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"Call me Brax": Footy star reveals newborn's name

Former AFLW star Abbey Holmes and husband Keegan Brooksby have shared the joyful news of the arrival of their first child – a beautiful baby boy named Braxton John Brooksby. In a heartwarming Instagram post filled with adorable newborn photos, the couple introduced their son to the world with the caption: “Hi Everybody!! My name is Braxton John Brooksby but my friends can call me Brax.” Holmes, 33, shared a few sweet details about Braxton’s birth, revealing that he arrived via caesarean section at 5:49pm on June 6, weighing 3.585 kilograms. “Mummy labored all day on Friday, only for me to be born via c section… My head was faaaar too large so we had to change our plans late in the piece!” the post joked, before adding, “I’m suuuuuuuuuper cute & Mum and Dad are obsessed with me! @kjbrooksby.” The announcement was quickly met with an outpouring of love from friends and fans alike. Olympian Steph Rice wrote, “Awwww my gosh, congratulations you two❤️🥰,” while fellow Survivor contestant Sharn Coombs commented, “Welcome to the world beautiful Braxton! Can’t wait to meet you.” <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/DKwDrdUyuWA/?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/DKwDrdUyuWA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Abbey Holmes (@abbeycholmes)</a> </div> </blockquote> The journey to parenthood has been a memorable one for the couple, who discovered they were expecting shortly after Holmes completed the New York Marathon last November. They spent the festive season sharing the exciting news with loved ones, and made it public with a gorgeous photoshoot on New Year’s Day. “This year is certainly set to be our biggest & best yet, with the ultimate little teammate joining us in June!!” they wrote at the time. The arrival of baby Brax caps off a huge year for Holmes and Brooksby, who tied the knot just last year. Now, they’re celebrating a new and even more exciting chapter – parenthood. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

"Of course it's Demi!" World's Most Beautiful Person named for 2025

Demi Moore has been named People magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Person for 2025, joining the ranks of past honourees like Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise and Michelle Pfeiffer. At 62, the actress is not only making headlines for her timeless beauty but also for her candid reflections on body image, ageing and self-worth. In an exclusive interview accompanying the annual issue, Moore opened up about her evolving relationship with her body. “I think I've evolved into greater gentility toward myself,” she shared. Admitting that she once had a tendency to "punish" herself, the Ghost star revealed that she's now in a more accepting and appreciative place. “I have a greater appreciation for all that my body has been through that brought me to now,” she said. Though she still experiences moments of insecurity – “It doesn't mean that sometimes I look in the mirror and don't go, 'Oh God, I look old,' or 'Oh, my face is falling' – I do” – Moore said that acceptance has become a key theme in her life. Moore’s resurgence in the spotlight has been bolstered by her acclaimed performance in the 2024 thriller The Substance, alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. The film, which delves into the pressures of ageing in the entertainment industry, drew strong reviews and generated significant Oscar buzz. While she ultimately lost the Academy Award for Best Actress to Mikey Madison, Moore took home her first Golden Globe for the role. In her emotional acceptance speech, she urged the audience to reevaluate how they measure self-worth. “Know the value of your worth,” she said, “by putting down the measuring stick,” drawing cheers from the crowd. With a celebrated career spanning decades, Demi Moore’s new title is not just a recognition of beauty – it’s a tribute to reinvention and the power of self-acceptance. Images: Instagram

Beauty & Style

UK Supreme Court makes major ruling on definition of "woman"

In a landmark ruling that has stirred celebration and concern in equal measure, the UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the legal definition of "woman" refers exclusively to someone born biologically female. The decision effectively excludes transgender women from being counted as women under the Equality Act, marking a decisive turn in a years-long legal battle over gender identity and women's rights in Scotland. The case, brought by the feminist campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), challenged guidance issued by the Scottish government that included transgender women with gender recognition certificates in official gender quotas. The ruling has been hailed as a victory by women's rights advocates who argued that expanding the definition undermined protections for biologically female people. “Everyone knows what sex is and you can't change it,” said Susan Smith, co-director of FWS, celebrating the court’s decision outside the courthouse. “It’s basic common sense. People have tried to deny science and reality. Hopefully, this now brings us back to reality.” The Supreme Court’s five justices ruled unanimously that the Equality Act permits single-sex spaces – such as women-only changing rooms, shelters, and medical services – to exclude transgender women, even those who hold gender recognition certificates. In his written opinion, Justice Patrick Hodge said that the ruling does not strip transgender people of their broader protections under UK law but rather clarifies the scope of “sex” in certain legal contexts. “Interpreting ‘sex’ as certificated sex would cut across the definitions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’… and create heterogeneous groupings,” he wrote. The dispute originated from a 2018 Scottish law requiring that at least 50% of board members of public bodies be women. The inclusion of trans women in this target was central to the legal challenge, with FWS arguing that such a move effectively redefined the concept of womanhood without parliamentary authority. Aidan O’Neill, legal counsel for FWS, told the court that “sex” should be interpreted in the “ordinary, everyday” sense, based on biology from birth. “It is an expression of one’s bodily reality,” he said. “An immutable biological state.” The ruling has sparked celebration among gender-critical activists. Outside court, campaigners from several women’s groups opened champagne and chanted, “Women’s rights are human rights.” Maya Forstater, founder of the advocacy group Sex Matters, said: “The court has given us the right answer: the protected characteristic of sex refers to reality, not paperwork.” Author JK Rowling, a vocal supporter of FWS, praised the campaigners as “extraordinary” and “tenacious.” In a post on X, she said, “In winning, they've protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.” However, the judgment has drawn sharp criticism from trans rights organisations and human rights advocates. The campaign group Scottish Trans said it was “shocked and disappointed,” warning that the ruling risks eroding legal protections for trans people. Green Party Member of the Scottish Parliament Maggie Chapman called the decision “deeply concerning” and a “huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society.” “Trans people have been cynically targeted and demonised by politicians and large parts of the media for far too long,” Chapman said. “This has contributed to attacks on longstanding rights and attempts to erase their existence altogether.” Amnesty International also condemned the ruling, arguing that it clashes with broader human rights standards. “A blanket policy of barring trans women from single-sex services is not a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim,” the organisation stated. The UK government welcomed the Supreme Court's clarification, stating, “Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.” Scotland’s semi-autonomous government, which initially defended the inclusion of trans women in public board quotas, said it accepted the court's decision. “We will now engage on the implications of the ruling,” said First Minister John Swinney. “Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.” The ruling is expected to have wide-reaching implications for public policy, equalities law, and gender identity debates across the UK – a country increasingly at the centre of a global reckoning on the boundaries of sex, gender and rights. Images: For Women Scotland

Legal

Refinancing your home later in life – what you need to know

There are many reasons why you may look to refinance your home. The obvious one is to lower mortgage repayments with a better rate. However, other reasons people refinance later in life include: <ul> <li>unlocking equity to invest</li> <li>paying down other debts</li> <li>buying a holiday home</li> <li>funding extended travel</li> <li>launching a new business</li> <li>supporting children with a property deposit</li> </ul> Regardless of why you want to refinance, the points below will help you navigate your options. Changing lenders It may have been a while since you last revisited your mortgage, meaning you may not be aware of current lending options and traps. A common trick lenders use is the so-called “headline rate” to grab your attention. However, this interest rate is typically not what you end up paying. It may only be an introductory rate for the first few months, or hefty fees attached may wipe out any savings. Banks aren’t the only ones offering loans nowadays. Registered non-bank lenders, fintechs and online lenders can refinance your mortgage and provide other credit services the same as any bank; they just don’t take cash deposits. Alternatively, you could explore credit unions and mutual societies. Also consider any shareholder benefits you may have. Most banks have done away with them now but may still honour pre-existing ones. If you change lenders, you could lose this entitlement – permanently. Reverse mortgages Generally, only available to people aged 60-plus, a reverse mortgage effectively allows you to unlock equity in your home without you needing to make immediate repayments. However, they often have strict conditions including: <ul> <li>minimum borrowing amounts</li> <li>maximum borrowing ratios</li> <li>higher interest rates than standard mortgages</li> </ul> Crucially, the interest accrues over time and is repaid when you sell, move or pass away. As such, your debt liability grows over time – potentially impacting your future living arrangements and how much is left for beneficiaries in your will. The Govt has the “loan equity scheme” as another option to lenders. I just want to highlight the need to be careful with reverse mortgages. Changing homes Rather than selling, downsizing could involve making an investment property your primary residence and then renting out your existing home. This approach may require you to refinance both loans simultaneously. There will also be tax considerations to work through – including Capital Gains Tax liabilities when you do sell, negative gearing, depreciation, and changes to your income tax. Then there are the lifestyle factors to weigh up, especially if you are moving to a different area: <ul> <li>living expenses</li> <li>insurance and travel costs</li> <li>access to healthcare</li> <li>rental income</li> <li>property management expenses</li> </ul> Remember that if you have a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF), it CANNOT own any property that you directly use yourself, including your home. Becoming Bank of Mum and Dad Refinancing can unlock equity to support adult children with their first property deposit. However, it isn’t without its risks. Ask yourself honestly: <ul> <li>Will this be a gift or loan?</li> <li>If a loan, under what terms? Will interest be applied? How and when will repayments be made? What if they default?</li> <li>What happens if their relationship breaks down, will you get your money back?</li> <li>How does going without that money affect your retirement?</li> <li>Do you have alternative assets to support you if your circumstances change?</li> <li>How does this affect inheritances or deposit contributions to your other children?</li> <li>Can you assist them another way without using your home equity?</li> </ul> Draw up a written agreement outlining all conditions and scenarios to avoid disagreements in the future. Pension impacts Don’t overlook how refinancing your home could impact your pension. While your home is exempt from the means test, any income or assets you generate from unlocking equity is not. You could inadvertently see your pension amount reduced or your eligibility voided altogether. This would come as a nasty shock if you haven’t pre-budgeted for such a change! Getting advice To ensure you get the best bang for your buck when refinancing, be sure to enlist the help of a good: <ul> <li>mortgage broker to source the best loans for your circumstances</li> <li>insurance broker to ensure your cover is right sized for your needs, risk and budget</li> <li>accountant to work through any tax implications</li> <li>estate planner to manage any changes</li> <li>financial adviser to keep your investments and financial strategy working for you</li> </ul> Ultimately, decisions – including about refinancing – are only as good the information you have at hand. So, make sure you have all the relevant facts before signing on the dotted line. Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a style="color: #467886;" title="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/" href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754.

Money & Banking

The renting trap snaring retirees – and how to avoid it

It has long been known that renting in retirement is associated with a lower quality of life. Understanding the causal factors can help you avoid a similar fate. There are many reasons why renting in retirement can be problematic. For a start, figures on how much income we need to retire comfortably usually assumes that you own your home – the cost of rent isn’t included. So, anyone using this as a guide falls well short, potentially by 20-40 per cent. Additionally: <ul> <li>Rent usually eats up a larger portion of retirement income than home ownership.</li> <li>Over time, rents typically keep rising while mortgage debts reduce.</li> <li>Home ownership provides equity to use for other investments, further boosting retirement income.</li> <li>Downsizing homeowners can make an additional superannuation contribution from the sale proceeds, which renters cannot.</li> <li>Homeowners can make accessibility modifications to meet their needs as they age, like installing ramps or rails.</li> <li>Homeowners have greater stability and aren’t subject to eviction (and moving costs) at short notice.</li> </ul> How big a problem is it? Numerous studies have highlighted the growing scale of the problem faced by renting retirees. <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/renting-in-retirement-why-rent-assistance-needs-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Grattan Institute</a> recently found that “two in three retirees who rent in the private market live in poverty,” and that “most older working Australians who rent do not have sufficient savings to keep paying rent in retirement.” The rental trap is also not exclusive to low-income earners. <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://everybodyshome.com.au/resources/priced-out-priced-out-an-index-of-affordable-rentals-for-australian-voters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Everybody’s Home</a> recently found Australians earning $100,000 per year – above the <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/employee-earnings/latest-release" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national median of $1,396 per week</a> ($72,592 per year) – are struggling to pay their rent. The end result is that homelessness is a growing problem for over 55s – particularly women. <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.mercyfoundation.com.au/our-focus/ending-homelessness/older-women-and-homelessness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mercy Foundation</a> notes that homelessness among these women grew 6.6 per cent in the 2021 Census, following a huge 31 per cent increase in the 2016 Census. What is causing it? Not owning your own home in retirement is obvious answer here. But there are various contributing factors that see people forced to rent later in life, including losing their home and being financially unable to replace it. These include: <ul> <li>Divorce/separation – court and legal fees, counselling costs, division of assets (including the family home).</li> <li>Pre-retirement chronic illness – time out of the workforce for both the patient and their partner to care for them, loss of income, less going into super, and higher healthcare costs.</li> <li>Death of a partner – up-front bills like funeral expenses, surviving partner suddenly on a single income.</li> <li>Elder abuse – an estimated <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/population-groups/older-people#abuse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one in six older Australians experience elder abuse</a>, including 2.1 per cent facing financial abuse.</li> <li>Domestic violence – fleeing abusive relationships with little or no money and assets.</li> <li>Climate change – loss of uninsured home/other assets as storms, floods, cyclones, and fires increase in frequency and severity.</li> <li>Scams – <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.nasc.gov.au/news/australians-better-protected-as-reported-scam-losses-fell-by-almost-26-per-cent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australians lost $2 billion to scams</a> in 2024.</li> <li>Gambling – <a style="color: #467886;" href="https://aifs.gov.au/research/research-snapshots/gambling-participation-and-experience-harm-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">46 per cent of gamblers are at risk of harm</a>, including losing their home.</li> <li>Housing unaffordability – soaring prices (and stamp duty) push home ownership out of reach.</li> </ul> Women often face the brunt of these effects, disadvantaged by the gender pay gap, having less in superannuation, often having primary or sole custody of children, and having less secure employment. How can you protect yourself? Thankfully, there are steps we can all take to protect ourselves and our retirement: <ul> <li>Get your foundations right for a strong financial footing – emergency fund, spending and investment plan, insurances, superannuation, estate planning.</li> <li>Make decisions jointly – letting your partner control finances alone means more risk for you and less spending oversight.</li> <li>Have contingency plans – your own bank account, independent financial and retirement plans, insurances, and back-up plans just in case.</li> <li>Get into the market ASAP – even a cheap investment property far from where you live is a financial asset and a roof over your head if needed.</li> <li>Consider co-ownership – if you can’t afford to buy property alone, split the purchase and ongoing costs with an adult child, sibling, or close friend. Alternatively, sub-let a room to offset the costs.</li> <li>Don’t settle for less – avoid accepting an unreasonable separation settlement just to resolve things quickly.</li> <li>Be alert – know the warning signs of scams, elder abuse, gambling addiction and domestic violence to avoid losing everything.</li> <li>Get independent advice – professional legal, accounting, and financial advice can help you build financial independence, create safeguards, and recover faster if disaster does strike.</li> </ul> Overall, the best thing you can do is simply to act. By being proactive instead of burying your head in the sand, your future self stands a much better chance of enjoying a comfortable retirement! Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a style="color: #467886;" title="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/" href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754. Image: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Police investigating after pet cavoodle held for ransom

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. 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. “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.” 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. 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. Determined to bring Benji home, Tran and her husband confronted the man at his residence, only to be met with a ransom demand. “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. 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. Despite their ordeal, Tran and her husband chose not to take further action after seeing children at the man’s home. “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. In response to inquiries by 7NEWS, NSW Police have confirmed they will be investigating the incident. Images: Facebook / 7NEWS

Family & Pets

Yes, it’s a terrible idea to pick up or interfere with wild animals – especially baby wombats. Here’s why

<div class="theconversation-article-body">It was hard to watch. In a now-deleted Instagram reel, American influencer Sam Jones is filmed <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/us-influencer-removes-joey-wombat-from-mother/105041800">picking up</a> a young wombat, separating it from its mother, and running with it back to the car for a pose. In the background, the distressed mother tries to follow. At one point, Jones says: “Momma’s right there and she’s pissed. Let’s let him go.” We have spent our careers working with wildlife. Seeing a joey separated from her mother for social media content was unsettling. The encounter will have made stress levels soar for the baby and mother. Unfortunately, we are seeing a rise in people directly interacting with wildlife through <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.12958">feeding them</a> or <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13683500.2020.1828312">taking risks</a> to get close to them, often driven by the pursuit of social media attention. These interactions can hurt wildlife in <a href="https://theconversation.com/liked-to-death-the-social-media-race-for-nature-photos-can-trash-ecosystems-or-trigger-rapid-extinction-235951">many different ways</a>. While there’s a natural tendency to want to connect with wildlife, wild animals often see humans as a threat. When we get too close, we can trigger fear responses such as increased heart rates and heightened stress hormones. Indeed, the consequences of interfering with wildlife can be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175106">far-reaching</a>. Jones was lucky not to have been injured – wombats weigh up to 40 kilograms and have teeth and claws they can use for defence. She could still come down with scabies – wombats often have mange, caused by the parasitic mite which gives us scabies. Others have been less lucky. People feeding dingoes on K'Gari <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/02/more-and-more-tourists-are-being-attacked-by-dingoes-on-queenslands-kgari-can-it-be-stopped">has brought</a> these wild canines closer to people, leading to attacks. In response, authorities have occasionally opted to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/21/dingoes-pay-the-ultimate-price-on-kgari-but-some-believe-people-are-the-real-menace">kill</a> dingoes. Official approvals are required to capture and handle wildlife. Engaging in these activities without the necessary permits is typically illegal. These regulations are to safeguard wildlife from harm and protect humans as well. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PhLPCXPseo?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Instagram clip shows US influencer Sam Jones picking up a baby wombat.</figcaption></figure> <h2>What was wrong with the influencer’s behaviour?</h2> What many people found difficult to see in the clip was the clear distress seen in both joey and mother. Wombat joeys are fully dependent on their mothers for between 18 months and two years – one of the longest periods for any marsupial. Interfering with this bond stresses both animals. The incident also took place on a road, increasing their risk of being hit by a vehicle – one of the biggest <a href="https://theconversation.com/2-biggest-threats-to-wombats-revealed-in-new-data-gathered-by-citizen-scientists-215713">threats to wombats</a>. Wildlife are exactly that – wild life. When we interact with wild creatures, we interrupt what they are doing. This can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175106">harm</a> the individual – and often, the group – by inducing physical or psychological stress, and changes in behaviour. <h2>We want to connect – but it’s bad for the animals</h2> Many of us draw a mental line between our pets and wild animals. Our cats and dogs jump up for a pat and seek our affection. Wouldn’t wild creatures enjoy the same thing? It took thousands of years to domesticate dogs, cats and other animals. Wild animals, on the other hand, perceive us very differently – often as a potential threat. When we feed wildlife food they are not used to, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-you-can-help-not-harm-wild-animals-recovering-from-bushfires-131385#:%7E:text=In%20urgent%20cases%2C%20such%20as,wildlife%20veterinary%20hospitals%20for%20care.">it can make</a> them sick, or contribute to long term metabolic issues. Visitors often feed chips to quokkas on Rottnest Island, but these salty snacks can sicken the animals, which should be eating <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/wr03051">grasses, stems and leaves</a>. Tourists flock to areas with wild kangaroos and often offer them food. But as they become used to our presence, they can still lash out. People <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/may/02/kangaroo-attacks-on-tourists-prompt-warnings-to-stop-feeding-them-junk-food">have been injured</a>, some badly. <figure class="align-center zoomable">Touching animals comes with risks, from being scratched by koalas to being bitten by snakes. When a US wildlife expert was filmed touching a huge great white shark off Hawaii, dozens of people tried to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-18/conservationist-slammed-for-touching-huge-shark-off-hawaii/10725478">follow suit</a> – despite the risks.</figure> Then there’s the disease risk. Wombats suffer from <a href="https://theconversation.com/2-biggest-threats-to-wombats-revealed-in-new-data-gathered-by-citizen-scientists-215713">sarcoptic mange</a>, while other marsupials may have <a href="https://theconversation.com/toxoplasma-the-parasite-that-takes-over-our-brains-197100">toxoplasmosis</a>, which can trigger miscarriages and neurological issues. Handling wild birds can give us the dangerous disease <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psittacosis">psittacosis</a>. If you don’t have a permit, you should stay at a safe distance and watch the animal. The goal is to avoid interfering, and respect the animal’s autonomy and what it’s trying to do, whether that’s finding food, finding a mate, sleeping, or just lounging about. <h2>Are more people trying to interact with animals?</h2> After the COVID pandemic, many of us have been seeking outdoor experiences. Camping is <a href="https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/news/the-rise-of-nature-based-tourism-in-australia">on the rise</a>, as is ecotourism. At the same time, some influencers are trying to interact with wildlife, perhaps mimicking famous figures such as the late Steve Irwin. Irwin’s father, Bob, recently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/06/queensland-urged-to-prosecute-would-be-influencers-who-enter-crocodile-habitat">called for</a> harsher penalties for influencers entering crocodile territory after many close calls. Watching trained wildlife handlers can give us false confidence. We might think: if they do it, why can’t I? The problem is, wildlife handling is risky. Bites are common, even for trained experts. When we undertake wildlife research, we use gloves, cages, hoods and so on to reduce the risk to us and the stress to the animal. Wildlife carers who take on the role of rearing wombat joeys have to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/AM24025">well trained</a> – and dedicated. Joeys need to be fed special milk <a href="https://theconversation.com/wallaby-joeys-and-platypus-puggles-are-tiny-and-undeveloped-when-born-but-their-mothers-milk-is-near-magical-207726">suited to marsupials</a> – cow’s milk is no good. They have to be fed round the clock in the early months. In many cases we are aware of, untrained individuals have attempted to rescue wombats or kangaroo joeys only to discover they can’t meet their specific care needs. Unfortunately, this often results in the joeys being abandoned or handed over to wildlife carers in poor condition. This doesn’t mean that interactions with animals are off-limits. Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries provide opportunities to handle captive animals under expert supervision. Volunteering with wildlife carers or training to become a carer are viable ways to engage with animals responsibly. Influencers don’t have to grab an animal from the wild to show how amazing it is. You can show natural behaviour by following an animal from a safe distance or use existing footage. If you can’t captivate an audience with the wonders of wildlife without harassing a wild animal, then perhaps it’s time to rethink and refine your social media strategy. When we are out in the bush, it’s natural to be fascinated by the presence of wild creatures. But we must find ways of building our connection with nature without harming what we see – and without risking harm to ourselves.<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/252164/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julie-old-186935">Julie Old</a>, Associate Professor in Biology, Zoology and Animal Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dale-nimmo-15432">Dale Nimmo</a>, Professor in Ecology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hayley-stannard-560761">Hayley Stannard</a>, Senior Lecturer in Animal Anatomy and Physiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robert-davis-225195">Robert Davis</a>, Associate Professor in Wildlife Conservation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> 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/yes-its-a-terrible-idea-to-pick-up-or-interfere-with-wild-animals-especially-baby-wombats-heres-why-252164">original article</a>. Image: WikiCommons </div>

Family & Pets

Picturesque Aussie town named best of the year in 2025

A picturesque coastal town in New South Wales has been named the best Aussie town in 2025. In a break from the usual voting criteria, a collection of bays and beaches sitting just 2.5 hours drive up the coast from Sydney and just past Newcastle in NSW, the winning town is ever-growing in popularity. The areas of Salamander Bay, Corlette and Nelson Bay have banded together to see the region of Port Stephens crowned as the best in the country. Port Stephens has been praised for its must-see beaches, stunning sand dunes, sea life and national parks, with the region’s growing accommodation, adventure and food options. Popular travel app Wotif has announced the winners of its 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards, with new research revealing that 78 per cent of Aussies plan to travel domestically this year. Speaking to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/best-of-travel/best-town-of-the-year-in-2025-revealed/news-story/b0f918d0bdb2b0577cf30382cab5d6d9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, Wotif’s Travel Expert Rebecca Hurley said the winning town is “the perfect place to switch off” thanks to the region’s “laid-back luxury” and “endless beaches”. “This year’s awards prove Aussies are being drawn to iconic coastal destinations right across the country, and Port Stephens stands out as this year’s number one,” Ms Hurley explained. “The region’s popularity has risen significantly in the last twelve months, with accommodation interest jumping up over 75 per cent." “It’s the perfect destination to just switch off and relax. It’s laid-back luxury, meets nature haven thanks to the endless beaches, parks, wildlife and sand dunes. Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, or an adventure packed getaway, Port Stephens has something for everyone.” Ms Hurley said coming in second this year was Cairns in Queensland, while Mandurah in Western Australia ranked third. Check out the top 10 list of best Aussie towns for 2025 below. <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; 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; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Port Stephens, NSW 2. Cairns, QLD 3. Mandurah, WA 4. Denmark, WA 5. Beechworth, VIC 6. Port Campbell, VIC 7. Murray Bridge, SA 8. Kingscliff, NSW 9. Yamba, NSW 10. Mackay, QLD <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; 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; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Image credits: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Aussie state named the most welcoming place on Earth

One Australian state has bee named the "most welcoming place on Earth" in Booking.com's annual list of most friendly destinations. South Australia has claimed the prestigious title, with ten regional towns also being recognised for their hospitality. The travel bookings website based its finding on more than 360 million verified customer reviews, with Croatia, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico and Vietnam also receiving honourable mentions for their welcoming locals. “Our Booking.com partners go above and beyond to help create memorable travel moments,” the website’s Oceania manager, Todd Lacey, said. “We’re thrilled to see South Australia recognised on the global stage this year, and are looking forward to continuing to support our local partners as they welcome visitors to the state’s world-class events, wine regions and scenic landscapes.” South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison welcomed the announcement, saying, “It’s no news to locals, but now the world knows that South Australia is among the most welcoming regions in the world." "The fact that this highly regarded accolade is based on more than 360 million reviews on the leading travel site, Booking.com is an honour and will put our state on the consideration list of engaged potential visitors worldwide,” she said. “From the Adelaide Hills to Kangaroo Island, from the Barossa to the Murray River and the Flinders Ranges, guests will always be warmly welcomed in South Australia.” The travel website also named Australia's top ten most welcoming towns, with Victoria and Queensland boasting the most winners. Check out the list below. 10. Orange, NSW 9. Daylesford, Victoria 8. Halls Gap, Victoria 7. Port Lincoln, SA 6. Bicheno, Tasmania 5. Ocean Grove, Victoria 4. Mudgee, NSW 3. Margaret River, WA 2. Maleny, Queensland 1. Montville, Queensland Image credits: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Shoppers divided over Bunnings pet policy

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. However, not all shoppers agree with the policy with Triple M Breakfast host Greg ‘Marto’ Martin reigniting the debate, after spotting 12 dogs in his local Bunnings store. “I love dogs, but there’s a disturbing trend,” Marto, a fellow dog owner, said. He added that he doesn't take his kelpie to the shops with him as it's "not necessary". Dogs are allowed in the hardware store if if they’re friendly, on a lead, under control and comply with the conditions of entry. Pet owners also need to clean up after their dogs in the "rare occasion" an accident occurs. 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." "They don't like stopping, dogs like walking," he said. 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." "The lady didn't even end up clean it up," the caller added. "She just went on her way and left a little pile of p**s on the floor." One social media user said: “Ridiculous to take your dog to the hardware store. Leave them at home.” “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. Others defended those who bring their dogs in-store, with one writing: “Dogs everywhere! I’m for it. They make me happy. Pure joy." “My dog loves a trip to Bunnings, gets all the pats," another added. 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." “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. “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.” Images: Facebook

Family & Pets

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

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <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> 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. <h2>1. Secure pets</h2> 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. 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. 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. <h2>2. Avoid using insecticides and outside lights</h2> 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. 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. 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. <h2>3. Stop poisoning raptors</h2> 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. 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. <h2>4. Prevent window strikes</h2> 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. 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. <h2>5. Create an inclusive garden</h2> 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. 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. 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. 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>. <h2>6. Encourage insects</h2> <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. 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>. <h2>7. Water the birds too</h2> 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. <h2>Whole neighbourhoods for birds</h2> 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. 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!<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" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rochelle-steven-22148">Rochelle Steven</a>, 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> Image credits: Shutterstock 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>. </div>

Home & Garden

Whoopi Goldberg reveals birth name

Whoopi Goldberg has surprised The View audiences by revealing her birth name. On Monday’s episode of the US daytime talk show, the co-hosts debated the necessity of a new platform that can tell house hunters in the US the political affiliations of their potential neighbours. While they were discussing the topic, Whoopi casually dropped her real birth name, with viewers wondering if they'd heard her correctly. Whoopi made it clear that she was against the start-up, saying: “That is not a good idea because number one, it’s none of your business, and number two, it just fosters more division." Co-host Sunny Hostin said: “I have a multiracial family, my goddaughter is gay, some of my best friends are trans. I wouldn’t want to live next to an extremist that would make my family feel unwelcome.” She then clarified, “But I don’t think that’s a political affiliation thing. I think it’s a behavioural thing.” Goldberg added that there's been a shift in recent years with more people openly talking about their political affiliations. “I was raised, you never asked anybody how they were voting. I would say, ‘Ma, who are you going to vote for?’ and she’d just give me that look. And she’d say to me, ‘Caryn, that’s nobody’s business,’” she recalled. Whoopi’s birth name is actually Caryn - pronounced ‘Karen'. When asked why she changed it, Goldberg replied in an old interview: “Here’s the thing. When you’re performing on stage, you never really have time to go into the bathroom and close the door. So if you get a little gassy, you’ve got to let it go. “So people used to say to me, ‘You are like a whoopee cushion.’ And that’s where the name came from.” Image: The View

"I don’t want my son to be called a disease name": Gout Gout's dad weighs in

Australia’s new athletics sensation, "Gout Gout", has become the talk of the nation – not just for his blistering, breathtaking, ridiculous, insane 200m time of 20.04 seconds, but because everyone’s been calling him the wrong name. The 16-year-old sprint prodigy, who shattered a 56-year-old national record over the weekend, now finds himself racing against a linguistic mix-up that’s dogged him since birth. Turns out, his name isn’t actually Gout Gout at all! It’s Guot, pronounced “Gwot”. And his father, Bona, isn’t exactly thrilled about his son being inadvertently linked to an inflammatory arthritis condition. “When I see people call him Gout Gout, I’m not really happy for him,” Bona told 7News. “His name is Guot, it’s supposed to be Guot ... I know that Gout Gout is a disease name but I don’t want my son to be called a disease name ... it’s something that’s not acceptable.” It’s like winning gold but they hand you a medal shaped like a big toe. Nobody wants that. The name mix-up began years ago when an Arabic spelling error during the family’s journey from Egypt to Australia resulted in an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. Bona and his family were intending to move to Canada, but when Aussie paperwork was approved first, that plan became Brisbane - and Guot was then born in Ipswich, Queensland, in 2007, two years after his parents arrived in Australia. Since his epic run over the weekend, even Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic champion, has weighed in on the 16-year-old's stunning performance. “He looks like young me,” Bolt said in an Instagram comment. Guot’s meteoric rise has also attracted attention from sponsors. Having recently signed with Adidas, his career seems poised to sprint toward global stardom. But behind the scenes, his family is working on legally restoring the original spelling of his name before his fame gets forever linked to arthritis medication ads. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> SORRY WHAT?!👂 10.04? 👀 Teenage sensation Gout Gout gets the crowd roaring with a spectacular though windy 10.04 (+3.4) performance in his U18 100m Heat - the fourth fastest time in all conditions by an Australian in history. Stay tuned for the final at 3:40pm AEST. Tune in… <a href="https://t.co/UbXfzH5mj6">pic.twitter.com/UbXfzH5mj6</a> — Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthsAust/status/1864879745344901478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote> Watch out for media-savvy health organisations to now jump on the Guot bandwagon, perhaps offering free gout awareness campaigns. If nothing else, he’s made gout a household name for the right reasons. For now, Guot is focused on his next challenge: balancing Year 12 studies while training with Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles in Florida. But the family hopes the name change will allow him to leave the painful puns behind. Watch this space, though. No matter what happens, we will be hearing a lot about the sensational young athlete over the coming years. Images: X (formerly Twitter)

Family & Pets

How are racehorses really treated in the ‘sport of kings’?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cathrynne-henshall-572585">Cathrynne Henshall</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a> It’s the time of year when shiny horses and colourful clothing fill our screens – the <a href="https://www.racing.com/spring-racing">Spring Racing Carnival</a>, which includes high profile races like The Everest, Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate. It’s also the time of year when questions are asked about the welfare of racehorses that compete in the so-called “<a href="https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/horse/how-we-shaped-horses-how-horses-shaped-us/sport/sport-of-kings#:%7E:text=Thoroughbred%20racing%20began%20around%20300,Asia%2C%20and%20the%20Middle%20East.">sport of kings</a>”. Previously, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/punters-life/how-many-horses-have-died-in-the-melbourne-cup-the-real-numbers/news-story/5f7e29011a7fbf3da9e0611e902d1ee6">high profile deaths during races</a>, the <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0015622">use of whips</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-17/making-a-killing/6127124">what happens to horses after racing</a> have been the focus of community concern. But recently, as we’ve come to know more about what makes a <a href="https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/welfare-wednesdays/how-to-provide-a-good-life-for-horses-friends-freedom-and-forage">good life for a horse</a>, questions are being raised about the daily lives of racehorses. Industry participants will point to the <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/dont-tell-me-the-horse-racing-industry-doesnt-care/">high level care</a> that racehorses receive – comfortable stables, specially formulated diets, the latest vet treatments and added extras such as massages and swimming sessions. But does this care translate into good welfare? <h2>The theory of ‘telos’</h2> Firstly, a quick primer on the difference between care and welfare. Care includes all the things that make sure racehorses get fit, stay fit and stay healthy. This care helps maximise the chance a horse will win races. Welfare is the animal’s subjective or individual experience of its life – <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33066335/">how it feels</a> – and there are a number of ways to assess this. One way is the concept of “telos”, originally developed by Ancient Greek philosopher <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-causality/">Aristotle</a>. Telos is a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10806-012-9422-y">species’ anatomical, physiological, behavioural and cognitive characteristics</a> that have been shaped by millions of years of evolution. Telos helps us to identify what matters to animals – their behavioural, psychological and physiological needs. So to consider if racehorse care actually translates to good welfare, we can assess how closely it provides the animal with the things that matter to them, based on their telos. Equine telos involves living in groups, forming long-lived social relationships, grazing fibrous plants and being on the move for up to 18 hours a day, as well as staying safe by sensing danger and then moving away. It also involves living in variable environments to solve challenges, learn, engage in curiosity and play. Let’s compare that to the daily life of a racehorse. <h2>Movement and feeding</h2> Firstly, the vast majority of racehorses live in stables – sometimes up to 23 hours a day. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17970632/">Multiple studies</a> have found continuous stabling harms horse welfare. Stables significantly restrict opportunities for voluntary movement, and studies show stabled horses spend <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37813129/">the majority of the time inactive</a>. Even though stables house horses communally, most designs limit horses’ opportunities for social interaction. Thirdly, there’s little for a horse to do in a stable other than eat, stand, drink or lie, and they often develop <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34670688/">abnormal behaviours</a> that are associated with stress. These are never seen in free-ranging horses. When racehorses do get to move, they have little say over how far, how fast and for how long they move. The kinds of physical exercise racehorses do are both significantly shorter in duration and at much higher speeds than horses voluntarily choose. It’s those speeds that place them at <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17910268/">risk of suffering a serious injury</a>. What about diet? Although a lot of time and effort is spent ensuring racehorses enjoy high quality diets, they are mostly comprised of concentrated energy sources such as grains, rather the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10135103/">fibre horses evolved to eat</a>. Horses are <a href="https://madbarn.com/slow-feeders-for-horses/#:%7E:text=Horses%20are%20trickle%20feeders%20that,to%2025%20miles%20per%20day.">trickle feeders</a> (grazers), with small stomachs that continuously secrete digestive juices. In the wild, grazing keeps those stomachs full, which prevents the stomach lining from being damaged by digestive acids. In comparison, racehorses often consume their food very quickly – instead of spending up to 75% of their day eating, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702026348500137">they spend only 33%</a>. This means their stomachs are empty for most of the day, which is why up to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37048517/">65% will get painful gastric ulcers</a>. And having to wait to be fed rather than eating when hungry, as happens in free-ranging horses, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/3/3/663">can lead to frustration</a>. <h2>Other difficulties</h2> Racehorses <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/does-whipping-hurt-race-horses-20211102-p595br.html">may be whipped</a>, and <a href="https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1982.tb02389.x">more than 50% </a> will experience some form of musculoskeletal injury during racing, of which between <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/270">7-49% are fatal</a>. Social relationships, in the limited form possible in a racing stable, are also frequently disrupted because horse populations are highly transient due to spelling, <a href="https://theconversation.com/black-caviars-death-has-prompted-uncomfortable-questions-about-how-champion-mares-spend-their-retirement-237039">retirement</a> or even just going to the races. So even if two horses are able to form a relationship of sorts, chances are one will be taken away. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=henshall+stress+repeated&size=200">Separation distress is a significant stressor</a> for horses. Then there’s the gear that’s used to control them. Horses, like most animal species, escape and avoid painful stimuli. However, in racing (and many other equestrian activties) it is <a href="https://www.racingnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/NSWRules.pdf">mandatory to use</a> “bits” to control horses’ behaviour during riding and handling. Bits work by causing uncomfortable pressure and pain and may lead to mouth injuries. Studies have shown many people don’t understand how <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2023.2166713#abstract">to minimise the harm they can cause</a>. In addition, people also vary widely in their ability to read and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/12/1124">interpret behavioural responses to stress</a>. So, racehorses may be repeatedly exposed to pain from bits and perform a range of behaviours to try to escape that pain, like bolting, mouth opening or head tossing. To remedy this, additional items of restrictive equipment, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34056705/">tongue ties</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/dressing-up-for-melbourne-cup-day-from-a-racehorse-point-of-view-104771">nosebands, lugging bits or bit burs</a> may be used to control the horse. Racehorses frequently show signs of difficulty coping with the stressors of racing life, including “going off their feed”, aggression towards handlers, becoming hard to control when ridden and a range of stress behaviours and health issues, <a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/downloadpdf/view/journals/javma/260/15/javma.22.08.0358.pdf">such as bleeding from the lungs</a>. <h2>What about welfare?</h2> Racehorse care is often directed towards managing issues that are the direct result of the demands of the racing environment. Fancy stables and aqua sessions are not important to horses, and may even cause harm. What matters to horses are opportunities to make meaningful choices, such as the freedom to move, form friendships and graze for the majority of the day. Current racing industry practices often deny horses the chance to make these choices. There’s no doubt people in racing care deeply about their horses. But to experience good welfare during racing, racehorses need more than just good care.<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/240998/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cathrynne-henshall-572585">Cathrynne Henshall</a>, Post-doctoral Fellow, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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-are-racehorses-really-treated-in-the-sport-of-kings-240998">original article</a>. </div>

Family & Pets

Seven star names and shames worst celeb interviews

A former Channel Seven showbiz reporter has named and shamed the worst celebrities he's interviewed. Nelson Aspen, 61, who as an entertainment correspondent for Sunrise for two decades opened up on his worst celebrity encounters fellow showbiz reporter Kjersti Flaa on her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ7xEdVa25s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube show</a>. Flaa who is known for revealing her own "nightmare" celebrity encounter with Blake Lively, prompted Aspen to share his own experience with the Gossip Girl actress. Aspen said that his first interview with Lively in 2016 was “fun and playful” and he was "gobsmacked" by her beauty. But he had a very different experience just two years later when he interviewed her and Anna Kendrick for A Simple Favor. “I’m figuring, ‘Oh this is going to be fun.’ I’d interviewed Anna before and she’s fine, but Blake? She’s going to be be a hoot, I can’t wait,” Aspen recalled. “They were paired together, and I think that may have had something to do with it. She [Lively] could’ve been having a bad day, maybe they didn’t get along, maybe it was competition, maybe it was two egos trapped in the same room, maybe Blake is just better one-on-one … I don’t know, but she answered every question with a question, combatively. “It was not pleasant, and Anna sort of did the same. It’s like she was like, ‘OK this is girl power, we’re going to be team up on the journalist.’ “And in your interview with Blake, I recognised it, this is a trait, obviously a recurring one,” he told Flaa. “Thanks to you, everybody’s warned.” He then revealed that one of his most uncomfortable chats was with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, and prior to his interview, a publicist warned him that De Niro "won't look you in the eyes". That was exactly what happened when he interviewed the actor. “The camera that was on me was off to a weird angle so that Robert never had to look me in the face,” Aspen recalled. “He looked off camera, but when we cut it together it looked as if he was looking at me. “They went to so much trouble to avoid him having to look at the journalist.” Another A-lister he interviewed was Marvel star Paul Rudd, considered to be one of the nicest guys in Hollywood, but Aspen said it wasn't always the case. “He’s usually very sweet, but it was his birthday, and that’s when everybody was talking about ‘ageless Paul Rudd’,” Aspen said. “They [publicists] said, ‘Don’t ask him about his youthful appearance, and don’t say Happy Birthday.’ I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ “Yes it was coming from the publicist, but he must have said, ‘I don’t want to talk about my birthday’.” "I can’t remember exactly how it went down, but whatever it was they were very sensitive about it, and it was very uncomfortable and awkward, and nobody says that about Paul Rudd. “But it happens, they’re people too.” However, his interviews weren't all bad, with Hugh Jackman known as one of the kindest stars in Hollywood. “I’ve interviewed him a thousand times. He’s the best,” Aspen said. Meryl Streep and Julie Andrews were also among Aspen’s favourites. Image: Youtube

Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

A poodle owner has been fined $806 over a 10-metre walk to the beach. 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. 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. "I thought that it was very unfair ...I was only traveling from my van to the water," John told A Current Affair. "I wasn't wandering along the footpath or in public areas or anywhere. "I was just passing, travelling from the car to the water... I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong." John was fined for “failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place”. 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. 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. “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. Another Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws for having her dog's lead under her foot during a coffee break. “It’s wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn’t need,” the resident said. “She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly." Images: Nine

Legal

Hugh Grant finally reveals his children's names

Hugh Grant has revealed the names of his two youngest daughters for the first time in a candid interview moment. The English actor and father-of-five has never announced the names of two of his children or the gender of his youngest offspring. Now, during an interview with talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, the 64-year-old finally shared that his youngest child was a girl and shared her name with viewers. During a conversation about his own unusual middle name, Mungo, he said, "I was in a bit of a panic with my wife on the day we named [our daughter]." Sharing the hilarious inspiration behind the name, he said, "We thought it might be nice for her when she was older if she could say in bars that her middle name is Danger. So, her name is Lulu Danger Grant. Austin Powers, you know?" Hugh, who also has a son named John Mungo, went on to reveal that his youngest isn't the only child in the family with a fun name. He went on to say that he and his wife Anna were stressed when naming their first daughter, and decided to ask their son for advice. "We asked her elder brother when she was on the way, 'there's a new baby coming along, what shall we call her?'", Hugh explained. "And he said 'Kevin', because that was his favourite Minion." "And we did think about calling her Kevin, but then we said, 'you'd better think of something else', and he said 'Blue', because that was his favourite colour." The announcement was out of character for Hugh, who despite being a huge Hollywood name, tends to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. Image credits: YouTube

Family & Pets

Five reasons why owning a pet is good for us

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. <ol> <li>Pets protect us from loneliness</li> </ol> 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. 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. <ol start="2"> <li>Pets are good for our mental and physical well-being</li> </ol> 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. 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. 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. 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. 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? <ol start="3"> <li>Pets are good for our immune system</li> </ol> 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. 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. In addition, pregnant mums with a pet in the household are less likely to have infants with childhood allergies, asthma or obesity. <ol start="4"> <li>Pets help us cope better with pain and recovery from illness</li> </ol> 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. 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. 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. <ol start="5"> <li>Pets help us better manage our own self-care</li> </ol> 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. 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. 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 Image credits: Shutterstock <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;">

Family & Pets

“Is it really that bad?”: New mum slammed for baby name choice

One woman has taken to social media to explain her dilemma after people around her made her second-guess the name she and her husband chose for their unborn son. The woman shared her situation on Reddit, and explained that the name has a special family significance to her, but so far people around her have absolutely hated it. "My grandpa was my favourite person in the whole world. Growing up, I always loved his name because I thought it was unique and I loved him. I always said if I had a son I would name him after my grandpa," she explained in the post. "Now I'm pregnant, and the very few people I've told the name to HATE IT. The name is Earl. Is it really that bad?" She added that she doesn't want her son to grow up hating his name, but she still wants to use it as it is so special to her. "Few other things: husband is on board and loves it, and it does sound really nice with our last name," she added. Many of the commenters urged her to go with the name if she loves it and to disregard what anyone else says. "This. Is. Your. Baby You don't need to poll the audience or tell anyone the baby's name before he is born. Protect your peace, and Earl's," replied one person. "I love Earl! Easy to say and spell. Uncommon but not made up. The emotional connection is wonderful too!" commented another. "It's a lovely name!!! Don't let other people shame you out of using it because you'll regret listening to them later," a third person assured her. "Earl is dated and country but it's cute and it means something to you and you both love it. It will be fine," another woman said. Some suggested that if she was really struggling with the name after the hate she received, there are other ways to incorporate it. "It's extremely dated but not bad. I personally think it's better as a middle name," replied one person. Image: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Readers response: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?

When it comes to travelling, there are many different things that can go awry that can make even the most calm travellers irate. We asked our readers what their travel and holiday pet peeves are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Linda Woods - Getting kicked in the back of the seat on a plane. Barbara Pearce - Distance to walk through airports to get to gates. Judith Buttery - Lifting my baggage!! Ralph G Smith - 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. June Maynard - Travel movement at the airports. Queuing, passport checking, immigration, various checkpoints at the airport, etc. Trish Moulton - Kids on planes. Beverley Murphy - Waiting hours for a connecting flight. Jenny Gordon - 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! Eileen Pomeroy - Waiting at airports and their high prices for everything. Margie Buckingham - The total disregard for disabled passengers. Image credits: Shutterstock

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