Search

"Priceless and precious" war medals found in landfill

<p>A set of treasured war medals has been rescued from the brink of destruction at the Gatton Landfill west of Brisbane – all thanks to the sharp eyes and quick instincts of a local council worker.</p> <p>Tim, a heavy machinery operator at the site, was carrying out his usual duties recently when something out of the ordinary caught his attention in a pile of general waste. Amidst the discarded household items and rubbish, he noticed a small, unusual-looking container. Curious, he paused his work to investigate further and reported the find to his supervisor.</p> <p>What he discovered inside the box was nothing short of remarkable – four official war medals, still in pristine condition, tucked away as though forgotten. The medals, believed to be decades old, were likely of great sentimental and historical value to their rightful owner.</p> <p>“This was a wonderful stroke of luck,” said Lockyer Valley Regional <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Councillor Julie Reck, who holds the Waste Portfolio for the region. “If it hadn’t been for Tim, these priceless and precious medals would have wound up in landfill, likely never to be seen again.”</span></p> <p>Recognising the importance of the find, Council staff acted quickly to trace the medals’ origins. Within days, they were able to track down the family to whom the medals belonged and arrange for their safe return.</p> <p>The grateful owners were reportedly overwhelmed with emotion to have the medals – symbols of service and sacrifice – back in their possession.</p> <p>Councillor Reck praised Tim’s attentiveness and initiative, adding that this story is a timely reminder of how small actions can make a big difference.</p> <p>“It’s moments like these that show how much people care, even in the most unexpected places,” she said. “We're so proud of Tim and the whole team for handling the discovery with such care and respect.”</p> <p>While landfills are not usually associated with good news, this rare find proves that even in the unlikeliest of places, treasures – and touching stories – can still be uncovered.</p> <p><em>Images: Lockyer Valley Regional Council </em></p>

Home & Garden

‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>“This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders safely and ethically?</p> <p>As our digital lives expand, so too does our desire for access. Maybe you want to see the latest streaming shows before they arrive in your country. Maybe you’re a sports fan wanting to watch live broadcasts of international events. Or perhaps you need to log into your company’s secure intranet while at home or overseas.</p> <p>Enter the virtual private network (VPN) – a technology that’s become as essential as antivirus software for many. With many commercial and free VPN providers on the market, interest in these services <a href="https://www.comparitech.com/vpn/vpn-statistics/">has grown in recent years</a>.</p> <h2>How does a VPN work?</h2> <p>A <a href="https://computingaustralia.com.au/5-minute-helpdesk-what-is-a-vpn-and-why-should-i-use-one/">VPN</a> is like a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your <a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/encryption">internal traffic is scrambled into unreadable data</a> and routed through a remote server, which also masks your real IP address.</p> <p>Think of it like this: instead of sending a postcard with your return address, you send it in an envelope to a trusted friend overseas who mails it on your behalf. To anyone looking at the envelope, it looks like the message came from your friend and not you.</p> <p>This technique shields your identity, protects your data from snoopers, and tricks websites into thinking you are browsing from another location.</p> <p>While often marketed as <a href="https://www.le-vpn.com/australia-cyber-privacy-vpn/">tools for online privacy</a>, VPNs have grown popular for another reason: access.</p> <p>Many people use VPNs to access geo-blocked content, secure their internet activity, work remotely – <a href="https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/staying-secure-online/security-tips-remote-working">especially when handling sensitive data</a> – and protect against online tracking and targeted advertising.</p> <h2>VPNs are legal, if a bit grey</h2> <p>VPN services are offered by dozens of providers globally. Companies such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer paid subscriptions with strong security guarantees. Free VPNs also exist but come with caveats (more on this in a moment).</p> <p>In <a href="https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/are-vpns-legal">most countries</a>, including <a href="https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/staying-secure-online/connecting-to-public-wi-fi">Australia</a>, using a VPN is completely legal.</p> <p>However, what makes it murky is what one might use it <em>for</em>. While using a VPN is legal, engaging in illegal activities while using one remains prohibited.</p> <p>Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ license content by region. Using a VPN to access a foreign catalogue may violate their terms of service and potentially be grounds for account suspension.</p> <p>Australian law does not criminalise accessing geo-blocked content via VPN, but the copyright act does prohibit circumventing “technological protection measures” in certain cases.</p> <p>The grey area lies in enforcement. Technically, copyright law does ban getting around certain protections. However, the <a href="https://www.copyright.org.au/browse/book/ACC-Geoblocking%2C-VPNs-%26-Copyright-INFO127">latest advice does not mention</a> any cases where regular users have been taken to court for this kind of behaviour.</p> <p>So far, enforcement has mostly targeted websites and platforms that host or enable large-scale copyright infringement; not everyday viewers who want to watch a show a bit early.</p> <h2>Beware of ‘free’ VPNs</h2> <p>Not all VPNs are created equal. While premium services invest in strong encryption and privacy protections, free VPNs often make money by collecting user data – <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/internet/connecting-to-the-internet/buying-guides/vpn-services">the very thing you may be trying to avoid</a>.</p> <p>Risks of unsafe VPNs include data leaks, injection of ads or trackers into your browsing, and malware and spyware, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-25/viruses-spyware-found-in-alarming-number-of-android-vpn-apps/8210796">especially in free mobile apps</a> that claim to provide a VPN service.</p> <p>Using a poorly designed or dishonest VPN is like hiring a bodyguard who sells your location. It might give the impression of safety, but you may actually be more vulnerable than before.</p> <h2>Okay, so how do I choose a VPN?</h2> <p>With so many VPNs available, both free and paid, it can be hard to know which one to trust. If you are considering a VPN, here are five things to look for.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.expressvpn.com/what-is-vpn/policy-towards-logs">No-log policy</a>.</strong> A trustworthy VPN should have a strict no-log policy, meaning it does not store any records of your internet activity, connection time or IP address. This ensures even if the VPN provider is hacked, subpoenaed or pressured by a government, they have nothing to hand over.</p> <p><strong>Strong encryption standards.</strong> Encryption is what makes your data unreadable to anyone snooping on your connection, such as hackers on public WiFi or your internet provider. A somewhat technical thing to look out for is <a href="https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/aes-256-encryption/">AES 256-bit encryption</a> – it’s extremely secure and is used by banks and governments.</p> <p><strong>Independent audits.</strong> Reliable VPN services <a href="https://vpncentral.com/nordvpn-reaffirms-no-log-claims-with-fifth-deloitte-audit/">voluntarily undergo third-party audits</a> to verify their privacy claims and the security of their infrastructure.</p> <p><strong>Kill switch.</strong> A kill switch is a critical safety feature that automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address and data from being exposed, even momentarily.</p> <p><strong>Jurisdiction.</strong> VPNs are subject to the laws of the country they are based in. The countries in the <a href="https://cyberinsider.com/5-eyes-9-eyes-14-eyes/">Five Eyes intelligence alliance</a> (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand) may legally compel providers to hand over user data. If a VPN service has a strict no-log policy and does not collect information about what you do online, then even under legal pressure, there is nothing to hand over. So, you are safe.</p> <p>In an era of growing surveillance, cybercrime and corporate data collection, VPNs are essential tools for reclaiming your online privacy and data.</p> <p>But like any tool, the effectiveness (and ethics) of VPNs depend on how you use them. Next time you fire up your VPN, ask yourself – am I just dodging a digital border, or actively protecting my online freedom?<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/256559/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/meena-jha-542776">Meena Jha</a>, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-available-in-your-region-what-is-a-vpn-and-how-can-i-use-one-safely-256559">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Technology

World's oldest practicing doctor shares his secrets to a long life

<p>While most people slow down with age, Dr Howard Tucker has spent more than a century proving that passion and purpose are the best medicine.</p> <p>At 102 years old, the American neurologist has lived a life so extraordinary it earned him a Guinness World Record as the oldest practicing doctor – an honour he received just before turning 99. Though he officially hung up his white coat at 100, Tucker remains as active and engaged as ever.</p> <p>Today, he lectures future physicians at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and consults on medico-legal cases – work made possible by a law degree he earned at 67. His message? Retirement is not a requirement.</p> <p>“Retirement, I think, is the enemy of longevity,” Dr Tucker recently told Al Roker on NBC’s <em>Today</em>. “You have to have some purpose in life and get up in the morning and know what you’re about.”</p> <p>Even after the hospital where he worked shut its doors in 2022, ending his medical practice at 100, Tucker hasn’t ruled out returning to clinical work. “If it wasn’t for the closure, I’d absolutely still be seeing patients,” he told <em>People</em>. “Nobody wants me at my age – but I’ll keep trying.”</p> <p>His enthusiasm for life has captured the public imagination, especially through <em>What’s Next</em>, a documentary about his life produced by his grandson. The film has gone viral on TikTok, turning the centenarian into an unexpected social media sensation.</p> <p>Dr Tucker credits his longevity not just to good genes – his parents lived to 84 and 96 – but to lifestyle choices. “Heredity and family history of longevity is a healthy start,” he wrote in his Guinness World Record submission. “However, it must be supported by moderation of nutrition, alcohol and happiness.”</p> <p>His daily routine reflects that philosophy. He snowshoes in the winter, walks on the treadmill for at least four kilometres a day, and eats a mostly clean diet – fruit and cereal in the morning, fish and vegetables at night. Lunch is often skipped to maintain mental clarity. Dessert, however, is a staple – typically fruit or ice-cream, enjoyed with his wife of over 70 years.</p> <p>And while he rarely drinks, he allows himself the occasional martini. One thing he’s always avoided: cigarettes.</p> <p>Dr Tucker also says its important to keep the brain stimulated. “If they retire from their work, they should at least do something as a hobby,” he told <em>Today</em>. “You need a stimulus for the brain daily.”</p> <p>Science backs him up. Research shows that ongoing learning, social connection, and a sense of purpose contribute to mental acuity and longevity. Tucker’s life is a blueprint for all three. He remains close to his four children and 10 grandchildren and is an avid sports fan.</p> <p>Despite a fall in his late 80s that ended his skiing days with a broken neck, Tucker hasn’t let injury slow him down. Instead, he’s adapted, always finding new ways to stay active.</p> <p>With his 103rd birthday on the horizon in July, Dr Tucker says he isn’t concerned about the end. “I never think of death,” he said. “To be alive is to know that you’re going to die because life is a fatal disease. And so I live it.”</p> <p>For a man who’s devoted his life to healing others, Dr Howard Tucker’s greatest lesson might be how to truly live.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"I choose to focus on a good memory": Jelena Dokic confirms her father's death

<p>Australian tennis icon Jelena Dokic has shared the deeply personal and painful news of her estranged father Damir Dokic’s passing. He died in the late hours of Friday May 16, the 42-year-old revealed in an emotional Instagram post.</p> <p>Known as one of Australia’s brightest tennis talents, Dokic has also been widely respected for her courage in publicly confronting and sharing the trauma of her past, particularly the abusive relationship she endured with her father throughout much of her life.</p> <p>“As you know my relationship with my father has been difficult and painful with a lot of history,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself as a child, smiling beside her father. “Despite everything and no matter how hard, difficult and in the last 10 years even non-existent our relationship and communication was, it is never easy losing a parent and a father — even one you are estranged from.”</p> <p>Describing her grief as “difficult and complicated”, Dokic said his passing marked the end of a long and painful chapter in her life. “I choose to focus on a good memory like this picture,” she said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ6J4k8JiW4/?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/DJ6J4k8JiW4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Damir Dokic, a former coach and controversial figure in the tennis world, was notorious for his volatile behaviour during Jelena’s playing career. He was eventually banned from the WTA Tour and later made headlines in 2009 when he was jailed after threatening to blow up the Australian ambassador to Belgrade.</p> <p>Jelena has been open about the physical and emotional abuse she suffered at his hands – revelations that shocked the tennis community and drew global attention. In a recent documentary aired earlier this year, the former world No.4 and Wimbledon semi-finallist spoke with heartbreaking honesty about the violence she endured as a teenager.</p> <p>“I remember he was so mad that he goes into the bathroom with me, locks the door, and he beat the crap out of me,” she recalled. “He slammed my head against the wall multiple times. He was kicking me. My shins were so bruised, I couldn’t walk... He actually punches me in the head. And then I went unconscious for a little bit. He also stepped on my head as well.”</p> <p>As the tennis world reacts with compassion and sadness, Jelena Dokic’s bravery continues to inspire many – not only as a former champion on the court, but as a powerful voice off it.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation appeal over war crimes findings

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

Legal

Pope serves up hilarious banter with tennis' world number one

<p>Mayhem, mirth and match-point energy erupted inside the Vatican Wednesday as world No.1 tennis star Jannik Sinner met Pope Leo XIV, the newly appointed, tennis-loving American pope, for what may be the holiest pre-match warm-up in Italian Open history.</p> <p>The two racquet-swinging celebrities exchanged gifts, laughs and playful jabs – though thankfully, no actual serves were fired indoors (a mercy for the priceless 15th-century frescoes).</p> <p>Ahead of his quarter-final showdown with Casper Ruud in Rome, Sinner, fresh off a match against Francisco Cerundolo, visited the Vatican armed with racquets and respect. “Pleasure to meet you, it’s an honour,” Sinner told the Pope in Italian. The Pope, a self-confessed racquet-head and the first American to wear the papal whites was quick to size up the holy hardware.</p> <p>“This is the racquet you play with?” asked Pope Leo, eyeing Sinner’s sacred gear.</p> <p>“Yes, this is very, very similar,” Sinner replied, diplomatically avoiding divine confusion over string tension.</p> <p>“Only the colour is a little different, but the rest is the same.”</p> <p>“Wimbledon would let me play!” the Pope cracked, before adding (surely to the horror of Vatican furniture conservators everywhere)“Do you want to play a little bit?”</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/DJot0gvMjdO/?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/DJot0gvMjdO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jannik Sinner (@janniksin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sinner, detecting the rising risk of breaking either a vase or several commandments, offered a tactical retreat. “Maybe best to leave it,” he said.</p> <p>During the audience, the head of Italy’s tennis and padel federation, Angelo Binaghi, presented the Pope with an honorary membership card. “We all felt the passion that Leo XIV has for our sport and this filled us with pride,” said Binaghi. The pair also posed beside the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup, Italy’s recent trophies, which were placed nearby just in case the Pope felt like blessing any silverware. </p> <p>And in case anyone thought this was a one-sport pope, don’t forget: Leo is also a Chicago White Sox fan, which proves two things: his capacity for faith and his understanding of long-suffering.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram / Vatican Media</em></p>

International Travel

"Of course it's Demi!" World's Most Beautiful Person named for 2025

<p>Demi Moore has been named <em>People</em> magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Person for 2025, joining the ranks of past honourees like Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise and Michelle Pfeiffer. At 62, the actress is not only making headlines for her timeless beauty but also for her candid reflections on body image, ageing and self-worth.</p> <p>In an exclusive interview accompanying the annual issue, Moore opened up about her evolving relationship with her body. “I think I've evolved into greater gentility toward myself,” she shared. Admitting that she once had a tendency to "punish" herself, the <em>Ghost</em> star revealed that she's now in a more accepting and appreciative place.</p> <p>“I have a greater appreciation for all that my body has been through that brought me to now,” she said. Though she still experiences moments of insecurity – “It doesn't mean that sometimes I look in the mirror and don't go, 'Oh God, I look old,' or 'Oh, my face is falling' – I do” – Moore said that acceptance has become a key theme in her life.</p> <p>Moore’s resurgence in the spotlight has been bolstered by her acclaimed performance in the 2024 thriller <em>The Substance</em>, alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. The film, which delves into the pressures of ageing in the entertainment industry, drew strong reviews and generated significant Oscar buzz.</p> <p>While she ultimately lost the Academy Award for Best Actress to Mikey Madison, Moore took home her first Golden Globe for the role. In her emotional acceptance speech, she urged the audience to reevaluate how they measure self-worth. “Know the value of your worth,” she said, “by putting down the measuring stick,” drawing cheers from the crowd.</p> <p>With a celebrated career spanning decades, Demi Moore’s new title is not just a recognition of beauty – it’s a tribute to reinvention and the power of self-acceptance.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Remains of 4 Australian soldiers discovered just days ahead of Anzac Day

<p>The remains of four Australian soldiers who perished in World War I have been uncovered in northern France, more than a century after they were killed in the brutal Second Battle of Bullecourt.</p> <p>According to the Australian Department of Defence, the discovery was made during a recent fieldwork operation conducted by the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties unit. The soldiers were among the thousands who fought in the battle in May 1917, a fierce attempt by the Australian Imperial Force to penetrate the German Hindenburg Line.</p> <p>Up to 10,000 Australian troops were either killed or wounded during the operation, with approximately 3,700 confirmed dead between April and May 1917. Tragically, more than half of these fallen soldiers are believed to lie in unmarked graves across the region.</p> <p>The site of their final stand lies near Villers-Bretonneux, where the Australian National Memorial to the Missing was erected to honour the many who have no known grave.</p> <p>Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart acknowledged the emotional timing of the find, just days before Anzac Day. “As we approach Anzac Day, recovering these four Australian soldiers reminds us the search for the missing is tireless and ongoing,” Lieutenant General Stuart said. “We do not forget the service and sacrifice of those who serve our nation.”</p> <p>Efforts are now underway to identify the soldiers using forensic analysis and historical research. The Defence Department has vowed to ensure they are reburied with full military honours and the dignity they deserve.</p> <p>The Unrecovered War Casualties unit continues to receive dozens of leads each year regarding the locations of Australian war dead. Discoveries like this are not uncommon: nine soldiers from the Battle of Fromelles were identified in 2018, with another five identified as recently as 2023.</p> <p>More than 44,000 Australians died on the Western Front during World War I, and around 17,000 remain without known graves.</p> <p>This Friday, Australians around the world will pause to reflect at dawn services in honour of the more than 103,000 servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in conflicts past, with the latest discovery serving as a reminder of the war's enduring legacy.</p> <p><em>Image: Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

Caring

Cricket world in mourning after passing of Ashes legend

<p>Vale, Keith Stackpole. Australia is in mourning following the passing of the Test cricket great and revered broadcaster, who has died at the age of 84.</p> <p>A giant of the game both on and off the field, Stackpole leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a celebrated Test batter and beloved media figure. A proud Victorian, he represented Australia in 43 Test matches between 1966 and 1974, amassing 2801 runs, including seven centuries. His highest score – an unforgettable 207 against England in Brisbane in 1970 – remains etched in Ashes history.</p> <p>Stackpole made his Test debut in Adelaide in 1966 and went on to play alongside some of the greatest names in Australian cricket, including Ian Chappell and Dennis Lillee. He served as vice-captain and was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973 – a testament to his skill and leadership.</p> <p>His final Test appearance came in 1974 against New Zealand, where he bowed out with a pair of ducks – a humbling end to a storied career. Not long after, a back injury forced his retirement from the sport, but it was far from the end of his involvement with the game.</p> <p>Stackpole seamlessly transitioned into the media world, becoming a cornerstone of Australian cricket commentary. He was part of Kerry Packer’s groundbreaking World Series Cricket and continued to share his deep knowledge of the game through radio and print, including a long-running newspaper column in Melbourne. His honest insights and affable presence made him a household name beyond the boundary ropes.</p> <p>In 1974, Stackpole was awarded an MBE for his services to cricket – a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport and to Australian culture.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing and media worlds. Channel 7 presenter Jim Wilson shared his heartfelt condolences:</p> <p>“Very sad news, loved our catchups and his advice over a coffee and a sanga,” Wilson said. “Always generous with his time, called it the way it was and all our thoughts with Stacky’s family. Vale Keith Stackpole.”</p> <p><em>Herald Sun</em> journalist Glenn McFarlane also expressed his sorrow: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of the great Keith Stackpole. He was the voice of my childhood on TV and radio, then I was privileged to be one of Stacky’s ‘ghost’ writers for a number of years. Great cricketer; and an absolute gentleman! Condolences to his family.”</p> <p>Stackpole is survived by his wife Pat and children Peter, Tony and Angela.</p> <p><em>Images: News.com.au / 3AW</em></p>

Caring

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

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

Money & Banking

Princess Diana’s largest-ever wardrobe auction set to dazzle the world

<p>Get ready for royal fashion history to be rewritten... This June, the largest collection of clothing ever owned by Diana, Princess of Wales, will hit the auction block – and it promises to be nothing short of spectacular.</p> <p>Julien's Auctions, the house behind this extraordinary event, has announced that over 200 breathtaking pieces will go under the hammer, many of which have never been seen by the public before. From the timeless elegance of Princess Diana to the grandeur of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, plus historic treasures from Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and even royal heirlooms dating back to the 19th century – this auction is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime event.</p> <p>Fittingly titled <a href="https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/auctions/princess-diana-s-style-a-royal-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Princess Diana's Style & A Royal Collection"</a>, the auction will unfold at the glamorous Peninsula Beverly Hills on June 26. According to Julien’s, the sale offers fans and collectors a rare and intimate chance to own a piece of history and connect with Diana’s iconic style legacy.</p> <p>"Princess Diana holds a special place in the heart of Julien's Auctions, and we are honoured to continue to preserve her legacy," shared Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien's. "This collection is the most significant offering of her wardrobe ever presented at auction – each item a window into a moment in history and a tribute to a woman whose humility, style, and personal warmth continue to inspire the world."</p> <p>Among the crown jewels of the collection is the charming 1988 Bellville Sassoon floral day dress, affectionately known as Diana’s "caring dress." The late princess famously wore this bright, cheerful ensemble during hospital visits and engagements with children, knowing its joyful print would lift spirits. Diana even skipped the matching hat, saying, "You couldn't cuddle a child in a hat."</p> <p>While Julien’s is keeping the full list of auction items under wraps for now, excitement is mounting. Some pieces originally featured in Diana’s legendary 1997 Christie's auction – which raised an astounding $5 million for charity – will make an encore appearance.</p> <p>Before the big day, the dazzling collection will go on display in museums in Seattle and Ireland, giving fans worldwide the chance to admire these royal treasures up close.</p> <p>The auction follows a streak of record-breaking sales for Diana’s wardrobe. In 2023, her unforgettable ballerina-length black and blue evening gown by Jacques Azagury fetched a staggering $1.4 million, shattering records at 11 times its estimate. And let’s not forget her beloved emerald green Kurt Geiger shoes, which sold for an eye-watering $693,000.</p> <p>Perhaps most astonishing of all: Diana's famous sheep-print jumper by Warm and Wonderful, which leapt to an incredible $1.7 million at auction last year – a jaw-dropping 14 times its expected price.</p> <p><em>Image: <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #2c3338; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Julien's Auctions</span></em></p>

Beauty & Style

Cause of fatal Sea World chopper crash finally revealed

<p>A catastrophic combination of radio failure and limited visibility led to the tragic mid-air collision of two Sea World helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023, a final investigation report has revealed.</p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its long-awaited findings on Wednesday, more than two years after the accident that claimed four lives and left nine others injured at the height of the summer holiday season.</p> <p>According to the report, a critical inbound taxiing call from one helicopter, which was carrying five passengers, failed to transmit to a second helicopter preparing for takeoff with six people aboard. Investigators determined that a fault in the antenna of the first helicopter, VH-XKQ, prevented the transmission, despite the pilot having made the call. The faulty antenna had been an issue for several days prior to the crash.</p> <p>While the ground crew had earlier advised that the airspace was clear, by the time the second helicopter lifted off, that advice was no longer valid. The first helicopter had been waiting for a taxi call from the second chopper to ensure safe separation, but the call never came.</p> <p>“Neither pilot was aware of the existence of faults in the radio of VH-XKQ that likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call,” the ATSB report stated. Without functioning radio communications, neither pilot could pinpoint the location of the other aircraft, contributing to the fatal collision.</p> <p>The investigation also identified limited visibility from both helicopters and the pilots’ divided attention – focused partly on boat traffic and other aircraft in the area – as additional contributing factors. Sea World Helicopters’ safety systems, including radio calls, hand signals, and visual warning devices, were found to be inadequate. These shortcomings led both pilots to incorrectly assess the position of the other helicopter.</p> <p>Further compounding the tragedy, the ATSB found evidence that some passengers were improperly restrained, although it could not determine how this affected the severity of their injuries.</p> <p>The report also highlighted operational changes leading up to the crash. A week before the incident, the helicopters were swapped, and a year earlier, the helipads had been relocated – both changes that contributed to a breakdown in safety protocols and increased collision risk. The new aircraft lacked internal company radios, had no live traffic displays, and the pilots were unfamiliar with the systems, the report noted.</p> <p>The collision claimed the lives of pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36. Tadros’ 10-year-old son Nicholas survived but required extensive surgeries. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son Leon were also hospitalised with serious injuries.</p> <p>Michael James, the pilot of the second helicopter, managed to execute an emergency landing despite suffering injuries from shattered glass. He passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer.</p> <p>The findings come as Shine Lawyers, representing several victims and families affected by the crash, prepare for civil proceedings. Claims of up to $925,000 per person have been lodged against Sea World Helicopters, and the release of the ATSB report is expected to inform further legal action.</p> <p>“This was such a profoundly unnecessary loss of life which must be prosecuted fully to ensure it never happens again,” said litigation specialist Roger Singh. “We will examine the findings of this report with a view to identifying other potential defendants and further damages which may be sought.”</p> <p><em>Images: ATSB</em></p>

Legal

Stunning prediction for Aussie homeowners in wake of Trump's trade war

<p>Australian homeowners could see their mortgage repayments tumble by as much as $9,000 annually if Donald Trump’s escalating trade war triggers a global recession, with experts predicting a double interest rate cut as soon as May.</p> <p>As stock markets worldwide reel from the fallout of Trump’s latest trade moves – with China now deeply involved – fears of a US recession are intensifying. On Monday alone, around $100 billion was wiped from the Australian share market amid growing global trade tensions.</p> <p>Yet, for Australian mortgage holders, there could be a surprising silver lining. According to ANZ, homeowners with a $600,000 loan could save between $76 and $156 a month under four forecasted rate cuts of 0.25 per cent each over the next year.</p> <p>For those with a $500,000 mortgage, repayments could fall by about $76 a month, while families with larger $1 million loans could pocket savings of around $153 monthly – amounting to a staggering $9,000 annually.</p> <p>ANZ’s chief economist, Richard Yetsenga, said the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to cut rates in May, July and August.</p> <p>“We now expect the RBA to ease in May, July, and August – 25 basis points at each meeting,” Yetsenga said, adding that a double rate cut of 50 basis points in May is not off the table if global growth deteriorates further.</p> <p>Earlier this year, the RBA trimmed the cash rate by 25 basis points in February, offering homeowners with variable rate loans some relief – saving them around $100 to $150 a month, or potentially more than $1,200 annually.</p> <p>In a stunning prediction, Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed these forecasts while hinting at up to four interest rate cuts this year, with the potential for a significant 50 basis point cut as early as next month.</p> <p>“The next Reserve Bank interest rate cut in May might be as big as 50 basis points,” Chalmers said. “Forecasting is difficult enough in stable times, but even more so in uncertain times.”</p> <p>Despite the grim outlook for markets, Chalmers offered reassurance, especially for Australians nearing retirement whose superannuation balances are being rocked by market volatility.</p> <p>“Everyone with a super fund, everyone with shares, probably every Australian, is watching the global markets with trepidation,” Chalmers said. “But we are better placed, better prepared, and Australians should take comfort in that.”</p> <p>The Treasurer also voiced concerns about the impact of the trade war on Asia, noting that tariffs are hitting countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam particularly hard, while China’s economy may prove more resilient. ANZ expects Asian currencies to take the brunt of the adjustment as the tariffs unfold.</p> <p>While uncertainties loom large, for Aussie homeowners at least, the prospect of falling interest rates offers some financial relief in an increasingly unpredictable global economy.</p> <p><em>Images: Youtube</em></p>

Money & Banking

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

Why do I grieve my childhood home so much now we’ve sold it?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Grief can hit us in powerful and unanticipated ways. You might expect to grieve a person, a pet or even a former version of yourself – but many people are surprised by the depth of sad yearning they can feel after selling the childhood home.</p> <p>In fact, it is <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">normal to grieve a place</a>. And this grief can be especially profound if it coincides with a parent dying or moving into residential aged care, leading to the sale of their house.</p> <p>Grief is the response to the loss of anything to which we have an emotional connection. A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">growing body</a> of <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203860731/counting-losses-darcy-harris">research</a> is looking at how grief can extend to “non-person” losses such as infertility, loss of religion and, yes, the loss of a former home.</p> <h2>Why would someone grieve a house?</h2> <p>The childhood home can be an important place for many of us. It literally housed our formative development, family bonds, and core memories. Hopefully, the childhood home is where we learned about safety, security and love.</p> <p>It was likely surrounded by our neighbourhood, and close to important places such as school, playgrounds and friends’ houses. It is no wonder we grieve it when it’s gone.</p> <p>It’s normal to <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315126197-20/grieving-lost-home-marc-fried">grieve things we can’t see and touch</a> but are real and valued. Just as a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.70031">serious diagnosis might trigger</a> grief for an imagined future for yourself, or an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732314538550">identity</a> you once cherished, loss of a childhood home can hit us harder than we think.</p> <p>When you sell a once-beloved home, you don’t just lose the physical space. You also lose all of what that space might represent, such as birthday celebrations, Christmas lunches, sleepovers with friends or many happy hours playing in the garden.</p> <p>The childhood home often is a symbol of family connection and an anchor in the storm of life. Thinking of the home and all it represents can elicit nostalgia. In fact, the word “nostalgia” <a href="https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/nostalgia-cowbells-meaning-life">derives from the Greek</a> words <em>nostos</em> (return) and <em>algos</em> (pain). The word is rooted in the pain we often feel being away from home.</p> <p>And just as siblings are unique – each with different memories of and connections to their childhood home – their responses to its sale can differ markedly. It is normal if your sister or brother grieves the home in a different way to you – or maybe doesn’t even seem to grieve its loss at all.</p> <h2>A complicated grief</h2> <p>When a childhood home is sold because of the death of parents, the feelings of loss about the home are closely linked. The home being sold can be a type of secondary loss that sits in the periphery to the primary loss of parents.</p> <p>Grieving the deaths might, at first, take precedence over the loss of the home.</p> <p>It might only be later that the loss of the home and all it represents becomes apparent. Because the home provides a connection to the deceased person, the loss of the home might add another layer of grief about your parents. Perhaps you find that whenever you recall memories of mum or dad, they seem always to be at the house.</p> <p>It’s also normal if you feel immense <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">guilt</a> about grieving the home. People might chastise themselves for worrying about “silly things” and not grieving “enough” about the person who died. <a href="https://www.agingcare.com/questions/how-do-i-deal-with-the-guilt-of-selling-moms-house-481550.htm">Guilt about selling the home</a> can also be common.</p> <p>Not everyone has positive memories of their childhood home. Difficult family dynamics, maltreatment and abuse can complicate the emotional connection to childhood spaces and the grief response to their loss.</p> <p>In such cases, the loss of the childhood home can elicit grief about the loss of the childhood that could have – and should have – been. The loss of a home that was the site of discord can be even more challenging than for people with more idyllic childhood experiences.</p> <h2>How can I cope with this loss?</h2> <p>Grief from the loss of a childhood home is <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">real and valid</a>. We should recognise this and be kind to ourselves and others experiencing it. We shouldn’t minimise the loss or make fun of it.</p> <p>Usually, the loss is anticipated, and this allows you to take photos, furniture or mementos from the home or garden before you leave or sell.</p> <p>Grief researchers call these “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X20300031">transitional</a> <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13576270412331329812">objects</a>”. They may help you maintain a connection to what is lost, while still grieving the place.</p> <p><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">Social support</a> while grieving is important. Some people share memories and photos of the home with their siblings, or derive comfort from driving by the home.</p> <p>Just be prepared for the possibility it will likely change as the new owners adapt it to their needs. You might feel affronted, but hopefully can eventually accept the property now belongs to someone else.</p> <p>Chat to your doctor if the loss is particularly difficult, and your grief doesn’t change and subside over time. They might be able to recommend a psychologist who specialises in grief.</p> <p><em>If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.</em><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/251058/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-breen-1142446">Lauren Breen</a>, Professor of Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</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/why-do-i-grieve-my-childhood-home-so-much-now-weve-sold-it-and-what-can-i-do-about-it-251058">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>RDNE Stock project/Pexels</em></p> </div>

Home & Garden

Prince William shares deeply personal message over fallen war hero

<p>Prince William has shared a deeply personal message in remembrance of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, who passed away on St Patrick's Day at the age of 105.</p> <p>The Prince of Wales, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot himself, took to social media on Tuesday to express his condolences and gratitude for Hemingway’s service.</p> <p>"I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of 'The Few'," the 42-year-old royal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them."</p> <p>Hemingway, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1919, joined the RAF as a teenager and became one of the young airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal 1940 Battle of Britain. These pilots, immortalised as "The Few" following a famous speech by then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played a crucial role in thwarting the German air offensive during World War II.</p> <p>Churchill’s words – "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" – have since become a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Hemingway and his fellow pilots.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of “The Few”. We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them. W</p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1901914010863202506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Hemingway, acknowledging his extraordinary courage and contribution to securing the nation's freedom.</p> <p>"Very sad to hear of the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of Britain pilot," Starmer wrote on X. "His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service. Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway."</p> <p>King Charles has yet to make a public statement, but RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton honoured Hemingway’s remarkable legacy, remembering him as "an amazing character" who carried the spirit of camaraderie and bravery throughout his life.</p> <p>"Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London," the RAF said in a statement announcing his passing.</p> <p>Hemingway’s passing marks the end of an era, but his service and sacrifice will live on in history. As the last of 'The Few', he leaves behind a legacy of courage that will continue to inspire generations to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram \ Royal Airforce</em></p>

Caring

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.<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" /></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

I spy with my little eye: 3 unusual Australian plant ecosystems to spot on your next roadtrip

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>When the growing gets tough, the tough trees and shrubs get growing.</p> <p>Australia’s environment is brutal. Its ancient, low-nutrient soils and generally low rainfall make it a hard place for plants to grow. Despite this, the continent is filled with wonderfully diverse plant ecosystems.</p> <p>If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be easy to miss these seemingly unremarkable species. So, here are three little-known Australian plant species and ecosystems to look out for during your next roadtrip.</p> <h2>1. Cycads and eucalypts</h2> <p>If you are driving a coastal route along southern New South Wales, keep an eye out for the stunning combination of burrawang cycads (<em>Macrozamia communis</em>) and spotted gum (<em>Corymbia maculata</em>). These species live in harmony along the <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Meet%20one%20of%20the%20world's%20most%20southern%20Cycads&text=On%20the%20New%20South%20Wales,Spotted%20Gums%20(Corymbia%20maculata).">NSW coastline</a>, from Kempsey to Bega, and inland as far as Mudgee.</p> <p>If you’re on a road trip, now is the perfect time to talk to children about ancient moving continents, volcanoes and dinosaurs.</p> <p>Cycads are <a href="https://anpsa.org.au/APOL2009/feb09-s3.html">ancient gymnosperms</a> (cone-bearing plants) which evolved long before the Gondwanan supercontinent separated. These tough, hardy plants saw the dinosaurs come and go, and their relatives are found all around the world.</p> <p>These <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Not%20only%20is%20Macrozamia%20communis,inland%20as%20far%20as%20Mudgee.">cycads</a> form a striking understorey to the spotted gum. As their scientific name (<em>Macrozamia communis</em>) suggests, they form a dense community.</p> <p>Further north in Queensland, pineapple cycads (<em>Lepidozamia peroffskyana</em>), and Western Australia’s zamia palm (<em>Macrozamia riedlei</em>) are also worth spotting.</p> <p>Cycad seeds are poisonous, but First Nations Australians worked out a complex process to prepare them for <a href="https://www.apscience.org.au/apsf20036/">safe eating</a>. This involved dissolving the <a href="https://www.scienceflip.com.au/subjects/chemistry/equilibriumandacidreactions/learn10/">plant’s toxins</a> in running water, cooking, working and grinding the seeds into a powder.</p> <p>Spotted gums evolved long after dinosaurs went extinct. Early eucalypt fossils date from about 34 million years ago, while current species are often only a few million years old.</p> <p>Spotted gums are a great example of how plants that survive tough environments often also do well in difficult <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-humble-spotted-gum-is-a-world-class-urban-tree-heres-why-212540">urban situations</a>.</p> <p>Cycads are similarly found growing in poor soils and arid conditions. They have long, glossy leaves up to about 1.5 metres in length with lots of leaflets.</p> <p>There are both male and female plants. The female cone is an impressive, wide-domed structure that can be almost half a metre across. Its bright orange-red seeds are eaten by <a href="https://backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/cycads/#:%7E:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20female,bats%20will%20feed%20on%20them.">foraging marsupials</a>, large birds and flying foxes.</p> <p>Spotted gums are tall, straight eucalyptus trees with dark green, glossy leaves. Old bark creates dark grey spots against their cream coloured trunk, giving them a mottled look.</p> <p>It is interesting to see ancient and modern species in such a close community relationship in cycad-spotted gum forests. Both are also well-adapted to the fires that frequent their habitat.</p> <h2>2. Ancient acacias</h2> <p>Travelling inland, the environment gets even tougher. Most large trees disappear and are replaced by woodlands dominated by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/abares/forestsaustralia/publishingimages/forest%20profiles%202005/acacia_forests_2005.pdf">inland acacia</a> (wattle) species.</p> <p>These inland acacias are short but mighty, with deep, extensive root systems.</p> <p>Two of these species, <a href="http://theconversation.com/the-mighty-mulga-grows-deep-and-lives-long-118838">mulga</a> (<em>Acacia aneura</em>) and brigalow (<em>A. harpophylla</em>) are part of Australian folklore. A Banjo Paterson character <a href="https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00072.txt">says</a>: “You know how the brigalow grows […] saplings about as thick as a man’s arm”.</p> <p>Nutrients and water resources are limited, so mulga and brigalow trees are often evenly spaced across the landscape. This eerie symmetry makes it look like they were planted by humans.</p> <p>Many people are unaware that the twisted, stunted specimens they see are more than 250 years old and occupy vast tracts of the Australian landscape.</p> <p><a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/action-plan/priority-plants/waddy-wood">Waddy-wood</a> (<em>Acacia peuce</em>) is a rare species of acacia, found in just three locations on the edge of the Simpson Desert. This tree has very strong wood, and was used by Indigenous Australians for making clubs (waddys) and tools for carrying fire.</p> <p>Inland acacias were widely used by Indigenous Australians for their wood, resins and medicinal properties. They have also been used as <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/671421/using-mulga-as-a-forage-supplement-for-livestock-in-droughts.pdf">fodder for livestock</a>, especially during drought.</p> <p>These <a href="https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/13430/1/QJAS_6%5B2%5D_1949_pp87-139_everist.pdf">crucial species</a> provide important habitat for other plants and animals. But they are under threat.</p> <p>As old trees collapse and die, there are no young trees replacing them. This is because of drought and grazing, compounded by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-risk-mitigation-plan-acacia.pdf">climate change</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/desertification">Desertification</a> – where fertile land is degraded until it essentially becomes desert – is becoming a huge problem due to the massive area dominated by acacias.</p> <h2>3. Boabs</h2> <p>If you’re driving across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, you might come across the <a href="https://theconversation.com/built-like-buildings-boab-trees-are-life-savers-with-a-chequered-past-118821">mighty boab</a> (<em>Adansonia gregoryii</em>).</p> <p>These close relatives of the African and Madagascan baobabs <a href="https://theconversation.com/baobab-trees-all-come-from-madagascar-new-study-reveals-that-their-seeds-and-seedlings-floated-to-mainland-africa-and-all-the-way-to-australia-231031">floated to Australia</a> as seeds or seedlings around 12 million years ago.</p> <p>These <a href="https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2019/07/how-did-the-iconic-boab-tree-get-to-australia/">deciduous trees</a> live in mostly dry environments that also experience strong monsoonal-type rains. Boabs trap and store water in their trunks, allowing them not only to survive but thrive.</p> <p>Their African and Madagascan baobab relatives are sometimes called <a href="https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-african-baobab-tree/">trees of life</a>, as they support many species.</p> <p>Australian boabs are similar. They offer habitat, roosting and nesting sites. Their flowers and fruits are food sources to many species of insects and birds.</p> <p>They were – and are – important trees in First Nations cultures. Carvings and symbols on their trunks can last for more than a century, much longer than on other trees. These are called <a href="https://www.snexplores.org/article/carvings-australia-boab-trees-lost-history-first-nation">dendroglyphs</a>.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-boab-trees-of-the-remote-tanami-desert-are-carved-with-centuries-of-indigenous-history-and-theyre-under-threat-191676">snake carvings</a> dated to more than 200 years old have been found on boab trees in Northern Australia’s Tanami Desert.</p> <p>While these special trees are usually found far from the beaten track, they can be spotted growing around Darwin and other remote towns. If you get the chance to see them, count yourself lucky.</p> <h2>Tough terrain, tough trees</h2> <p>Plant communities are remarkably resilient. They also display great creativity when evolving ways to survive tough environments.</p> <p>Make sure to keep an eye out as you’re exploring Australia and enjoy the fascinating plants our country has to offer.<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/246129/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779"><em>Gregory Moore</em></a><em>, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-spy-with-my-little-eye-3-unusual-australian-plant-ecosystems-to-spot-on-your-next-roadtrip-246129">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

"I didn’t stop screaming": Sandra Sully recalls horrifying gun attack

<p>Veteran Ten newsreader Sandra Sully has opened up about the horrifying gun attack she endured back in 1997 in the latest episode of the Stellar<em> Something To Talk About</em> podcast.</p> <p>Sully was held at gunpoint as she was returning from from a late news shift in November 1997. </p> <p>She was getting out of her car a little after midnight when she was attacked by a masked assailant who tried to push her back into the car. There was a struggle and the assailant put a gun to her temple and pulled the trigger twice, but fortunately, it failed to go off. </p> <p>Sully kept screaming until her attacker eventually fled the scene, and the attack was kept a secret from the public for 20 years. </p> <p>The newsreader returned to work just a few weeks later. </p> <p>“Because I was doing night shifts, I had a security detail for 10 years every night when I got home and that gave me real comfort,” she revealed on the podcast. </p> <p>She believed that her screams saved her life, recalling: “It did save me. I really believe that. It was funny, I had a dream as a young woman most of my life about a really frightening experience and that I would be trying to scream and nothing would come out.” </p> <p>“And at the time I remember screaming and I was shocked that it was coming out, and I knew, I found out within a day or two that the people next door had called the police and because I didn’t stop screaming despite him pistol-whipping me, he ran.</p> <p>"That was the only thing that saved me. I was lucky. Because he had a gun, balaclava and handcuffs. So he meant business.”</p> <p>Sully had previously told Stellar that it took her a long time to process what had happened and open up about the ordeal publicly. </p> <p>“It was at least 10 years before I was ready to talk about it to anyone other than my family, and probably 15 years before I felt like I could put it behind me,” she said in the 2017 interview. </p> <p>“I still don’t like to be surprised. If someone makes a loud noise, I jump. I am always aware in a carpark.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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>

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