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Aussie couple set to give away $3.5 billion

<p>Billionaire Canva co-founder Cameron Adams and his wife Lisa Miller have pledged to give away at least half of their estimated $7 billion fortune, calling on Australia’s wealthiest to follow suit in the fight against environmental degradation.</p> <p>The philanthropic commitment will see the couple funnel significant resources into green initiatives via The Giving Pledge and Founders Pledge – two global efforts that encourage billionaires and entrepreneurs to donate a substantial portion of their wealth to impactful causes.</p> <p>“Nature nourishes us, sustains us, inspires us and shapes how we live,” Mr Adams wrote in his letter to The Giving Pledge, the global charity initiative co-founded by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. “But today, many of the ecosystems that support our lives are being destroyed – and our future depends on how we choose to save them.”</p> <p>Adams, who co-founded the homegrown tech success Canva in 2013, and Miller, a former zoologist turned entrepreneur, say their focus will be on reversing biodiversity loss and restoring natural ecosystems, which they see as critical to the survival of life on Earth.</p> <p>“Philanthropy is more than charity; it is a means of addressing systemic issues, driving meaningful change and ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in possibility and biodiversity,” Mr Adams said.</p> <p>The couple’s wealth is largely tied up in Canva equity, with the company currently valued at around AU$49.5 billion (US$32 billion) and reportedly considering a NASDAQ listing in 2026. Canva’s other co-founders, Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, joined The Giving Pledge in 2021.</p> <p>The new pledge by Adams and Miller follows earlier environmental commitments by the couple, including the establishment of Wedgetail Ventures, an eco-investment fund backing conservation projects and local communities. They also own a 5000-hectare property in Tasmania, now being developed into a conservation research centre in partnership with the University of Tasmania.</p> <p>“In recent years, we have grown in our confidence that these are issues worth fighting for, and that we can make a unique contribution with the funds and skills that we have,” Mr Adams said.</p> <p>Lisa Miller echoed the sentiment in joint statements, underscoring the importance of bold, scalable efforts in the environmental space. “We must not only halt nature’s decline but also begin its restoration,” she said.</p> <p>Through Founders Pledge, the couple joins a growing network of tech entrepreneurs including Spotify’s Magnus Hult, Culture Amp’s Jon Williams, and Klarna’s Niklas Adalberth. The organisation has attracted over 2,000 members across 45 countries, with more than US$1.5 billion (AU$2.3 billion) already donated from pledged funds.</p> <p>“Entrepreneurs are uniquely placed to transform the world,” Founders Pledge states. “We advise on, facilitate and maximise the impact of our members’ giving.”</p> <p>The Adams-Miller announcement adds to a growing number of high-profile philanthropic moves by Australian billionaires. Mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest and his former wife Nicola were among the first Australians to sign on to The Giving Pledge back in 2013.</p> <p>“As a family, we agreed many years ago to give away the majority of our wealth,” the Forrests said at the time. “We felt that if our children were to inherit considerable wealth, it would only get in the way of them striving for and achieving their best.”</p> <p>Adams hopes his and Miller’s decision will spark a wider cultural shift among Australia’s wealthiest. “We hope others will recognise the power of philanthropy to create lasting environmental and societal impact by joining us in this commitment,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Wedgetail</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Millions of Aussies set to receive cost-of-living pay bump

<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thrown his government’s support behind a “fair” pay rise for Australia's lowest-paid workers, setting the stage for a potential showdown with employer groups ahead of the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review.</p> <p>In a submission to the Commission, the federal government recommended a real wage increase – meaning one above the rate of inflation – for around three million Australians earning either the minimum wage or under an industry award. The push is part of Labor’s broader strategy to ease cost-of-living pressures and boost household incomes.</p> <p>“This will help around three million workers across the country, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth in a joint statement. “Boosting wages, cutting taxes for every taxpayer and creating more jobs are central parts of our efforts to help Australians with the cost of living.”</p> <p>While the government did not specify an exact figure, it made clear that any increase should outpace inflation, a stance likely to be met with resistance from employers. Business groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are calling for a more modest 2.5% increase, warning that anything higher could hurt struggling businesses, especially with superannuation contributions set to rise from 11.5% to 12% on July 1.</p> <p>Last year, minimum wage earners received a 3.75% pay rise, lifting the national minimum wage to $24.10 per hour, or $915.90 per week. With headline inflation then at 3.6%, workers saw only a marginal real wage increase of 0.15%.</p> <p>However, the economic backdrop has shifted. In the year to March, overall wages grew by 3.4% while the consumer price index rose just 2.4%, indicating a real wage growth of 1% for many Australians. Inflation is now within the Reserve Bank’s target band of 2-3%, which the government says supports its call for a generous, yet “economically responsible” wage hike.</p> <p>“An increase in minimum and award wages is consistent with inflation sustainably remaining within the RBA's target band and will provide further relief to lower income workers who are still doing it tough,” Chalmers and Rishworth added.</p> <p>Since Labor took office in 2022, the minimum wage has surged by historically high margins: 5.2% in 2022 – the largest rise in 16 years – and 5.75% in 2023. In total, the minimum wage has increased by $143 per week under the Albanese government.</p> <p>Despite concerns from employers over weak economic growth and rising business costs, the government remains optimistic about a rebound in domestic demand. Its submission acknowledged global risks, including the potential impact of Donald Trump's trade policies, but forecast stronger growth in 2025 and 2026.</p> <p>Prime Minister Albanese reinforced Labor’s commitment to wage growth during a cabinet meeting this week, saying a further increase to the minimum wage would be one of his top priorities heading into the next federal election. “Labor will always stand for improving people's wages and conditions,” he declared.</p> <p>Still, the looming expiry of the government’s $75 quarterly electricity rebates at the end of 2025 poses a risk of reigniting inflationary pressures – something the Fair Work Commission will weigh carefully as it prepares to announce its decision in June.</p> <p>The outcome of the review will directly affect 180,000 workers on the national minimum wage and an additional 2.7 million on industry awards, making it a critical flashpoint in the battle over how best to balance worker welfare and economic sustainability.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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New Aussie film starring Nicolas Cage is an absolute blast

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “<a href="https://filmschoolrejects.com/nouveau-shamanic-the-enigmatic-style-of-nicolas-cage/">Nouveau Shamanic</a>” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the character’s impulses. This allows for the wild, unpredictable outbursts his characters are known for.</p> <p>Cage films are also usually about masculinity: its worst excesses, the parameters restricting it, and what ennobling versions of it might look like.</p> <p>The Surfer, a new Australian feature film from Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, leans right into masculinity as a theme.</p> <p>Our unnamed protagonist (Cage) is returning to his former Australian home from the United States. He is newly divorced, and trying to buy a beachside property to win back his family.</p> <p>He takes his teenage son (Finn Little) for a surf near the property, but they are run off by an unfriendly pack of locals.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tb6iY_p1Qi0?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Returning alone to the beachside car park to make some calls, he is besieged there over the next several days by the same gang. They are led by a terrifying middle-aged Andrew Tate-esque influencer, Scally (Julian McMahon), who runs the beach like a combination of a frat bro party and wellness retreat.</p> <p>The protagonist’s fast descent into dishevelled, dehydrated delirium as the group’s hazing escalates, fuels much of the first two acts.</p> <h2>Fish out of water</h2> <p>It is impossible to think of an actor other than Cage who could make a character like this so enjoyable to watch.</p> <p>From the first moments, he seems pathetic: giving his uninterested teenage son metaphorical speeches about surfing, losing arguments on the phone with his broker and real estate agent, reeking of pomposity and desperation.</p> <p>The sense of a man out of his depth is compounded by his Americanness contrasting with the particular brand of Australian masculinity the locals display. Both types are brash and entitled, but with entirely different ways of expressing it.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Cage is in the face of another surfer, wearing a Santa hat." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">This is a man out of his depth.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Madman Entertainment</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Cage’s distinctively American confidence has no resistance to the terrifying switches of Australian masculinity from friendly to teasing to violent.</p> <p>“Don’t live here, don’t surf here,” they hiss at him on first meeting, forcing him to retreat, cowed, to the car park, where he remains for most of the rest of the film.</p> <h2>The wide-open and the claustrophobic</h2> <p>What a stroke of genius it is to use this single location.</p> <p>Filmed in Yallingup, Western Australia, The Surfer beautifully captures the natural surroundings, stunning views and shimmering heat of Australian coastal summer.</p> <p>At the same time, a confined, interstitial semi-urban feature like a beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting. The only amenities are an overpriced coffee cart, ancient payphone and a dingy toilet block.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Cage stands next to a phone booth." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Madman Entertainment</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>As a film setting, it is both a spectacular wide-open vista and stiflingly claustrophobic – a perfect mechanism for The Surfer’s psychological horror.</p> <p>It must have been attractive in getting the script funded as well. With such an affordable location, more of the budget would have been freed up for a big name like Cage.</p> <h2>A modern Wake in Fright</h2> <p>With its oppressive setting, overexposed orange and yellow light and grade, and a sweaty spiral into madness, The Surfer invites comparisons to <a href="https://theconversation.com/thats-not-us-wake-in-fright-at-50-a-portrait-of-an-ugly-australia-that-became-a-cinema-classic-159221">Wake in Fright</a>, Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 brutal depiction of Australian men and their drinking culture.</p> <p>Both take place at Christmas and feature an antagonist who enjoys confidently explaining their dubious moral worldview to everyone. However, Wake in Fright’s horror lingers because we know the culture remains even after the hero escapes it. The Surfer struggles a little more in landing the ending.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=338&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Men in a sweaty hug: perhaps they are cheering, or maybe they are yelling." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The film’s depiction of masculinity echoes Wake In Fright.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Madman Entertainment</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>For the mean, violent, misogynistic villains to be defeated, it would be unsatisfying for Cage to stoop to their level. This means – without spoiling too much – Cage remains an oddly passive character throughout the film, while others perform the avenging actions.</p> <p>The only way the protagonist’s masculinity can be resurrected as upright, ethical and empowering is for the character to literally turn his back on the vengeance we’ve been waiting for him to deliver.</p> <p>It’s not that the film has an inarticulate grasp of its own politics, but more that the otherwise terrific script by Thomas Martin feels written into a difficult corner.</p> <h2>A blast along the way</h2> <p>I don’t want to imply that this ending means The Surfer isn’t an absolute blast along the way. A lot of the fun is in anticipating each dreadful humiliation – and it somehow turning out worse than you could have expected.</p> <p>A spilled coffee leads to drinking recycled wastewater which leads to chewing on a dead rat, and we still haven’t reached the lowest rung on the ladder of indignities that Cage’s character suffers.</p> <p>In less skilled hands this could feel nasty or gross, but the hallucinatory quality of Finnegan’s direction makes it feel almost sublime. And Cage’s pleading, groaning, sobbing and gibbering feel believable and relatable.</p> <p>The pathos works – and it’s pretty funny too.</p> <p><em>The Surfer is in cinemas now and streaming on Stan from June 15.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/254580/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/grace-russell-1459623">Grace Russell</a>, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash 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/dishevelled-dehydrated-delirium-new-aussie-film-the-surfer-starring-nicolas-cage-is-an-absolute-blast-254580">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Main Image: Madman Entertainment</em></p> </div>

Movies

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Aussies devastated as travel agency collapses, leaving holidays in ruins

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

Travel Trouble

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Shock after Aussie Olympian dies at just 53

<p>Australia’s sporting community is in mourning following the unexpected death of Olympian and former baseball superstar Adam Burton, who passed away on Monday at the age of 53.</p> <p>Known affectionately as “Hollywood” or “Burto”, Burton’s impact on and off the field spanned decades, from representing Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics to shaping the grassroots game across countless local clubs.</p> <p>Burton’s career began with extraordinary promise. A prodigious talent from Melbourne’s southeast, he came through the ranks at Waverley Baseball Club before earning a professional contract with Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles as a teenager – a rare feat for an Australian player at the time. Though injuries and circumstance curtailed his American journey, he would later sign with the Atlanta Braves before returning to dominate the Australian Baseball League (ABL).</p> <p>Waverley Baseball Club, where Burton first made his mark, said they were “shattered” by the loss of “one of the finest players to represent them and Australia”.</p> <p>“Adam carried the moniker ‘Hollywood’ during an 11-year ABL career that few matched,” the club said in a heartfelt tribute. “He was brash, cocky, entertaining – with a ‘can’t take your eyes off him’ talent. He had style. He had charisma. He would light up a room.”</p> <p>Burton’s career in the ABL was marked by highlight-reel moments and consistent excellence. He played over 330 games and compiled a .312 batting average, with multiple All-Star selections. He was instrumental in Waverley’s 1995 championship, and in one of the league’s most remarkable seasons, he led the Melbourne Reds from last place to champions with a league-best .388 average, 21 home runs and 18 stolen bases.</p> <p>“Adam Burton was a guy who could put the team on his shoulders without feeling the burden,” Waverley’s statement continued.</p> <p>While an ankle injury hampered his performance during the 2000 Olympics, his selection and presence on Australia’s national team only cemented his legacy in the sport. He also represented Australia in the Baseball World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and the World Youth Series.</p> <p>Beyond his professional accolades, Burton remained deeply connected to the local game, coaching and playing with unwavering passion at clubs such as Blackburn, Melbourne, Preston and Watsonia.</p> <p>Baseball Victoria paid tribute to his enduring love for the game: “Adam will always be remembered for his unwavering love of the game and infectious personality. He was a beloved member of the Victorian baseball community and will be truly missed.”</p> <p>Burton’s coaching achievements in later years were as impactful as his playing career. In 2017-18, he led Preston Pirates to a VSBL Division 2 Premiership, and just last year, he played a key role in Watsonia’s A Grade Grand Final campaign.</p> <p>Watsonia Baseball Club described him as a figure who “clearly impacted all he met,” while Blackburn Baseball Club remembered him as both a “genius” and a mentor to the next generation of players.</p> <p>“Behind the cheeky smile, was a baseball genius and gifted teacher of the game,” said Blackburn’s statement. “We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have had Adam as a member of our club… one of the all-time greats.”</p> <p>As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, the deep shock and sorrow of his passing is shared by teammates, friends, fans and especially the many young players who looked up to him as a hero.</p> <p>Adam Burton is survived by his children, Cienna and Brock.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Aussie Olympian sentenced over wife's death

<p>Olympic cycling champion Rohan Dennis has received a suspended prison sentence over a road incident that led to the tragic death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in Adelaide late last year.</p> <p>Dennis, 34, appeared before South Australia’s District Court on Wednesday, where he was sentenced to one year, four months and 28 days in prison. However, Judge Ian Press suspended the sentence, citing Dennis’s guilty plea, remorse and his responsibilities as the sole carer for the couple’s two young children.</p> <p>Dennis had earlier pleaded guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm in relation to the events of 30 December 2023.</p> <p>Judge Press acknowledged the deep impact of the incident, saying that calling it "tragic" did not do justice to the "grief, anguish and turmoil" experienced by those close to Hoskins.</p> <p>Hoskins, 32, died after being struck by Dennis's vehicle outside their home in Medindie, Adelaide. The court heard the couple had been arguing over kitchen renovations before Dennis left the house and got into his car.</p> <p>During the confrontation, Hoskins reportedly jumped onto the car’s bonnet. Judge Press described driving with a person on the bonnet as “an inherently risky and dangerous act”. After she dismounted and attempted to open the car door, Dennis closed it and accelerated without realising she was still holding onto the vehicle. Hoskins then fell and suffered fatal injuries.</p> <p>Judge Press made it clear that Dennis was not charged with causing Hoskins’s death, but rather with a dangerous act that contributed to the chain of events. “I accept you have a sense of responsibility for all that occurred,” he told Dennis. “I accept you have anguished over what could have been different if you had acted in some other way.”</p> <p>Dennis, who remained emotionless throughout the sentencing, was also issued a $100, two-year good behaviour bond, and his driver's licence was suspended for five years. The judge warned that any breach of the driving ban would result in immediate imprisonment.</p> <p>Outside court, Hoskins’s father Peter expressed the family's grief but also their desire to move forward. “We miss Melissa terribly,” he said, his voice breaking. “But it’s time for us to move on, which would be Melissa’s expectation of us.”</p> <p>He added that the family intended to remain closely involved in the lives of the couple’s children and hoped to maintain a respectful relationship with Dennis. “They deserve this. They have done nothing wrong,” he said.</p> <p>Though the family had not yet received an apology from Dennis, Hoskins said he believed it would come in time. He also clarified they had not sought a custodial sentence, saying, “For them to go and lose their dad… albeit a temporary loss… I don’t think that would be ideal at all.”</p> <p>Melissa Hoskins was a celebrated cyclist, having represented Australia in the team pursuit at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and winning a world championship in 2015. Rohan Dennis is a two-time world champion in the road time trial and a dual Olympic medallist.</p> <p>The case has drawn widespread public attention, not only for the prominence of the individuals involved, but also for the deeply personal and painful circumstances surrounding the incident.</p> <p><em>Image: Fox Sports</em></p>

Legal

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Another Aussie traveller found dead in Thailand

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

Travel Trouble

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Dr Charlie Teo's plea to have Aussie ban lifted

<p>Famed neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has formally asked the Medical Council of New South Wales to lift the restrictions that have effectively barred him from performing complex brain surgeries in Australia for the past two years.</p> <p>In a letter submitted by his legal team, Dr Teo requested the removal of conditions requiring him to obtain written support from a Council-approved neurosurgeon before operating on patients with recurring malignant brain tumours or brain stem gliomas – some of the most challenging and high-risk cases in neurosurgery.</p> <p>These conditions were imposed following a Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) inquiry that found Dr Teo had recommended surgeries in two cases where the risks were deemed to outweigh the potential benefits. The inquiry also criticised the consent process for being “too optimistic”.</p> <p>Since the restrictions came into effect, Dr Teo has continued operating abroad, performing more than 230 surgeries in countries including China, Spain, Germany, India, Switzerland, Peru and South Africa. According to a submission provided to the Medical Board, of these 236 cases, 202 were classified as having "excellent" outcomes, 28 as "good", four as "fair", with two mortalities and none listed as "poor."</p> <p>“I’ve done exactly what was asked of me in Australia, albeit abroad and not by choice but by necessity,” Dr Teo <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/can-only-hope-neurosurgeon-charlie-teo-requests-end-to-aussie-operating-ban/news-story/85b9d25f40db864bac9d1a03a859a1d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told news.com.au</a>. “The supervising neurosurgeons have been extremely impressed with my results, and I guess I have even surprised myself.”</p> <p>Dr Teo said he was proud of maintaining his high standards under intense scrutiny. “Now that I have been able to focus on the real enemy – brain cancer – and not be stressed by potential vilification and persecution is a Godsend.”</p> <p>One of the many Australian patients who travelled overseas to receive treatment from Dr Teo is Tanya Miles, a mother of six who was diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. After undergoing surgery abroad, she said she is now optimistic about having more time with her children.</p> <p>“I’m angry that I couldn’t make the same choice in my own country,” Ms Miles said. “But I’m so relieved I listened to my gut. Now I have the best possible chance of spending years, not weeks, with my children.”</p> <p>Dr Teo said his push to have the restrictions lifted is not just about regaining the right to operate in Australia but about a broader principle of patient choice and access. “I may not necessarily get a job back here, which would be a real shame for Australian brain cancer and brain tumour patients,” he said. “But I am hopeful that one day some of my fellow neurosurgeons will put patient care above politics. Having the restrictions lifted may be the catalyst.”</p> <p>Dr Teo remains active in brain cancer advocacy and fundraising and will appear at the Rebel Ball in Sydney on May 31, an event expected to draw many of his patients, including Ms Miles.</p> <p>The Medical Council of NSW has not yet responded to Dr Teo’s request. </p> <p><em>Image: News.com.au</em></p>

Caring

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Guy Sebastian hospitalised for very Aussie reason

<p>Beloved Aussie pop prince Guy Sebastian has taken one for the team – literally – by rupturing his Achilles tendon during a local Division 5 footy match.</p> <p>The silky-voiced <em>Australian Idol</em> winner known for soaring ballads and immaculate falsetto decided to swap the stage for the slog and ran out with AFL great Brendan Fevola for a game with Masala Dandenong’s Thirds. A bold move, considering this is a team that, just one week prior, lost by a modest 229 points – which is less a scoreline and more a cry for help.</p> <p>But help arrived in the form of boots, bravado and bangers. Not only did Guy show up in full kit, he delivered a halftime concert to a local crowd who probably didn’t realise their sausage sizzles came with a side of chart-topping vocals. Fevola, ever the ringmaster of Aussie larrikin spectacle, convinced Sebastian to both sing and suit up, promising little more than community spirit and maybe a bruised ego.</p> <p>What no one promised was a ruptured Achilles.</p> <p>According to Fevola, Sebastian was only meant to drop in for a bit of singing and sideline spectating before heading back to Sydney for a mate’s 40th. But apparently, once the footy fever hits, it hits hard. Sebastian got caught up in the magic of the Masala comeback – perhaps the first time “magic” and “Masala Dandenong” have shared a sentence – and opted to return to the field for the second half.</p> <p>It was a decision his body did not co-sign.</p> <p>Cue the fourth quarter, and down he went. “He just fell,” Fevola recalled helpfully, between fits of laughter. “Singers shouldn’t play footy, footy players shouldn’t sing – stick to your genre.” Wise words from a man who once sang “My Way” on national television while three sheets to the wind.</p> <p>Sebastian, true to form, kept things classy. He joined the post-match victory song on crutches, then posted on Instagram with his usual charm: “Unfortunately I’ve done a proper number on myself. #realitycheck #sticktosinging #footyglorydaysareover.” It was the first time in history that a ruptured tendon trended so positively on social media.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJd-h2TRvk_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJd-h2TRvk_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by guysebastian (@guysebastian)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>To his credit, Fevola managed to boot six goals and lead the team to an unlikely 8.5 (53) to 7.13 (55) win, ending a 20-game losing streak and likely earning himself free drinks at Lois Twohig Reserve for life. Guy, meanwhile, will be earning some much-deserved rest – and probably a renewed appreciation for low-impact cardio.</p> <p>Get well soon, mate. And next time, maybe just bring the guitar.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Dire warning issued to Aussie travellers as conflict escalates

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

Travel Trouble

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Aussie bank says good news on the way for homeowners

<p>Bendigo Bank is forecasting four interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), including one later this month, following the release of key inflation figures that show underlying inflation has returned to the central bank’s target range for the first time in over three years.</p> <p>According to Bendigo Bank’s chief economist David Robertson, the RBA is expected to pivot from its primary focus on inflation to broader economic concerns such as employment and growth. “The RBA has been dealing with global inflation shock for three years, but its concerns are quickly moving from price stability and inflation to protecting growth and jobs,” Robertson said.</p> <p>The RBA's preferred measure of underlying inflation, the trimmed mean, fell from 3.3% to 2.9%, marking a return to the target range of 2–3% for the first time since December 2021. Headline inflation held steady at 2.4%.</p> <p>Robertson said the new inflation data sets the stage for a rate cut on May 20, with the only remaining uncertainty being the size of the cut. “The next cut is almost certain for May 20, but of what magnitude?” he said, suggesting a 35 basis point reduction was more likely than a larger move. “A larger 50 basis point cut in May is most unlikely unless markets become dislocated like in the GFC.”</p> <p>Bendigo Bank is forecasting a total of four rate cuts, including the expected May move, bringing the cash rate down to approximately 3.1% by the end of the year. Market analysts are even more aggressive, pricing in five cuts that could take the rate to around 2.8%.</p> <p>Despite the improved inflation outlook, global economic headwinds remain a significant concern. Robertson pointed to ongoing market volatility driven by US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and uncertainty surrounding global trade flows. “Equity markets have been clawing back some of their losses but there are still difficult times ahead,” he said. “Tariffs are generally bad for everyone but especially problematic for the country imposing them.”</p> <p>The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised global growth projections in light of the economic tensions, cutting its forecast for US GDP growth from 2.7% to 1.8% and China’s from 4.6% to 4%. Australia, too, has felt the impact, with the IMF reducing its 2025 growth estimate from 2.1% to 1.6%. Bendigo Bank has adjusted its own forecast accordingly, downgrading Australia’s expected growth to 2%.</p> <p>With inflation easing and global pressures mounting, the RBA appears poised to shift gears from restraint to support. “The environment is changing quickly,” said Robertson. “It’s time for the RBA to support the broader economy again.”</p> <p><em>Image: Bendigo Bank</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Aussie teen surfers earn worldwide praise for saving grandmother and grandson

<p>A wave of global praise is crashing over four incredible teenage surfers who risked their lives to save a grandmother and her young grandson from dangerous surf conditions at Adelaide’s West Beach.</p> <p>In a moment of pure bravery and instinct, 14-year-old Kai Nixon sprang into action after spotting a 10-year-old boy caught in a fierce rip current. Without hesitation, Kai paddled through treacherous waters to reach the child, ultimately guiding him to the safety of nearby rocks.</p> <p>But the rescue didn’t stop there.</p> <p>As cries for help echoed across the beach, fellow teenage surfers Cruz Campbell, Louis Kempster and Riley Kellock – who were nearby – zeroed in on a second, even more urgent crisis. The boy’s grandmother was being pulled farther out to sea. Working together, the three boys launched into action and successfully brought her back to shore.</p> <p>Though the teens didn’t all know one another, their combined effort was seamless. “They didn’t know each other so they were two different groups of boys who were able to come together and just execute a really seamless plan,” said Louis’ proud mother, Dana.</p> <p>Now, the story of their heroic actions is resonating far beyond Australia. Interview requests are coming in from media outlets across the United States, and people around the world are hailing the boys as heroes.</p> <p>Among those singing their praises is South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who offered high commendation: “Nothing but the offer of the highest of praise to these young fellas who have shown extraordinary courage. They demonstrate there’s a lot of good among young people.”</p> <p>Kai, who has been a member of the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club since 2016, is set to be formally recognised for his courage. Club president Graeme Cunningham was effusive in his admiration: “Kai assessed the situation and acted cool and calmly. The outcome was good and he did a fantastic job.” The club will be submitting the rescue for review by Surf Life Saving SA, putting Kai in the running for a prestigious state-level award.</p> <p>Just months before this life-saving moment, Kai had completed his surf rescue certificate – a training that proved invaluable. “The skills they learn are able to be used in real life situations,” Cunningham said. “Our members use these skills when they’re not on patrol.”</p> <p>Surf Life Saving SA chief executive Damien Marangon echoed the praise: “Their quick-thinking and skilled response, undertaken despite the personal risks, are truly commendable and turned a potentially tragic incident into a story of bravery and exceptional rescue.”</p> <p>Thanks to these extraordinary teenagers, a family was reunited, a tragedy was averted – and the world gained four new heroes.</p> <p><em>Images: 9 News</em></p>

Caring

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Hollywood megastar marries Aussie actress in secret ceremony

<p>Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd and Australian actress Bianca Wallace have tied the knot in a private ceremony, two years after Gruffudd's highly publicised divorce from actress Alice Evans.</p> <p>The couple shared their joyous news through a touching video posted on Instagram, capturing intimate moments from their seaside wedding. The video, set to Martin Arteta's "Past Lives", features Gruffudd wiping away tears as he exchanges vows with Wallace. The caption read: "Mr &amp; Mrs Gruffudd. Marriage now, wedding later," hinting at plans for a larger celebration in the future. ​</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4RDk1PwR5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4RDk1PwR5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bianca Gruffudd (@iambiancawallace)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Gruffudd, 51, and Wallace, 32, have been in a relationship since 2021 and became engaged in January 2024. Their journey together has culminated in this intimate ceremony and – despite the challenges they faced, including Gruffudd's previous marriage to Evans and the ensuing legal battles – the couple has remained steadfast in their commitment to each other. ​</p> <p>Fans and well-wishers have expressed their happiness and support for the newlyweds, celebrating their love and the new chapter they are beginning together.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"Our hearts started to pound": Aussie identical twins go viral with eyewitness account

<p>A pair of identical twins from Queensland have captivated the internet after their dramatic eyewitness account of an alleged carjacking aired on Australian television, showcasing not only the chaos of the event but their uncanny ability to speak in perfect unison.</p> <p>Paula and Bridgette Powers, known for their wildlife rescue work, became an overnight global sensation following a 90-second segment aired by 7 News Queensland. The viral clip – which has amassed over 14.5 million views on X (formerly Twitter) – featured the sisters recounting <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/man-charged-after-fatal-carjacking-rampage-on-sunshine-coast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a harrowing incident</a> near their Sunshine Coast home, where an SUV rolled on Steve Irwin Way.</p> <p>Wearing matching blue bunny-patterned shirts and sporting identical hairstyles, the Powers twins recounted the moment their mother and a bystander rushed to help the crash victim – only to discover he was allegedly armed.</p> <p>“And one guy, he was up there with our mum and he, he went up there and he was coming back down toward us and he goes, ‘Run, he’s got a gun,’” the sisters said in eerie synchronicity. “And oh, our hearts started to pound and I said, ‘Mum, where’s mum?’”</p> <p>The twins explained how their mother narrowly escaped the suspect, who they say had “blood all over his face” and threatened to shoot her. “Mum distracted him to make him look the other way… and mum ran into the bush behind the fence and the guy goes to her, ‘I’ll find you and I’ll shoot you,’” they recalled.</p> <p>Despite the terrifying encounter, all three family members escaped unharmed. Authorities have since charged a man with multiple offences, including dangerous driving causing death and two counts of armed robbery.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">holy shit there is nothing that can prepare you for when they cut to the interview <a href="https://t.co/UA9iVIyCIm">pic.twitter.com/UA9iVIyCIm</a></p> <p>— microplastics envelope filter (@DiabolicalSpuds) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiabolicalSpuds/status/1914418466699858250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The sisters are no strangers to the spotlight. In a 2021 <em>ABC News</em> profile, they shared how their passion for wildlife led them to a fateful meeting with the late Steve Irwin, who they said was “quite taken with them” when they were found comforting a sick green sea turtle. The twins later worked at the Australia Zoo and now run their own charity, Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue.</span></p> <p>Speaking in unison has always come naturally to them. “Our brains must think alike at the same time,” they told the ABC. “It annoys a lot of people, but changing the way we speak doesn’t feel right to us at all.”</p> <p>Paula and Bridgette also previously made headlines during a 2016 appearance on <em>Good Morning Britain</em>, charming hosts Piers Morgan and Susannah Reid with their synchronised laughter and responses.</p> <p>“Sometimes we do feel like just one person, yes, we do,” they said at the time.</p> <p><em>Image: X (Formerly Twitter)</em></p>

TV

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Good news for beach lovers

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to find a cigarette butt. Gross, right?</p> <p>This disturbing scene is typical of coastal pollution in Australia. But fortunately <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25003261">our new research</a> shows the problem is getting better, not worse. Over the past ten years, the amount of waste across Australian coastal cities has reduced by almost 40%. We’re also finding more places with no rubbish at all.</p> <p>We surveyed for debris in and around six Australian urban areas between 2022 and 2024. Then we compared our results to previous surveys carried out a decade ago. We found less coastal pollution overall and reset a new baseline for further research.</p> <p>Our study shows efforts to clean up Australia’s beaches have been working. These policies, practices and outreach campaigns have reduced the extent of pollution in coastal habitats near urban centres. But we can’t become complacent. There’s plenty of work still to be done.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=450&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=450&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=450&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=566&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=566&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658227/original/file-20250328-62-jmuk08.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=566&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A beautiful sandy beach, as seen from the cliff top." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">One of the many beaches surveyed by CSIRO.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">TJ Lawson</span></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>What we did</h2> <p>In Australia, three-quarters of the rubbish on our coasts is <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fee.1447">plastic</a>. Even cigarette butts are mainly made of plastic.</p> <p>To tackle the pollution effectively, we need to understand where the waste is coming from and how it gets into the environment.</p> <p>Research has shown much of the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep44479">coastal debris</a> comes from local inland areas. Poor waste management practices can result in debris eventually making its way <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15611">through rivers</a> to the coast and <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1260352">out to sea</a>.</p> <p>We focused on urban areas because high population density and industrial activity contributes to waste in the environment. We examined six areas across Australia:</p> <ul> <li>Perth in Western Australia</li> <li>Port Augusta in South Australia</li> <li>Hobart in Tasmania</li> <li>Newcastle in New South Wales</li> <li>Sunshine Coast in Queensland</li> <li>Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.</li> </ul> <p>These places represent a starting point for the national baseline. At each location we studied sites on the coast, along rivers and inland, within a 100 kilometre radius.</p> <p>We inspected strips of land 2m wide. This involved two trained scientists standing in an upright position looking downward, slowly walking along a line surveying for debris items. Together they captured information about every piece of debris they came across, including the type of material and what it was originally used for (where possible).</p> <h2>What we found</h2> <p>On average, we found 0.15 items of debris per square metre of land surveyed. That’s roughly one piece of rubbish every five steps.</p> <p>Plastic was the most common type of waste. But in many cases it was unclear what the item was originally used for. For example, fragments of hard plastic of unknown origin were found in a quarter of all surveyed areas.</p> <p>Polystyrene fragments were the most common item overall (24% of all debris fragments). Other frequently encountered items included food wrappers or labels, cigarette butts, and hard plastic bottle caps or lids.</p> <p>We found more waste near farms, industry and disadvantaged areas.</p> <p>The types of waste varied among cities. For example, cigarette butts were the most prevalent items in Newcastle, Perth and the Sunshine Coast. But food wrappers and beverage cans were more prevalent in Port Augusta and Alice Springs, respectively.</p> <p>Hobart had the highest occurrence of beverage bottles and bottle fragments.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=424&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=533&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=533&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659486/original/file-20250403-56-enmjio.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=533&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of Australia showing the cities surveyed and their most prevalent waste item." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The most common type of waste varied among cities.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">CSIRO</span></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Targeting problem items</h2> <p>Identifying the different types of litter in the environment can help policymakers and waste managers target specific items and improve waste recovery.</p> <p>Research has shown container deposit legislation, which enables people to take eligible beverage containers to a collection point for a refund, has reduced the number of beverage containers in the coastal environment by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17305377">40%</a>. Hobart did not have a container deposit scheme in place at the time of our survey.</p> <p>Plastic bag bans can reduce <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31109543/">bag litter</a>. Now polystyrene food service items are becoming increasingly targeted by <a href="https://digital.detritusjournal.com/articles/policy-instruments-to-reduce-consumption-of-expanded-polystyrene-food-service-ware-in-the-usa/284">policymakers</a>.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <h2>Making progress</h2> <p>When we compared our results to the <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fee.1447">previous survey</a> from 2011-14 we found a 39% decrease in coastal debris. We also found 16% more areas where no debris was present.</p> <p>Our results <a href="https://theconversation.com/local-efforts-have-cut-plastic-waste-on-australias-beaches-by-almost-30-in-6-years-184243">support previous research</a> that found an ongoing trend towards less waste on Australian beaches.</p> <p>We think our research demonstrates the effectiveness of improved waste management policies, campaigns such as the “Five R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, then Recycle” – as well as clean-up efforts.</p> <p>It’s likely that increased awareness is making a big dent in the problem. But reducing the production of plastic, and invoking changes further up the supply chain, would likely further help reduce mismanaged waste in the environment.</p> <h2>Implications for the future</h2> <p>Measuring and monitoring litter can inform policymaking and waste management. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25003261">Our research</a> serves as a benchmark for evaluating and informing future efforts to reduce plastic waste.</p> <p>We are heartened by the findings. But continued effort is needed from people across government, industry and Australian communities. Everyone needs to address how we produce, use and dispose of plastic for a cleaner and healthier planet. <!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/253221/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephanie-brodie-1492706">Stephanie Brodie</a>, Research Scientist in Marine Ecology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/britta-denise-hardesty-2907">Britta Denise Hardesty</a>, Senior Principal Research Scientist, Environment, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</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/good-news-beach-lovers-our-research-found-39-less-plastic-waste-around-australian-coastal-cities-than-a-decade-ago-253221">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

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Tragedy on first cruise: Aussie couple’s dream trip ends in heartbreak

<p>What began as a dream getaway for Aussie couple Glenn and Beverley Stein has ended in devastating tragedy, after Glenn, 74, died suddenly during their very first cruise.</p> <p>Described as "humble and hardworking", the couple had never been overseas or on a cruise before. Their four-day voyage from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, a generous gift from their son after a lucky windfall, was meant to be a long-overdue escape for the pair, who had spent more than 50 years side by side.</p> <p>"They had never been on a cruise before, never even been overseas," daughter-in-law Sarah <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/carnival-cruise-passengers-8500-blow-after-on-board-tragedy-they-didnt-realise-033649566.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared with Yahoo News</a>. "One of their sons won some money so he thought it might be nice to buy them a cruise."</p> <p>According to Sarah, the couple were thoroughly enjoying their time onboard. But just a few days into the trip, Glenn began to feel unwell, suspecting it was merely “a bit of food poisoning”. True to their no-fuss nature, the Steins tried not to worry and went to bed, assuming he would feel better by morning.</p> <p>Tragically, Beverley awoke the next day to find Glenn unconscious. In shock, she raised the alarm with the ship’s housekeeping staff, who immediately called the onboard medical team. “The staff were amazing. We’ve got a 43-page report detailing all the care they gave him," Sarah said, commending the cruise medical team for their efforts and support during the ordeal.</p> <p>Glenn’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Doctors soon discovered he was suffering from a life-threatening strangulated hernia, requiring emergency surgery. As they awaited an airlift to Bundaberg Hospital, the crew urged Beverley to speak with her husband and prepare for the worst.</p> <p>Even aboard the emergency helicopter, Glenn’s health continued to fail. Once at the hospital, paramedics warned the couple’s children, already en route, to call in immediately.</p> <p>“They managed to speak to Glenn, which was really nice,” Sarah said. Heartbreakingly, just minutes later, when Sarah and her husband tried to call, they were told Glenn had passed away. "He had literally just passed away as soon as they got off the phone."</p> <p>Adding to the family's anguish, they soon discovered that because Glenn and Beverley had unknowingly crossed into international waters, and hadn't purchased travel insurance, Beverley was left facing an $8,500 medical bill.</p> <p>“This was their first cruise; they didn’t realise it was actually out of Australian waters,” Sarah explained, calling the experience a “cautionary tale” for other travellers. While understanding of the fees, the family is now hoping the cruise company might show some compassion and reduce the amount.</p> <p>Loved ones have <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bev-after-the-sudden-loss-of-her-beloved-husband-glenn?cdn-cache=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched a GoFundMe</a> to help cover the medical costs and funeral expenses. "Bev is not only grieving the loss of her life partner but is now also facing overwhelming financial pressure," the family wrote. "Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward covering the significant costs associated with Glenn’s passing and supporting Bev as she begins to navigate life without him."</p> <p>Despite their grief, the family has found bittersweet moments of humour in the aftermath. “It’s really funny,” Sarah recalled, “his daughter mentioned, ‘Dad always said he never wanted a fuss and just wanted to go quietly,’ and it’s ended up being a helicopter out and on the news – so he couldn’t have been more dramatic."</p> <p>As they rally around Beverley, the Steins’ loved ones hope their story will serve as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance — and of cherishing every moment with the ones you love.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

Cruising

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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

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Baby Lightning strikes! Aussie Olympian gives birth to fifth child

<p>Aussie Olympic champion Libby Trickett has shared some joyful news – her family has grown with the arrival of baby number five!</p> <p>The 40-year-old swimmer took to Instagram to announce the birth of her newest bundle of joy, revealing his beautiful name and details of his arrival. Trickett and her husband, Luke, proudly welcomed Archie Wilson Lightning Trickett into the world at 7:51am on April 3rd, via an elective caesarean. Baby Archie weighed in at a healthy 3.99kg and measured 53cm long.</p> <p>"The shape of our family is complete," Trickett wrote, beaming with happiness. "Definitely promise it’s for reals this time! I’m really almost certain this time... though I’ve come to realise that I probably would have babies forever. I know that I’ve pushed my body to its absolute limits with this one."</p> <p>Trickett shared that Archie’s arrival was a calm and joyous experience, filled with laughter and love. "Every birth I’ve had has been extraordinary and this one was no different. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to meet our baby boy," she added.</p> <p>The couple’s new arrival is already adored by his siblings, as Trickett sweetly noted that Archie is being "suitably smothered" by his three big sisters and big brother. "We have all been struck with love," she gushed.</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/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Libby Trickett (@libby_trickett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In a fun twist, Trickett revealed that they never found out the gender of any of their children during pregnancy – and she managed to guess wrong every single time! "I didn’t predict a single one and I feel so lucky because I couldn’t have wished for more," she laughed.</p> <p>The heartwarming announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from friends, fans and fellow athletes. Surfing legend Mick Fanning commented, "Congratulations," while fellow swimming great Grant Hackett wrote, "Woohoo 🎉 A massive congratulations." Olympian Jana Pittman also chimed in, saying, "Enormous congrats xxxxx."</p> <p>With their growing family now complete, the Tricketts are soaking up every moment of love and joy with little Archie.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Beloved Aussie athlete found dead at just 19

<p>A tragic loss has shaken the Australian sports community following the discovery of 19-year-old triathlete Audrey Griffin’s body in a New South Wales creek.</p> <p>Griffin, a beloved athlete from the Central Coast, was found partially submerged in Erina Creek on March 23 - a discovery that came just weeks after she had competed in the ANZCO Foods Half Ironman event in Taupo, New Zealand.</p> <p>NSW Police confirmed Griffin’s body was located between the Punt Bridge and Pateman Road in Green Point, near Gosford. She was last seen at around 2am at the Gosford Hotel on Sunday morning, with her disappearance reported later that day. Authorities then found her body at around 5pm.</p> <p>A police spokesperson stated, “Following inquiries, police attended a creek along the Central Coast Highway, where they located the body of the woman in the water. A crime scene was established, and inquiries into the incident are underway by officers attached to the Brisbane Water Police District. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.”</p> <p>Reports indicate that Griffin was fully clothed when found, and a preliminary autopsy has listed drowning as the cause of death. Despite initial concerns, <em>The Central Coast Express Advocate</em> reported that her family was informed that her death is not being treated as suspicious.</p> <p>Griffin was an active member of the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, Terrigal Sharks Rugby League Club and a former vice-captain of Central Coast Sports College. However, her passion for triathlons stood out, with <em>Seven News</em> reporting that she completed the Half Ironman on March 1 in a time of 6:40:32, securing 23rd place in her age group.</p> <p>A makeshift memorial has been established near the creek, with flowers and messages of love from those who knew her.</p> <p>Friends and loved ones took to social media to share heartfelt tributes. One person wrote, “A beautiful girl and treasured by a lot of people! Always had a smile on her face. We will miss you. Rest peacefully.” Another friend posted, “She touched the hearts of so many people and always had a smile. Her laugh was contagious, and her goofy self always made us laugh.”</p> <p>As the investigation continues, the local community remains in mourning over the tragic loss of a young athlete with a promising future.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Aussie TV star wins $9.2m on game show – the largest in history

<p>In an electrifying moment that will surely go down in television history, Australian reality TV star David Genat has claimed a jaw-dropping AUD$9.2 million prize on US television, securing the largest single cash payout ever seen on American TV.</p> <p>The 44-year-old, widely recognised by Aussie audiences from <em>Survivor Australia</em>, <em>Celebrity Apprentice</em>, <em>Rush</em> and <em>Getaway</em>, delivered a masterclass in risk-taking and intuition in NBC’s <em>Deal or No Deal Island</em>.</p> <p>Genat, dubbed the “Survivor golden god” after his 2020 <em>Survivor Australia: All Stars</em> victory, knew he had the upper hand early in the final showdown. But the real twist came when the show’s notorious banker was revealed as none other than Chrissy Teigen.</p> <p>Faced with 26 cases – one containing the life-changing sum of AUD$12.2 million – Genat navigated a nail-biting elimination round, fuelled by his father’s memory and a razor-sharp strategy. Rejecting a staggering seven offers, including multiple million-dollar deals, he played with nerves of steel until just two cases remained.</p> <p>Then came the final offer: a mind-blowing $US5.8 million ($AUD9.2 million). With tension at an all-time high, Genat made the call – he took the deal.</p> <p>It was a decision that paid off in monumental fashion. When his chosen case was opened, it contained just $75. Had he gambled one step further, he would have walked away with next to nothing. Instead, he etched his name into television history with the record-breaking win.</p> <p>“It was surreal,” Genat later shared with <em>USA Today</em>. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“The offer came in at US$5.8 million and I started thinking about it, and that is just so much money. I was having a spiritual experience, man. I just knew where that money was. I knew which cases to open. I was looking for signs from my father, who passed away a couple of years ago. I felt his presence there, and he was just guiding me on what cases to open.”</span></p> <p>That deep connection gave him the clarity to seize the moment and walk away with a life-altering fortune. “My frequency is on another level,” he added. “I fully feel like I’m floating.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">With his newfound millions, Genat already has a few indulgences in mind, including a new motorcycle, a luxury watch and some sleek new cars for his four kids.</span></p> <p>But the adventure might not stop here. Rumours are swirling that Genat could be gearing up for another reality TV showdown on the upcoming <em>Survivor: Australia vs. the World</em>, set to air later this year.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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