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Network Seven claps back after Robert Ovadia's claims of "evil" conduct

<p>Channel Seven has clapped back at claims from former <em>7News</em> presenter Robert Ovadia that they are engaging in "evil" conduct, claiming they have found more inappropriate emails from the veteran journalist. </p> <p>Robert Ovadia, who worked with Seven for 23 years, was fired in June and has taken the matter to court claiming he was unfairly dismissed, while also claiming the network is hellbent on destroying his reputation. </p> <p>However, the network has finally spoke out about the claims, saying they have recent complaints from more female staffers about inappropriate behaviour. </p> <p>“Mr Ovadia commenced Federal Court proceedings against Seven over his dismissal for serious misconduct following the sending of inappropriate emails to a 23-year-old news producer and other employees of Seven," a Seven spokesman said.</p> <p>“In doing so, Seven is discharging its obligations to prevent sexual harassment at work, including as more recently expanded under recent legislation. Mr Ovadia was trained about these new legislative obligations by Seven and failed to comply with them.”</p> <p>The statement from the network went on to suggest there are further revelations to come, as more women have come forward with allegations of inappropriate conduct.</p> <p>“At the first hearing of those proceedings on Thursday, 29 August 2024 about Orders for the filing of evidence and timetable steps, Justice Raper asked Seven whether any other conduct would be relied upon by Seven other than set out in the termination letter," the spokesman said.</p> <p>“In that context, Seven confirmed it has had complaints or allegations about Mr Ovadia from 13 other employees. Although Seven was not required to provide examples of the other conduct it intends to rely on at this stage, Seven has provided Mr Ovadia and his lawyers examples of some of the inappropriate emails by Mr Ovadia, which will be further detailed in Seven’s defence required to be filed on 12 September 2024."</p> <p>“Out of respect for their privacy, Seven has not chosen to make further even more inappropriate emails public at this stage. In response to this, Mr Ovadia has made outlandish complaints about Seven being an ‘evil company’ with a ‘propaganda unit’ that is setting out to destroy his reputation. Seven is confident its position on this matter will be upheld by the Courts."</p> <p>In response to the statement, Ovadia took to Instagram to take another swing at his former employer while also maintaining his innocence. </p> <p>“I can be crass, I can be blunt, I can be obnoxious, my humour is dark – 20 years surrounded by trauma and danger will do all of that to you – but I do NOT mistreat women,” Mr Ovadia said in a lengthy Instagram post.</p> <p>“I’ll expect more smear over the coming months as this evil company (in whose service I risked my life and safety many times) now seeks to destroy my reputation further,” Mr Ovadia said.</p> <p>“When this kicked off, the day Seven first leaked this story, my teenage daughter asked if people will think her dad is a rapist. At least <em>Four Corners</em>’ laboured hatchet job got one thing right – the Seven Network is diabolical.”</p> <p>The journalist went on to share screenshots of conversations he had with female staffers who shared their words of support for Ovadia, saying they believe the allegations are false. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

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Flight attendant reveals what happens if a passenger dies onboard

<p dir="ltr">A flight attendant has revealed what happens if a passenger dies onboard, and the morbid reason the protocol has changed in recent years. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mandy Smith has been a flight attendant for 12 years and thankfully, hasn’t had to encounter such a tragedy during one of her flights.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the protocol of the airline she serves, previously when passengers passed away on board they used to be put inside the bathrooms, but now their bodies are laid across the front seats. </p> <p dir="ltr">She explained to <em>LadBible</em>, “This has not happened to me, thankfully. It happened to a friend of mine, where they had a passenger pass away on the flight.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now, we used to have to put passengers in the bathrooms, and then lock the bathrooms off. But because they would be seated on the toilet, as they sat there - if rigour mortis set in - then they would be then stuck in that position, and they wouldn't be able to fit in their coffin.”</p> <p dir="ltr">'So, unfortunately, now, we have to lay them across the front of the seats and try and calm their loved ones down, treat them with respect, cover them with blankets, and maybe just cordon the area off with blankets tucked into the overheads, which is what I would probably do.'</p> <p dir="ltr">Mandy also explained that according to different laws, if someone dies on a flight, cabin crew officially have to keep going to their final destination.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “If they passed away on board, it's the law that we, as cabin crew, have to keep going. So, we have to keep doing any kind of resuscitation until they're deemed to be deceased.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, if it was an accident that happened on board, or if they had a heart attack, we would then just keep going doing CPR.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“But if it was someone who passed away from natural causes, or another kind of ailment, then obviously, we wouldn't need to do anything to them then.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We'd need to contact the ground services to be met by an ambulance or the coroner. We wouldn't really do it as an emergency landing, we'd just treat it as a normal landing if that person's definitely passed away.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: YouTube </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Disabled woman slams bus driver who refused to let her onboard

<p>A disabled woman has taken aim at a bus driver who refused to let her onboard a busy bus. </p> <p>The 23-year-old, who relies on a mobility scooter, sparked an online debate after recalling how a driver wouldn't let her on the Melbourne bus, as the vehicle was filled to capacity. </p> <p>“I’m so sorry,” the driver told Anastasiia Berezikova as she tried to board the bus. </p> <p>“I can’t take you on at this stage. The next one shouldn’t be too long. The bus is full, I am only allowed to take 75 passengers. So I can’t kick them off and let you on, it would be unfair.”</p> <p>While filming the interaction, the woman asked the bus driver if he “understands there are priority seats” available for disabled people on public buses.</p> <p>“I understand, but there are other people who got on the bus before you, and I can’t kick them out,” he replied.</p> <p>Ms Berezikova claimed “able-bodied people” had been prioritised in this instance, as she addressed those on the bus and asked, “So none of the able-bodied people want to help a disabled person?”</p> <p>Posting the interaction to TikTok, Ms Berezikova was met with mixed responses from viewers, as some people sided with her, while others sided with the bus driver. </p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7303018244124708103&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40seanympha888%2Fvideo%2F7303018244124708103%3Fembed_source%3D121355059%252C121351166%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_name%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Dwww.news.com.au%252Ftechnology%252Fonline%252Fsocial%252Fdisabled-woman-slams-melbourne-bus-driver-who-would-not-let-her-on-full-bus%252Fnews-story%252F085b4e9e53cb14a0e4b7e7709dfe934e%26referer_video_id%3D7303018244124708103&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo0GXECFv58gXEkdZDBDAIfsxjfKAiCNI2wEafE%3Fx-expires%3D1701388800%26x-signature%3Dp2HoaXXYfdsIXHvvNvZLRcSoSbc%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>“You’re prioritised a seat/space on the bus if there is a space on the bus, they can’t just kick someone off that’s on before you,” one user wrote.</p> <p>“On the bus you get priority seating, yes. But you don’t get priority to ride - if it’s full it’s full they can’t just kick people off,” a second commenter wrote.</p> <p>“I’m a wheelchair user also. In this situation he did nothing wrong. You’re assuming people are discriminating you when they’re not,” a third wrote.</p> <p>Others were adamant the people on the bus were in the wrong by not offering her a seat.</p> <p>“Bloody hell how rude & inconsiderate are people nowadays they only think about themselves. They should’ve moved & stood up from the priority seat,” one wrote.</p> <p>In follow-up videos posted to TikTok, Ms Berezikova claimed that other travellers had boarded the bus at her stop after pushing in front of her, and that she had pleaded with them to make space for her. </p> <p>She also chose to reveal her medical history, which included being in a 12-day coma in July 2021 due to cardiac arrests caused by Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and subsequent motor skills, co-ordination, and speech issues.</p> <p>“I get it, it doesn’t matter to you that (myself) or others have special needs. What matters to you is that you get from point A to point B on time. I dont mind waiting for a second bus. Okay third. But fourth? Fifth?!” she wrote in the follow-up post.</p> <p>“And still face discrimination on the bus. If you think its okay to leave disabled people stranded that is NOT COOL ... I deserve to get on a bus like anyone else and infrastructure and society must allow that.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok / Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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How to score yourself free onboard credit on your next cruise

<p>Everybody loves to splurge on holidays especially when you’ve been given free credit! Here’s how to score yourself some free cash.</p> <p><strong>Grab a deal</strong></p> <p>With so many cruise lines now sailing out of Australia, they will all be competing hard for your business. You can book a great deal at any time of year and, alongside things like free upgrades or 50 per cent off for a second passenger, you’ll find onboard credit. Do your research and you could easily score yourself hundreds of dollars to spend onboard at no extra cost.</p> <p><strong>Book through an agent</strong></p> <p>Specialised cruise travel agents develop strong relationships with the lines and will be able to secure you the best price. As part of their offering, they can also throw in some free onboard credit. This could be with an individual shopfront agent or one of the larger online third parties, so look around for the best offers. And if you don’t see anything advertised directly, it never hurts to ask!</p> <p><strong>Stay loyal to a line</strong></p> <p>Most major cruise lines will have a dedicated loyalty scheme that operates sort of like a frequent flyer program. Cruise multiple times with the one line and they will reward you with special fares, upgrades and (you guessed it) onboard credit. Make sure you use your unique identification number every time you book so that you don’t miss out on any of your points.</p> <p><strong>Book another cruise</strong></p> <p>If you’re loving your cruise, take advantage of the onboard sales office and book another one right away. You’ll be able to take advantage of exclusive offers that you won’t find on land and many of these include onboard credit. The line will be eager to get you to sign up again before you can look at other ships, so it’s a chance for you to grab some big bonuses.</p> <p><strong>Make the best of a bad situation</strong></p> <p>When something goes wrong on a cruise (like a change of itinerary, missing a port or a fault with your cabin) the line will very often compensate you with onboard credit. We’re not saying you can create a problem to grab some cash, but if you have a legitimate problem then alert the crew as soon as possible and see if they can offer you some in exchange.</p>

Cruising

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Solutions to common cruising problems

<p>Have you ever encountered any of these problems while you were out at sea? Here’s how to solve the most common problems encountered on a cruise.</p> <p><strong>1. You haven’t received your luggage</strong></p> <p>Most cruise lines ask passengers to be patient for the first few hours of the cruise after sailing. If you haven’t received your luggage after a few hours then you need to talk to someone at the purser’s desk. If your luggage was lost in transit then the cruise line will begin to trace their location and try to have them delivered to the ship at the next cruise port. If your luggage was loaded by a porter then it is possible that it is missing because there is a contraband item (like candles or alcohol) in your bag or it has been delivered to the wrong cabin.</p> <p>It’s helpful to carry on a bag with an outfit for your first day on the cruise along with toiletry essentials and medication.</p> <p><strong>2. Something in your cabin doesn’t work</strong></p> <p>The first step is to check with a cabin steward that there is a legitimate problem with the object and that it doesn’t just require a change of batteries. If the object still doesn’t work then call the front desk and notify them of the issue. If the problem can’t be fixed they may offer you a cabin upgrade or a gift like onboard credit. If they don’t offer you anything, be sure to ask!</p> <p><strong>3. You are unhappy with your dinner arrangements</strong></p> <p>If you are unhappy with your assigned dining time then you can request a switch in time slots or swap assigned dining for flexible dining. All dining requests cannot be accommodated, however, due to the high demand, but the staff will do their best to cater to your preferences.</p> <p>If you are not getting along with your tablemates then be upfront with the dinning staff when you request a new table. Often, the other party will also request for other arrangements.</p> <p><strong>4. Your ship had an itinerary change</strong></p> <p>All cruise contracts note that ports calls are not guaranteed and may be bypassed or changed. Usually, passengers will be refunded the port tax in the form of onboard credit, however, it is only a small amount of money. If you book excursions through the cruise line then you will be refunded your money but if you booked an excursion through a different company, you will need to contact them to find out about cancellation policies and refunds. It is always best to do your research in advance when booking a tour so if you do miss a port you won’t be short changed.</p> <p><strong>5. Your ship’s medical facility won’t accept your insurance</strong></p> <p>Cruise ships do not accept regular health insurance but keep your receipts as some insurance companies will reimburse you for medical expenses you incurred while travelling. A safe bet is purchasing a travel insurance policy that will cover any healthcare expenses.</p> <p><strong>6. Your onboard account is inaccurate</strong></p> <p>Incorrect account information can be fixed if you go to the purser’s office or call and explain the discrepancy. It’s best to keep an eye on your account throughout the cruise so you are not hit with any surprises at the end. It is helpful to save your receipts from onboard purchases if you need to contest anything.</p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p>

Cruising

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Australian passenger onboard fatal Nepal plane crash

<p>In what is being described as Nepal’s deadliest airplane accident in 30 years, at least 68 people are dead after a regional passenger plane carrying 72 passengers – including an Australian – crashed into a gorge while landing at a newly opened airport in the resort town of Pokhara. </p> <p>A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they are urgently clarifying whether the Australian onboard survived the crash.</p> <p>Footage shared on Twitter by a BBC journalist shows the aircraft violently rolling shortly before it crashed. </p> <p>"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of reports an Australian was on board the Yeti Airlines flight which crashed in Nepal on Sunday 15 January," a spokesperson said. "The Australian Embassy is urgently seeking to confirm the welfare of the Australian."</p> <p>Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority announced the crash on Twitter on Sunday, while rescuers were scouring the crash site near the Seti River, about 1.6 kilometres away from Pokhara International Airport.</p> <p>Rescuers used ropes to pull out bodies from the wreckage, parts of which were hanging over the edge of the gorge. Some bodies, burned beyond recognition, were carried by firefighters to hospitals, where grief-stricken relatives had assembled.</p> <p>It was not immediately clear what caused the twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft, operated by Nepal's Yeti Airlines, to crash. It was flying from the capital, Kathmandu, to Pokhara, a 27-minute flight. It was carrying 68 passengers including 15 foreign nationals, as well as four crew members, Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement. The foreigners included five Indians, four Russians, two South Koreans, and one each from Ireland, Australia, Argentina and France.</p> <p><em>Image: Twitter</em></p> <p> </p>

News

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Airline responds to "fat-shaming" onboard comments

<p dir="ltr">Dr Sydney Watson – a US-based Australian journalist and political commentator – took to Twitter on October 11 to complain about being sat between two obese people on an American Airlines flight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her mid-flight comments caused an immediate furore as she posted that “I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight,” along with a photo of her personal space being invaded.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don't care if this is mean. My entire body is currently being touched against my wishes. I can't even put the arm rests down on either side because there's no f***ing room.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm sick of acting like fatness to this extent is normal. Let me assure you, it is not.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you need a seat belt extender, you are TOO FAT TO BE ON A PLANE.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Buy two seats or don't fly.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight.</p> <p>This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours. <a href="https://t.co/9uIqcpJO8I">pic.twitter.com/9uIqcpJO8I</a></p> <p>— Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyLWatson/status/1579609743244800006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Dr Watson said she asked the passenger on her right if he wanted to move to sit next to his sister to which he declined.</p> <p dir="ltr">She continued the rest of her flight sitting uncomfortably with no air hostess offering to switch her seat.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her complaint went viral with the official American Airlines Twitter account responding to Dr Watson saying: “Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We're sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight.”</p> <p dir="ltr">This however was not enough for Dr Watson who eventually found out that “what happened to me went against American Airlines own policies regarding overweight passengers.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A few days later after her initial flight, an American Airlines worker got in contact with Dr Watson apologising for the inconvenience and offered her a $150 Trip Credit.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'd rather take the $150 American Airlines offered me as a refund and give it to someone who needs a PT or a gym membership,” she tweeted in response.</p> <p dir="ltr">Still furious at what occurred on the flight, Dr Watson said she has no regrets over being in the news for fat shaming.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm not sorry. I meant everything I said. Justifying obesity is NOT OKAY,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And, rock on to anyone trying to lose weight and change their lives. I believe in you.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter/Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Employee reveals “creepy” cruise ship facts

<p dir="ltr">A former cruise ship employee has opened up about some secrets that people might not know about cruise ships. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lauren worked on cruise ships for two years and shared a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@laurentalkssmack/video/7104262853795843371?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;q=laurentalkssmack&amp;t=1657168956193" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> about the “creepy” rooms onboard. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s some crazy stuff about cruise ships you might not know as a guest,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I used to work on a cruise ship and I find it so interesting... like all these little things that are kind of creepy. There’s a morgue on board and there’s a jail on board.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She explained that anything could happen on board cruise ships and it was important to be ready. </p> <p dir="ltr">If someone dies, the person is placed in the morgue, and if a traveller breaks the law or causes any trouble they are taken to the jail on board the ship. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lauren went on to explain that there’s no “deck 13” onboard cruise ships either due to superstitious reasons surrounding the number. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a superstitious thing. Sorry, that’s weird. We’re on a cruise ship and you’re making me feel like superstition comes into play.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The now viral video has been viewed more than 850,000 times with many saying they didn’t know about these tiny details. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t know if it’s just me, I thought if someone died on board they would throw them off,” someone said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Death is everywhere and inevitable. It’s better to have a place to process grandma Ruth who had a heart attack at sea rather than having to go to land,” another said. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Cruising

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"Evil white supremacists" target baby Archie

<p dir="ltr">"Evil white supremacists" have targetted Prince Harry and Meghan’s son Archie saying he should be “put down”, a court has heard.</p> <p dir="ltr">Christopher Gibbons, 38, and Tyrone Patten-Walsh, 34, thought it was okay to voice their sickening thoughts on their radio show <em>Black Wolf Radio</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Known for encouraging acts of extreme right-wing terrorism, the pair despise mixed race relationships and have used the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as examples of their hate.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kingston Crown Court heard that Gibbons called three-year-old Archie an “abomination that should be put down”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair then said Prince Harry needs to be “prosecuted” and ”judicially killed for treason” simply for being married to Meghan.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prosecutor Anne Whyte QC told the court that Gibbons and Patten-Walsh “are dedicated and unapologetic white supremacists” who ”hold extreme right-wing views”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They thought that if they used the format of a radio show, as good as in plain sight, they could pass off their venture as the legitimate exercise of their freedom of speech,” she said, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/18814646/harry-and-meghans-archie-targeted-white-supremacist-terror-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In fact what they were doing was using language designed to encourage others to commit acts of extreme right-wing terrorism against the sections of society that these defendants hated.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Their talk show has been riddled with their white supremacy and hate toward other people.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard about the pair allegedly endorsing the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also spoke highly of Australian terrorist Brent Tarrant’s rampage which saw 51 Muslims killed at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 2017 Manchester Arena suicide bomb attack which saw 22 innocent people killed were called “sluts”, with Patten-Walksh allegedly saying their screams is what “pleases me”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“...because I hate those people. And it‘s a sign of masculine, even though it was done by a sand n*****, masculine terror against women.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The jury also heard they regularly make anti-Semitic remarks and describe black and Asian men as rapists.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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“He was pure evil”: Grace Tame recalls the confrontation with her abuser

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article mentions child sexual abuse and rape.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Grace Tame has spoken out about the first time she “stood up” to her abuser, and how she would never forget telling him he was a “monster” and “pure evil”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-88aeec46-7fff-121c-61f9-67cbbdb45285">The 2021 Australian of the Year spoke about her experience while addressing a packed audience at <a href="https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/writers-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adelaide Writers’ Week</a> alongside event director Jo Dyer and author Jess Hill.</span></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/Ca3zmxxJVhQ/?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/Ca3zmxxJVhQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Eventalaide (@eventalaide)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The Writers’ Week talk, entitled The Reckoning, saw Ms Tame open up about how she confronted the teacher who repeatedly raped her.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although she was “terrified of this paedophile”, Ms Tame said she “stood up” to him and told him “he was a monster” four days before she reported him to police.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I told him that, and I will always remember that, and you know what? So will he,” she <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-09/grace-tame-recalls-the-moment-she-confronted-her-abuser/100895514" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My fear of upsetting the apple cart died that day.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Tame was repeatedly abused while she was a student at Hobart’s St Michael’s Collegiate.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was 15 at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’d never seen my true rage towards him, but as he sat in his office chair I pointed a finger at him, I was crying my eyes out, I started yelling and screaming and I told him exactly what I thought of him,” she recounted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I told him I thought - I thought he was pure evil, and that I hoped he died, and I pointed to a picture of his own children who were twice my age at the time, and I told him I hated him for what he had done to me.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Whenever I think I can’t do something I remember this day - and I was terrified when I did this - but this is what I draw on when I need self-belief.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Since her abuser’s conviction, Ms Tame has campaigned for the way sexual assault is dealt with to be changed, and told Wednesday’s audience that legal restrictions preventing victims from sharing their stories contributed to an “ecosystem of abuse”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-44561e80-7fff-29a3-1c07-e886a701c17a"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s so messed up how society has all these layers of victim-blaming entrenched, codified at every level,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/grace-tame1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Grace Tame opened up about how she confronted her abuser at Adelaide Writers’ Week. Image: Roy Vandervegt / Adelaide Festival</em></p> <p dir="ltr">She added that the language used to describe sexual abuse and assault also partially contributed to said “ecosystem of abuse”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s what really inspired me to pursue a different kind of advocacy because I thought, ‘Why am I learning about this word (grooming) for the first time seven years after I’ve gone through this experience?’” she <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/adelaide-festival/the-reckoning-grace-tame-and-jess-hill-to-speak-at-adelaides-writers-week/news-story/e40b9959c254b735a383860b4fd5e920?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-thetiser&utm_content=later-25219761&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You know, like if you are stabbed for instance, you can say I was stabbed. This is what happened. These were the circumstances and then we also have the skillset to then ask for help - the appropriate help - but that’s certainly not what I had.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Tame also shared more details about a “threatening” phone call she received last year asking her to refrain from saying anything negative about Prime Minister Scott Morrison.</p> <p dir="ltr">She first mentioned the phone call at the National Press Club last month, alleging a senior member of a government-funded organisation was the one who called her.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Wednesday, she elaborated on the incident and said “it wasn’t an empty threat”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t share this at the National Press Club but do you know what the threat was, from that person who phoned me? It was that they wouldn’t support the [Grace Tame] Foundation if I said something about the Prime Minister,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following her Press Club address, Women’s Safety Minister Anne Ruston said the federal government had begun an investigation into Ms Tame’s allegation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-119bdff5-7fff-47b1-1e4a-3e38cc95cae1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Roy Vandervegt / Adelaide Festival</em></p>

Caring

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With commercial galleries an endangered species, are art fairs a necessary evil?

<p>Although record numbers of people are flocking to exhibitions in the major public art galleries, foot traffic into commercial art galleries is dwindling at an alarming rate. Embarrassed gallery directors of well-established and well-known commercial art galleries will quietly confess that frequently they scarcely get more than a dozen visitors a day. Outside the flurry of activity on the day of the opening, very little happens for the duration of the show.</p> <p>This is not a peculiarity of the Australian art scene, I have heard similar accounts in London, Manhattan and Paris. The art public has largely ceased visiting commercial art galleries as a regular social activity and art collectors are frequently buying over the internet or through art fairs. In fact, many galleries admit that most of their sales occur via their websites, through commissions or at art fairs, with a shrinking proportion from exhibitions or their stockroom by actual walk-in customers.</p> <p>The commercial art galleries have become an endangered species and their numbers are shrinking before our eyes. Leaving aside China and its urban arts precincts, such as <a href="http://www.798district.com/">798 Art Zone in Beijing</a>, again this is a trend that can be noted in much of Europe, America and Australasia.</p> <p>At the same time, the art market is relatively buoyant, albeit somewhat differently configured from the traditional one. The art auction market in many quarters is thriving and, as persistent rumours have it, not infrequently auction houses leave their role as purely a secondary market and increasingly source work directly from artists’ studios. This seeps into their lavish catalogues.</p> <p>The other booming part of the art trade is the art fairs. Here I will pause on a case study of the <a href="http://www.artfair.co.nz/">Auckland Art Fair 2019</a>. Started by a charitable trust about a dozen years ago and run as a biennial, in 2016 the fair, with new sponsorship and a new management team of Stephanie Post and Hayley White, was reorientated. As of 2018, it has become an annual art fair with a focus on the Pacific Rim region. It remains the only major art fair in New Zealand.</p> <p>Situated in The Cloud, a scenic setting on Queens Wharf in central Auckland, this location also limits its size to create an intimate, friendly, human-scale fair, unlike the vast expanses of the <a href="http://www.expochicago.com/">Chicago Art Fair</a> or even <a href="http://www.sydneycontemporary.com.au/">Sydney Contemporary</a> in the Carriageworks.</p> <p>The nuts and bolts of the Auckland Art Fair is that galleries from the Pacific Rim region can apply to exhibit and a curatorial committee of four curators, two from public galleries and two from commercial ones, select about 40 galleries for participation. The event, which is held over five days, attracts about 10,000 visitors and generates between $6-7 million in art sales.</p> <p>The fair costs about $1 million to stage with 90% of this sum raised from sponsorship, ticket sales and gallery fees and the rest a grant from Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development. The public pays an admission fee of between $25-30, depending on when they book.</p> <p>Art fairs are popular with local governments as they invariably attract people and businesses into the city. In Auckland Art Fair 2019, held in the first week in May, there were 41 galleries participating, almost 30 from various parts of NZ, the rest from Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Shanghai, Jakarta, Rarotonga (Cook Islands) and Santiago.</p> <p>According to Stephanie Post, a major purpose of the fair is to build a new art audience and, by extension, a new generation of art collectors. The fair is designed to fill the gap between the primary and secondary art markets. For this reason, there is a whole series of “projects” that generally promote new art, frequently by emerging artists, many currently without representation by a commercial art gallery. In 2019 there were ten of these non-commercial projects at the fair.</p> <p>These projects, for the past three art fairs, have been curated by Francis McWhannell, who now plans to step aside to be replaced by a new set of curatorial eyes. There are also various lectures, talks, panel discussions and related exhibitions. This year, most notably, there is “China Import Direct”, a curated cross-section of digital and video art from across China with some stunning and quite edgy material by Yuan Keru, Wang Newone and Lu Yang, amongst others.</p> <h2>A mixed bag</h2> <p>Predictably, art at the Auckland Art Fair 2019 is a mixed bag, but the stronger works do outnumber those that are best passed over in silence. In terms of sales, within the first couple of hours quite a number of the big-ticket items were sold, such as work by the Australians Patricia Piccinini and Dale Frank.</p> <p>Looking around this year’s fair, some of the highlights included Seraphine Pick at Michael Lett; Robert Ellis at Bowerbank Ninow; Max Gimblett at Gow Longsford Gallery; Anne Wallace and Juan Davila at Kalli Rolfe; Christine Webster at Trish Clark; Daniel Unverricht and Richard Lewer at Suite, Toss Woollaston at Page Blackie Gallery, Dame Robin White and Gretchen Albrecht at Two Rooms; Robyn Kahukiwa at Warwick Henderson Gallery; Geoff Thornley at Fox Jensen McCrory; Simon Kaan at Sanderson; James Ormsby at Paulnache and Kai Wasikowski at the Michael Bugelli Gallery.</p> <p>This selective list of names, to which many others can be added, indicates something of the spread and diversity of the artists being presented at the fair – not only in style and medium, but in the whole range of languages of visualisation and conceptualisation. Although there are a few deceased artists included, like Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori and Colin McCahon (neither represented by a particularly strong work), like most art fairs there is a predominance of well-established blue chip artists, a scattering of art market darlings plus a few unexpected newcomers.</p> <p>A criticism of art fairs is that they are an expensive market place with high overhead costs, which discourage too much experimentation with “untested” emerging artists. Despite the welcome initiatives of the “projects”, Auckland in this respect falls into line with the pattern of most fairs.</p> <p>The oft-repeated claim that they create a new art audience is also difficult to quantify. Although anecdotal evidence suggests that many who go to fairs may not have ever entered a commercial art gallery before, this does not appear to be followed up by a conversion of this audience into regular gallery goers.</p> <h2>A spectacle</h2> <p>Art fairs and blockbuster exhibitions in public art galleries have become popular people magnet events. They are a form of entertainment that is becoming more of a surrogate for consuming art than some sort of conduit for a return to more traditional patterns of art appreciation and acquisition. They are noisy, crowded and colourful spectacles – more like a party than a quiet arena for the contemplation of art.</p> <p>Is this such a bad thing? Observing the spectacle in Auckland, I was struck by the youthfulness of the thousands of visitors. For many, it seemed the idea that they could afford to purchase an original artwork came as a revelation. Perhaps this was not a $100,000 painting by a major artist, but something more modest and frequently more to their tastes. Nevertheless, new buyers are being introduced to original art and this in itself has to be a positive development.</p> <p>Art fairs globally are breeding a cult of dependency with some “commercial” art galleries increasingly divesting themselves of a physical existence and living from fair to fair. For a while, this was a complete no-no and fairs insisted that participant galleries had a bricks-and-mortar existence, but in many instances the borders are fudged and to be a gallery you need only be an established art trading entity.</p> <p>Art fairs are here to stay; the future of commercial art galleries is far more problematic.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article first appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/with-commercial-galleries-an-endangered-species-are-art-fairs-a-necessary-evil-116680" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Art

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What life is like onboard the cruise ship with no destination

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hong Kong has tried several times to resurrect international travel after the devastation on the tourism industry, but to no avail. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pandemic has seen international travel, especially cruises, come to a grinding halt in the country for over 18 months. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Hong Kong, once Asia’s biggest international hub, continues to pursue their zero-COVID policy, many opportunities for travel bubbles with neighbouring countries fell through. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To help locals experience a taste of travel again, Dream Cruises have come up with a fitting alternative vacation option. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Passengers can now book their rooms on the Genting Dream ship, which floats around the country in a big loop before returning to the port. </span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844295/cruise-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/28b020cbbe2945e5a4eccefb8a8bc2b8" /></p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Journeys last either two or three nights, with room ranging from $295AUD to $4,160AUD for the experience. </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>The Genting Dream can normally hold more than 3,000 people, but ticket sales have been capped at half capacity to ensure social distancing measures are able to be adhered to. </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>To board the vessel, all passengers must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, as well as undergoing strict pre-boarding checks and health declarations. </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Passengers on board are encouraged to book access to the pool on deck, and while the hot tubs were closed, sun loungers and sofas by the deck bars were freely available. </span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844296/cruise-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6b78c4da0ca647e0be77f8625e68ce6c" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Genting Dream’s medical centre. Image credit: Getty</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are also a range of activities to take part in, including a basketball court, a mini-golf course, a play area with activities for children and an arcade for teenagers, lethally fast water slides twisting down to the main deck, and a hair-raising ropes course with a zip wire jutting out over the open sea.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ship also boasts a dedicated medical centre, fitted with an isolation room in case of any unprecedented COVID-19 emergencies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The unique cruising experience gives travellers a chance to relax in a brief bubble of normality while overlooking the South China Sea, as a suitable substitute to overseas travelling. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Cruising

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Strip search horror: Doctor onboard Qatar flight speaks out

<p>A fellow passenger on-board the Qatar Airways flight that saw 13 Australian women subjected to “invasive” physical examination has given a “horrifying” account of exactly how the situation unfolded.</p> <p>Travelling to Sydney, Dr Wolfgang Babeck was on board Qatar Airways flight 908 on October 2 and had to endure lengthy delays after a premature baby was found alive in an airport bathroom.</p> <p>As the search for the baby’s mother commenced, 13 women were forced to disembark from the flight and undergo invasive gynaecological exams without any explanation.</p> <p>Appearing on The Project, Dr Babeck recounted the incident saying the plane had sat for three hours on the tarmac at Doha’s Hamad International Airport before passengers were told the airport had been closed.</p> <p>“About three hours in, the women were asked to disembark the plane and, in fact, I thought, ‘the vulnerable people are being taken off the plane and there is probably a security incident or something’.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The federal government is today demanding answers from Qatari authorities after as many as 13 Australian women were reportedly forced to endure a terrifying strip-search ordeal in Doha. <a href="https://t.co/BVd2Y2ToYS">pic.twitter.com/BVd2Y2ToYS</a></p> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1320631171668201475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>“And sure enough, shortly thereafter, some security guards came on board to basically search whether another person would be hiding on the plane,” Dr Babeck told host Carrie Bickmore.</p> <p>He continued to say that none of the passengers had been told about the baby, and the women were not given any indication as to why they were being asked to get off the plane.</p> <p>“From what I understand, which is very frightening, many, if not all of them were not told prior to their inspection what the reason for it was, so it only came out at the end when they reboarded … it must have been a terrifying ordeal, not even knowing what the purpose of this is,” he said.</p> <p>Bickmore, who described the incident as “deeply shocking,” and “unfathomable,” asked what the women’s demeanour was like when they returned to the aircraft.</p> <p>“Shell-shocked. Certainly the beginning. They were in disbelief, you know? You would have imagined this would have happened 100 years ago, but not now … One lady cried, others were certainly upset, but I think becoming angry in a mood to protest or to take action? That occurred much later,” he said.</p> <p>Dr Babeck went through the hotel quarantine process alongside the women from his flight after disembarking, and has kept in contact with them via a WhatsApp group.</p> <p>He said he was “utterly impressed” by how they’ve been coping.</p> <p>“I have utmost admiration for them, because they have very strong personalities among them, different character, but I think united by the idea that this can never happen again, and that they would like to use their personal ordeal to make sure that people are made responsible for what has occurred, and that there is an investigation going on,” he said.</p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is waiting for a report from Qatari authorities into the incident, which Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne described as “grossly disturbing and offensive” and unlike anything she “had ever heard of”.</p> <p>The incident has been reported to the Australian Federal Police.</p>

News

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“World’s Greatest Daddy”: Evil dad’s twisted message after killings

<p>A monstrous father who stalked and murdered his two children as they cowered under a desk left a suicide note blaming his estranged wife for his cowardly crime.</p> <p>John Edwards, 67, killed his daughter Jennifer Edwards, 13, and his son Jack, 15 in West Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north-west on July 5, 2018.</p> <p>The children were found “crumpled together” under Jack’s bedroom desk with multiple gunshot wounds.</p> <p>Edwards then committed suicide at his rented home near Normanhurst on the night of the murders, with investigators later stumbling across a USB-stick near his body containing a note for the mother of his children, Olga.</p> <p>Before shooting himself dead, the psychotic killer also hung a “World’s Greatest Daddy” shirt on a chest of drawers at the end of his bed.</p> <p>“Olga you may scream out what has John done when the reality is what has Olga done,” the three-page suicide letter began, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/you-may-scream-what-has-john-done-evil-dads-suicide-note-after-child-slayings/news-story/1367b0ef8700a7ba3f4ed3d6e7ed7ae8" target="_blank">Daily Telegraph</a> reports.</p> <p>“None of this had to happen had you been a halfway normal person.”</p> <p>Only six months after the crime occurred, Olga took her own life.</p> <p>An inquest into the deaths began last week and NSW Coroners Court heard Edwards had “a propensity for domestic violence”, including physical and psychological assaults against the women in his life and his children.</p> <p>His ex-partner’s came forward, with one saying he wasn’t physically violent towards her but was “controlling”.</p> <p>Another said he was “unbalanced and a narcissist”.</p> <p>Some of his controlling behaviours including forcing them to wear lipstick and mini skirts, and giving them the silent treatment for weeks.</p> <p>He also used to keep a tight hold on finances.</p> <p>Including the two he murdered, Edwards had 10 children to seven partners.</p> <p>He treated two of his former partners lives and gave another rat poison, while his other kids recounted being beaten with a belt and cattle whip.</p> <p>Edwards was given a licence to shoot rifles and pistols in June 2017 after NSW Firearms Registry staff used a police database report that had failed to pick up several matters related to domestic violence.</p>

Legal

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“I don’t know how to tell her”: Best friend of little girl murdered by evil father still unaware of death

<p>The best friend of slain Hannah Clarke’s youngest little girl is still unaware that her mate has passed away.</p> <p>Four-year-old Laianah Baker was murdered last Wednesday after her father set her, her mother and her two siblings, Aaliyah, six, and Trey, three, on fire in a quadruple murder-suicide.</p> <p>Ms Clarke's best friend Lou Farmer told<span> </span>A Current Affair<span> </span>on Tuesday she is still having trouble to tell her young daughter, Heidi that her best friend was killed in the incident.</p> <p>“My ten and seven-year-old they understand. I can't even go there with Heidi. Heidi and Laianah were best friends,” she said, as she choked back tears.</p> <p>Ms Farmer says she had known her dear friend Hannah Clarke for four years, and revealed they had recently gotten together for a party shortly before the tragedy unfolded.</p> <p>“We had the most perfect pool party, and wines, and the best afternoon. I just don't know how to tell my little girl that Laianah, her best friend is gone,” she shared. </p> <p>Three close friends of Ms Clarke’s spoke out about the tragedy in a tolling interview where they revealed they had fears her estranged husband Rowan Baxter would harm the family.</p> <p>Nikki Brooks, a friend Ms Clarke’s for over 17 years, admitted she’s spoken with Queensland Police just one week before the murders to give a statement regarding Baxter's breach of his Domestic Violence Order.</p> <p>“I looked the detective in the eye and I said, ‘I think he's going to take them all out,’” Ms Brooks said.</p> <p>“She said, ‘I've got a bad feeling too.’”</p> <p>It had been Ms Brook’s home that had proven to be a haven for the mum-of-three when her relationship with Baxter turned abusive in 2019.</p> <p>Ms Clarke had confided in her closest four girl friends of the abuse, and it was Ms Brooks who says they now feel “a lot of guilt” over what had happened.</p> <p>“I feel like we've definitely influenced her decision. We said, ‘Han, enough's enough’.</p> <p>“It was getting bad and we had to get her out of there.”</p> <p>“The day she came back she stayed with me and we felt safe. He [Baxter] didn't know where I lived. </p> <p>“She just looked relieved and she seemed really happy. She knew she made the right decision.”</p> <p>Ms Brooks spoke in front of more than 1,000 mourners at a vigil held for Ms Clarke and her family at Whites Hill State College in Camp Hill on Sunday.</p> <p>“We are a nation in pain,” she said.</p> <p>“Don't back away from your friends for the sake of convenience.</p> <p>“Time's up on domestic violence.”</p>

Relationships

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"This is evil": Unwary shoppers warned over Australia Post delivery scam

<p>Christmas shoppers are being urged to be wary of a text scam targeting Australia Post customers.</p> <p>The postal service company said it is aware of “delivery-themed scams”, where fraudulent text messages and emails are being sent to people expecting packages with claims of an update on delivery.</p> <p>The messages prompt customers to click on a link, which will lead to a fake website with the Australia Post logo and ask for personal information and financial details.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">This is evil... This is definitely going to trick a bunch of people <a href="https://twitter.com/auspost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@auspost</a> <a href="https://t.co/HUfuUaMp9i">pic.twitter.com/HUfuUaMp9i</a></p> — Mark Rhodes (@mrhodes) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrhodes/status/1204568163293093889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/auspost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@auspost</a> new scam? (Latest message) Redirects to the incredibly legit sounding giveaways-online URL. Spoofing originator to the same as your legit messages though. <a href="https://t.co/MdQcXp8AKP">pic.twitter.com/MdQcXp8AKP</a></p> — Jason (@jasonbelcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasonbelcher/status/1204569312092020737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/auspost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@auspost</a> just wanted to confirm this is a scam? <a href="https://t.co/S9WAL9dgfE">pic.twitter.com/S9WAL9dgfE</a></p> — Joanne Sim (@Joanne_Bradley) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joanne_Bradley/status/1203892690946908160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“Please note that Australia Post will never email or text message you asking for personal information, financial information or a payment,” the company said.</p> <p>“If you are in doubt about the authenticity of an email, text message or phone call, please delete immediately or hang up.”</p> <p>The company advised people who have provided their personal information to any of the scams to call ID CARE on 1300 432 273.</p> <p>Delia Rickard of the <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/tis-the-season-for-online-shopping-scams">Australian Competition and Consumer Commission</a> warned shoppers to be wary of online shopping scams in the leadup to holiday season.</p> <p>“Reported losses have tripled over the last three years and it is concerning that losses from this year are already so high,” said Rickard.</p> <p>“Many people enjoy the convenience of online shopping but it is important to remember that there can be risks involved.</p> <p>“If you do think you have been scammed, contact your bank as soon as possible.”  </p>

Domestic Travel

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Cruise ship workers reveal the “evil” lurking on board

<p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cruise ships host millions of people each year and thousands on a single vessel. While it is a holiday filled with relaxation, comfort and ease - there are a variety of different personalities that make their way onboard, and cruise staff must cater to each of these cruisers needs. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While it can be an enjoyable experience to make sure guests are satisfied, one former senior cruise ship officer Jay Herring told </span><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/1132937/cruise-2019-cruises-ship-social-evil-cheating-infidelity-crew-passengers"><span style="font-weight: 400;">express.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> there is a clear “social evil”permeating through the cruises. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In his book, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Truth About Cruise Ships, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">the former Carnival Cruise Lines employee said some experiences left a sour taste in his mouth, especially amongst passengers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For me, there was social evil on board the ship.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m speaking, of course, about rampant infidelity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“On land, I am probably surrounded by more unfaithful people than I realise.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jay also noted his wife, who worked abroad casinos on the same ship, saw “multiple affairs in progress every day.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It bothered me not just because I witnessed it, or it existed, what bothered me was that it was so commonplace and so frequent that its came to be considered normal behaviour,” she said. </span></p>

Cruising

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Airline “prohibits” passengers from taking photos onboard flight

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Garuda Airlines has found itself in some hot water recently after an internal memo circulated saying that passengers were “prohibited” from taking photos or videos whilst being on board their flight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The memo circulated around July 14, saying that, “It is not permissible to document activities on the plane, either in the form of photos or videos, by the cabin crew or passengers.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The letter was quickly shared online and went viral according to Indonesian news site </span><a href="https://kumparan.com/@kumparanbisnis/penumpang-garuda-indonesia-dilarang-foto-di-dalam-pesawat-1rTeLeiiZFI"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kumparan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The tone of the memo has since been softened, with another internal memo going around on July 16 saying that travellers are being “urged” instead of “prohibited”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The initial notice also said that passengers could be “sanctioned” by the airline for breaking the rules, but it is currently unclear as to whether this is still the case.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The amended statement was signed by operational director of Garuda Indonesia, Captain Bambang Adisurya Angkasa, who said that the measures are being introduced as a part of the airline’s commitment to protecting the privacy of all passengers and crew.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This appeal is based on reports, suggestions and input from passengers who feel uncomfortable and disturbed by shooting and documentation activities without prior permission from the concerned person,” said Angkasa, according to </span><a href="https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20190716115331-4-85257/garuda-larang-foto-selfie-di-pesawat-ini-penjelasannya"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CNBC Indonesia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He added that passengers are still able to take photos for personal use, such as selfies, as long as they’re not disturbing other travellers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"This appeal is intended so that all Garuda Indonesia flight operations comply with applicable rules and regulations including the aviation law, ITE Law, and other related laws."</span></p>

Travel Trouble

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Is there a doctor onboard? When passengers turn into patients

<p>There's nothing like a request for medical staff from the flight attendant to put your complaints about over-zealous seat recliners into perspective.</p> <p>What's a diverted inbound flight compared with an averted cardiac arrest? Being young, I rarely think about the toll flying can place on the body – other than the heightened stress when I'm languishing by the boarding gate too long.</p> <p>For many, it's a different story: where altitude pressure changes and long periods staying put can magnify present respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.</p> <p>This happened to a poor chap next to me on a recent flight from Vancouver to Auckland. Within minutes of take-off he found it difficult to breathe and nearly passed out. The call went out for doctors on-board, the cabin manager deployed the oxygen tank and within the hour he was back to normal.</p> <p>The situation was serious enough to stop me whining about the flight's niggles but was one a few I've been on where the cabin crew or flight deck had to do a shout out for any medical staff on-board.</p> <p>The airlines say their cabin crew are fully trained for most medical emergencies, professional doctors and nurses would merely be assisting – although I have witnessed some situations where they played a starring role. </p> <p>The carriers also have communication links to trained medical staff on the ground which can be called upon to talk them through anything major if a doctor is not onboard. To control the risk that there may not be a passenger with a medical degree onboard and, of course, for the benefit of the sick passenger too, each of the airlines surveyed said they used pre-flight medical checks.</p> <p>The only catch is that each passenger must sign up for these before getting clearance to fly, such as Air New Zealand's MEDA system, with the help of their GP. But how many older passengers can you think of who insist "I don't need all that fuss, I'm fine".</p> <p>My Auckland-bound Canadian clearly fell into this category. Check-in staff and ground crew are also on the look-out for passengers pre-flight who look visibly ill – and not just the ones who have gone a bit too hard at the departure lounge bar.</p> <p>Defibrillators, oxygen tanks CPR training and on-board medications for conditions like angina and allergic reactions are near-universal, but if things get serious in the air, it's the pilot not the doctor who gets to pull rank and decide if a diversion is necessary in a medical emergency.</p> <p>They will consider the passenger-turned–patient's condition, alternative airports, medical advice onboard from volunteers and from services such as MediLink and MediAire, which guide cabin crew on complex procedures.</p> <p>With the number of people flying increasing globally, combined with a wealthy but ageing population, it's easy to assume the number of these medical call-to-arms will increase rather than decrease (despite the design and technology improvements in newer aircraft).</p> <p>Of course, being dutiful and willing to help by nature, the holidaying doctors and nurses have always offered assistance without hesitation or, in fact, compensation. But, when things get serious, should airlines offer something more to than a cheery "thanks" to the passengers-come-medics?</p> <p>A gift of gratitude pales in comparison to costs related to a flight that may have otherwise been diverted causing commuter delays and holiday meltdowns aplenty and extra costs for the airline if diversions occur – or worse, if the cabin crew have to discretely deal with a passenger who dies en route (now that's a baggage fee we'd all like to avoid).</p> <p>It may only be tokenism, but one retired GP from the UK was irked enough recently when he was reportedly thanked by a budget airline for caring for a very sick woman on a flight with a free coffee from the snack trolley but asked to cough up $3 for a Kit Kat. He probably wanted to break more than chocolate fingers after the lack of awareness he (and other off-duty medical staff) shown by the cabin crew. It wasn't until he notified British media that he was gifted a flight voucher.</p> <p>Airlines closer to home have a mixed policy when I asked if they were known to bump-up any medical practitioners if they help out in a make-do-triage in the sky.</p> <p>Qantas informed me that any doctors or nurses that respond to the call of duty "insist it's their profession and a reward is not necessary". So back to cattle class please Doc if you're on the Flying Kangaroo.</p> <p>Its subsidiary, Jetstar, said although it doesn't officially have a reward programme "we have on occasion showed our appreciation by gifting a Jetstar flight voucher". The carrier kept it vague, but did say it "recognises" those who volunteer – which would come in handy when looking out for doctors or nurses on a flight.</p> <p>Singapore Airlines said they always reward medical assistance with "a gift", but whether it's a Kit Kat or an upgrade is anyone's guess.</p> <p>German giant Lufthansa passed with flying colours, giving doctors a €50 ($82) flight voucher just for signing up to their loyalty programme – that way the airline is aware ahead of time how many doctors are seated on a flight, should a mile-high medical situation occur.</p> <p><em>Written by Josh Martin. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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What you never knew about onboard cruise jails

<p>Cruise Security Officer, Vincent McNally, has revealed what happens behind the scenes when a passenger steps out of line.</p> <p>McNally, who previously worked at the FBI for 30 years, was a security officer for Holland America.</p> <p>"The security officer does everything,” McNally told Yahoo Travel.</p> <p>“I usually had a staff of seven or eight people, depending on how big the ship is. It could be more for bigger ships.” </p> <p>McNally said his job involved checking passengers on board, training and assisting in port security at ports of call.</p> <p>McNally revealed that his first response to a problem passenger was always to negotiate a situation.</p> <p>"One of the things that I pride myself on is that I never had to fight an individual all those five years,” McNally said. “If they were inebriated or if they were out of control, I was able to negotiate anything.”</p> <p>McNally shared one experience where he calmed down a drunk passenger.</p> <p>"He was yelling and screaming and walking around,” McNally said.</p> <p>“I intervened and then I just basically calmed the person down. You follow the level of voice up and down; you bring them down to a lower level then you escort them back to the room. It’s a difficult thing to do, but it can be done. I think that the format I developed worked pretty well since I had no fights, no physical altercations.”</p> <p>Whenever an unruly passenger would not negotiate with McNally, he would call the ship’s bridge and ask them to send down additional crew members as backup. The passenger would then see how outnumbered they were and quickly backdown.</p> <p>McNally also said that some cruise ships have jails for the most extreme circumstances.</p> <p>“Some [ships] have them and some don’t,” he said. “Basically it’s a padded cell.”</p> <p>“That would be in a severe case where the person has assaulted or gone another level above just yelling and screaming,” he said. </p> <p>However, the captain is the only person in charge of locking up passengers.</p> <p>“The captain would be the ultimate decision maker and he’d then consult with the duty person and security back at headquarters.” </p> <p>In his years working, McNally said he had never put anyone in a cruise jail cell.</p> <p>“I don’t think I ever put anyone in it,” he said. “I just get them to go back to their rooms." </p>

Cruising

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