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Outrage as school allows students to opt out of Anzac Day service

<p>A public primary school in Sydney’s northwest has sparked controversy after allowing students to opt out of its upcoming Anzac Day service. The decision by Sherwood Ridge Public School has drawn criticism from parents, veterans and community leaders, who argue that all students should recognise the sacrifices made by Australia’s service members.</p> <p>Principal Jody Sullivan recently emailed parents, requesting that they inform the school if they did not want their children to attend a commemorative assembly scheduled for April 10. The move was aimed at accommodating a small group of Christian students whose families object to commemorating war due to their religious beliefs.</p> <p>The announcement was met with strong condemnation, particularly from veterans and advocacy groups. Former commando and RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge responded by <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14557953/Anzac-Day-Sherwood-Ridge.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telling <em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Daily Mail Australia</span></em></a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“Anzac Day is not a celebration of war; in fact, it commemorates the horrors of war and ensures the sacrifices of those who served and died are never forgotten. Our young people learn about Australia’s proud military past.”</span></p> <p>Less than a dozen students will be supervised in alternative learning activities while the rest of the school participates in the assembly. Despite the limited scope of the decision, many feel it still sets a troubling precedent.</p> <p>Veteran Advocacy Australia branded the move as “disgusting” and called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to intervene. Former NSW Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott also criticised the decision, stating, “It really is an insult to the families of the 100,000 who died for this country.”</p> <p>Parents took to social media to express their dismay, with one mother writing, “Honouring and remembering those that have fought and lost their lives to keep us safe has nothing to do with religion.” Another parent argued, “This is not commemorating war; it is remembering those who gave their all to keep this country free.”</p> <p>The NSW Department of Education has since responded, reaffirming its expectation that all public schools commemorate Anzac Day with memorial ceremonies. Secretary Murat Dizdar stated, “Our students are required to learn about the importance of Anzac Day and the sacrifice our servicemen and women made, and continue to make, as part of their regular lessons.”</p> <p>While Sherwood Ridge Public School has acknowledged that its message could have been communicated more selectively, the backlash <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">as the nation prepares to mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate about how Anzac Day should be observed in schools. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Supplied</span></em></p>

Legal

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Chaos at Sunrise as Nat Barr and Shirvo told to evacuate

<p>It was a normal morning at <em>Sunrise</em> – until it wasn’t. Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington, Australia’s trusted duo for morning headlines, found themselves in an unexpected plot twist when a blaring alarm interrupted their broadcast.</p> <p>Just as they were busy reminiscing about <em>The Sound of</em> Music turning 60, their usual smooth delivery was derailed by an insistent fire alarm.</p> <p>“Hey, that’s a fire alarm! We might have to evacuate here,” a concerned Shirvo said, his journalistic instincts kicking in faster than a sprinter off the blocks.</p> <p>Barr, ever the professional, sought confirmation from the floor crew. “Are we being told to evacuate?” she asked, as though a second opinion might change the fact that alarms generally mean "leave".</p> <p>Despite a classic “Should we stay or should we go?” moment, the pair was finally ushered out – only to be showered in gold confetti by the <em>Sunrise</em> crew, who clearly had been planning this for weeks.</p> <p>“Of course it is – April Fools’,” Shirvo said, shaking his head as he wiped glitter from his suit. Barr, likely already composing a strongly worded email to the prank masterminds, chuckled in defeat.</p> <p>And so, another <em>Sunrise</em> April 1st came and went, proving once again that news anchors aren’t just here to report the stories – they sometimes <em>are</em> the story.</p> <p><em>Images: Network 7</em></p>

TV

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Cricket world mourns passing of Ashes legend

<p>Peter Lever, the former England fast bowler and a key member of the victorious 1970-71 Ashes side, has passed away at the age of 84. His former county, Lancashire, confirmed the news on Thursday.</p> <p>“We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84,” Lancashire posted on X. “Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 — taking 796 wickets. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”</p> <p>Lever played 17 Test matches and 10 One-Day Internationals for England, including the famous inaugural One Day International in 1971. Known for his aggressive pace and sharp movement, he left a lasting impact on the game.</p> <p>His England career began in 1970 against a Rest of the World XI at The Oval, where he took an impressive 7-83, dismissing cricketing greats such as Garry Sobers, Mushtaq Mohammad, Graeme Pollock, Clive Lloyd and Mike Procter. Although the match was later stripped of its Test status, his performance earned him an official England debut later that year in the Ashes series opener in Perth.</p> <p>Lever played a crucial role in England's 1970-71 Ashes triumph, which remains the last time Australia was whitewashed at home. He returned to Australia in 1975 and delivered a career-best performance, taking 6-38 in Melbourne. On the first day of that Test, he dismissed four of Australia’s top five batsmen for just two runs. Despite England securing an innings victory in that match, it was their only win in the six-Test series.</p> <p>However, one of the most defining moments of Lever's career came in 1975 during a Test match against New Zealand in Auckland. A bouncer he bowled struck debutant Ewen Chatfield on the unprotected left temple, causing him to collapse on the pitch. Chatfield's heart stopped, leading to fears that he had died, but he was revived through CPR by England physiotherapist Bernard Thomas. The traumatic incident deeply affected Lever, who later admitted that he contemplated retirement.</p> <p>Lever played only one more Test match after that, featuring in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in 1975, where he took two wickets in a drawn game. He retired from first-class cricket the following year, concluding a distinguished career with Lancashire.</p> <p>Peter Lever will be remembered as a fierce competitor and a dedicated servant of English cricket. His contributions to the sport, particularly his role in England’s historic Ashes win, ensure his legacy will endure.</p> <p><em>Images: Daily Mail UK</em></p>

Caring

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After a century of Monday to Friday, could the 4-day week finally be coming to Australia?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">The reality of shorter working hours could be one step closer for many Australians, pending the outcome of the federal election.</p> <p>The Greens, who could control crucial cross bench votes in a hung parliament, have announced plans for a <a href="https://greens.org.au/news/media-release/greens-launch-4-day-work-week-election-policy">four-day</a> working week, with no loss of pay. They say the policy would alleviate stress and burn out, and increase women’s participation in the workforce.</p> <p>Earning the same money for fewer hours would appeal to most workers. But is it too good to be true? Could it really be rolled out cost free to all workplaces, especially to “client facing” companies and service providers?</p> <p>Or does research suggest the Greens could be onto something?</p> <h2>The Greens’ plan</h2> <p>The Greens’ policy would involve a new National Institute for the Four Day Work Week and a test case through the Fair Work Commission.</p> <p>A series of national trials would be set up in a number of different industries, whereby workers would work 80% of their normal hours, while maintaining 100% of their pay.</p> <p>According to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, it’s a win-win for everyone:</p> <blockquote> <p>It can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, improve recruitment and retention and give employees more time to manage their home life. This change will allow workers to create a working week that works for them.</p> </blockquote> <h2>The 100:80:100 model</h2> <p>The four-day work week being proposed in this instance is commonly regarded as the 100:80:100 model.</p> <p>It delivers 100% of the pay, for 80% of the hours, in <a href="https://www.4dayweek.com/news-posts/100-80-100-rule">return</a> for maintaining 100% of productivity.</p> <p>This is unlike other forms of shorter working weeks, which compress five days’ worth of work into four longer days. This obviously disadvantages some employees.</p> <p>Recent <a href="https://figshare.swinburne.edu.au/articles/report/Emerging_Four_Day_Work_Week_Trends_in_Australia_New_insights_based_on_interviews_with_Australian_firms_who_have_already_adopted_4DWW_arrangements_Preview_report_/26282311?file=47647063">research</a> conducted by Swinburne University of Technology involved interviews with ten Australian firms that have already adopted the 100:80:100 model.</p> <p>They were a mixture of small and medium sized private sector businesses, including management consulting firms, a shipping and logistics company, and recruitment and marketing agencies.</p> <p>The research underlined the potential for a range of positive outcomes for both employers and employees.</p> <p>Workers reported having better work-life balance, more time to complete “life administration” tasks, and more time to invest in hobbies, exercise, wellness and self-care. Bosses cited productivity gains, reduced sick days, and significant improvements in recruitment and retention rates.</p> <p>However, the 100:80:100 model is viewed with scepticism in some quarters. There is still doubt that productivity and output would be maintained, or in some cases improved, when workers are working one day fewer per week.</p> <p>Also, there could be costs associated with the implementation of this work model for front-line roles, such as retail, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Additional workers may need to be hired, at extra expense, to cover the hours dropped by the existing workforce.</p> <h2>100 years of working 5 days a week</h2> <p>The year 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the five-day work week.</p> <p>It was car maker Henry Ford who <a href="https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/henry-fords-five-day-week/">reduced</a> the working week in the United States from six days to five. Other sectors and countries followed suit. This was at a time when the average life expectancy of Australian workers was just 55 and households typically only had one bread-winner.</p> <p>Despite the time saved by the many technological breakthroughs in the past 100 years – from the photocopier, desktop computer and fax machine, to the internet, mobile phones and AI – the average Australian is now <a href="https://futurework.org.au/report/taking-up-the-right-to-disconnect-unsatisfactory-working-hours-and-unpaid-overtime/">working longer hours</a> in paid and unpaid labour than ever before.</p> <p>The Greens point out Australian society is changing. More women and carers are either in the workforce or would be encouraged into the workforce by more flexible arrangements:</p> <blockquote> <p>yet we are constrained by archaic labour laws that see the fruits of our efforts swallowed up in profits for bosses and shareholders.</p> </blockquote> <p>The role of generative AI technologies in the workplace may also deliver benefits to workers. Separate Swinburne <a href="https://figshare.swinburne.edu.au/articles/report/Generative_AI_at_work_Empowering_employee_mental_wellbeing/27252948">research</a> has revealed an increasing expectation among workers that they will receive a share in the time saved by future technologies in the form of improved work-life balance and wellbeing gains.</p> <h2>Time to enter the 21st century</h2> <p>Earlier this year, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jan/27/two-hundred-uk-companies-sign-up-for-permanent-four-day-working-week">200 UK companies</a> signed up to the 100:80:100 model, as part of a campaign to “reinvent Britain’s working week”. Large scale trials are also underway in <a href="https://4dayweek.io/country/canada">Canada</a> and several <a href="https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/02/02/the-four-day-week-which-countries-have-embraced-it-and-how-s-it-going-so-far">European</a> countries.</p> <p>The global interest in a shorter working week is not surprising, and has likely been fuelled by the COVID pandemic, which has caused workers and employers to re-imagine their working lives.</p> <p>If the Greens are in a position to leverage any balance of power after the coming election, it could be Australia’s turn to recognise the conventional five-day working week is no longer fit for purpose.<!-- 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/252379/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/john-l-hopkins-255434">John L. Hopkins</a>, Associate Professor of Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</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/after-a-century-of-monday-to-friday-could-the-4-day-week-finally-be-coming-to-australia-252379">original article</a>. </em></p> <p> </p> </div>

Money & Banking

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I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/hearing-health/resources/publications/one-in-six-australians-experience-hearing-loss-poster-0?language=en">One in six Australians</a> have hearing loss and, for most adults, hearing starts to decline from <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107720">middle age onwards</a>.</p> <p>Many of us, however, hesitate to seek help or testing for our hearing. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll be told to wear hearing aids, and envision the large and bulky hearing aids you might have seen on your grandparents decades ago.</p> <p>In fact, hearing aids have changed a lot since then. They’re often now very small; some are barely noticeable. And hearing aids aren’t the only option available for people experiencing hearing loss.</p> <h2>Why you shouldn’t ignore hearing loss</h2> <p>Acquired hearing loss can have a serious impact on our life. It is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2331216517734088">associated</a> with or can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29222544/">contribute</a> to:</p> <ul> <li>social isolation</li> <li>loneliness</li> <li>not being able to work as much, or at all</li> <li>memory problems</li> <li>trouble thinking clearly</li> <li>conditions such as dementia.</li> </ul> <p>Hearing loss has also been associated with depression, anxiety and stress. A <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/60/3/e137/5369884?redirectedFrom=fulltext">systematic review and meta-analysis</a> found adults with hearing loss are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression than those without hearing loss.</p> <p>A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768374">large population study</a> in the US found self-reported hearing loss was associated with:</p> <ul> <li>higher levels of psychological distress</li> <li>increased use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, and</li> <li>greater utilisation of mental health services.</li> </ul> <p>The good news is that doing something about your hearing loss can help you live a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36385406/">happier</a> and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00232-5/fulltext">longer</a> life.</p> <h2>So why don’t people get their hearing checked?</h2> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17927921/">Research</a> has found adults with hearing loss typically wait ten years to seek help for their hearing.</p> <p>Less than a quarter of those who need hearing aids actually go ahead with them.</p> <p>Hearing declines slowly, so people may perceive their hearing difficulties <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">aren’t concerning</a>. They may feel they’re now used to not being able to hear properly, without fully appreciating the impact it’s having on their life.</p> <p>Some people harbour <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">negative attitudes to hearing aids</a> or don’t think they’ll actually help.</p> <p>Others may have overheard their <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">partner, family or friends</a> say negative things or make jokes about hearing aids, which can put people off getting their hearing checked.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">Stigma</a> can play a big part.</p> <p>People often associate hearing loss with <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2353862">negative stereotypes</a> such as ageing, weakness and “being different”.</p> <p>Our recent <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2446480">research</a> found that around one in four people never tell anyone about their hearing loss because of experiences of stigma.</p> <p>Adults with hearing loss who experience stigma and choose not to disclose their hearing loss were also likely not to go ahead with hearing aids, we found.</p> <h2>What are my options for helping my hearing?</h2> <p>The first step in helping your hearing is to have a hearing check with a hearing care professional such as an an audiologist. You can also speak to your GP.</p> <p>If you’ve got hearing loss, hearing aids aren’t the only option.</p> <p>Others include:</p> <ul> <li>other assistive listening devices (such as amplified phones, personal amplifiers and TV headphones)</li> <li>doing a short course or program (such as the <a href="https://shrs.uq.edu.au/active-communication-education-ace">Active Communication Education program</a> developed via University of Queensland researchers) aimed at giving you strategies to manage your hearing, for instance, in noisy environments</li> <li>monitoring your hearing with regular checkups</li> <li>strategies for protecting your hearing in future (such as wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, and not having headphone speakers too loud)</li> <li>a cochlear implant (if hearing loss is severe)</li> </ul> <p>Hearing care professionals should take a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2190864">holistic approach</a> to hearing rehabilitation.</p> <p>That means coming up with individualised solutions based on your preferences and circumstances.</p> <h2>What are modern hearing aids like?</h2> <p>If you do need hearing aids, it’s worth knowing there are several different types. All modern hearing aids are extremely small and discrete.</p> <p>Some sit behind your ear, while others sit within your ear. Some look the same as air pods.</p> <p>Some are even completely invisible. These hearing aids are custom fitted to sit deep within your ear canal and contain no external tubes and wires.</p> <p>Some types of hearing aids are more expensive than others, but even the basic styles are discrete.</p> <p>In Australia, children and many adults are eligible for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/hearing-services-program/accessing/eligibility">free or subsidised hearing services</a> and many health funds offer hearing aid rebates as part of their extras cover.</p> <p>Despite being small, modern hearing aids have advanced technology including the ability to:</p> <ul> <li>reduce background noise</li> <li>direct microphones to where sound is coming from (directional microphones)</li> <li>use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone, TV and other devices directly in your hearing aids.</li> </ul> <p>When used with a smartphone, some hearing aids can even track your health, detect if you have fallen, and translate languages in real time.</p> <h2>What should I do next?</h2> <p>If you think you might be having hearing difficulties or are curious about the status of your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a hearing check.</p> <p>The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline and reduce other health risks.</p> <p>And rest assured, there’s a suitable option for everyone.<!-- 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/250925/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 </em><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbra-timmer-1199057">Barbra Timmer</a>, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Audiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</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/im-avoiding-a-hearing-test-because-i-dont-want-chunky-hearing-aids-what-are-my-options-250925">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> </div>

Hearing

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Tennis legends immortalised with special honour

<p>Tennis legends and grand slam champions Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley have bene immortalised as one-of-a-king Barbie dolls in honour of International Women's Day. </p> <p>The tennis duo were recognised together by Mattel's celebration of "the power of friendship".</p> <p>Barty opened up about the surreal experience, saying, "I think my first reaction was almost disbelief. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be a Barbie myself. I think it's just such an incredible experience to be a part of."</p> <p>Barty's doll wears a replica of the outfit she wore while winning at the 2021 Wimbledon, while Goolagong Cawley's Barbie is wearing the skirt and shirt combination she wore to award Barty with her trophy.</p> <p>Goolagong Cawley confessed: "It's just absolutely amazing. I just love it; I can't believe it's happened."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxAMpxBTCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxAMpxBTCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The women became friends in 2011 after first meeting at the Junior Wimbledon, as Barty recalled of their first meeting: "There were so many similarities and just such easy conversation. Obviously there were so many things that we could relate to with each other in tennis, but also in life. It was just that connection straight away, without a doubt."</p> <p>Goolagong Cawley opened up about the early days of their friendship, and said: "We understood each other perfectly, I think. And we never talked about tennis. Ever. I was more concerned with her wellbeing ... I just want her to be happy, and she makes me happy."</p> <p>Mattel senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls said of the collaboration, "One of the greatest tools that a girl can have is the support and encouragement of her peers."</p> <p>"As we approach International Women's Day, Barbie is proud to honour legendary female friendship duos across different backgrounds, professions, and parts of the world."</p> <p>"We know firsthand that friendships formed at a young age can help fuel social and professional growth, setting girls up for limitless possibilities."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/ Barbie - Mattel</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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"Miss you every day": Brooke Warne's tribute to Shane

<p>Brooke Warne has shared an emotional tribute to her father Shane on the three-year anniversary since his sudden death. </p> <p>Cricket legend Shane died on March 4th 2022 in Ko Samui, Thailand, at the age of 52 following a suspected heart attack.</p> <p>Brooke, 26, wrote a heart-wrenching post about her dad, saying she misses him every day since his passing. </p> <p>She shared a series of photos with her dad throughout her life, captioning her post, "3 years without you Dad ❤️‍🩹 I miss laughing with you about the little things and there is so much I want to show you🤍."</p> <p>Brooke, who is the eldest of Warne's three children, added: "I know you're always with us, I love you ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 I miss you every day."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwBd3Vz43h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwBd3Vz43h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by B R O O K E 🍿 W A R N E (@brookewarne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The post was flooded with comments, with Brooke's brother Jackson Warne commenting a red love heart underneath the post. </p> <p>In the years since his death, the sporting legend's children have honoured him and support the Shane Warne Legacy foundation as ambassadors.</p> <p>As the news of Shane's death first broke in 2022, Brooke admitted in a candid post that it didn't "feel real ".</p> <p>"It doesn't feel right, you were taken away too soon and life is so cruel," she said.</p> <p>"We were so similar in so many ways and I always use to joke that I got your genes and I use to joke about how much that annoyed me!! Well now I couldn't be happier and prouder that I have your genes."</p> <p>"And I was lucky and will forever be, so proud to call you my dad. I love you to infinity and back and I will miss you forever."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man charged with murder one day after police offer $500,000 reward

<p>Coffs Harbour police have charged a 66-year-old man with the murder of Duncan Campbell, one day after announcing a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.</p> <p>Campbell’s body was discovered just over a year ago on February 12, 2024, in bushland near his campsite on John Champion Way. Initially, authorities did not consider his death suspicious. However, a medical review later revealed that the 58-year-old had been brutally assaulted, prompting a homicide investigation.</p> <p>Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty explained that humid and wet weather conditions had significantly decomposed the body, leading to the initial incorrect assessment of the cause of death. This misjudgment resulted in delays to the murder inquiry.</p> <p>On Tuesday, police issued a public reward of $500,000 for information on the case. Less than 24 hours later, strike force detectives arrested the suspect in Coffs Harbour. The man has been charged with murder and is accused of bludgeoning Campbell to death with a steel pole. He was refused bail and is set to appear in court.</p> <p>Campbell, a father of four and grandfather, had been living in a campsite with other rough sleepers near City Hill before his disappearance. Detective Superintendent Doherty noted that Campbell was well-regarded by those who knew him.</p> <p>"He was a loving father and grandfather," Doherty said. "[He] fell on hard times in recent years that led to him sleeping rough. He was a decent man; there was no criminality from Duncan."</p> <p>Campbell was reported missing by his family after they lost contact with him. Police discovered his body a week later in nearby bushland.</p> <p>Campbell’s murder comes amid a troubling rise in homicide cases in the Coffs Harbour-Grafton region. According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the area recorded five murders in the year ending September 2024 – the highest annual total in the past decade.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police</em></p>

Legal

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Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

<p>A world-first study has shown that Ozempic can reduce drinking among those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD). </p> <p>A small clinical trial, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamapsychiatry.2024.4789">JAMA Psychiatry</a>, studied 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder and found that those taking semaglutide – the generic name of Ozempic – for nine weeks saw significantly reductions in how much alcohol they drank, as well as cravings for alcohol, compared with people on a placebo.</p> <p>The findings underscore many real-world claims of those taking these medicines have already hinted at: Ozempic and similar drugs, already incredibly popular, could help reduce risks of over-consuming alcohol, if the results bear out in larger and longer trials.</p> <p>Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the lead author of the study, said, "We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving."</p> <p>"What I didn't expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications."</p> <p>The drug works in both the gut and the brain, which may be the way they could help with alcohol-use disorder, said Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist at the US National Institutes of Health who wasn't involved in this study.</p> <p>"More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) of action of these medications in AUD," Leggio, who's published research on semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol drinking in animals, wrote to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/health/ozempic-alcohol-use-disorder-trial/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a></em>.</p> <p>"Nonetheless, the work done now suggests that mechanisms may include their effect in reducing alcohol craving and in reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol."</p> <p>Whether Ozempic and other similar drugs present a new way of treating AUD will depend on larger trials in patients more heavily afflicted by the disorder, experts said, and potentially whether research can yield a better understanding of how the medicines work to reduce drinking.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

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200 unexploded WWII bombs found underneath playground

<p>Almost 200 unexploded bombs dating back to World War II have been unearthed from beneath a children's playground in the north of England. </p> <p>The discovery was made in Scotts Play Park in Wooler, Northumberland, with 176 bombs recovered and fears that more could be discovered. </p> <p>The first of the devices, which still contain a charge, were found in January and was followed by much larger finds in the following weeks.</p> <p>It is believed the area was used as a Home Guard training ground during the war, and the explosives were buried at the end of Second World War in 1945.</p> <p>After two bombs were recovered by the British Army, the local parish council was then advised that a full survey of the area was required. </p> <p>“I never thought as a parish councillor I’d be dealing with bomb disposal,” Conservative councillor Mark Mather said, as reported by the <a title="www.bbc.com" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0821yqr4wo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>BBC</em>.</a></p> <p>“It’s quite something to think the children have been playing on bombs and it’s been a really challenging situation.</p> <p>“We’ve only cleared about a third of all the park and we could still find another pit with more bombs in.”</p> <p>The bombs were first discovered in January after the parish council received a grant to build a fully inclusive playground to be added to the existing area.</p> <p>While digging foundations at the site on January 14th, the first bomb was found, with another 150 explosives being found in the following two days. </p> <p>Experts from the local Barracks confirmed the first device was a training bomb and the UK’s Ministry of Defence said a full site survey was needed.</p> <p>“They are called practice bombs so they’re not live,” Mather said.</p> <p>“But they do still carry a charge and were found with the fuse and contents intact so they could be hazardous."</p> <p>“The story we’re getting from locals is that Wooler was a centre for Home Guard training and officers came here from all over the country. After the war it looked like they just buried all the ordnance in one of the pits.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Wooler Parish Council</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Share the love this Valentine’s Day with L’Occitane

<p dir="ltr">With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it's time to think about treating the one you love most to something special. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, <a href="https://au.loccitane.com/FleursdeCerisier.html">L’Occitane’s</a> new limited edition range has something for everyone. </p> <p dir="ltr">Featuring a limited edition fragrance inspired by the blooming Cherry Blossoms and Vineflowers of Provence, the feminine, floral, and fruity scent transports you to a springtime stroll.</p> <p dir="ltr">With six new products in the new Fleurs De Cerisier range, the fragrance combines fresh top notes of mandarin and white muscat, with a heart of cherry blossom and green grapevine flowers, leaving a soft, sensual dry-down of rosewood and white musks.</p> <p dir="ltr">The range features an Eau de Toilette perfume, a hair and body Mist, a body lotion, a hand cream, and of course, L’Occitane’s iconic shower oil. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFKkRlZyYY5/?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/reel/DFKkRlZyYY5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by L’Occitane en Provence | ANZ (@loccitaneanz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">For those who can’t decide, the Visite En Provence Fragrance Collection comes with a fresh mist, a fragrance and a hand cream to keep you covered. </p> <p dir="ltr">The stunning collection ranges from $29 to $125, boasting something for shoppers on every budget. </p> <p dir="ltr">With its delicate yet captivating scent, this collection will make any Valentine’s Day moment smell and feel extra special.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / Instagram </em></p> <p> </p>

Beauty & Style

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Community rallies around family after fatal Australia Day crash

<p>A tight-knit community has rallied together to support a grieving widow and her children after her husband and four-year-old son were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/father-and-four-year-old-son-killed-in-australia-day-crash-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed</a> in a car crash on Australia Day.</p> <p>Chris Vrbesic, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene after his Holden Commodore collided with another car at an intersection in Brisbane's bayside. </p> <p>His four-year-old son Julian was taken to Queensland Children's Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. </p> <p>The classic car community, of which Mr Vrbesic was an avid member, has since stepped up to help his widow Maria and the couple's two surviving children Myla and Vinnie since the sudden and tragic crash. </p> <p>Family friend Brittany Claxton said young son Julian was "so full of life and he loved his Tata [father] so so much".</p> <p>"He was sure to remind us of his favourite person - Tata," she said. "The pair had an unbreakable bond and his mumma realised they were just destined to be together forever."</p> <p>"Juju was an old soul who had a knack for making any adult do exactly what he wanted. Even staring contests and telling you EXACTLY what he thought of you."</p> <p>"Juju, that cheeky grin and even cheekier laugh will stick with us all forever. It will be the light that guides us all. Our mad dog forever."</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-chris-juju-support-for-the-vrbesics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page was created by Clayton to support the grieving family, and has reached over $130,000 in donations.</p> <p>The fundraiser reads, "In order to relieve the financial burden in this unsettling time we are raising funds for Chris' loving wife and Juju's incredible mama Maria."</p> <p>"We hope to take away a small amount of the pressure as they process their grief. If you had the privilege to know this man - you know he was an incredibly loving Dad, supportive husband, loving son, grandson, big brother and a friend to so many."</p> <p>"The way he lived his life full of joy, passion and drive was admirable and we should all be inspired to live the same, in honour of him."</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe / LinkedIn</em></p>

Caring

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Father and four-year-old son killed in Australia Day crash identified

<p>A father who was killed alongside his four-year-old son in a horror car crash on Brisbane's bayside has been identified as Chris Vrbesic.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to Ransome just before 9am on Australia Day, after a blue Holden Commodore collided with a red Mitsubishi Lancer on Rickertt Road at an intersection. </p> <p>Vrbesic, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene and his son was taken to Queensland Children's Hospital, where he died.</p> <p>The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 29-year-old Birkdale man, suffered minor injuries and was helped by bystanders before he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.</p> <p>Vrbesic, from Manly West, has been remembered by his friends and loved ones as a "family man" with a "big heart". </p> <p>A friend who stopped by the crash site told <em>The Courier Mail</em>: “I think you’re going to find this will be one of those tragedies … thousands of people it is going to affect.”</p> <p>"He helped so many people, he had such a big f***ing heart." </p> <p>The father-of-three was a project manager at Innate Developments - a company that specialises in residential and commercial construction.</p> <p>Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie shared their condolences for the family, saying: "Any life lost on Queensland roads is one too many and we must do anything we can to ensure safety on our roads." </p> <p>"If it's under police investigation obviously police must investigate the circumstances of what happened but there are communities hurting and families hurting."</p> <p>Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the collision. </p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Image: LinkedIn</span></em></p>

Caring

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"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Grace Tame for "taking focus away" from the 2025 Australian of the Year finalists with her choice of outfit. </p> <p>The former Australian of the Year winner was greeted by Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, as she donned a t-shirt that said "F*** Murdoch". </p> <p>Speaking with <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/live/perth" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">ABC Radio Perth</a></em> on Monday, Albanese was asked about his meeting with Tame and his views on her T-shirt, as he said her stunt was disrespectful towards the award's finalists. </p> <p>“I held a function. It is something that, in my view, took away from the people who were there, and my focus was simply on that,” he said.</p> <p>Albanese believed Tame’s decision to wear the t-shirt had clearly been designed to get attention, as he said, “I don’t intend to add to that attention because I do think that it takes away from what the day should be about, which is the amazing people who were nominated as Australians of the Year.”</p> <p>When asked if he agreed with the message of what Tame was trying to portray, Albanese said that he “clearly disagreed” and he wants debate to be respectful, adding, “People are allowed to express themselves, but I thought it was disrespectful of the event and of the people who that event was primarily for.”</p> <p>Tame explained her decision to wear the shirt to the event to <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/25/grace-tame-wears-anti-murdoch-shirt-to-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-australian-of-the-year-morning-tea-ntwnfb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian Australia</a></em>, saying, “[The T-shirt is] clearly not just about Murdoch, it’s the obscene greed, inhumanity and disconnection that he symbolises, which are destroying our planet.”</p> <p>“For far too long this world and its resources have been undemocratically controlled by a small number of morbidly wealthy oligarchs. If we want to dismantle this corrupt system, if we want legitimate climate action, equity, truth, justice, democracy, peace, land back, etc, then resisting forces like Murdoch is a good starting point.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

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Captain Cook statue vandalised ahead of Australia Day

<p>A statue of Captain Cook has been vandalised in Sydney just days ahead of Australia Day. </p> <p>The statue, which sits on Belmore Road in Randwick, had its hand ripped off in the attack and parts of its face destroyed before it was covered in red paint. </p> <p>It's the second time in 12 months the statue has been vandalised, with the attack being condemned by Randwick councilor Andrew Hay. </p> <p>"The Captain Cook Statue has been vandalised again," he said in a statement. "They've broken the sandstone and cut off his hand and nose."</p> <p>"Low lives in Randwick know no bounds, or have any reverence for great people of history, and will vandalise him to make a political point that he's not directly related to."</p> <p>Randwick City councillor Dr Carolyn Martin told <em>2GB</em> radio that the vandals scaled the fence around the statue and left it in an "absolute mess".</p> <p>"It's absolutely disgraceful behaviour. We're all absolutely horrified," she said.</p> <p>Randwick mayor Dylan Parker also called out the vandalism, saying, "Vandalism has no place in public discussion."</p> <p>"Vandalism is an illegal act that does a disservice to progressing your cause, a disservice to the community and a disservice to reconciliation."</p> <p>"Council will clean and restore the statue. The statue was cleaned and restored last year after a similar incident in February 2024."</p> <p>Australia Day, which is recognised each year on January 26th, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Philip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. </p> <p>But for many First Nations people, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning' because it marks the beginning of Australia's colonisation. </p> <p><em>Image credits: 2GB </em></p>

News

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Australian Open loser learns of "insane" pay day

<p>A lucky Australian Open loser has learned of her massive pay day on camera after being knocked out of the competition in Melbourne. </p> <p>Eva Lys, a 23-year-old tennis champion from Germany, had never been beyond the second round of a grand slam but made the most of her last-minute opportunity to join the main draw in Melbourne to secure three wins worth 240 ranking points. </p> <p>As well as her win, the young player secured a cash prize of $420,000. </p> <p>Lys enjoyed the “humbling” experience on Rod Laver Arena making it to Round 16, and was told by a member of the media of her big pay day. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFD8WxNzHTW/?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/reel/DFD8WxNzHTW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lachlan Wills (@lachlanwills1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I loved that one of the members of the media here said to her, off air, it's $420,000 and she had no idea," Grand Slam Daily host Chris Stubbs said on Stan Sport.</p> <p>"She hadn't even looked at the prize money. And her reaction!"</p> <p>Lys ended up being knocked out by Poland's Iga Swiatek, as Mark Petchey said on Grand Slam Daily, "You walk out there if you're Eva Lys and you're wondering what's going to happen. She's had a great tournament, but Iga's looking supreme, she's looking dominant."</p> <p>"And that's what the best players do. Yes, they compete, great, but they also dominate."</p> <p>Image credits: 7News</p>

Money & Banking

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Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

<p>Global travel brand <em>Time Out</em> has revealed their annual list of the best activities around the world. </p> <p>From a canoe trip in Australia to wildlife encounters in Singapore, here are the top 10 must-do activities and experiences around the world. </p> <p><strong>10. Take a micro cruise through the Arctic. </strong></p> <p>This year, Micro-cruise specialist Secret Atlas will be taking 12 passengers at a time through the Arctic, for a more "intimate, once-in-a-lifetime, eco-conscious trip". </p> <p>The cruise will take guests on a wildlife-spotting journey through Svalbard's lesser-known northern reaches, while the other cruise will sail past the icebergs in Northeast Greenland, including a visit to one of the most remote towns on earth. </p> <p>These trips, however, aren't cheap with prices starting at £15,500 (around AUD $30,500) for two weeks.</p> <p><strong>9. Explore the cross-border towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia</strong></p> <p>These three towns make up 2025's European Capital of Culture, with over 400 events to be held throughout the year, including a piano performance on a 200m-high bridge, as well as a food and wine event called Tastes Without Borders.</p> <p><strong>8. Go on a wildlife-spotting adventure in Singapore's new Rainforest Park </strong></p> <p>The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is opening its fifth zoological park, Rainforest Wild Asia, this year, with 10 different zones, as well as 29 different species of animals, perfect for a family outing. </p> <p><strong>7. Discover Vietnam by a vintage steam train</strong></p> <p>Time Out explained that two of the "beautifully restored vintage trains" date all the way back to the 60s, and will take passengers between "the central city of Da Nang and the former royal capital of Hue."</p> <p><strong>6. Visit the Musée Granet celebrating the father of post-impressionism</strong></p> <p>Aix-en-Provence in France is celebrating the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown, with the exhibition displaying almost 100 of Cèzanne’s works, as well as tours around the artist’s childhood home, former estate and art studio. </p> <p><strong>5. Visit the long-awaited Harlem's Studio Museum, New York</strong></p> <p>The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, was first opened 56 years ago, with an archive of almost 9,000 pieces from all kinds of creators. It was closed for construction almost seven years ago and will finally re-open in autumn. </p> <p><strong>4. Fly directly to Greenland </strong></p> <p>The grand opening of their brand-new international airport will make this stunning location <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">more accessible</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> for travellers wanting to view the Northern Lights and all of the territory's natural wonders. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">3. Visit the world's first museum telling stories of migration though art</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Fenix museum in </span>Katendrecht, Rotterdam will open on May 16 and is the first museum telling stories of migration through art. </p> <p><strong>2. Walk, ride or cycle along Murray River, Australia</strong></p> <p>"The Murray River is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Echuca region," said <em>Time Out’s</em> Saffron Swire. </p> <p>With the opening of a new multisport adventure trail this year, cyclists, hikers and paddlers alike will get to enjoy the river in a new way. </p> <p><strong>1. Join a once-every-quarter-century spiritual celebration in Rome, Italy</strong></p> <p>Italy's capital will celebrate its spiritual Jubilee this year, a Catholic festivity that's held every 25 years, with Italy expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recommending the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, "which began in the 16th century and involves a 25km walk through the city and countryside between the major basilicas." </p> <p>Check out the full list <a href="http://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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"Unfair" Australia Day ban sparks outrage

<p>A camping area in Bundeena has been slammed for making the "unfair" decision to ban boats and jet skis from Australia Day celebrations, with locals claiming they were left in the dark about the decision. </p> <p>The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will ban people from releasing their boats and jet skis from the access point at Bonnie Vale over the long weekend - the most popular time of the year to use the facility. </p> <p>The access point will be shut from 9pm on Friday, January 24 to 7am on Tuesday, January 28. </p> <p>Local Andrew Petty said he paid more than $300 for a camping holiday with his family and intended to take his kids fishing, but their plans have been derailed because of the ban. </p> <p>"We have one of the most beautiful waterways for all to use," he said. </p> <p>"We pay our boating licence, registration, fishing licence, national park entry fee, camping fee, and are denied access to the only ramp on that side of the Port Hacking."</p> <p>Petty added that he would have to drive more than an hour away to find another ramp to launch his boat, and believed he was paying the price for irresponsible jet ski users. </p> <p>"Maritime don't have the resources to prevent jet ski hooning so their alternative is to just force close the ramp and hire in traffic cops to police ramp access," he said. </p> <p>He believed that the ban was "unfair" because a lot of the traffic comes from jet ski users coming from the other side of Port Hacking. </p> <p>Another local called the move "another example of a government agency creating a problem instead of looking for more practical solutions." </p> <p>Locals also argued that the boat ramp offered a safe access point for leaving the isolated area in an emergency. </p> <p>The Port Hacking River is known for jet ski infringements in NSW and authorities claim they cause significant traffic congestion on nearby roads when the Royal National Park is full. </p> <p>They also said they hoped the closure would also improve safety for swimmers. </p> <p>"Public safety is always our number one priority and this temporary closure ensures Bonnie Vale remains a safer and more enjoyable space for all visitors over the long weekend," NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Royal area manager Brendon Neilly said.</p> <p>NSW Maritime officer Jay Ruming added that the state had recorded 1,700 jet-ski infringements in the past 12 months.</p> <p>"Our data tells us that jet skis are heavily over-represented in serious injury incidents. People involved in an accident on a jet ski have a 50 per cent likelihood they'll suffer a serious injury," he said. </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

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