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Mum's tribute to "kind" teenager after unidentified remains found

<p>Isla Bell's mum, Justine Spokes, has paid tribute to the "kind" and "gentle" teenager, after remains believed to be the 19-year-old's were found at a waste management facility in Melbourne's south-east. </p> <p>Bell was last seen leaving her Brunswick home about 6pm on October 4 and made final contact with her friends on October 7. </p> <p>At the time, her mother made a heartfelt plea for her return, saying: "We just can't wait to hold you bub, we love you so much and we just want to know you're safe, my darling." </p> <p>On Tuesday afternoon, police arrived at a facility in Bentleigh East, after receiving a tip-off that a white van was seen dumping a fridge believed to be connected to the investigation. The found the yet-to-be-formally identified remains at the facility. </p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/men-charged-after-remains-found-following-teen-s-disappearance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two men have been charged</a> over the death of the 19-year-old, and documents released by the court on Wednesday revealed that she was allegedly murdered in St Kilda East, the same day she was last in contact with her loved ones. </p> <p>Police allege a 53-year-old man, who she was believed to be staying with a few days prior to her death, attacked her inside his apartment, and a 57-year-old man helped him hide her body in the fridge. </p> <p>They also allege the 53-year-old man initially denied knowledge of the fridge, but eventually admitted to transporting Bell's remains after she died at his house, but claims he did not know how she died and denied any involvement.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>The Age</em>, Bell's mother said her daughter is "cherished forever and suffering no more".</p> <p>"I am so sorry I could not protect you, that your experience of the world was cruel and unsafe," Spokes said.</p> <p>"Despite your challenges, you lived bravely, stood up for what was right and remained the kindest human, the gentlest soul.</p> <p>"May your (alleged) murderer murder no more. With the deepest love and respect, your Mumma."</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Men charged after remains found following teen's disappearance

<p>Two men have been charged over the disappearance of 19-year-old Isla Bell, after human remains were discovered by police. </p> <p>The teenager was last seen leaving her home in Brunswick, in Melbourne’s inner-north, on October 6th at about 6pm, prompting a widespread police investigation. </p> <p>On Tuesday, authorities made the grim discovery of human remains in Dandenong, south-east Melbourne, after 46 days of searching for the 19-year-old.</p> <p>Missing persons squad detectives arrested three men on Tuesday after executing search warrants at two properties in Bentleigh East and Mulgrave.</p> <p>A 53-year-old St Kilda man has been since been charged with murder, while a 57-year-old Hampton man has been charged with assist offender (murder).</p> <p>A 63-year-old Mulgrave man was released pending further inquiries.</p> <p>After Isla went missing, her friends and family launched an online campaign to find her as they posted daily pleas for information. </p> <p>“There has been no activity on her bank account. No activity on her social media. Her phone has not pinged to any towers,” they posted in an update to the Help Us Find Isla Bell Facebook page on Sunday.</p> <p>“It’s hard not to think the worst given the situation and the concerning circumstances in which she disappeared.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Wedding bells for Barnaby Joyce

<p>In a whirlwind of controversy and headlines, the love story between former Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and his political advisor Vikki Campion is about to take centre stage in the tranquil backdrop of rural Walcha.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/barnabys-bush-bash-wedding-byo-ute-and-swag/news-story/3ab2a5c1ff4deb18efec6fbf8a94dcba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail</a>, the couple, whose relationship sparked a political firestorm, is all set to tie the knot in a "bush bash" themed wedding on November 12, right in the heart of New England's countryside.</p> <p>With a select group of friends and loyal National Party supporters on the guest list, the nuptials are scheduled to kick off at 11am, at a location that is being kept tightly under wraps but is rumoured to be one of the Joyce family properties at nearby Woolbrook.</p> <p>The couple has left no stone unturned in embracing the rustic charm of the Australian bush, and their guests have been given a taste of what's in store. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in their trusty utes or robust 4WD vehicles, roll out their swags, and get ready to party until the stars light up the outback sky.</p> <p>A guest who is eagerly anticipating what has been dubbed the "political wedding of the year" described the event as reminiscent of a B&S (bachelor and spinster) ball, saying, "It's very much Barnaby getting back to his country roots...we can't wait. The naysayers said they wouldn't get to this point, but this is two people in love, and we can't wait to celebrate."</p> <p>Further details about the exact wedding location will be shared with guests closer to the date, but they have been assured of an abundance of refreshments and entertainment well into the night.</p> <p>Many of the attendees are expected to embrace the full country experience, spending the night in their swags under the vast, starlit sky or in the back of their trusty utes. For those who prefer a more comfortable resting place, a bus will be on hand to shuttle them back to the nearby town, where they can find lodgings at the local country hotel.</p> <p>Adding to the sentimental charm of this country wedding are Joyce and Campion's two sons, Sebastian and Tom, who are expected to play a special role in the ceremony. The fact that the ceremony and reception are at the same location underscores the couple's desire to keep the event intimate and close-knit.</p> <p>It is understood that one of Barnaby Joyce's four daughters from his previous marriage to Natalie will also be in attendance, marking a significant step toward mending relationships that have been strained since the affair came to light.</p> <p>Barnaby Joyce's proposal to Vikki Campion over dinner in Coffs Harbour in January 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, nearly four years after their affair was thrust into the public eye.</p> <p>The journey to this wedding day was not without its challenges. At the height of the affair's revelation, the then Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, criticised Joyce for a "shocking error of judgment" due to the affair and the pain it caused the women in his life. Consequently, Joyce stepped down from his role as Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader in the face of mounting pressure to resign.</p> <p>Natalie Joyce, Barnaby's former wife, was thrust into the spotlight when she claimed she had no knowledge of her husband's infidelity. Today, Barnaby Joyce serves as the Member for New England and holds the position of Shadow Minister for Veteran Affairs, representing the same region where his love story with Vikki Campion is set to culminate in a unique and charming "bush bash" wedding.</p> <p>As the couple exchanges their vows and dances under the stars of rural Australia, they bid farewell to the past, embracing a brighter and more united future, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the New England countryside.</p> <p><em>Image: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister</em></p>

Relationships

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"Crossed a line": Bell Shakespeare's blistering response to negative review

<p dir="ltr">Australian theatre company, Bell Shakespeare, has publicly issued a blistering response to a theatre critic’s “cruel and unfair” review.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Age</em> critic Cameron Woodhead gave the theatre company’s current production of Macbeth a two star rating - and he singled out the lead actor, Hazem Shammas’ performance of Macbeth.</p> <p dir="ltr">In his review, Woodhead claimed that Shammas “belongs in the Richard III ward of Monty Python’s Hospital for Over-Acting”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that the Logie-winning actor’s portrayal of Macbeth was “so cartoonish” and “unhinged” and that he was “stalked by the inappropriate silhouette of the clown”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 500-word review mostly nitpicked at Shammas’ performance, commenting on how he should reign in his “vein-popping excess” and “trust in the words” of Shakespeare, as if he knew what Shakespeare would’ve wanted.</p> <p dir="ltr">The review was published online on April 27 and a week later Bell Shakespeare launched their blistering response on social media.</p> <p dir="ltr"><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBellShakespeareCo%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0359Wr76jN92ZX4DCPbSRNjn3557HSHfGARRtr8nqhUCTQFH19yy65fS2hTjCoRADKl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="478" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">The statement began with the theatre company explaining that they are open to criticism and understand that sometimes there will be “creative differences”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Age’s theatre critic, Cameron Woodhead, didn’t like our current production of Macbeth (May 1 edition). That’s his prerogative; many critics have provided favourable reviews of this production and Macbeth means many things to many people. One of the joys of seeing Shakespeare’s works is to debate them afterwards.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This time though, we must call out conduct which, in our view, was cruel and unfair,” they wrote in their statement posted on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Cameron’s targeting of the lead actor Hazem Shammas was, in our view, belittling and contemptuous,” they added, citing Woodhead’s harsh comments.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Whilst Cameron may have issues with the production, we do not consider a response should ever be draped in language like this. In our view, no actor deserves to be dismissed so personally in a theatre review”.</p> <p dir="ltr">They added that Shammas’ personal life and Palestinian background allowed him to resonate with the fact that “Macbeth is driven by something that finally breaks him,” as that story was his “dad’s story in terms of coming to this land and then pursuing his dreams at all costs, in terms of the costs to himself and breaking the hearts of the ones he left behind.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Actors don’t have a voice when critics write negative things about them. It has long been thus. However, the stage is their workplace. And they are entitled to a safe space at work just as much as anyone,” they wrote, defending Shammas.</p> <p dir="ltr">They ended the statement saying that Woodhead had “crossed a line”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans have applauded the company for standing up for their star, while others justified Woodhead’s criticism.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Cameron Woodhead gave one of my novels a bruisingly rude review a few years ago. I think he enjoys unleashing the poison pen occasionally. I have finally managed to laugh about it, but it took me years,” commented one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What a great response and wonderful example of integrity from Bell Shakespeare!” commented another person</p> <p dir="ltr">“Good on you for calling this out. We can be critical without being cruel, and given the tough times we’re in, we can all employ a little more respect and kindness,” wrote a third.</p> <p><em>Image: Bell Shakespeare</em></p>

Art

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Surprise wedding bells for AFL star

<p>Geelong star Gary Rohan and wife Madi Bennett have shared the exciting news that they got married over the weekend.</p> <p>The couple posted a wedding picture on Sunday with the caption simply: “Mr & Mrs Rohan” and a love heart.</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/CmBLdm5P9hI/?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/CmBLdm5P9hI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by GaryRohan23 (@garyrohan16)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The stylish, casual rural wedding took place in Tyrendarra, Victoria, a four-hour drive outside of Melbourne.</p> <p>Friends and family members also took part in sharing photos from the special day.</p> <p>Geelong teammates Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins and retired champion Joel Selwood were among the many people commenting congratulations on social media.</p> <p>“Beautiful chuck & Madi,” Hawkins wrote.</p> <p>The couple announced their engagement in July, just 14 months after their relationship was made public.</p> <p>Rohan already has two daughters Bella, 3, and Sadie, 1 with ex-wife Amie Rohan.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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From wedding bells to wedding bills

<p dir="ltr">Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, but that is short lived not long after saying “I do”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Psychologists from Denver University tracked 168 people before and after they got married to prove their hypothesis where individuals who transition to marriage would report increases in general health.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, they could not prove their hypothesis with the physical and mental wellbeing only increasing before the wedding and takes a dip after the ceremony. </p> <p dir="ltr">Newlyweds also reported lower life satisfaction, higher levels of psychological distress as well as an increase in alcohol consumption. </p> <p dir="ltr">The findings were published in the Journal of Family Psychology but could not clearly explain it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Could possibly be from the huge wedding bill? Who’s to say. </p> <p dir="ltr">It did note that couples were extremely excited in the lead up to the wedding, to have all their close family and friends, to celebrate love which helps increase the physical and mental wellbeing.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the wedding is over, everyone goes their separate way and reality hits, all we know is that it takes two to tango and make the relationship work and support each other. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Health update from Cabinet Minister diagnosed with Bell’s palsy

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NSW Customer Services Minister Victor Dominello has shared a health update, following his shock diagnosis with Bell’s palsy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/alert-viewers-spot-cabinet-minister-s-serious-health-condition-on-live-tv" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">eagle-eyed viewers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> noticed Mr Dominello’s “droopy eye” at a NSW press conference, the minister sought medical attention and was quickly diagnosed with the condition.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Monday, Mr Dominello thanked well-wishers and those who reached out to share their own experience with the condition, as well as an update on his treatment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I am on medication and feeling very fortunate that the community brought the seriousness of the situation to my attention,” he wrote on LinkedIn.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Also given the feedback received from many people with lived experience - I am also having acupuncture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I am hoping to make a quick recovery.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The minister shared a photo of himself with an eyepatch on, despite his right eye appearing to droop during the press conference, with a note explaining why.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843363/1629668721269.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a29ab3a03f7f4d3abc3b69618ded966e" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Victor Dominello / LinkedIn</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“PPS: the patch is on my right eye - as that is the side of my face that has been frozen,” he explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The patch stops the eye from getting infected until I can start blinking with it again.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The update comes after he announced his hospital visit and diagnosis with Bell’s Palsy following the press conference.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.18908382066274px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843362/nsw-cab-minister-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ea13d50cca224094bb9077c985761897" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Some people thought I was winking at the cameraman. Some thought I had a stroke,” he said at the time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have actually been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bell’s palsy is a condition caused by damage to the facial nerve, resulting in sudden facial muscle weakness or paralysis that worsens over 48 hours.</span></p>

News

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Cancer fraudster Belle Gibson's home raided by authorities

<p>Cancer conwoman Belle Gibson's home has been raided by authorities over half a million dollars worth of unpaid fines.</p> <p>Victoria's Sheriff's office executed a "seizure and sale" warrant on Gibson's Northcote property in Melbourne's inner north on Friday.</p> <p>The founder of Whole Pantry was hit with a $410,000 fine in 2017 after being found guilty of five breaches of consumer law.</p> <p>Gibson sold thousands of copies of her cookbook and wellness app off the back of faking brain cancer and claiming she was cured by natural remedies and healthy living.</p> <p>The 29-year-old now owes over $500,000 in fines, penalties and interest for fraudulent activities.</p> <p>It's believed the items taken from Gibson's property will later be sold in an effort to obtain part of the outstanding fine.</p> <p>A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokeswoman confirmed the raid.</p> <p>“Ms Gibson owes the Victorian public a substantial debt and Consumer Affairs Victoria will continue to pursue repayment,” she said.</p> <p>“A warrant of seizure and sale on Ms Gibson was executed today by Sheriff’s officers at an address in Northcote.”</p> <p>The Federal Court in Australia found the mum-of-one engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct after she claimed to have been diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009, only had four months to live and had rejected conventional treatments and chosen to heal herself naturally.</p> <p>The court also found she had lied about donating proceeds from sales of her book and the app The Whole Pantry to charities or good causes.</p> <p>Gibson’s Northcote home had previously been raided by sheriffs in January 2020 to try to recoup some of her unpaid debt.</p> <p>She sold more than 300,000 copies of her book before the deceit of her fake cancer story emerged in 2015.</p>

Legal

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Wedding bells for Jamie Durie

<p><span><em>House Rules</em> host and gardening guru Jamie Durie has announced the blissful engagement to his partner Ameka Jane.</span><br /><br /><span>“She said YES!” he wrote in a heartfelt social media post on Saturday.</span><br /><br /><span>“Thrilled to announce our engagement. Thank you to my beautiful @amekajane for turning my life upside down.</span><br /><br /><span>“I couldn’t be happier. Magic night for a magic girl.”</span><br /><br /><span>Durie was not shy to share a few snaps of him and his fiancé, along with a photo of “marry me” written in red roses and Australian native flowers.</span><br /><br /><span>Durie then went on to thank the Sydney-based jeweller, Instinct, for designing the unique engagement ring and “bringing the design to life”.</span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLxjWuoA93j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLxjWuoA93j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jamie Durie (@jamiedurie)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The jeweller implemented argyle champagne diamonds and custom green asscher cut sapphires – a design choice made by Jamie himself.</span><br /><br /><span>“The stones had been chosen for sentiment and we think it turned out great,” the jeweller wrote.</span><br /><br /><span>His fiancé Ameka also took to social media to share the incredible news with her fans.</span><br /><br /><span>“That’s a BIG YES! My beautiful man, my heart is full. Thank you for coming into my life and loving me just as I am. Let’s do this,” she wrote.</span><br /><br /><span>The pair, who have a 17-year age gap, can often be seen loved up around Sydney, and in November they were spotted at a resort together in the NSW Blue Mountains.</span></p>

Relationships

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Iconic sitcom star dies just three weeks after cancer diagnosis

<p>Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond has died aged 44.</p> <p>The former child star - who was known for playing Screech in the popular 90s sitcom - had stage 4 lung cancer and was diagnosed just three weeks ago.</p> <p>Taking to Facebook to announce the tragic news, his team revealed he passed away Monday morning, local time.</p> <p>He was being treated in a hospital in Florida.</p> <p>“We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma,” Diamond’s official social media page read.</p> <p>“He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago.</p> <p>“In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”</p> <p>According to TMZ he was taken off breathing machines to transfer to hospice care.</p> <p>A close friend of Diamond, Dan Block, said he had a "huge lump" on his neck for a long time but avoided going to the hospital out of fear people would take photos of him and post them online.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwtHtvjpTj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwtHtvjpTj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Saved by the Bell: NOW!🐯 (@sbtbnow)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I know that the reason he didn’t get help is because when he goes out people take pictures, put it on the internet and say not nice things about him,” Block told the publication last month.</p> <p>“He’s subject to public ridicule all the time and it sucks. People need to know he is a human.”</p> <p>His Saved by the Bell co-star Mario Lopez told Variety that he had urged his former colleague to seek treatment a few weeks ago.</p> <p>“I actually just spoke with him a couple of weeks ago. He was reluctant to go in (to hospital) for a while because he didn’t know if anything was going to get out,” Lopez said.</p> <p>And I said, ‘Bro, that’s foolish, you’ve got to get in there and take care of yourself and forget what people are saying.’</p> <p>“Some people thought his illness was a joke, which is awful, but the internet always spills tales. When all of this was happening, I was optimistic that he would make a recovery, but it was obviously too late.</p> <p>“From when I found out he was sick to his passing, it’s been incredibly quick. It’s so fresh, it’s incredibly hard to process.”</p> <p>Diamond started his first round of chemotherapy just two weeks ago.</p> <p>His family has a history of the disease, with his mother dying of breast cancer.</p>

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Why she won't pay: Cancer fraudster Belle Gibson’s "financial crisis"

<p>Belle Gibson has told the court she is in a financial crisis and drowning under the weight of over $170,000 in personal debt.</p> <p>The cancer fraudster has written in a letter to the Federal Court of Australia that she has been unable to pay a cent back of her $500,000 fine to taxpayers for years of lying about having a terminal brain illness and saying eating healthy cured her cancer.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwVQmTvnlNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwVQmTvnlNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Alyce Cooper Solicitor (@alycecoopersolicitor)</a> on Apr 16, 2019 at 2:52pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In the letter, Gibson explained: “I am indebted to BMW Finance resulting from a personal guarantee in excess of $50,000.</p> <p>“I have a fully drawn credit card with ANZ owing $30,000 and another personal debt exceeding $90,000, all of which I cannot pay.</p> <p>“Consequently, I am not able to pay the amounts ordered by Justice Mortimer [Federal Court judge presiding over Ms. Gibson’s case].”</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/4gs5kRlkc3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/4gs5kRlkc3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Leah | Business Mindset Coach (@thegoldengoosehq)</a> on Jun 29, 2015 at 4:13am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Gibson revealed she hasn't got a job and receives the parenting payment from Centrelink to care for her son. </p> <p>Gibson ended her letter, written 14 November 2017, by asking the government to approach her accountant directly in the future, “given my current health”. </p> <p>Her original $410,000 fine has ballooned past $500,000 due to interest. </p>

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Pay the piper: Authorities finally move on cancer fraud Belle Gibson

<p>Authorities have moved in on cancer fraud Belle Gibson after a warrant was issued to raid her home to seize her assets, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7913879/Belle-Gibson-Warrant-issued-cancer-fakers-assets-seized-sold-off.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a></em>.</p> <p>Gibson has previously claimed that she wasn’t “in a position” to pay back her $410,000 fine six months ago, but the warrant executed a “seize and sell” warrant on her home, which means that her assets have been seized to pay back what she owes.</p> <p>She has been living free and seemingly happy since her fine for duping Australians was handed back in September 2017.</p> <p>The amount Gibson owes has since ballooned to more than $500,000 as this figure includes fines, interests and other penalties.</p> <p>Consumer Affairs Victoria quietly filed for the warrant at the Federal Court in late December, which was issued this week and officers descended on her home for retrieval for the assets.</p> <p>In a statement, a spokeswoman for Consumer Affairs Victoria said:</p> <p>“Sheriff's Officers visited an address in Northcote today to execute a warrant of seizure and sale on items belonging to Ms Gibson.</p> <p>“Consumer Affairs Victoria is committed to recovering the debt Ms Gibson owes the Victorian public and will continue to pursue Ms Gibson until it is repaid in full.”</p> <p>It is unknown what was seized from Gibson’s property, but her mysterious finances continue to be of interest to the court system.</p> <p>In court, Gibson explained that she could not afford the fine.</p> <p>“I'm not in a position to pay a $410,000 fine at this time”, she said.</p> <p>However, Carl Moller, who was the barrister for Consumer Affairs Victoria, told Gibson that she had spent $91,000 over a two-year period.  This was spent on clothing, cosmetics, accessories and a shocking $45,000 was listed as “discretionary spending”.</p> <p>Moller asked if Gibson had money to pay off the fine.</p> <p>“Can you find some money to pay off the fine?” he asked.</p> <p>“No,” Gibson replied.</p> <p>Moller also was curious as to who deposited $1,600 as this funded a trip overseas to Bali.</p> <p>“Is it seriously your evidence that $1600 was deposited into your account, in three deposits in the space of about a week, and you don't know who deposited it?” Moller asked.</p> <p>“I'd have to speculate and I'm not willing to do that,” Gibson replied.</p> <p>Earlier this year,<span> </span><em>A Current Affair</em><span> </span>revealed that Gibson had gone on a trip to South Africa, which was met with fury from the public.</p> <p>“Don’t you think it’s more important to be paying back that fine rather than going on an overseas trip?” a reporter asked Gibson upon her return to Australia. Gibson said nothing.</p> <p><em>Photo credits:<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/2019/clip-cjsmy77ur003e0gqx90kvztwa" target="_blank">Gotcha Belle!: A Current Affair 2019</a></em></p>

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Cancer fraud Belle Gibson spotted on school run despite not paying back $410k in fines

<p><span>Cancer fraud Belle Gibson has stepped out months after “locking herself away” after being ordered to explain why she hasn’t paid off her $410,000 in fines.</span></p> <p><span>Gibson was fined $410,000 for defrauding hard-working Aussies by pretending she cured cancer through healthy living. She was found guilty of five breaches of consumer laws.</span></p> <p><span>However, despite the warning and the substantial amount of fines to pay off, Gibson remains a free person in the community and dropped off her child at school.</span></p> <p><span>Gibson quickly became annoyed when she realised a photographer was taking her photo and indignantly raised her mobile phone to take pictures of the photographer.</span></p> <p><span>She quickly made headlines after falsely claiming she had brain cancer and healed herself with natural remedies, giving those who legitimately suffered from cancer new hope for finding a cure for their disease.</span></p> <p><span>She lied to well meaning consumers who supported her Whole Pantry app as well as book sales as she said she would donate money to various charities as well as a boy with inoperable brain cancer, but never ended up donating the money.</span></p> <p><span>Gibson received $440,500 from sales from her book and her app, but only donated around $10,000 to charity.</span></p> <p><span>What angers people more is that despite claiming that she has no money to pay off the funds, she has been seen going on holidays to Bali and Africa and has spent $90,000 over two years.</span></p> <p><span>Cameron Miller, who runs the Shaun Miller foundation said that the damage Gibson has done is “wrong”.</span><span> </span></p> <p>“I just think it's disgusting that she's taken advantage of these people,” he said to<em> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7569563/Carefree-Belle-Gibson-pictured-school-run-paid-fines.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a></em>. <span></span></p> <p>“She's out there parading like she's Lady Muck. I just think it's wrong.”</p> <p><span>Miller also said that she was giving a bad name to reputable charities.</span></p> <p><span>“When you have people like this it makes it hard for other foundations to convince people to donate money when you've got shonks out there,” he said. </span></p> <p><span>“I just can't get over it ... she's laughing at all these people. She should have been prosecuted (by police). She's a fraudster. She is a con-woman and she should have been prosecuted to the whole letter of the law but she just thinks it's funny.”</span></p> <p><span>While Gibson was grilled in the Federal Court earlier this year over why she hasn’t paid the fines, she claimed she was “not in a position to pay a $410,000 fine at this time”.</span></p>

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Wedding bells? Richard Wilkins and Virginia Burmeister update

<p>Christian Wilkins, the son of former<span> </span><em>Today<span> </span></em>host Richard Wilkins has made an exciting revelation about his father. </p> <p>On Thursday, the model revealed his dad might be tying the knot with his long-term girlfriend Virgina Burmeister. </p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/By4kJO5AFNA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/By4kJO5AFNA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by CHRISTIAN WILKINS (@theprincewilkins)</a> on Jun 19, 2019 at 12:59am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Maybe [they will marry], they are very happy together,” he told the<span> </span><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7427379/Christian-Wilkins-weighs-father-Richard-marry-girlfriend-Virginia-Burmeister.html"><em>Daily Mail</em></a><span> </span>at the David Jones Spring Summer 2019 event. </p> <p>“I love Virginia and me and my dad are best friends.”</p> <p>The couple went public with their relationship in October 2017 and have since sparked engagement rumours when Richard posted a photo of his girlfriend outside of a Jewelry store while in Europe back in July. </p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzVHUM1nC69/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzVHUM1nC69/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Virginia Burmeister (@virginiaburmeister)</a> on Jun 30, 2019 at 3:05am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Less than a year after their relationship went public, insiders reported Virginia moved in with Richard and sold her manly home she had with her estranged investment banker husband Mark Burmeister.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BH9FoMMgisd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BH9FoMMgisd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Richard Wilkins (@richardwilkins)</a> on Jul 17, 2016 at 12:38am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Virginia is a mother to three children. </p> <p>Richard has been married three times and has five children to four different mothers: Adam, 45, Rebecca, 35, Nick, 33, Christian, 23 and Estella, 14. </p>

Relationships

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Alarm bells: ALDI investigating "deadly" mistake

<p>ALDI is investigating a snack product sold at stores across Australia after complaints emerged that the item was incorrectly labelled.</p> <p>A Victorian mother lodged a formal complaint with the supermarket chain after she bought a packet of “Natural Almonds” from ALDI’s homebrand Oh So Natural at a Melbourne store, only to find later that it was filled with peanuts.</p> <p>In a post shared on a Facebook allergy group, the woman wrote the “package states almond though it’s packed with peanuts”.</p> <p>Fellow shoppers expressed their outrage at the mispackaged peanut product, saying that the mistake could have grave consequences for unsuspecting customers with a peanut allergy.</p> <p>“That’s a recall right there,” one wrote.</p> <p>Another commented, “Deadly.”</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnewsfeedmediaofficial%2Fposts%2F404433246866220&amp;width=500" width="500" height="491" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>An ALDI Australia spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/food-warnings/aldi-investigating-packaging-mistake-after-customer-complaint/news-story/c72763e66b34282195af2adc2495b734"><em>news.com.au</em></a> that the Food Authority had been alerted after the customer “claiming to have purchased a mislabelled product” reached out to the retailer.</p> <p>“As the product is labelled ‘almonds’ and it is claimed to contain peanuts, we are moving at pace to validate this claim,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“Since receiving this customer contact, our immediate action has been the review of all products in our stores and the stock in our warehouses.”</p> <p>The supermarket said they have not discovered another case. </p> <p>The item in question has not yet been recalled. The spokesperson said a recall will be “immediately” announced if any further evidence to substantiate the woman’s claim is found.</p>

Caring

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Former editor opens up about Belle Gibson: “We’re all still being duped”

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> A former magazine editor has come forward about her experience with the renowned Belle Gibson. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Australian blogger catapulted to fame for her “clean eating” methods that she claimed healed her multiple cancers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In June 2009, the wellness “health guru” announced she had been diagnosed with malignant brain cancer, admitting she had between six weeks to four months to live. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Months later, Gibson claimed she had completely healed herself of her cancer and in August 2013 launched an app to help others heal from their health problems – reportedly garnering over 200,000 downloads within the first month. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An investigation later revealed Belle had made false claims about donating portions of her income to charity and had completely fabricated her cancer and health conditions – as well as her age and family background. </span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxesLa-j0B4/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxesLa-j0B4/" target="_blank">Ahhh Belle Gibson is back in the news. Yes, I was one of the editors duped by this “wellness guru”. What a sad tale for all involved. Alas, a lesson for us all. Here’s how it all unfolded for me - link in bio for @whimn (pic is from the @womenshealthaus shoot in 2014) #bellegibson #wellness #health #healthylifestyle</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/felicityharley/" target="_blank"> Felicity Harley</a> (@felicityharley) on May 15, 2019 at 3:17am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Former editor of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Women’s Health Magazine</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has come forward since the jaw-dropping hoax was revealed, saying she too was “duped” by the wellness guru.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The journalist detailed in a </span><em><a href="https://www.whimn.com.au/talk/think/i-was-one-of-the-editors-duped-by-belle-gibson-heres-how-she-did-it/news-story/f31b4d960f3233ed89b1f1e2b30d1864"><span style="font-weight: 400;">WHIMN</span></a></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">article that although she and her features director had been “sceptical of Gibson”, the backing of massive brands like Apple and Penguin who supported her app and published cookbook, made them think that their doubts were wrong. </span></p>

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A Current Affair busts cancer con-artist Belle Gibson on lavish $15K holiday

<p>Cancer con woman Belle Gibson has been caught out returning from a luxury trip overseas.</p> <p>Gibson convinced thousands of Australians that she was suffering from a brain tumour but healed herself due to natural remedies.</p> <p>As she was charged with five breaches of Australian Consumer Law, she was fined $400,000 in 2017 as her empire crumbled around her. Many have questioned how she can afford to go overseas on a luxurious escape to East Africa, as her five-week trip reportedly cost $15,000.</p> <p><em>A Current Affair</em> revealed details of her luxury overseas stay, as well as catching a refreshed-looking Gibson arriving back at Melbourne Airport with her partner by her side.</p> <p>This is the first time that Gibson has been confronted since her interview with <em>60 Minutes</em> in 2015, which Gibson reportedly received $75,000 for.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">BUSTED! <a href="https://twitter.com/tinekae9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tinekae9</a> catches-up with Belle Gibson after she touches down from a luxury getaway... she asks why Belle still hasn't made any effort to pay her 410K fine. <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACurrentAffair9</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WlW0l9l6dh">pic.twitter.com/WlW0l9l6dh</a></p> — Jonathan Gwinner (@gwinnerism) <a href="https://twitter.com/gwinnerism/status/1100645341035032576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Gibson falsely claimed she had brain cancer and healed herself with natural remedies. She also lied to her supporters about donating money from her Whole Pantry app and her book sales to charities.</p> <p>One of these charities included a family whose son was suffering from the same inoperable brain tumour that Gibson herself claimed she had. Gibson was supposed to donate one week’s profit from app sales, or $150,000 to the family, but never ended up donating the funds.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlcU_udDzfK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlcU_udDzfK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by QNA Investigations (@qna.investigations)</a> on Jul 19, 2018 at 11:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Justin Lawrence, of Henderson &amp; Ball Lawyers, told<span> </span><em>A Current Affair</em>:</p> <p>“There can actually be another situation where she’s taken back to court and wheeled out from court to the jail cell,” he said.</p> <p>“That can happen, and this is not fake jail, jail in her (Belle’s) own mind. This is real jail.</p> <p>“The court understands when people can’t pay, that’s different to circumstances where they won’t pay.”</p> <p>What do you think? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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“I thought I’d broken my back”: Natarsha Belling suffers terrible fall

<p><em>Ten Eyewitness</em> newsreader Natarsha Belling has suffered a fall that has left her with multiple cuts while grocery shopping in Sydney.</p> <p>The 48-year-old took to Instagram to share a photo of her wounded left leg on Tuesday.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmcYNOWA4ts/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmcYNOWA4ts/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">So, someone once said shopping can be dangerous... here’s proof! Very sore and sorry today after falling 12 steps down an escalator. And I was sober! Thank you to all the kind people who helped me and to the wonderful doctors and nurses for putting me back together! 😬 P.S Please excuse the crutches and hopping as I co-host @curecancerau fundraiser tonight!</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/natarshabelling/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank"> Natarsha Belling</a> (@natarshabelling) on Aug 13, 2018 at 7:59pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/natarsha-belling-on-crutches-after-falling-down-stairs-while-shopping/news-story/0a97f34ca89e19372e4190368967546a"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Confidential</strong></em></span></a>, she said: “I thought I'd broken my back and I have cuts all down my leg, it looks like a shark has attacked me. I am very lucky and I am OK.”</p> <p>She also quipped: “I am sober.”</p> <p>Natarsha explained that she only had been rushing down an escalator on Monday when she tripped and fell down 12 stairs.</p> <p>“I was rushing around and I had heels on and missed the first step and fell down the whole lot of them,” she said.</p> <p>When asked by Confidential if she was going to take legal action against the unnamed shopping centre, she said “of course not”.</p> <p>In her Instagram post, Natarsha captioned her photo: “So, someone once said shopping can be dangerous... here’s proof!'</p> <p>“Very sore and sorry today after falling 12 steps down an escalator... And I was sober!” she joked.</p> <p>“Thank you to all the kind people who helped me and to the wonderful doctors and nurses for putting me back together!”</p> <p>“P.S Please excuse the crutches and hopping as I co-host the Cure Cancer Australia fundraiser tonight!”</p>

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