Search

Search for missing fisherman called off

Police have suspended their search for fisherman Paul Barning who fell overboard his boat during a fishing competition in New South Wales. The 58-year-old was competing in the Game Fishing Association state tournament off the Port Stephens coast on Sunday, when he fell overboard while trying to reel in large mako shark. Barning was helping his crew when became entangled in fishing wire and was dragged into the water as the shark darted back into the ocean. After a major three-day search, NSW Police have called off the search on Tuesday morning, with his family saying they “have no words” to describe how they are feeling. “Despite the efforts of searchers, the man has not yet been located and the search was suspended at 5pm today and will not resume (on Wednesday),” NSW Police said. The fisherman's wife, Leonie told 7News that the family have mixed emotions after the search was suspended, but are extremely grateful to everyone involved. “We just want to send out a huge thank you to everyone involved in the search and rescue, we were informed every step of the way,” she said. “And a huge thank you to the whole fishing community. We have been overwhelmed with kindness from everyone. “Our family meant everything to Paul, he would never hesitate to do the same for anyone else.” It is understood the fisherman was not wearing a life jacket when he went overboard. Barning, a father-of-three, was an experienced game fisherman and the secretary and past president of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club. A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-barning-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe </a>has since been launched by NSW Game and Fishing Association president Steve Lamond, to assist Barning's family during this difficult time, with over $148,000 raised. “We are raising funds to assist the family through this tragic time so they can focus on processing their grief," the fundraiser read. “Anything you could give to assist will be greatly appreciated.” Image: NSW Marine Rescue/ Facebook

Travel Trouble

"It's time": ABC legend announces retirement

ABC’s chief election analyst Antony Green has announced his plans to step down from the public broadcaster after 30 years in his distinguished role. Green announced that he would be retiring after the next federal election, which is rumoured to take place between March and May 2025. “By the time of the next election, I’ll be 68 and I know I’m not as sharp and quick as I was five years ago,” Green said, according to the ABC. “It gets harder and harder. It’s like a footballer, sometimes they play on a season too long, and I’m making sure I don’t do that.” Green, who has covered more than 90 Australian elections, said it was “time to retire” but he would “stay on” for a couple years “handing over work and doing other things”. “Essentially I’m deciding to retire and work less,” Green said. “I got this job as an election worker 36 years ago and I decided I enjoyed doing it – I’ve done a lot of development since. It’s been a long, fun journey.” Green’s final on-air appearances will be the West Australian state election on March 8th and the federal election, which is yet to be announced. Casey Briggs will step in as ABC’s chief election and data analyst after Green's departure, as she announced he would be missed. “For more than three decades Antony Green has set the bar for election analysis. He is sharp, fast and, even under the immense pressure of the night, manages to keep his sense of humour,” Briggs said. “For me, it has been such a privilege to have had a front-row seat to watch and learn from the master at work." “We will all miss him from our screens, but I’m thankful that at least we get a couple more chances to celebrate his monumental contribution to Australia and its democracy.” ABC journalist Annabel Crabb said covering four federal elections with him had been “one of the great pleasures of (her) professional life”. “What a gift it is to our democracy and to our national broadcaster that in 1989 this wee maths nerd saw the ad in the paper for a research position at the ABC and the late Ian Carroll recognised in him the sprouts of the Tree Of Wisdom he’d become!” Crabb wrote in a social media post. “A legendary figure. A migrant success story. A generous colleague.” Image credits: ABC

Retirement Life

Legendary Channel 10 reporter dies

Legendary Channel 10 reporter Paul Mullins has died at the age of 79. Known to his friends and colleagues as Mullos, the journalist had a decades-long career as a formidable political reporter and prominent member of the NSW press gallery, respected by coworkers and politicians alike. Mullins began his career in newspapers before moving to television where he became Channel 10's NSW state government reporter for decades until his retirement. 10 News First presenter Sandra Sully paid tribute to the iconic journalist after having worked closely with him. "Paul was beloved in the 10 newsroom. He was the ultimate political roundsman – completely across his brief. Always thorough and always decent," she said. "I was very fortunate to have worked closely with him for a couple of years. He took me under his wing when I first came to Sydney and could not have been more generous with his time and guidance." "He was a lovely man. Vale Paul." Mullins' middle son, Scott, told Mediaweek that he wanted his father to be remembered :as a great bloke and a good friend". He is survived by his four sons, their four grandchildren and his second wife Lisa. Mullins was also father to a fifth son who passed away. Image credits: Facebook / Channel 10

Caring

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

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

Money & Banking

NRL legend explains why he's retiring after 33 years

NRL legend Paul Vautin has revealed the exact moment he knew his time on-air was over, just days after announcing his retirement. The 65-year-old shocked the sports world on Sunday when he confirmed his career on TV was coming to an end, saying he's "run out of petrol” and would not be continuing with his job with Channel 9 into 2025. Speaking candidly in the days after the shock announcement, Vautin - who has affectionally been known as Fatty during his career - detailed the exact moment he realised it was time to walk away. “Something changed this year. I’d be driving up in three hours of traffic on a Friday afternoon going ‘oh my god what am I doing?’” he said on SEN’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch. “In the end I just felt as though I’d rather be at home watching the footy on a Friday night than working on it. I still love the game immensely but I just thought ‘you know what I think I’m done’." “There was one particular moment when the Brisbane Broncos were playing the Roosters on a Friday night at Suncorp and look it was a pretty good game, I was commentating with Joey and we were having a good time." “Then 20 minutes into the second half I was looking out at the field going, ‘Oh my god I am so bored’. I drove home thinking wow that had never happened before and I knew then it was the beginning of the end.” While fans are hopeful the NRL icon will reverse his decision and return to commentary, the 65-year-old says he has no intention of working again. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I will never work again. I’m done. I’m not looking for work,” Vautin said. “No way. I don’t want to do anything. I don’t want to do radio, podcasts. I don’t want to do anything. I’m happy.” Image credits: Nine/SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial

Retirement Life

Former William Tyrrell suspect changes story

Paul Savage, an 80-year-old pensioner who was once questioned by detectives over the disappearance of William Tyrrell, has shared a different version of his actions to what he previously told police. Savage told news.com.au's podcast on the case Witness: William Tyrrell, that he spotted part of a child’s Spider-Man costume – matching the one William was famously last seen wearing – a day earlier than he had reported to police. In 2017, detectives ran a covert surveillance operation while Savage was being pursued as a person of interest. At the time, they set up a Spider Man suit on the bushtrack the pensioner walked each day near his Benaroon Dr home. On the first day of the sting, the surveillance team saw him stop and look in the direction of the suit for 12 seconds before continuing on. Detectives believed Savage had seen the suit, but he insisted that he did not see it until the second day it was there, saying: “I’ve never seen it the day before. “Why would I leave it a day and then go down and ring up? Why would I do that?” The 80-year-old has now told news.com.au that he did see part of the suit on the first day, but as it was only the top, he wasn't sure if it was William's and thought to himself “I don’t know about that”, he claimed. On the second day when he said he saw the whole suit, Savage "thought it was probably his [William's]." When asked why he didn't tell police of his sighting on the first day, he told the podcast: “I’ve left it a bit longer than I should have but it will come out eventually.” The podcast also revealed the secret police recordings made inside the pensioner's house, which were previously tendered in court. The police had been listening in to a bug in Savage's home and car for several weeks and continued to use audio surveillance on him until November 2017 following his police interview. Savage, who had lost his wife in his mid 70s, would often speak to himself or appeared to be talking to her. In one of the recordings after the police interview, he was recorded saying: "Make sure you don’t tell anyone, Love,” the court heard. “They’re right after me. Don’t tell anyone, Love. Please, they’re right after me. Sorry,” he continued. At other times he was heard saying: “I couldn’t hurt a kid,” and later “You’re sick. You bastards want to pin it on me. You can’t do your job so you want to pin it on me." Savage, who lives across the road from where William vanished, has never been charged and denies any knowledge of what happened to him. He also told the publication that police had not formally spoken with him after former lead detective Gary Jubelin, who questioned him, was taken off the case. He has never been officially informed whether he is still a person of interest in their investigation. Images: news.com.au

Legal

Matcha is having a moment. What are the health benefits of this green tea drink?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Matcha has experienced a surge in popularity in recent months, leading to reports of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/sydney-eating-out/global-matcha-shortage-hits-australia-as-skyrocketing-popularity-rivals-coffee-20241101-p5kn6v.html">global shortages</a> and price increases. If you haven’t been caught up in the craze, matcha is a powdered version of green tea. On a cafe menu you might see a hot or iced matcha latte, or even a matcha-flavoured cake or pastry. A quick google brings up <a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/tea/matcha-tea/matcha-recipes">countless recipes</a> incorporating matcha, both sweet and savoury. Retailers and cafe owners <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/sydney-eating-out/global-matcha-shortage-hits-australia-as-skyrocketing-popularity-rivals-coffee-20241101-p5kn6v.html">have suggested</a> the main reasons for matcha’s popularity include its “instagrammable” looks and its purported health benefits. But what are the health benefits of matcha? Here’s what the evidence says. <h2>First, what is matcha?</h2> <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/1/85">Matcha</a> is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, which come from the plant Camellia sinensis. This is the same plant used to make green and black tea. However, the <a href="https://naokimatcha.com/blogs/articles/how-matcha-is-made-in-japan">production process</a> differentiates matcha from green and black tea. For matcha, the tea plant is grown in shade. Once the leaves are harvested, they’re steamed and dried and the stems are removed. Then the leaves are carefully ground at controlled temperatures to form the powder. The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6571865/">production process</a> for green tea is simpler. The leaves are picked from the unshaded plants, heated and then dried. We then steep the dried leaves in hot water to get tea (whereas with matcha the whole leaf is consumed). With black tea, after the leaves are picked they’re exposed to air, which leads to oxidation. This makes the leaves black and gives the tea a different flavour. <h2>A source of phytonutrients</h2> Phytonutrients are <a href="https://theconversation.com/phytonutrients-can-boost-your-health-here-are-4-and-where-to-find-them-including-in-your-next-cup-of-coffee-132100">chemical compounds found in plants</a> which have a range of benefits for human health. Matcha contains several. Chlorophyll gives plants such as Camellia sinensis their green colour. There’s some evidence chlorophyll may have <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/7/1533">health benefits</a> – including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects – due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that harm our cells. Theanine has been shown to <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/91/1/32">improve sleep</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-019-00771-5?crsi=662497574&cicada_org_src=healthwebmagazine.com&cicada_org_mdm=direct">reduce stress and anxiety</a>. The only <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/theanine">other known</a> dietary source of theanine is mushrooms. Caffeine is a phytonutrient we know well. Aside from increasing alertness, caffeine has also demonstrated <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2022.2074362?casa_token=ADALIs6M3iAAAAAA%3AXpY35se0zLddAEIbZAaeCcDaNWm94s2WJaDHfXDRvVZgYq_xTxsCFuvtrtNXMXAL9uNIvLlYzO30aA#abstract">antioxidant effects</a> and some protection against a range of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, too much caffeine can have negative side effects. Interestingly, shading the plants while growing appears to <a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/jsfa.9112?casa_token=KxVD9i9p4BsAAAAA:OwGTauXFHAndyJkam8WuXrmGQ2k1kaSRu5pOqJOrhSyRSeWkDwdrI23qaD5WVH1HGqZLFdsjP9ZTvolw">change the nutritional composition</a> of the leaf and may lead to higher levels of these phytonutrients in matcha compared to green tea. Another compound worth mentioning is called catechins, of which there are several different types. Matcha powder similarly has <a href="https://theconversation.com/matcha-tea-what-the-current-evidence-says-about-its-health-benefits-202782">more catechins</a> than green tea. They are strong antioxidants, which <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41702-020-0057-8">have been shown</a> to have protective effects against bacteria, viruses, allergies, inflammation and cancer. Catechins <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/catechin#:%7E:text=Catechin%20is%20naturally%20present%20in,containing%20many%20catechins%20%5B130%2C131%5D.">are also found</a> in apples, blueberries and strawberries. <h2>What are the actual health benefits?</h2> So we know matcha contains a variety of phytonutrients, but does this translate to noticeable health benefits? A review published in 2023 identified only <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927122002180">five experimental studies</a> that have given matcha to people. These studies gave participants about 2–4g of matcha per day (equivalent to 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder), compared to a placebo, as either a capsule, in tea or in foods. Matcha decreased stress and anxiety, and improved memory and cognitive function. There was no effect on mood. A <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309287">more recent study</a> showed 2g of matcha in older people aged 60 to 85 improved sleep quality. However, in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/17/2907">younger people</a> aged 27 to 64 in another study, matcha had little effect on sleep. A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-022-00998-9">study in people with obesity</a> found no difference in the weight loss observed between the matcha group and the control group. This study did not randomise participants, and people knew which group they had been placed in. It could be hypothesised that given you consume all of the leaf, and given levels of some phytonutrients may be higher due to the growing conditions, matcha may have more nutritional benefits than green tea. But to my knowledge there has been no direct comparison of health outcomes from green tea compared to matcha. <h2>There’s lots of evidence for green tea</h2> While to date a limited number of studies have looked at matcha, and none compared matcha and green tea, there’s quite a bit of research on the health benefits of drinking green tea. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711317300867?casa_token=dpbAEQQ7Is4AAAAA:U6aggqZM_G0KJ8hkhx0TGSvQywr4utlgKzwUnUj9x5t9eWd-FKENjbTvUv6s4TBTaPYrob-qQkk">systematic review of 21 studies</a> on green tea has shown similar benefits to matcha for improvements in memory, plus evidence for mood improvement. There’s also evidence green tea provides other health benefits. Systematic reviews have shown green tea leads to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.6697?casa_token=1eAbmeGillYAAAAA%3ABNGBB6EuRFXIDWHgsa7E798wfC0MQK2r3yOmAlFzR2sxyD9Xt837VoCel0l6Tsh3RRO19t-YUm1GqO7Y">weight loss in people with obesity</a>, lower levels of <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12937-020-00557-5">certain types of cholesterol</a>, and <a href="https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/02070/Effect_of_green_tea_supplementation_on_blood.36.aspx/1000">reduced blood pressure</a>. Green tea may also <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-00710-7">lower the risk of certain types of cancer</a>. So, if you can’t get your hands on matcha at the moment, drinking green tea may be a good way to get your caffeine hit. Although the evidence on green tea provides us with some hints about the health benefits of matcha, we can’t be certain they would be the same. Nonetheless, if your local coffee shop has a good supply of matcha, there’s nothing to suggest you shouldn’t keep enjoying matcha drinks. However, it may be best to leave the matcha croissant or cronut for special occasions. When matcha is added to foods with high levels of added sugar, salt and saturated fat, any health benefits that could be attributed to the matcha may be negated.<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/242775/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</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/matcha-is-having-a-moment-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-this-green-tea-drink-242775">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

How do we save ageing Australians from the heat? Greening our cities is a good start

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/claudia-baldwin-248780">Claudia Baldwin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-byrne-6066">Jason Byrne</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tony-matthews-234160">Tony Matthews</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Heatwaves have killed more Australians than <a href="https://ama.com.au/ausmed/heatwave-health-warning">road accidents</a>, fires, floods and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000999">all other natural disasters combined</a>. Although <a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-heatwaves-our-cold-houses-are-much-more-likely-to-kill-us-83030">recent research</a> shows extreme cold is a worry in some parts of Australia, <a href="https://theconversation.com/2018-19-was-australias-hottest-summer-on-record-with-a-warm-autumn-likely-too-112616">our hottest summer on record</a> points to more heat-related deaths to come. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-stubborn-high-pressure-system-behind-australias-record-heatwaves-110442">record heatwaves</a> have highlighted the damaging effects of heat stress. Understandably, it’s becoming a major <a href="https://ama.com.au/ausmed/heatwaves-nation%E2%80%99s-deadliest-natural-disaster-0">public health challenge</a>. The risk of extreme heat events and the adverse impacts on older people has been extensively <a href="https://jech.bmj.com/content/64/9/753.short">discussed in research</a>. Remarkably, very little attention has been paid to the role of urban greenery in reducing heat stress for seniors. Older people are particularly at risk of heat stress. Pre-existing medical conditions and limited mobility increase their vulnerability. <a href="http://www.cmaj.ca/content/182/10/1053.short">Deaths of older people increase</a> during extreme heat events. The physical features of urban areas shape the capacity of older adults to engage in many activities when it’s hot. These include vegetation volume and coverage, <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-cool-cities-for-a-hot-future-57489">thermal design</a>, and the extent of shading in public areas and walkways. Increasing urban greenery may offer a way to improve older people’s comfort and social experience. <h2>Ageing adds urgency to greening</h2> It is expected <a href="http://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/ageing/">20% of the global population</a> will be older than 60 by 2050. The figure for Australia <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyTopic/2CA2134677EF9D03CA257C2E0017283B?OpenDocument">is even higher</a>, at 23%. This means that by 2050 around one in four Australians will be more vulnerable to extreme heat. <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> Climate change may make the problem worse by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379708006867">fuelling even more extreme heat</a> events. Planning our urban centres to meet the needs of a <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australia-at-a-glance/contents/demographics-of-older-australians">rapidly ageing population</a> is a matter of urgency. Urban greening to reduce their vulnerability to heat stress should be central to this agenda. It can also improve people’s quality of life, reduce <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829208001172">social isolation and loneliness</a>, and ease the burden on health systems. An important task is matching the design of communities with the needs of an ageing population. Where older adults live and the quality of their local areas strongly influence their lived experiences. Yet <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0885412217704649">recent research</a> found the experiences of seniors were often not accounted for in research on neighbourhood design. <h2>What about aged care?</h2> People face choices about where they live as they age. The common choices are to “<a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australians-to-have-the-choice-of-growing-old-at-home-here-is-what-needs-to-change-91488">age in place</a>” or to move into aged care. Ageing in place includes living in one’s own home or <a href="https://theconversation.com/co-housing-works-well-for-older-people-once-they-get-past-the-image-problem-79907">co-habiting with relatives or friends</a>. Around 90% of Australian seniors <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/housing-decisions-older-australians/housing-decisions-older-australians.pdf">choose this option</a>, with the remainder opting for aged-care facilities. If one in ten Australian seniors live in aged-care facilities, it is clear these should be designed to minimise heat stress. This isn’t just good for residents; it may also benefit operators by lowering health-care and electricity costs. While these facilities are purpose-built for older people, many in Australia were built well over a decade ago, when heat stress was not such a large concern. Many more facilities are being built now and will be into the future. Yet it is uncertain whether they are being actively designed to reduce the impacts of heat. <h2>What has our research found?</h2> We recently conducted a focus group to investigate this issue. Participants were senior managers from four large corporate providers of aged care in Australia. We investigated if and how providers try to minimise heat stress through design. We also sought to understand the rationales used to support these design approaches. Several participants reported on refurbishments that they expect will have cooling effects. Cited design approaches included green roofs and walls, as well as sensory gardens. Other expected benefits included reducing anxiety and improving the mental health of residents. The fact that single design interventions could produce multiple benefits improved the potential for corporate buy-in. Participants expected that increasing green space and green cover would give their facilities a competitive advantage by attracting more clients and providing a better working environment for staff. Participants also reported on challenges of including greening in their projects. For example, the benefits of trees were weighed against concerns about roots disrupting footpaths and becoming trip hazards. Species selection was another concern, with fears that inappropriate plants could die and undermine support for greening programs. Our research suggests that more can be done to make cities hospitable for older people, especially during extreme heat. Urban greening is a start. Encouraging aged-care providers to adopt green infrastructure will have benefits. But we should also consider reforms to planning systems and urban design to better protect older people who choose to age in place.<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/112613/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/claudia-baldwin-248780">Claudia Baldwin</a>, Associate Professor, Urban Design and Town Planning, Sustainability Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-byrne-6066">Jason Byrne</a>, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tony-matthews-234160">Tony Matthews</a>, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</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/how-do-we-save-ageing-australians-from-the-heat-greening-our-cities-is-a-good-start-112613">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

Paul McCartney shares emotional message on John Lennon’s birthday

Paul McCartney has shared an emotional post in dedication to John Lennon on what would’ve been his 84th birthday. The music icon took to Instagram to share a photo from the stage in which he is performing in front of footage of Lennon, who died at the age of 40 in 1980. McCartney shared the moving birthday tribute to his late friend and former bandmate, thanking him for “being there”. “Happy Birthday John. Thanks for being there,” he captioned the photo. McCartney’s dedication to his late friend and musical collaborator touched the hearts of Beatles fans around the world who were quick to praise his kind words. <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/DA5xSyjC8bL/?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/DA5xSyjC8bL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I’m going to cry,” one wrote, while another added, “You and John after many decades are still the best songwriters of the world!” “I remember the news on that sad day in December. Happy birthday John,” commented another in reference to the day Lennon passed. The birthday message comes after McCartney lifted the lid on the final conversation he had with Lennon before he died. Speaking candidly about their “complicated” relationship on The Howard Stern Show, he recalled how their wholesome conversation was sparked by a shared hobby. McCartney told Stern the conversation was “very special” in spite of the “whole horrible thing of the group breaking up”. “And I ring John and I was making bread and got quite good at it,” he said. “So when I heard John was doing it, it was great. We could just talk about something so ordinary.” “There’s no threat or anything. It was just two guys talking about, ‘Well, I don’t know. Do you leave it overnight or what do you do? And someone says, ‘Yeah, I leave it overnight in a hot cupboard’ and you’d just be chatting.” “It was really nice and I was so glad that we got back to that relationship that we’d always had when we were kids. We’d lived in each other’s pockets for so long that it was great to get back to that.” Image credits: Instagram

Relationships

"Green cordial" water in Sydney harbour baffles residents

A bay in Sydney Harbour has turned neon green, with authorities currently investigating the cause. Locals were baffled when they saw the bay along Hipwood Street in Kirribilli, near Milsons Park, turn bright green at about 3pm on Wednesday, with many calling the incident "unusual". Firefighters said they were "alerted to a large spill of fluorescent green material flowing into the harbour". One local described the water as "green cordial" and said it resembled "radioactive stuff you see in superhero movies". NSW Fire and Rescue then conducted several tests and said the water is not toxic and is currently not harming the environment. The Fire and Rescue team are now trying to flush out the green substance, and said that the incoming rain should help turn the water colour back to normal. Another resident told 9News that they had seen green water in a stormwater drain at Anderson Park, along Clark Road, on Tuesday, before the green colour spread to the bay on Wednesday. Later in the afternoon, a North Sydney Council spokeswoman confirmed that were no major pollutants in the green water: “At this stage our engineers believe the substance is likely to be fluorescein, which is used as a dye for plumbing works. Fluorescein is a non-toxic substance and breaks down with UV light. The green colour is a feature that makes it easy to trace.” Green water was also spotted in Neutral Bay on Wednesday according to another local. Image: Nine

Travel Trouble

Paul Hogan's grandson facing jail over airport robbery

Paul Hogan's grandson is facing charges after breaking into a secure room at Sydney Airport, just months after avoiding jail on other charges. Police have alleged that Jake Paul Hogan had housebreaking tools in his possession on August 10th when he broke into a secure employee bike rack room in the carpark of the Sydney International Airport. It was there he allegedly stole a custom bike worth $5,000, before returning just three days later with the same housebreaking tools and two black mountain bikes which are suspected to have been stolen. Mr Hogan was charged with six offences related to the break-ins on August 28th, when he was already in custody on remand over separate allegations of breaking and entering. The charges come just three months <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/turn-his-life-around-paul-hogan-s-grandson-set-to-be-released-from-prison" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after</a> the 34-year-old was released from prison after 57 days behind bars. At the time of his release, Hogan broke down in court after learning that his father has moved to Sydney to support him in living a life without crime when he leaves jail. His father Todd Hogan, who is the son of the Crocodile Dundee star, flew back from New Zealand to support his son at the sentencing, in which he was sentenced for breaking into apartment buildings to fund his “high-level drug habit” and for breaching a court order against an ex-girlfriend in May. Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Legal

“Hypocrite”: Hughesy's on-air clash with Greens leader

Dave “Hughesy” Hughes had a fiery debate with Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt about veganism on-air on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick. Before Bandt appeared on the show, a clip played of Hughesy, who is a vegan, calling for the leader to "quit the party" after learning the Greens leader wasn't a vegan. He questioned how Bandt could advocate for climate action without adopting a plant-based lifestyle, and the Greens leader was brought onto the show to explain his stance. “So you are not a vegan?” Hughesy asked the politician. “I’m not….” replied Bandt. “I applaud those who are, I applaud those who have made the shift. I’ve been thinking about it …” Hughesy then loudly interjected “ … URGH, THINKING ABOUT IT?” The Greens leader replied: “I don’t have a good drop-dead reason, but I’ve been thinking about it, and I can probably give you three justifications for it. "Firstly, we’ve made big changes at home and basically only eat meat for special occasions, the rest of the time we’re vegan or vegetarian at home.” “…. THERE’S ONE WAY, ADAM, THERE’S ONE WAY …” the presenter yelled in response. Hughesy's co-star Fev then tried to make light of the situation and asked him: “What are you doing Dave?" "Adam is doing the version of Leonardo DiCaprio and his private jet flying around the world while banging on about climate change, but you flew to Brisbane on the weekend,” he continued suggesting that Hughesy too was being a hypocrite by getting on a flight recently. “But I don’t bang on about it,” exclaimed Hughesy. “Adam is the leader of the Greens … it’s hypocritical! C’mon, you can do it, Adam, you can become a vegan! Be the change you want to see in the world, buddy!” Hughesy adopted the vegan lifestyle for his own health, but he has previously revealed that it comes with its challenges and his family were also not that enthusiastic about the change. Image: news.com.au/ Fifi, Fev & Nick

Food & Wine

Real reason why Paul Burt was sacked

A senior source from Channel Seven has revealed the real reason why Paul Burt was sacked, just days after he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/axed-weatherman-s-blunt-farewell-message-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unleashed</a> at his former employer live on-air. An insider at the network reportedly told the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13682975/Paul-Burt-Seven-sacked-reason.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a> that Burt, who worked at Seven for more than a decade, was sacked because focus group research found he was unpopular with audiences. "Paul Burt was sacked after extensive audience research across the Queensland market that identified he was one of the least-liked presenters on-air, with the dreaded 'switch-off' factor," the source said. The research had been conducted in the first quarter of 2024. The source also told the Daily Mail that perceived audience appeal was an important consideration when deciding who would be let go from the program and "it's not like names were picked out of a hat." "Networks spend a fortune on polling and focus groups to identify emerging talent and test long-serving presenters," they said. "The audience decides who reads the news." Burt did not accept the research, telling the Daily Mail: "I mean, these people are going to try and cover their backs." "I think if they're looking at numbers like that, they might want to change the people who are giving them those numbers. "Because I'm on the ground, I hear what people say and I understand what they want. I've been doing it now for 28 years." Daily Mail also obtained a farewell email that Burt sent to his colleagues at the network on Monday afternoon. "Hey everyone, never thought I'd be writing this email anytime soon, but here we go," the email reportedly began. "First and foremost, I want to say thank you to everyone who I have worked directly with, you have all been incredibly awesome and do sensational jobs and deserve far more recognition than you get. "Secondly, those who reached out to me after the news over the weekend and today to 'check in' on me and pass on your kind words, wow, it's been very humbling so thank you." Burt also reportedly did not attend his farewell last Friday and had told management he would not be attending it. "I'm not that kind of guy," he told the Daily Mail. "I don't want there to be any hoo-ha. I don't need a cake. I'm not interested." He also said that he did not wanted to cut into his work schedule on a busy Friday evening when he did about 10 live crosses to the newsroom. "I don't want to give up my time to get back to the office when I'm on location," he said. "I didn't want to stand there and get, 'Here's a cake, congratulations, goodbye and thank you for your time'. I never asked for it." He also said: "Don't get me wrong, I really admire the network. I love the network. I truly do. "Unfortunately, I just think at this point in time, things could have been handled a bit differently in certain sectors of the newsroom. "If you have three of your best-selling items in a shop, do you get rid of those three and just deal with what's left over? As a business person, I don't think you do." Seven West Media, which also owns the West Australian, is slashing 150 editorial staff in a round of redundancies, which has affected other big names like newsreader Sharyn Ghidella. Images: Seven

Axed weatherman's blunt farewell message live on-air

Weatherman Paul Burt has lashed out at Channel 7 in an awkward final report after he was axed by the network. The veteran weatherman was recently cut by Seven after almost three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting move, and he took aim at the network in his final sign off on Saturday. “Hello everybody yes it is my last weather for the network tonight,” he began. “Let’s get straight into it everyone because it’s the most important thing is your Sunday and not me.” He then detailed the weather outlook before presenter Samantha Heathwood farewelled him. Burt then thanked viewers for their "trust, loyalty, and support" and thanked his family before unleashing on the network. “If I’d had the opportunity I wouldn’t have wanted to go this way,” Burt said. “It’s what happens when you get sacked”. The network then cut to footage for Burt, who has been at Seven since 2013, presenting various segments over the years, including him delivering the weather from a helicopter during floods. In an interview with The Australian, Burt revealed that he had only been given “55 seconds to say my goodbyes”. “I really don’t understand it, why people are being treated this way,” Burt said. “It was a shock, I was told to come in and have a meeting which I did and I was told my contract was not being renewed. It was rather embarrassing for my wife and children. They found out before I could even tell them. Obviously things get leaked. “Some of the decisions made lately are quite harsh. I’ve lost a lot of friends who have been made redundant or got the sack.” Burt wasn't the only one made redundant in the network's cost-cutting move. Veterans including Robert Ovadia, Sharyn Ghidella, Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud have all gone. Images: Channel 7

Pioneering TV presenter reveals terminal diagnosis live on air

Popular New Zealand TV presenter Joanna Paul-Robie has revealed she is dying of cancer. The pioneering presenter, known for her work on TV3, shared the heartbreaking news during an interview with Radio New Zealand on Friday morning. Paul-Robie, who has been a beloved figure in the broadcasting world, made the announcement while accepting the Icon Award for her contributions to the creative industries. “I was so touched because this award means so much to me, coming from Tauranga Moana,” she said. “But more importantly, because I am, unfortunately, dying – I have terminal cancer – and really to have this award before one posthumously gets it is an even better break. I can’t tell you the lightness, the brightness, the feeling of aroha inside me last night.” Reflecting on her career, Paul-Robie recounted her experiences as one of the few Māori individuals on New Zealand's television screens. “The newsroom was really … it was being run by mostly a pair of middle-class, middle-aged white men who had the audacity and the balls to say ‘If it bleeds, it leads’ but these guys you know they had never been in a Māori world,” she remarked. Starting her career at Radio New Zealand, Paul-Robie later became a newsreader for TV3 and played a significant role in establishing Māori Television in 2004, serving as a program and production manager. During a 2011 interview with NZOnScreen, she spoke about the challenges and triumphs of setting up the network. “There’s been a handful of people in the world who have built a television station and taken it to air,” she said. “There are only a handful of people in the world who can do that and even though it nearly broke me in half on the day that we launched, I thought ‘hell we did that’. I think it is difficult for someone like me with an A-type personality to think now you have done your big thing maybe you should take it easy now.” Paul-Robie's courage and dedication have left an indelible mark on New Zealand's broadcasting landscape. Her announcement has been met with an outpouring of support and love from colleagues, fans and the wider community, who admire her strength and resilience in the face of such a personal battle. Images: NZOnScreen

Caring

Most sustainable travel destinations

If you’re wanting to be more environmentally friendly while travelling, there are some must visit destinations to add to your travel bucket list. To help you find the greenest countries to make you feel good about your next holiday, a new study by <a href="https://www.arka.com/">AKRA</a> has listed more than 50 cities to create a ranking of the world's top sustainable destinations in 2024. Each city was judged based on three main criteria: the percentage of green spaces, bike friendliness, and tram network coverage. Additional criteria such as the country's Sustainability Score, Percentage of Renewable Energy Use, Electric Vehicle Usage, and CO2 Emissions per Capita, was also taken into account. While the list was largely dominated by European destinations, one Australian country also cracked the top ten list. Check out the list below. 10. Copenhagen, Denmark 9. Oslo, Norway 8. Helsinki, Finland 7. Prague, Czech Republic 6. Seoul, South Korea 5. Bern, Switzerland 4. Utrecht, The Netherlands 3. Melbourne, Australia 2. Warsaw, Poland 1. Berlin, Germany Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Long-serving ABC star calls it quits

Paul Barry, the veteran host of Media Watch, who has made a career out of poking the media bear, has announced his departure from the ABC show in December. After an illustrious (and occasionally infamous) tenure that would make a soap opera look like a nap, Barry is hanging up his microphone at the ripe age of 72. “I’ve been in the hot seat for 11 years and it’s time to give someone else a go,” Barry remarked, possibly while the hot seat sighed in relief. Indeed, hosting Media Watch is no small feat – it's a bit like riding a roller coaster while simultaneously refereeing a brawl. But Barry has certainly done it with aplomb, panache and a fair amount of flair. His announcement has left viewers with mixed feelings – a blend of gratitude for his unyielding service and a tinge of sadness, akin to the bittersweet end of a beloved TV series. Barry promised to stay with us until December, giving us ample time to stock up on popcorn and enjoy the remaining episodes. "Lots of fun to be had before then," he teased, hinting at some final rounds of media mischief. For those who might be wondering what Barry plans to do next, well, that's still a mystery. Perhaps he'll take up knitting, but knowing him, it’ll likely be with barbed wire. Barry first commandeered Media Watch in 2000 before returning in 2013, making a grand comeback that rivalled any reality TV show. Over the years, he has ruffled enough feathers to fill a sizeable pillow factory. Commercial media outlets, politicians and even his own network – as Media Watch famously runs independently of the ABC – have all been on the receiving end of his sharp critiques. His fearless approach has made him a hero to many and a headache to some. One of Barry’s most memorable moments came in 2013 during a spat with columnist Andrew Bolt. When Bolt provocatively asked Barry to reveal his salary on air, Barry did just that – $191,259, to be precise. It was a jaw-dropping moment that left viewers stunned and Bolt, presumably, a bit flummoxed. In between his stints at Media Watch, Barry has donned many hats – investigative reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald, correspondent for 60 Minutes, and author of several books, including a controversial unauthorised biography of James Packer. His career has been a veritable smorgasbord of journalism, controversy and unflinching honesty. An ABC spokesperson paid tribute to Barry, highlighting his “track record of independent commentary, analysis, and robust discussion about the media industry and its ethics – or lack thereof.” Barry has indeed been the watchdog’s watchdog, never shying away from calling out malpractice, no matter where it reared its head. As the ABC gears up to announce a new host, the shoes left behind are large ones to fill. Barry’s departure marks the end of an era – one filled with wit, grit and an unwavering commitment to holding the media accountable. So, here’s to Paul Barry – the feather-ruffler, the truth-seeker, the man who made us laugh, gasp and, most importantly, think. As he steps down from Media Watch, we wish him the very best in his next adventure, whether that’s taking on new journalistic endeavours or finally perfecting that tricky scarf pattern. Bravo, Mr Barry. You will be missed. Image: Media Watch

How to write creative non-fiction history

Discovering an old photo album from the 1920s, celebrated author and adjunct professor Paul Ashton embarked on a journey to turn historical research into engaging creative non-fiction, blending meticulous evidence with captivating storytelling. Here he shares he insights on the fascinating process. One afternoon my elderly father and niece came to my home for lunch. On their way they had seen something on a council clean up. ‘We thought you might be interested in this,’ said my father handing me a small, brown photo album. I was. The album contained around 100 undated black and white photographs. It became apparent quickly that this was the record of a road trip done in the 1920s or 1930s. A boy, two women and a man had gone on a trip from Sydney up through New England, to Tamworth then to Brisbane and back to Sydney. Shadows in some of the images indicate that they were taken by the man and at least one of the women. The album provided the basis for my first children’s book, Palmer’s Mystery Hikes. One photograph stood out for me. Hundreds of people were gathered somewhere in the bush. In the far left-hand corner in the background was an elevated table covered with a large white tablecloth. With a magnifying glass I could just make out ‘Palmers [something] Hike’. In 1932 Palmer’s men and boys’ department store, in Park Street in Sydney, had established a hiking club to promote the sale of hiking apparel. You bought a ‘mystery’ ticket from New South Wales Railways with which Palmer had an arrangement; turned up at Central Station on Sunday morning; and were taken to a mystery destination. From there you did a ten-mile hike to another station and were then trained back to Sydney. There were five hikes. The third one to the Hawkesbury River attracted over 8,000 people. Turning historical research into believable fiction or creative non-fiction has certain demands. How do you strike a balance between historical research and evidence and the narrative form? This is a big question and will ultimately depend on many things, including the availability of primary and secondary sources and the nature of the particular narrative. But perhaps the most important question is: how do writers use the past to give their work historical dimensions and insights? For me, the most critical element is context. And it’s the thing most missing in much historically based fictional literature. Evoking people, places and periods involves understandings of things such as continuity and change over time, historical process – like colonisation and suburbanisation – ideologies and superstitions. Where appropriate, these should form subtle backgrounds to the narrative. Fiction and creative non-fiction as historical modes of presenting history should also show – not tell. My edited collection, If It’s not True It Should Be (Halstead Press), explores writing history using fictional techniques. As Peter Stanley has written in that book, ‘those who seek to illuminate the past through the imaginative recreation of historical fiction … [are] motivated by the fundamental conviction that what links the fidelity of the historian and the imagination of the historical novelist is that the work of both should be offered and read as if it were true.’ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Paul Ashton is adjunct professor and co-founder of the Australian Centre for Public History at the University of Technology Sydney and adjunct professor at the University of Canberra and Macquarie University. He has authored, co-authored, edited and co-edited over 40 books and is editor of the journal Public History Review. His series of creative non-fiction children’s histories – Accidental Histories – is being published by Halstead Press. Images: Supplied

Books

“Turn his life around”: Paul Hogan’s grandson set to be released from prison

The grandson of Crocodile Dundee is set to be released from prison after 57 days behind bars. Jake Paul Hogan, 34, broke down in court after learning that his father has moved to Sydney to support him in living a life without crime when he leaves jail. His father Todd Hogan, who is the son of the Crocodile Dundee star, flew back from New Zealand to support his son at the sentencing at the Downing Centre Local Court, which Jake appeared at via audio link. The younger Hogan was in custody on remand after his bail was refused in March, and was sentenced on Wednesday for breaking into apartment buildings to fund his “high-level drug habit” and for breaching a court order against an ex-girlfriend. Before falling into a life of drugs, Jake worked as a carpenter but soon became homeless after his drug addiction took hold. In order to fund his drug habit, the 34-year-old began sleeping in abandoned buildings, and stealing clothes and other items to sell for cash. Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund described Jake’s actions as a “sudden escalation of offending” after his life broke down, while also telling the court she was “comforted” by the fact he was supported by his father Todd and sister in court. “This is a young man that needs some scaffolding, he totally has the ability to turn his life around,” she said. “No doubt you were having difficulty seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and managing to find your way out of the hole.” The court was told Jake’s father was having trouble contacting his son during his difficult times, and had even flown to Sydney from New Zealand to find him. “Mr Hogan you are phenomenally lucky to have these supports,” Ms Freund said. She told the court Jake’s father is set to remain in Sydney to give him support when he leaves custody. Jake was convicted of all charges and sentenced to a community corrections order for two years, and an intensive corrections order for nine months. “I wish you good luck Mr Hogan,” Ms Freund said. Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Legal

Paul Simon reveals sad health update

At 82 years of age, the great Paul Simon – one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel – has admitted to facing a new health challenge that could prove devastating to millions of fans worldwide: hearing loss. In a recent revelation, he spoke candidly about how this health issue has affected his performances, yet also how he's adapted in oder to continue pursuing his passion for music. Simon's discussion about his hearing loss comes ahead of the premiere of a two-part docuseries, In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, set to air on MGM+ starting March 17. It's a timely revelation, shedding light on the personal struggles behind the legendary musician's enduring career. During a panel discussion, Simon disclosed the impact of his hearing loss on his recent stage experiences. While he's regained some comfort in singing and playing instruments, he noted difficulties when certain instruments overshadow his own voice. "If there's a drum or an electric guitar," he revealed, "it's too loud and I can't hear my voice. But when I first lost the hearing, I couldn't get – it threw me off." It's a frustration that resonates deeply with any performer reliant on auditory cues for their craft. Simon's journey with hearing loss began suddenly, with the loss predominantly affecting his left ear. In a previous interview, he described the initial frustration and annoyance at the unexplained condition, hoping it would eventually resolve itself. "Nobody has an explanation, so everything became more difficult," he said in a Times interview in May 2023. "My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself." Despite the challenges, he's found solace and creative expression through his daily guitar playing, using it as both a creative outlet and a source of comfort during trying times. Reflecting on his musical journey alongside Art Garfunkel, Simon highlighted the enduring impact of their collaboration. From their humble beginnings as schoolmates in New York to becoming one of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s and 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel's legacy is undeniable. Their timeless hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Despite occasional tensions and artistic differences that led to their split in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's partnership endured, marked by intermittent reunions for select performances. Their ability to transcend personal conflicts in the pursuit of their shared musical vision speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and the enduring power of their bond. While Simon's journey may have taken an unexpected turn, his musical legacy continues to shine brightly, resonating with generations past, present and future. Images: Getty

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Search for missing fisherman called off

"It's time": ABC legend announces retirement

Legendary Channel 10 reporter dies

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

NRL legend explains why he's retiring after 33 years

Former William Tyrrell suspect changes story

Matcha is having a moment. What are the health benefits of this green tea drink?

How do we save ageing Australians from the heat? Greening our cities is a good start

Paul McCartney shares emotional message on John Lennon’s birthday

"Green cordial" water in Sydney harbour baffles residents

Paul Hogan's grandson facing jail over airport robbery

“Hypocrite”: Hughesy's on-air clash with Greens leader

Real reason why Paul Burt was sacked

Axed weatherman's blunt farewell message live on-air

Pioneering TV presenter reveals terminal diagnosis live on air

Most sustainable travel destinations

Long-serving ABC star calls it quits

How to write creative non-fiction history

“Turn his life around”: Paul Hogan’s grandson set to be released from prison

Paul Simon reveals sad health update

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