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A decade in the making: Jamie Durie finally unveils dream home

<p>After a decade of meticulous planning, popular TV host Jamie Durie has finally revealed his dream home, a breathtaking sustainable property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.</p> <p>The Seven Network presenter took to Instagram to share an album of images showcasing the eco-friendly sanctuary he built for his family. "Grateful. 10 years of planning, 2 years of construction and we’re finally back home," Durie, 54, captioned the post.</p> <p>The luxurious and environmentally conscious home is now the residence of Durie, his fiancée Ameka Jane, and their two children: three-year-old daughter Beau and one-year-old son Nash.</p> <p>The entire process of planning and construction has been chronicled on Durie’s latest TV venture, <em>Growing Home With Jamie Durie</em>, airing on Seven.</p> <p>"It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to build an off-the-grid house," Durie told <em>Woman’s Day</em> in November. "Ten years ago, I sketched the house. We lodged the plans five years ago, and then the last two years have been dedicated to construction."</p> <p>Durie said that the journey to completion was anything but smooth. "I don’t think poor Ameka had any idea what she was signing up for when we met. But she came up with a number of ideas that added a lot of value to it."</p> <p>He also admitted that building the house tested the family in a variety of ways. "Any family out there who’s building their own house will go through the same as what we’ve gone through," he said. "Huge budget blowouts, rising interest rates, massive construction costs that are constantly going up. We’ve had to go back to the bank four times." </p> <p>Despite the hurdles, Durie and Jane remained committed to using innovative eco-friendly features wherever they could. "We challenged ourselves with new eco-initiatives that not many people would ever dream of trying, or may not even know about," he said, before describing the experience as "the toughest project I have ever taken on in my whole life".</p> <p>Following Durie’s Instagram reveal, a wave of celebrity friends flooded the comments section with praise for the spectacular home. <em>The Morning Show</em>’s Larry Emdur wrote, "Mate!!! Just wow";fFormer Bachelor star Anna Heinrich called it "incredible"; while TV personality Sally Obermeder simply stated, "WOW". </p> <p>Comedian Dave Hughes was equally impressed, writing, "That’s proper wow. My god." <em>Getaway</em> host Catriona Rowntree described the home as "bloomin’ gorgeous".</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Real Estate

Desperate Aussie dad sparks brutal immigration debate on Q+A

<p>An Australian father, fearing that another rent hike could push his family into homelessness, directly challenged the federal government’s immigration policies on national television.</p> <p>Morgan Cox, a father of a one-year-old, raised his concerns on ABC’s <em>Q+A</em> program on Monday night. The episode, broadcast from the federal election battleground of Wyong on the Central Coast of New South Wales, saw an emotionally charged exchange between Cox and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler.</p> <p>Cox detailed his dire financial situation, explaining that he had recently received notice of a $180-per-week rent increase – an additional $10,000 annually. “I tried to find a cheaper place and there just aren’t any," Cox said. "What little is available, there’s dozens of people lined up. Lots of them are immigrants and they have plenty more money than I can possibly get.” </p> <p>The audience applauded as he pressed the government on whether it planned to curb immigration to align with housing availability. In response, Butler expressed sympathy, acknowledging the widespread struggles with housing affordability.</p> <p>“I’m so sorry you’re going through that and it’s a story we all hear right across the country, particularly in the bigger states around the big cities,” Butler said. He then noted that the government was working to bring immigration levels down to sustainable levels, but said that it is difficult to control departures of temporary residents.</p> <p>“What we’ve found after those efforts is that the arrival numbers have returned to about pre-Covid levels, but we’re not managing the exits – the people returning home after studying or short-term skilled work. We’re working very hard on that,” Butler explained.</p> <p>However, Cox appeared visibly frustrated, questioning why the government could not simply halt immigration until housing supply could meet demand.</p> <p>Former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, also on the panel, argued that the issue was more complex than immigration alone. “The reality is that we need more housing supply," he said. "More supply into the system means more availability for renters, for homeowners – more choice.” </p> <p>He further criticised excessive bureaucracy in housing development. “There’s way too much red tape and green tape stopping housing developments, whether it’s Sydney, Melbourne, or right across Australia,” he added.</p> <p>As housing affordability continues to be a pressing concern for many Australians, the government clearly faces increasing pressure to strike a balance between population growth and adequate housing solutions.</p> <p><em>Images: ABC</em></p>

Money & Banking

"I'm not ready to go yet": Leading Aussie doctor given months to live

<p>Leading melanoma researcher and Australian of the Year recipient Professor Richard Scolyer has revealed that he has only months to live following the return of his brain cancer.</p> <p>Diagnosed with incurable glioblastoma two years ago, Professor Scolyer chose to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/doctor-beats-cancer-using-his-own-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergo an experimental immunotherapy treatment</a>, defying his initial six-month prognosis. His remarkable journey was documented in a study published in late February, detailing the innovative approach he helped pioneer. However, after undergoing surgery last week, doctors confirmed that the aggressive cancer had returned.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer (glioblastoma, IDH WT, unmethylated etc.) in my left brain,” Professor Scolyer shared in an emotional social media post on Monday. “The prognosis is poor. Whilst some of my recurrent tumour was removed last week, some of it couldn’t be because of its site.”</p> <p>Despite the devastating news, Professor Scolyer remains hopeful that the experimental treatment he volunteered for could pave the way for future medical breakthroughs. Alongside his colleague and friend, Professor Georgina Long, he was named a 2024 Australian of the Year for their groundbreaking work in melanoma research and immunotherapy advancements.</p> <p>“I greatly appreciate the support of all my family, friends, and colleagues who have been looking after me so well and the incredible research that has been performed,” he said. “I hope the latter will change the field and patient outcomes in the not too distant future.”</p> <p>In a heartfelt interview on <em>A Current Affair</em> with Ally Langdon on Monday, the father-of-three shared his decision to forgo further experimental treatments, choosing instead to spend his remaining time with his loved ones.</p> <p>“It could help, but my heart’s not in the same place as what it was before,” he admitted.</p> <p>“It’s not fair, but there’s a lesson for everyone … make the most of every day because you don’t know what’s around the corner.”</p> <p>“I’m not ready to go yet. I love my life,” he said. “I guess I feel lucky that I’ve been able to go for so long without a recurrence of it.”</p> <p><em>Images: A Current Affair</em></p>

Caring

"Dropping like flies": Cruise passengers ravaged by severe virus

<p>A dream holiday has turned into a floating nightmare for passengers onboard a P&O Cruise after the vessel was ravaged with a severe strain of novovirus. </p> <p>The luxury ship, Iona, was sailing through Northern Europe when the virus struck, affecting over 5000 guests and nearly 2000 staff onboard. </p> <p>Sky News UK reported that the onslaught of the virus has caused hundreds of passengers to fall ill with the company releasing statements providing updates as the situation grows worse aboard the ship.</p> <p>The ship, which is currently located off shore near Belgium, is continuing on with the itinerary as planned, with staff attempting to isolate the affected passengers and restrict their movements both aboard the ship and land-based stopovers.</p> <p>“People were throwing up in restaurants, on decks, outside cabins,” one of the passengers told Sky News. “A large number of guests and staff are experiencing the virus symptoms. They're dropping like flies."</p> <p>Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis and causes diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.</p> <p>The symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed and can take three days for a person to fully flush the virus from their system.</p> <p>P&O Cruises confirmed that some guests have reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness but refused to provide an update on the health of cruise staffers.</p> <p>“P&O Cruises works with global, national and regional public health authorities on approved and proven protocols across our ships in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all on board,” a P&O spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

"Why are you attacking my dad?": I'm A Celeb finalist reveals behind-the-scenes heartbreak

<p>The emotional on-air reunion between <em>I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here</em> contestant Matty J and his wife, Laura Byrne, along with their two children, Marlie-Mae and Lola Ellis, was a heartwarming moment <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/abrupt-viewers-stunned-by-i-m-a-celeb-winner-s-reveal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during Sunday’s finale</a>. However, behind the scenes, Byrne has opened up about the significant challenges she faced while participating in the momentous event.</p> <p>In the lead-up to the finale, Byrne undertook an exhausting journey from Sydney to South Africa with their two young daughters. Speaking on the <em>Life Uncut</em> podcast, she detailed the arduous travel experience, which involved “three separate flights” and 24 hours of transit. “That in itself was really hard," she said. "It was like 24 hours by the time we got door to door. Midnight transfer with two children who were absolutely f***ing ropable.” </p> <p>The long journey was only the beginning of the difficulties though. Upon arrival, Byrne and the children had to share a single room with inadequate sleeping arrangements, all while preparing for a demanding day on set.</p> <p>Byrne also revealed that the experience of managing two young children on a chaotic production set was overwhelming. “I felt like I was the emotional buffer between the children and production … I felt like I’d just been flogged for days. It was hard. It was really hard for me,” she said.</p> <p>During the finale, Matty J and his fellow top three contestants – <em>Big Brother</em> star Reggie Bird and retired NRL player Sam Thaiday – were reunited with their families before participating in the final challenge. While this was an exciting moment for viewers, it was an emotionally challenging experience for the family.</p> <p>Matty J recalled the moment he had to part ways with his children soon after reuniting. “When we had our reunion, it was maybe half an hour I think where we had time together and then they’ve got to pull us apart,” he said. “The kids don’t get it, the kids don’t understand. They’re like, ‘I’ve just met my dad, and then I’ve got to go.’ And then we did that trial where we had to have s**t poured on our heads, and Lola’s in tears being like, ‘Why are you attacking my dad?’”</p> <p>Byrne explained that their children were repeatedly reunited with their father, only to be separated again. This happened three times – during the initial reunion, the final trial and then the announcement of the winner. The constant cycle of emotional reunions and abrupt separations took a toll, particularly on their youngest daughter, Lola.</p> <p>After the winner was announced, Byrne and the children expected Matty J to return home with them, but he was kept on set for several more hours. “They kept Matt on set until 6 o’clock and we went home earlier. And it was so hard on Lola particularly,” Byrne revealed. “And then I had to deal with her big emotions around ‘Why is my daddy not coming home?’ And it felt like this unfair false start.”</p> <p>She admitted that the combination of exhaustion, sleep deprivation and trying to manage the emotional needs of their children made the experience incredibly difficult. Byrne also shared that she had been against Matty J’s participation in the reality show right from the outset. “I wasn’t a supporter of it in the first place,” she admitted, reinforcing that the experience had only confirmed her concerns.</p> <p>Even Matty J himself struggled with the demands of the show. He confessed that he broke down early in his time at camp, an emotional moment that wasn’t shown on TV. “I just burst out crying, and I was like, ‘I f**king cannot do this,’” he recalled, explaining that a moment of solitude while washing dishes left him questioning his decision. “What have I f**king done? This is a nightmare.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">It appears that, for the Byrne-Johnson family, what seemed like a joyful televised reunion was, in reality, a deeply exhausting and emotional ordeal.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Network 10</em></p>

"Abrupt!": Viewers stunned by I'm A Celeb winner's reveal

<p>After a gruelling month of bug-eating, celebrity bonding and questionable jungle hygiene, Season 11 of <em>I’m A Celebrity! … Get Me Out of Here</em> wrapped up in a fashion so abrupt that even the credits seemed caught off guard.</p> <p>And the winner is…</p> <p>Sam Thaiday! The former Brisbane Broncos NRL player has joined an elite group of reality TV champions, becoming the sixth man (and fourth pro athlete) to claim the jungle crown. A remarkable feat, though fans barely had time to process it before the show’s ending hit like an unexpected power outage.</p> <p>Thaiday’s victory was followed by what can only be described as the world’s fastest television sign-off. No emotional speech, no teary gratitude, no dramatic last look at the jungle – just the words “Sam Thaiday wins” and a sudden, jarring cut to whatever program followed (presumably an infomercial about knives that never go dull).</p> <p>Viewers, understandably, were left bewildered. Social media reactions ranged from “abrupt” to “anticlimactic”, with one user likening the finale to “watching the season finale of Game of Thrones, only with fewer dragons and more termites”.</p> <p>Adding to the mystery, Thaiday, fellow contestant Matty J and host Julia Morris were spotted arriving at Sydney Airport earlier on Sunday – while the live finale was still airing. Either they had access to a teleportation device, or <em>I’m A Celeb</em> filmed multiple endings, choose-your-own-adventure style, before hastily selecting the right one based on viewer votes.</p> <p>This wouldn’t be the first time reality TV pulled such a move, but it does raise a few questions – like, did Sam even know he won? Or was he as surprised as everyone else when he touched down in Sydney to find himself suddenly more famous?</p> <p>Thaiday’s triumph capped off a season filled with unexpected eliminations – Dave Hughes and Sigrid Thornton among them – and some genuinely emotional moments. The final three, including two-time Big Brother champion Reggie Bird and former Bachelor star Matty J, had their families visit in the finale, leading to a lot of misty eyes and possibly the jungle’s first recorded case of a crocodile shedding tears out of sympathy.</p> <p>While Thaiday took the title, Bird remained a sentimental favourite. Ahead of the season, she revealed that her $250,000 winnings from her 2022 <em>Big Brother</em> victory had gone toward staying afloat rather than securing her dream home. “I feel like I’m a mouse in one of those spinning wheels," she told news.com.au "I just can’t get off this vicious circle.” A brutally honest assessment that may also apply to viewers endlessly watching reality TV finales that don’t quite deliver the dramatic payoff they expect.</p> <p>She also spoke about the harsh reality of the housing market: “I went to the bank to get a loan and couldn’t, because you need to borrow well over half-a-million dollars to buy a house on the Gold Coast, and I don’t have a job. No-one wants to employ me because of my vision. I’ve been trying to get a job, but I just can’t get any work, so I can’t get a loan.”</p> <p>It’s a sobering reminder that even reality TV winnings can’t always buy real-world security. And perhaps a sign that the true ultimate survival challenge isn’t the jungle – it’s the Australian property market.</p> <p>As for Thaiday, whether his jungle win translates to bigger opportunities remains to be seen. But if nothing else, he now has bragging rights as the man who won <em>I’m A Celeb</em> so decisively, the show itself barely had time to process it.</p> <p><em>Images: Network Ten</em></p>

Dave Hughes reveals I’m A Celeb weight loss

<p>Dave Hughes spent 25 days in the jungle for this year's season of<em> I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! </em>and despite being eliminated, his three-and-a-half weeks of camp life had a staggering effect on his body.</p> <p>“I lost eight kilos and I’m stronger now than when I went in there,” he told <em>news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>He explained that when he first joined the show he struggled to do laborious tasks like carrying a crate of firewood back to camp without assistance.</p> <p>“I’d be holding one side of the crate while my fingers almost snapped off, with another burly bloke like (former NRL player) Sam Thaiday on the other side,” he said.</p> <p>“But by the end of the month, I’m carrying the whole crate on my own. My fingers are loving the task. I’m just living my best life.”</p> <p>He also made progress in the "jungle gym" a workout station contestants could use to keep fit. </p> <p>“There was a bench press there and on the first day, the heaviest weights, I could do 20 (reps). On the day I got kicked out, I did 52," he said. </p> <p>“Sam (Thaiday) says I now look like a pregnant greyhound … I think that’s a compliment, so I’m happy," he said. </p> <p><em>Image: I'm A Celeb/ news.com.au</em></p>

Body

Radio host reveals "ridiculous" amount he was offered for I'm a Celeb

<p>Beau Ryan has revealed the "ridiculous" amount of money he was offered to appear on <em>I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!</em></p> <p>The radio presenter and former NRL player has appeared on a plethora of reality TV programs since retiring from NRL in 2014, including <em>Dancing with the Stars</em>, <em>Top Gear Australia</em>, <em>Gladiators</em> and <em>The Amazing Race.</em></p> <p>While speaking with <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/beau-ryan-offered-ridiculous-amount-for-tv-show/news-story/9726320fdc4af29266cb5ca462c8ce59" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> </em>to promote his new radio gig on Triple M, the 39-year-old opened up about his showbiz career and revealed he actually turned down his most lucrative offer.</p> <p>“I got asked to do the first six (seasons) of <em>I’m a Celeb</em>,” Ryan said. “The money for the second season, it was more than I’ve ever seen.”</p> <p>Ryan admitted that the offer, which was worth more than $500,000, came at a time when Network 10 was keen to attract big names for the relatively unknown show in its early seasons.</p> <p>“The money was big … because everyone didn’t know how the show was going to pan out,” he said. “Back then it was a lot more money and it was a ridiculous amount.”</p> <p>He revealed that he turned down the offer because he was contracted to work with Nine at the time, and it wasn't until 2022 that he jumped ship to Network Ten that he agreed to appear on the show for far less money.</p> <p>“I said (to Ten), ‘do you still have that offer from 2015 or 16?’ and they said, ‘no, we don’t,’” he laughed.</p> <p>Ryan was in the jungle for two weeks, quitting the show with just a few days to go because he was “mentally cooked and physically drained”.</p> <p>Beau also candidly shared that he’s rejected a number of other TV offers over the years, including <em>Celebrity Apprentice</em>,<em> The Masked Singer</em> and <em>SAS Australia</em>.</p> <p>“My kids love <em>The Masked Singer</em> … and were filthy when I said no to that,” Ryan laughed. “(But) I couldn’t do it because of timing and because I can’t sing.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten / Instagram </em></p>

Money & Banking

Dave Hughes spills on worst A-list celeb interview

<p>Dave Hughes has revealed the "rudest" A-list celebrity he's ever interviewed in the latest episode of <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!</em></p> <p>The radio star was talking about all his celebrity interviews throughout the years with campmate Max Balegde, who then asked him: “I want you to be honest – who was the rudest?” </p> <p>“If we’re going to be honest … it hurts me to say it, but it’s … Ben Stiller. I was a big fan, and he was just a pain in the a**e," Hughes replied. </p> <p>Hughes then joked that he might've “ruined his Hollywood career” by calling out the A-list actor and director known for films like <em>Zoolander </em>and <em>Meet the Parents</em>. </p> <p>The radio broadcaster didn't reveal when he'd encountered Stiller or why the actor was a "pain in the a**e" . </p> <p>In the latest episode of <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!</em> former MAFS star Samantha Moitzi was the first of this season's contestants to be evicted from the jungle. </p> <p>Last week, Aussie TV legend Sigrid Thornton was the latest celeb to join the show in its 11th season. </p> <p>It's the first time the actress appeared in a reality show during her 40-year career, telling <em>news.com.au</em>: “I felt like if I was going to say yes to a challenge like this, then this was the time for me. I mean, I’ve never done reality television; I’ve never done anything remotely like this.”</p> <p>“But I don’t hold any particular judgement around it; I’ve removed all potential judgement because I don’t know what it’s going to be. All I know is that it will be extraordinary, exciting, unexpected, and I hope a little bit wonderful.”</p> <p><em>Image: I'm A Celeb/ 10</em></p> <p> </p>

How I'm A Celebrity producers keep cast anonymous

<p><em>I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! </em>has been back on Aussie screens for a week, and now an inside source has revealed how everything works. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em>, the source revealed that the show will be dropping one more celebrity into the jungle, this time "a 'famous' Australian actress that is known internationally," with the code name 'Seal'. </p> <p>The code names are an essential part of ensuring that the celebrities stay anonymous before they go into the jungle, with this year's theme for code names being animals you would find in the ocean. </p> <p>"Network 10 created codenames that allow producers to get the ‘celebrities’ into 'the jungle' without worrying about who hears their name," the insider said.</p> <p>"Producers have been referring to Hughesy as 'the dolphin' for weeks," they said. </p> <p>They cited a few other examples including: Matty J who was given the code name Manta-Ray, Nicky Buckley had the code name Narwhal, Reggie Sorenson was the Red Emperor and Shayna Jack was Starfish. </p> <p>"To get the cast of 'celebrities' into the jungle without revealing the line-up is a covert operation that has been getting more complex every year," the insider said. </p> <p>The source revealed that this is because one of the previous competitors, Sam Dastyari, found the names of all the celebs before entering the jungle and texted the complete cast list to a journalist in Australia.</p> <p>“We don't even tell Julia Morris and Robert Irwin until we absolutely have to because we literally trust nobody," they continued.</p> <p>“Some people swore black and blue they knew our cast this year but most were way off and that is done on purpose."</p> <p>The insider also revealed the the flights to South Africa were all spread out, with some celebrities flying up to 10 days before they enter the jungle, while others arrived the day before. </p> <p><em>Image: Channel 10</em></p>

"He's got my vote": I'm A Celeb fans praise "kind" sporting legend

<p><em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!</em> viewers have praised former rugby league star Sam Thaiday for his kindness to other campmates while in jungle. </p> <p>In one clip, Thaiday was seen helping Reggie Sorenson - who emotionally shared the story of her worsening eyesight - navigate her way around the camp. </p> <p><em>I'm A Celeb</em>'s social accounts shared the clip of Sam guiding Reggie up a set of stairs towards the bathroom and making sure there were no spiders in the toilet, before Reggie told the cameras, "He is really my guide dog in here."</p> <p>The show wrote alongside the video, "The world needs more Sam Thaidays!"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFHyNZcMyCB/?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/DFHyNZcMyCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Many viewers agreed, with one person saying, "So good to see a different side to Sam Thaiday rather than the guy on the footy field. What a nice, kind man."</p> <p>"He creates such a safe space for Reggie and is so thoughtful in all he does," another said.</p> <p>"Loving getting to know Sam," another said. "Legend on the field... Legend of a gentleman."</p> <p>"Sam's one of the nicest humans out," a third wrote. "He's like that in real life. I've met him and treated me just as nice."</p> <p>"What a true gentleman and support for Reggie!" someone else said. "He has my vote!"</p> <p>"What you see, is what you get with Sammy," yet another agreed. "A heart of gold."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten</em></p>

I'm A Celeb cast reduced to tears over devastating health confession

<p>Former star of The Bachelor Matty Johnson has been reduced to tears after hearing of his fellow <em>I'm A Celeb</em> campmate's degenerative health condition. </p> <p>While opening up about their personal lives in the jungle, Matty J spoke candidly with Reggie Sorenson, who was the first female winner of Big Brother Australia in 2003.</p> <p>Sorenson, 50, has previously revealed she is legally blind due to having a rare degenerative eye disease, and also shared in 2022 that she has been diagnosed with stage two Usher Syndrome, which impacts vision and causes hearing loss.</p> <p>While facing her health issues, Sorenson explained to Johnson that she had faced online bullying since her diagnosis. </p> <p>“I posted a video (on social media) of me dancing and (it was), ‘how can she be dancing, I thought she was blind’,” she explained.</p> <p>“People need to be educated that blindness is a spectrum. Not everyone has to have the big black glasses and sit at home and not do anything. That is what people have in their heads.</p> <p>“There is such a misunderstanding about blindness. Because I try and keep going all the time, sometimes you get knocked down because you try to keep going.”</p> <p>Johnson then asked Sorenson about the future of her illness, asking, "Are you scared?"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFE704OPlLs/?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/DFE704OPlLs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I think … I reckon I will probably change when it is all totally gone, I won’t be able to do as much as what I do now,” Sorenson replied.</p> <p>When Johnson asked her what she will “miss most” upon losing her vision completely, her response saw him become visibly emotional.</p> <p>“Seeing the kids, I think,” she told him. “I’ll miss the kids."</p> <p>“I never know if it is my last day of when I will see again. That day is going to come, and that is why I am so blessed to be here, to enjoy and see all of this stuff and chuck it in the memory bank, to make the most of it.”</p> <p>Later on, speaking to producers about their conversation, Johnson broke down in tears.</p> <p>“Knowing what Reggie’s gone through … she’s a mum who is afraid of never being able to see her kids again, because she’s going blind,” Johnson said. </p> <p>“All of a sudden, my struggles seem so insignificant (compared to) what she’s going through.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten</em></p>

Caring

Despite decades of beach safety ads, at least 55 people have drowned in Australia this summer. It’s time to change tack

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Australia is considered a nation of beach lovers. But with all this water surrounding us, drownings remain tragically common. At least <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll">55 people have drowned</a> in waterways in Australia so far this summer, most of whom drowned at the beach. And the season’s not over.</p> <p>Every drowning is a tragedy, and Australia is nowhere near the federal-government supported <a href="https://www.watersafety.com.au/australian-water-safety-strategy/">goal of zero drownings</a>.</p> <p>Public health agencies are <a href="https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/australia-in-the-grip-of-a-disturbing-rise-in-summer-drownings/news-story/bf2b1595f36bb4b458b371b9fab4f7ed">concerned</a> about the drowning numbers. So how do we fix it? An important factor to consider is how beach safety messages are communicated.</p> <h2>Another season, another campaign</h2> <p>The peak water safety bodies in Australia, <a href="https://sls.com.au/">Surf Life Saving Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/">Royal Life Saving Society – Australia</a>, work to reduce drownings in all Australian aquatic locations, from swimming pools to rivers to beaches.</p> <p>Their public safety campaigns aim to raise awareness of drowning and risks around the water. Australians are undoubtedly safer because of the work and advocacy of these organisations – but drowning numbers remain stubbornly high.</p> <p>Surf Life Saving Australia is running a new campaign this summer – <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">Stop, Look, Stay Alive</a> – featuring Australian-born actor and filmmaker Angus Sampson.</p> <p>This campaign is one of many in recent years urging Australians to stay safe near the water. Others include:</p> <ul> <li>the “swim between the flags” message</li> <li>the “<a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-australia-launches-new-summer-safety-campaign-give-an-f-about-the-flags/">give an F about the flags</a>” campaign</li> <li>the <a href="https://sls.com.au/slsa-draws-the-line-on-rips/">“think line”</a> campaign, which urges people to “stop, look and have a plan”</li> <li>the <a href="https://www.floattosurvive.au/">“float to survive”</a> campaign, which urges people to <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f7cf9fd8c3f251339c3dfa8/t/65ea851cbcbf287ede28cdc3/1709868332878/Float+to+Survive+Report.pdf">float if they’re in trouble in the water or stuck in a rip</a></li> <li>the <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/respect-the-river">“respect the river”</a> campaign.</li> </ul> <p>But the tragic number of drownings, particularly during summer, suggests not everyone is heeding the message. In fact, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Australian researchers in 2022 found</a> no evidence to suggest beach drowning deaths in Australia have reduced over the long term. This, the researchers said:</p> <blockquote> <p>rais[es] questions regarding the effectiveness of existing strategies designed to communicate messages and information about beach safety and hazards to the public.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Changing how we communicate</h2> <p><a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">According to Surf Life Saving Australia</a> the current Angus Sampson campaign aims to be:</p> <blockquote> <p>appealing to more Aussies, in particular men who continue to swim at unpatrolled locations and take unnecessary risks.</p> </blockquote> <p>As the <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">organisation notes</a>, 86% of all drowning deaths on Australia’s coast last year were men.</p> <p>The campaign involves ads on television and online, as well as outdoor advertising. The decision to use a mix of platforms is wise.</p> <p>But the use of a TV and movie celebrity may not be effective. A <a href="https://archive.acrs.org.au/files/arsrpe/RS030057.pdf?utm">review looking at road safety campaigns</a>, for example, found limited evidence of celebrity effectiveness in improving safety outcomes.</p> <p>Could it be more effective to, for example, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/2/daad034/7143327">use a TikTok star</a> who is hugely popular among young males?</p> <p>Research suggests using the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/28355245.2024.2350155">right platform</a> and “<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7501494">voices that matter</a>” offer benefits when delivering safety messages. This is in part due to the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17524032.2023.2237693">emotional connection</a> people form with these social media stars, which can result in behaviour change.</p> <p>When asked for evidence to show the current public messaging campaigns are working, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) told The Conversation:</p> <blockquote> <p>SLSA is committed to preventing drowning through holistic, evidence-based approaches, combining awareness programs like Stop Look Stay Alive with lifesaving services, in-person programs, and education. This summer alone, lifesavers have performed over <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">2,500 rescues and 700,000 preventative actions</a>.</p> <p>Despite population growth, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023000961">coastal drowning has remained stable</a>. This summer, 32 coastal drownings have been reported, fewer than the <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">same period last year</a>. SLSA focuses on behaviour change through initiatives like beachpassport.org.au (with 21,000+ “passports” issued already!), and on-beach programs that have provided active community learning <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420924007040">opportunities</a>.</p> <p>It’s too early to comment on the broader effectiveness of Stop Look Stay Alive, however preliminary campaign results show positive impact and an evaluation will be conducted by <a href="https://www.beachsafetyresearch.com/">UNSW Beach Safety Research Group</a> later this year.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Rethinking ‘swim between the flags’</h2> <p>Many current beach messaging approaches, <a href="https://sls.com.au/1281-reasons-swim-flags/">including “swim between the flags”</a>, compel people to fit into what the system wants.</p> <p>But many beaches <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-beachgoers-are-told-to-always-swim-between-the-flags-but-what-if-there-arent-any-220043">don’t have flags</a>. And not everyone stops or looks for flags, signs, or even the conditions before they go into the water.</p> <p>And studies show while most domestic beachgoers know to swim between the flags, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public">many choose not to</a> because, for example, people are located closer to beaches without flags or lifeguard patrols.</p> <p>What’s more, research suggests overseas visitors to Australia do not always understand <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925753522003058">what “swim between the flags” means</a> or terms often used on common beach safety <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">signage</a> such as “shore dump” and “shore break”. One 2021 <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">study</a> found 21% of international students perceived “always swim between the flags” to mean that beachgoers who don’t or can’t swim need to stay outside the flags.</p> <p>This shows that current strategies aren’t resonating with all beach users, and there’s a need to reassess beach safety messaging.</p> <h2>Changing tack</h2> <p>Other forms of public safety messaging should also be considered when trying to reduce drowning numbers in Australia.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hpja.785">people who have been caught in rip</a> might be encouraged to tell their stories publicly. Research into other areas of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10732748241237328">public health communication</a>, such as vaccines, suggest this can form the basis of an effective campaign.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Research also suggests</a> teaching beachgoers about coastal science can improve beach safety behaviour. For example, people can be taught about how rip currents work, using images of dye released into the water.</p> <p>Crucially, consensus is needed on which <a href="https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(06)00231-3/abstract">key messages to prioritise</a>. Too much differing messaging <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8807320/?utm_source">may lead to message fatigue or confusion</a> about which message is most important to follow.</p> <p>Messaging on beach safety to date has surely prevented drowning. But the stubborn drowning toll highlights the need to evaluate what is not working. Clear and consistent messaging, using modern platforms and engaging influencers may help us to get to zero drownings sooner.<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/245747/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, PhD Candidate, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group + School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/despite-decades-of-beach-safety-ads-at-least-55-people-have-drowned-in-australia-this-summer-its-time-to-change-tack-245747">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

"Please stop": I'm A Celeb viewers slam Ten's "ridiculous" broadcast

<p>Viewers of <em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!</em> have slammed Network Ten's broadcast of the program over their relentless interruptions. </p> <p>After only two episodes back on air for the 2025 season, frustrated viewers have taken to social media after admitting they turned the show off thanks to the sheer amount of ads.</p> <p>Not only were there constant advertisements during the episodes, but the show's editors also interrupting the action and, at some points, even cutting people off mid-sentence. </p> <p>Viewers have taken to social media to slam Ten for the constant interruptions and voice their frustrations. </p> <p>One fan shared their frustration on X, writing, "Love the show but PLEASE STOP THE ADS!!! OMG!! It is ridiculous!! Literally 5 mins of footage and then 10 minutes of bloody ads!! So over it."</p> <p>"Anyone else’s ads starting randomly in the middle of a sentence & cutting off part of the show?" another asked.</p> <p>"Seems to have been an issue @channel10au," a third said. "Less than half of the program being shown with ads out of nowhere interrupting most key moments."</p> <p>"What’s with all the ads, counted 12 in a row," someone else wrote. "Think I’ll just watch it later on 10 Play," another said. "The ads are ridiculous."</p> <p>"Just as many ads on 10 Play," one viewer responded. "I missed a bit last night and just wanted to skip through to find it… had to sit through several ad breaks"</p> <p>"Omg the ads and now the show is jumping ahead seriously sort it out," another wrote.</p> <p>"More ads than celebrities? Switching to the tennis..." yet another said.</p> <p>The criticism comes after the 2025 season of <em>I'm a Celeb</em> was slammed for their lacklustre cast. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten - Instagram </em></p>

Olympic champion breaks down over drug scandal

<p>Olympic swimming champion Shayna Jack has broken down over the drug scandal that almost ended her career in 2019. </p> <p>After entering the jungle as one of this year's <em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!</em> cast mates, Paris Olympics gold medallist Jack opened up about the 24-month ban she copped from her sport in 2019.</p> <p>She was banned for competing for two long years, for an anti-doping rule violation relating to her unintentional use of the anabolic agent Ligandrol. </p> <p>Jack then spent months embroiled in a case to prove her innocence in which she spent over $180,000, with the case putting her under intense emotional and financial strain. </p> <p>Jack broke down as she revealed to her campmates that her longtime partner, Kookaburras hockey player Joel Rintala, was scared to leave her at home alone for fear she might hurt herself. </p> <p>“Some nights I was in a bad place. He said those nights were the most fearful. He said he’d speed home because he just didn’t know if he was going to walk home into something that he wasn’t able to cope with. [If] I’d done something that I would eternally regret,” she said.</p> <p>Speaking directly to camera in the jungle's confessional, Jack went on to explain why she chose to share the story with her fellow cast members. </p> <p>“It’s using the people around me to continue to open up about it and face those difficulties and stop giving it so much power,” she said of the scandal. </p> <p>“I feel like the more I take it off my chest and take it off my heart, the more I can try to move forward with my life and not feel this huge aspect of my life pulling me back."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten</em></p>

Legal

I'm A Celeb season premiere divides audiences

<p>The cast of the new season of <em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here</em> has been revealed as the 11 famous contestants entered the jungle on Sunday night. </p> <p>An Olympian, a stand-up comedian, reality TV royalty and a 90s TV star are among this year’s celebs, as the first episode of the 11th season provided many awkward moments of the celebrities not recognising their fellow contestants. </p> <p>Entering the jungle this year and vying for their chance to win money for charity are Olympic swimmer Shayna Jack, <em>Love Island</em> star Tina Provis, former AFL player Zack Tuohy, comedian Geraldine Hickey, Aussie TV presenter Nicky Buckley, former <em>MAFS</em> star Samantha Moitzi, UK social media personality Max Balegde, comedian and presenter Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes, two-time <em>Big Brother</em> winner Reggie Sorensen, NRL favourite Sam Thaida, and former <em>Bachelor</em> star Matty J.</p> <p>As the highly-anticipated new season aired on Sunday, many viewers took to social media to express their disappointment over the cast, as the show was quickly panned by viewers as "unfunny" while the cast of celebrities were labelled as "nobodies". </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFAL9h-PkRe/?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/DFAL9h-PkRe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin quipped and laughed with the new batch of contestants, loyal fans turned on the show and took to X to share their thoughts on the premiere. </p> <p>"The lowest common denominator with desperate has-beens. Can’t they invest in Aussie actors, directors and writers instead?" wrote one person. </p> <p>"Biggest load of rubbish ever," said another, while one more posted, "Some of Julia’s jokes are older than me. And not as funny."</p> <p>"Look at them looking at each other trying to figure out who each other is. Absolutely no idea," said another viewer. </p> <p>"Yeah this show peaked last year and the fall from grace is extreme. No more #ImACelebrityAU for me," another wrote. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten </em></p>

Fans threaten to boycott I'm A Celeb over casting rumour

<p><em>I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! </em>has teased the next season's cast on social media, but the potential appearance of a "headline-grabbing Olympian" has the rumour mill spinning. </p> <p>“A headline-grabbing Olympian has a ticket to the African wilds! 🎟️”, the show posted on Instagram. </p> <p>Hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris hinted that a "freestyle lover" will face the jungle in Season 7, set to air in January. </p> <p>While some followers posed a number of Olympians who they thought fit the mould, others speculated the possible TV return of the controversial breakdancer, Raygun, and many of them were quick to express their disdain. </p> <p>“Okay, I’m going to assume it’s Raygun,” one person said. “But other freestylers could include: Ariarne Titmus — Freestyle Swimming. Sally Fitzgibbons - Surfing. Torah Bright — Freestyle Snowboarding.”</p> <p>“Former Olympian Pole Vaulter Liz Parnov,” another suggested.</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/DC4y8Y0u4XL/?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/DC4y8Y0u4XL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I’m boycotting the show if it’s Raygun 🙄,” one person commented.</p> <p>“If it’s Raygun, I’m not watching 🤷‍♀️,” another claimed.</p> <p>"I’d rather watch paint dry than Raygun on TV … what on earth are the producers thinking," a third wrote. </p> <p>"Please NOT the "breakdancer" Don't make me boycott for the first time ever. Noooooo! 😬😭" a fourth added. </p> <p>The reality show drops celebrities into the jungle and forces them out of their comfort zone.</p> <p>On Wednesday, the series hinted the famous personalities set to appear on the next season, with clues including: a “stadium superstar”, a “football strongman”, and a “comedy genius”.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Australia's most decorated Olympian drops huge news

<p>Australia's most decorated Olympian, Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from swimming on Monday. </p> <p>After an incredible career that spanned across three Olympics and yielded 14 Olympic medals, including six golds, the Olympic champion announced her retirement from the pool in a social media post. </p> <p>"Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming," shared on Instagram.</p> <p>"Leading into Paris, I knew it would be my last Olympics, and the months since have given me time to reflect on my journey, and think about what I wanted my future to look like in swimming."</p> <p>"I am proud of myself for giving my swimming career absolutely everything, both physically and mentally," she continued. </p> <p>"I wanted to see what I was capable of - and I did. Swimming has given me so much. From the dream igniting at 5 years old, right through to my third Olympic Games - I have so many lessons, experiences, friendships and memories that I am so thankful for."</p> <p>Mckeon made her Olympic debut at the Rio Olympics in 2016, winning gold as a member of the women's 4x100 freestyle relay team and claiming four medals overall. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCxSXAXyE7r/?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/DCxSXAXyE7r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Emma McKeon (@emmamckeon)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In 2020, during the Tokyo Olympics she took over as Australia's most decorated Olympian, a title that was previously held by Ian Thorpe, after bringing home four gold medals by triumphing in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. </p> <p>She won seven medals in total in the 2020 Olympics. </p> <p>In this year's Paris Olympics, she brought home another three medals including one gold as a member of Australia's 4x100m freestyle team.</p> <p>"Along with every person who supported me, worked hard with me, and cheered me on. THANKYOU," McKeon said in her post.</p> <p>"Now I am excited to see how I can push myself in other ways, and for all the things that life has in store."</p> <p>Beyond the Olympics, McKeon has been an eight-time world record holder in relay events with three current and five former records. </p> <p>She has also won 14 gold medals across the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games. </p> <p>Swimming Australia chief executive Rob Woodhouse, who is McKeon's uncle, praised the Olympic champion. </p> <p>"Emma will be remembered in the same vein as Dawn [Fraser], Shane [Gould], Susie [O'Neill] and Murray [Rose], Kieren [Perkins] and Thorpey [Ian Thorpe] — that she was one of our greatest," Woodhouse said in a Swimming Australia statement.</p> <p>"From a personal point of view, watching her Tokyo campaign and in particular watching her win gold in the 100m freestyle was one of the greatest races I have ever watched, but I have also loved watching her advocate for those coming up through the ranks.</p> <p>"She will also be remembered for how she represented swimming. The standards she set in and out of the water were second to none, and she has a lifelong love of the sport, so she won't be disappearing from swimming."</p> <p><em>Images: DAVE HUNT/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Retirement Life

Baggage handler calls out crucial mistake at bag-drop

<p dir="ltr">A ramp agent for a major airline has revealed one crucial mistake that many people make when checking their luggage before they fly. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sharing all the details of the little-known trick on a lengthy Reddit thread, the baggage handler, who has years of experience working with American Airlines, noted an extra step that many people miss to ensure the safe arrival of their bags. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Your bag tag has three 'bingo' stickers with your itinerary on them. Take one off and stick it on your suitcase," the airline worker shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This way, even if the bag tag gets torn off at some point, we can still get it to its destination."</p> <p dir="ltr">The stickers look like small barcodes at the very end of the long luggage tag and can simply be pulled off and placed anywhere else on the suitcase.</p> <p dir="ltr">It can also be a good idea to keep one of these small tickets with you, whether on your boarding pass (in an area that doesn’t restrict important information), or simply on an old receipt. </p> <p dir="ltr">That way if your luggage unfortunately goes missing, you have the right barcode and number for your bags to be easily located, wherever they may be. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another thing the baggage handler mentions is the location of the luggage tag. </p> <p dir="ltr">While many signs indicate it should be placed around the side handle (if your case has one), the staff member suggests the top handle is better.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Having the tag on the top handle, which is the one that faces outward on the cart, makes it more likely for mistakes to be caught," he points out.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

Guy Sebastian drops bombshell news

<p>Guy Sebastian has shocked fans after announcing he would be taking a step back from his coaching role on <em>The Voice </em>after six years in the red chair. </p> <p>In a statement shared to Instagram, the Aussie singer revealed that he is having a break from the show to focus on his other musical pursuits, such as a new album and upcoming tour. </p> <p>“I have made the decision to take a break from the best red chair on the planet. It’s been six amazing years as a coach and it’s honestly been the best gig ever!” he said.</p> <p>“I have nothing but good things to say about the show itself, and sharing the panel with such amazing coaches has been a pleasure."</p> <p>“The best thing about the show is how positive it is and how much care and passion goes into making it a safe place for artists.”</p> <p>“For me right now, it’s time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music,” he added.“I am busy planning shows in Australia and worldwide and I am really looking forward to getting out and connecting with you all there."</p> <p>"For too long now, I have been reading comments from you asking when I will be visiting your town/country and it’s high time I come and visit!”</p> <p>Sebastian revealed he had been working his new album on and off for years, and is hoping he will now be able to give the new record his undivided attention.</p> <p>“I’ve worked on this upcoming album for four years and I’ve poured everything I have into it, so I need to pay respect to that effort and the art I’ve created,” he wrote.</p> <p>Signing off from the statement, Sebastian revealed he is planning to return to <em>The Voice</em> at a later date, while issuing a word of warning for his temporary replacement. </p> <p>He said, “Whoever has the audacity to take my chair, don’t get too comfortable ... I will wrestle for it back with zero dignity when I’m ready to return.”</p> <p>“Thank you everyone, it’s been a blast and let’s keep supporting fresh Aussie talent – it’s some of the best in the world!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Voice</em></p>

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