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"Unimaginable curse": Karl Stefanovic pays tribute to fallen father

<p>Karl Stefanovic has paid tribute to Lachlan Webb, a young Queensland dad who sadly passed away from a rare genetic brain disorder. </p> <p>Webb first started showing symptoms of Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI) early last year, a rare degenerative brain disorder where the inability to fall asleep is just one of the many symptoms of the condition which many describe to be a living nightmare. </p> <p>From there the symptoms progress to the inability to walk, loss of sight and speech and eventual total shutdown of the body's ability to keep itself alive among others. </p> <p>The Queensland father had already lost his grandmother, aunties, uncles and his mum Narelle to the disease, with his mum passing away just six months after she was diagnosed. </p> <p>The condition is so rare that only 50 families worldwide are known to carry the gene. </p> <p>Karl Stefanovic first met Webb and his sister Hayley back in 2016, after they both learned that they carried the fatal gene. Despite the diagnosis the siblings were determined to ensure the "curse" ended with them, travelling to the US to participate in a clinical study.</p> <p>The siblings also both underwent IVF with their respective partners to ensure that their children won't carry the gene. </p> <p>"Lachlan was a remarkable man battling an unimaginable curse," Karl said on the <em>Today</em> show. </p> <p>"Everyone at Today is thinking of the Webb family, Hayley, Lachlan's beautiful wife Claire and his little boy Morrison."</p> <p>"Hayley also has that gene, their bravery and resilience was incredible to witness firsthand and it's such an important message - everyday is a gift and our thoughts, our prayers and our love are with you all this morning."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

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Grandparents found hugging after being killed by fallen tree

<p>Marcia Savage, 74, and Jerry Savage, 78, had already turned in for the night as Hurricane Helene roared outside. </p> <p>Their 22-year-old grandson, John Savage, had checked in on them to make sure they were fine after he heard a snap. </p> <p>“We heard one snap and I remember going back there and checking on them. They were both fine, the dog was fine." he recalled. </p> <p>But not long after disaster struck and John and his father heard a "boom" as one of the largest trees on their property in Beech Island, South Carolina came crashing down on top of his grandparents' bedroom, killing them. </p> <p>“All you could see was ceiling and tree,” he said. “I was just going through sheer panic at that point.”</p> <p>John said his grandparents were found hugging one another in the bed, in what he described as a final heroic act from Jerry who tried to protect his wife. </p> <p>“When they pulled them out of there, my grandpa apparently heard the tree snap beforehand and rolled over to try to protect my grandmother,” he said.</p> <p>Jerry did all sorts of handy work but worked mostly as an electrician and carpenter. Jerry went “in and out of retirement because he got bored”. </p> <p>“He’d get that spirit back in him to go back out and work," his grandson said. </p> <p>Marcia was a retired bank teller who was very involved in their church. </p> <p>Their daughter Tammy Estep said Marcia loved cooking for her family, especially for Thanksgiving, and was known for her banana pudding. </p> <p>The couple were high school sweethearts and were married for more than 50 years, with Tammy recalling that "their love was immediate, and it was everlasting”.</p> <p>“They loved each other to their dying day,” John said.</p> <p>The couple are among more than 150 people confirmed dead in one of the deadliest storms in US history. </p> <p>A GoFundMe organised for their funeral expenses says that they were survived by their son and daughter, along with their four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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New support system helps older Aussies who have fallen victim to scams

<p>A new support system has been set up to help vulnerable older Australians who have fallen victim to dangerous scams. </p> <p>With millions of Aussies targeted every year, many of these targets are elderly with 30 percent of victims hesitant to come forward because they are too embarrassed to admit what's happened to them.</p> <p>One such victim, 86-year-old Mary, said she was humiliated after falling for a scam saying she is old enough to know better. </p> <p>"It serves me right, I shouldn't have been so trusting," she said.</p> <p>"You blame yourself and you don't really want to tell people how stupid you are, so you think, 'Well, I'll just have to bear it'."</p> <p>Mary was scammed when she received a call from a man pretending to be a technician, saying he needed access to her computer to resolve a problem in her area. </p> <p>Step by step, the "technician" got Mary to log-in and give him complete access to her entire online identification, completely cleaning her out of $20,000 in savings.</p> <p>This is why <a title="ID Support NSW" href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ID Support NSW</a> is now offering a free service to help older Australians be able to protect themselves online and spot suspicious activity.</p> <p>"The most common scams are romance and impersonation scams, where people pretend to be someone they're not," ID Support NSW's Jacqueline Wilson told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/scam-awareness-week-id-support-nsw-offering-free-help-for-older-australians/20d3f8d6-fe32-4b1d-af32-294e47f4412d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a></em>.</p> <p>"Most start with a text or call and once someone responds or engages, they usually end up losing money."</p> <p>Jacqueline said the best thing you could do if you even suspect a scammer was to just hang up the phone, saying, "You don't need to indulge them, you don't need to be polite, you don't need to engage in a long conversation."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today</em> </p>

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Father of fallen footy star speaks out

<p>The father of a talented young footballer killed in a devastating crash over the weekend has expressed a selfless wish for the tragedy to serve as a vital reminder about road safety.</p> <p>Nick Campo, a South Fremantle Colts player, was the rear passenger in a Toyota HiLux that rolled and collided with a Jeep Patriot in Perth’s southern suburbs on Saturday night. Having recently turned 18, Campo <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rising-star-footy-player-dies-at-just-18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragically died at the scene</a>.</p> <p>A 17-year-old HiLux driver faced Perth Children's Court on Monday from his hospital bed, charged with several dangerous driving offences. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Campo's father <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/father-of-nick-campo-sends-remarkable-message-after-tragic-death-of-south-fremantle-footballer-c-15363644" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7NEWS</a> that the family is not angry at the driver accused of causing the crash and wants the incident to serve as a crucial reminder about road safety.</p> <p>Dozens of loved ones gathered at the crash site on Farrington Rd in North Lake to lay flowers and remember the talented sportsman known for his cheeky sense of humour.</p> <p>“Nick was one of a kind. A lot of people loved him,” one friend remarked. Another added, “He had a really good heart and was really funny. No matter what situation he was in, he could always make a joke.”</p> <p>Nick's heartbroken sister, Eva, also remembered her brother, expressing gratitude for the support she has received. “I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that’s reached out,” she said. “A lot of people loved him. I think a piece of him lives in a lot of people, including me.”</p> <p>Campo's school reached out to parents to offer support for those needing it. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“There are no adequate words to express our grief and sympathy around the loss of this wonderful young man.” Cockburn Cricket Club added, “We are thankful for the time we spent with Nick. A life well lived but gone way too soon.”</span></p> <p>Tyler Rowe, another 18-year-old passenger in the HiLux, remains in critical condition in Royal Perth Hospital’s intensive care unit. The charged driver was granted bail on the condition he does not operate a motor vehicle and will face court again in September.</p> <p><em>Images: 9 News | 7 News</em></p>

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"What an honour": Kevin Costner pays tribute to fallen Yellowstone costar

<p>Kevin Costner has paid tribute to his <em>Yellowstone</em> costar Dabney Coleman, who has passed away at the age of 92. </p> <p>Coleman, who played the role of  John Dutton, Sr. in the Paramount drama, died on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, according to his daughter Quincy Coleman, who broke the news in a statement to <em>The Associated Press</em>.</p> <p>She said he "took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely."</p> <p>“My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humour that tickled the funny bone of humanity. As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery,” she said.</p> <p>Yellowstone shared the news on Instagram with the message, "We're saddened by the passing of the Dabney Coleman, a legendary actor and member of the <em>Yellowstone</em> family."</p> <p>Kevin Costner stars as John Dutton, the son of Dabney's character on the show, paid tribute to the late actor as he shared a powerful flashback scene from the season 2 finale to his Instagram. </p> <p>Along with a photo from the moving TV moment, Costner wrote, "One of the most heart wrenching scenes I've been a part of. What an honor to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace."</p> <p>Fans left thoughtful comments about Dabney's performance as John Dutton, Sr. on the show, with one person writing, "Most touching scene of the whole show when he played that part! He will be greatly missed." </p> <p>Dabney earned his first acting credit in an episode of <em>Naked City</em> in 1961, before he went on to appear in countless TV spots over the course of his career, including <em>The Donna Reed Show</em>, <em>I Dream of Jeannie</em>, <em>Columbo</em>, <em>Law & Order: SVU</em>, <em>Recess The Guardian</em>, <em>Boardwalk Empire</em>, and <em>Ray Donovan</em> before landing his role on <em>Yellowstone</em>. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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"Find that car": Mother of fallen young lawyer speaks out

<p>Mitch East, a vibrant 28-year-old lawyer from New Zealand, lost his life on Sunday in an alleged hit-and-run accident that has sparked a desperate plea from his grieving mother and a heartfelt outcry from those who knew him.</p> <p>Debra East, now in Sydney to grapple with the unimaginable loss of her only child, stood on the roadside where Mitch's life was abruptly taken away. In an emotional <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/find-that-car-mother-of-lawyer-mitch-east-killed-in-sydney-hit-and-run-shares-desperate-plea-as-tributes-flow-c-14013341" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview with 7NEWS</a>, she expressed her shattered state, saying, "I'm broken. He was my only child... I died too, on Sunday, with him."</p> <p>The pain of a mother losing her child in such a sudden and senseless manner is unfathomable, and her plea to find the perpetrator echoes through the community.</p> <p>Mitch's untimely demise occurred as he stepped out of an Uber onto Fletcher St, just metres away from his home, in the early hours of the morning. It is believed that he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-investigate-after-young-lawyer-killed-in-cowardly-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener">struck by a car</a>, leaving him with critical injuries that tragically proved fatal. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Mitch passed away at the scene.</p> <p>The circumstances surrounding Mitch's death point to a hit-and-run incident, with CCTV footage capturing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-investigate-after-young-lawyer-killed-in-cowardly-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a white Subaru</a> driving on the street shortly after the accident.</p> <p>Debra East, grappling with grief and disbelief, voiced her anguish, questioning how the driver could have failed to see her son and pleading for assistance in locating the vehicle.</p> <p>“I got up early hours of the morning today and stood on the side of the road to try to understand how they couldn’t have seen him as they were driving up," she said. “I just need you to help the police find that car. Not that it will bring him back to me.”</p> <p>NSW Police Inspector Josh Hogan condemned the act as cowardly, urging the driver to come forward and take responsibility for their actions.</p> <p>Anyone with information about the death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe | NSW Police</em></p>

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"It breaks my heart": Robbie Williams' dedication to fallen Sydney fan

<p>Robbie Williams has dedicated an emotional song to the woman who passed away after an incident at his concert in Sydney.</p> <p>Robyn Hall, a woman in her 70s, died after spending a week in an induced coma, after she suffered a serious head injury at Williams' show at Allianz stadium on November 16th. </p> <p>Performing in Melbourne on Thursday, Williams addressed the devastating incident and dedicated his hit song <em>Angels</em> to Robyn and her family. </p> <p>He said on stage to the crowd at AAMI Park, “It breaks my heart and I’ve been thinking about it an awful lot and I’ve thought about it through the show tonight.”</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%2F7304437214732094728&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40theageaustralia%2Fvideo%2F7304437214732094728%3Fembed_source%3D121355059%252C121351166%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_masking%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Ddk79lclgtez2i.cloudfront.net%252FPyWtRc2%253Fapp%253D1%2526v%253D1%2526img%253D1%2526lazy%253D1%26referer_video_id%3D7304437214732094728&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo8cJDW8MgQerjBKI3SeYVvhS6CfAUQUwXD1FgA%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-alisg-i-0068%2FocfI48S6IAgjMyAgAEvQA5EgSDvWQfdeKwXIAF.image%3Fx-expires%3D1700949600%26x-signature%3DfCsDz4T93Vyn5CSPoqnmFZJY%252FOc%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>“I just want to give a big shout out and lots of love from me and my band to Robyn and Robyn’s family."</p> <p>“Let’s all sing up, she was somebody just like you who came to the gig just like you did tonight, this is for her.”</p> <p>After Robyn <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sydney-woman-who-died-at-robbie-williams-concert-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragically died</a> in St Vincent's Hospital, her son Michael paid tribute to his mum on Facebook, saying he had lost his "best friend". </p> <p>“I haven’t got the words to say what my mum meant to me,” he said.</p> <p>“Taken from under me and my best friend is no longer with me … I love you forever.”</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">A family friend said Hall loved the British singer and had “thoroughly” enjoyed the evening before tragedy struck.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“She was one of those ones who looked 50 but was 70. She took care of herself and didn’t need carers,” he said.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“Robyn was the most beautiful human I have ever met. Through all adversity, she smiled, hugged and laughed her way through,” he said.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“Broken hearts amongst all her family and friends, she will be missed by all who knew her.”</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><em>Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images</em></p> <div id="fuse-injected-22953829264-1" class="fuse-slot-dynamic publift-video-ad" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 24px; display: flex; justify-content: center;" data-fuse="22953829264" data-fuse-injected-at="1700777022430" data-fuse-code="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-zone-instance="zone-instance-22953829264-1" data-fuse-slot="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-processed-at="892"> <div id="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" class="fuse-slot" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: inherit; max-height: inherit;"></div> </div>

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Nat Barr overwhelmed by Police Commissioner's heartbreaking letter to his fallen son

<p>Nat Barr broke down live on <em>Sunrise</em> after hearing the heartbreaking letter from grieving police commissioner Grant Stevens, who lost his son just days ago in an <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-commissioner-s-son-killed-during-schoolies-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alleged hit and run</a> during schoolies. </p> <p>Charlie Stevens, 18, died on Saturday night surrounded by friends and family in Goolwa, 90km southeast of Adelaide, just a day after he celebrated finishing high school.</p> <p>Charlie's parents penned a letter to their youngest son, with the purpose of introducing South Australians to the 101st life lost on the state’s roads this year.</p> <p>On Tuesday morning, Matt Shirvington read an excerpt of the letter, and both hosts were equally emotional, with Shirvington's voice breaking at one point. </p> <p>“I am writing this sitting in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, six drinking glasses lined up on the bedside table, an empty KFC box next to the glasses, wardrobe doors left open and a row of skateboards leaning on the wall – it is a mess and it’s perfect. This is where 101 lived,” the letter read. </p> <p>“101 is Charles Stevens – Charlie, Charlie Boy, Chas, Links, Steve. You lived life and gave so much to so many. You were a force of nature and we will never forget your beautiful cheeky, disarming smile.</p> <p>“Son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, friends, workmate, teammate. So much more than just a number on a tragic tally.”</p> <p>His heartbroken parents described him as a "Cheeky, intense and funny" boy, who was loveable from the moment he could talk. </p> <p>"He was as frustrating as hell, but he was also the kid who would look after others, befriend the lonely, and help those who were struggling,” they added. </p> <p>“Intensity shone through as 101 committed to each new passion — Lego, BBL, scooters, footy, cricket, basketball, surfing, downhilling, Fortnight and his skateboard — it was all or nothing and it was always all.”</p> <p>His parents also shared stories about their son's passion for his work as an apprentice carpenter. </p> <p>“ … On a good day, we would be lucky to see 101 for half an hour between him getting home from work and heading out with his mates, but it was enough," they wrote. </p> <p>After sharing the emotional tribute, Nat Barr was choking back tears and had to cut to an ad break. </p> <p>The letter comes after the 18-year-old driver accused of being behind the wheel during the alleged hit-and-run was granted bail. </p> <p>On Monday, three witnesses stated in court that the driver performed a U-turn and hit Charlie, who was waiting for the Schoolies shuttle bus to take him and his friends to Victor Harbor from Goolwa Beach. </p> <p>It is alleged that the 18-year-old was speeding and  travelling on the wrong side of the road before hitting Charlie. </p> <p>Another witness from inside the car said that a group of young men were on the west side of the road, partially on the footpath, and that there was a single male on the other side.</p> <p>She told the court that the male on the east side ran across the road and into the incoming car. </p> <p>The driver allegedly drove a short distance before calling his mum and asking her if he should turn himself in or call the police, before he was arrested. </p> <p>He was granted bail, with the condition that he forfeits his passport, live with his mum, and set aside $15,000 as a guarantee. </p> <p><em>Images: SA Police/ Channel 7</em></p>

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Father of fallen teen footy player speaks out

<p>Castlemaine Football Netball Club, and the wider AFL Central Victoria community, are in mourning after losing one of their own over the weekend. </p> <p>Dallas Keogh-Frankling, an up-and-coming CFNC Under 18s player, was participating in an away game at the Kyneton Showgrounds when he was tackled. </p> <p>While the 17-year-old got up from the collision, even going on to play the rest of the game, he collapsed after the game, and passed away awaiting hospital transfer. </p> <p>His father, who had been with Dallas at the time of the tragedy, told the <em>Herald Sun</em> that, “late in the last quarter he was tackled on the boundary line by two people.</p> <p>“His arms were pinned and he landed on the ball next to the gates where people come onto the field.”</p> <p>Mark Frankling also reported that Dallas had gotten up “straight away”, but that on his way to the bench he could be seen grasping “his guts”, and that when Mark had gone to check on his son, he’d noted that he “might have broken ribs”.</p> <p>It was after the team’s coach had addressed the boys in the changing rooms that Dallas’ condition took a turn for the worst, with Mark recalling how he’d “looked over and saw his face was in a bit of pain, and I asked him if he was all right.</p> <p>“His eyes rolled in the back of his head, I yelled for the ambulance, and then he came to.”</p> <p>Mark had been certain things would be alright if Dallas - whose face looked “grey” - could just get to the hospital, and followed the ambulance his son was taken in.</p> <p>However, when he arrived at Kyneton Hospital, he could see paramedics attempting to revive his teenage son - and while he “came back … he flatlined again”.</p> <p>Dallas was meant to be transferred to Melbourne for further treatment, but tragically passed away before that could occur. </p> <p>“They worked again on bringing him back,” Mark said. “I held his hand and it felt cold. After an hour-and-a-half, they couldn’t bring him back.</p> <p>Mark and the rest of Dallas’ family are now asking the coroner to investigate, hoping for some answers into why Dallas - who was healthy and had no known pre-existing medical conditions - had died under these circumstances, because they “don’t want this to happen to anyone else.</p> <p>“I don’t want this to happen to any other kid, I don’t think Dallas would want this either.”</p> <p>As Mark went on to explain, he wanted “only good things” to come out of it, certain that his son would have wanted his friends to continue playing, rather than hanging up their boots in the wake of Dallas’ passing. </p> <p>“That’s life,” Mark said, “things can happen, accidents can happen. I just don’t want this to affect the footy club.” </p> <p>“But I want only good things to come from this. Dallas would still want them to play footy instead of not playing footy.</p> <p>“That’s life, things can happen, accidents can happen, I just don’t want this to affect the footy club.”</p> <p>According to Mark, Dallas had been “growing up so well”, devoting his life to the sport that he loved, and confessed that “it’s still hard to comprehend I won’t be driving him to footy, and him telling me what he’s going to do today.”</p> <p>“He was just a great kid. There was never a bad word about him. He had great people around him, quiet and polite.”</p> <p>The same message carried on across Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s heartfelt tribute to their young star - in which they also confirmed the heartbreaking news - with many of Dallas’ friends and teammates taking to the comments to share their messages of love and loss. </p> <p>“Dallas loved his football, he loved his Club, and he loved his team mates,” they wrote. “It is unfathomable to us that he is gone. At the behest of his family, training will continue to be offered this week to honour the fact that he would never want his death to dampen our love of the game …</p> <p>“To our wider football and netball community who have provided condolences, sent personal messages and posted tributes - we feel your support.</p> <p>“Our focus is now on Dallas’s family, his teammates, friends, and our wider Club community as we process his loss and come to terms with our collective grief.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcastlemainefnc%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02M48rZWpbd9kF8Y4ZsUvjhePYW89J74kkBDSKdGTZBCLZJME4UVNwioD9RaxjYKvvl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="738" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><em>Images: Facebook, 9News / Nine</em></p>

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"Never forgotten": ABBA pay tribute to fallen bandmate

<p>Lasse Wellander, long-term guitarist for ABBA, has passed away at 70 after a short battle with cancer. </p> <p>Lasse’s family made the heartbreaking announcement on social media, writing that it was “with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. </p> <p>“Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones.</p> <p>“You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Kind, safe, caring and loving... and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it's unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.</p> <p>“We love and miss you so much.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fverywellander%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0TSYwXc842w9nvLQe2FDhjCPK4RpgNH9zqxMQuWgMibi582Fn9vxyWMYmREj3f5Wkl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="680" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Shortly after, ABBA released a statement of their own, paying emotional tribute to their late bandmate. Lasse played an “integral role” in the group’s success through the ‘70s and ‘80s, and featured on 24 recordings, including a number of their greatest hits - from the likes of ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ to ‘The Winner Takes It All’, ‘Crazy World’, and ‘Thank You for the Music’.</p> <p>“Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist,” the band wrote on Facebook. “The importance of his creative work in the recording studio as well as his rock solid guitar work on stage was immense. </p> <p>“We mourn his tragic and premature death and remember the kind words, the sense of humour, the smiling face, the musical brilliance of the man who played such an integral role in the ABBA story. </p> <p>“He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.” </p> <p>The tribute was signed off by Agnetha [Fältskog], Björn [Ulvaeus], Anni-Frid ‘Frida’ [Lyngstad], and Benny [Andersson] - the same bandmates that Lasse began recording with in October 1974. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D762709755212655%26set%3Da.274452710705031%26type%3D3&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="397" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>As well as playing on all eight of ABBA’s albums, the late musician also experienced touring with the group, performing to sold-out crowds all over. In 2007, he even had the honour of working on the soundtrack for Mamma Mia!, a movie based on some of the band’s most popular songs. </p> <p>And in 2021, Lasse contributed to ABBA’s <em>Voyager </em>album, a reunion work that saw all four key members return with 10 new tracks to share with fans. </p> <p>Fans that have joined the band - and Lasse’s family - in paying tribute on social media, honouring his work and his vast contributions to the world of music. </p> <p>“Such sad news,” wrote one. “My condolences go to his family, friends and all his fellow musicians. RIP Lasse … Thank You For The Music Lasse.”</p> <p>“Such a sad loss. I still remember him on stage in Dortmund 1979, what a great concert, what a great musician,” shared another. “May he rest in peace.”</p> <p>“Thank you for the music Lasse. Your music will live on,” promised one. “Deepest condolences to you all and his family. We are mourning all around the world with you.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Kelsey Grammer's sweet tribute to beloved fallen cast mate

<p>Kelsey Grammer has paid tribute to his beloved friend and former Cheers co-star, who passed away from cancer at age 71.</p> <p>Grammer appeared on The Rachel Ray Show, describing Alley as “radiant”.</p> <p>“I loved Kirstie,” he said. “She was always beautiful. She just had that thing about her. She was a radiant human being and that came through her.”</p> <p>"She knew how to love. She was so honest in her emotions all the time.”</p> <p>Grammer even revealed that he once "got in trouble with the law", and Kirstie was one of the only people who really supported him.</p> <p>“She showed up,” he said. "She was one of the only ones who really showed up to be supportive and that was magnificent. She always made me laugh. Everything she did made me giggle. The first time I went to her house there were lemurs living on the property and I thought, only in Kirstie world.”</p> <p>One of the last times he was supposed to see her was at a book signing for a friend, but Grammer revealed she did not end up attending.</p> <p>"Kirstie was noticeably missing and about a week later she was gone," he said.</p> <p>The Rachel Ray Show host responded that she was also fond of Alley, "I'm just blessed that I even knew her and I'm thrilled that you shared some of those thoughts with us. Thank you, my friend.” She told Grammer.</p> <p>Kirstie Alley passed away from pancreatic cancer in December 2022. The <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/kirstie-alley-dies-at-age-71" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news of her death</a> was announced on Twitter by her children, Lillie and True Parker.</p> <p>Image credit: Getty</p>

Caring

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Richard Wilkins' emotional tribute to fallen star Renée Geyer

<p>Legendary Australian soul and jazz singer Renée Geyer has been remembered in a moving tribute from Richard Wilkins.</p> <p>Renée died at the age of 69 following complications from hip surgery, with her family telling supporters in a statement via Renée’s record label that “it was discovered that Renée also had inoperable lung cancer … she was in no pain and died peacefully amongst family and friends.”</p> <p>Richard, who spent time with Renée throughout his career in entertainment, recalled what the talented singer was like one-on-one, naming her a “great talent”.</p> <p>Renée’s husky vocals provided a soundtrack for many Australians during the '70s and '80s, after Renée launched her solo career with a self-titled album in September 1973.</p> <p>"She was just part of that Australian music collective from the seventies and eighties, and she never really embraced the industry," Wilkins told 9Honey Celebrity, “she did it on her own terms. She was just a true artist, really.”</p> <p>“She would be very positive and aggressive about her work,” he said, recalling how Renée would reach out to him over his response to her new releases, “and I loved her for that.”</p> <p>Renée’s talent and drive saw her awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Australian Women in Music Awards, and inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2013, Renée made history when she became the first woman to be inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame.</p> <p>Of her legacy, Richard shared his opinion that "hers was a voice for the ages and in a different time and a different place, she should have been a global superstar.</p> <p>“Us oldies love her and respect her. Whenever I've been asked over the years 'Who are the best singers in Australia or the best voices?' I'll obviously always include people like John Farnham and Tina Arena, and Renee Geyer was always one of my favourite picks.</p> <p>"She was always on my top 10 and will remain there."</p> <p>Friends and fans took to social media to share their grief, and to honour Renée alongside Wilkins.</p> <p>“Renée Geyer. A game changer. A soul diva. My sister in song,” wrote fellow singer Marcia Hines, “heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, and to the Australian music industry as a whole who have just lost a person who possessed one of the greatest voices I have ever heard.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Renée Geyer. A game changer. A soul diva. My sister in song. </p> <p>Heart felt condolences to her family and friends, and to the Australian music industry as a whole who have just lost a person who possessed one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. <a href="https://t.co/MdWwHaozO2">pic.twitter.com/MdWwHaozO2</a></p> <p>— Marcia Hines (@TheMarciaHines) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMarciaHines/status/1615200113579937792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett reflected on performing with Renée at a charity event, paying tribute to the star with his tweet, “she blew the roof off. One of the very best voices we ever had the privilege to hear.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh dear, big loss. Condolences to family, friends, fans. Sang with Renee at a charity show back in the day, of course she blew the roof off. One of the very best voices we ever had the privilege to hear. ‘Renee Geyer dies aged 69 <a href="https://t.co/92ml2WEQwy">https://t.co/92ml2WEQwy</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/ABCaustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABCaustralia</a></p> <p>— Peter Garrett (@pgarrett) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgarrett/status/1615206760125693953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Renée was irrepressible, cheeky and loyal and her musical legacy speaks for itself, with her performing and recording career spanning five decades,” her family shared in their statement, echoing sentiments from across the globe, “(she) lived her life as she performed — on her own terms and to the fullest. Beloved and respected, she was a force of nature and a national treasure, and her passing leaves a giant void in the Australian music industry.”</p> <p><em>Images: RCA Victor / Twitter</em></p>

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Mother's devastating tribute to fallen officer

<p>Sue Arnold, the mother of one of the fallen police officers killed during the horror ambush in remote southeast QLD, has shared a brief but touching tribute online.</p> <p>Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call.</p> <p>“Rest In Peace, my beautiful boy,” she wrote.</p> <p>The two officers were brutally murdered by the two brothers who stood over them and shot them again at close range, even as Constable McCrow pleaded for her life.</p> <p>Neighbour Alan Dare was also shot and killed in the attack, which sparked a massive manhunt for the offenders – Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and Gareth's wife Stacey.</p> <p>Two other brave police officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both 28, narrowly survived the attack, with Constable Brough becoming trapped in burning bushland as the assailants tried to smoke her out.</p> <p>Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers told NCA NewsWire that a team of 16 special forces officers were shot at as they tried to retrieve the bodies and rescue Constable Brough.</p> <p>“What I do know, is that after (the ambush), as the 16 went to retrieve Matt and Rachel, that they were fired at continuously,” he said.</p> <p>“They put their lives on the line to try to retrieve their colleagues in the hope they would be able to render first aid and save their lives but sadly that didn’t happen.</p> <p>Mr Leavers said constables Arnold and McCrow were “executed in cold blood”.</p> <p>The pregnant wife of Constable Kirk has also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/pregnant-wife-of-surviving-police-officer-opens-up" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared a touching update from hospital</a>, where her husband is recovering.</p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Have you fallen for the myth of ‘I can’t draw’? Do it anyway – and reap the reward

<p>Drawing is a powerful tool of communication. It helps build self-understanding and can <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0276237420923290">boost</a> mental health.</p> <p>But our current focus on productivity, outcomes and “talent” has us thinking about it the wrong way. Too many believe the <a href="http://www.visuallanguagelab.com/P/NC_drawingdevelopment.pdf">myth</a>of “I can’t draw”, when in fact it’s a skill built through practice.</p> <p>Dedicated practice is hard, however, if you’re constantly asking yourself: “What’s the point of drawing?”</p> <p>As I argue in a new <a href="https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/closure8/fisher">paper</a> in <a href="https://www.closure.uni-kiel.de/start_en">Closure E-Journal for Comic Studies</a>, we need to reframe our concept of what it means to draw, and why we should do it – especially if you think you can’t. </p> <p>Devoting a little time to drawing each day may make you happier, more employable and sustainably productive.</p> <h2>The many benefits of drawing</h2> <p>I’m a keen doodler who turned a hobby into a PhD and then a career. I’ve taught all ages at universities, in library workshops and online. In that time, I’ve noticed many people do not recognise their own potential as a visual artist; self-imposed limitations are common. </p> <p>That’s partly because, over time, drawing as a skill set has been devalued. <a href="https://mili.eu/insights/sunday-times-essential-workers-poll-response">A 2020 poll</a> ranked artist as the top non-essential job. </p> <p>But new jobs are emerging all the time for visual thinkers who can translate complex information into easily understood visuals.</p> <p>Big companies <a href="https://inkfactorystudio.com/">hire</a> comic creators to document corporate meetings visually, so participants can track the flow of ideas in real time. Cartoonists are paid to draft <a href="https://australiacouncil.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Graphic-Storytellers-at-Work-GSAW-Report-Case-Study-One.pdf">innovative, visual contracts</a> for law firms.</p> <p>Perhaps you were told as a child to stop doodling and get back to work. While drawing is often quiet and introspective, it’s certainly not a “waste of time”. On the contrary, it has significant mental health benefits and should be cultivated in children and adults alike.</p> <p>How we feel influences <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261661107_An_Introduction_to_the_Diagnostic_Drawing_Series_A_Standardized_Tool_for_Diagnostic_and_Clinical_Use">how we draw</a>. Likewise, engaging with drawing affects how we feel; it can help us understand and process our inner world.</p> <p>Art-making can <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0276237420923290">reduce anxiety</a>, <a href="https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ722383">elevate mood</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124538/">improve quality of life</a> and <a href="https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8bq69315">promote general creativity</a>. Art therapy has even been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16288447/">linked to</a> reduced symptoms of distress and higher quality of life for cancer patients.</p> <p>And it can help you enter a “flow state”, where self-consciousness disappears, focus sharpens, work comes easily to you and mental blockages seem to evaporate.</p> <h2>Cultivating a drawing habit</h2> <p>Cultivating a drawing habit means letting go of biases against drawing and against copying others to learn technique. Resisting the urge to critically compare your work to others’ is also important.</p> <p>Most children don’t care about what’s considered “essential” to a functioning society. They draw instinctively and freely. </p> <p>Part of the reason drawing rates are thought to be <a href="http://mtoku.yourweb.csuchico.edu/vc/Articles/toku/Toku_what%20is%20manga_.html">higher in Japan</a>is their immersion in Manga (Japanese comics), a broadly popular and culturally important medium. </p> <p>Another is an emphasis on diligent practice. Children copy and practise the Manga style, <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/20716077">providing a critical stepping stone</a> from free scribbling to controlled representation. Copying is not seen as a no-no; it’s integral to building skill.</p> <p>As researcher and artist Neil Cohn <a href="http://www.visuallanguagelab.com/P/NC_drawingdevelopment.pdf">argues</a>, learning to draw is similar to (and as crucial as) learning language, a skill built through exposure and practice, "Yet, unlike language, we consider it normal for people not to learn to draw, and consider those who do to be exceptional […] Without sufficient practice and exposure to an external system, a basic system persists despite arguably impoverished developmental conditions."</p> <p>So choose an art style you love and copy it. Encourage children to while away hours drawing. Don’t worry about how it turns out. Prioritise the conscious experience of drawing over the result.</p> <p>With regular practice, you may find yourself occasionally melting into states of “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)">flow</a>”, becoming wholly absorbed. A small, regular pocket of time to temporarily escape the busy world and enter a flow state via drawing may help you in other parts of your life.</p> <h2>How to get started</h2> <p>Use simple tools that you’re comfortable with, whether it’s a ballpoint pen on post-it notes, pencil on paper, a dirty window, or a foggy mirror. </p> <p>Times you’d typically be aimlessly scrolling on your phone are prime candidates for a quick sketch. Doodle when you’re on the phone, watching a movie, bored in a waiting room.</p> <p>Together with mindful doodling, drawing from observation and memory form a holy trinity of sustainable proficiency.</p> <p>Drawing from life strengthens your understanding of space and form. Copying other styles gives you a shortcut to new “visual libraries”. Drawing from memory merges the free play of doodling with the mental libraries developed through observation, bringing imagined worlds to life. </p> <p>With time and persistence, you may find yourself producing drawings you’re proud of. </p> <p>At that point, you can ask yourself: what other self-limiting beliefs are holding me back?</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/have-you-fallen-for-the-myth-of-i-cant-draw-do-it-anyway-and-reap-the-rewards-172623" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

Art

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Cancer mortality has fallen in Australia

<div class="copy"> <p>Cancer is becoming less deadly in Australia, according to the most recent biennial large-scale analysis.</p> <p>The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released its <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/cancer/reports" target="_blank">biennial report</a> on cancer in Australia, synthesising data on Australian cancers up to the year 2017.</p> <p>It finds that survival rates from cancer are continuing to improve, as they have done since the 1980s, and that the number of cancer diagnoses per 100,000 people has continued to fall from its peak in 2008.</p> <p>Nevertheless, the report also predicts that in 2021 alone, roughly 150,000 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer and 49,000 will die. The authors also estimate that, due to our ageing and growing population, there is likely to be 185,000 cancer diagnoses per year in Australia by 2031.</p> <p>“The estimates for 2021 presented in the report are based on actual data up to the end of 2017. They don’t take into account potential health service disruptions due to COVID-19, but are still useful for identifying trends in cancer cases in Australia,” says AIHW spokesperson Justin Harvey.</p> <p>Cancer diagnosis peaked at 508 cases per 100,000 Australians in 2008, and is now at 486 cases per 100,000 (excluding <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/non-melanoma-skin-cancer" target="_blank">non-melanoma skin cancers</a>, which are more common and typically much less serious than other forms of cancer). This decline is mostly due to improvements in prostate cancer diagnosis, with other forms of cancer diagnosis remaining stable.</p> <p>The death rate from cancer, however, has continued to fall, with overall five-year mortality rates dropping from 49% in 1988-1992, to 30% in 2013-2017. According to the report, there is a number of reasons for this – including a population-wide decrease in smoking, improved early detection methods, and the availability of better treatments.</p> <p>“Changes in survival rates over time varied by cancer type, with the largest survival improvements seen in prostate cancer, kidney cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and tongue cancer,” says Harvey.</p> <p>“While many cancers have high rates of survival, people diagnosed with cancers such as pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma have a less than one-in-five chance, on average, of surviving at least five years after diagnosis.”</p> <p>Rare and less common cancers (including cancer of the stomach, liver, bladder and brain) are also deadlier, accounting for 30% of diagnoses in 2017 but 42% of deaths.</p> <p>Cancer is still more deadly for men than it is for women, but this is beginning to equalise, with the male mortality rate falling faster than the female mortality rate.</p> <p>While it’s good news that the death and diagnosis rates are falling, the AIHW report stresses that there is still much work to be done on cancer prevention and treatment. Just under half (42%) of the cancer burden can be attributed to behavioural factors like smoking, and the cancer burden does not fall evenly among Australians.</p> <p>Indigenous Australians are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 20% less likely to survive at least five years after diagnosis. People living in the regions are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, with increasing remoteness tied to decreasing survival chances. And people in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are 5% less likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those in areas with the highest socioeconomic status, but 40% more likely to die from it.</p> <p>The AIHW also stresses that COVID-19 and its associated effects may have undone some of the progress of the past decades.</p> <p>“After increasing by an average of 1% per year over the previous 20 years, the rate of cancer-related hospitalisations decreased by 1% between 2018-19 and 2019-20 – noting that COVID-19 restrictions were in place only during the last quarter of 2019-20,” says Harvey.</p> <p>“COVID-19 restrictions also appear to have affected uptake of breast ultrasound, mammography, breast MRI and colonoscopy.”</p> <p>The report doesn’t cover population-wide data for 2020 and 2021, and this won’t be collated and examined in full for another few years.</p> <p>“The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnosis and treatment will not be known for some time,” says Harvey.</p> <!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=174437&amp;title=Cancer+mortality+has+fallen+in+Australia" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> <!-- End of tracking content syndication --></div> <div id="contributors"> <p><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/cancer-death-rate-mortality-australia-inequities-aihw/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/ellen-phiddian">Ellen Phiddian</a>. Ellen Phiddian is a science journalist at Cosmos. She has a BSc (Honours) in chemistry and science communication, and an MSc in science communication, both from the Australian National University.</p> <p><em>Image: Oleg Elkov / Getty Images</em></p> </div>

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"It's been unbearable": Sarah Jessica Parker finally breaks silence on fallen co-star

<p>Actress Sarah Jessica Parker has broken her silence on the death of her friend and <em>Sex and the City</em> co-star Willie Garson. </p> <p>Willie died on September 21st after a battle with pancreatic cancer. </p> <p>A flood of <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tributes-pour-in-for-willie-garson-who-has-died-at-57" target="_blank">tributes poured in</a> for the 57-year-old following the news of his death, with SJP saying at the time, "It's too soon". </p> <p>But on Friday, she penned an emotional tribute to her late friend, saying "It's been unbearable."</p> <p>Her caption reads, “Sometimes silence is a statement. Of the gravity. The anguish. The magnitude of the loss of a 30+ year friendship.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNtHhyFBf0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNtHhyFBf0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by SJP (@sarahjessicaparker)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“A real friendship that allowed for secrets, adventure, a shared professional family, truth, concerts, road trips, meals, late night phone calls, a mutual devotion to parenthood and all the heartaches and joy that accompany, triumphs, disappointments, fear, rage and years spent on sets (most especially Carrie’s apartment) and laughing late into the night as both Stanford and Carrie and Willie and SJ.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Willie. I will miss everything about you. And replay our last moments together,” Parker’s post continued.</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“I will re-read every text from your final days and put to pen our last calls. Your absence a crater that I will fill with blessing of these memories and all the ones that are still in recesses yet to surface."</p> <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0"> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“My love and deepest sympathies and condolences to you dear Nathen. You were and are the light of Willie’s life and his greatest achievement was being your Papa."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“These were his last words to me. ‘Great bangles all around.’ Yes. Godspeed Willie Garson. RIP. X, SJ,” she ended her post.</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">Along with the lengthy emotional caption, Sarah shared a series of photos of the pair from both on and off screen, as both colleagues and friends. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">The two had recently been working together on the set of <em>And Just Like That...</em>, in which Willie returned to his role as Stanford Blatch, Carrie Bradshaw's lifelong friend. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">Other Sex and the City alumni shared tributes to the actor, including Cynthia Nixon, executive producer of the show Michael Patrick King, and Willie's on-screen partner Mario Cantone. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I couldn’t have had a more brilliant TV partner. I’m devastated and just overwhelmed with Sadness. Taken away from all of us way soon. You were a gift from the gods. Rest my sweet friend. I love you. <a href="https://t.co/Ia4tg1VK1Y">pic.twitter.com/Ia4tg1VK1Y</a></p> — Mario Cantone (@macantone) <a href="https://twitter.com/macantone/status/1440466454160101382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">So deeply, deeply sad we have lost <a href="https://twitter.com/WillieGarson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WillieGarson</a>. We all loved him and adored working with him. He was endlessly funny on-screen and and in real life. He was a source of light, friendship and show business lore. He was a consummate professional— always. <a href="https://t.co/G63EJIj8lG">pic.twitter.com/G63EJIj8lG</a></p> — Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaNixon/status/1440481643936948238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><em>Image credits: Instagram @sarahjessicaparker</em></p> </div>

Caring

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Kabul has fallen: What's happening in Afghanistan

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After 20 years of combat and billions of dollars invested by the US and NATO to build up Afghan forces, Taliban fighters have seized nearly all of Afghanistan in little over a week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After ousting Taliban forces from power in 2001, the US and Western allies - including Australia - have spent the last 20 years fighting the Taliban, as well as training and equipping Afghan security forces.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier this year, US President Joe Biden announced the US would end its military mission in the country this year, with troops withdrawing by August 31.</span></p> <p><strong>Latest developments</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kabul, the country’s capital, was seized hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though he did not reveal where he had fled to, Mr Ghani said in a Facebook post that he did not want to see bloodshed in Kabul.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Al Jazeera news has since reported that the president, his wife, his chief of staff, and national security advisor have left for Tashkent in Uzbekistan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Taliban now say the war in Afghanistan is over, and that they will hold talks in the coming days aimed at forming an “open, inclusive Islamic government”, according to Taliban spokesman and negotiator Suhail Shaheen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since the capture of Kabul, helicopters have been seen racing overhead to evacuate personnel from the US Embassy.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:333.49609375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843148/gettyimages-1234687815.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ab8f7cf42c514d83b3f282c1913a3e10" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">A US military helicopter pictured flying above the US embassy. Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Embassy staff destroyed important documents ahead of their evacuation, and the American flag was lowered.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Afghan citizens have also scrambled to flee the country, fearing the Taliban could reintroduce the brutal rules that stripped women of their rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thousands have attempted to flee, with roads reported to be gridlocked and gunfire being heard at the airport.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The United States, Australia, New Zealand and over 50 other nations have also issued a joint statement on Afghanistan, which reads: “Given the deteriorating security situation, we support, are working to secure, and call on all parties to respect and facilitate, the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan bear responsibility - and accountability - for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so; roads, airports and border crossing must remain open, and calm must be maintained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready to assist them.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Russian news has also confirmed that the Taliban has promised to guarantee the safety of the Russian embassy in Kabul, and that it will remain functional.</span></p> <p><strong>Australian forces to rescue Australians</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Cabinet’s National Security committee has met to discuss military efforts to evacuate citizens and former Afghan staff, while the Federal Government considers increasing the number of Afghan nationals allowed into the country as refugees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking this morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to clarify how many Australian citizens remained in Afghanistan, commenting that it is “a very distressing situation”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We are working on to ensure we can safely remove people from that situation with partners and allies,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I can’t go too much into the operational details of this.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After announcing that RAAF planes would be airlifting Australians and Afghan interpreters and contractors out of the country on Sunday, Mr Morrison refused to confirm whether the changing situation threatened to derail the government’s plans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m not going to go into the operations; it’s for the protection of those we’re engaged in seeking to provide their safety,” Mr Morrison said.</span></p>

Travel Trouble

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“Bloody proud”: Ash Barty’s gracious words for fallen opponent

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Ash Barty is keeping her Wimbledon dream alive after defeating Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1 6-3 and is on her way to the semi-finals.</p> <p>She will face 2018 champion Angelique Kerber on Thursday, but Barty was full of praise for Tomljanovic after the intense match.</p> <p>“It’s the ultimate test,” Barty said. “Angie’s had success here before. I love that match-up. She knows her way around this court and I know I need to play well to give myself a chance in that match.</p> <p>“This is a dream come true.”</p> <p>Tomljanovic has unfortunately never made it past the round of 16 at a grand slam.</p> <p>“The match-up felt really bad from my side,” Tomljanovic said. “Felt like she was neutralising my serve with the slice, which kind of set the tone for me and made me really uncomfortable because it was hard to break her.</p> <p>“She was serving great, and the slice was just really hard to deal with today.”</p> <p>Barty was still full of praise for her competitor.</p> <p>“Ajla is an incredible competitor. I’ve practised with her a lot, played with her as Fed Cup teammates. She was always going to bring out the very best in me,” Barty said.</p> <p>“I had to play my absolute best to be able to compete with her. She’s had an incredible fortnight and I think all Aussies back home are bloody proud of her. It was really nice to share the court with her today.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

News

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Self-employed Australians’ hours have fallen 32% since coronavirus hit – double the impact on all employees

<p>pandemic, with total hours worked across the economy officially <a href="https://theconversation.com/were-it-not-for-jobkeeper-unemployment-would-be-11-7-up-from-5-2-in-one-month-heres-how-the-numbers-pan-out-138268">falling 9%</a> between early March and early April 2020.</p> <p>Our analysis, using data from the quarterly <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/publications/hardship-distress-and-resilience-initial-impacts-covid-19-australia">ANUpoll</a>, suggests the self-employed have been hit harder, with average weekly hours dropping by almost a third between February and April 2020. More than eight out of 10 self-employed Australians say their profits have taken a significant hit.</p> <p><strong>Decline in hours worked for the self employed</strong></p> <p>The ANUpoll is an important economic and social barometer in Australia because it is a longitudinal survey – polling the same group of people multiple times throughout the year. This enables a more accurate snapshot of how individuals are being affected.</p> <p>The <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/surveys/anupoll">data we are releasing today</a> was collected from 3,155 Australians between April 14 and April 27.</p> <p>It shows the 32% drop in hours worked by the self-employed (from 35.2 to 23.8 hours) was about double that of all employees, whose hours declined by 16% (from 35.5 to 29.7 hours).</p> <p>The following infographic illustrates the degree of decline for all the self-employed in the poll (about 240 people). The blue dots above the red line show those working more hours in April; those below the line show those working less. Note the number at or near zero.</p> <p>Almost a third said their business would be unviable if financial trends continued for two months. If trends persisted for six months, 40% doubted they could survive.</p> <p><strong>The impact on savings and wellbeing</strong></p> <p>The proportion of self-employed saying they were finding it difficult or very difficult to survive on their current income increased from 29% to 36%.</p> <p>This contrasts with an aggregate improvement among employees, most likely due to higher payments for those on lower incomes, such as the A$750 given to social security recipients.</p> <p>21% of self-employed respondents said they had accessed retirement savings or superannuation early, compared with 7% of employees.</p> <p>Among those thinking their business was unviable, 69% reported feeling anxious and worried, compared with 59% of those thinking their business was viable. Life satisfaction was also lower (5.6 out 10 compared to 7.0).</p> <p><strong>What does this mean for the self-employed in 2020?</strong></p> <p>Current policies includes a large amount of targeted assistance for the self-employed. Without that assistance, the outcomes summarised above would be far worse.</p> <p>As physical distancing restrictions are eased, it will be important to continue to monitor how the self-employed are faring to ensure the level of government support is sufficient and well-targeted.</p> <p><em>Written by Matthew Gray and Nicholas Biddle. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/self-employed-australians-hours-have-fallen-32-since-coronavirus-hit-double-the-impact-on-all-employees-138718">The Conversation.</a></em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Sam Johnson: “I’ve fallen in love with my sister’s best friend”

<p>She’s been by his side even before the passing of his late sister Connie, and last week, Samuel Johnson took to Instagram to praise the “beautiful and gentle” woman who he’s fallen head over heels for.</p> <p>“This koala makes everything with me. We have built some unusual dreams together over many years,” he captioned a photo featuring the brunette with her face concealed. It was later discovered that the woman in question was Emma Rooke.</p> <p>“Without her heart and brain, my dreams would remain just that. Thanks for building all the things with me little miss koala. I hope to build one more, as always, but as we know, it’s not up to us.”</p> <p>While the pair have been close for a number of years, it wasn’t until Connie’s death their bond strengthened even further.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkvEKEnKp5/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkvEKEnKp5/" target="_blank">I'm a decent bloke but it's more because of these two than me. The one on my right raised me and loved me more than anyone else. The one on my left made all my dreams and ambitions real. One dream builder and one dream weaver equals a half decent fella. Nought without 'em is my point. Never forget how blessed we are fellas. Happy friday fuckers.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/samueljjohnson78/" target="_blank"> Samuel Johnson</a> (@samueljjohnson78) on Aug 17, 2018 at 1:53am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>During his stint on<span> </span><em>Dancing With The Stars</em>, Emma was spotted in the crowd cheering him on as he ultimately won the competition, earning $50,000 for his charity Love Your Sister.</p> <p>“His eyes lit up when he talked about his partner, but I think the two of them try and keep their relationship private,” a<span> </span><em>DWTS</em><span> </span>staff member told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/sam-johnson-new-girlfriend-55466" target="_blank">Woman’s Day</a>.</em></p> <p>“I know Emma was at the finale to see Sam win and she was with him at the party afterwards. I think it’s really sweet. If anyone deserves happiness, Sam does.”</p> <p>Emma and Connie initially met when they were 12 years old, it was during that time Connie was diagnosed with cancer for the first time.</p> <p>Shortly before Connie’s passing, Sam told his Instagram followers that Emma was his sister’s “bestie since, like, forever.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/_dokDElTSj/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_dokDElTSj/" target="_blank">Time to knock off for a bit. Thanks for a great year. #nowisawesome @i.am.connie @samueljjohnson78</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/loveyoursister/" target="_blank"> Love Your Sister</a> (@loveyoursister) on Dec 18, 2015 at 10:17pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“She runs LYS top to bottom since Day 1. On her business card her title is quite rightly ‘The Hecktickest’.”</p> <p>Emma then confirmed the pair were seeing each other, after sharing a photo of her and Sam and captioning it with words from an apparent love letter from the 41-year-old.</p> <p>“Her name is Emma and her heart is very almost too big. Thanks for being so thoughtful to so many Emma. One day I’m going to find the present for you that makes your heart sore no more. Just like you did for me.”</p> <p>It ends with, “I love you always, from you know who.”</p> <p>The Logie award winning actor hasn’t had an easy life, with his mum committing suicide when he was only a toddler, followed by his former girlfriend, Lainie Woodlands, also taking her life in 2006 after they broke up.</p> <p>These events led to the entertainer spiralling into depression, but now, friends say that thanks to Emma, Sam is learning to enjoy life once again.</p>

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