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Sir Becks at last? David Beckham reportedly set for long-awaited honour

<p>After years of waiting patiently – and sometimes not-so-patiently – David Beckham may finally get to swap his football boots for a ceremonial sword, with reports suggesting the former England captain is about to be knighted by King Charles III.</p> <p>"Sir" David Beckham could be a reality as soon as next week, with the British icon, 50, tipped to feature in the King’s Birthday Honours list. If confirmed, it’s a moment decades in the making – and not just in his dreams.</p> <p>The honour would also see his equally iconic wife rebranded as Lady Victoria Beckham. One assumes she already had the wardrobe for the role.</p> <p>Beckham, who received an OBE in 2003 for services to football, has long been linked with a knighthood. The rumour mill really got going in 2022, when Becks queued for an astonishing 13 hours to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Admirable dedication – or, as some joked at the time, a very British form of long-game lobbying.</p> <p>Despite his chivalrous queueing efforts, he was passed over yet again in this year’s New Year Honours. That round saw knighthoods go to the likes of Stephen Fry, Gareth Southgate and Sadiq Khan - leaving Beckham still on the bench.</p> <p>But royal insiders now say his time may have finally come. Former royal butler Paul Burrell, always good for a regal soundbite, told <em>The Express</em> that Beckham was being “kept dangling for a while”, but added confidently: “Of course, it’s going to happen. The question is, when.”</p> <p>Well, Sir Paul (not that one) – it seems when is now. The knighthood is expected to recognise Beckham’s outstanding football career – as in, you know, captaining England and winning basically everything with Manchester United – as well as his impressive charitable work. From UNICEF to grassroots football, Beckham has been putting in the off-field hours too.</p> <p>Should the news be confirmed, expect front pages, formalwear and perhaps a cheeky photo of Becks adjusting his new sash just so. As for Lady Posh? One can only hope for a suitably regal Spice Girls reunion. </p> <p>Until the official honours list drops, Beckham fans will have to wait just a little longer – but it seems the king of English football may finally become Sir David, at long, long last.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Huge update in Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman's divorce

<p>Deborra-Lee Furness has officially filed for divorce from Hugh Jackman, nearly two years after the couple publicly announced their separation following 27 years of marriage.</p> <p>According to documents reportedly submitted in New York on May 23, the Australian actress moved forward with the legal process after reaching a behind-the-scenes agreement with the <em>X-Men</em> star. Sources close to the matter say the divorce is uncontested, meaning both Furness and Jackman have agreed on all terms.</p> <p>“A settlement was reached that Deborra is pleased with, which includes a handsome spousal support payment,” a source <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14754391/Deborra-Lee-Furness-files-divorce-Hugh-Jackman-fortune.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the Daily Mail</a>. “There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, [Deborra] got what she believed she deserved. Both are coming out of this financially secure.”</p> <p>The insider added that the 69-year-old actress has found the “closure she needed”, with the next step being final approval from a judge.</p> <p>Furness and Jackman share two adopted children: Oscar, 25, and Ava, 19. The divorce follows months of reported tension over the division of the couple’s estimated $250 million fortune. In March, insiders claimed that Furness was delaying proceedings over dissatisfaction with Jackman’s initial financial offer. However, the newly reached settlement appears to have resolved those disputes.</p> <p>The couple first announced their separation in September 2023, releasing a joint statement: “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”</p> <p>While no official reason for the split was confirmed, rumours of a rift had been circulating for some time. Around the time of the separation, speculation grew over Jackman’s alleged affair with his <em>Music Man</em> Broadway co-star Sutton Foster. Sources claimed the two developed a deep connection during the show’s run from December 2021 to January 2023.</p> <p>Foster, 50, filed for divorce from her second husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin, in October 2024 after ten years of marriage.</p> <p>Furness has also reportedly been focusing on personal healing. In March, she was said to be “rebuilding her life and taking a vacation to Bhutan” for a fresh start. </p> <p><em>Images: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Editorial / Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Outrage after shirtless man knocks out 92-year-old woman

<p>In a horrifying broad daylight attack that has shaken the Williamstown community southwest of Melbourne, CCTV footage has captured the moment a shirtless man allegedly knocked a 92-year-old woman unconscious outside a busy shopping centre.</p> <p>The unprovoked incident occurred just after midday, as the elderly woman was walking along Douglas Parade in Williamstown. According to Victoria Police, a shirtless man approached her and suddenly swung his arm, striking her in the head. The blow sent the woman crashing to the pavement, rendering her unconscious.</p> <p>Disturbing CCTV vision shows the man calmly walking away from the scene as the elderly victim lies motionless on the ground. Witnesses can be seen rushing to her aid moments later, with some members of the public reportedly restraining the man until police arrived.</p> <p>Ambulance Victoria confirmed the woman was transported to hospital in a stable condition. Miraculously, her injuries are not considered life-threatening.</p> <p>In a statement later released from her hospital bed, the woman expressed deep gratitude to those who came to her aid.</p> <p>"I wish to thank all those who have been so caring of me," she said. "I remember nothing of the actual incident, but when I woke up, I was surrounded by the police and ambulance and caring onlookers. I wish to thank everyone for their concern. I'm pleased to go home as I have a loving family and supportive friends."</p> <p>The alleged attacker, a 39-year-old man with no fixed address, was arrested on the scene and has since been charged with intentionally causing injury.</p> <p>Police are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone who witnessed the attack or has further footage to come forward.</p> <p><em>Images: Victoria Police</em></p>

Caring

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Hanson Handover: Pauline Hanson's daughter steps into the political arena

<p>It seems politics really does run in the family. Lee Hanson, daughter of the ever-controversial Pauline Hanson, has decided to follow in her mother’s well-trodden (and often stormy) footsteps, announcing her candidacy for a Tasmanian senate seat under the One Nation banner. </p> <p>Lee, who has spent the past 13 years in Tasmania – presumably perfecting her ability to handle both cold weather and heated debates – says her top priorities are cost of living, education and healthcare. All reasonable concerns, although we can't help but wonder if she’s also prepared for the free political rollercoaster ride that comes with being part of One Nation.</p> <p>Both mother and daughter took to the <em>Sunrise</em> stage to discuss this next-generation political move, and the conversation was a mix of admiration, mild surprise and the kind of family banter that makes family barbeques look tame.</p> <p>When host Nat Barr asked Lee why she was willingly stepping into the political firestorm, she admitted: “If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be standing here right now, I would say, ‘Absolutely not, no way!’”</p> <p>Pauline, ever the proud mother, was quick to throw her support behind her daughter: “I have an immense amount of pride in her… She has a lot to offer on the floor of parliament. It’s not an easy job. It’s a tough job.” (That’s politician-speak for good luck, kid – you’ll need it.)</p> <p>The interview also touched on how the two Hansons navigate political disagreements. Surprisingly, there aren’t many, but Lee assures us she challenges her mother’s thinking. “No, (we) don’t argue politically," she said. "I test her thinking and provide a different context from a next generation.” </p> <p>Pauline, in a rare moment of concession, admitted Lee is probably “a bit more diplomatic” – which, given Pauline’s long history of fiery speeches and memorable headlines, is a bit like saying a housecat is slightly more diplomatic than a lion.</p> <p>The interview wrapped up with a wholesome twist, as Pauline took a moment to wish her grandson, Noah, a happy birthday.</p> <p>So, will Lee Hanson make her own mark in politics? Or will she remain forever in her mother’s shadow? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – Australian politics just got a whole lot more interesting.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

TV

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Catriona Rowntree unleashes over controversial new plan

<p>Catriona Rowntree has slammed the Victorian Labor government's plans to cover land at Mount Rothwell under solar panels </p> <p>The Getaway star shared her call to action in an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFlVylRTfYG/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram video</a> shared on Monday. </p> <p>“Welcome to beautiful Mount Rothwell in Little River,” Rowntree began in her video.</p> <p>"This is actually the number one film location in Victoria. This has been the scene of so many incredible movies and productions, bringing in a fortune for the local government.</p> <p>"This incredible area Vic Labor is now considering covering this whole area with a solar farm in its rush for renewables.</p> <p>"They are considering all these completely wrong locations."</p> <p>She previously opposed the state government's plans to build a huge lithium battery farm next to her family property near Little River, and mentioned it again in her most recent video.</p> <p>Rowntree branded the planned lithium battery farm as a fire hazard, saying: “So how can you help? Some of you may know that we have been battling as well, they want to put a lithium facility in a firezone in Little River.</p> <p>“What did Little River ever do to the Labor government? I don’t know why you keep picking on us," she continued.</p> <p>"No one will talk to us, it’s been nearly seven months, we’ve heard nothing.”</p> <p>In her caption for the video, Rowntree said she had no choice but to "get political" and vote for Liberal candidate Steve Murphy in the upcoming Werribee state by-election, saying: "He actually took the time to visit us and see how wrong this area is for their renewables”.</p> <p>"Has it come to this?" she wrote.</p> <p>"Do I have to get political to get someone to notice the region that VIC Labor wants to destroy?"</p> <p>She also issued a direct plea to the premier, tagging Jacinta Allen and asking: “Where are you? Why do you want to ruin what is the Number 1 film location in Victoria? Why won’t anyone from Victorian Labor stop this?”</p> <p>"You should be ashamed,” she told the state government. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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Deborra-Lee Furness shares life update after divorce

<p>Deborra-Lee Furness has broken her silence for the first time since photos emerged of Hugh Jackman's new <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/deborra-lee-furness-reacts-to-hugh-jackman-s-new-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relationship</a> with his co-star Sutton Foster. </p> <p>Furness revealed that she feels as though she is now in “chapter three” of her life following her shock split from Jackman in 2023. </p> <p>Speaking about focusing on her career over her love life, she told the <em>Herald Sun</em>, “I’ve had a few offers for films back here so I’m still reading some scripts so if there’s something that’s great.”</p> <p>She went on to share that she’ll be taking more time for herself now she’s single and able to focus on herself first. </p> <p>“I’ve got some projects in New York. I’m in my chapter three. I’m a creative, I love being creative in a variety of areas and I think I’ll be doing more travelling.”</p> <p>This is the first time she has spoken publicly since her ex-husband debuted his new relationship, although a source allegedly close to Furness said she felt "a sense of relief" when Jackman and Foster's relationship was announced. </p> <p>The source told the <em>Daily Mail</em>, “She has been plagued with suspicions. She was told it wasn’t true, and that they were nothing more than close friends who worked together. But something in her heart told her that this was not true."</p> <p>“She trusted her intuition and her intuition was right. She finally feels at ease after getting confirmation that her fears and suspicions were warranted. She can now fully close this chapter and move on.”</p> <p>Jackman and Furness announced their separation after 27 years of marriage in September 2023.</p> <p>The former couple have two adult children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Relationships

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Wild claim about Hugh Jackman romance

<p>Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have confirmed their relationship earlier this month, and as the couple ramp up their public appearances together, it has been reported that prior to getting together, they took their respective spouses on double dates.</p> <p>Jackman and Foster grew closer while starring together in the Broadway musical <em>The Music Man</em> from December 2021 until January 2023.</p> <p>Now, an insider has revealed to the <em>Daily Mail </em>that Jackman and his ex-wife, Deborra-lee Furness, would enjoy date nights together with Foster and her ex-husband, Ted Griffin.</p> <p>The source also said that after every performance of their show the pair would share an "uncomfortably" long embrace in front of everyone. </p> <p>“It was odd,” they continued. “In a way it was uncomfortable. As the entire cast is trying to get to their dressing rooms upstairs, we all had to pass the two of them hugging. They didn’t even hide it! It was a long embrace … and it was weird.”</p> <p>“I thought she was just a needy actress,” they added.</p> <p>“That’s the way it appeared to me - the needy actress needed the hug from the big superman.”</p> <p>This comes after the couple were <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/hugh-jackman-and-sutton-foster-fans-notice-odd-detail-in-new-loved-up-pics-disappointing-004854401.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently spotted holding hands</a> for a lowkey outing in new pap photos. </p> <p>In one snap, Jackman appeared to be looking at the cameras while laughing, leading some to believe the pair called the press on themselves. </p> <p>"They need to stop calling the press on themselves," one user wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>"Looking right at the camera lol," another said, while a third simply added, "Disappointing."</p> <p>"Please, stop calling the paparazzi. This is so ridiculous," someone else said.</p> <p>"This screams closeted PR stunt," another added.</p> <p>Others thought the pair looked happy, with one saying "they make a beautiful couple".</p> <p>Jackman and  Deborra-Lee Furness announced their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/hugh-jackman-devastated-after-marriage-split" target="_blank" rel="noopener">separation</a> after 27 years of marriage in September 2023, and a little over a year later, Sutton filed for divorce from husband Ted Griffin after 10 years of marriage.</p> <p>It was recently reported that the <em>Wolverine</em> actor and Furness are struggling to finalise their divorce, as they didn't have a prenup in place, with rumours that the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/hugh-jackman-and-deborra-lee-furness-rumoured-to-face-messy-divorce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">split may get "messy"</a> as they attempt to divide their massive fortune. </p> <p><em>Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness rumoured to face "messy" divorce

<p>Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have yet to file for divorce, according to the Daily Mail. </p> <p>Insiders told the publication that their split could get "messy" as the former couple struggle to divide their estimated $250 million fortune. </p> <p>They are now planning to file in New York "in the next couple of weeks."</p> <p>"One of the biggest reasons why they haven’t yet filed is that they never had a prenup," the source told the Daily Mail. </p> <p>"When they got married, they thought it would be forever. Who doesn’t? At the time, neither of them expected Hugh’s career to get as enormous as it has.</p> <p>"Because there was no prenup, and he made a fortune during their marriage, this divorce is not going to be cut and dry. It may even get messy because the stakes are high.</p> <p>"A lot of moving parts need to be worked out and there is a huge amount of money involved.</p> <p>The insider insisted that the couple both want to "make this as easy as possible," but after three decades together and Jackman's huge rise to fame, "it’s not quite that easy."</p> <p>Furness and Jackman announced their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/hugh-jackman-devastated-after-marriage-split" target="_blank" rel="noopener">split</a> in September 2023, and not long after, rumours of the <em>Wolverine</em> actor's new relationship with Broadway co-star Sutton Foster started emerging, with the pair finally confirming their romance last week. </p> <p>His new relationship has reportedly added to the growing tension between Jackman and Furness, who had struggled with "resentment and an imbalance of power" towards the end of their marriage. </p> <p>The division of assets, including their properties in East Hampton, New York, Sydney, and Manhattan, is also complicated by the fact that they are "no longer friends". </p> <p>"Hugh and Deborra-Lee are cordial to each other, but they are no longer friends," the insider said.</p> <p>"They put their differences aside to co-parent and he cares a lot about is children."</p> <p>The insider clarified that there was no overlap with Jackman and Furness by the time he started dating Foster. </p> <p>Just a few days ago, Furness said that she was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/deborra-lee-furness-reacts-to-hugh-jackman-s-new-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relieved </a>to see images of Jackman and Foster as it finally confirmed her "suspicions" that the pair would get together. </p> <p><em>Image: Guerin Charles/ABACA/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Deborra-Lee Furness reacts to Hugh Jackman's new relationship

<p>After months of speculation that Hugh Jackman and his <em>The Music Man </em>co-star, Sutton Foster, were together, the pair finally went public with their romance last week where they were spotted holding hands after an intimate dinner. </p> <p>Now, a little over a year after  Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness announced their split, a source close to Furness has revealed her surprising reaction to the news. </p> <p>“Deborra-Lee feels a sense of relief to be honest with you,” the source told <em>Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p>The source added that the 68-year-old had her suspicions and was repeatedly told the pair were just friends. </p> <p>“She has been plagued with suspicions. She was told it wasn’t true, and that they were nothing more than close friends who worked together.</p> <p>“But something in her heart told her that this was not true.</p> <p>“She trusted her intuition and her intuition was right. She finally feels at ease after getting confirmation that her fears and suspicions were warranted.</p> <p>“She can now fully close this chapter and move on.”</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/DEjHGPlM5Bi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/DEjHGPlM5Bi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by People Magazine (@people)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Jackman and Furness announced their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/hugh-jackman-devastated-after-marriage-split" target="_blank" rel="noopener">split</a> in September 2023, after 27 years of marriage. </p> <p>On October 22 2024, Foster filed for <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/broadway-star-files-for-divorce-amid-hugh-jackman-rumour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"uncontested divorce"</a> from her screenwriter husband Ted Griffin. </p> <p>“They are 100 per cent together and are in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together,” a source previously told Page Six of Jackman and Foster's relationship. </p> <p>The pair have starred alongside each other in the Broadway show <em>The Music Man </em>from 2022 to 2023. </p> <p><em>Image: Ron Adar / M10s/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Two Aussies cop $35,000 fine for "illegal" enterprise

<p>A pair of Aussies have copped a $35,000 fine for illegally collecting masses of firewood for a black market enterprise. </p> <p>The duo were caught during a targeted patrol inside a national park in Victoria, where fallen timber is supposed to be left as wildlife habitat. </p> <p>They fled after they were approached by officers, according to Parks Victoria, but had left behind evidence of their illegal enterprise. </p> <p>Officers found records that identified the 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman in their abandoned Commodore, as well as their sales record and social media accounts promoting their black market business. </p> <p>The pair were convicted of six charges at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on November 22, with the man fined $20,000 and the woman $15,000 for cutting, removing and selling firewood in the Lower Goulburn National Park in May, 2023.</p> <p>The couple faced additional charges for damaging wildlife habitat. </p> <p>On Wednesday, Parks Victoria issued a warning to the public to not fall for firewood scams and illegal wood sellers after almost 10,000 trees had been illegally felled across 462 hectares of public land last year.</p> <p>"The illegal cut and take of firewood from national parks and protected public land is theft," Andrew Dean, a Parks Victoria Senior Enforcement Officer, said in a statement. </p> <p>"Theft damages and destroys wildlife habitat and robs Victorians of the natural places they love to visit. Magistrate Zebrowski's verdict sends a strong and clear message: firewood theft will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions.</p> <p>"We encourage consumers to use common sense when purchasing firewood. Any time a deal is too good to be true, it probably is."</p> <p>Fallen logs are important and a key habitat for Australian wildlife including the  marbled gecko, brown treecreeper and Peron’s tree frog. </p> <p><em>Images:  Parks Victoria</em></p>

Legal

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Major driver's licence change for Victorian drivers

<p>A major drivers licence change has been implemented in Victoria. </p> <p>Up to 800,000 learner and provisional drivers in the state will soon have electronic access to their licence in a bid to make  "it easier for them to go about their lives". </p> <p>They join the 1.2 million motorists in the state who already have the capability to access their licence digitally, a feature that was only introduced in Victoria in May this year. </p> <p>While the digital licences are optional, the state government said that feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.</p> <p>Like other digital licences, it features a highly secure, timed QR code" that can be scanned by businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.</p> <p>Victoria Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the initiative aims to simplify life for young drivers in the state. </p> <p>"We’ve seen more than 1.2 million Victorians access their licence on their phones since we launched this technology in May, and I’m sure we’ll continue to see a strong take up from our younger drivers," she said. </p> <p>The licences can also be updated in real-time if there are changes to conditions, personal information or if a licence has been cancelled or suspended. </p> <p>The state government is also working with venues to ensure licences are compatible with major scanning technology making it easier for both customers and venues across Victoria.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Victorian plane crash victims identified

<p>Three young men have been killed after a light plane crash in eastern Victoria at around 5.45pm on Saturday. </p> <p>Pilot Luke Smith, 20, his younger brother Ben Smith, 16, and their cousin Dustin Daly, 15, were on board the plane when it crashed into a paddock and burst into flames at Tinamba West in east Gippsland. </p> <p>They were only 15 minutes into the flight, which took off from West Sale airport, when the tragic incident occurred. </p> <p>The plane was reportedly seen circling several times, with witnesses saying they heard a strange sound coming from the aircraft in the moments before the crash. </p> <p>“From accounts that I’ve seen, there may have been circling or manoeuvring to resolve that issue or to try to find somewhere to land and unfortunately, that has happened,” Aviation Projects managing director Keith Tonkin said.</p> <p>Luke Smith has held a pilot licence since 2022 and was also an instructor. His aviation consultant and flying instructor Lorraine MacGillivray has paid tribute to the three young men. </p> <p>“They were all absolutely delightful human beings, and so this is a terrible loss,” MacGillivray said.</p> <p>“The conversations I had with him, he was diligent and he was committed and he was passionate about his flying,” MacGillivray said.</p> <p>“He was also a flight instructor.”</p> <p>The brothers were also heavily involved in the Tongala football and cricket clubs, who have since offered counselling to the grieving regional community. </p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the crash, with a team of investigators specialising aircraft operations and maintenance looking into what happened. </p> <p>The ATSB described the plane as "amateur-built light aircraft" and will examine the wreckage, interview witnesses and comb through flight tracking data to try and determine what went wrong. </p> <p>“We’ll start looking at the records of the plane itself, and maintenance records and pilot qualifications and the actual tasking or the nature of the flight itself,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.</p> <p>Witnesses who saw the incident or anyone who has photos or videos of the plane have been asked to come forward. </p> <p><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

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Aussie dad's life-changing $100,000 find

<p>After seven years of hunting for lost items with his metal detector, one Vi dad has struck gold - unearthing a nugget worth about $100,000. </p> <p>Luke Phillips, who shares metal-detecting videos on his YouTube channel <em>Dig It Detecting</em>, recorded the moment found the nugget in the Goldfields region. </p> <p>Phillip initially found tiny flecks of gold in the 150-year-old miner's hole dating back to the Victorian gold rush. It was when he decided to run his detector over a moss-covered log that he heard a faint signal.</p> <p>He rolled the log over and thought he might actually be digging for a horseshoe before repeatedly exclaiming “oh my god” as he realises it was something much bigger. </p> <p>“This is probably the deepest target I’ve ever dug for gold,” Phillips said in the video. </p> <p>“Holy smokes! Mate, we didn’t dig that far for no reason,” he says to his friend, Andrew, as they unearthed the nugget. </p> <p>“Holy smokes, if we didn’t get a gram before we’ve certainly got it now.</p> <p>“Holy f***, look at it!”</p> <p>Phillips then joked his friend would not need his glasses to see the nugget.</p> <p>“I’ve never witnessed or seen or experienced something quite like this,” Phillips said. “I didn’t expect to see gold. That is so cool.”</p> <p>Phillips continued to excavate a larger hole, and couldn't hide how astonished he was. </p> <p>“I never thought I would see this day where I was going to unearth a nugget,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s like an egg ... that’s like a freaking egg.”</p> <p>He took the nugget home where he cleaned it and weighed it at 868.4g.</p> <p>He has reportedly sold the nugget since finding it back in May, and although the sale price was confidential, it was likely to have been sold for a six-figure-price. </p> <p>"It was an exhilarating feeling — I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. That moment in time will be with me forever," Phillips told <em>9News</em>.</p> <p>The discovery and sale of the gold nugget has been "life-changing" for Phillips after he had to stop working full time due to health issues a few years ago.  </p> <p>He said that the nugget will help out his family in a "big way". </p> <p>"It's not something I'm going to retire on, of course, but it will pay some bills off and we can put a bit on the mortgage, or buy a car," he said.</p> <p><em>Images: YouTube</em></p>

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"I think I knew for years": Andy Lee spills on proposal

<p>In their first photoshoot and interview as an engaged couple, Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding have revealed how the sweet proposal unfolded. </p> <p>The couple are the cover stars on this week's <em>Stellar</em> magazine and featured as guests on the <em>Something To Talk About</em> podcast. </p> <p>In the interview, Andy explained that he'd known "for a long time" that he wanted to marry his girlfriend of 10 years. </p> <p>“I think six, maybe to eight months [beforehand] was when I really started thinking about it. I think I knew for years. Then getting the ring, and hoping Bec liked it – that would have been the most nerve-racking part. And getting her there on time to the actual proposal,” he said.</p> <p>Andy popped the question in May, and proposed at the couple's home in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. </p> <p>He recalled how Rebecca was running late on the day and kept him anxiously waiting for more than an hour before she showed up. </p> <p>“It doesn’t matter. The important thing is, we went home together,” she told the publication. </p> <p>While their proposal was nothing glamorous, it had sentimental value, as he handed her a napkin asking for her hand in marriage, a callback to their first meeting when she was working as a waitress at a Melbourne cafe and he wrote his number on a napkin for her. </p> <p>“It was just happiness,” Rebecca said of the proposal.</p> <p>“It’s such a nice feeling to know someone has gone and put all of this effort into something, to ask you to spend the rest of your life with them. I mean, we’d been dating for 10 years, so I kind of was like, maybe getting married is not for us. There was enough in our life that I knew he was serious about me.”</p> <p>She also shared the external pressure she felt over the years for the couple to get engaged, and explained why it took them so long. </p> <p>“Andy doesn’t like being told what to do. So in my mind, I was like, can everyone please stop pressuring him to propose? Because he’s not going to do it,” she said. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Second person dies during Legionnaires outbreak

<p>A man in his 60s has become the second person to die from Legionnaires amidst the outbreak in Victoria. </p> <p>The man became unwell on July 27th and was admitted to hospital, where he died on August 1st.</p> <p>His death comes just days after a woman in her 90s also died from the disease. </p> <p>Victoria's Chief Health Officer Clare Looker confirmed that the state is now grappling with 77 confirmed cases, including two in the past 24 hours and another seven suspected cases.</p> <p>Most people with the disease are over 40 years of age and are believed to have been exposed between July 5th and July 20th. </p> <p>Despite the worrying case number, Looker confirmed that authorities have seen a reduction in cases and believe the situation is stabilising. </p> <p>The source of the outbreak is being linked to a cooling tower in the Laverton North and Derrimut area of Melbourne, after more than 50 sites have been inspected. </p> <p>Authorities believe there is a high likelihood they have already tested and treated the source, while sharing that weather patterns could explain the extent of the outbreak. </p> <p>They have contacted another 1000 businesses across Melbourne, telling them to self-test and report to the Department of Health, Looker said.</p> <p>Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the legionella bacteria, which is found in natural bodies of water as well as spas, warm water systems, potting mix and artificial systems that use water for cooling.</p> <p>Symptoms usually include a chest infection, aches, headache, fever, cough and chills.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

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Hilarious reason why Hamish and Andy are "banned for life" from Olympic village

<p>It's not easy to get banned from the Olympic village, but somehow Andy Lee and Hamish Blake have managed to do just that.</p> <p>Despite being warned to “not to talk about this ever”, Andy threw caution to the wind during an interview with Triple M's  <em>The Rush Hour With Leisel Jones, Liam & Dobbo</em> on Tuesday. </p> <p>He explained that he and Hamish copped the ban from the International Olympic Committee after an incident during the 2012 London games. </p> <p>“Hamish and I were given the honour of speaking to the (Australian) Olympians before it started,” Andy began. </p> <p>“There’s a lot of applications and security you have to fill out to get into the Olympic village … and someone who filled out the forms put my birth date as that day’s date," he continued. </p> <p>Despite that fact that it was clearly an admin error, the authorities refused entry to the duo on the day of the speech. </p> <p>Funnily enough, a quick-thinking Aussie came to the rescue and managed to sneak him in. </p> <p>“I won’t name who, but someone on the team said, ‘Hey, I can bring an outfit out. You look a little bit like one of the high jumpers,’” Andy recalled.</p> <p>“Suddenly I went through on someone else’s (pass) and we snuck in, which was obviously a huge breach of security at a time when they were trying to prove that security was tight.”</p> <p>Hamish and Andy delivered their speech and mingled with all the athletes, but their little lie was called out 90 minutes later, when the security team realised they'd been tricked. </p> <p>“They dragged us and put us in separate rooms and there was a lot of interrogation,” Andy said. </p> <p>“We were … just tight-lipped, and then the head of security came in.”</p> <p>In another stroke of luck, the head of security turned out to be an Aussie, who recognised the duo.</p> <p>“He went, ‘Hamish and Andy, what are you guys doing here?’ We explained, and he was more understanding,” the comedian said.</p> <p>However, because of their actions, the Australian Olympic team was also punished, with some of their visitor passes revoked. </p> <p>“That’s why I wasn’t really proud of what happened,” Andy said.</p> <p>“I hate the fact that some people missed out.”</p> <p>The IOC also made it clear to the duo that they weren't welcome back to the village. </p> <p>“We had to agree to be banned for life,” Andy recalled to the amusement of the Triple M hosts. </p> <p>Liam Flanagan jokingly suggested to Andy:  “I think the campaign needs to start here. We need the ban lifted for Brisbane 2032!”</p> <p>To which he replied:  “or, (we could try) another sneak in … let’s double down!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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