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How do I keep my fruit, veggies and herbs fresh longer? Are there any ‘hacks’?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/senaka-ranadheera-199225">Senaka Ranadheera</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>We all know <a href="https://theconversation.com/frozen-canned-or-fermented-when-you-cant-shop-often-for-fresh-vegetables-what-are-the-best-alternatives-131678">fresh produce is good for us</a>, but fruit, vegetables and herbs have a tendency to perish quickly if left uneaten.</p> <p>This is because <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429219305188">even after harvesting</a>, produce from living plants tends to continue its biological processes. This includes respiration: producing energy from stored carbohydrates, proteins and fats while releasing carbon dioxide and water vapour. (Ever found a sprouting potato in your pantry?)</p> <p>On top of that, fresh produce also <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/agriculture/special_issues/quality_safety_fresh_produce">spoils easily thanks to various microbes</a> – both harmless and ones that can cause disease, called pathogens.</p> <p>Simply chucking things in the fridge won’t solve the problem, as different types of plants will react differently to how they’re stored. So, how can you combat food waste and keep produce fresh for longer? Fortunately, there are some helpful tips.</p> <h2>Freshness and quality begin at the farm</h2> <p>Farmers always aim to harvest produce when it’s at an optimal condition, but both pre-harvest and post-harvest factors will affect freshness and quality even before you buy it.</p> <p>Pre-harvest factors are agricultural, such as climatic conditions, soil type and water availability. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429219305188">Post-harvest factors</a> include washing and cleaning after harvesting, transportation and distribution, processing and packaging, and storage.</p> <p>As consumers we can’t directly control these factors – sometimes the veggies we buy just won’t be as good. But we can look out for things that will affect the produce once we bring it home.</p> <p>One major thing to look out for is bruised, wounded or damaged produce. This can happen at any stage of post-harvest handling, and can really speed up the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814609001411">decay of your veggies and fruit</a>.</p> <p>Moisture loss through damaged skin speeds up deterioration and nutrient loss. The damage also makes it easier for <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468014119301943">spoilage microbes</a> to get in.</p> <h2>To wash or not to wash?</h2> <p>You don’t need to wash your produce before storing it. A lot of what we buy has already been washed commercially. In fact, if you wash your produce and can’t get it completely dry, the added moisture could speed up decay in the fridge.</p> <p>But washing produce <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-we-really-have-to-wash-fruit-and-vegetables-53039">just before you use it</a> is important to remove dirt and pathogenic bugs.</p> <p>Don’t use vinegar in your washing water despite what you see on social media. Studies indicate <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16496573/">vinegar has no effect</a> on lowering microbial loads on fresh produce.</p> <p>Similarly, don’t use baking soda. Even though there’s some evidence baking soda <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03118">can remove pesticide residues</a> from the surface of some produce, it’s not advisable at home. Just use plain tap water.</p> <h2>Location, location, location</h2> <p>The main thing you need is the correct type of packaging and the correct location – you want to manage moisture loss, decay and ripening.</p> <p>The three main storage options are on the counter, in the fridge, or in a “cool, dry and dark place”, such as the pantry. Here are some common examples of produce and where best to put them.</p> <p>Bananas, onion, garlic, potatoes, sweet potato and whole pumpkin will do better in a dark pantry or cupboard. Don’t store potatoes and onions together: onions produce a gas called ethylene that makes potatoes spoil quicker, while the high moisture in potatoes spoils onions.</p> <p>In fact, don’t store fruits such as apples, pears, avocado and bananas together, because these fruits <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15538362.2013.748378#:%7E:text=%27Malindi%27%20had%20higher%20respiration%20rates,retention%20in%20fruit%20during%20ripening">release ethylene gas</a> as they ripen, making nearby fruits ripen (and potentially spoil) much faster. That is, unless you <em>do</em> want to ripen your fruits fast.</p> <p>All leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower and broccoli will do best in the low-humidity drawer (crisper) in the fridge. You can put them in perforated plastic bags to retain moisture but maintain air flow. But don’t put them in completely sealed bags because this can slow down ripening while <a href="https://ucanr.edu/sites/hdnmastergardeners/files/338860.pdf">trapping carbon dioxide</a>, leading to decay and bad smells.</p> <p>Some fruits will also do best in the fridge. For example, apples and citrus fruits such as oranges can keep fresh longer in the fridge (crisper drawer), although they can stay at room temperature for short periods. However, don’t store watermelon in the fridge for too long, as it will lose its flavour and deep red colour if kept refrigerated <a href="https://ucanr.edu/sites/hdnmastergardeners/files/338860.pdf">for longer than three days</a>.</p> <p>Most herbs and some leafy vegetables – like celery, spring onions and asparagus – can be kept with stems in water to keep them crisp. Keep them in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight, so they don’t get too warm and wilt.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHu10C1DAds?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Experimenting at home is a good way to find the best ways to store your produce.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Fight food waste and experiment</h2> <p><strong>Don’t buy too much.</strong> Whenever possible, buy only small amounts so that you don’t need to worry about keeping them fresh. Never buy bruised, wounded or damaged produce if you plan to keep it around for more than a day.</p> <p><strong>“Process” your veggies for storage.</strong> If you do buy a large quantity – maybe a bulk option was on sale – consider turning the produce into something you can keep for longer. For example, banana puree made from really ripe bananas can be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0023643817300853">stored for up to 14 days at 4°C</a>. You can use <a href="https://theconversation.com/frozen-canned-or-fermented-when-you-cant-shop-often-for-fresh-vegetables-what-are-the-best-alternatives-131678">freezing, blanching, fermentation and canning</a> for most vegetables.</p> <p><strong>Consider vacuum sealing.</strong> Vacuum packaging of vegetables and berries can keep them fresh longer, as well. For example, vacuum-sealed beans can keep up to 16 months in the fridge, but will last only about <a href="https://www.vacpac.com.au/vacuum-sealed-life-expectancy-how-long-will-my-vacuum-sealed-products-last">four weeks in the fridge unsealed</a>.</p> <p><strong>Keep track.</strong> Arrange your fridge so you can see the produce easily and use it all before it loses freshness.</p> <p><strong>Experiment with storage hacks.</strong> Social media is full of tips and hacks on how best to store produce. Turn your kitchen into a lab and try out any tips you’re curious about – they might just work. You can even use these experiments as a way to teach your kids about the importance of reducing food waste.</p> <p><strong>Grow some of your own.</strong> This isn’t <a href="https://theconversation.com/growing-your-own-food-and-foraging-can-help-tackle-your-ballooning-grocery-bill-heres-how-216264">feasible for all of us</a>, but you can always try having some herbs in pots so you don’t need to worry about keeping them fresh or using up a giant bunch of mint all at once. <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-are-microgreens-better-for-you-than-regular-greens-73950">Growing your own microgreens</a> could be handy, too.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226763/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/senaka-ranadheera-199225">Senaka Ranadheera</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-i-keep-my-fruit-veggies-and-herbs-fresh-longer-are-there-any-hacks-226763">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

Cost of living: if you can’t afford as much fresh produce, are canned veggies or frozen fruit just as good?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180"><em>University of South Australia</em></a></em></p> <p>The cost of living crisis is affecting how we spend our money. For many people, this means tightening the budget on the weekly supermarket shop.</p> <p>One victim may be fresh fruit and vegetables. Data from the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/australians-consuming-fewer-vegetables-fruit-and-less-milk#:%7E:text=Paul%20Atyeo%2C%20ABS%20health%20statistics,278%20to%20267%20to%20grams.%E2%80%9D">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a> (ABS) suggests Australians were consuming fewer fruit and vegetables in 2022–23 than the year before.</p> <p>The cost of living is likely compounding a problem that exists already – on the whole, Australians don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables. <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating">Australian dietary guidelines</a> recommend people aged nine and older should consume <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/fruit">two</a> serves of fruit and <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/vegetables-and-legumes-beans">five</a> serves of vegetables each day for optimal health. But in 2022 the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/dietary-behaviour/latest-release">ABS reported</a> only 4% of Australians met the recommendations for both fruit and vegetable consumption.</p> <p>Fruit and vegetables are crucial for a healthy, balanced diet, providing a range of <a href="https://theconversation.com/were-told-to-eat-a-rainbow-of-fruit-and-vegetables-heres-what-each-colour-does-in-our-body-191337">vitamins</a> and minerals as well as fibre.</p> <p>If you can’t afford as much fresh produce at the moment, there are other ways to ensure you still get the benefits of these food groups. You might even be able to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables.</p> <h2>Frozen</h2> <p>Fresh produce is often touted as being the most nutritious (think of the old adage “fresh is best”). But this is not necessarily true.</p> <p>Nutrients can decline in transit from the paddock to your kitchen, and while the produce is stored in your fridge. Frozen vegetables may actually be higher in some nutrients such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25526594/">vitamin C and E</a> as they are snap frozen very close to the time of harvest. Variations in transport and storage can affect this slightly.</p> <p><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf504890k">Minerals</a> such as calcium, iron and magnesium stay at similar levels in frozen produce compared to fresh.</p> <p>Another advantage to frozen vegetables and fruit is the potential to reduce food waste, as you can use only what you need at the time.</p> <p>As well as buying frozen fruit and vegetables from the supermarket, you can freeze produce yourself at home if you have an oversupply from the garden, or when produce may be cheaper.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.growveg.com.au/guides/freezing-vegetables-and-herbs-the-garden-foodie-version/">quick blanching</a> prior to freezing can improve the safety and quality of the produce. This is when food is briefly submerged in boiling water or steamed for a short time.</p> <p>Frozen vegetables won’t be suitable for salads but can be eaten roasted or steamed and used for soups, stews, casseroles, curries, pies and quiches. Frozen fruits can be added to breakfast dishes (with cereal or youghurt) or used in cooking for fruit pies and cakes, for example.</p> <h2>Canned</h2> <p>Canned vegetables and fruit similarly often offer a cheaper alternative to fresh produce. They’re also very convenient to have on hand. The <a href="https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can#gsc.tab=0">canning process</a> is the preservation technique, so there’s no need to add any additional preservatives, including salt.</p> <p>Due to the cooking process, levels of heat-sensitive nutrients <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jsfa.2825">such as vitamin C</a> will decline a little compared to fresh produce. When you’re using canned vegetables in a hot dish, you can add them later in the cooking process to reduce the amount of nutrient loss.</p> <p>To minimise waste, you can freeze the portion you don’t need.</p> <h2>Fermented</h2> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723656/">Fermentation</a> has recently come into fashion, but it’s actually one of the oldest food processing and preservation techniques.</p> <p>Fermentation largely retains the vitamins and minerals in fresh vegetables. But fermentation may also enhance the food’s nutritional profile by creating new nutrients and allowing existing ones to be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9352655/">absorbed more easily</a>.</p> <p>Further, fermented foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial for our <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10051273/">gut microbiome</a>.</p> <h2>5 other tips to get your fresh fix</h2> <p>Although alternatives to fresh such as canned or frozen fruit and vegetables are good substitutes, if you’re looking to get more fresh produce into your diet on a tight budget, here are some things you can do.</p> <p><strong>1. Buy in season</strong></p> <p>Based on supply and demand principles, buying local seasonal vegetables and fruit will always be cheaper than those that are imported out of season from other countries.</p> <p><strong>2. Don’t shun the ugly fruit and vegetables</strong></p> <p>Most supermarkets now sell “ugly” fruit and vegetables, that are not physically perfect in some way. This does not affect the levels of nutrients in them at all, or their taste.</p> <p><strong>3. Reduce waste</strong></p> <p>On average, an Australian household throws out <a href="https://www.ozharvest.org/food-waste-facts/">A$2,000–$2,500</a> worth of food every year. Fruit, vegetables and bagged salad are the <a href="https://www.ozharvest.org/food-waste-facts/">three of the top five foods</a> thrown out in our homes. So properly managing fresh produce could help you save money (and benefit <a href="https://endfoodwaste.com.au/why-end-food-waste/">the environment</a>).</p> <p>To minimise waste, plan your meals and shopping ahead of time. And if you don’t think you’re going to get to eat the fruit and vegetables you have before they go off, freeze them.</p> <p><strong>4. Swap and share</strong></p> <p>There are many websites and apps which offer the opportunity to swap or even pick up free fresh produce if people have more than they need. Some <a href="https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/environment/sustainable-lifestyles/community-fruit-and-vege-swaps">local councils are also encouraging</a> swaps on their websites, so dig around and see what you can find in your local area.</p> <p><strong>5. Gardening</strong></p> <p>Regardless of how small your garden is you can always <a href="https://www.gardeningaustraliamag.com.au/best-vegies-grow-pots/">plant produce in pots</a>. Herbs, rocket, cherry tomatoes, chillies and strawberries all grow well. In the long run, these will offset some of your cost on fresh produce.</p> <p>Plus, when you have put the effort in to grow your own produce, <a href="https://mdpi-res.com/sustainability/sustainability-07-02695/article_deploy/sustainability-07-02695.pdf?version=1425549154">you are less likely to waste it</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229724/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250"><em>Evangeline Mantzioris</em></a><em>, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cost-of-living-if-you-cant-afford-as-much-fresh-produce-are-canned-veggies-or-frozen-fruit-just-as-good-229724">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

Nostradamus prediction on King Charles sparks fresh theories

<p>An eerie prediction on King Charles made by 16th century astrologer Nostradamus has resurfaced following the royal's cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>The French physician is known for his uncannily accurate predictions which he wrote in a tome called <em>Les Propheties</em> in 1555. </p> <p><em>Les Propheties</em> contains 942 predictions which have been analysed over the years, and some have claimed that it foresaw major events including the Great Fire of London in 1666 , the French Revolution and even 9/11. </p> <p>It is also believed to have accurately predicted Queen Elizabeth's death, as in his book Nostradamus said that the second Queen Elizabeth would die in "22" at "around" the age of 96. </p> <p>She passed away on the 8th of September 2022 at the age of 96. </p> <p>The astrologer also predicted that in 2024, the royal family would face turmoil with a King “driven out by force”. </p> <p>“King of the Isles driven out by force ... replaced by one who will have no mark of a king,” the passage in the book read. </p> <p>Nostradamus expert Mario Reading initially interpreted the prophecy to refer to an “unworthy” and unpopular King who would be driven out by the wishes of the people and replaced by someone who "never expected to be King". </p> <p>But now, with King Charles' cancer diagnosis, many have shared their own predictions on what might happen to the royal, mainly him being forced from the throne because of his illness. </p> <p>Others have raised the question on who is the man they “never expected to be King”?</p> <p>If Charles abdicates, and Prince William declines the throne and the role of Prince Regent as he faces his own battle with Kate's cancer diagnosis, then would William’s eldest son George, 10, become king? </p> <p>In today's monarchy, what are the implications of a 10-year-old becoming King and would they instead consider an adult, aka the fifth in line or “spare to the heir,” Prince Harry as a better option for King? </p> <p>There are so many possibilities floating around. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Samantha Murphy's alleged killer faces fresh new charges

<p>The man accused of murdering Samantha Murphy has been hit with fresh charges over a drug and alcohol-fuelled bender.</p> <p>Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, who has been charged with murdering Ms Murphy, has been slapped with several drink and drug driving charges after he allegedly crashed a motorbike into a tree on the night of October 1st. </p> <p>He has also been also charged with careless driving.</p> <p>A former friend of Stephenson told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/accused-samantha-murphy-killer-patrick-stephenson-charged-with-driving-offences/news-story/1ce6e68acdb7575b876f9e7f9100f285" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Herald Sun</em></a> the crash occurred following an AFL Grand Final gathering that kicked off in the afternoon and ran late into the night.</p> <p>Stephenson was first arrested in connection with the Ballarat mother's disappearance on March 7th, weeks after the 51-year-old was last seen alive. </p> <p>Samantha Murphy was last seen by her loved ones on the morning of February 4th when she went to go on her daily morning run in the Canadian State Forest. </p> <p>Stephenson has been charged with one count of murder, and is said to not be cooperating with police in efforts to find her body. </p> <p>The new charges come after police have continued their gruelling search for Ms Murphy, three months after she went missing. </p> <p>Despite numerous searches, Victoria Police detectives appear no closer to finding her body despite having her alleged killer in custody. </p> <p>A Victoria Police spokesperson told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/melbourne/article-13374863/Alleged-killer-Samantha-Murphy-fresh-charges-Victoria.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a> this week that the investigation remained "very much active and ongoing". </p> <p>"We are continuing to do all we can to locate her," the spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine </em></p>

Legal

Fresh signs that ANOTHER royal pic was manipulated

<p>Ah, the royal family – the gift that keeps on giving, especially when it comes to Photoshop mishaps. It seems like they've developed a knack for stirring up a digital storm every time they release a photo.</p> <p>The latest kerfuffle involves a seemingly innocent snapshot released to celebrate what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 97th birthday. But oh, what a tangled web of pixels it turned out to be!</p> <p>The photo, featuring a gaggle of royal offspring including the adorable trio of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, quickly became the centre of attention, and not for the right reasons.</p> <p>According to the eagle-eyed sleuths at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/17/people-question-everything-now-how-kates-photo-scandal-rips-up-the-rules-for-royals-and-the-media" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Guardian</em></a>, the photo looked more like a game of digital whack-a-mole than a family portrait. Prince Louis apparently decided to play hide-and-seek within the frame, magically teleporting to a new position. And let's not forget the hair-raising revelation that some locks on one of the granddaughters seemed to have been copy-pasted with reckless abandon. Maybe they were going for a stylish asymmetrical look?</p> <p>"The photograph taken by Catherine at Balmoral and released last year to mark what would have been the 97th birthday of the late Queen bears similar signs of digital alteration," reported <em>The Guardian</em>. "Prince Louis appears to have been moved back into the frame, while locks of a great granddaughter’s hair show telltale repetitions. Back then, though, the image was not urgently 'killed' by the leading international photo agencies, like the latest one, because it didn’t matter so much."</p> <p>But the fun didn't stop there. Oh no, Twitter had a field day with this one too. Allegations flew left and right faster than a royal corgi chasing a squirrel. The Queen's skirt? Edited. The green sofa? Definitely edited. Heck, there were probably bets being placed on whether the corgis were even real or just digital creations.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did the late Queen ever pose with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren? Seems like no. 🤔 This photo, taken by Kate Middleton, was edited at least in 9 places. Now the mass media are reporting about it too.<br />A little thread👇 <a href="https://t.co/Sx9XjOBr1J">pic.twitter.com/Sx9XjOBr1J</a></p> <p>— Katerina 🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) <a href="https://twitter.com/Le__Katerina/status/1769399269365088335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">"People need to understand that it's not 'just a family photo'," wrote Twitter sleuth Katerina. "It's made for historical record. I don't think you'd want to see doctored photos in your history books."</span></p> <p>Meanwhile, in the land of hashtags and filters, speculation about the health of the Princess of Wales, Kate, reached a fever pitch, with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/princess-kate-s-post-surgery-pic-ignites-even-wilder-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a Mother's Day photo</a> that looked like it had been through more edits than a celebrity's Instagram post. Kate, surrounded by her adorable brood, found herself at the centre of yet another digital debacle. Who knew a simple family photo could cause such a stir?</p> <p>In a rare move, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/princess-kate-sensationally-speaks-out-over-photo-fiasco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kate herself stepped forward</a> to offer an apology, blaming her newfound love for amateur photography. Note to self: stick to selfies, Kate.</p> <p>But fear not, royal watchers, for this tale of Photoshop folly is far from over. With a family as unpredictable as the British weather, who knows what digital delights await us in the next instalment?</p> <p><em>Image: Twitter (X)</em></p>

Technology

House of Hope: Fresh start for Kelly's kids

<p>Gold Coast mum Kelly Wilkinson, who tragically passed away two years ago, has left behind three young children between the ages of two and nine.</p> <p>Her life was cut short in April 2021, allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband, Brian Earl Johnston. The horrific incident resulted in Kelly's body being found badly burned in her Arundel home's backyard, while Mr Johnston was discovered nearby with severe burns to his hands and airway.</p> <p>Since then, Kelly's children have been under the care of her sister, Danielle Carroll, and her husband Rhys. The Carroll family, along with their five children and Kelly's three kids, have been living together in a cramped four-bedroom house, where living spaces were converted into sleeping quarters. The challenges of accommodating such a large family in limited space have been immense, and at times, they find themselves with five people sharing a single bed.</p> <p>However, their situation took a positive turn when businesswoman Tamika Smith, a relative of Mr Carroll, heard about the tragedy and decided to lend her support.</p> <p>The founder of My Bella Casa and Top 100 Women launched a campaign called "I Stand With Kelly" shortly after Ms Wilkinson's passing. The campaign aimed to build a new home for the 10-person family.</p> <p>With the help of an anonymous contributor, Ms Smith secured a plot of land, and the renowned homebuilder, Metricon, generously donated an entire house for the cause.</p> <p>After two years of hard work and dedication, the family's fully furnished new home was finally revealed to them.</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/CvGO3pfBjbH/?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/CvGO3pfBjbH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tamika Smith (@tamika_stephanie)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Mr Carroll expressed his excitement about the new house, especially for Kelly's three children, as it will provide them with a fresh start and a place they can call their own. While the loss of their mother is deeply felt, the children are constantly surrounded by love and care from their extended family.</p> <p>Kelly's kids have not forgotten their mother, and though they miss her dearly, they understand that she is no longer with them.</p> <p>“They know she’s gone," Mrs Carroll told A Current Affair. "They constantly say that they miss her. The two year old does ask for mum but they know she’s not coming back.” </p> <p>The Carroll family, along with their own children, have written heartfelt letters to thank the builders for their incredible efforts in creating this new home.</p> <p>The house not only represents a new beginning for Ms Wilkinson's children and the Carroll family but also serves as a reminder of the love she brought to her family before her untimely passing.</p> <p>Though the pain of her loss remains, the community's support in building this new home has been a heartwarming gesture, one that Kelly's family deeply appreciates and will surely treasure forever.</p> <p><em>Images: Today Show / Instagram / GoFundMe</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Fresh location being searched in Maddy McCann case

<p>Portuguese police have revealed they will resume the search for missing toddler Madeleine McCann who disappeared in the country’s Algarve region in 2007.</p> <p>Portugal’s Judicial police released a statement confirming local media reports that they would conduct the search at the request of the German authorities and in the presence of British officials.</p> <p>A spokesperson from the fire brigade said police were preparing to start searches at a dam in the southern region of Algarve about 50km inland from a beach resort where Madeleine disappeared from a rented apartment while on a family holiday.</p> <p>On May 22, Reuters TV footage showed police erecting tents and cordons in the area by the Arade dam, roughly 50km from Praia da Luza, where the three-year-old was last seen alive.</p> <p>Portugal’s investigative Judicial Police overseeing the operation declined to comment.</p> <p>Another source familiar with the investigation was not confident there would be a breakthrough, saying, “It will come to nothing”.</p> <p>In mid-2020, German police jailed German citizen Christian Brueckner, a 45-year-old convicted child abuser and drug dealer who was in the Algarve in 2007, for raping a 72-year-old woman in the same area of the Algarve where Madeleine went missing. He was identified as a suspect in Madeline’s disappearance but has denied any involvement.</p> <p>Brueckner remains under investigation on suspicion of murder in the McCann case but hasn’t been charged.</p> <p>German police said in June 2020 that Madeleine was assumed dead and that Brueckner was likely responsible for it.</p> <p>In April, a German court dismissed additional charges against him related to other Portuguese child rape and sexual assault cases that led to German prosecutors no longer having jurisdiction to investigate the McCann case.</p> <p>Madeleine’s parents Kate and Gerry McCann were questioned by Portuguese police as formal suspects in 2007 but ruled them out the following year due to lack of evidence that cleared them of any involvement.</p> <p>The parents continue to campaign to attract attention to their daughter’s disappearance, and British public figures from business tycoons to authors and soccer stars have made appeals for information.</p> <p>Rewards for finding Madeleine have reached several million dollars.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

News

National Duck Day: Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad

<p dir="ltr">The family owned business and Australia’s leading duck producer Luv-a-Duck has partnered up with MasterChef alum and duck lover Diana Chan, to officially launch National Duck Day, which falls on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">Diana Chan is a Malaysian-Australian and won the 9th season of MasterChef in 2017. She has since become a well-known TV host, menu designer, product creator and restaurateur, turning her passion for food into her career.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Serves:</strong> 2</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Prep time: </strong>10 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Cook time:</strong> 10 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 x precooked Luv-A Duck peking duck breasts</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 x 400g packet fresh egg noodles (medium thickness)</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the five spice sauce:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp cooking oil</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 cloves garlic, minced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">3 shallots, finely diced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">50g galangal, sliced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">50g ginger, sliced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Leftover liquid from the packet</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp five spice powder</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp tapioca starch mixed with 2 tbsp of water</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the cucumber salad:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 continental cucumber, halved and sliced into 5mm thick chunks</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">30g coriander, roughly chopped</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp black vinegar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp sugar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp soy sauce</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>To garnish:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Freshly sliced spring onions</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp toasted sesame seeds</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>METHOD:</strong></p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Cook the peking duck breasts according to the packet instructions (microwave or oven) and set aside somewhere warm.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Preheat a large braising pot or wok. Add cooking oil. Add the garlic, shallots, galangal and ginger and fry until aromatic - about 3 minutes or so. Add the sauce from the packet and the five spice. Allow to reduce for 10 minutes.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mix tapioca starch with water. Pour it into the sauce liquid while stirring at the same time and the liquid will start to thicken. You can add more tapioca mixture if you don't think the sauce is thick enough.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">While the sauce simmers, reheat the noodles according to the packet instructions.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">To assemble, remove the cooked duck breasts from the packet and slice them into 5mm thickness.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">In a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients for the cucumber salad and mix to combine.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place the reduced sauce into the serving bowls, divide the noodles into 2 portions, top with the duck breasts and pour over the sauce. Serve with the cucumber salad on the side. Garnish with some spring onions and sesame seeds.</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Luv-A-Duck</em></p>

Food & Wine

Opinions divided over fresh Dr Charlie Teo claims

<p dir="ltr">Neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has once again been on the receiving end of harsh claims from past patients in a brutal expose by <em>60 Minutes</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The renowned brain surgeon has made headlines multiple times in the past for his achievements – such as when he flew from Perth to Sydney to perform a lifesaving operation on then 14-year-old Amelia “Milli” Lucas after she raised $170,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, Dr Teo has continued to face backlash, with some families who’ve dealt with the surgeon criticising him for the high price of his services.</p> <p dir="ltr">Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes program interviewed several of Dr Teo’s past patients, one of whom spoke about the "false hope" given to his family when dealing with the surgeon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Michelle Smith was only 19 when Dr Teo operated on her to remove a brain tumour that was causing her severe epileptic episodes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Smith and her mother told the program that Dr Teo claimed that the removal of the tumour would be “easy” and after the operation “everything is great”. The program went on to state that Dr Teo soon told Ms Smith that she was able to stop taking her epilepsy medication but as the years went on she experienced worse seizures.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The seizures got worse…I lost my employment, I’d had a few jobs here and there,” Ms Smith said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had a seizure behind the wheel and hit two parked cars, writing off three cars.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/michelle24.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Later in 2014, Ms Smith had another scan for her brain, after which other doctors claimed that Dr Teo had operated on the wrong side.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The previous operation was done on the wrong side of the brain and that’s why the normal brain tissue was removed, it was nowhere near the tumour,” Ms Smith continued on the program. “To find out that he didn’t even touch it, I just felt violated in a way. I trusted him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Teo defended himself saying that he “never, ever” operated on the wrong side of the brain and that the approach he used was well documented to reduce the risk. “Ms Smith awoke in excellent neurological condition and was seizure free at her post-op visit,” he said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A decade after going under the knife of Dr Charlie Teo to remove a brain tumour, Michelle Smith made a horrific discovery; the neurosurgeon had actually operated on the wrong side of her brain. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a> <a href="https://t.co/YnBCqhCDfz">pic.twitter.com/YnBCqhCDfz</a></p> <p>— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1584118918276608000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">A colleague of Dr Teo's, Dr Michael Donnellan, backed up Teo's claim, telling the <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/neurosurgeon-charlie-teo-says-claims-have-been-a-slur-on-his-character/news-story/bcd505006874929187ca31d406421a00" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a> that "there is a big difference between a wrong side surgery, versus a contralateral approach — or approach from the opposite side — to a tumour that is close to the midline of the brain.... This is a well recognised and reasonable approach,” he said, adding he had seen Dr Teo choose that method multiple times with good results.</p> <p dir="ltr">This, however, did not stop Ms Smith from suing Dr Teo in 2019 for professional negligence. The case was settled out of court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another of Dr Teo’s patients examined by the 60 Minutes program was Prasanta Barman’s young son Mikolaj who was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) - a difficult brain tumour to treat.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family sought the help of Dr Teo who they say informed them that there was a “very high likelihood of (a) cure”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If all goes as planned, the surgery should be curative, as we should be able to remove the entire thing. This means that prognosis would be excellent,” Dr Teo’s office said in an email in 2018.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, two other neurosurgeons informed Mr Barman that his son’s tumour was inoperable.</p> <p dir="ltr">This led Mr Barman to once again ask Dr Teo about his stance and his response remained unchanged and that he would operate.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Barman paid Dr Teo the $80,000 required for the operation and 30 minutes before the operation he said that he might not be able to remove the entire tumour.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/mikolaj.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">After surgery, young Mikolaj was bedridden and unable to walk, talk or eat on his own. He died less than a year later.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There was no hope. For a DIPG, there is no hope. So why give the false hope in the first place?” Mr Barman asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Teo has defended himself against these claims, explaining that there are some good and bad outcomes no matter the situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Once you start exploring and looking for advancements, you are going to get some bad outcomes, some terrible outcomes, which I have had,” he told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/desperate-parents-heap-praise-on-lifesaving-neurosurgeon-charlie-teo/news-story/db2c86a0aae339a9f2a23b5dfa7cf530" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are also going to have patients that do very well, that get more months or years on their lives and get to enjoy life.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook/60 Minutes</em></p>

Caring

7 tips to make fresh flowers last longer

<p>It’s always such a nice treat to have fresh flowers in the house – whether they’ve been bought for you by a special someone, you’ve treated yourself, or you’ve just cut them straight from your very own garden. But many people don’t know the correct way to look after a bunch of flowers to ensure they get to enjoy their beauty for as long as possible. So here are some simple tips to remember.</p> <ol> <li>Start with the right kind of vase. Don’t try to cram too many flowers into a small vase – make sure the flowers have room to open fully so you can see as much of them as possible.</li> <li>Remove any low-hanging leaves. You don’t want any leaves to be sitting in the water, so be sure to prune them before putting your bouquet into your vase.</li> <li>Change the water daily. Flowers don’t like to sit in the same water day after day.</li> <li>Trim the stems. Every few days, trim the stems a little, cutting at an angle.</li> <li>Keep the flowers away from direct heat and sunlight. A room that is too warm will lead to wilted flowers, so be sure to choose somewhere that stays cool if possible. If you really want to stretch things, consider keeping the flowers in your fridge when you’re not in the house.</li> <li>When flowers start to wilt, remove any that don’t look so hot and transfer the bouquet to a smaller vase to freshen things up.</li> <li>If you’re left with just one or two late-opening blooms, you can float it in a decorative teacup full of water.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home & Garden

Push for four-day working week gains fresh momentum

<p>Major union, <em>Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation </em>have renewed calls for the country to move towards a four-day working week.</p> <p>The Victorian branch have made submission to a federal parliament senate committee, calling for the one day reduction of the working week, reducing working hours from 38 to 32.</p> <p>The <em>ANMF</em> told the Select Committee on Work and Care, which is due to hand down an interim report next month, that the reduction “would enable all employees a better opportunity to balance work with personal responsibilities.”</p> <p>In their submission, they also called for the circumstances in which carers can apply for personal leave to be broadened from beyond illness, injury and emergency events.</p> <p>It comes as author Alex Soojung-Kim Pang told<em> Sky News Australia </em>recently that “a few dozen” Australian companies were due to begin trialling the four day working week which would start in October and run for six months.</p> <p>Mr Soojung-Kim Pang said the signs from an earlier trial beginning in the UK were promising, with “more than half, I think about 55%, saying that productivity is at the same level it was when they were working five days or higher,” he said.</p> <p>"people say that they are happier, they’re less stressed, they feel like they have a better work-life balance.”</p> <p>In Iceland, as many as 85% of workers now work four days a week, while more trial are underway in Canada, the US, Spain and New Zealand.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

Worrying photo sparks fresh concerns for Queen Elizabeth's health

<p>The public has seen their first glimpse of Queen Elizabeth in almost 8 weeks as she appointed Britain's new prime minister in an official engagement.</p> <p>Rather than taking place at Buckingham Palace as per tradition, the ceremony was held inside the green-carpeted drawn room at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. </p> <p>The monarch was supported by her walking cane as she invited Liz Truss, Her Majesty's 15th prime minister in her 70-year-reign, to form a new government.</p> <p>Despite Her Majesty looking lively and happy during the meeting, people were quick to spot the large bruise on the Queen's hand, reigniting concerns about the monarch's health. </p> <p>ITV's royal editor Chris Ship said the bruising was a sign of changing times in the Queen's advancing years.</p> <p>"I'm no medic but it could be some form of cannula that the Queen's had, we are guessing," Ship told <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>"Buckingham Palace never tells us about her ongoing medical conditions. She's 96 years old. A frail lady, let's be clear. And queen of advancing age.</p> <p> </p> <p>"We're going to get used to the constitutional diary having to be changed to suit the needs of an ageing monarch."</p> <p>The decision to call outgoing leader Boris Johnson, and his replacement, to Balmoral was taken due to the Queen's comfort.</p> <p>Reports claim that the Queen has been advised against excessive travelling, having reportedly endured "a change in the past few weeks" in her mobility, <a title="The Telegraph" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/09/06/queens-balmoral-audience-liz-truss-sign-changing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Telegraph</a> UK reports.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> <div id="outbrain_widget_0" class="OUTBRAIN" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" data-src="//honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-elizabeth-health-fears-renewed-after-bruised-hand-seen-in-meeting-with-prime-minister-at-balmoral/22de3833-5f72-4a1b-8ebd-072180acbf68" data-widget-id="AR_8" data-external-id="e10677520a27f6286db19824e4a585aa" data-ob-mark="true" data-browser="safari" data-os="macintel" data-dynload="" data-idx="0"> <div class="ob-widget ob-grid-layout AR_8 ob-cmn-AR_8" style="box-sizing: content-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative;" data-dynamic-truncate="true"> <div class="ob-widget-header" style="box-sizing: content-box; margin: 24px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; -webkit-box-pack: justify; justify-content: space-between; -webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; color: #303030;"> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Tips on keeping wine fresh

<p>We’ve all been in the situation (once or twice) before where we’re the only one home one evening, decide to have one glass with dinner and don’t finish off the bottle. So how can you keep the rest of the bottle as fresh as possible? Here we take a look whether simply resealing the bottle is enough or, is it worthwhile investing in one of the various gadgets on the market.</p> <p>Most wine connoisseurs will tell you that wine is almost always best enjoyed on the day it is opened. You’ll find that some restaurants don’t bother with fancy resealing devices and use the cap or cork it came with, as they say that some wines last well into the next day. So why should you bother with one of these whizz bang gadgets? On the other hand, research shows that some restaurants use an argon gas preservation system and that it works really well.</p> <p>As you may have discovered yourself at home, wine doesn’t go off that quickly, per se, but it can lose its quality before becoming unpleasant. The villain to blame in this process is oxygen. If you’re a red wine drinker, you’ve likely heard that giving it time to breathe is a good thing. Well although a little air is often good for wine, the longer it is exposed to oxygen the more it changes. Some wines, typically robust reds, benefit from a day or two of “development” in an open bottle. But in most, fruit smells and flavours dissipate. The wine starts to oxidise and taste sharp and “vinegary”. That’s why wine-saving devices are typically designed to limit contact with air.</p> <p><strong>Winesave</strong><br />A user-friendly delivery system that uses gas that's used by many restaurants to form a protective “blanket” between the wine and the air in the bottle. The at-home version comes in a canister: you attach a tube to the nozzle to squirt the gas into the bottle before reapplying the original seal. Can keep wine well for at least five days.</p> <p><strong>Wine Shield</strong><br />A piece of flexible, circular plastic inserted into a partly drunk bottle to become a floating lid, claiming to keep wine fresh for up to five days after opening. Fiddly to insert – it’s done via the sachet in which each “shield” is packaged – but not hard once you have the knack. You then reapply the original seal. Will keep the wine in good condition for at least three days.</p> <p><strong>Vacu Vin</strong><br />This gadget is designed to suck air out of the bottle. Popular with wine critics, it vacuums out the air. While it is said to not be as great on day two as some of the other devices, it is better on day five than the others.</p> <p><strong>Screw cap</strong><br />In some cases the original metal seal that came with the bottle will keep the wine pleasant on day two but it won’t last until day five like some of the others. At least it is free, though, right?</p> <p><strong>Wine stopper</strong><br />Often made from stainless steel with a plastic interior, these don’t seem to do much. It’s a stretch to do anything that a cork (or screw cap) wouldn’t. So I guess this is a good option if you lose the cork or screw or you have trouble replacing it after you’ve finished.</p>

Food & Wine

The Aussie company revolutionising how we stay fresh

<p dir="ltr">While applying deodorant is part of our daily hygiene routine, some aerosols and roll-ons have been known to irritate the skin with long-term use. </p> <p dir="ltr">On top of the elements of sensitivity, the long list of chemicals in these products can actually be counterproductive to stopping or limiting perspiration. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, there are now all-natural deodorants on the market that help to nourish the skin without causing irritation, while still keeping you clean, fresh and dry throughout the day. </p> <p dir="ltr">Australian-made and owned brand FRANK + BARE is the first Aussie company to create AHA deodorants. </p> <p dir="ltr">AHA, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, are 100% natural ingredients that work together as a skin performance product, while also being incredibly effective as a natural deodorant. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb04skDtU53/?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/Cb04skDtU53/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 🌿Clean Green Skincare Deo ♻️ (@frankandbare_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The 5 AHA’s included in the FRANK + BARE range, namely glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, work to exfoliate the armpit and improve skin tone, while assisting with ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation. </p> <p dir="ltr">The result is a gentle deodorant that provides effective odour control as well as smoother, brighter and clearer skin.</p> <p dir="ltr">Housed inside recyclable zero-waste packaging, the seven natural deodorants in the revolutionary range have a smooth and creamy consistency, which make them easy to apply, while also being perfectly pH balanced and actively preventing odour-causing bacteria from developing while improving axilla health. </p> <p dir="ltr">The range includes scents of Magnolia + Black Pepper, Oakmoss + Myrrh, Coconut + Lime, Ylang Ylang + Grapefruit, Spearmint, Frangipani and a Fragrance Free product. </p> <p dir="ltr">So if you’re looking for a more natural alternative to your deodorants, look no further than FRANK + BARE for a more simple and sustainable option to add to your hygiene routine. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can try out the entire FRANK + BARE range on their official website <a href="https://frankandbare.com.au/">here</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Fresh heartache as Oatlands killer wins appeal

<p>The drunk and drugged driver who ran over a group of children in Sydney’s north-west over two years ago has had his sentenced reduced on appeal.</p> <p>The Abdallah siblings Antony, Sienna and Angelina and their cousin Veronique Sakr died in February 2020 when Samuel Davidson ran them over on a footpath as they were walking to get ice cream.</p> <p>He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the four children, as well as a raft of other charges. He was sentenced to a maximum of 28 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 21 years.</p> <p>Following an appeal, the maximum sentence was reduced by eight years taking it to 20 years, with a non-parole period of 15 years. Making him eligible for parole in January 2035.</p> <p>At the time of his initial sentence, Judge James Bennett said Davidson’s dangerous and aggressive driving showed a complete lack of care and concern for the safety of others.</p> <p>“The magnitude of the tragedy extended to the unimaginable” said Judge Bennett.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

A revolutionary way to feel fresh and clean

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to products we use in the bathroom, a lot of people tend to stick to one boring old body wash, or settle for whatever is on sale. </p> <p dir="ltr">While we grow accustomed to these familiar scents, sometimes it's good to shake up your shower routine and introduce new products into the mix. </p> <p dir="ltr">One revolutionary product that has been sweeping Australian showers comes from Sundae Body in the form of their new Whipped Shower Foam body washes. </p> <p dir="ltr">Just when you thought you couldn’t revolutionise something as simple as body wash, Sundae Body have proved us all wrong with their innovative new take on a bathroom basic.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfD1EVruLNp/?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/CfD1EVruLNp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sundae (@sundaebody)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Sundae Body’s Whipped Shower Foam is packaged similar to a canister of whipped cream, with the creamy foam transforming into a rich, velvety lather. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sundae Body’s Whipped Shower Foams come in eight stunning scents, including Pomegranate Fizz, Coconut Cream, Honey, Honey, Very Vanilla, Cherry on Top, Juicy Pear and Orange Crush.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also offer an Exfoliating Shower foam with a delicious green tea scent. </p> <p dir="ltr">All foams are formulated with Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime. The Kakadu Plum is a rich source of vitamin C, which aims to brighten your skin's complexion and fight those pesky signs of ageing. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CccfFBnv6W0/?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/CccfFBnv6W0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sundae (@sundaebody)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The Finger Lime is a natural source of AHA (a liquid exfoliant) and gently exfoliates your skin to give you a smoother and more even complexion.</p> <p dir="ltr">The whipped formula is perfect for those with sensitive skin, with the fresh scents lingering long after you step out of the shower. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sundae Body’s Whipped Shower Foams can be found directly from the brand’s <a href="https://sundaebody.com/">website</a>, <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/search/?q=sundae">Priceline</a> or <a href="https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/141937/sundae-vanilla-bean-whipped-shower-foam">Woolworths</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Kevin Spacey speaks after fresh sex offence charges

<p>Kevin Spacey has finally broken his silence after being charged with four counts of sexual assault.</p> <p>There had been suggestions he could have been extradited from the US to the UK if he didn’t willingly appear in a London court, however in a statement given to US television program Good Morning America, the two-time Oscar winner said he would “voluntarily appear” in the UK to face the charges.</p> <p>Spacey said he was “confident” he could prove his innocence, after being charged on May 26 with four counts of sexual assault, as well as a charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.</p> <p>All of the counts are alleged to have happened between 2005 and 2013.</p> <p>Four of the alleged offences are said to have taken place in London, while the other is alleged to have happened in Gloucestershire, in the south-west of England.</p> <p>Police opened an investigation into Spacey’s alleged crimes in 2017 and he was interviewed under caution by the police in 2019.</p> <p>In the statement to Good Morning America, Spacey said he “appreciated” that the CPS has pointed out he was entitled to a fair trial.</p> <p>“While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.” he said.</p> <p>The alleged offences date from when Spacey was artistic director of London’s Old Vic Theatre, in the city’s south, between 2004 and 2015.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

Charlise Mutten's alleged killer facing fresh charges

<p dir="ltr">The man accused of murdering nine-year-old schoolgirl Charlise Mutten earlier this year has been hit with new charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jason Stein was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/man-charged-with-murder-of-missing-9-year-old" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with the murder of his fiancé’s daughter</a> in January, after the little girl’s body was discovered in a barrel near the Colo River, about an hour from the Blue Mountains where she had disappeared from.</p> <p dir="ltr">After his arrest, police conducted a search in the bushland near Mt Wilson - the area where Charlise was last seen - and found two firearms and ammunition, which was seized and forensically examined.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police then visited Silverwater prison and arrested the 31-year-old, charging him with two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, two for possessing an unauthorised firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence or permit, and aggravated break and enter in company.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Stein has also been charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material for unrelated matters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, investigations continue under Strike Force Buena, which was established to investigate Charlise’s disappearance.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-259bd494-7fff-0883-bf00-4c95a624fa30"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 9News / Twitter</em></p>

News

Fresh charges for William Tyrrell's foster mother

<p>Foster mother of missing boy William Tyrrell has been charged by NSW police with stalking offences. This follows two months after the woman was charged with a separate count of common assault.</p> <p>According to The Australian, a court has previously heard that the foster mother intended to have the assault charges dealt with under the Mental Health Act and medical assessments had been undertaken.</p> <p>Both foster parents have also pleaded not guilty to separate assault charges laid in November 2021. All of the charges are unrelated to the child's disappearance from his home in Kendall on the state’s mid-north Coast in 2014.</p> <p>The 56-year-old woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was charged on Friday.</p> <p>Police reported that Tyrrell’s foster mum and late foster grandmother were being treated as persons of interest in the little boy’s disappearance in November.</p> <p>The foster-parents have maintained their denial of any wrongdoing and no charges have been laid against them in relation to Tyrrell vanishing.</p> <p><em>Image: ABC</em></p>

News

ALDI looking for fresh meat (graduates)

<p dir="ltr">ALDI Australia is looking to hire a fresh batch of graduates for their insanely popular program. </p> <p dir="ltr">The German retailer’s graduate program is inundated with applications each year thanks to the attractive $92,000 starting salary, a company car and iPhone, as well as five weeks annual leave. </p> <p dir="ltr">Successful applicants will undertake a comprehensive program over a two-year period while rotating through the exciting challenge of the business. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Our graduate jobs aren’t easy but the greater the challenge, the greater the reward,” their <a href="https://www.aldicareers.com.au/Graduate-Program-Application-Process" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’ll have exposure to serving customers on registers, managing sections in our distribution centre, undertaking site meetings with our property team, and developing your skills as a leader - a career achievement you can be proud of.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Applicants who succeed in their training will take on the role of an Executive Manager, giving them the opportunity to run up three-to-five stores.</p> <p dir="ltr">Peter Slaven recently completed the program and is now an Executive Manager of Store Operation in NSW. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was prepared for a lot of observation and structured training, however I was pleasantly surprised with how hands-on ALDI’s graduate program is,” he told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/aldis-insane-92000-job-for-uni-graduates/news-story/fbba33620c65bfad5a5f80df3e730155?utm_campaign=EditorialSB&utm_source=news.com.au&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_content=SocialBakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“During the program I worked in three cities and over 30 stores, building relationships with close to 500 people. No two days are the same and I learnt to adapt quickly to constant change and I am still learning new things every day.”</p> <p dir="ltr">ALDI group director of human resources and projects Hayden Rydberg said the program attracted people from all walks of life. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s an opportunity for ambitious future leaders to hit the ground running in a supportive environment where you will learn directly from industry leaders, all while accelerating your career with a rewarding and dynamic retail business,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Applicants must be in their final year of study or recently completed a master’s degree in any subject. </p> <p dir="ltr">Applications for ALDI's 2023 graduate program close on Monday March 28, 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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National Duck Day: Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad