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“Breaking Aussies’ spirits”: Karl rips into Reserve Bank

<p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has ripped into the Reserve Bank for their decision to pause interest rates at an all time high. </p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Today</em> host blasted their decision to freeze the cash rate at an 11-year high of 4.1 percent, as Aussies continue to struggle through the cost of living crisis. </p> <p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has accused the Reserve Bank of “not giving a toss” about the millions of Australians struggling to keep their homes amid seemingly endless interest rate rises. </p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday, Karl let loose on the RBA, slamming their decision to put Aussies under further financial strain.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuQTWInBqdU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuQTWInBqdU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by thetodayshow (@thetodayshow)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“They have single-handedly crushed, strangled Australian households,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Aussies who go to work, pay their bills, and just made the mistake of wanting to own their own home. Now you are being held to ransom.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everything you have built is now on the line because our central bank missed the inflation tidal wave. This is what's worse though.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's not over-spending respective governments carrying the can. It's you at home.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“It's you trying to put food on the table, pay your power bills and keep a roof over your family's head. It's no wonder it's breaking Aussies' spirits right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, the RBA moved to pause interest rates at an 11-year high of 4.1 per cent for the next month. </p> <p dir="ltr">Governor Philip Lowe hinted at more monetary policy tightening because inflation is still too high, even after the most aggressive rate rises since 1989.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even if interest rates don't rise again, mortgage repayments could still be hiked.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Today</em></p>

Don't get caught out: 6 holiday scams ripping off travellers

<p>If you’re planning to take a trip across the world soon, then be warned, as there is an influx of new holiday scams affecting tourists as they travel to their dream break.</p> <p>Holiday-makers have money to spend and relaxation on their minds, which is why they are seen as easy targets for con artists.</p> <p>UK-based consumer group <a href="https://www.which.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Which?</a> has listed the six most common frauds travellers need to be aware of, along with tips on how to avoid getting scammed, <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em> reported.</p> <p>So, if you’re planning a trip abroad, here are the things you need to watch out for:</p> <p><strong>1. Accommodation booking scams</strong></p> <p>While the introduction of the internet has been a blessing in terms of ease, it’s also made it easier for scammers to lure you into their traps. With the growth of online holiday bookings, fraudsters often need nothing more than a few fake pictures to lure their victims.</p> <p>A common scam is one that includes picturesque photographs of holiday rentals that don’t seem to exist, advertised at affordable price points. The deals were often advertised on mainstream websites but asked those who were interested in booking to contact them via email, rather than use the site’s own booking system.</p> <p>Bookers were then sent a link to a convincing payment page, which suggested the payment hadn’t cleared. They then ask for a bank transfer instead.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself: </strong>Do your research. Google the property to see if it shows up on other reputable websites to check its authenticity. You could use Google Maps and Street View to see if the accommodation actually exists. Also, never pay by bank transfer.</p> <p><strong>2. Dodgy flight deals</strong></p> <p>Con artists have created fake airline websites that advertise budget deals on long haul flights that leave their victims high and dry.</p> <p>The UK government’s fraud agency has reported a recent surge of scams targeting those who are travelling to Asia, Africa and the Middle East.</p> <p>In many instances, tickets were purchased with stolen credit cards and then sold to unsuspecting victims, complete with a reference number.</p> <p>But tickets were then cancelled after the credit card was reported as stolen, leaving the victims out of pocket and nothing to show for it.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Book tickets through trusted agencies.</p> <p><strong>3. Wi-Fi hacks</strong></p> <p>It’s become human instinct to try and find Wi-Fi wherever you go, and the same applies when travellers land at airports.</p> <p>While it’s important to stay connected in order to get in touch with friends and family, there is a risk involved. Fraudsters have set up their own free networks in airports and use them to gain free information about anyone that logs on.</p> <p>Many passengers have been tricked into entering their credit card details before logging on.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Ask airport staff about the real Wi-Fi connection to make sure it’s the real deal and be on the lookout for connections that don’t ask for passwords straight away. Also, if you are asked for confidential information then provide fake details where possible.</p> <p><strong>4. “Free” holidays</strong></p> <p>This decade-long scam has been one that con artists have perfected throughout the years. Back in the day, people would be pressured into buying timeshares after accepting a complimentary break.</p> <p>Now, the con is conducted through scratch cards and other fake competitions.</p> <p>In one example of the scam, around 500 British travellers in Spain’s Costa del Sol have been scammed of around $27.5 million in the last year alone.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Refuse all offers of free holidays because if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.</p> <p>Do you know of any other travel scams? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>5. Document fraud</strong></p> <p>Over the years, the internet has seen a growth in websites selling fake travel visas and other important documents needed to visit foreign countries.</p> <p>A few cases were found to not be conducting illegal activity but were responsible for reselling documents at a huge premium compared to official channels.</p> <p>Some common examples included websites selling the European Health Insurance Card and US visa (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA) documents.</p> <p>While the sites looked extremely convincing, they had nothing to do with the governments of the countries they claimed to represent.</p> <p>According to Which?, out of the top 20 search results for “ESTA visa” over half were unofficial.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Follow links to official government websites through the Department of Foreign Affairs website.</p> <p><strong>6. Fake tickets</strong></p> <p>It’s no secret that music concerts and major sporting events are on top of the list of potential scams, but travellers are now falling victim to fake packages to international events and are only finding out the true worth of their ticket once they arrive in the country.</p> <p>The FIFA World Cup in Russia was one example where countless websites offered travel packages including tickets when the only tickets that were considered valid and authentic were the ones purchased directly from FIFA themselves.</p> <p>Scammers love to lure desperate fans with fake tickets, as they know the demand is high and it’s easy to trap people who are willing to go the extra mile for a ticket to their chosen event.</p> <p><strong>How to protect yourself:</strong> Make sure the tickets you are purchasing are from legitimate websites and web pages that start with “https” and have the padlock symbol in the URL bar. And if you’re on the hunt for second-hand tickets, then do a quick check if whether or not resale is allowed, as some tickets are only valid for the original buyer.</p> <p>“Criminals are finding ever more sophisticated ways to dupe holiday-makers, both in the booking process and when they’re on the holiday itself,” Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said.</p> <p>“If something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Don’t hand your money over until you can be sure it’s the real deal.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

“Rip off”: Charity shop blasted over extortionate sale

<p dir="ltr">A local charity shop has come under fire for selling a pair of designer shoes for a hefty sum. </p> <p dir="ltr">The op-shop at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast is selling a pair of gold embellished Christian LouBoutin loafers for $500 after being discounted from $1,483. </p> <p dir="ltr">The eye-watering price tag was posted to Facebook and caused outrage among locals, as the shoes were propped up on a red velvet pillow. </p> <p dir="ltr">A woman by the name of Jo Sherwood posted the image to the Palm Beach community Facebook page, writing, “You know when Palmy has gone really upmarket (sic) … designer shoes at Vinnies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite her claims, a spokesperson for the St Vincent de Paul Society has clarified the designer loafers were not from a Vinnies but another independent op shop in the area.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many were quick to slam the hefty price tag, calling the sale a “rip-off”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s bloody disgusting the prices they charge on anything. I saw a Kmart dress in there last week, they were selling it for more than Kmart sold it for,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others were quick to call out many op shops who seem to have forgotten who they are there for. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Think they need to remember they are selling donated goods, not operating a boutique store,” someone replied.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another said that “all op shops have forgotten that they are meant to be there for the poor people, not just the hipsters.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Beauty & Style

"RIP Pop": Michael Clarke reveals further heartbreak

<p>Former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke is mourning the loss of his “best mate”.</p> <p>Clarke revealed the extent of his heartache on social media after his grandfather Ray Fox passed away.</p> <p>In a touching post uploaded to Instagram, Clarke can be seen with one hand on the coffin as he walked away from the podium after delivering a eulogy at his grandfather’s funeral.</p> <p>“Never gets any easier,” Clarke wrote.</p> <p>“In losing my Grandfather, I lost a best mate. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so much love on an extremely tough day.</p> <p>“RIP Pop.”</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/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?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/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Clarke AO (@michaelclarkeofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Friends and family were quick to pass on their condolences and support during this tumultuous time for Clarke.</p> <p>“Sorry to hear that news, mate,” Channel 7’s Larry Emdur commented. “Wishing you and the family all the best.”</p> <p>Businesswoman Erina Peters wrote, “I’m so sorry Michael! He truly loved you so much.</p> <p>“I have so many funny memories with him over the years and he was never short of a cheeky comeback.”</p> <p>Clarke previously said his grandfather was his inspiration behind playing cricket and the hardest part of retiring from the sport was telling Ray.</p> <p>“Definitely telling my grandfather was perhaps the hardest part and he was very emotional,” he said in 2015.</p> <p>“Pop’s made it clear to me over the past 10 years that watching me play cricket is a big part of what keeps him going.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Top 7 common travel rip-offs

<div id="yiv7422957477yui_3_16_0_1_1449006757770_9618" class="yiv7422957477"> <p>Sometimes, when you’re travelling overseas it’s easy to feel like one big walking dollar sign. Avoid getting ripped-off with this guide to the seven most common tourist traps when travelling abroad.</p> <p><strong>1. Sim cards</strong></p> <p>It’s convenient to have a working phone when travelling overseas but the data and call costs can quickly add up. Rather than using your current phone plan, contact your provider and ask to have your plan suspended while you’re away. When you arrive at your destination, buy a local sim card and opt to manually top up your funds. It will allow you to make cheap local calls without the international roaming fees. Don’t forget to use wi-fi networks as well- many restaurants and hotels offer free wi-fi so you don’t have to pay for data.</p> <p><strong>2. Airport transfers</strong></p> <p>Big international airports often have a number of transport services that connect terminals to the city centre. The cost of these transfers can vary wildly. For example, the London Heathrow Express costs four times that of a standard train ticket to reach the city. Before you leave home, do a quick search about your options and where possible, book in advance to reap savings.</p> <p><strong>3. Inaccurate currency conversion rates</strong></p> <p>Some overseas card terminals will let you choose whether you’d like to be charged in local or Australian currency. While the latter might seem like the most obvious choice, it’s often linked to an added layer of fees.</p> <p>Similarly, some countries such as Turkey and Cambodia often accept foreign cash. It’s rarely worthwhile paying for goods with foreign dollars, as market stall holders and local vendors set the exchange rate, which is usually far off the market rate.</p> <p><strong>4. Hire car GPS</strong></p> <p>Hiring a car can be one of the best ways to escape the tourist path and see a country like a local. Be aware of added extras though, such as a GPS. Rather than pay the $10-or-so dollar-a-day fee, download an offline map app. alternatively, if you’ve got a GPS at home and know that you’ll need one on your trip, pack it! You can buy international maps on your GPS and it means you’ll own it for life, not just the duration of your car hire.</p> <p><strong>5. Mandatory tips</strong></p> <p>While some high-end cruises have a no-tip policy, most companies add an extra daily fee to your final bill, without even asking. Fees can range from $12-$18 per day, which adds up! Be sure to check what your travel provider’s tip policy is before making a booking.</p> <p><strong>6. Shopping tours</strong></p> <p>Taking a locally-guided tour is a wonderful way to see a city through the eyes of a local, but be wary of tour recommendations. The classic “my uncle runs a one-of-a-kind rug store” might seem innocent enough, but remember that many tour operators receive commission to take you to vendors, who’ll charge a higher price once they know you’re a tourist.</p> <p>Rather, jump online to sites like TripAdvisor to read up on real consumer reviews and take special note of the names of tour operators who receive glowing reviews. When you book the tour, ask for them to be sure you’re getting the same expert-led tour.</p> <p><strong>7. Rent full, return empty</strong></p> <p>It’s become mandatory at many car rental outlets for drivers to receive the car with a full tank of petrol and return it empty. While it might sound like a great deal, the reality is that car companies usually win out, as drivers over-fill the tank to avoid that nervous return drive when the red light is flashing.</p> <p>If you’re planning to hire a car, make sure you use the rent full, return empty policy to your advantage.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Travel Tips

“They’re ripping kids off”: Scott Cam slams cabbies

<p dir="ltr"><em>Block </em>host Scott Cam has lashed out at NSW taxi drivers for “ripping off” passengers by refusing to turn the meter on.</p> <p dir="ltr">Cam spoke to Ben Fordham about the issue on 2GB on Monday, saying he wasn’t aware of the issue until he jumped in a taxi with his wife on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr">The presenter said he doesn’t often take taxis and that the driver informed him that the trip to the requested address would cost $45.</p> <p dir="ltr">When he asked the driver to turn on the meter instead, he was met with refusal.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We got out with a few choice words and we walked up the road and got an Uber for $27 to the same address,” Cam said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that his biggest concern was for his children and that he didn’t want his daughter to be forced to pay the price set by the driver or be “exposed” while waiting for an Uber to come home on a night out, as an example.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got to stamp this out, mate,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They’re ripping kids off. They’re ripping people off. You and I can afford to get a cab but, you know, kids can’t, trying to get home late at night and that’s what worries me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After speaking to others about his experience, Cam discovered the issue was “rife” and one that his daughter had also experienced.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My daughter said to me ‘that happens in every cab ride,’” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fordham shared a similar experience he had where a taxi driver refused to turn on the meter, before reading out other complaints he had received from listeners.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve had the same issue with taxis. $40 after the races from Randwick to Coogee. We didn’t realise the meter wasn’t on until we got to Coogee,” one said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were asked to pay $100 from Olympic Park to Parramatta after the NRL grand final,” said another.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the show’s producers said he paid $30 for a 2.6km trip on Sunday night after the driver refused to turn the meter on.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unlike Uber and other ride share service fares, which can be higher in different areas or after major events as a result of dynamic pricing, taxi drivers are required to use the meter during a rank and hail trip and cannot negotiate or demand a fare that is different - with the exception of applicable tolls.</p> <p dir="ltr">If drivers fail to use the meter, they could be hit with a $300 fine.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement shared with the show, the NSW Taxi Council said it had raised the complaint with the Point to Point Transport Commission Regulator, which has “the power to fine and prosecute drivers”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is unacceptable and need to work with the regulator to stop this,” the statement said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In Rank & Hail, it is illegal for drivers to refuse a fare and they need to run the meter.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a recent media release, the Point to Point Transport Commission said its compliance team had been out on the streets to deter this behaviour, with Commissioner Anthony Wing saying the team had been “at a number of major events in Sydney and throughout NSW” to help ”deter illegal and unsafe driver behaviour at these locations”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My compliance team of Authorised Officers continue to have a visible presence at targeted locations throughout NSW. Since the start of October, they have inspected more than 600 vehicles (taxis, hire car and rideshare)” Mr Wing said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The safety of drivers and passengers will always be my absolute priority and any instance where drivers are not following the law is unacceptable. As we go into the festive period we will be continuing to be out in force.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-76db020d-7fff-416e-86f4-d872c96c6c84"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @scottycamofficial (Instagram) / Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

"What's happened to Australia?": Why Karl ripped into "woke" councils

<p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has once again let rip at “woke” neighbours and local councils, this time over one that forced a Queensland mum to remove a basketball hoop off a nature strip alongside her own driveway.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mandy Overton from the Gold Coast was threatened with a $750 fine if she did not get rid of the basketball hoop from in front of her house.</p> <p dir="ltr">Furious neighbours complained to the local council about Ms Overton’s children playing basketball in their own front yard, for allowing the ball to bounce on the road and for being too noisy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I got a knock at my door on Tuesday. The council officer came to the house and just basically said, if you don't move your basketball hoop by Friday, you will get $750 fine,' the mother told <em>The Today Show</em> co-host.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not only that, but she also mentioned too many kids playing with my basketball hoop. I don't think that's a problem. Kids being kids and playing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Also, they were saying if an accident would happen it would be on their call because it's on their land. They're just playing. I don't see what is the problem. They're getting out. Getting off iPads. Getting sociable with all the kids.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A furious Karl took aim at the local council and the neighbours who filed the complaints, saying the kids should be allowed to be kids.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Can I say something here? This is not politically correct at all. I don't know what has happened to Australia,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have people around in our neighbourhood now who are just whingers and whiners.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They have nothing better to do with their day than complain to the local council, who are so woke and left that it passes on to us in the form of complaints and blah, blah, blah, I'm just sick of it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What's happened to Australia? You can't have a basketball hoop on the median strip?</p> <p dir="ltr">‘I'm sick of it. I don't know what has happened to this great country. Everyone whines now.</p> <p dir="ltr">‘It's local councils who are awful. Just fix the potholes, bros, as Kyrgios would say. Just do council stuff. Don't get in our lives.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Today Show</em></p>

Home & Garden

"RIP champion": Bondi Rescue star dies

<p dir="ltr">Tributes have poured in for <em>Bondi Rescue</em> lifeguard Terry ‘Tezz’ McDermott after the news of his passing broke on Friday night.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an emotional post on the Bondi Lifeguards Instagram account, it was revealed that McDermott died after a long battle with cancer.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9c745433-7fff-2239-870f-13d53cc29fd1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“The lifeguard community is mourning the loss of one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey,” the post read.</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/CiAMBn7LU2_/?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/CiAMBn7LU2_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bondi Lifeguards (@bondilifeguards)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott… Thank you for your service to the community.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rest easy great man.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sunshine Coast Lifeguards shared on social media that McDermott passed away “surrounded by family in Sydney” and paid tribute to the “champion”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Terry was a charismatic articulate character who always had a wonderful story to tell,” the Facebook post <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0FU55nE5KJYX1i3k1fLdk1a1Y6QBwVpGqybeU7mdoYTJg6k7RjzSNKWveY7MhWj4Bl&id=104517091618709" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was a friend and colleague to many Lifeguards around the country and in fact well known all over the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast for 20 years, McDermott spent a decade working at Bondi Beach, starring in both <em>Bondi Rescue</em> and <em>Bondi Rescue: Bali</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans, friends and fellow lifeguards quickly flocked to social media to pay tribute to McDermott and share their sympathies with his family.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gonna miss you Tez. If there were more people like you in this world it would be a better place. So many great memories that I will always hang on to. Think of Jo and Matty during this tough time. RIP my good friend,” a friend commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So sad to hear of his passing. He always came across as a man full of compassion for young and old. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Memories last a lifetime and Terry has left a lot of memories for everyone to cherish,” one fan wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-11a6130a-7fff-55fd-8512-bfee101bf468"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Rest In Peace 'Ricky' Terry McDermott thanks for teaching me the ropes of life guarding,” lifeguard Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell shared in an emotional Facebook tribute.</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftrent.m.maxwell%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02h9FxoM6sH5UhX4YzVffZRnzyq7ps5P4KrEqnsvadoWupyRZGy9ueVfd1JWspATo3l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="742" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">“I will miss you mate, never a dull moment you were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We had some great times together, you will be missed.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5b0d8eff-7fff-76ac-3110-a7932841a9f2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Weeks before his passing, McDermott shared a video of him singing ‘The Horses’ and laughing with another cancer patient at the Prince of Wales cancer ward.</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/tv/CcPdOJehVmf/?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/tv/CcPdOJehVmf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Terry McDermott (@lifeguardterry)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In the post’s caption, McDermott wrote that he struck up “an instant friendship” with Dave, despite them supporting “Souths and Easts” teams respectively, and that “singing and laughing” is the “answer to Cancer”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Cancer can’t get us, we’re too happy,” he said in the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">He is survived by his wife Joanna and their son, Matt.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ccd335b5-7fff-9833-87e9-56d5eadab946"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @bondilifeguards (Instagram)</em></p>

News

Ally Langdon rips into Meghan Markle

<p>Ally Langdon has torn into Meghan Markle in the wake of her new podcast hitting Spotify, admitting she "tries to like" the exiled royal, but "there's just something" about her. </p> <p>The <em>Today Show</em> host was joined by Australia's minister for sport and aged care, Anika Wells, on Wednesday morning, as the pair discussed the launch episode of <em>Archetypes</em>: Meghan's new Spotify exclusive podcast. </p> <p>Together the women dissected Meghan's chat with tennis champion Serena Williams, and the story in which Meghan <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/meghan-markle-confirms-fire-in-archie-s-nursery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed a fire in baby Archie's nursery</a> during a royal engagement in Africa in 2019. </p> <p>In the podcast, Meghan explained how their family had only been in the township of Nyanga for a few hours before the incident took place.</p> <p>She detailed how then four-month-old Archie narrowly avoided a fire in his nursery as his nanny took him to another part of the residence when the heater burst into flames. </p> <p>The Duchess then shared how she was required to attend another formal engagement, rather than stay home with her child. </p> <p>While discussing the clip, Langdon pointed out that Meghan often "divided opinion".</p> <p>She said, "I really try to like Meghan Markle... but there's just something, you know?"</p> <p>Ms Wells agreed and said Meghan "should have pushed harder" to be with her child and taken him to the second public engagement.</p> <p>"Ultimately I think, she should have pushed on, she should have fought harder," the minister said.</p> <p>"She should have just brought the baby, made the point and said something."</p> <p>"Because I think ultimately what everyone wants is authenticity in people in public life, and if that means being honest about caring responsibilities that ultimately creates better public policy."</p> <p>Channel Nine's entertainment reporter Peter Ford also weighed in on the Duchess of Sussex's new project in a tweet, writing that it was "just another way she can talk about herself".</p> <p>The first episode of <em>Archetypes </em>is available now on Spotify, and will feature a new guest each week, with next week's guest being music legend Mariah Carey. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Spotify / The Today Show</em></p>

Reporter stops live broadcast to save drowning child

<p dir="ltr">A Channel 7 reporter has been hailed a hero after rescuing a child during his live broadcast.</p> <p dir="ltr">Paul Burt was in Surfers Paradise in Queensland when a 10-year-old boy behind him got caught in a rip.</p> <p dir="ltr">Burt immediately stopped his reporting and jumped into the water to help the child who was with his family of inexperienced swimmers from Pakistan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There was a 10-year-old boy ... that got dragged out into this fierce gutter, and of course into this rip,” Burt told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-reporter-stops-live-cross-to-save-drowning-boy-in-rough-surf-c-6693814" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> after rescuing the boy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Being of a light weight he managed to stay afloat and come in adjacent to the southern side of the gutter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“About four or five of us jumped in and basically pulled him back to the beach.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He explained that the boy had taken in a “fair bit of water in” and was treated by paramedics on scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">Burt took the opportunity to warn swimmers not to risk their lives because they may not get that lucky.</p> <p dir="ltr">Watch the incredible footage <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-reporter-stops-live-cross-to-save-drowning-boy-in-rough-surf-c-6693814" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

Caring

"RIP my beloved Lionheart": Liz Hurley's tribute to Shane Warne

<p dir="ltr">Shane Warne’s former fiancée Liz Hurley penned an emotional tribute following the news of his shocking death.</p> <p dir="ltr">The legendary cricketer, 52, died of a suspected heart attack on March 4 in a luxury villa on the Thailand holiday island of Koh Samui.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Instagram, Liz shared cherished photos of the pair at the time of their engagement along with a heartfelt message. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“RIP my beloved Lionheart.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Her son Damien also took to social media to pay tribute to Warnie who was a “father figure” to him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m still trying to wrap my head around this… SW was a father figure to me for most of my formative years and was truly one the best men I’ve ever known. My heart is broken. Thinking of and sending love to all SW’s family,” he wrote along a series of family photos. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shane and Liz first met at Goodwood Racecourse in 2010 as their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind romance.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple were engaged a year later when Shane proposed to the English actress on James Packer’s boat off the coast of Spain in 2011. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being “madly in love” the pair did not make it down the aisle and split up in 2013. </p> <p dir="ltr">Hurley was just one of hundreds of high-profile figures to share their love and respect for Warne, who will receive a State Funeral in Victoria.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King,” Victorian Premier Dan Andrews wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Shane Warne didn't just inspire a cricketing generation - he defined it…To us, he was the greatest - but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends - and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Prime Minister Scott Morrison also issued a statement upon hearing the shocking news. </p> <p dir="ltr">"We have lost one of Australia's greatest cricketers. We are bewildered by this sad and sudden loss.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also issued a statement reading: “He was an artist, he was a magician with a ball in his hand, he was an Australian character larger than life in the way he conducted himself, he was a larrikin character there's no doubt about that - it is shocking news he has passed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To all of his children, to his many, many friends who will be mourning him today, I pass on my sincere condolences.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fellow cricketers, who played the field with Warnie also sent out messages of disbelief. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname,” former cricketer now coach Ricky Ponting wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were teammates for more than a decade, riding all the highs and lows together.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Through it all he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The greatest bowler I ever played with or against.</p> <p dir="ltr">“RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Shocked, stunned & miserable…,” former captain of the Indian national team <a href="https://indianexpress.com/about/sachin-tendulkar/">Sachin Tendulkar</a> wrote on Twitter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gone too young!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Retired cricketer Glenn McGrath was “devastated” when he heard the crushing news about his “great mate”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just absolutely devastated today,” he began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He was the ultimate competitor. He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around & bring us to victory, which he did so many times. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment. He was a great mate & a loving father. He loved his kids so much & my thoughts are with Brooke, Jackson & Summer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My thoughts are also with Keith, Bridgette & Jason. Rest In Peace my good mate, there’ll never again be anyone like you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rolling Stone frontman Mick Jagger took to Twitter and wrote: "I'm so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever," he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Carrie Bickmore rips into Scott Morrison

<p>Carrie Bickmore has ripped into Scott Morrison by claiming that he allowed his wife, Jenny, to take 'complete responsibility' for his mistakes during their tell-all TV interview.</p><p>The Project host picked apart the PM's interview with Karl Stefanovic on 60 Minutes that was aired on Sunday night. During the interview, Mrs Morrison said they believed they were making the 'right decision' by taking their children to Hawaii during the horror 2019 bushfires.</p><p>'Did we make the right decision? I thought I was making the right decision for my kids. I obviously was wrong,' she said on the program.<br />Bickmore then accused Mr Morrison of being 'weak' for repeatedly allowing his wife to take the brunt of the tough questions.</p><p>"I don't know if it's part of the edit, but Jenny had to take the complete responsibility for the Hawaii situation,' Bickmore said.</p><p>'She takes responsibility as he sat there. I think the whole thing made him look so weak.'</p><p>Bickmore then said it appeared like it was a 'push' to have her address all of the failures of his tenure.</p><p>'I felt like he sat there and smiled the whole time while his wife, who is not the Prime Minister, had to answer to all the mistakes,' she said.</p><p>'It's a simplistic way to deal with what is perceived as Scott Morrison having a problem with women,' co-host Steve Price added.</p><p>Waleed Aly said the criticism at the time was not of Mrs Morrison's decision to take the trip, but instead the PM.</p><p>'Even if the holiday was her idea, it was still ultimately his idea to go along,' he said.</p><p>Mrs Morrison said she wishes the scandal 'never happened' but repeatedly defended the decision to take the family overseas during a national crisis, as Mr Morrison sat quietly.</p><p>'I obviously was wrong. Yes, we were over there seeing it and we were like... we really need to get home.</p><p>'I wish that had never happened. But I can't change it.'</p><p>The family were forced to cut their trip short with the Prime Minister copping heavy public backlash upon on his return home as the bushfire crisis raged.</p><p>Mrs Morrison pointed out the spotlight on politicians today is relentless, unlike those in her husband's position almost four decades ago.</p><p>'It's 24-7,' she said. 'Can you imagine back in the day when Bob Hawke was Prime Minister and he had a phone and a fax machine.</p><p>'People want you to be seen to be doing something all the time.'</p><p><em>Image: The Project</em></p>

Miss USA winner found dead at just 30

<p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA winner and a correspondent at <em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline">Extra, </em>has died by suicide in New York at the age of 30 years old.</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">Her death was confirmed to <em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline">Variety </em>by <em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline">Extra, </em>who provided a statement from Kryst’s family that said, “In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie.</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">"Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra.</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">“But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on. As we reflect on our loss, the family asks for privacy at this time."</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff"> </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;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/CXbppG3uVuD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="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="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="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="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;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"> </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"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="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"><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/CXbppG3uVuD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Cheslie Kryst, JD, MBA (@chesliekryst)</a></p></div></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff"><em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline">Extra </em>also released a statement that read, "Our hearts are broken. Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends."</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">Kryst was born in 1991 in Michigan, and followed in her mother’s footsteps by entering pageants. Before taking the pageant world by storm, she attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in marketing and human resource management, before attending the Wake Forest University School of Law, where she received her MBA and Juris Doctor in 2017.</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">While training in and practicing law, Kryst entered the Miss North Carolina USA competition three times before winning and representing the state at the national competition in 2019. After being crowned Miss USA that year, she went on to represent the US at Miss Universe, where she finished in the top 10.</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">She started working as a correspondent for <em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline">Extra </em>in October 2019, and received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding entertainment news program for her work.</p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff"><em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline">Image: Paras Griffin/Getty Images</em></p>

News

Charlise Mutten’s mother speaks to police

<p dir="ltr">Charlise’s Mutten’s mother Kallista has spoken to the police, according to<span> </span><em>The Daily Telegraph.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">According to their report, she gave a statement to police on Friday last week, in which she revealed that she initially believed her fiance Justin Laurens Stein’s explanation for why Charlise was not with him on January 13.</p> <p dir="ltr">A police source told the<span> </span><em>Telegraph,<span> </span></em>“He gave a story about where the kid was and she believed him, then later on she got concerned and reports her missing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Mutten called police at 8.20 am on January 14, sparking a search for Charlise before her body was found in a barrel on the banks of the Colo River five days later, 65km from where she was first reported missing.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson, police will allege in court that Mr Stein held phone conversations with Ms Mutten in the lead-up to Charlise’s body being discovered.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said, “[There were] a number of telephone conversations with the girl’s mother, to purchase a number of sandbags, 20kg sandbags from a hardware store, to fuel a boat and then try and float that boat on the water at one of the docks in inner Sydney.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Police will also allege Mr Stein drove to Sydney with Charlise’s body in the back of his boat, believing he had tried to launch it from an inner-Sydney dock.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police allege Charlise was killed by a bullet wound.</p> <p dir="ltr">Detectives say there is “no evidence” Ms Mutten was involved in her daughter’s disappearance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Charlise had been in her grandmother’s custody in Queensland, but was visiting her mother and soon-to-be-stepfather in NSW during the school holidays.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Stein is next due to appear in court on March 18.</p>

News

Meat Loaf’s daughter remembers her dad

<p dir="ltr">Amanda Aday, daughter of musician Meat Loaf, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 74, has spoken to the media for the first time since her father’s death, telling<span> </span><em>People<span> </span></em>he was a “complex man with a lot of passion who wore his heart on his sleeve”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Aday, 41, said that she and her sister Pearl "lived a very dichotomous life" as daughters of the<span> </span><em>Bat Out of Hell<span> </span></em>singer, touring arenas, travelling on tour buses, "and having all of these amazing experiences" as they travelled with their dad around the globe. When the tours were over and they returned home, however, "it was home and he was just dad," she says. "He wasn't Meat Loaf anymore."</p> <p dir="ltr">Aday describes Meat Loaf, whose real name was Michael Lee Aday, as a very involved parent, directing their school plays and coaching their softball teams. She said, "If we didn't get good grades, we were grounded, and all of that stuff. So, it was very much, when we weren't out on tour living this crazy life, it was very important to him that we were grounded in our home."</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZA1AWMMeJC/?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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZA1AWMMeJC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Amanda Aday (@amandaaday)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">He encouraged his kids to think for themselves and avoid following trends. Aday said, "Growing up, when we were little, he always said he never wanted to be hip. Pearl and I would want a new pair of shoes or something, whatever was in trend, fashion-wise or whatever, and he'd always say, 'Don't be trendy. Don't be hip. Be cool, because cool is always.' And that was him."</p> <p dir="ltr">Aday revealed that Christmas was his favourite time of year, sharing that, "He would stay up all night making train sets around the Christmas tree." She also shared an anecdote from her sixth Christmas, when Meat Loaf bought her every Playmobil toy imaginable. "He stayed up literally all night and erected an entire Playmobil city and circus underneath the Christmas tree, because that's what he did. He was dad,” she told<span> </span><em>People.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">She also revealed that both she and her sister rushed to Nashville to be by their father’s side after receiving a call informing them that his health "was declining very rapidly, more rapidly than expected."</p> <p dir="ltr">"As soon as we could, we just went to his bedside at the hospital and just sat with him and held his hand," she said, adding that she was “very thankful” they had a chance to see him before he died.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc</em></p>

Caring

French film star dead at just 37

<p dir="ltr">Perhaps best known to English-speaking audiences for playing Hannibal Lecter in<span> </span><em>Hannibal Rising,<span> </span></em>Ulliel was set to star as Midnight Man in Marvel’s upcoming<span> </span><em>Moon Knight<span> </span></em>series alongside Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke.</p> <p dir="ltr">At home in France, he starred in numerous highly-acclaimed films, including<span> </span><em>Saint Laurent<span> </span></em>as Yves Saint Laurent<em>, It’s Only The End of The World,</em><span> </span>for which he won a César for Best Actor, and<span> </span><em>A Very Long Engagement.<span> </span></em>French Prime Minister Jean Castex tweeted on Wednesday, "Gaspard Ulliel grew up with cinema and cinema grew up with him. They loved each other madly. It's with a heavy heart that we will rewatch his most beautiful performances and catch his unique gaze. We have lost a French actor."</p> <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fx7Krla_UxRg%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dx7Krla_UxRg&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fx7Krla_UxRg%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="450" height="253" scrolling="no" title="YouTube embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr">Ulliel died on Wednesday in a hospital in Grenoble, a city in southeastern France, following a skiing accident on Tuesday. He was skiing in the Savoie region when he collided with another skier and suffered serious brain trauma. Local authorities have opened an investigation into the accident.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Hannibal Rising<span> </span></em>director Peter Webber<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/PeterWebber/status/1483836257637736452" target="_blank">tweeted</a><span> </span>about Ulliel, writing, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Gaspard Ulliel at such a young age in a skiing accident. I have such fond memories of working with him all those years ago on Hannibal Rising. Rest in peace, dear friend.”<span> </span><em>It’s Only The End of The World<span> </span></em>director Xavier Dolan also posted about the actor, writing on Instagram, “It’s unbelievable, absurd, and so painful to even think of writing these words. Your discreet laugher, your caring gaze. Your scar. Your talent. Your listening skill. Your whispers, your kindness. All these personality traits that emanated from a shining softness. Your whole being transformed my life, a being that loved deeply and that I will always love. I can’t say anything more. I feel drained, shaken by your (death).”</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CY6xzYyrk45/?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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CY6xzYyrk45/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Xavier Dolan (@xavierdolan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">French Culture Minister Rosalyne Bachelot described Ulliel as “an exceptional actor” in a tweet, adding, "Today the world of cinema lost a huge talent. send my condolences to his family and my loving thoughts to all those who grieve for him today."</p> <p dir="ltr">Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, said of Ulliel, "Gaspard belonged to this new generation of actors who were making tomorrow's French cinema. He knew how to select his roles and shaped his career which filled every promise.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Each appearance on the red carpet, from La Princesse de Montpensier to It's Only The End of the World illustrated his presence, both discreet and full of kindness. He was equally brilliant and talented. He gave a lot and we'll always remember him."</p> <p dir="ltr">Ulliel is survived by his 6-year-old son Orso and girlfriend Gaelle Petri.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Foc Kan/FilmMagic</em></p>

Movies

Manhunt after tragic death from random stabbing attack

<p dir="ltr">A 24-year-old was killed in what police describe as a random stabbing attack while working at a high-end furniture store last Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brianna Kupfer, a UCLA student, was working at Croft House in Los Angeles when she was stabbed by who police believe to be a homeless man. The suspect stabbed her before fleeing through the back door and down an alley.</p> <p dir="ltr">A customer found Brianna 20 minutes later, and she was pronounced dead on the scene soon after.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police said of the incident, “Detectives have determined the suspect was not known to the victim and [it] was a random walk into the store. The suspect attacked the victim with a knife and fled the scene through the back door.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Jennifer Botelho, who owns a chiropractic practice next door, told CBS LA the attack was “horrifying”, saying, “It’s horrible. She’s such a young girl. … We feel so horrible for Brianna’s family, and hope we can catch this guy.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She added that the suspect visited her business shortly before the attack. “He came in and asked a couple of questions: ‘Do you do orthopaedics here?’ What kind of care we provide, and then he left. So he was just here for a few minutes,” Dr Botelho said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Kupfer’s father told CBS she was “loved by all”. She had been studying architectural design at UCLA and was working at Croft House as a consultant.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are still searching for the suspect.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

News

Neighbours actor dead at just 34 years of age

<p dir="ltr">Former<span> </span><em>Neighbours<span> </span></em>actor Miranda Fryer has passed away at the age of 34. The former child actor, who played Sky Mangel as a child, died in her sleep on January 6.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement made to<span> </span><em>TV Tonight,<span> </span></em>Ms Fryer’s family said, “True soulmates, Miranda and Arthur were making plans to start their family, when one day last week she went to sleep and never woke up. We do not know why.” Arthur refers to her husband, Arthur Pothitis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She had had some health issues with her heart, maybe her beautiful persona was just too good for this world of ours. We, who all loved her so much, shall treasure the memories she has left us with and mourn our loss forever.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A beautiful child, stunning teenager, beautiful inside, and out … a woman, with so much love and happiness given and received. So many friends, so much still to offer this world, gone.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Fryer was the first child actor contracted to appear on the show and first played Sky Mangel, the daughter of Joe Mangel, played by Mark Little, and Kerry Bishop, played by Linda Hartley-Clark, in 1989. Her mother Traci Hunter told the<span> </span><em>Herald Sun<span> </span></em>that she was initially only supposed to be on the show for six weeks, but the storyline was extended and she was contracted for three years. Ms Hunter said, “She had so much fun on the show but when she was going to start school I really felt that it was not a good idea for her to continue as she deserved to have a childhood.” Ms Fryer was just 18 months old when she joined the<span> </span><em>Neighbours<span> </span></em>cast. The character was later reintroduced as a teenager in 2003, played by Stephanie McIntosh.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Fryer had recently finished her nursing degree and was due to start a postgraduate position at Monash Hospital’s neuroscience department. Ms Hunter said she was the “most wonderful daughter”, adding, “She had so much love and passion for life. She was a truly kind loving person, almost too good to be true – obviously she was too good to be true as she has been taken from us so early.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Channel Ten</em></p>

News

AFL player found dead at just 25

<p dir="ltr">Former AFL player Harley Balic has been found dead just days after turning 25. The midfielder played four senior games for the Fremantle Dockers before joining the Melbourne Demons in 2018 and announcing his retirement that same season.</p> <p dir="ltr">Victoria Police said emergency services were called to a hotel on Nepean Highway around midday on Sunday, where Balic was found. His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.</p> <p dir="ltr">Balic had been candid about mental health problems he had experienced in the past, and said that he lost his passion for the game after announcing his retirement. At the time, he said, “It was an easy decision in the end, as I’ve thought about it for a little while now.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s something I’m not going to regret and I’m very appreciative to Melbourne for letting me come to the club for a second chance. I’ve always loved football, but my heart’s not in it and everything ends up being a grind and I think it’s just the right thing to do.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The [club’s] VFL and AFL [teams] are both going to be successful this year and it’s something I’d love to be a part of, if I loved it, but unfortunately I don’t and it’s time to go out into the real world and see what else is out there for me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Balic is the third former Docker to pass away in the past four years, following the deaths of Colin Sylvia and Shane Yarran in 2018. Former footballer Harley Bennell posted a photo on Instagram with Balic and Yarran accompanied by the caption, “Rest easy my 2 brothers”. Bennell and Balic both joined Fremantle before the 2017 season.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYijTPrPCsm/?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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYijTPrPCsm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Harley Bennell (@hedwardb)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Bennell also posted a photo with Balic to his Instagram stories with the caption, “RIP my little HB. I’ll always love you little brother”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images</em></p>

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Unvaccinated couple die of COVID within seconds of each other

<p dir="ltr">An unvaccinated American couple died of complications from COVID-19 “within seconds” of each other. William and Carol Stewart, of New Hampshire, died in hospital on December 30 while holding hands. They had not been vaccinated against the virus.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mrs Stewart, who was 69, had been on life support for two weeks, while Mr Stewart, 73, had suffered from lung and renal failures.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s daughter, Melissa Noke, said that her parents were the “true definition of soulmates” and had known each other since they were children, telling local TV station WMUR, “They’ve known each other since they were four, been together 45 years, married 44 years.”</p> <p dir="ltr">On the day they died, hospital staff wheeled the couple into the same room so they could be together. Nike said, “Placed both beds side-by-side, placing my mother’s hand into my father’s hand.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As soon as they touched hands, my father took his last breath, and then my mother 10 seconds later.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Noke said that she hoped sharing her parents’ story would encourage others to get vaccinated. At the time of writing, only 62.3% of the US population was fully vaccinated, with that figure increasing to 67.4% for New Hampshire.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s nephew Tim Stewart has started a GoFundMe to help cover medical and living expenses. On the fundraising page, he explained, “Carol and Bill do not have life insurance and I am hoping to help my family by alleviating them with some the financial stress and so they can focus healing through this difficult time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Updating the page with news of their passing, Stewart wrote, “It is with the heaviest of hearts to share that last night at 9:12 pm Bill and Carol peacefully passed away hand in hand with their loved ones bedside. They fought a long and hard battle with covid, both intubated and on life support. I truly believe that the power of prayers and all the kind words that have been shared over the past few weeks is what kept them fighting.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home</em></p>

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