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Man charged with murder over house fire that killed 80-year-old

<p>A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly house fire that claimed the life of an 80-year-old man in Sydney’s inner west.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to the scene of the ferocious blaze on Irrara Street in Croydon at around 4am on Wednesday. The fire was so intense that it caused the roof of the single-storey brick home to collapse, forcing firefighters to retreat as they battled the flames.</p> <p>The body of Ted Grantham, 80, was found inside the property. He has been remembered by loved ones as a gentle and devoted family man who dedicated his life to music and service in the church, where he played the organ.</p> <p>Following the fire, a major police operation was launched to locate a man who also lived at the residence and was related to the victim. He was tracked down overnight in Woy Woy, on the NSW Central Coast, and was found to be carrying a concealed machete at the time of his arrest.</p> <p>The man has since been charged with murder.</p> <p>“This has been an intensive few hours to locate a man we believe can assist with our inquiries into what we allege is a suspicious fire,” said Superintendent Christine McDonald. “It really is tragic.”</p> <p>An elderly woman, believed to have left the home about three hours before the fire began, is also assisting police with their investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the victim, the arrested man, and the elderly woman are all related.</p> <p>Six fire trucks and nearly two dozen firefighters responded to the emergency, gaining entry through the back of the property due to the “intense” flames engulfing the front of the house. Video footage taken after the blaze shows the roof collapsed and extensive fire damage throughout the home.</p> <p>Superintendent McDonald said police are in contact with devastated family members. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continue.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Mother charged with murder after deadly house fire kills three children

<p>A 36-year-old Queensland mother has been charged with multiple counts of murder after a devastating house fire in Toowoomba claimed the lives of three of her children, in what police believe was a deliberately lit blaze.</p> <p>The fatal fire broke out just after midnight last Wednesday at the family's home in Harristown, engulfing the property before emergency services could bring it under control. When fire crews arrived, the house was already consumed by flames.</p> <p>Tragically, a young boy was found dead near the front door of the home. His two sisters, also young children, were rescued from the fire in critical condition and rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital. Despite efforts to save them, both girls later died after being taken off life support.</p> <p>Queensland Police allege the children’s mother intentionally started the fire. In a statement on Tuesday, police confirmed she has been charged with three counts of murder (domestic violence offence), three counts of attempted murder (domestic violence offence), and one count of arson.</p> <p>Two other children survived the blaze, as did the woman’s 34-year-old partner. Investigators have ruled out the involvement of any other suspects, though police say the investigation remains ongoing.</p> <p>“This is an incredibly tragic incident that has deeply affected the community,” a police spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the surviving family members and all those impacted by this devastating loss.”</p> <p>The woman is expected to appear in court as the legal process continues.</p> <p><em>Images: 7 News / Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Older Australians are also hurting from the housing crisis. Where are the election policies to help them?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>It would be impossible at this stage in the election campaign to be unaware that housing is a critical, potentially vote-changing, issue. But the suite of policies being proposed by the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-the-coalition-and-labor-plans-on-housing-differ-and-what-have-they-ignored-253337">major parties</a> largely focus on young, first home buyers.</p> <p>What is glaringly noticeable is the lack of measures to improve availability and affordability for older people.</p> <p>Modern older lives are diverse, yet older people have become too easily pigeonholed. No more so than in respect to property, where a perception has flourished that older people own more than their fair share of housing wealth.</p> <p>While the value of housing has no doubt increased, home <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/home-ownership-and-housing-tenure#:%7E:text=The%20home%20ownership%20rate%20of,compared%20with%2036%25%20in%202021.">ownership rates</a> among people reaching retirement age has actually declined since the mid-1990s.</p> <p>Older people can also face <a href="https://www.anglicare.asn.au/research-advocacy/rental-affordability/">rental stress and homelessness</a> – with almost 20,000 <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/latest-release">homeless people</a> in Australia aged over 55. Severe housing stress is a key contributing to those homelessness figures.</p> <p>It’s easy to blame older Australians for causing, or exacerbating, the housing crisis. But doing so ignores the fact that right now, our housing system is badly failing many older people too.</p> <h2>No age limits</h2> <p>Owning a home has traditionally provided financial security for retirees, especially ones relying on the age pension. This is so much so, that home ownership is sometimes described as the “fourth pillar” of Australia’s retirement system.</p> <p>But housing has become more expensive – to rent or buy – for everyone.</p> <p>Falling rates of <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/money-in-retirement/">home ownership</a> combined with carriage of mortgage debt into retirement, restricted access to shrinking stocks of social housing, and lack of housing affordability in the private rental market have a particular impact on older people.</p> <h2>Housing rethink</h2> <p>Housing policy for older Australians has mostly focused on age-specific options, such as retirement villages and aged care. Taking such a limited view excludes other potential solutions from across the broader housing system that should be considered.</p> <p>Furthermore, not all older people want to live in a retirement village, and fewer than <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release#:%7E:text=5.5%20million%20Australians%20(21.4%25),a%20profound%20or%20severe%20disability.">5% of older people</a> live in residential aged care.</p> <p>During my <a href="https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/victoria-cornell-sa-2019/">Churchill Fellowship study</a> exploring alternative, affordable models of housing for older people, I discovered three cultural themes that are stopping us from having a productive conversation about housing for older people.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Australia’s tradition of home ownership undervalues renting and treats housing as a commodity, not a basic need. This disadvantages older renters and those on low income.</p> </li> <li> <p>There’s a stigma regarding welfare in Australia, which influences who is seen as “deserving” and shapes the policy responses.</p> </li> <li> <p>While widely encouraged, “ageing-in-place” means different things to different people. It can include formal facilities or the family home that needs modifications to make it habitable as someone ages.</p> </li> </ul> <p>These themes are firmly entrenched, often driven by policy narratives such as the primacy of home ownership over renting. In the past 50 years or so, many have come to view welfare, such as social housing, as a <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/390">last resort</a>, and have aimed to age in their family home or move into a “desirable” retirement village.</p> <h2>Variety is key</h2> <p>A more flexible approach could deliver housing for older Australians that is more varied in design, cost and investment models.</p> <p>The promises made so far by political parties to help younger home buyers are welcome. However, the housing system is a complex beast and there is no single quick fix solution.</p> <p>First and foremost, a national housing and homelessness plan is required, which also involves the states and territories. The plan must include explicit consideration of housing options for older people.</p> <p>Funding for housing developments needs to be more flexible in terms of public-private sector investment and direct government assistance that goes beyond first home buyer incentives.</p> <h2>International models</h2> <p>For inspiration, we could look to Denmark, which has developed numerous <a href="https://www.spatialagency.net/database/co-housing">co-housing communities</a>.</p> <p>Co-housing models generally involve self-managing communities where residents have their own private, self-contained home, supported by communal facilities and spaces. They can be developed and designed by the owner or by a social housing provider. They can be age-specific or multi-generational.</p> <p>Funding flexibility, planning and design are key to their success. Institutional investors include</p> <ul> <li> <p>so-called impact investors, who seek social returns and often accept lower financial returns</p> </li> <li> <p>community housing providers</p> </li> <li> <p>member-based organisations, such as mutuals and co-operatives.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Government also plays a part by expediting the development process and providing new pathways to more affordable ownership and rental options.</p> <p>Europe is also leading the way on social housing, where cultural attitudes are different from here.</p> <p>In Vienna, Austria, more than 60% of residents live in 440,000 <a href="https://www.wienerwohnen.at/wiener-gemeindebau/municipal-housing-in-vienna.html">socially provided homes</a>. These homes are available for a person’s entire life, with appropriate age-related modifications permitted if required.</p> <p>At over 20% of the total housing stock, <a href="https://lbf.dk/om-lbf/english-the-danish-social-housing-model/">social housing</a> is also a large sector in Denmark, where the state and municipalities support the construction of non-profit housing.</p> <h2>Overcoming stereotyes</h2> <p>Our population is ageing rapidly, and more older people are now renting or facing housing insecurity.</p> <p>If policymakers continue to ignore their housing needs, even more older people will be at risk of living on the street, and as a result will suffer poor health and social isolation.</p> <p>Overcoming stereotypes - such as the idea that all older people are wealthy homeowners - is key to building fairer, more inclusive solutions.</p> <p>This isn’t just about older Australians. It’s about creating a housing system that works for everyone, at every stage of life.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/255391/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/victoria-cornell-2372746">Victoria Cornell</a>, Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a></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/older-australians-are-also-hurting-from-the-housing-crisis-where-are-the-election-policies-to-help-them-255391">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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Police investigating after pet cavoodle held for ransom

<p>A Sydney family are in shock after being forced to pay a ransom for the return of their beloved cavoodle, Benji, after he was snatched from the street and held for cash in an appalling case of dognapping.</p> <p>Benji, a 10-year-old cavoodle, escaped from his home on Flinders Crescent in Hinchinbrook around 45 minutes west of hte CBD when a tradesman accidentally left a gate open. His desperate owner, Paulina Tran, searched tirelessly, knocking on doors in her neighbourhood and posting urgent appeals on social media.</p> <p>“Our whole family is quite distraught,” Tran <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/missing-cavoodle-snatched-by-stranger-in-sydneys-southwest-reunited-with-owner-after-50-ransom-c-18144581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7NEWS</a>. “My kids have been crying non-stop because we’ve had this dog for 10 years.”</p> <p>A breakthrough came when a neighbour provided CCTV footage showing a man in a dark blue T-shirt and light blue shorts taking Benji off the street several hundred metres from Tran’s home. “He was very distraught. You can hear him on the footage crying,” Tran said of Benji.</p> <p>Another neighbour, who was working from home, witnessed the incident and recalled the man whistling to Benji – a suspicious action since owners typically call their dogs by name. As the community rallied, more people came forward with information, eventually helping identify the man caught on CCTV.</p> <p>Determined to bring Benji home, Tran and her husband confronted the man at his residence, only to be met with a ransom demand.</p> <p>“We approached him and he refused to give us our dog back, saying that we needed to give him money,” Tran recounted. The situation then escalated when the man became aggressive and issued a disturbing threat: “I will skin your dog alive” if they refused to pay.</p> <p>Fearful for Benji’s safety, Tran and her husband reluctantly agreed to hand over a small sum. The man took the money before retrieving Benji, who was returned with a rope tightly secured around his neck.</p> <p>Despite their ordeal, Tran and her husband chose not to take further action after seeing children at the man’s home.</p> <p>“It doesn’t take two bad people to make things right. Just because someone’s bad doesn’t mean you have to be bad to them,” Tran said.</p> <p>In response to inquiries by 7NEWS, NSW Police have confirmed they will be investigating the incident.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / 7NEWS</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Woman slammed for using GoFundMe for house deposit

<p>A woman has been relentlessly mocked online after launching a GoFundMe page to ask strangers to contribute money to her house deposit. </p> <p>Emmalee Potter, a mother-of-three from Victoria, wrote on the page that she had been "suffering a rough few years" and relying on friends and family for help with accommodation. </p> <p>Now however, Potter is finally in the position where she is tantalising close to being able to purchase her new home after "working hard towards saving", but still finds herself $3,000 short of her goal. </p> <p>As she wrote on the fundraising page, "I'm almost at the final stage but I'm short on the deposit so I'm calling on my village. Please help me get over this last hurdle, every little bit truly helps, a house is more than just a place to live."</p> <p>"It's a foundation for the next chapter of life, a space where memories are made, and where I can really begin to feel settled. Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping me achieve this dream."</p> <p>While Ms Potter thanked those who could contribute, many were not impressed at her using the platform in order to fund her house. </p> <p>"No hate but you expect people to donate to you so you can buy a house?" one person asked, while another added, "I'm sorry but that is ridiculous. If we are all going to start GoFundMe accounts, I may as well start one so I can go on a holiday to Greece."</p> <p>Another person wrote, "It's a tough time for everyone trying to buy a house, especially with the cost of living, so I'm kind of confused why you're asking for donations. The first paragraph of your listing says 'I'm now in a position to purchase a home' but you're asking strangers to send you money for the deposit?" </p> <p>Ms Potter defended the fundraising page as she responded to one outraged commenter, writing, "It's not about 'funding me a house' it's the small amount still needed to buy something."</p> <p>"Me and my kids are living in a room at my friends. Buying is actually cheaper than renting. We've applied for over 100 rentals and been knocked back. I can get the home loan and pay the repayments [I'm] just needing the last bit of the deposit."</p> <p>Others were quick to defend the woman, as one person wrote, "There's nothing wrong with asking for help."</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe / Facebook </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Albo quizzed over luxury home purchase

<p>Anthony Albanese has been grilled by Karl Stefanovic over the recent purchase of a multi-million dollar home, that was widely slammed by the public as being "out of touch". </p> <p>As part of his pre-election campaign, the Prime Minister and his fiancé Jodie Haydon sat down with <em>60 Minutes</em> where they discussed the controversial real estate move. </p> <p>Karl Stefanovic described as the $4.1 million purchase of the Copacabana holiday home as “harebrained", as Albo defended his decision to buy the home. </p> <p>“Whose harebrained idea was Copacabana?” Stefanovic asked as the program began.</p> <p>Mr Albanese, who is notoriously sensitive about the purchase amid claims it was tone-deaf during a cost-of-living crisis, laughed at the question as he responded, “Look, Jodie and I are getting married.”</p> <p>“What you don’t do is move into the family home where Carmel and I raised Nathan together as a family. And guess what, Karl? At some stage … I won’t be Prime Minister into my 80s and therefore we have bought a place close to where Jodie grew up … where her family are all based.”</p> <p>In the program, Stefanovic observed that, “I’ve spent some time with her these last couple of days and I get the feeling the girl from the Central Coast would sooner rather than later have her feet up at Copacabana, whether you are there or not!”</p> <p>“No — well, she’s a Coastie and a proud one,” Mr Albanese replied. “And it was very much a personal decision, not a political one. And I think Australians get that.”</p> <p>Karl then asked about the controversy around the home, asking the PM, “Did it sting you at all the criticism around that, the perception being during a cost-of-living crisis, the PM shouldn’t be seen as being, you know, so lavish?” </p> <p>Albanese responded, “I’m pretty resilient, Karl, and if you’re worried about every bit of criticism that was out there, then life would be much more difficult than it is."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 60 Minutes </em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p>

Money & Banking

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Nine pulls reality TV series off the air over "staging" claims

<p>Channel Nine's real estate reality show <em>Find My Beach House</em> has been  pulled off air after producers were caught out "staging" scenes for the cameras.</p> <p>The show hosted by <em>The Block's </em>Shelley Craft, focuses on couples hunting to buy their "dream home".</p> <p>However, according to Media Watch, one couple featured on the show already owned the property that was showcased on a recent episode. </p> <p>According to the Media Watch report, couple Toneya and Lochie had owned the luxury pad for eight years.</p> <p>"In fact, days after the show was broadcast, Toneya and Lochie put the house on the market – asking price $3.8 to $4.15 million. Can’t buy advertising like that," Media Watch host Linton Besser said.</p> <p>Media Watch also claimed that another property featured on the show was owned by "home seeker" Kirsty, who had it listed on Airbnb for $4,000 a week. </p> <p>The show was pulled from 9Now after Media Watch made their enquiries </p> <p>In a statement shared with viewers of Media Watch, the producers admitted "reversed engineered the house-hunting process".  </p> <p>"Abode Entertainment produces Find My Beach House, which is licensed to Channel 9,' the statement began.  </p> <p>"The show is designed as light entertainment, offering viewers engaging tours of stunning homes. </p> <p>"At its core, the series follows a couple’s journey, adding a compelling narrative that keeps audiences invested," they continued. </p> <p>"To enhance storytelling and ensure a satisfying viewing experience, we sometimes reverse-engineer the house-hunting process." </p> <p>"Each episode is based on real property searches and purchases. In some cases, aspects of the home-buying journey have been reconstructed for storytelling purposes. </p> <p>"This means the buyers have already purchased their home before filming, and we then showcase additional properties to capture their reactions and insights authentically.</p> <p>"Moving forward we are making the change to include a disclaimer on each episode."</p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

TV

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Beloved Man About the House actor passes away

<p>English actor Brian Murphy best known for his role as George Roper in <em>Man About the House </em>and its spinoff series <em>George and Mildred</em> has died aged 92. </p> <p>The star's agent confirmed he died on Sunday at his home in Kent, with his wife and actress, Linda Regan, by his side. </p> <p>"It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to announce the death of our client actor Brian Murphy," the actor's agent, Thomas Bowington, said in a statement to <em>Deadline</em>. </p> <p>"It is almost impossible to describe the depth of his talent and humanity. A truly joyful and profoundly good hearted man."</p> <p>Regan has since paid tribute to the actor, who she was married to for over 30 years, with an emotional message. </p> <p>"My love for you will never die. RIP sweetheart," she wrote to X, alongside a photo of them kissing. </p> <p>"I will love you forever darling, and all your wishes will be carried out as you wanted. My soulmate," she continued in a follow-up tweet.</p> <p>"I know we will meet again, until then I'll hold on to the love we shared for 35 years."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will love you forever darling, and all your wishes will be carried out as you wanted. My soulmate. I know we will meet again, until then I’ll hold on to the love we shared for 35 years <a href="https://t.co/i8nNIkZYTc">https://t.co/i8nNIkZYTc</a></p> <p>— Linda Regan (@Linda_Regan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Linda_Regan/status/1886769269150560670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>'Allo 'Allo! </em>star Vicki Michelle also paid tribute to the actor, saying she was "so so sad" to hear of his death. </p> <p>"Great actor and Gorgeous friend, always fun. My heart goes out to Linda and family. Such a Wonderful couple."</p> <p>Murphy started out acting in theatre and tv in the '60s before being cast in the sitcom, <em>Man About the House</em>, in 1973. </p> <p>He rose to fame shortly after, starring alongside  Richard O'Sullivan, Paula Wilcox and Sally Thomsett in the sitcom which ran for six seasons. </p> <p>Murphy continued playing his character George in the spinoff series, <em>George and Mildred</em>, which ran for five seasons. </p> <p>He was also in films including <em>The Booze Cruise, Sparrows Can't Sing</em> and T<em>he Boy Friend</em>.</p> <p><em>Image: Paul Grover/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Shoppers divided over Bunnings pet policy

<p>It is not unusual to see people shopping with their dogs at Bunnings, especially since the retail giant started welcoming dogs into their stores over eight years ago. </p> <p>However, not all shoppers agree with the policy with <em>Triple M Breakfast </em>host Greg ‘Marto’ Martin reigniting the debate, after spotting 12 dogs in his local Bunnings store.</p> <p>“I love dogs, but there’s a disturbing trend,” Marto, a fellow dog owner, said.</p> <p>He added that he doesn't take his kelpie to the shops with him as it's "not necessary". </p> <p>Dogs are allowed in the hardware store if  if they’re friendly, on a lead, under control and comply with the conditions of entry. </p> <p>Pet owners also need to clean up after their dogs in the "rare occasion" an accident occurs. </p> <p>While Marto initially thought the dog policy was a "great thing", as the situation evolved over the years, he now argues that "dogs don't want or need to go," adding "we've got to stop all this."</p> <p>"They don't like stopping, dogs like walking," he said.</p> <p>His co-host Margaux Parker argued that "dogs need love too", but one caller sided with Marto saying he once witnessed  a dog "walk down the end of an aisle, cock its leg on the water bottles and start p***inng on it."</p> <p>"The lady didn't even end up clean it up," the caller added.</p> <p>"She just went on her way and left a little pile of p**s on the floor."</p> <p>One social media user said: “Ridiculous to take your dog to the hardware store. Leave them at home.”</p> <p>“People that take dogs everywhere, cause dogs to have anxiety. Leave them in the yard protecting your house, like they’re meant to,” another added. </p> <p>Others defended those who bring their dogs in-store, with one writing: “Dogs everywhere! I’m for it. They make me happy. Pure joy." </p> <p>“My dog loves a trip to Bunnings, gets all the pats," another added. </p> <p>A Bunnings spokesperson said: “We’ve been welcoming pets into our stores for many years and love the feedback from customers about how much they enjoy having their four-legged companions with them while they shop with us." </p> <p>“Like many other retailers that offer pet products, we take a commonsense approach when welcoming dogs into our stores. The feedback we receive shows that the vast majority of pet owners are respectful of other customers and our team when they’re in our stores.</p> <p>“We know this topic comes up from time to time, however what remains consistent is the support we see from customers for allowing pets in our stores and our commitment to maintain this.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Ray Martin cashes in after selling luxury Sydney home

<p>Ray Martin has made a whopping $7.1 million after selling the family home he has owned on Sydney's north shore for thirty-five years.</p> <p>The veteran journalist sold the five-bedroom, three-bathroom mansion in the suburb of Waverton for a reported $8 million, after Martin and his wife Dianne bought the luxurious 1930s-era house in 1990 for $900,000.</p> <p>The beautiful home, known as Finisterre, sold for between $8 million and $8.5 million after being listed on January 1st, according to reports from <em><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/ray-martins-8m-home-sale-bonanza/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a></em>.</p> <p>Located just 5km from the Sydney CBD, the gorgeous two-storey home features classic period stylings and luxurious interiors.</p> <p>The stunning home boasts impressive features such as grand scale living areas, a beautiful patio for entertaining and a glass-framed mosaic-tiled pool, while a chef's kitchen features the latest appliances and a breakfast island.</p> <p>Other highlights include a 'formal' living room, a separate family room, a home office and an open-plan dining area that opens out to the backyard and patio.</p> <p>The upper level offers a large open terrace which features views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.</p> <p>Other luxury features on the estate also include a wine cellar, a second-floor study and landscaped gardens.</p> <p><em>Image credits: SBS / McGrath Real Estate</em> </p>

Money & Banking

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From securing pets to building ‘insect hotels’ – here are 7 ways to attract birds to your garden

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rochelle-steven-22148">Rochelle Steven</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-newsome-117672">David Newsome</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a></em></p> <p>Home gardens can provide vital habitat for Australian birds. But there’s more to it than just planting certain types of shrubs and flowering trees.</p> <p>After decades of encouragement to include native plants in home gardens, urban environments have come to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989423003700">favour certain species</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2006.01584.x">neglect others</a> including some of our most loved birds, such as fairy-wrens.</p> <p>Birds that thrive on nectar such as honeyeaters, and bossy birds with bold personalities such as noisy miners, some parrots and magpies, tend to dominate the scene. But it doesn’t have to be this way.</p> <p>We wanted to explore how urban gardens can best support a wider range of Australian birds. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-025-03011-2">Our new review</a> of research on this topic revealed seven key considerations. These fall into two themes: reducing threats and improving habitat.</p> <p>We found there’s no point doing just the good things (such as plantings) if we don’t stop doing the bad things (such as killing insects, poisoning owls and letting cats hunt). It’s like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it.</p> <p>So let’s acknowledge the complexity of nature and take a broader approach to attracting birds to our gardens, by ticking off the items on this shopping list.</p> <h2>1. Secure pets</h2> <p>Domestic cats kill <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/pdf/WR19174">millions of Australian birds every year</a>. So no matter how innocent your cat looks, it remains a highly evolved predator.</p> <p>The only guaranteed way to protect birds and other wildlife from cats is to keep them contained inside or in purpose-built enclosures, 24 hours a day. You can find out about building your own cat enclosure from <a href="https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/cats/enclosures-and-fencing/building-a-cat-enclosure-attached-to-an-existing-structure">government</a> and <a href="https://catiospaces.com/catios-cat-enclosures/cat-behavior-enrichment/build-diy-catio-plan-for-your-cat/">retail</a> experts online.</p> <p>Dogs can also stop birds taking up residence in your garden. The mere <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2013.10.005">presence of a dog can deter some birds</a>. Keeping dogs contained at night can reduce the level of disturbance to nocturnal birds. But if you really want to attract birds to your garden, you may choose to keep your dog inside more.</p> <h2>2. Avoid using insecticides and outside lights</h2> <p>Many flying and ground-dwelling insects are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2002549117">in decline</a>. This is bad news for many birds including fairy-wrens, willie wagtails, fantails and robins who rely almost entirely on insects for food. But we can avoid using insecticides or any other form of lethal control such as bug zappers in our own gardens.</p> <p>Ideally, accept insects as a natural part of your garden. Don’t try to deter them, unless they pose a risk to public safety, such as swarming European honeybees or hordes of European wasps. You can also consider favouring native plants that naturally are resisitant to unwanted insect attack.</p> <p>Excess artificial light is also taking a toll on insects. Consider whether you really need to leave that outdoor light on all night. Review your existing outdoor lighting using the <a href="https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/">five principles for responsible outdoor lighting</a>, ensuring all artificial light is useful, targeted, low-level, controlled and warm-coloured.</p> <h2>3. Stop poisoning raptors</h2> <p>The use of rat poison, especially those labelled as “fast action”, is <a href="https://theconversation.com/rat-poison-is-killing-our-beloved-native-owls-and-tawny-frogmouths-and-thats-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-212184">killing native owls</a> and other <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147673">birds of prey</a> at an alarming rate due to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.207">secondary poisoning</a>. In other words, raptors are dying after eating rats and mice that have taken the bait.</p> <p>Many countries have regulated the sale and use of these products for this reason, but Australia is lagging behind. So if you “give a hoot” about our owls, <a href="https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-kill-pest-rats-and-mice/">switch to snap traps</a>. There are also various other effective, humane and efficient <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-control-invasive-rats-and-mice-at-home-without-harming-native-wildlife-180792">options</a> available, including removing unwanted fruit from the ground, keeping sheds tidy, and securing compost bins to keep rodents under control.</p> <h2>4. Prevent window strikes</h2> <p>Birds can fly into windows when they’re unable to differentiate between the glass and the surrounding environment. Strikes may be lethal upon impact or result in injury. A stunned bird is also more vulnerable to predators.</p> <p>In Australia, bird lovers can <a href="https://birdlife.org.au/preventing-bird-strike/#:%7E:text=Why%20do%20birds%20collide%20with,help%20solve%20this%20problem%20too.">reduce the risk</a> by using <a href="https://store.birdlife.org.au/product/anti-collision-bird-stickers/">decals</a> which are decorative stickers intended <a href="https://www.sureguard.com.au/page/birds-eye-view-window-strike-deflector">for windows</a>. Screens, hanging plants or mobiles can also be placed in front of windows to help the birds avoid collisions.</p> <h2>5. Create an inclusive garden</h2> <p>The diversity in Australian birds extends to their diets. Beyond honeyeaters, the nation is home to huge numbers of insectivores, carnivores, seed-eaters and fruit peckers.</p> <p>Australian gardens typically have plenty of bottlebrush and grevilleas, which <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2004.06.004">stacks the deck in the bold honeyeaters’ favour</a>. So when buying new garden plants, try catering for a wider variety of bird species.</p> <p>Choose dense shrubs with small white, yellow or blue flowers to attract insects. These bushy plants also make excellent habitat for small birds. Retaining trees ensures our larger birds have nesting sites too.</p> <p>If you get the garden design right, with a variety of plants to suit all tastes, there is <a href="https://birdlife.org.au/a-guide-to-feeding-wild-birds-in-australia/?srsltid=AfmBOooHbf9Du1CarsSg044tVUVFxfBdopOwrOmELrQWcCSdwfKv432v">no need to feed the birds</a>.</p> <h2>6. Encourage insects</h2> <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-09/blue-banded-bee-australian-insect-of-the-year-inaugral-vote/104572938">Native bees</a> and flies play a crucial role in ecosystems, both as pollinators and food for birds.</p> <p>You can provide insects with nesting habitat in the form of insect “hotels”, food (namely flowers and other insects) and safety from pesticides. These <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.05.003">small gestures can make a huge difference</a>.</p> <h2>7. Water the birds too</h2> <p>With the <a href="https://climatekids.nasa.gov/heat-islands/">urban heat island</a> effect and growing frequency of extreme heat waves, birds are in need of reliable sources of fresh water. Offer this <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11252-024-01530-4">crucial resource</a> in a water feature such as a bird bath or pond.</p> <h2>Whole neighbourhoods for birds</h2> <p>Your garden has never been more important for birds. Doing your bit in your own backyard can make a visible difference – you will see the birds for yourself. But true conservation gains can only be made when people work together at a larger scale.</p> <p>Why not start a conversation with your neighbour about attracting birds to your garden? Creating one garden for birds is great, but when we start talking about whole neighbourhoods for birds, that’s magic!<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/247561/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rochelle-steven-22148"><em>Rochelle Steven</em></a><em>, Lecturer in Environmental Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-newsome-117672">David Newsome</a>, Assoc. Professor of Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</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/from-securing-pets-to-building-insect-hotels-here-are-7-ways-to-attract-birds-to-your-garden-247561">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Home & Garden

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Full House star's devastating cancer diagnosis

<p>Dave Coulier has revealed his devastating cancer diagnosis </p> <p>The <em>Full House</em> star told the <em>US Toda</em>y show about his "roller coaster" health struggle on Wednesday. </p> <p>After finding out that he was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he said it felt like "I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you," according to <em>Page Six</em>. </p> <p>Coulier, whose first symptom was a lump in his groin, noted that he was “on pins and needles for a few days” while waiting to hear whether the disease had spread “to any major organs or [his] blood or bones or anything.”</p> <p>While waiting for his results, the 65-year-old actor told his wife, Melissa Coulier that he accepted his fate. </p> <p> “I’m OK with whatever the news [is] going to be no matter how devastating. … I’ve had an incredible life. I’ve had the most amazing people in my life. This has been an extraordinary journey, and I’m OK if this is the end of the journey”.</p> <p>Fortunately the cancer has not moved outside of his lymphatic system, and since then the actor has started chemotherapy, which he said was  “intense” and “scared the daylights” out of him.</p> <p>“There [are] days where I feel unbelievable,” he said. “Then there’s other days where … I’m just going to lay down and let this be what it’s going to be”.</p> <p>Coulier is expected to finish treatment in February 2025 after undergoing six rounds of chemo every three weeks. </p> <p>While the diagnosis was initially shocking, the actor has assured his fans that the curability rate is promising. </p> <p><em>Image: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

<p>A poodle owner has been fined $806 over a 10-metre walk to the beach. </p> <p>John, who lives a few minutes away from Budd's Beach in Queensland, took his van down to the water's edge and walked roughly 10 metres across the shoreline with his dog Emma by his side. </p> <p>Little did he know that this common act would cost him $806 under new regulations that came into effect on July 31, where pet owners can get fined for not having a pet on a leash or not maintaining proper control of the leash while in public. </p> <p>"I thought that it was very unfair ...I was only traveling from my van to the water," John told <em>A Current Affair</em>. </p> <p>"I wasn't wandering along the footpath or in public areas or anywhere.</p> <p>"I was just passing, travelling from the car to the water... I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong."</p> <p>John was fined for “failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place”. </p> <p>There are signs further up Budd's Beach that state dogs must be on a leash at all times, and John said he does use a lead when he takes his pup out for a walk. </p> <p>The massive fines are a part of the Queensland government's crackdown on dog attacks, with fines of up to $112,910 for more serious dog attack offences as well as up to three years imprisonment.</p> <p>“Changes were made to the AMCDA due to a rise in complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks, and the large number of dog-attack victims admitted to hospital each year in Queensland,” the Queensland government said in a statement online.</p> <p>Another Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws for having her dog's lead under her foot during a coffee break. </p> <p>“It’s wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn’t need,” the resident said. </p> <p>“She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

Legal

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What are house dust mites and how do I know if I’m allergic to them?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-lee-thompson-1449312">Deryn Lee Thompson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p>People often believe they are allergic to <a href="https://ahd.csiro.au/everything-in-our-homes-gathers-dust-but-what-exactly-is-it-where-does-it-come-from-and-why-does-it-keep-coming-back-is-it-from-outside-is-it-fibres-from-our-clothes-and-cells-from-our-skin/">house dust</a>. But of the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">20% of Australians</a> suffereing with allergies, a number are are actually allergic to microscopic <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites">house dust mites</a>.</p> <p>House dust mites belong to the same family as spiders and ticks. They measure just 0.2-0.3 mm, with 50 fitting on a single pinhead. They <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71977">live</a> for 65–100 days, and females lay 60–100 eggs in their life.</p> <p>House dust mites love temperate climates and humidity. They feed off the skin cells we and animals shed, as well as mould, which they digest using special enzymes. These enzymes are excreted in their poo about <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71977">20 times a day</a>. They also shed fragments of their exoskeletons.</p> <p>All these fragments trigger allergies in people with this type of allergic rhinitis (which is also known as hay fever)</p> <h2>What are the symptoms?</h2> <p>When people with house dust mite allergy inhale the allergens, they penetrate the mucous membranes of the airways and eyes. Their body recognises the allergens as a threat, releasing chemicals including one called histamine.</p> <p>This causes symptoms including a runny nose, an itchy nose, eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing and a feeling of mucus at the back of your throat (known as a post-nasal drip).</p> <p>People with this type of allergy usually mouth breath, snore, rub their nose constantly (creating a nasal crease called the “dust mite salute”) and have dark shadows under their eyes.</p> <p>House dust mite allergy <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7328274/">can also cause</a> poor sleep, constant tiredness, reduced concentration at work or school and lower quality of life.</p> <p>For people with eczema, their damaged skin barrier can allow house dust mite proteins in. This prompts immune cells in the skin to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/190/1/e5/7485663">release chemicals</a> which make already flared skin become redder, sorer and itchier, especially in children.</p> <p>Symptoms of house dust mite allergy occur year round, and are often worse after going to bed and when waking in the morning. But people with house dust mite allergy <em>and</em> pollen allergies find their year-round symptoms worsen in spring.</p> <h2>How is it diagnosed?</h2> <p>House dust mite allergy symptoms often build up over months, or even years before people seek help. But an accurate diagnosis means you can not only access the right treatment – it’s also vital for minimising exposure.</p> <p>Doctor and nurse practitioners can order a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">blood test</a> to check for house dust mite allergy.</p> <p>Alternatively, health care providers with <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/a-career-in-clinical-immunology-and-allergy">specialised allergy training</a> can perform skin prick tests. This involves placing drops of the allergens on the arm, along with a positive and negative “control”. After 15 minutes, those who test positive will have developed a mosquito bite-like mark.</p> <h2>How is it treated?</h2> <p>Medication options include one or a combination of:</p> <ul> <li>daily non-sedating antihistamines</li> <li>a steroid nasal spray</li> <li>allergy eye drops.</li> </ul> <p>Your health care professional will work with you to develop a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf">rhinitis (hay fever) medical management plan</a> to reduce your symptoms. If you’re using a nasal spray, your health provider will <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ytYj1TLojM">show you how to use it</a>, as people often use it incorrectly.</p> <p>If you also have <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/how-is-asthma-managed">asthma</a> or eczema which is worsened by dust mites, your health provider will adapt your <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/health-professionals/asthma-action-plans">asthma action plan</a> or <a href="https://medcast.com.au/qhub/eczema/resources">eczema care plan</a> accordingly.</p> <p>If you experience severe symptoms, a longer-term option is <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_Allergen_Immunotherapy_FAQ_2024.pdf">immunotherapy</a>. This aims to gradually turn off your immune system’s ability to recognise house dust mites as a harmful allergen.</p> <p>Immunotherapy involves taking either a daily sublingual tablet, under the tongue, or a series of injections. Injections require monthly attendances over three years, after the initial weekly build-up phase.</p> <p>These are <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-considering-allergen-immunotherapy-for-my-hay-fever-what-do-i-need-to-know-190408">effective</a>, but are costly (as well as time-consuming). So it’s important to weigh up the potential benefits and downsides with your health-care provider.</p> <h2>How can you minimise house dust mites?</h2> <p>There are also important allergy minimisation measures you can take to reduce allergens in your home.</p> <p>Each week, <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/component/finder/search?q=minimisation&amp;Itemid=100001">wash</a> your bedding and pyjamas in hot water (over 60°C). This <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma">removes</a> house dust mite eggs and debris.</p> <p>Opt for doonas, covers or quilts that can be washed in hot water above 60°C. Alternatively, low-cost waterproof or leak proof covers can keep house dust mites out.</p> <p>If you can, favour blinds and wood floors over curtains and carpet. Dust blinds and surfaces with a damp cloth each week and vacuum while wearing a mask, or have someone else do it, as house dust mites can become airborne during cleaning.</p> <p>But beware of costly products with big marketing budgets and little evidence to support their use. A new mattress, for example, will always be house dust mite-free. But once slept on, the house dust mite life cycle can start.</p> <p>Mattress protectors and toppers commonly claim to be “hypoallergenic”, “anti-allergy” or “allergy free”. But their pore sizes are not small enough to keep house dust mites and their poo out, or shed skin going through.</p> <p>Sprays claiming to kill mites require so much spray to penetrate the product that it’s likely to become wet, may smell like the spray and, unless dried properly, may grow mould.</p> <p>Finally, claims that expensive vacuum cleaners can extract all the house dust mites are unsubstantiated.</p> <p><em>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites">healthdirect.gov.au</a> or the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy</a>.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/240918/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-lee-thompson-1449312">Deryn Lee Thompson</a>, Eczema and Allergy Nurse; Lecturer, <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/what-are-house-dust-mites-and-how-do-i-know-if-im-allergic-to-them-240918">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Five reasons why owning a pet is good for us

<p>With more pets than people, Australians have one of the world’s highest pet ownership rates with 62% of us owning at least one pet. And if you’re wondering why we’re so pet mad, research has shown the benefits include companionship, improved mental wellbeing, lower stress and better heart health.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Pets protect us from loneliness</strong></li> </ol> <p>We see our pet as part of the family. Their unconditional (and non-judgemental) love provides us companionship and help to lower stress and anxiety. Interacting with your pet increases feelings of social support and elevates mood. </p> <p>Dog walking increases opportunities for social interaction. When walking outside, fellow dog walkers love to say hello and introduce themselves and their dog to you. Some cafes and restaurants and hotels are dog-friendly venues too. When travelling alone, it’s  wonderful to be able to take your furry companion with you.</p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>Pets are good for our mental and physical well-being</strong></li> </ol> <p>Pet ownership brings responsibility and the need for skills to know how to best take care of them. These skills will extend to other animals, and other people. Children who have pets develop better social skills when interacting with their friends.</p> <p>Dog owners enjoy lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and less heart disease. While owning a dog is not fully protective, the benefit of all those dog walks are they keep you fitter, healthier and less stressed.</p> <p>If you are unlucky enough to have a heart attack, your long-term survival rate is assisted by having a dog. While interacting with a pet for 10-12 minutes will lower your blood pressure.</p> <p>One of the joys of owning a pet, is the pleasure they provide, and the feeling is mutual. Gazing into the eyes of your beloved pooch, boosts levels of oxytocin our bonding molecule. Our long-standing human-dog relationship was established over 30,000 years ago.</p> <p>Patting or stroking our pets is soothing, especially their silky ears. This is relaxing and how delightful is it when your pet reciprocates with loud purring or offers their tummy for a rub?</p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong>Pets are good for our immune system</strong></li> </ol> <p>You’ve probably heard about your gut microbiome that’s important to keep you healthy. Being a pet owner provides you a healthier microbiome and more robust immune system by promoting more of the beneficial bacteria and lowering the level of harmful, or pathogenic bacteria in our gut.</p> <p>Not only that, stroking your pet raises levels of immunoglobulin A in your body that forms a physical barrier in the gut to protect you against potential invading pathogens.</p> <p>In addition, pregnant mums with a pet in the household are less likely to have infants with childhood allergies, asthma or obesity.</p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong>Pets help us cope better with pain and recovery from illness</strong></li> </ol> <p>Owning a pet has been shown to help manage chronic pain. Pets often sense when their owner isn’t well or in pain and will stay close by, which is very soothing.</p> <p>Watching our pets play and their antics can serve as a useful distraction to our struggles with pain or illness. Having your pet with you (when allowed) in a hospital setting is reassuring and can lift your mood.</p> <p>Animals can help in the work or learning environment. Some workplaces have an office pet policy where you’re allowed to have you pet stay with you while you work. This has been shown to be great for boosting staff morale, collaboration and overall happiness, while keeping work stress lower.</p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong>Pets help us better manage our own self-care</strong></li> </ol> <p>Self-care is always important to stay fit and healthy but isn’t something we always find easy to do. This is where taking responsibility for a pet can help. Teenagers with type one diabetes when given goldfish to care for, did better in monitoring their own blood sugar levels, while having a pet have also been shown to help younger students stay focused and on task, and achieve higher academic results.</p> <p>Pets enrich our lives in so many ways from improved mental well-being to lower stress, elevated mood and greater social support. Whatever type of pet you choose, remember the benefits will work both ways.</p> <p><em><strong>Dr Jenny Brockis is a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, workplace health and well-being consultant, and author of The Natural Advantage (Major Street Publishing). www.drjennybrockis.com</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Image credits: Shutterstock </strong></em></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; min-height: 14px;"> </p>

Family & Pets

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"Completely out of touch" boomer slammed for housing advice

<p>An Aussie boomer has been slammed online after sharing advice for younger generations to buy a house, with her words of wisdom being labelled as "infuriating". </p> <p>The Sydney homeowner shared her matter-of-fact views when asked about her own property journey for a TikTok video by property app Coposit Street, who regularly hit the streets to ask people of all ages about their opinions on home ownership. </p> <p>The woman, who chose not to disclose her age or how much she has in savings, didn’t hold back when asked about younger Aussies, saying they “don’t make sacrifices” in order to break onto the property market. </p> <p>“When I was younger …. I never did brunches and partied and now (it’s what) they wanna do, she explained in the video, before admitting “it’s harder for them now”. </p> <p>“Things are so expensive but they can start off small. A lot of people buy places that are too big but you’ve got to make sacrifices.”</p> <p>When asked how she built her savings, she added, “I take my own lunch to work, I always have.” </p> <p>“If you want a place of your own, start small but make the sacrifices, do two jobs, work a lot. Don’t go out as much as you want to.”</p> <p>“I mean I feel sorry for the younger generation now because they’re thinking why bother because it’s too expensive, I’m just going to party and have a good time, which you can still do.”</p> <p>“When I entered (the property market) it was quite a while ago. I had a lot of difficulty because I was a single woman and I had prejudice against me so my father had to go guarantor and that was able to help,” she explained.</p> <p>“I had two jobs, I worked really hard. I was actually trying to save to go overseas and then I cancelled that and I was renting … and I thought, well, maybe if I saved a bit of money and worked hard, I could put a deposit down for myself.”</p> <p>These days, the woman acknowledged the cost of living in Sydney is “very expensive”, saying, “It’s terrible … Rents have all gone up and everyone’s willing to pay for everything so people are just thinking we’ll charge this and then everyone’s charging on top, and people aren’t getting assistance so it’s hard these days.”</p> <p>The woman's comments were met with a wave of backlash online, with many younger Australians calling her advice "infuriating". </p> <p>“We’ve turned our cars into taxis and our spare rooms into hotels to try and afford the same thing they had on a single income,” one person wrote. </p> <p>“How are people this completely out of touch?” another wrote. “Most of my mates have worked since 14/15 (years old), Not gone away internally (sic), have clacked out cars and still only scrape by. I’m 20 and I can’t even remember the last time I went clubbing.”</p> <p>“Yes not buying coffee is going to be enough to save for a house,” another sarcastically quipped.</p> <p>The woman's comments come after research conducted last year shows Gen Z and Millennials have a tougher path to buying a home than previous generations, with the latter facing mortgages 12 times their average income.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p>

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Readers response: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?

<p>When it comes to travelling, there are many different things that can go awry that can make even the most calm travellers irate.</p> <p>We asked our readers what their travel and holiday pet peeves are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Linda Woods</strong> - Getting kicked in the back of the seat on a plane. </p> <p><strong>Barbara Pearce</strong> - Distance to walk through airports to get to gates.</p> <p><strong>Judith Buttery</strong> - Lifting my baggage!!</p> <p><strong>Ralph G Smith</strong> - I get so annoyed at the seemingly random changes in flight times that have become like an epidemic in the last few years. I know that situations change, but in recent times it's become almost a given that if you book for a certain flight, it will be changed. It's not just the airlines, but trains and coaches too. </p> <p><strong>June Maynard</strong> - Travel movement at the airports. Queuing, passport checking, immigration, various checkpoints at the airport, etc.</p> <p><strong>Trish Moulton</strong> - Kids on planes.</p> <p><strong>Beverley Murphy</strong> - Waiting hours for a connecting flight.</p> <p><strong>Jenny Gordon</strong> - People who carry way too much/too large cabin baggage then expect to keep it near them when they board late. Airlines should enforce number of pieces, weight and size!</p> <p><strong>Eileen Pomeroy</strong> - Waiting at airports and their high prices for everything.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - The total disregard for disabled passengers.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: What are your driving pet peeves?

<p>When it comes to reckless driving, some specific actions can make anyone irate. </p> <p>We asked our readers what their driving pet peeves are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Robyn Kay</strong> - People who don’t indicate! And people who don’t know the road rules, and red light runners.</p> <p><strong>Clay Lorraine Sumsion</strong> - People who reverse out of a car parking space at a shopping centre when you are going past and think they have the right of way!</p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - When I’m diligently sticking to the speed limit on the highway and they keep whizzing past me. Oh well, they can get booked and I’ll be laughing.</p> <p><strong>Barbara Belmonte</strong> - (1) motorists who leave about 2 car lengths from the car in front at traffic lights preventing those who want to turn left. (2) motorists who don't know how to use roundabouts.</p> <p><strong>Ruth Hourigan</strong> - Drivers who drive 10 to 15 km hour under the speed limit then speed up to 5km hour over the speed limit the second you come to an overtaking lane.</p> <p><strong>Dotty Weary</strong> - People who daydream at traffic lights!!!</p> <p><strong>Dorrise Humes</strong> - Drivers who have their lights on high beam in lit up areas, especially in the city.</p> <p><strong>Jo Pollock</strong> - People driving too close behind me. It just makes me slow down.</p> <p><strong>Helen Johnson</strong> - Leaving trolleys in parking bays at supermarkets.</p> <p><strong>Judi Saunders</strong> - Tailgaters and drivers who weave in and out of all lanes.</p> <p><strong>Susan Vemer</strong> - People who don't use their indicators properly!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

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"You are not my King": Lidia Thorpe interrupts Charles' Parliament House visit

<p>Senator Lidia Thorpe has caused a stir in Parliament House as she launched into a tirade against King Charles during his welcome to Canberra. </p> <p>The monarch had just finished his speech and was returning to his seat after shaking hands with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when Thorpe started yelling from the back of the room. </p> <p>“You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us, our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people, you destroyed our land,” Thorpe said during her outburst on Monday.</p> <p>“We want a treaty in this country. This is not your land. You are not my King, you are not our King. F*** the colony.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBX9nEUoQ9r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBX9nEUoQ9r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Daily Aus (TDA) (@thedailyaus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Security quickly swarmed around Thorpe and escorted her from the Great Hall, where a reception for political and community leaders was being held.</p> <p>The King continued to chat with Albanese during the disruption, which lasted about one minute.</p> <p>The outburst has sparked calls for Thorpe to resign, with the Australian Monarchist League describing her behaviour as a “childish demonstration”.</p> <p>“Senator Thorpe should step down with immediate effect,” league national chair Philip Benwell said.</p> <p>“The Australian Monarchist League unequivocally condemns the ill-considered behaviour of this isolated senator."</p> <p>“Her childish demonstration has done nothing to diminish the gratitude and pride that millions of Australians have for our country, its history, its peoples and its sound system of governance. In fact, it has likely only strengthened these feelings."</p> <p>“Should she not resign, the league expects Senator Thorpe will be referred to the President of the Senate and that her misconduct will be addressed in accordance with what is the obvious and prevailing public sentiment.”</p> <p>In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Thorpe said her aim was to “hand King Charles a notice of complicity in the genocide of the First Peoples of this county”.</p> <p>“The visit by the so-called King should be an occasion of truth-telling about the true history of this country,” Thorpe said. “The colonial state has been built on the continuing genocide on First Peoples.”</p> <p>“Today I was silenced and removed from the parliamentary reception when pointing out that the Crown stole from First Peoples."</p> <p>“The British Crown committed heinous crimes against the First Peoples of this country. These crimes include war crimes, crimes against humanity and failure to prevent genocide. There has been no justice for these crimes. The Crown must be held accountable.”</p> <p>Following the statement, Thorpe was forced to apologise to her online followers for a different display of anti-royalism, as an artwork of the King being beheaded was posted to her Instagram. </p> <p>The controversial MP said that the image was uploaded “without her knowledge” and she has now “deleted it”.</p> <p>Writing on X she said, “Earlier tonight, without my knowledge, one of my staff shared an image to my Instagram stories created by another account."</p> <p>“I deleted it as soon as I saw. I would not intentionally share anything that could be seen to encourage violence against anyone. That’s not what I’m about.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Nat Barr slammed for “out of touch” comments about the housing crisis

<p dir="ltr">Nat Barr has been widely slammed online for her comments on the housing crisis, with many claiming she is “stirring the pot”.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Wednesday’s <em>Sunrise</em> show, Barr was just joined by two experts to discuss Labor’s Help To Buy Bill, which would allow Australians earning under $90,000 to buy a home with just a 2 per cent deposit.</p> <p dir="ltr">While discussing the legislation, Barr said she’s worried her two sons — aged 19 and 22 — won’t be able to purchase a home after finance spokesperson Jane Hume claimed “Australians have already rejected this policy right around the country”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m in the lucky position that I got to buy mine when they were cheaper years ago but I don’t know how my kids are going to buy one,” Barr said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Barr, who has hosted Sunrise since 2020, has never spoken publicly about her salary, but it has long been speculated that she earns more than $1 million per year. </p> <p dir="ltr">Viewers were quick to slam her comments on Facebook, claiming Barr will “set her kids up”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is the last person who should speak. she’s wealthy and will set her kids up,” one person commented, while another added, “So many young people are buying houses every day without the help of mum and dad. Nat’s just stirring the pot.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another commenter added, “She makes enough money to buy a house for each of her sons. They’ll be just fine. Check your privilege, Nat.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram / Sunrise</em></p>

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