Search

Brrrrr! Australia's coldest town revealed

<p>Australia is in the grip of an icy blast as temperatures plummet across large parts of the country, with the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year – just around the corner.</p> <p>On Friday morning, widespread frost coated much of New South Wales, Victoria and even parts of Queensland. A combination of cold air and clear skies pushed temperatures below zero, with some areas recording their coldest morning in two years.</p> <p>“This is definitely the lowest temperatures that we’ve seen this year [for some],” Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-20/australias-coldest-towns-as-winter-weather-brings-frost/105433446" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told ABC News</a>. “But that makes sense as we’ve moved into the beginning of winter, and typically that sort of June, July period is the coldest for most parts of Australia.”</p> <p>But which town can truly claim the crown as Australia’s coldest? The very question was put to the BOM’s climate team, and the stats reveal two chilly champions – depending on how you measure it.</p> <p><strong>Cooma: Coldest Nights</strong></p> <p>When it comes to overnight minimum temperatures, Cooma in southern New South Wales takes top honours. Nestled at 800 metres elevation in the Snowy Mountains region, Cooma averages a frosty -2.6°C on July nights, with the airport recording a similar -2°C. This week, Cooma lived up to its reputation, shivering through -7°C on Thursday and a bone-chilling -8.5°C on Friday morning.</p> <p>“Anything elevated is going to be cooler because the temperature does decrease with height,” Ms Bradbury explained. “So Cooma, because it’s got that little bit of elevation, generally sees a cooler climate than some of those lower-lying areas.”</p> <p>Honourable mention goes to Walcha in the Northern Tablelands, where July nights average a brisk -2.2°C.</p> <p><strong>Oberon: Coldest Days</strong></p> <p>If daytime chill is the measure, Oberon in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales takes the title. Even in the middle of the day, July temperatures in Oberon barely reach between 8.1°C and 8.8°C on average. Throw in a bit of wind chill, and it feels colder still.</p> <p>“When it’s windier, it feels colder,” Ms Bradbury said. “When it’s more humid or the dew point temperature is higher, it tends to feel warmer.”</p> <p>In fact, both Oberon and Cooma are tied for coldest town when you look at average temperatures overall – no tie-breaker needed to know it’s freezing in both.</p> <p><strong>Record low for Australia... and beyond</strong></p> <p>While Cooma and Oberon claim the coldest town titles, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Australia was far more extreme. Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains hit -23°C on June 29, 1994. On a global scale, Vostok Station in Antarctica holds the record low, plunging to a staggering -89.4°C on July 21, 1983.</p> <p>With the winter solstice upon us, Australians can expect a few more weeks of frosty mornings and icy days – and perhaps a few more records to fall before spring begins to thaw the chill.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation appeal over war crimes findings

<p>Decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has lost a high-profile legal appeal seeking to overturn findings that he likely engaged in war crimes during his service in Afghanistan.</p> <p>The Federal Court dismissed the former soldier’s defamation appeal on Friday, marking a major defeat for Australia's most decorated living soldier and potentially concluding a years-long legal battle that has captivated the nation. Roberts-Smith, who was not present in court, now faces a substantial legal bill estimated to exceed $25 million.</p> <p>Lawyers for Nine newspapers, who published the original reports in 2018, were seen embracing outside the courthouse, visibly jubilant over the outcome. "The smile says it all," one lawyer told reporters. In contrast, Roberts-Smith’s legal team declined to comment as they left the building.</p> <p>Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, sued Nine and investigative journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters over a series of reports alleging he was involved in the unlawful killing of unarmed civilians while deployed with the SAS in Afghanistan. In 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko ruled the allegations were substantially true, including claims that Roberts-Smith was involved in the murder of four unarmed Afghan men.</p> <p>Among the most damning accusations were that Roberts-Smith executed a man with a prosthetic leg and encouraged fellow soldiers to use the leg as a drinking vessel. He was also accused of ordering the killing of an elderly prisoner in 2009 to initiate a junior soldier, and of kicking a bound prisoner off a cliff before having him executed in 2012. Another killing was linked to a weapons cache found in the village of Cinartu.</p> <p>These claims were upheld by Justice Besanko on the balance of probabilities, a standard used in civil cases. Friday's ruling confirmed the original judgment, with the full court dismissing the appeal. The court’s written reasons are expected to be released in the coming days.</p> <p>Nine successfully argued that its reporting was grounded in solid evidence and that Justice Besanko’s findings were appropriately supported.</p> <p>Roberts-Smith, once hailed as a national hero for his bravery under fire and named Australian Father of the Year, now faces the prospect of paying Nine’s legal costs for both the original trial and the failed appeal. His legal team may consider taking the matter to the High Court, but such a move would be his final legal recourse in a saga that has spanned more than seven years.</p> <p>Despite the serious nature of the findings, Roberts-Smith has not been criminally charged in relation to any of the alleged incidents.</p> <p><em>Image: Today show</em></p>

Legal

AFL legend passes away after cancer battle

<p>The Australian football community is in mourning following the death of one of its most revered figures, Robert Walls, who passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at the age of 74.</p> <p>Walls died at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by his children Rebecca, Daniel and David, and partner Julie, after choosing to end his life through voluntary assisted dying. His decision followed a two-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare form of cancer he was diagnosed with in 2023.</p> <p>A towering presence in the game both on and off the field, Walls was a Carlton legend, Australian Football Hall of Famer, and beloved figure whose impact stretched across generations of players, fans and fellow commentators.</p> <p>Having endured over 250 nights in hospital during his fight, Walls made the difficult decision to forgo further rounds of chemotherapy in favour of spending his final weeks with loved ones. His family confirmed he spent his last days in peace, tidying up affairs and reconnecting with those closest to him.</p> <p>“Having battled cancer for more than two years, Robert did it his way,” read a statement from the AFL on behalf of the Walls family. “His massive contribution to football at Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond will be celebrated at the MCG in coming weeks.”</p> <p>Walls’ experience with illness was shaped not only by his own diagnosis but by the heartbreak of losing his wife, Erin, to lung cancer just months after she had gone into remission. The grief and perspective from that loss influenced how he chose to approach his own battle.</p> <p>“(The diagnosis) was a shock. I guess I thought ‘my turn’,” Walls said in an interview with 7NEWS last year.</p> <p>Robert Walls’ football journey began as a 16-year-old prodigy debuting for Carlton in 1967. Over the next two decades, he would play more than 200 games and win three premierships with the Blues during a golden era. He later coached the club to premiership glory in 1987 – one of his most cherished achievements.</p> <p>Walls also took the reins at Fitzroy, the Brisbane Bears, and Richmond, earning respect for his ability to rebuild struggling sides and mentor young players. At Brisbane, his groundwork helped lay the foundation for the Lions' historic premiership three-peat from 2001 to 2003. Among those he coached were future champions Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and current AFL coaches Chris Scott and Craig McRae.</p> <p>After retiring from coaching, Walls remained a steadfast presence in the game through a distinguished media career. A former schoolteacher, he brought insight and sharp analysis to Channel 7’s Talking Footy and penned a widely read column for <em>The Age</em>.</p> <p>In 2011, he was elevated to Legend status at Carlton – an honour that spoke volumes about his legacy at the club. He was also recognised by the Brisbane Lions for his contributions to both Fitzroy and the Bears.</p> <p>Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Walls remained devoted to the game. In 2019, he volunteered as a mentor to Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and his staff, offering guidance and support behind the scenes.</p> <p>Walls’ passing comes just days after the football world farewelled another Carlton favourite, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/carlton-mourns-the-loss-of-one-of-the-greats-of-the-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peter Bosustow, who died aged 67 following his own cancer battle</a>.</p> <p>As the AFL community reflects on the life of Robert Walls, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life was inseparable from the game he loved.</p> <p>He is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren. A public celebration of his life and football legacy will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming weeks.</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

Caring

Oscar-winning filmmaker passes away at 92

<p>Hollywood has lost one of its most beloved and quietly brilliant storytellers. Robert Benton, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind <em>Kramer vs. Kramer</em> and <em>Places in the Heart</em>, has died at the age of 92. His longtime assistant, Marisa Forzano, confirmed the news to the<em> New York Times</em>, marking the end of an era in American cinema.</p> <p>Benton's career was never about loud proclamations or showy success. Instead, it was built on deeply human stories, told with warmth, honesty, and quiet grace. His path to filmmaking was anything but traditional. Fired from his job as an art director at <em>Esquire</em> magazine in the early 1960s, Benton – who struggled with dyslexia – decided to try his hand at screenwriting.</p> <p>“I decided to write a screenplay,” he once said in an interview. “I am dyslexic. I cannot spell or punctuate. I knew a young editor at <em>Esquire</em>, a wonderful writer, David Newman. I sold him on the glamorous life of the Hollywood screenwriter.”</p> <p>That leap of faith became a defining moment – not just for Benton, but for cinema. With Newman, he co-wrote <em>Bonnie and Clyde</em> (1967), a film that changed the landscape of American filmmaking. The biographical crime drama, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, was a bold, stylish and violent film for its time, earning the pair an Academy Award nomination and raking in $70 million from a modest $2.5 million budget.</p> <p>The duo would collaborate again on <em>What’s Up, Doc?</em> (1972), a screwball comedy that became the third-highest-grossing film of its year, proving Benton's versatility and deep love for the history of cinema.</p> <p>By 1977, Benton stepped into the spotlight with <em>The Late Show</em>, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. A year later, he co-wrote <em>Superman</em> with Newman – yet another blockbuster hit. But it was in 1979 that Benton delivered what many consider his masterpiece: <em>Kramer vs. Kramer</em>. The emotional legal drama about a custody battle, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, winning Benton two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.</p> <p>In 1984, he returned to the Oscars stage once more for <em>Places in the Heart</em>, a quietly powerful story that earned him his third Academy Award, this time for Best Original Screenplay.</p> <p>Though he never sought fame, Benton left his mark on generations of filmmakers and viewers. He had a gift for coaxing raw, honest performances from actors – from Hoffman and Streep to Nicole Kidman in<em> Billy Bathgate</em> (1991), and Anthony Hopkins in <em>The Human Stain</em> (2003). His last film, <em>Feast of Love</em> (2007), starred Morgan Freeman and Selma Blair, capping off a career that was always deeply human, emotionally rich, and never anything less than sincere.</p> <p>In his final years, Benton was quietly working on his memoir. It will remain unfinished – a bittersweet reminder of a storyteller who still had more to say. He is survived by his son, John.</p> <p><em>Image: United Films / IMDB</em></p>

Caring

Habemus Papam! – We have a pope!

<p>In a moment charged with history and hope, the Catholic Church has elected its first American pontiff: Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV.</p> <p>The 69-year-old, who has spent much of his career in Peru, made his first appearance as pope from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at 7:24pm local time, just over an hour after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, sending the world a long-awaited message: <em>Habemus Papam!</em> (We have a pope!)</p> <p>Cheers erupted from the tens of thousands gathered in the square, with flags waving, church bells ringing and emotion rippling through the international crowd as the new pontiff smiled, waved and offered a heartfelt greeting. His first words: <em>“La pace sia con tutti voi.”</em> (“Peace be with you.)”</p> <p>Delivering his inaugural speech in Italian and Spanish, Pope Leo XIV struck a tone of unity, humility, and dialogue. “We must build bridges,” he declared, echoing the spirit of his predecessor. “Build bridges with dialogue, coming together, uniting, becoming one single people – one single people in peace.”</p> <p>The election of an American pope is a stunning departure from centuries of Vatican tradition, with many believing the idea had long been off the table due to the global influence of the United States. But Leo XIV’s unique path – from Chicago to Chiclayo – positioned him as a bridge-builder between North and South, tradition and change.</p> <p>His deep ties to Latin America, including years as a missionary and later as Archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru, along with his recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, gave him a global pastoral perspective. He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.</p> <p>Leo’s election comes after a dramatic and closely watched conclave. On Thursday afternoon, the 133 cardinal-electors gathered for a fourth round of voting. Just after 6pm, the unmistakable white smoke billowed into the Roman sky – the signal that consensus had been reached.</p> <p>By the time the Swiss Guard and military band took their positions, the anticipation in the square was electric. Crowds, including school groups, pilgrims and reporters from around the world, packed the piazza. And when the ancient formula <em>“Habemus Papam!”</em> was pronounced from the loggia, followed by Leo XIV’s public appearance, the square exploded with joy.</p> <p>Leo’s election drew swift global attention. Even US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to extend congratulations, writing: “It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country.”</p> <p>While the conclave was notably longer due to the large number of electors – 108 of whom were appointed by Pope Francis – it reflected the wide diversity of today’s global church. Cardinals came from places like Mongolia, Tonga and Sweden, a testament to Francis' efforts to make the Church more inclusive.</p> <p>Back in St Peter’s Square, the celebration continues, with some faithful expressing hope that Pope Leo XIV will carry forward Francis’ work of outreach and reform – and perhaps take it even further. As one young Argentine pilgrim, Pedro Deget, put it: “Francis opened the Church to the outside world. Let’s see what Leo can do now.”</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

News

Robert Irwin announces new Hollywood career move

<p>The ballroom just got a little more... reptilian.</p> <p>Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old Aussie wildlife warrior and part-time crocodile whisperer, has officially signed on for the upcoming season of <em>Dancing With The Stars US</em>. And how did he announce it? By strutting shirtless onto a stage in Los Angeles with a snake around his neck like it was just another Tuesday.</p> <p>The announcement came during Hulu’s <em>Get Real</em> event, where Robert delivered an enthusiastic (and slightly slippery) surprise to the crowd. Cheers erupted, though it’s unclear if they were for Robert, the snake, or the possibility of a <em>paso doble</em> performed in khaki.</p> <p>Robert, who grew up watching his sister Bindi Irwin twirl and samba her way to victory on Season 21 of the show, shared his excitement, saying: “I had these little dreams, going, ‘One day’ and now that dream is a reality and I am over the moon.”</p> <p>Which, we can assume, is also how the snake felt about its brief moment of fame.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram, Robert confirmed the dream was, in fact, no hallucination caused by excessive exposure to eucalyptus.</p> <p>"It's official, I'm heading to Hollywood for Dancing With The Stars Season 34," he wrote. "This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid watching my sister's incredible journey on the show. I cannot believe it is about to become a reality. So grateful."</p> <p>Naturally, fans flooded the comments with well-wishes, excitement and at least one person probably asking, “Is the snake going to dance too?”</p> <p>Even the official DWTS account chimed in with a warm “Welcome to the DWTS fam”. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxrOK-h6H8/?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/DIxrOK-h6H8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>But the pressure is real. Bindi Irwin won her season at just 17 years old, leaving Robert with some big dancing shoes to fill – and possibly a pair of backup snakes. Her most iconic moment? A moving contemporary tribute to their late father, Steve Irwin, that had the judges, the audience and half the internet sobbing into their glitter.</p> <p>Bindi said at the time: "What shaped me the most would probably be when my dad passed away. It's been nine years and I've never really dwelled on that point. I think I'm ready to tell that story."</p> <p>So, the bar is high. Emotionally and choreographically.</p> <p>While Robert’s signature style has been more khaki-and-cobra than sequins-and-salsa, we eagerly await his transformation into a glittery, rhinestone-studded dance machine. Will he bring more snakes? Will he attempt a tango with a tarantula? Will he rip his shirt off mid-routine like it’s Magic Mike: Down Under?</p> <p>Stay tuned. Season 34 is shaping up to be wild – literally.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Robert Irwin trades khakis for undies in bold new shoot

<p>Move over, crocodiles – there’s a new reptilian threat to Australian wildlife, and yes . . . you guessed it: it’s Robert Irwin’s python. </p> <p>The 21-year-old wildlife warrior and noted khaki enthusiast has undergone a full-scale metamorphosis, trading in his signature cargo shorts for something a little more… breathable. That’s right, Robert Irwin is now an underwear model</p> <p>The <em>I’m A Celeb</em> co-host has been unveiled as the latest face (and torso) of Bonds Underwear, joining Australian rapper Tkay Maidza in a new campaign aimed at expanding the brand’s reach in the US. And reach it certainly has – thanks to a campaign that features Irwin draped in snakes, a strategically placed spider... and very little else.</p> <p>Since going live at midnight on the Bonds Instagram account, the photos have sent the internet into a tailspin. Some fans were quick to declare the campaign “iconic” and “hot”, while others are grappling with the existential crisis of finding Steve Irwin’s son attractive. “I feel dirty,” one commenter admitted, presumably before closing their laptop in shame.</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/DH_D93lsD3j/?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/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BONDS (@bondsaus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Morning show hosts, meanwhile, are struggling to keep it together. <em>Today</em> host Sarah Abo, upon seeing the revealing images, was left flustered on-air, musing about Irwin’s “python”. “It is quite long, isn’t it?” she remarked, before realising what she had just said and attempting to backpedal – unsuccessfully.</p> <p>In a strategic move to maximise thirst levels, Bonds has launched the campaign in the US alongside a <em>People</em> magazine interview, in which Irwin confirmed that, yes, he is single. “I’m single. It’s funny, I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align,” he told the outlet, prompting an immediate rush of applications from hopeful admirers worldwide.</p> <p>And while this is far from Irwin’s first foray into the world of high-fashion photoshoots – he’s previously graced the pages of <em>GQ</em> and <em>Stellar – </em>this marks the first time we’ve seen quite so… much of him.</p> <p>One thing’s for certain: Steve Irwin wrestled crocodiles, but Robert Irwin is wrestling with the internet’s thirst.</p> <p>Crikey, indeed.</p> <p><em>Images: Bonds, Instagram</em></p>

Body

Prince Robert of Luxembourg announces youngest son's death

<p>Prince Robert of Luxembourg has announced the heartbreaking loss of his youngest son, Frederik, at the age of 22. </p> <p>Frederik is Prince Robert's youngest son with wife Princess Julie of Nassau.</p> <p>According to a statement shared on the <a href="https://polgfoundation.org/frederik/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POLG Foundation's</a> website, Frederik died on March 1 in Paris, France, from POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure.</p> <p>"It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik," the statement, written by Robert began. </p> <p>Frederik, was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, on March 18, 2002, with POLG Mitochondrial disease, but was only diagnosed at the age of 14. </p> <p>He and his father later co-founded the POLG Foundation, with Frederik serving as Creative Director while Robert served as Chair.</p> <p>"Last Friday, February 28th, on 'Rare Disease Day', our beloved son called us in to his room to speak to him for one last time," the statement continued.</p> <p>"Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn." </p> <p>That included his brother, 27-year-old Prince Alexandre, his sister, 29-year-old Princess Charlotte and her 27-year-old husband, Mansour Shakarchi.</p> <p>Frederik also said his final goodbyes to his father's sister, Princess Charlotte, her husband Marc Victor Cunningham, and their three children: Charly, Louis, and Donall.</p> <p>"He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years," Robert continued. </p> <p>"After gifting each of us with our farewells – some kind, some wise, some instructive – in true Frederik fashion, he left us collectively with a final long-standing family joke.</p> <p>"Even in his last moments, his humour, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh….to cheer us all up." </p> <p>Prior to his other goodbye messages, Robert said, Frederik asked him: "Papa, are you proud of me?"</p> <p>"He had barely been able to speak for several days, so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound," Robert wrote.</p> <p>"The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times, but at this time, he needed reassurance that he had contributed all that he possibly could in his short and beautiful existence and that he could now finally move on."</p> <p>"Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends," Robert continued, noting how his son "was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination."</p> <p>"When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him," he continued. </p> <p>"He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humour, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds. He was disciplined and organised beyond belief. " </p> <p>"Frederik is particularly headstrong (at times, I might have used the word stubborn). This serves him well. I cite him as being here in the present because I know that, though physically absent, he is still here, inspiring us and pushing us forward. His mission is not complete, and we all have much work left to do." </p> <p>Robert then thanked their family for their "messages of support and love", before asking those reading the tribute to volunteer with or donate to the POLG Foundation in Frederik's memory. </p> <p>"With our Superhero's help we hope to turn our deep grief into positive results and therewith follow his unwavering example," he wrote.</p> <p>"His ultimate message is one of hope, compassion, and resilience! We are all so very proud of you, Frederik. I am so very proud of you! We love you!"</p> <p><em>Images: The POLG Foundation</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Picturesque Aussie town named best of the year in 2025

<p>A picturesque coastal town in New South Wales has been named the best Aussie town in 2025. </p> <p>In a break from the usual voting criteria, a collection of bays and beaches sitting just 2.5 hours drive up the coast from Sydney and just past Newcastle in NSW, the winning town is ever-growing in popularity. </p> <p>The areas of Salamander Bay, Corlette and Nelson Bay have banded together to see the region of Port Stephens crowned as the best in the country.</p> <p>Port Stephens has been praised for its must-see beaches, stunning sand dunes, sea life and national parks, with the region’s growing accommodation, adventure and food options.</p> <p>Popular travel app Wotif has announced the winners of its 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards, with new research revealing that 78 per cent of Aussies plan to travel domestically this year.</p> <p>Speaking to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/best-of-travel/best-town-of-the-year-in-2025-revealed/news-story/b0f918d0bdb2b0577cf30382cab5d6d9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>, Wotif’s Travel Expert Rebecca Hurley said the winning town is “the perfect place to switch off” thanks to the region’s “laid-back luxury” and “endless beaches”.</p> <p>“This year’s awards prove Aussies are being drawn to iconic coastal destinations right across the country, and Port Stephens stands out as this year’s number one,” Ms Hurley explained.</p> <p>“The region’s popularity has risen significantly in the last twelve months, with accommodation interest jumping up over 75 per cent."</p> <p>“It’s the perfect destination to just switch off and relax. It’s laid-back luxury, meets nature haven thanks to the endless beaches, parks, wildlife and sand dunes. Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, or an adventure packed getaway, Port Stephens has something for everyone.”</p> <p>Ms Hurley said coming in second this year was Cairns in Queensland, while Mandurah in Western Australia ranked third.</p> <p>Check out the top 10 list of best Aussie towns for 2025 below. </p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Port Stephens, NSW <br />2. Cairns, QLD <br />3. Mandurah, WA <br />4. Denmark, WA <br />5. Beechworth, VIC <br />6. Port Campbell, VIC <br />7. Murray Bridge, SA <br />8. Kingscliff, NSW <br />9. Yamba, NSW <br />10. Mackay, QLD </p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Image credits: Shutterstock </p>

Domestic Travel

From the Big Bogan to Larry the Lobster, why do towns build Big Things?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-clarke-248726">Amy Clarke</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a></em></p> <p>Big Things first appeared in Australia in the 1960s, beginning with the <a href="https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/things/big-scotsman/">Big Scotsman</a> (1962) in Medindie, South Australia, the <a href="https://bigbanana.com">Big Banana</a> (1964) in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, and the <a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/the-murray/tocumwal/attractions/big-murray-cod">Big Murray Cod</a> (1968) in Tocumwal, NSW.</p> <p>These structures were inspired by earlier North American examples, such as <a href="https://lucytheelephant.org">Lucy the Elephant</a> (1882) in New Jersey, and several <a href="https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/historic-places/randys-donuts/">big doughnuts in California</a>.</p> <p>While they differed in subject matter, all aimed to attract the attention of passing motorists: in the 1950s–1960s, private car ownership had soared and highway construction spread.</p> <p>Towns and regions across Australia, <a href="https://ourwayoflife.co.nz/11-iconic-big-thing-statues-around-new-zealand/">New Zealand</a> and North America used oversized landmarks to get travellers to stop, take a photo and hopefully spend money at local businesses.</p> <p>As awareness of these giant landmarks grew, so did the desire of other communities to have their own.</p> <p>Within a few decades, Australia’s Big Things had become a beloved fixture of road trips and summer holidays.</p> <h2>A big cultural impact</h2> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14443058.2022.2144928">My research</a> shows the number of Big Things being constructed in Australia hit an initial peak in the 1980s before experiencing a temporary decline.</p> <p>By the 2000s, however, towns as far afield as Tully in Queensland (<a href="https://www.australiantraveller.com/qld/big-gumboot/">Big Golden Gumboot</a>), Cressy in Tasmania (<a href="https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/cressy-tas">Big Trout</a>), and Exmouth in Western Australia (<a href="https://www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/news/exmouths-iconic-and-much-loved-crustacean-is-back/358">Big Prawn</a>) were reviving the tradition.</p> <p>Soon, Big Things became firmly entrenched in Australian popular culture: featuring on limited edition <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/redheads-pay-homage-to-icons/news-story/219026f222830073f4db107759e1145c">Redheads matchboxes</a> (2010), and on sets of <a href="https://australiapostcollectables.com.au/stamp-issues/aussie-big-things">Australia Post stamps </a>(2007 and 2023).</p> <p>But some of the older structures experienced declining popularity: the Big Wool Bales in Hamilton, Victoria (closed 2020), Victoria’s Giant Gippsland Earth Worm in Bass (closed 2020) and the Big Cask Wine in Mourquong, NSW (closed 2012), survive only in holiday photos and people’s memories.</p> <p>Icons like Larry the Lobster (Kingston, SA), the Big Prawn (Ballina, NSW), and the Big Pineapple (Nambour, Queensland) have battled <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/30/world/australia/larry-lobster-big-things-sale.html">changes in ownership</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-09-24/council-votes-to-sink-big-prawn/1441452">threat of demolition</a>, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/24/big-pineapple-reopen-queensland-woombye-history">closure</a>.</p> <p>Despite these challenges, and debates over heritage conservation, construction of these giant landmarks has not slowed.</p> <p><a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/cobar-area/nyngan/attractions/big-bogan">The Big Bogan</a> was erected in 2015 in Nyngan, NSW, by community members who were eager to encourage visitors to the area.</p> <p>A local progress association in the small town of Thallon in Queensland unveiled William the <a href="https://www.stgeorgeregion.com.au/listing/william-the-wombat/">Big Wombat</a> in 2018, also with the aim to bring attention to the area.</p> <p>Similar hopes were held for the <a href="https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-5f72991d4390bc7c02ab8547-the-big-melon">Big Watermelon</a> erected in 2018 (Chinchilla, Queensland), and the Big Tractor (Carnamah, WA) <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-05/midwest-wa-town-carnamah-unveils-worlds-biggest-tractor/104388496">which opened this year</a>.</p> <p>Through my research, I spoke with many people involved with projects such as these, and they said they’d selected objects that were iconic to their area.</p> <p>This could be a product they specialise in, a local native animal, or, in the case of the Big Bogan, a joke based on the name of nearby Bogan River.</p> <p>Most builders openly acknowledge their primary motivation is to promote the region, attract tourist dollars and investment, and revive towns that have seen better days.</p> <p>But do Big Things actually achieve these goals? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer.</p> <h2>An economic return?</h2> <p>Local economies are complex, as are the reasons people choose to visit. Many Big Things are constructed on the sides of highways that connect Australia’s numerous regional towns.</p> <p>People who stop for photos may not set out with the goal of visiting that Big Thing – it may simply be convenient to take a break there while on the way somewhere else.</p> <p>And if people do stop, it doesn’t guarantee they will spend more than the cost of filling up their car with petrol, if that.</p> <p>Over the years, tourism researchers have developed <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1447677021000322">several different models </a>for calculating the impact of rural and regional tourism on local economies.</p> <p>However, none of these approaches has proven to be universally effective. Most scholars agree tourists aren’t likely to travel long distances <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21568316.2019.1673811">for any one reason</a>.</p> <p>They will consider a range of factors including food and accommodation, and the closeness of numerous attractions. In other words: building a Big Thing won’t guarantee a sustained increase in tourism to the area on its own.</p> <p>Communities should factor this in when considering erection of a Big Thing, especially given the cost of construction.</p> <p>The Big Mango in Bowen <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-big-mango">reportedly cost $A90,000</a> when it was built in 2002, while the organisers of the Big Tractor in Carnamah <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-05/midwest-wa-town-carnamah-unveils-worlds-biggest-tractor/104388496">raised more than $600,000</a> to cover its price tag.</p> <p>The spread of social media and easy access to media outlets via the internet offers communities another reason to build Big Things, however.</p> <p>Australians are not the only ones fascinated by Big Things, and when a new one is unveiled — or an existing one goes “missing”, as <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-26324023">the Big Mango did in 2014</a> — it is often covered by the press and then shared online.</p> <p>These giant landmarks are also highly “Instagrammable”: <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3039474/The-20-hottest-Australian-attractions-Instagram-revealed-spectacular-Sydney-Opera-House-Twelve-Apostles-don-t-forget-Big-Banana.html">a 2015 survey</a> revealed that six of Australia’s 20 most Instagrammed tourist attractions were Big Things.</p> <p>This sort of coverage doesn’t necessarily guarantee the long-term revival of a town’s economy.</p> <p>But it can help to remind people of the town’s existence, and it gives locals a memorable image on which to build.<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/241129/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-clarke-248726">Amy Clarke</a>, Senior Lecturer in History, specialising in built heritage and material culture, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-the-big-bogan-to-larry-the-lobster-why-do-towns-build-big-things-241129">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

Robert Irwin celebrates milestone birthday with rare pic of Steve at 21

<p>Robert Irwin has celebrated his 21st birthday with a heartfelt tribute to his late father and Aussie icon Steve. </p> <p>Sharing a photo of his dad's 21st birthday in 1983, the wildlife warrior admitted how hard it was to celebrate the special day "when there's someone missing". </p> <p>"Today I turn 21. I was looking through the archives a few days ago and I found these pictures of my dad on his 21st," he wrote alongside the photos of Steve on Instagram.</p> <p>"It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life. I am one lucky guy to be surrounded by my amazing family today."</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/p/DDBMJT1BPRE/?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/DDBMJT1BPRE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Steve Irwin died in 2006 when Robert was just two years old. </p> <p>His heartfelt post comes after he sat down with <em>Stellar</em> magazine ahead of his birthday, and admitted he had mixed feelings about the milestone celebration. </p> <p>“It can be heartbreaking. I can’t beat around the bush. It’s really hard, particularly when it’s those milestones,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s difficult navigating that without a father figure. But I have to really praise my entire family, and particularly my mum, on the way in which she’s stepped up, to make sure that – while there will always be part of myself missing and I’ll never be complete – I never felt like I missed out on anything.”</p> <p>Robert added, “I hope that somewhere, somehow, he knows I’m trying to make him proud.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

"That's really spot on": Robert Irwin's tearful reaction to seeing his dad's wax figure

<p>Robert Irwin has made history as the youngest Australian ever to be immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds Sydney.</p> <p>The 20-year-old conservationist unveiled his lifelike figure in an emotional ceremony today, which also marked his first encounter with the wax figure of his late father, Steve Irwin.</p> <p>Dressed in his iconic Australia Zoo khakis, Robert’s wax figure radiates his adventurous spirit, holding a Canon DSLR camera while a python drapes over the lens – a fitting tribute to his passion for wildlife photography and conservation.</p> <p>Sharing the milestone on social media, Irwin posted, “Caught up with my new mate today at Madame Tussaud’s Sydney… So SURREAL and such an honour! Grateful 🙏.”</p> <p>Speaking with <em>Sunrise</em>, Robert also reflected on the poignant moment of seeing his father’s wax figure in person for the first time.</p> <p>“It was the first time I’d ever got to see my dad’s wax figure. I’d seen pictures of it, but I’d never seen it in real life, and I was actually, I was overcome with emotion and I didn’t think that was going to happen,” he said.</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/DC5Rk1xTC_v/?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/DC5Rk1xTC_v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Steve Irwin, the beloved “Crocodile Hunter” passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of conservation and education. For Robert, the lifelike wax figure brought a deep connection to his father’s memory.</p> <p>“Honestly, that actually hit me … that’s weird, that’s pretty spot on – that’s actually really spot on,” Robert said, visibly moved. “It’s the first time in a long time he’s not just a picture.”</p> <p>Both figures are now on display at Madame Tussauds Sydney, offering fans a chance to witness the enduring bond between the Irwins and their impact on wildlife conservation.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

Family & Pets

Prince William pops up in Robert Irwin's socials

<p>Prince William has made a surprise appearance on Robert Irwin's Instagram as the pair team up for an important award ceremony in South Africa. </p> <p>The Prince of Wales and the wildlife warrior posted a video from Cape Town as they take part in the annual Earthshot Prize Awards: an initiative founded by William, of which Irwin is an ambassador.</p> <p>“G’day, it’s Robert here, with, of course, Prince William,” Irwin began the video. “Lovely to see you. How are you enjoying South Africa so far?”</p> <p>“Good thanks, really good, having a lovely time so far, loving it,” the prince responded.</p> <p>“Robert, you’ve been a fantastic ambassador for us at the moment, so looking forward to the Prize on Wednesday – tune in!”</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/DB_C75lP9Wa/?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/DB_C75lP9Wa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Irwin said that the event was “going to be amazing” before asking William, “We’re in South Africa, one of the most amazing countries and continents for wildlife – do you have a favourite African animal?”</p> <p>The future King pointed out it was a “really tough question”, adding, “My children ask me this regularly. I think it’s going to have to be the cheetah.”</p> <p>“Cheetahs, OK. Very cool. It’s chameleons for me, the unsung hero, I love them,” Irwin told him, before signing off the video, “Thanks so much for having me, for having us, Earthshot Week has been amazing so far and I cannot wait for tomorrow night … South Africa rules!”</p> <p>On the second day of Prince William's four-day tour of South Africa, he joined Irwin for a walk together towards Cape Town's Signal Hill, as the royal and the Aussie conservationist met with a variety of local park rangers and firefighters, with Irwin telling media afterwards that they had both “fallen in love with Cape Town”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em> </p>

International Travel

Bindi Irwin's sweet nickname for Robert revealed

<p>Anyone who grew up with siblings is all too familiar with the quirky yet endearing nicknames that seem to stick with us over time. </p> <p>For Robert Irwin, big sister Bindi was the first to give him a nickname, and the moment it happened was caught on camera. </p> <p>In a home video shared on TikTok, a young Bindi can be seen excitedly talking to her father, the late Steve Irwin. </p> <p>"I've got some news," Steve says in the clip. </p> <p>"We're not going home, we're going to the hospital... Mummy just had a baby. She's had a little baby boy, and his name is Robert Clarence Irwin."</p> <p>Donning her iconic khaki uniform from Australia Zoo, the young wildlife warrior could not be more excited to be a big sister, saying: "I'm more excited than Mummy and you!" </p> <p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 548px; max-width: 100%; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7394995762217733392&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40robertirwin%2Fvideo%2F7394995762217733392%3Fembed_source%3D121374463%252C121451205%252C121439635%252C121433650%252C121404359%252C121351166%252C72778571%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_blank%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Dwww.skynews.com.au%252Flifestyle%252Fcelebrity-life%252Fbrian-for-short-bindi-irwins-sweet-nickname-for-brother-robert-revealed-in-resurfaced-home-video%252Fnews-story%252Ff54c68817c6db1bd2740a2d65e4c5447%26referer_video_id%3D7394995762217733392&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fd2e3d05f363d4cafb03f3b8877e4f244_1721781651%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1727564400%26x-signature%3DqfH%252BN6M9O5jYn3IuA3O8SF04Tac%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>While cradling her baby brother, Bindi, who must've thought long and hard about the nickname said: "I think by the way he is, I'll call him Brian."</p> <p>Despite Steve's reminder that her brother's name is Robert, Bindi playfully insists "but I'll call him Brian for short".</p> <p>The clip then cuts to Steve holding baby Robert, tearing up as he tells the camera: "It's like the whole reason you've been put on Earth, is to do this." </p> <p>Fans flooded the comment section, with one saying: "The way Steve just accepted his name was Brian 😂😂😂"</p> <p> "Steve's nod. that's a parent choosing their battles with a toddler 😂" another added. </p> <p>"I swear, Steve Irwin was the Dad so many of us needed and wanted!" a third commented. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

Australia's best regional town revealed

<p>As the weather starts to warm up and people begin planning their summer getaways, more and more Australians are opting for a quaint country getaway instead of a jam-packed city break. </p> <p>According to Tourism Research Australia (TRA), regional tourism numbers have increased overall in the 12 months leading up to March 2024, with many choosing to explore quieter corners of Australia. </p> <p>As a result of this new travel trend, <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/destinations/aussie-travel-trends-index-best-regional-town-in-australia-voted-by-travellers-9travel-today-survey/0d308119-ede0-495f-9e71-c3b26b267ccf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Travel</a> released their results of the <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/travel-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aussie Travel Trends Index</a> survey to find out which regional towns are the favourites of Australian travellers, with the top ten towns being crowned.</p> <p>While NSW received the highest number of visitors to regional areas, according to the TRA data, it was in fact Daylesford in Victoria that was voted as Australia's favourite regional town.</p> <p>Located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range of Victoria, Daylesford is known for its natural mineral springs, Botanical Gardens and quaint city centre. </p> <p>Daylesford and Cairns are the most popular regional towns to visit for around 1 in 4 respondents; followed closely by the Gold Coast, Launceston, Barossa, Bendigo, and Ballarat.</p> <p>Nearly a quarter of respondents, (23 percent) named Cairns as their favourite regional town, Tasmania also received 20 percent of respondents sharing their love for the town of Launceston.</p> <p>Check out the top 10 list of best Australian regional towns below.</p> <p>1. Daylesford, VIC</p> <p>2. Cairns, QLD</p> <p>3. Gold Coast, QLD </p> <p>4. Launceston, TAS</p> <p>5. Barossa, SA</p> <p>6. Bendigo, VIC</p> <p>7. Ballarat, VIC</p> <p>8. Orange, NSW</p> <p>9. Berry, NSW</p> <p>10. Mudgee, NSW</p> <p><em> Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

Network Seven claps back after Robert Ovadia's claims of "evil" conduct

<p>Channel Seven has clapped back at claims from former <em>7News</em> presenter Robert Ovadia that they are engaging in "evil" conduct, claiming they have found more inappropriate emails from the veteran journalist. </p> <p>Robert Ovadia, who worked with Seven for 23 years, was fired in June and has taken the matter to court claiming he was unfairly dismissed, while also claiming the network is hellbent on destroying his reputation. </p> <p>However, the network has finally spoke out about the claims, saying they have recent complaints from more female staffers about inappropriate behaviour. </p> <p>“Mr Ovadia commenced Federal Court proceedings against Seven over his dismissal for serious misconduct following the sending of inappropriate emails to a 23-year-old news producer and other employees of Seven," a Seven spokesman said.</p> <p>“In doing so, Seven is discharging its obligations to prevent sexual harassment at work, including as more recently expanded under recent legislation. Mr Ovadia was trained about these new legislative obligations by Seven and failed to comply with them.”</p> <p>The statement from the network went on to suggest there are further revelations to come, as more women have come forward with allegations of inappropriate conduct.</p> <p>“At the first hearing of those proceedings on Thursday, 29 August 2024 about Orders for the filing of evidence and timetable steps, Justice Raper asked Seven whether any other conduct would be relied upon by Seven other than set out in the termination letter," the spokesman said.</p> <p>“In that context, Seven confirmed it has had complaints or allegations about Mr Ovadia from 13 other employees. Although Seven was not required to provide examples of the other conduct it intends to rely on at this stage, Seven has provided Mr Ovadia and his lawyers examples of some of the inappropriate emails by Mr Ovadia, which will be further detailed in Seven’s defence required to be filed on 12 September 2024."</p> <p>“Out of respect for their privacy, Seven has not chosen to make further even more inappropriate emails public at this stage. In response to this, Mr Ovadia has made outlandish complaints about Seven being an ‘evil company’ with a ‘propaganda unit’ that is setting out to destroy his reputation. Seven is confident its position on this matter will be upheld by the Courts."</p> <p>In response to the statement, Ovadia took to Instagram to take another swing at his former employer while also maintaining his innocence. </p> <p>“I can be crass, I can be blunt, I can be obnoxious, my humour is dark – 20 years surrounded by trauma and danger will do all of that to you – but I do NOT mistreat women,” Mr Ovadia said in a lengthy Instagram post.</p> <p>“I’ll expect more smear over the coming months as this evil company (in whose service I risked my life and safety many times) now seeks to destroy my reputation further,” Mr Ovadia said.</p> <p>“When this kicked off, the day Seven first leaked this story, my teenage daughter asked if people will think her dad is a rapist. At least <em>Four Corners</em>’ laboured hatchet job got one thing right – the Seven Network is diabolical.”</p> <p>The journalist went on to share screenshots of conversations he had with female staffers who shared their words of support for Ovadia, saying they believe the allegations are false. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

Veteran Seven journalist faces fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour

<p>Veteran journalist Robert Ovadia is facing allegations from another 13 women of inappropriate conduct after claiming he was unlawfully <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/veteran-seven-reporter-sacked-over-misconduct-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacked</a> from Network Seven.</p> <p>Ovadia was let go from Seven on June 21st after working with the network for 23 years, when he was fired with immediate effect after it was revealed he was part of an investigation by the ABC’s <em>Four Corners</em> program into the alleged <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/bombshell-allegations-of-toxic-channel-seven-workplace-aired" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toxic</a> culture at the Seven Network.</p> <p>After he was let go, the <em>7News Sydney</em> journalist launched civil legal action against his former employer saying he was fired unlawfully. </p> <p>On Thursday, Network Seven’s lawyer Vanja Bulut told the Federal Court that the Network terminated Ovadia’s employment because of a “number of images sent to a former colleague”, who was a graduate news producer. </p> <p>Ms Bulut said the termination was also due to the “sending (an image) of a man’s genital to a colleague”.</p> <p>The Network is defending the decision to “summarily terminate” Mr Ovadia without notice, with Ms Bulut noting further allegations had arisen supporting that decision.</p> <p>“Subsequent to (Mr Ovadia’s) dismissal, 13 more females have come forward with complaints in regard to his conduct and they are subject to that investigation,” Ms Bulut told the court.</p> <p>“He has been written to setting out the additional allegations that have come out subsequent to the dismissal, and to the extent that those allegations are reported in documents. Even if they (Seven) didn’t have a basis to primarily terminate the applicant’s employment at that time, the conduct that has come to light subsequently does provide a basis,” she said.</p> <p>In a statement made after court, Mr Ovadia denied the claims against him, saying, “The claims are baseless and Seven has never provided evidence despite repeated requests.”</p> <p>“Even today, no evidence to support any of this - just a dirty tactic to try to bully me away from defending myself.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven </em></p>

Legal

Heartache for Harry and William after the death of their uncle

<p>Prince William and Prince Harry have been rocked by a devastating loss as their uncle has died. </p> <p>Lord Robert Fellowes, the husband of William and Harry’s aunt Jane, passed away at the age of 82 from undisclosed causes.</p> <p>Jane, an elder sister of the late Princess Diana, had been married to Robert for more than 40 years.</p> <p>Prince William had an especially close relationship with Fellowes, as Lord Robert and Jane’s eldest daughter, Laura, is godmother to Princess Charlotte.</p> <p>Lord Fellowes worked as private secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth during some of the most dramatic times during the 1990s, including when his sister-in-law Diana died in 1997 at the age of 36.</p> <p>It has previously been reported that throughout Lord Robert's time as a palace courtier, he sometimes had a strained relationship with his sister-in-law.</p> <p>However, when Diana died, he explained, “I was deeply fond of her. She was a very good person. She found it difficult in life to find happiness, and I’m sad for people who have that situation.”</p> <p>Lord Fellowes was long a trusted member of a small group of advisors who guided the royal family during difficult times. </p> <p>According to The New York Times, he helped to write the speech Elizabeth II gave to the nation from Buckingham Palace on the eve of Diana’s funeral.</p> <p>Lord Robert Fellowes is survived by his wife Jane and their three children Laura, Alexander and Eleanor. </p> <p><em>Image credits: SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Family & Pets

Robert Downey Jr announces shock Marvel return

<p>Robert Downey Jr. has sensationally announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. </p> <p>The actor, who has been instrumental in the build up of the franchise with his role as Iron Man/ Tony Stark, before the character was killed off in the <em>Avengers: Endgame</em> finale, will return to screens as one of Marvel Comics' original villains, Dr. Doom. </p> <p>The moment Downey Jr.'s return was unveiled has since gone viral.</p> <p>In the video clip, studio head Kevin Feige announced two upcoming films <em>Avengers: Doomsday</em> and <em>Avengers: Secret Wars, </em>while surrounded by rows of figures in green robes wearing Doom's iconic metal mask. </p> <p>Joe Russo, one of the directors for <em>Avengers: Infinity War</em> and <em>Endgame</em>, then said: </p> <p>"As proof of the unlimited possibilities of the Marvel [Multiverse], we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom."</p> <p>Downey Jr, among the dozens of others wearing metal masks dressed as Dr. Doom, coyly walked to the front of the stage and took of his mask to a thunderous response from the crowd. </p> <p>"New mask, same task," the actor said.</p> <p> He added, "I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?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/C98vrwXvgSc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo.</p> <p>“If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world,” he added.</p> <p><em>Avengers: Doomsday </em>will be out in cinemas on May 2026, with <em>Avengers: Secret Wars</em> set to be released the following year. </p> <p><em>Image: John Salangsang/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Movies

Robert Irwin hits back over nasty reports about mum

<p>Robert Irwin has hit back at the nasty comments about his close relationship with mum Terri Irwin. </p> <p>The wildlife conservationist appeared with<em> I’m A Celebrity...</em> co-star Julia Morris on <em>The Kyle & Jackie O</em> show on Monday morning to discuss their Gold Logie nominations, when Kyle Sandilands expressed his surprise that Terri didn't join Robert in the studio for the interview. </p> <p>“Are you saying that the press reports are inaccurate that everywhere you go, your mother’s there?” Sandilands asked. </p> <p>“I hear it all the time but I don’t believe it’s even true.”</p> <p>Robert laughed and jokingly responded: “Who would’ve thought press reports are inaccurate?” </p> <p>But, co-host Julia Morris was quick to come to his defence. </p> <p>“Can I just address that because it drives me absolutely nuts,” she said on-air.</p> <p>“It takes all my strength not to go onto the internet and go absolutely spare every time [Robert and Terri headlines are] written. All I want you to do is every time you see that written that, you know, ‘Terri hangs around’, I want you to go directly to who’s written that story and know that that person hates their parents.”</p> <p>“If you’ve got parents that are as unbelievably awesome as Terri, and you have a great relationship, you want them to be around at all times,” she added.</p> <p>“If you’re trying to hide stuff from your parents, or your parents are constantly badgering or at you, then you don’t want them around and you can’t get why anyone would want their parents around, you know?” she concluded. </p> <p>Robert then chimed in and explained that people often don't understand his close relationship with his mother, and how they became especially tight as a family following Steve Irwin's death in 2006. </p> <p>“I think loss brings a family together like nothing else. People forget,” he said.</p> <p>“I think when we lost dad, our little tight knit family unit became incredibly tight.”</p> <p>“And we travel with the whole family everywhere most of the time. It’s nice.”</p> <p>This comes after a few <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/every-day-is-precious-fans-defend-robert-irwin-over-posts-with-mum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trolls</a> criticised his close relationship to his mother during a trip to the US back in May. </p> <p>A few outlets have also suggested that the mother and son are unhealthily attached, but many fans have since defended their close relationship. </p> <p>“People saying why Robert has he’s mum in so many photos. Remember every day is precious. Life is fragile. The Irwin’s like millions of other families have experienced loss on a monumental scale,” one wrote on Instagram. </p> <p><em>Image: The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em></p>

Family & Pets

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Brrrrr! Australia's coldest town revealed

Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation appeal over war crimes findings

AFL legend passes away after cancer battle

Oscar-winning filmmaker passes away at 92

Habemus Papam! – We have a pope!

Robert Irwin announces new Hollywood career move

Robert Irwin trades khakis for undies in bold new shoot

Prince Robert of Luxembourg announces youngest son's death

Picturesque Aussie town named best of the year in 2025

From the Big Bogan to Larry the Lobster, why do towns build Big Things?

Robert Irwin celebrates milestone birthday with rare pic of Steve at 21

"That's really spot on": Robert Irwin's tearful reaction to seeing his dad's wax figure

Prince William pops up in Robert Irwin's socials

Bindi Irwin's sweet nickname for Robert revealed

Australia's best regional town revealed

Network Seven claps back after Robert Ovadia's claims of "evil" conduct

Veteran Seven journalist faces fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Heartache for Harry and William after the death of their uncle

Robert Downey Jr announces shock Marvel return

Robert Irwin hits back over nasty reports about mum

Our Partners