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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

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Qantas jet collides with airbridge

<p>A Qantas flight arriving in Brisbane has been involved in a minor collision after its aircraft made contact with an airbridge while taxiing, prompting an investigation by both the airline and airport authorities.</p> <p>The Boeing 737-800, operating as flight QF186 from Queenstown, New Zealand, touched down at Brisbane International Airport around 6.30pm on Wednesday. While taxiing to its designated gate, the aircraft collided with the passenger bridge.</p> <p>No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and all on board disembarked safely via portable stairs brought to the plane.</p> <p>In a statement, Qantas confirmed the incident and said engineers would assess and repair the aircraft before it returned to service. “We’re investigating how an aerobridge made contact with the front of one of our aircraft at Brisbane Airport,” the airline said.</p> <p>Brisbane Airport’s executive general manager of aviation, Ryan Both, stressed that safety remains the airport’s highest priority. “Last night a Qantas flight arrived from Queenstown and the aerobridge made contact with the aircraft, and we’re supporting Qantas with the investigation,” he said. “We really want to reinforce that safety is our first priority at Brisbane Airport and is absolutely paramount, so we’ll be doing everything we can to look into what happened and make sure we learn from it.”</p> <p>Both Qantas and Brisbane Airport Corporation say they are working together to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a repeat.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"Mona Lisa moan": Mass tourism causes shutdown of The Louvre

<p>The Louvre Museum, global icon of art and culture, stood eerily silent on Monday as striking staff forced its sudden closure, leaving thousands of bewildered tourists stranded beneath its iconic glass pyramid.</p> <p>In a dramatic scene rarely witnessed at the world’s most-visited museum, the very people entrusted with preserving and presenting humanity’s greatest artistic treasures – from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo – walked off the job in protest at what they describe as dangerous overcrowding, chronic understaffing, and decaying infrastructure.</p> <p>“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” quipped Kevin Ward, 62, a visitor from Milwaukee, as he waited in an unmoving queue. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”</p> <p>The walkout came without warning during a routine internal meeting, as gallery attendants, security staff and ticket agents jointly refused to take their posts. While the Louvre has closed its doors in the past – during wars, the pandemic, or in isolated strikes — rarely has it done so so abruptly, leaving crowds with tickets in hand and nowhere to go.</p> <p>Monday’s strike follows a wave of anti-tourism protests across southern Europe just a day earlier, where thousands in cities like Venice, Lisbon and Barcelona rallied against what they say is the destructive impact of mass tourism.</p> <p>Inside the Louvre, workers say they’ve reached a breaking point. “We can’t wait six years for help,” said gallery attendant Sarah Sefian, referring to President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” rescue plan announced earlier this year. “Our teams are under pressure now. It’s not just about the art – it’s about the people protecting it.”</p> <p>The Mona Lisa lies at the heart of the storm. Around 20,000 visitors daily cram into the Salle des États to glimpse da Vinci’s masterpiece – a scene more akin to a rock concert than a contemplative art experience. “You don’t see a painting,” lamented Ji-Hyun Park, 28, visiting from Seoul. “You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out.”</p> <p>Macron’s ambitious plan promises a dedicated Mona Lisa room, a new Seine-side entrance, and a modernised visitor experience by 2031. Yet staff argue that these promises mask a deeper crisis, with state funding for the Louvre’s operations shrinking by more than 20% over the past decade even as visitor numbers have soared.</p> <p>“We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here,” said Sefian. “Scratch the surface and the financial support gets worse every year.”</p> <p>Louvre president Laurence des Cars, in a leaked memo, described parts of the building as “no longer watertight” and warned of dangerous temperature fluctuations that could threaten priceless artworks. She characterised the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal,” citing limited bathrooms, poor signage and few rest areas, exacerbated by the pyramid’s greenhouse effect in summer heat.</p> <p>By late Monday, workers said they might briefly reopen a limited “masterpiece route” – offering access to the Mona Lisa and other highlights – but the full museum is expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday.</p> <p>As the Louvre teeters between record-breaking crowds and crumbling infrastructure, staff and visitors alike are left grappling with an unsettling reality: France’s most cherished cultural treasure is struggling to cope with the very popularity that makes it world-famous.</p> <p>Images: Instagram / Pexels / Mahmut</p>

Travel Trouble

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Idiotic tourist breaks "Van Gogh chair" by sitting on it for a selfie

<p>In the kind of absurd "accident" that would make even the most patient museum curator clutch their pearls – or perhaps, their Swarovski crystals – a tourist visiting Italy’s Palazzo Maffei in Verona recently left behind more than just memories, after crushing a delicate, crystal-encrusted chair and making a hasty exit.</p> <p>Captured on surveillance video (and now immortalised on Facebook for all to see), the visitor can be seen plonking down onto Nicola Bolla’s "Van Gogh chair" – a fragile work of art bedazzled with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. The result? A dramatic collapse that sent the chair, and possibly the tourist’s dignity, crashing to the floor.</p> <p>“The nightmare of every museum has become a reality, even at Palazzo Maffei,” the museum lamented in a Facebook post, sharing the video. A staff member in the clip sums it up perfectly: “What you just saw would be ridiculous if it hadn’t, unfortunately, actually happened.”</p> <p>According to the museum, the tourist waited until security’s back was turned before staging what we can only assume was an ill-advised attempt at a glittery throne selfie. Alas, the chair – described by the museum as “extremely fragile” – was no match for the moment.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5iItn5ojrk?si=7Kp2vG5XYK06Dk8Q" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>For several tense days, curators feared that the damage might be irreparable. But happily, a number of skilled restorers, police and security teams came together to save the chair.</p> <p>“Heartfelt thanks go to the police, our security department and the restorers, whose valuable work allowed the recovery of the work,” the museum announced, surely with a collective sigh of relief (and perhaps a vow to invest in sturdier furniture).</p> <p>The price tag for the restoration remains a mystery, as does the identity of the crystal-crushing culprit. For now, the museum is using the incident to call for more respect for art – ideally, the kind that doesn’t involve sitting on it.</p> <p>Let this be a reminder to all tourists: look, admire, but maybe keep your behinds off the artworks.</p> <p><em>Images: Courtesy of <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Palazzo Maffei, Verona</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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New details emerge after Aussie shot dead in Bali

<p>An Australian man has been killed and another wounded in a shocking shooting at a villa in one of Bali’s most popular tourist regions.</p> <p>The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Badung area, just over 10 kilometres north of Kuta, when gunfire erupted inside the accommodation.</p> <p>Zivan Radmanovic, 32, who had strong ties to Melbourne, was identified as the man who died at the scene from gunshot wounds. His wife, who was in the villa at the time, was unharmed but witnessed the attack. Another Melbourne man, Sanar Ghanim – aged in his 30s and previously jailed over a non-fatal shooting in Melbourne – was also shot and taken to hospital for treatment.</p> <p>Badung Police chief Arif Batubara confirmed the details, telling media: “A shooting incident has happened. There are two victims, both Australian nationals. We cannot yet determine the motive for this shooting and also who the perpetrator is until our investigation is complete.”</p> <p>According to a police statement cited by the ABC, Mr Radmanovic’s wife awoke shortly after midnight to the sound of her husband’s screams. She reported seeing a man wearing a bright orange jacket and dark helmet shoot her husband in the bathroom before fleeing. Moments later, she heard further gunshots and Mr Ghanim’s cries for help.</p> <p>Witnesses said they saw a man on a scooter wearing a green ride-hailing jacket and face covering, speaking in what they described as a strong Australian accent, saying: “I can’t start my bike.”</p> <p>No arrests have been made, and police say investigations are ongoing.</p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the families. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said. “DFAT stands ready to provide consular assistance to another Australian injured in the same incident.”</p> <p>Mr Ghanim, who remains in hospital, is known to have links to the Melbourne underworld and has a child with the stepdaughter of slain crime figure Carl Williams.</p> <p><em>Images: 9 News / Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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CCTV released after at least 290 die in Air India plane crash

<p>At least 290 people have died after an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday.</p> <p>The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 to London’s Gatwick Airport, was carrying 242 people when it went down moments after takeoff, plummeting into the doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College and Hospital. The crash ignited a massive fire that engulfed part of the building and nearby residences, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.</p> <p>Emergency responders raced to the scene, where they found the fuselage partially embedded in the hospital structure and surrounding trees scorched. Dozens of victims, including passengers, hospital residents and local civilians, were transported to nearby medical centres, though authorities have warned the death toll is likely to rise.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrFTKHnH00Q?si=d6L3VN0CZlEAvuwy" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Among the victims were several minors and at least three medical students. Between 50 and 60 more students were admitted to local hospitals, with two to three currently in intensive care, the Federation of All India Medical Association said.</p> <p>Miraculously, at least one person survived the crash. British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, reportedly seated in 11A, was pulled from the wreckage and is receiving treatment. Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh told <em>The Hindustan Times</em>, “Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”</p> <p>Flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended following the disaster but have since resumed on a limited basis.</p> <p>Air India confirmed the passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. A reception centre has been established at Gatwick Airport to assist families and provide updates.</p> <p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, saying the country had been “stunned and saddened” by the tragedy, which he described as “heartbreaking beyond words”. Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran called it a “tragic accident”, assuring the public that the airline was doing “everything in our power” to support emergency crews and affected families.</p> <p>In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were “devastating” and confirmed he is receiving ongoing updates. Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that crisis teams have been activated in both London and Delhi to assist British nationals.</p> <p>King Charles III released a statement saying he and Queen Camilla were “desperately shocked” by the crash, offering their thoughts to victims and praising the “heroic efforts” of emergency responders.</p> <p>The disaster marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. Boeing, which has more than 1,175 Dreamliners in service worldwide, said it is working closely with Air India and expressed condolences to all affected.</p> <p>As investigations begin into the cause of the crash, India and the international aviation community are left grappling with one of the deadliest air disasters in recent history.</p> <p><em>Images: CCTV / YouTube</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Dramatic rescue operation after tourist boat sinks off Bali coast

<p>There were dramatic scenes off the southeast coast of Bali on Wednesday when a tourist boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized near Nusa Lembongan.</p> <p>The vessel, known as <em>The Tanis</em>, had just departed Lembongan Village around 4.30pm local time with 89 people on board – 77 foreigners and 12 Indonesian nationals – when it was struck by a wave from behind and began taking on water.</p> <p>Eyewitnesses rushed to assist as the vessel tilted, causing passengers to slip into the sea. A large-scale rescue effort was launched immediately, and by 6.30pm all passengers had been safely evacuated, with authorities confirming there were no fatalities or serious injuries.</p> <p>Divers were later deployed to search the sunken boat and surrounding seabed as a precaution, ensuring no one had been left behind.</p> <p>Footage of the incident was shared by @bali.info.official, who reported that the boat was still relatively new, having only been in operation for about three months. According to their post, the boat was offloading passengers from Gili at Mushroom Bay, with its bow resting onshore, when powerful waves began to strike its stern.</p> <p>“The captain made the decision to move the boat back out to sea,” the post explained, “but because the boat was already filled with water, it became unstable. The panic among passengers made the situation worse, causing the boat to tilt and eventually sink.”</p> <p>Despite the chaos, locals and nearby responders coordinated to recover both passengers and their belongings. "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped rescue the passengers and recover their belongings," the post concluded.</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/DKe5vZHSciB/?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/DKe5vZHSciB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BALI INFO (@bali.info.official)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Most of the rescued tourists opted to remain in Nusa Lembongan for the night, while only two chose to continue their journey to Sanur Harbor– the original destination of <em>The Tanis</em>, which has a total capacity of 125 passengers.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Tourists flee in terror as Mount Etna erupts

<p>What began as a bucket-list adventure quickly turned to chaos as one of the world’s most formidable volcanoes, Mount Etna, erupted with terrifying ferocity during a sightseeing tour on Monday. The explosion, described as sudden and deafening, sent tourists scrambling for their lives as ash and fire rained down from the sky.</p> <p>The dramatic eruption struck without warning, unleashing a thunderous boom that echoed across the Sicilian landscape. A plume of ash, hot gas and rock shot several kilometres into the air, engulfing the mountain's summit in darkness and igniting panic among those exploring the crater’s edge.</p> <p>In harrowing footage now circulating on social media, wide-eyed tourists are seen sprinting down the slopes of the volcano as thick, grey ash clouds blot out the sun behind them. Some, gripped by a mix of fear and awe, paused only momentarily – phones raised – to capture the apocalyptic spectacle unfolding above them.</p> <p>“It arrived all at once – an immense smoke, immense, immense roar,” recalled Giuseppe Panfallo, a guide with Go Etna, whose group of 40 tourists was perilously close to the blast. In video shared with CNN, his group is seen huddled together as a towering wall of ash looms behind them. “We were two steps away. Thank goodness we had a responsible guide.”</p> <p>Aviation authorities issued an immediate red alert to aircraft as sulphuric clouds billowed into the atmosphere, disrupting air traffic in the region. The eruption – the most powerful seen from Etna since 2014 – was accompanied by what experts believe was a partial collapse of the volcano’s south-east crater, adding to the eruption’s sudden intensity.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="de">Sudden eruption on Etna volcano! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/etna?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#etna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sicily?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sicily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/volcano?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#volcano</a> <a href="https://t.co/WCpwNcQ5U8">pic.twitter.com/WCpwNcQ5U8</a></p> <p>— finnbaen (@finnbenedikt) <a href="https://twitter.com/finnbenedikt/status/1929493329609154780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Hiking guide Alessio Zocco, 33, who was leading a separate group at the time, described the eruption’s signature moment: “Today’s eruption seemed, at first, similar to others – but what made it stand out was a sudden, powerful boom. It was a dramatic moment, but fortunately short-lived.”</p> <p>Etna, which draws approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, is revered for its breathtaking beauty and feared for its unpredictable temperament. Despite its history of activity, Monday’s eruption served as a stark reminder of the volcano’s raw, untamed power.</p> <p>“Mount Etna is a majestic and unpredictable force of nature,” Zocco said. “It commands respect, but it also offers one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring experiences you can witness.”</p> <p>Miraculously, all tourists and trekkers on the mountain were evacuated without injury, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory. But the memory of the eruption – and the terror it inspired – will linger long after the ash settles.</p> <p>As emergency crews continue to monitor the volcano for aftershocks, authorities have urged caution to those hoping to witness Etna's fury up close. For the hundreds caught in Monday’s drama, the message is clear: nature may be beautiful – but it is never to be underestimated.</p> <p><em>Images: X (formerly Twitter)</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Meet the young princess and future queen who's moving to Australia

<p>In a delightful development that has captivated royal watchers and Australians alike, Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra is preparing to start an exciting new chapter – right here in Australia. (Sydney, to be more precise!)</p> <p>The 21-year-old royal, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne, will soon trade Oslo’s snowy landscapes for Sydney’s sunny shores as she embarks on full-time university study. The Royal House of Norway confirmed that the princess will begin a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Sydney this August, with a focus on international relations and political economy.</p> <p>Adding a touch of tradition to this modern tale, Princess Ingrid Alexandra will be living on campus at the prestigious St Andrew's College. In a warm message to students, the college principal, Dr Daniel Tyler, encouraged the community to respect the princess’s privacy as she settles into campus life.</p> <p>While the Norwegian royal family may be lesser-known in Australia compared to their British or Danish counterparts, that’s expected to change quickly. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Ingrid’s mother, also has ties to Australia, having studied at Wangaratta High School in Victoria as a teenager. Now, it’s her daughter’s turn to embrace life Down Under.</p> <p>Born in Oslo in 2004, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is poised to make history as Norway's first queen regnant in over 600 years. Her grandfather, King Harald V, currently holds the throne as Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at 88. Ingrid is the eldest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and has a younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus.</p> <p>Far from a traditional royal upbringing, Princess Ingrid has forged a path that blends duty, discipline and adventure. Just this April, she completed 15 months of military service, earning respect as an engineer soldier and rifleman with the Norwegian Army's Brigade North. “You are much stronger together,” she told Norwegian media of the experience. “Without [my team], I would not have enjoyed myself as much here.”</p> <p>Ingrid’s move to Australia will pause her official royal duties for up to three years, though she is expected to return home during breaks. She has only recently begun taking on regular public roles, including a landmark appearance at a state banquet earlier this year and joining her family on the royal palace balcony to celebrate Norway’s National Day.</p> <p>Passionate about the environment and global affairs from a young age, Princess Ingrid’s academic focus aligns with her growing commitment to public service. She began official engagements as a child, attending World Environment Day at just five years old, and by age 11 she had already christened a rescue vessel for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue.</p> <p>And she’s not just a scholar or a soldier – she's also a sports fan. A talented surfer, Ingrid was named Norway’s junior surfing champion in 2020. She’s also an avid skier and kickboxer, embodying a refreshingly modern image of royalty.</p> <p>With a surfboard possibly in one hand and a textbook in the other, Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s time in Sydney promises to be a uniquely royal adventure – and Australia will be watching with warm anticipation.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

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Is it OK to leave device chargers plugged in all the time?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>How many chargers do you own? We’re surrounded by rechargeable electronic devices – mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, headphones, e-bikes and more.</p> <p>You might have a phone charger plugged in next to your bed without ever bothering to switch it off at the wall or unplugging it when not in use. The same might go for a laptop charger by your desk.</p> <p>But is that risky to do? And are there hidden costs associated with leaving chargers plugged in all the time?</p> <h2>What’s inside a charger?</h2> <p>Naturally, not all chargers are the same. Depending on the application and power requirement, their internal structure can range from very simple to complex.</p> <p>However, a typical charger takes in the AC (alternating current) from the wall plug and converts it to a low-voltage DC (direct current) suitable for your device’s battery.</p> <p>To understand the difference between DC and AC, consider the flow of electrons in a wire. In a DC circuit, electrons move in one direction and keep rotating in the circuit. In an AC circuit, electrons doesn’t circulate and only move back and forth.</p> <p>The reason for why we use both types of current goes a long way back, to the time when inventors Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla battled over which type <a href="https://www.history.com/articles/what-was-the-war-of-the-currents">would become the default standard</a>. Today, we are <a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/war-currents-ac-vs-dc-power">still stuck between both</a>. Electricity is traditionally generated in AC form, but modern appliances and batteries require the DC form. This is why almost every electrical appliance comes with an AC–DC converter.</p> <p>To do the conversion from AC to DC, a typical charger needs several electrical components such as a transformer, a circuit for doing the actual conversion, filtering elements to enhance the quality of output DC voltage, and control circuitry for regulation and protection.</p> <h2>Chargers consume power even when not charging</h2> <p>“Vampire power” is real. If you leave it plugged in, a charger will continuously draw a small amount of power. Part of this power is used to keep the control and protection circuits running while the rest is lost as heat.</p> <p>When we look at an individual small charger, the vampire power – also known as standby power – is negligible. However, if you add up all the chargers in your home for various devices, over time the wasted energy can be significant. Standby power is not exclusive to chargers, either; other electronic devices such as TVs draw a little bit of standby power, too.</p> <p>Depending on how many things you leave plugged in, over the course of the year it could amount to several kilowatt hours.</p> <p>That said, modern chargers are designed to minimise standby power consumption. These chargers come with smart power management components that keep them in sleep mode until an external device attempts to draw power.</p> <h2>There are other risks, too</h2> <p>Chargers wear out over time when electricity flows through them, particularly when the electricity grid voltage temporarily rises above its rated value. The electricity grid is a chaotic environment and various voltage rise events happen from time to time.</p> <p>Leaving your chargers exposed to these events will shorten their life. This premature ageing shouldn’t be alarming for modern devices, thanks to their improved design and control. But it is particularly concerning for cheap, uncertified chargers. These often lack appropriate levels of protection and can be a fire hazard.</p> <h2>How should I treat my chargers?</h2> <p>Although modern chargers are generally very safe and should be drawing minimal standby power, consider unplugging them anyway – if convenient.</p> <p>If a charger gets warmer than usual, makes noise, or is damaged in any way, it is time for a replacement. And it definitely shouldn’t be left plugged in.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/255016/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glen-farivar-2373201">Glen Farivar</a>, Lecturer in Power Electronics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></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/is-it-ok-to-leave-device-chargers-plugged-in-all-the-time-an-expert-explains-255016">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em><a class="source" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; text-align: center;" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-black-power-strip-YrdSQ_1gYRE"><em>Kit/Unsplash</em></a></p> </div>

Technology

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Fallout after French President shoved in the face by wife

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has found himself at the centre of an unexpected media storm after a moment of apparent tension with his wife, Brigitte Macron, was caught on camera as the couple disembarked from a plane in Hanoi.</p> <p>Arriving on Monday for a six-day tour of Southeast Asia, the Macrons made headlines not for diplomacy, but for a brief, seemingly physical exchange at the top of the aircraft stairs.</p> <p>Brigitte, 72, dressed in a striking red suit, appeared to shove her husband’s face with both hands as the cockpit door opened – just as members of the international press and Vietnamese officials looked on.</p> <p>The 47-year-old president appeared visibly taken aback, momentarily flustered before regaining his composure. He smiled awkwardly and waved before descending the stairs without his wife, who remained momentarily behind, partially obscured by the fuselage and refusing to take his arm.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rwST8m0dRlM?si=Q9p9oNRkdbPSqowR" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>When questioned about the moment, Macron dismissed it with a laugh, telling reporters, “We are squabbling and, rather, joking with my wife. I’m surprised by it – it turns into some kind of global catastrophe where people are even coming up with theories to explain it. It’s nonsense.”</p> <p>The Elysee Palace echoed the president’s tone, describing the incident as “a moment of closeness” and “a laugh” shared between the couple before beginning their official engagements.</p> <p>Still, the footage quickly went viral on social media, prompting a flurry of speculation, jokes and criticism. While some observers saw it as harmless marital banter, others questioned the optics and tone, calling it an “embarrassing” spectacle for the French head of state.</p> <p>Gilbert Collard, a former member of the European Parliament, sarcastically commented, “Everyone is laughing,” referencing the well-known age gap and history of the couple, who met at a Jesuit high school where Brigitte was Macron’s drama teacher. He was 15 at the time.</p> <p>Social media users piled on, with one post noting, “Looks like even world leaders have to navigate a little domestic turbulence! Just goes to show, no matter how high you fly, there’s always someone to keep you grounded.”</p> <p>Others shared screenshots of Macron’s seemingly clenched jaw and balled fist in the seconds following the push, scrutinising his body language in search of deeper meaning.</p> <p>The Hanoi visit marks the first by a French president in nearly a decade, aimed at bolstering France's diplomatic and economic presence in the region – especially in its former colony. Yet for now, global attention remains fixed not on policy, but on a fleeting, dramatic moment between two of Europe’s most scrutinised public figures.</p> <p>As the tour continues, so too does speculation about what really happened on those stairs – and whether the Macrons will manage to shift the narrative back to matters of state.</p> <p><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Bubsie rides again: A century-old journey retraced across Australia

<p>A century ago, a humble 5-horsepower car named "Bubsie" made history by becoming the first motor vehicle to circumnavigate the Australian continent. Now, a century later, its spirit roars back to life as a devoted team of enthusiasts prepares to retrace its entire 17,500km journey – in a painstakingly restored replica of the original 1923 Citroën 5CV.</p> <p>The year was 1925. With little more than swags, spare tyres and unwavering faith, 22-year-old Seventh-day Adventist missionary Nevill Westwood and his friend Greg Davies set off from Perth in a tiny yellow car. They had a simple mission: deliver literature to the remote outback. What they accomplished was far more profound: a trailblazing voyage across Australia, at a time when roads were scarce and courage was the only constant.</p> <p>Through flooded riverbeds, makeshift tracks and across the sun-scorched Nullarbor, the young men pressed on. With knees jammed beneath the steering wheel, they bounced across the nation in what Westwood affectionately dubbed "Bubsie". The 5CV was small, simple and entirely unsuited for such a grand expedition – yet it carried them across six states, through monsoonal downpours and desolate plains, forging a path for motoring history.</p> <p>Now, exactly 100 years since that audacious journey, a new crew is preparing to retrace their route in a meticulously restored 1923 Citroën 5CV. The project, dubbed <a href="https://rightaroundaustralia.tij.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right Around Australia</a>, is led by the faith-based media group The Incredible Journey and has brought together passionate motoring enthusiasts from across the country.</p> <p>Warren May, a car restorer from Western Australia, joined the project in mid-2023 and quickly immersed himself in the mammoth task of rebuilding a vehicle worthy of the original Bubsie. After months of searching, the team found the perfect base: a rare 1923 Citroën 5CV owned by collector Paul Smyth.</p> <p>"It was 102 years old – and in rough shape," Mr May <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/bubsie-citroen-circumnavigation-1925-retraced-in-2025/105257744" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the ABC</a>. “We had to fabricate a lot of new panels because it was just so old.” The motor, miraculously, was still in good shape. But the bodywork was another story.</p> <p>What followed was a year-long restoration odyssey, with over 1,000 hours of labour, rust cut away and replaced, and every nut and bolt sandblasted and repainted. With the help of friends Colin Gibbs and Graham Tyler, the team brought the little French car back to life – ready to relive one of Australia’s great adventures.</p> <p>The replica has been touring Australia since early 2025, and this June, it will officially begin retracing Bubsie’s route. Starting from Bickley, Western Australia – where Westwood once lived – the car will travel thousands of kilometres, mostly by trailer but driving short stretches through regional towns and historic locations.</p> <p>“It’s about commemorating the courage and determination of those early explorers,” said event organiser Kevin Amos. “Nevill and Greg didn’t have highways. Sometimes they had no roads at all. They literally bush-bashed their way across the country.”</p> <p>Indeed, from the Kimberley to Mount Isa, their journey was defined by improvisation and grit. When they came to the Fitzroy River in northern WA, locals rigged a pulley system to carry Bubsie across. In the Northern Territory, they slid through mud and monsoon rains. They stopped to help others – including a stranded trio near the Nullarbor, who were out of water and near death. Westwood gave them water, fixed their car, and saved their lives.</p> <p>For the modern team, this centennial journey isn’t just about honouring history – it’s about reliving a story of quiet faith and mateship.</p> <p>Dr Laura Cook, curator at the National Museum of Australia where the original Bubsie now rests, said Westwood’s photographs and letters provide a vivid, almost daily account of the 1925 expedition. “His story is more than just a motoring milestone,” she said. “It captures the spirit of a generation who dared to push boundaries. These weren’t professional drivers – they were people of vision and courage.”</p> <p>By December 1925, after six gruelling months, Westwood rolled back into Perth – completing the first full circumnavigation of Australia by car. His companion Greg had returned home early to resume nursing studies, but Westwood pressed on alone. When he returned from overseas the next year, he tracked Bubsie down (it had been sold) and bought it back.</p> <p>Today, Bubsie is more than a car. It’s a symbol of Australia’s pioneering spirit. And as its modern twin prepares to hit the road once more, that legacy rolls forward – not in horsepower, but in heart. So keep an eye out for Bubsie's twin as it rolls through your town, and history comes alive.</p> <p><em>Images: National Museum of Australia / Right Around Australia</em> </p>

Domestic Travel

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Aussies devastated as travel agency collapses, leaving holidays in ruins

<p>Dozens of Australian travellers have had their holiday dreams shattered and lost tens of thousands of dollars following the sudden collapse of online travel agency Traveldream.</p> <p><a href="https://www.traveldream.com.au/au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Traveldream</a>, operated under the business name Australian Travel Deals Pty Ltd, went into administration on April 28, ceasing operations immediately and leaving customers stranded across the globe – or worse, never even departing on their long-planned trips.</p> <p>The financial fallout has been severe, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/aussies-dream-holidays-up-in-the-air-after-travel-agent-collapses/news-story/e4466dea16a9bd796f0e244cfb013597" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to news.com.au</a>, who spoke to several impacted customers, including a mother and her two daughters who lost $33,000, and a group of Australian travellers who arrived at their overseas accommodation only to be told no booking existed in their name.</p> <p>Among the most devastating stories is that of Donna Lamberth and her husband, who lost $15,500. The Queensland couple had saved for two years to embark on the “trip of a lifetime” through North America, including a cruise in Alaska and a stop in Las Vegas. After fully paying for the holiday in December, Ms Lamberth was stunned to learn only a small deposit had been made on their cruise booking.</p> <p>“I burst into tears,” she said. “My bags were packed. I haven’t even unpacked my bags yet.”</p> <p>Ms Lamberth and her husband were forced to cancel their entire two-month trip.</p> <p>At least 75 customers are confirmed to have lost money due to the collapse, according to Bill Karageozis of insolvency firm Mcleods, who has been appointed administrator. He expects that number could rise to as many as 100 creditors. The company’s total debt is currently estimated to be under $1 million, and it has no tangible assets to recoup losses.</p> <p>Some impacted travellers have managed to salvage elements of their trips by contacting airlines and cruise companies directly. Among the suggested providers are Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Holland America Cruises.</p> <p>One group of 300 Australians booked through Traveldream for a North American tour set to begin on May 19 now face uncertainty. Lorraine Micairan, a Sydney mother of five, is among them. She and her husband paid $12,000 for their trip and discovered many of their bookings were never paid for, despite receiving an itinerary and booking confirmations.</p> <p>“When I checked in online it said it’s cancelled,” she said. “Qantas told me there was no payment.”</p> <p>Thanks to last-minute scrambles and additional out-of-pocket expenses, Ms Micairan and her travel companions were able to rescue their trip. Still, she says the experience has left them financially and emotionally drained.</p> <p>Meanwhile, other customers were not so fortunate. Friends Michelle Brown and Tammy Meurant, along with their husbands, landed in Vancouver only to find their hotel booking had been cancelled just days earlier – likely by a third party due to non-payment by Traveldream.</p> <p>“They said: ‘Sorry, we don’t have a booking,’” Ms Brown recounted. “It was cancelled on the 6th. We arrived on the 9th.”</p> <p>The group had to scramble to find alternative accommodation via Airbnb and are bracing for more disruptions throughout their trip.</p> <p>Traveldream was founded in 2016 and led by Melbourne-based director Christopher Banson, who has not publicly commented on the situation. Banson also operates Salt Water Hotels and Resorts – a separate travel business with 30 properties nationwide – which remains unaffected by Traveldream’s demise.</p> <p>Another shareholder in the failed company, Travel Dream Australia Pty Ltd, is reportedly owed $49,000. That company is solely directed by Paul Mercuri, Traveldream’s co-founder, who was no longer involved in the business at the time of its collapse.</p> <p>Administrators are now urging affected customers to act swiftly in identifying any prepaid travel services that can be salvaged. For many, however, the damage is already done.</p> <p>“I’m going to have to save again,” Ms Lamberth said. “It’s a lot of money to lose.”</p> <p><em>Image: Traveldream</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Another Aussie traveller found dead in Thailand

<p>A 41-year-old Australian man from South Australia has been found dead in the waters off Freedom Beach in Phuket, three days after he was reported missing by his wife while on holiday.</p> <p>According to Thai authorities, the man was last seen on May 7, prompting a search effort after his disappearance. His body was discovered on the morning of May 10 by the chief lifeguard during a routine patrol. The lifeguard spotted the body drifting about 20 metres from the shore amid strong surf conditions.</p> <p>Officers from Karon Police Station responded to the call and retrieved the body using ropes due to the rough seas. The man was found wearing only black underpants, and emergency responders pulled him to shore for formal identification.</p> <p>Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit confirmed that the man had been in Thailand since April 20. He told local outlet Asia Pacific Press that the victim’s family has been notified.</p> <p>“We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,” Lt. Col. Chamnankit said. “Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide.”</p> <p>The body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. </p> <p>This incident marks the second death of an Australian tourist in Thailand within the past week. On May 3, 22-year-old Melbourne man Corey Walsh died after jumping from a tour boat near the popular snorkelling area of Koh Racha Yai. Authorities said he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before repeatedly entering the water.</p> <p>Walsh was pulled from the sea unconscious and unresponsive. Despite efforts by tour conductors and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at Chalong Hospital. No illegal substances were found on board, though empty alcohol bottles were recovered.</p> <p>These back-to-back tragedies come after the drowning of Chinese tourist Zhang Xiaohan, 30, who was scuba diving near Kabakan Island in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. She was swept away by strong currents while attempting to retrieve her GoPro camera. Her body was later found 88 metres underwater, near a known diving route.</p> <p><em>Image: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Asia Pacific Press</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Dire warning issued to Aussie travellers as conflict escalates

<p>Australians are being urged to reconsider travel to Pakistan and brace for possible flight disruptions to India following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations.</p> <p>Updated travel advice issued by <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smartraveller</a> early Wednesday warns that the “current security situation” between India and Pakistan presents significant risks for travellers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is urging Australians to exercise heightened caution in both countries, with particularly stern warnings about travel to Pakistan.</p> <p>“We recommend you monitor local media for updates, stay alert, take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities,” the advisory reads.</p> <p>The alert highlights a “volatile security situation” in Pakistan, recommending that Australians reconsider any plans to travel there. It also notes that Pakistan has closed the Wagah border crossing with India, halting all cross-border travel indefinitely.</p> <p>“If you have plans to travel to India from Pakistan, reconsider your route and follow the advice of local authorities,” the alert states.</p> <p>The warning follows a major military incident early Wednesday morning, in which India reportedly fired missiles into Pakistani territory. Islamabad has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of further escalation between the two rivals.</p> <p>The latest outbreak of violence stems from an April 22 attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir. The assault, which occurred in the popular mountain destination of Pahalgam, left 26 people dead. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militants responsible, a charge Pakistan has denied.</p> <p>Flight disruptions are already being reported, and travellers are being advised to confirm flight details with airlines before heading to the airport. “Some airports in India (particularly in the north-west) may close, and airline schedules may be affected,” the DFAT alert warns.</p> <p>For India, the Australian government maintains a general “exercise a high degree of caution” advisory, but advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir and to the India-Pakistan border region, with the exception of the Atari-Wagah crossing and Manipur. The advisory also urges travellers to reconsider their need to visit Chhattisgarh and India’s border regions.</p> <p>The renewed tensions are part of a long and often violent history between India and Pakistan, who have fought multiple wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. The latest developments are of particular concern to Australia's large South Asian communities.</p> <p>With tensions rising and uncertainty mounting, the Australian government is urging all travellers to remain vigilant and informed.</p> <p>For the latest updates, Australians are encouraged to monitor <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smartraveller</a> and official government communications.</p> <p><em>Image: ABC News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Three seriously injured in helicopter crash off Vic coast

<p>Three people have survived a serious helicopter crash that took place near Point Lonsdale on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula on Friday morning, according to Victoria Police.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to the scene just after 10:00am, when the helicopter is believed to have crashed into shallow water off Fellows Road, between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. Footage obtained by the Nine News shows the wreckage lying partially submerged on a beach.</p> <p>Police confirmed that all three occupants of the aircraft sustained serious injuries. Two of the individuals – a man and a woman – were airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, while a third man was transported by road to Geelong University Hospital.</p> <p>“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said, adding that the identities of the victims are still to be formally confirmed.</p> <p>Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded swiftly and worked in coordination with other emergency services to stabilise and transport the injured. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) reported that its firefighters arrived within two minutes of receiving the call and found the helicopter 30 to 50 metres offshore.</p> <p>FRV personnel, alongside Surf Life Saving teams and paramedics, helped safely bring the three occupants ashore.</p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation and is currently gathering information to determine the cause of the crash.</p> <p>Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers or the ATSB.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Jeep plunges into Swan River after wild Perth standoff

<p>A tense morning in Perth's western suburbs exploded into high drama as a police standoff ended with a man deliberately driving a Jeep off Claremont Jetty and into the Swan River, following hours of chaos, confrontation and confusion.</p> <p>The ordeal began around 9am local time (11am AEST), when a black Jeep was seen mounting the Claremont Jetty, its driver erratic and agitated. Within minutes, police had mobilised in force, positioning a squad car to block the only exit and deploying a full-scale response – including Tactical Response Group officers, police negotiators, the canine unit and a hovering police helicopter.</p> <p>Witnesses described a surreal and frightening scene as the driver shouted at police and bystanders, repeatedly revved the engine, and exited the vehicle several times to yell defiantly.</p> <p>“He was revving the car lots, shouting out at the police – I didn’t know what he was going to do,” said witness Cathy Greatrex. “Pretty scary, really.”</p> <p>The man’s mother arrived on the jetty and was seen pleading with her son from behind the police cordon, while officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. Behind the scenes, police had laid down a stinger device and reinforced their blockade with tactical vehicles.</p> <p>Tensions escalated just before midday when the Jeep suddenly lurched forward, ramming the parked police car and pushing it backwards, crumpling the front of the vehicle in a violent display of defiance.</p> <p>Minutes later, the vehicle's rear wheel slipped off the jetty’s edge as the driver reversed. Seizing the moment, he accelerated again – this time with no turning back. In front of stunned onlookers and dozens of officers, the Jeep launched off the end of the jetty and plunged into the Swan River.</p> <p>Within moments, officers rushed to the edge as the vehicle bobbed in the water, partially submerged. The man climbed onto the overturned Jeep before diving back into the water. Police with guns and Tasers drawn quickly surrounded the area.</p> <p>The Tactical Response Group moved in swiftly, pulling the man from the water and carrying him to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under police guard. Authorities confirmed that while his injuries were not believed to be serious, he remains under observation.</p> <p>The motive for the dramatic standoff remains unclear. However, new CCTV footage from nearby Walter Street may offer some clues. Earlier that morning, the same Jeep was captured careening through a residential area.</p> <p>“He literally just came right up, ramped up, knocked my green bin again and missed me – went down this concrete path,” resident Carina Robert said. “I just stood here with my jaw hanging on the ground, and then he turned the corner and there were almighty screeches tearing down the road.”</p> <p>As night fell, questions lingered about what drove the man to such a reckless and dangerous act. No charges have been laid, and police continue to investigate the full circumstances leading up to the event.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"First time I've really cried": Star shares sad family news

<p>Christina Applegate is mourning the loss of her father, Robert "Bob" Applegate, who passed away last week. The 53-year-old actress shared the heartbreaking news during an emotional episode of her podcast MeSsy, which she co-hosts with fellow actress Jamie Lynn Sigler.</p> <p>Applegate broke down in tears as she revealed her father had died just a week earlier, marking the first time she publicly grieved his passing.</p> <p>"You're probably wondering why I'm crying right now, I'm sorry," Applegate said through tears. "My dad just passed away a week ago. This is the first time I've really cried."</p> <p>Struggling to hold back emotion, the <em>Dead to Me</em> star admitted that she had been suppressing her grief. "I think kind of, like, I wasn't allowing myself to have that yet. [I was] too busy with this, too busy with that."</p> <p>Applegate hinted that her father's death followed an illness, though she did not share specific details. “We knew he was going to die," she said. "Is that an excuse for not feeling? Because you know that someone's gonna go, and you've said your goodbyes?”</p> <p>The episode of MeSsy centreed on a conversation about grief with guest JoAnna García Swisher. Sigler, aware of how raw the topic might be, warned that the discussion could be "triggering" for Applegate. At the time, Applegate believed she would be able to handle it – but as the recording unfolded, her sadness surfaced.</p> <p>“I thought I was going to be OK, and I’m not,” she said. “I’m insanely sad.”</p> <p>Christina Applegate, the only child of Bob Applegate and actress Nancy Priddy, has largely kept her family life out of the spotlight. However, she and her father did share a public moment together in 2013 on TLC’s <em>Who Do You Think You Are</em>, exploring their family’s roots.</p> <p>Bob Applegate’s passing comes during an already difficult chapter in Christina’s life. In 2021, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She has spoken candidly about her battle with the illness, revealing on a recent episode of Dax Shepard's <em>Armchair Expert</em> that she has “30 lesions” on her brain.</p> <p>“My biggest one is behind my right eye, so my right eye hurts a lot,” she shared.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world. Is it time for mandatory limits?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Gambling prevalence studies provide a snapshot of gambling behaviour, problems and harm in our communities. They are typically conducted about every five years.</p> <p>In some Australian states and territories, four or five have been conducted over the past 20 or so years. These have provided a snapshot into how gambling has changed – and how it has not.</p> <p>So, how has gambling in Australia changed in the past two decades or so, and where may we be heading?</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world.<br />Australia should: <br />🚫 Ban gambling ads<br />🎰 Introduce loss limits on pokies and online gambling<br />📉 Progressively cut the number of pokies in each state</p> <p>Our new report shows how governments should prevent gambling harm.… <a href="https://t.co/7U3IgzOLSp">pic.twitter.com/7U3IgzOLSp</a></p> <p>— Grattan Institute (@GrattanInst) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrattanInst/status/1831297414080176469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <h2>The intensification of gambling</h2> <p>In 1997-98, the Productivity Commission found <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/gambling/report/summary.pdf">about 82% of Australians</a> had gambled in the previous 12 months.</p> <p>Almost all further prevalence studies show the proportion of adults gambling has declined substantially over time.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">2024 NSW prevalence survey</a>, for example, found 54% reported gambling in the previous 12 months, down from 69% in 2006.</p> <p>While fewer people are gambling, the proportion of people experiencing problems has not changed much, <a href="https://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/statistics/theme/society/gambling/australian-gambling-statistics">nor has gambling turnover</a>.</p> <p>In some states, gambling turnover has increased, even when you take inflation into account.</p> <p>So while a smaller proportion of people are gambling, those who do gamble are doing so more frequently, and spend more money – a phenomenon we have described as the “intensification” of the industry.</p> <p>As figures from the Grattan Institute show, the vast majority of gambling spend comes from a very small proportion of people who gamble.</p> <p><iframe id="Z6EYJ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z6EYJ/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <h2>What’s the problem?</h2> <p>Typically, the focus in gambling studies has been on “problem gamblers”, a term we now avoid because it can be stigmatising.</p> <p>This refers to those experiencing severe problems due to their gambling, which is typically <a href="https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/safer-communities/gambling/victorian-population-gambling-and-health-study-2023">about 1% of the adult population</a>, and around 2% of people who gamble.</p> <p>This doesn’t sound like much, until you remember 1% of adults in Australia is more than 200,000 people. That’s a lot of people struggling with severe problems.</p> <p>Based on recent prevalence surveys in Australia, these gamblers spend <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">about 60 times as much</a> as people who do not experience problems.</p> <p>However, that’s just the most severe cases.</p> <h2>How gambling harms people</h2> <p>When most people think of gambling harm, they think about financial harm. But gambling can cause problems with relationships, work and study, emotional and psychological harm, and <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-2747-0">even cause health issues</a>.</p> <p>Some degree of gambling harm is experienced by <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">around 10-15%</a> of people who gamble.</p> <p>Some groups are overrepresented: young men typically experience very high levels of harm compared to others. Other overrepresented groups are:</p> <ul> <li>those who have not completed tertiary education</li> <li>people who speak a language other than English</li> <li>people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.</li> </ul> <p>Harm isn’t just experienced by people who gamble, though – it impacts the people around them.</p> <p>While young men are more likely to experience harm from their own gambling, <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">women, particularly young women</a>, are most likely to experience harm from someone else’s gambling.</p> <p>When we take all of these sources of harm into account, we get a much better picture of gambling harm in our community: <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">around 15-20% of all adults</a> (not all gamblers) experience harm.</p> <p>That’s very different to the figure of 1% we’ve focused on in the past.</p> <p>We’re still missing some accounting, though: we don’t know how much harm is experienced by people under 18, for example, because prevalence studies typically only include adults.</p> <h2>Where does the harm come from?</h2> <p>The most problematic form in Australia is pokies, responsible for <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10260219/#:%7E:text=EGMs%20are%20responsible%20for%2051,problems%20due%20to%20low%20participation.">about 51-57% of problems</a>.</p> <p>Casinos are responsible for <a href="https://ftp.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/safer-communities/gambling/victorian-population-gambling-and-health-study-2023">another 10-14%</a>, although fewer people have been gambling in casino games in recent years.</p> <p>Sports betting and race betting together account for about another 19-20% of harm.</p> <p>Between them, pokies, casino games and sports and race betting account for about 90% of harm to Australian gamblers.</p> <p><iframe id="w2wEY" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/w2wEY/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <h2>Availability is an issue</h2> <p>This widespread availability of pokies is the biggest single driver behind gambling harm in Australia.</p> <p><iframe id="hIgeD" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hIgeD/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p>In other countries, pokies are limited to venues that are specifically used for gambling, like casinos or betting shops.</p> <p>We have pokies in a huge number of our pubs and clubs, except in Western Australia.</p> <p>A couple of years ago, we used national prevalence data to compare gambling problems in WA <a href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/12/3/article-p721.xml">to the rest of the country</a>.</p> <p>A higher percentage of adults in WA gamble, but mostly on the lotteries which are typically <a href="https://theconversation.com/pokies-lotto-sports-betting-which-forms-of-problem-gambling-affect-australians-the-most-240665">not associated with much harm</a>.</p> <p>Gambling on pokies is far less prevalent in WA because they’re only available in one casino. Gambling problems and harm are about one-third lower in WA, and our analysis shows this can be attributed to the limited access to pokies.</p> <p>This also tells us something important. If pokies are not available, people will typically not substitute them with other harmful forms. It points to the role of the availability of dangerous gambling products in gambling harm, rather than personal characteristics.</p> <p>Online gambling has also become a lot more available. Most of us now have a mobile phone almost surgically implanted onto our hand, making online gambling more accessible than ever. Not surprisingly, <a href="https://www.gamblingresearch.org.au/publications/second-national-study-interactive-gambling-australia-2019-20">online gambling continues to increase</a>.</p> <h2>An obvious solution to try</h2> <p>Governments have taken increasingly proactive measures to help address gambling harm, such as the <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/gambling/resource/national-consumer-protection-framework-online-wagering-national-policy-statement">National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling</a>, strategies for minimising harm such as NSW’s investment into <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/gambleaware-week-0">gambling harm minimisation</a>, Victoria’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/26/victoria-pokies-changes-limits-new-laws">proposed reforms on pokies</a> including mandatory precommitment limits, Queensland’s <a href="https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/gambling-harm-min/resource/84d444db-97e0-4be0-8e87-0c6f0cb412d6">Gambling Harm Minimisation Plan</a> and the ACT’s <a href="https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1436580/Strategy-for-gambling-harm-prevention.pdf">Strategy for Gambling Harm Prevention</a>.</p> <p>Voluntary limits have been trialled to help people keep their gambling under control, but have had <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-03/nsw-government-cashless-gaming-trial-findings-released/104679384">virtually no uptake</a>.</p> <p>For example, the recent <a href="https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/1340136/evaluation-of-the-nsw-digital-gaming-wallet-trial-2024.pdf">NSW Digital Gaming Wallet trial</a> was conducted in 14 venues. Only 32 people were active users, and 14 of these were deemed genuine users. <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/saces/ua/media/652/evaluation-of-yourplay-final-report_0.pdf">Another study</a> found only 0.01% of all money put through machines in Victoria used the voluntary YourPlay scheme.</p> <p>The problem with voluntary limits is, no one volunteers.</p> <p>Mandatory limits though are almost certainly necessary, just like we have mandatory limits for how fast you can drive, or how much you can drink before the bartender puts you in a taxi.</p> <p>There will almost certainly be push back against this, just like the introduction of mandatory seatbelts in the 1970s, or <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-04/road-safety-history-australia-toll-increase/102903364">the introduction of random breath testing</a>.</p> <p>Now, we accept them as important public health measures.</p> <p>History tells us the same will happen with mandatory gambling limits, even if we’re a bit uncomfortable about it at first.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/252389/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-russell-133860">Alex Russell</a>, Principal Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-browne-97705">Matthew Browne</a>, Senior Lecturer in Statistics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-rockloff-569">Matthew Rockloff</a>, Head, Experimental Gambling Research Lab, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></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/gambling-in-australia-how-bad-is-the-problem-who-gets-harmed-most-and-where-may-we-be-heading-252389">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

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Virgin Australia issuing refunds to 61,000 travellers

<p>Virgin Australia has announced it will refund approximately 61,000 customers after discovering a pricing error that led to overcharges on itinerary changes made over the past five years.</p> <p>The airline revealed that a glitch in its pricing system caused some tickets to be incorrectly repriced when passengers adjusted their bookings. The issue affected bookings made between April 21, 2020, and March 31, 2025, representing around 0.1 per cent of total reservations during that period.</p> <p>Affected customers will be contacted directly by Virgin Australia, with the average refund expected to be around $55.</p> <p>“At Virgin Australia, we have policies that determine when and how we reprice a guest's booking when they make a change to their itinerary," a spokesperson said in a statement. "We recently found that in some instances, bookings were repriced in a way that does not align with our policy, and we are refunding all impacted guests for that amount."</p> <p>The airline has apologised to affected travellers and launched an "itinerary change claim program" to manage the process. Deloitte Australia has been appointed to assist with handling claims and expediting refunds.</p> <p>"We want to do the right thing, and that means acknowledging when we get things wrong and fixing it," the spokesperson added. "Guests will have up to 12 months to make a claim, and any unclaimed amounts will be donated to charity."</p> <p>Virgin Australia has also notified the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and pledged to work closely with the regulator to meet any further obligations.</p> <p>The airline confirmed it holds the details of all impacted customers and will be sending out communication, in partnership with Deloitte, on how to claim refunds.</p> <p><em>Image: Virgin Australia</em></p>

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