting. </p> <p dir="ltr">NSW Police Force Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty described the shooting as a "organised, methodical murder".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is an appalling attack on two women who have lost their lives in a planned murder, an assassination really, that's happened in a public street in Sydney," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's not acceptable by any standards. It's unprecedented, really and we're determined to get the answers for the family.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Nine/Supplied</em></p>

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Two Sydney women "assassinated" on public street

<p dir="ltr">An investigation is underway after two women were shot and killed in what police have described as an assassination. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lametta Fadlallah, 48, and Amy Al-Hazzouri, 39, were targetted in their car which was parked on Hendy Avenue, Panania in Sydney’s inner south-west about 10pm on Saturday.</p> <p dir="ltr">A 16-year-old girl and 20-year-old man were also inside the car at the time but were not injured.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Fadlallah died at the scene while Ms Al-Hazzouri was rushed to Liverpool Hospital where she died a short time later. </p> <p dir="ltr">Police are currently investigating whether Ms Fadlallah was killed because had information about Sydney's underworld.</p> <p dir="ltr">The mother-of-two, who was known to police, had been in a relationship with a founding member of a street gang before moving on to a Kings Cross standover man, Halal Safi, who has since died. </p> <p dir="ltr">Police believe Ms Al-Hazzouri was in the wrong place at the wrong time during the time of the attack. </p> <p dir="ltr">Four torched cars were found nearby in Presland Ave in Revesby, Devlin Drive in Wattle Grove and Elizabeth Crescent in Yagoona, with police hoping to find any links relating to the shooting. </p> <p dir="ltr">NSW Police Force Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty described the shooting as a "organised, methodical murder".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is an appalling attack on two women who have lost their lives in a planned murder, an assassination really, that's happened in a public street in Sydney," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's not acceptable by any standards. It's unprecedented, really and we're determined to get the answers for the family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to say that the attackers “threw the book out” when targeting the women. </p> <p dir="ltr">"There used to be an unwritten law with the criminal element that you don't touch family," Superintendent Doherty continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You don't touch women. It looks like that rule book has been thrown out the window.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It shows how low they've gotten at this point, that anyone associated with targets, they don't discriminate if you're male or female."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Prince Charles denies wrongdoing for reportedly accepting bags of cash

<p dir="ltr">Prince Charles reportedly accepted a suitcase containing €1 million ($AUD 1.52 million) in cash from a Qatari sheikh in 2015, according to recent reports - and it is one of three payments that will be reviewed by the UK’s Charity Commission.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em>The Sunday Times</em>, the senior royal received a total of €3 million ($AUD 4.57 million) from Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, the former prime minister of Qatar, between 2011 and 2015.</p> <p dir="ltr">Clarence House has denied that there was any wrongdoing in Charles’ acceptance of the money as charity donations and said the money was “passed immediately to one of the prince’s charities who carried out the appropriate covenants and assured us that all the correct processes were followed”.</p> <p dir="ltr">On one occasion, Charles reportedly received €1 million in carrier bags from high-end grocer Fortnum &amp; Mason.</p> <p dir="ltr">At another, in 2015, Charles accepted another €1 million in a holdall during a one-on-one meeting at Clarence House.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two advisors from the royal household reportedly counted the cash by hand, which was said to be made up of now-discontinued €500 notes, which earned the nickname “bin Laden” because of links to funding terrorism, per <em><a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/prince-charles-denies-any-wrongdoing-over-bags-of-cash-claim/0face1c8-1ebb-4139-a91c-9c9aa0dee13c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The money was understood to have been collected by private bank Coutts, with each payment being deposited into the accounts of the Prince of Wales’ Charitable Fund (PWCF).</p> <p dir="ltr">As the prince’s meetings with Hamad were private, they don’t appear in the Court Circular - the official record of court engagements - but they do raise questions about how much Charles knew about the cash and where it came from.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sir Ian Cheshire, the chairman of PWCF, said on Friday that “there was no failure of governance” in relation to the organisation receiving the funds.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At a few hours’ notice from <em>The Sunday Times</em>, we have checked into this event in the past, and confirm that the previous trustees of PWCF discussed the governance and donor relationship, (confirming that the donor was a legitimate and verified counterparty) and our auditors signed off on the donation after a specific enquiry during the audit. There was no failure of governance.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After confirming that he was referring to the 2015 payment, Sir Cheshire added: “I believe the same assurance applied to earlier donations and look forward to confirming that in due course.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Though there is no suggestion that the payments were illegal, a Charity Commission spokesperson said on Sunday that they will be reviewed by the Commission.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are aware of reports about donations received by the Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation,” they said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will review the information to determine whether there is any role for the Commission in this matter.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as London police continue to investigate a separate allegation that the prince’s top aide, Michael Fawcett, offered to help a Saudi billionaire secure a knighthood and British citizenship if he donated to The Prince’s Foundation, another of Charles’ charities.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fawcett resigned from his role as chief executive of the foundation in light of the allegations.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are disappointed not to have been given more time to look into this matter, which dates from a decade ago,” Clarence House said in relation to reports from <em>The Sunday Times</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the few hours we have had on a Saturday, we have confirmed that Charitable donations were received from sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, and these were passed immediately to one of the prince’s charities who carried out the appropriate governance and have assured us that all the correct processes were followed.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fbd766d6-7fff-90d8-45ca-261fe924c187"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @clarencehouse (Instagram)</em></p>

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Former princess of Qatar found dead

<p dir="ltr">A former princess of Qatar who accused her ex-husband of sexually assaulting one of her cihldren has been found dead. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kasia Gallanio was involved in an ugly custody battle for her three kids with billionaire and former Qatari oil and finance minister Abdelaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, 73.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 45-year-old was found dead in her bed on Sunday from a suspected overdose after her youngest daughter, who lives in Paris, was unable to get ahold of her mother. </p> <p dir="ltr">There were no forms of physical violence. </p> <p dir="ltr">The couple have been in a bitter legal battle fighting for 15 years for custody over their three children - 17-year-old twins and another 15-year-old daughter.</p> <p dir="ltr">The twins initially lived with their father before moving to Marbella to be with their mother who claimed Al Thani actually “cut them off as punishment”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Their youngest daughter still lives with her father in an apartment in Paris after Al Thani was exiled from Qatar due to a coup led by his half-brother Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 1995.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was reported that a Paris court had dismissed the Gallianio’s case on May 19 after she had spent multiple months in hospital due to nervous breakdowns.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gallianio was accused by Al Thani of being an alcoholic with mental health issues, while she  accused him of abusing one of their daughters.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Paris Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the accusations of aggravated sexual assault which Al Thani vehemently denies. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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