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Millions warned over huge change to speed cameras

For years, drivers in New South Wales have relied on the point-to-point speed camera rule, which only captures the speed of heavy vehicles, but that rule is set to change as part of a new trial as the state attempts to lower their death toll. The point-to-point, also known as average speed cameras are set to be turned on for all vehicles in two regional locations during the trial. The first location will be 15-kilometre stretch on the Pacific highway between Kew and Lake Innes in Port Macquarie, and the second location will be on the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai, with 16km between the two cameras. “NSW is the only jurisdiction in the world to use average speed cameras but restrict their use to heavy vehicles only,” Roads Minister John Graham said. “In the context of a rising road toll, now is the time to trial these cameras for light vehicles and understand if we can keep more people safe on the road more of the time.” He added that all other states in Australia, as well as the UK and Norway have found the average speed cameras to be effective. “All other mainland Australian states and countries like the UK, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands have found average speed cameras to be effective and we aim to be as rigorous as possible to be sure they will also reduce road trauma in NSW.” “Rather than test your speed at a particular point in time, like a mobile speed camera, these test the speed you’re driving over 15 or 16 kilometres,” he said. “That means it’s a truer reflection of how quickly people are driving.” He added that the trial is focused on regional NSW as it has suffered a disproportionate amount of road fatalities, with six road deaths and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022. “Although only a third of people live in regional New South Wales, that’s where two thirds of the deaths from road crashes happen," he said. Speeding contributed to 44 per cent of NSW road fatalities last year, three-quarters of which were in the regional parts of the state. The trial will run for six months, and for those caught speeding, they will be given a 60-day warning letter period, before financial and licence penalties kick in. Images: news.com.au

Legal

Oasis issue urgent warning after scalpers list tickets for $42,000

Oasis have been forced to issue a warning to music fans who are searching for tickets to their highly-anticipated reunion tour, after resale tickets have been listed for thousands of dollars. Tickets to the UK and Irelands reunion show went on sale on Saturday, with tickets to the 17 shows selling out in a matter of hours. Tickets were originally posted on Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $190 AUD to $500 AUD, before prices were bumped up by the ticket merchant as being "in demand", with the cheapest tickets then priced at $475 AUD. Since all shows were officially sold out, some tickets have since been posted on resale sites such as StubHub and Viagogo, with prices ranging from $1,100 AUD to a whopping $42,000 AUD. After all the tickets were sold, ticket scalpers shared their tickets on the resale websites to turn a profit, with music fans sharing photos of the outrageous prices on social media. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The highest price I've seen so far is £22,045. It's ridiculous. I know no one is likely to pay that, but why are these companies allowing it? <a href="https://t.co/uMSt0TS6K9">pic.twitter.com/uMSt0TS6K9</a> — Jordan (@grahamjordan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/grahamjordan_/status/1829647325901570230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote> "And it’s begun," one fan wrote alongside a screenshot of the resale websites. "Viagogo and StubHub all trying to rip off Oasis fans, with the highest priced ticket being on StubHub for £6,347 ($12,323 AUD). Hang your heads in shame." The music fan then added another photo of the $42,000 AUD ticket for sale, writing, "The highest price I've seen so far is £22,045. It's ridiculous. I know no one is likely to pay that, but why are these companies allowing it?" Oasis themselves then stepped in to warn fans about paying the extortionate fees for tickets, saying according to the terms and conditions, tickets could only be resold at face value via Ticketmaster and Twickets. "Tickets sold in breach of terms and conditions will be cancelled by the promoters," they wrote in a post to X. Oasis promoters had previously issued a similar warning, telling fans tickets sold through "unauthorised resale platforms" would be in breach of terms and conditions and "may be cancelled". Image credits: Instagram/Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Editorial

Money & Banking

Aussie travellers warned over bird flu outbreak

Australian travellers have been warned to be cautious after concerns about the sudden outbreak of bird flu. Strains of Avian Influenza, known as the bird flu, are circulating across the globe, with <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Traveller</a> warning of outbreaks in Europe, North and South America and Asia. “Human infection is rare. But be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries,” the alert states. The virus typically affects birds but can be transferred to other animals before being passed on to humans. “Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked using safe food handling practices,” the alert states. Travellers have been urged to look out for signs of infection, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, and pneumonia. Travellers have also been urged to minimise contact with animals in areas affected by the bird flu, avoid contact with dead or sick animals (including wild birds), and avoid poultry farms and live bird “wet” markets. While there is no specialised vaccine for bird flu, travellers have been urged to check that their other influenza vaccines are up to date before travelling. Smart Traveller states, “If you feel unwell while travelling back to Australia, tell a crew member or airport staff. Make sure to tell them about any contact with sick people or animals.” Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Kyle Sandilands' warning about new "right to disconnect" laws

Kyle Sandilands has warned Aussies against "abusing the system" put in place by new 'right to disconnect' laws. As of August 26th, employees of large companies can legally refuse to respond to "unreasonable" after-hours calls from their employer. Discussing the new laws on KIIS FM on Monday morning, Sandilands warned workers about celebrating the laws too soon, as they could come with a catch depending on the leniency of employers. "It doesn't mean they won't railroad you out behind the scenes," the radio host said. Kyle then argued that while it would be illegal under the new legislation for bosses to punish workers for not responding after hours, some devious managers could find ways around the laws. "Don't think for a second: 'Screw that real estate agent boss'," Kyle said. "Because eventually they will find a way to get rid of you to work around the boundaries." Sandilands then urged Aussies not to "abuse the system", saying, "Everyone you can say, 'oh by law, I don't have to respond to that' and they will then go, 'no worries'." "And then they get you for every little tiny infringement. You will go if they want you to go, one way or another. So, don't abuse the system." Jackie O then chimed in on the debate, saying the laws were a direct response to a modern working problem. "I feel like that might happen," Jackie said. "I think it's sometimes because the thing is that work hours now are infinity. When you didn't have email and mobile phones, you never got bothered outside of work hours." Kyle replied, "And nothing got done. It was the late 1970s. The world spun very slowly back then." Image credits: KIIS FM

Legal

Lawyer warns drivers over little-known road rule with $2200 penalty

While some say it's just "the Aussie way", one lawyer has warned against this common act that could cost you up to $2200. Speaking to 7NEWS Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh, said that there has been a spike in motorists caught flashing their high beams on the road, to alert other drivers of police. “I’ve received an increased number of inquiries from people who have been caught flashing their high beams, warning oncoming drivers of police,” he said. “Most of my clients have been caught doing this by a mobile speed camera or an RBT, which they don’t realise can catch them out on this offence.” Drivers caught in the act could get an on-the-spot fine of $112 and one demerit point, and a maximum penalty of $2200. According to the Australian Road Rules, it is considered an unlawful use of headlights on high-beam. “It is an offence to drive on a road with high-beam headlights on if there is another vehicle in front, travelling in the same direction within 200m; or if there is another oncoming vehicle within 200m,” Singh said. “Similarly, road rules state that a driver must not use any light fitted to their vehicle to dazzle, or in a way that is likely to dazzle, another road user.” “It is arguable that flashing your headlights to warn of police would fall into the definition of ‘hindering police’ in the execution of their duty “ Motorists on Reddit have described headlight flashing as representing “a camaraderie between motorists” and one even called it “the Aussie way”. But others have argued that the act could impact the safety of other drivers. “Traffic laws are meant to act as a deterrent for dangerous driving, flashing a fellow motorist has the same effect the ticket is meant to but with more immediate results. It should be widely encouraged,” one commenter wrote. “I feel it only changes the driver’s behaviour for a few seconds, but removes the deterrent of getting a fine. So it probably makes traffic, in general, more dangerous,” another said. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Warning over new scam preying on seniors

Police have issued an urgent warning for seniors to stay vigilant as a new scam targets more vulnerable Australians. Wollongong police officers have received reports of wills and estate documents allegedly being forged earlier this year, with inquiries ongoing. Scammers are currently targeting vulnerable members in the Illawarra community in Sydney, with elderly members of the community and their families being urged to take precautions to lower the risk of the new scam. "Examples of estate fraud include: a person signing a will that was a different document then they intended to sign, a person signing a will when they limited mental capacity, and an executor could pay themselves advances or unreasonable expenses from the estate,” a statement from a NSW Police spokesperson explained. Will fraud occurs when misleading or deceptive conduct is used while preparing a will. Executor fraud occurs when a person appointed to administer an estate uses deceitful tactics to gain access to estate assets, including false, fabricated or misleading statements used for the financial benefit. Anyone who has been affected or anyone with information have been urged to come forward to police. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Avoid missing prostate warning signs with this handy quiz

A leading Australian Urologist is sounding a warning to men who unknowingly ignore symptoms of an enlarged prostate, wrongly assuming it’s just a part of growing older. Symptoms the Urologist highlighted include, increased frequency going to the toilet at night or a change in urine flow. Dr Gordon O’Neill, who has been treating diseases of the prostate for over 25 years said almost half of all men over 50 have an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), where the prostate gland enlarges and obstructs the urethra - the tube which expels urine from the bladder, and this may cause bothersome urinary symptoms. “While BPH is not cancerous or life threatening, the symptoms such as leaking or frequent urination can negatively impact a man’s quality of life,” Dr O’Neill said. “The prostate starts to compress the urine channel and this in turn may interfere with bladder function. In some severe cases, some men have trouble urinating at all. “If left undiagnosed this condition could lead to bladder damage, urinary tract infections and bleeding,” he said. Dr O’Neill is encouraging men to complete <a title="https://www.getmosh.com.au/start/prostate-enlargement-health-check" href="https://www.getmosh.com.au/start/prostate-enlargement-health-check" data-outlook-id="dea5c553-2489-4009-ae90-d09c24226c83">Mosh’s BPH quiz</a> which can help flag any irregularities that might cause need for concern. Mosh Medical Director Joanna Sharp said the quiz makes it easy for men to raise an issue they often deem embarrassing to discuss. “It’s a simple survey that can be done anywhere, at any time, allowing men who may be worried about their prostate function to find out whether medical intervention is needed,” said Dr Sharp. “There’s a lot of unnecessary fear and old school thinking among men when it comes to the prostate and there’s no need. Women are very good at being more in tune with their bodies, men are not so great. We need men to do better to notice changes in their body, especially ones that could be hiding something more sinister.” “Are they having to get up to urinate more frequently at night and is that impacting their quality of sleep? Does it dribble at the end? We don’t want men suffering in silence, thinking it’s secret men’s business. Troublesome symptoms of enlarged prostate can be fixed very easily,” Dr Sharp said. About one in seven men aged 40 to 49 years are diagnosed with a prostate problem, which increases to about one in every four men aged 70 years and older. GPs then assess the survey results referring those that need further examination to a urologist, like Dr O’Neill. “Some men live with an enlarged prostate and have no idea and that’s okay. But for those men where the symptoms have become an issue there are minimally invasive options such as an implant procedure,” Dr O’Neill said. “It’s a minimally invasive treatment that opens the prostatic urethra, relieving obstruction for men who suffer urinary symptoms related to BPH." “The implant holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue with no impact on sexual function which can be a big fear and deterrent for some men,” he said. Dr O’Neill believes men should also be screened for prostate cancer by getting a PSA test from the age of 40. As they age the prostate gland grows and the PSA is likely to rise slightly. “The prostate grows on average about four percent a year, so changes can start as early as 30 but they won’t become apparent for another 20 years,” he said. “While having BPH or an enlarged prostate doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer, symptoms left unchecked could be masking a much more sinister problem such as prostate cancer so it’s better to have your symptoms assessed,” Dr O’Neill said. You can find Mosh's BPH quiz <a href="https://www.getmosh.com.au/start/prostate-enlargement-health-check" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image credits: Shutterstock

Body

Millions warned as dangerous disease spreads in Melbourne

Health authorities have issued an urgent warning to Victorians after multiple people have been admitted to hospital with severe symptoms. Victoria's Department of Health has revealed it is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires disease after a "significant increase" in cases across Melbourne since Friday. Over just three days, 22 cases of the disease have been confirmed with another six cases suspected. Most of the cases are in adults aged over 40, with many of them requiring hospitalisation and intensive care for severe pneumonia. Health authorities are now searching for the source of the outbreak, as the health department said in a statement, "Legionnaires' disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache and muscle aches and pains. Other atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion." "All cases have visited or reside in metropolitan Melbourne. Those most at risk are adults aged over 40 years, especially people with other medical conditions or immune compromise, or who smoke." The source of the outbreak is not yet known but investigations are underway to determine where it has come from. Legionnaires' disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain legionella bacteria, and is not commonly spread from person-to-person or by drinking contaminated water. The <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/outbreak-of-legionnaires-disease-in-metropolitan-melbourne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Department of Health</a> is urging anyone who lives in, works in or has visited metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas to seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms. Image credits: Shutterstock

Caring

Happy Days star's warning to tourists after costly mistake

Happy Days star Henry Winkler has issued a warning to fans about rickshaw rides in London, after he was charged £134 (AU$250) for a short trip. The star revealed on X, formerly Twitter, that he was left with the huge bill after taking a ride on the pedicab, and attached a picture from the back of the rickshaw. “TRAVEL TIP: Do not take one of these bicycle taxis without absolutely negotiating the price first. This person in London rode us around in circles then finally to our destination seven blocks away … for $170 US!" he wrote. “My fault, I paid, but passenger beware! A few hours later, he reiterated his point and added: "Can NOT say this enough." Fans were quick to back the veteran actor, with one saying: “How can the guy do The Fonz like that?” Others urged him to take the tube or a cab instead, with one writing: "I would've taken you for free." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> TRAVEL TIP: DO NOT take one of these bicycle taxis without absolutely negotiating the price first. This person in London rode us around in circles then finally to our destination 7 blocks away...for $170 US! My fault, I paid, but passenger beware! <a href="https://t.co/l9yxNUkOuM">pic.twitter.com/l9yxNUkOuM</a> — Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) <a href="https://twitter.com/hwinkler4real/status/1808556199824273671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2024</a></blockquote> Another former cab driver added: "London cabbies are known for being honest, knowledgeable, and decent-It takes a full year for someone to gain all the Knowledge necessary to become a cab driver. I believe they drive black cars. Anyway, this is a former cabbie telling you to grab a real cab." To which Winkler replied: "I did all the time. For that moment I LOST my mind." According to the U.K's Local Government Association, pedicabs have been able to charge extortionate prices because they are "exempt from the regulations which cover taxis and private hire vehicles. "They do not need a [license] to operate, are able to set their own prices and are not subject to checks on the safety and ability of their drivers, or the road worthiness of their vehicles." However, Transport for London is stepping in to license rickshaw riders and regulate their fares to bring it into line with other forms of transport in the city. Image: Mark Doyle/ Shutterstock Editorial

Travel Trouble

Jimmy Barnes warns fans about fake accounts

Jimmy Barnes has issued a "fake account alert" to his fans. The Aussie singer took to Instagram to warn his followers that there have been an increase in the number of people online pretending to be him or claiming to have direct access to him. "There have been an increasing number of fake profiles appearing in the comments of my socials media posts, claiming to either be me, have direct access to me, sell tickets to shows, and even going as far as posing as a fan trying to connect with other fans," he wrote. "These accounts also send friend or follow requests, which then progresses to more false claims, often requesting large or small sums of money," the Cold Chisel star added. He then urged his followers to take action against these fake profiles. "Please block and report any profile and or comment that makes these claims, as it would never be myself or any of my team. Look after each other," he continued. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C84CmW9yKBs/?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/C84CmW9yKBs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jimmy Barnes (@jimmybarnesofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> He then shared screenshots of all the social media accounts posing as him, and a montage of all the messages they send to fans. One of the scammers wrote: "Hello thank you for your like and comments on my official page and for being a fan, it's great to know I have such a devoted fan. Much love, click on this page to send me a message." Many of the scammers had similar messages, asking fans to message them, click on a link or add them on social media. This is not the first time scammers have tried using the singer's name to con devoted fans. In 2022, Barnes slammed scammers pretending to be him and using a fake "farewell" ad on social media, which was nothing more than a cryptocurrency scam, according to The Daily Telegraph. Speaking through his manager, John Watson, Barnes said at the time that he was angry about the "illegal and misleading ads" that have allowed "scammers to prosper". Images: Instagram

Legal

Aussies warned over new nbn scam

Aussies have been warned against a new nbn scam targeting businesses and residents. Last year, about 1,800 Australians lost more than $1.2 million to scammers pretending to be nbn employees in a remote access scam. Now, they have found a new way to scam unsuspecting businesses and residents by pretending to be employees and getting people to hand over their personal details and money in areas where actual nbn employees are working. The opportunistic scammers have been randomly knocking on doors or cold calling homes in areas where nbn technicians are installing new fibre. A few people have already been duped, with nbn impersonators calling customers claiming they need money to pay for new internet hardware or postage costs. Scammers have also offered to inspect people's homes for a nbn fibre upgrade and took their bank account details in the process. Other impersonators have called customers saying they would show up a few days later, despite having no prior appointment booked. Scammers have also impersonated staff, and used the presence of actual nbn vehicles on the street as proof of their authenticity. “These impersonators are also asking residents for payment to test their services or secure upgrades and repair works in the future,” nbn Local head Chris Cusack said. “In taking the payment these people are then skimming banking and card details to extract more money afterwards. “We are asking residents to be extra-vigilant against scams, especially while legitimate nbn work is underway.” Nbn has advised that their technicians would always contact people to ensure they were aware of visits before their appointments, and inform them of where they will be doing fibre upgrades. They also send their customers texts to confirm or cancel the appointment, and let them know when they are on their way. Nbn technicians never ask for payment for an appointment, postage costs, hardware costs, or access to any devices. Approved technicians and workers all carry identification cards, and the nbn Local head suggested that customers should always request to see the card before providing access to their residence. “Do not share your bank or personal details with an unsolicited caller or with people who door knock claiming to be from nbn trying to sell you an nbn service or seeking payment for related services,” Cusack said. “If you get contacted like this, please close your door, or hang up the phone and report it to the ACCC’s Scam watch.” Images: news.com.au

Legal

Shane Dixon's heartbreaking posts before cruise plunge

Shane Dixon sadly <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/sad-reason-why-sydney-dad-went-overboard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plunged to his death</a> on May 6 on board a P&O cruise ship, after racking up a $9000 casino debt that he couldn't afford to pay. His family said that the debt, on top of series of personal tragedies and setbacks, including health issues, family deaths, and the breakdown of his marriage which led to him being estranged from his three children, was the last straw for Shane. "[After he lost the money] his brain would have been going 100 miles an hour. He probably thought, 'F*** it, I can't afford it,'" his brother Scott Dixon told Daily Mail Australia. Shane was the eldest of five children to parents Susan and Wilbur, and grew up in Campbelltown, Sydney's western suburbs. His youngest brother, Dylan who was a twin, tragically died at just three months old in 1993, leaving a mark on the family. In 2009, Shane lost his father at the age of 54, and the loss had a huge effect on Shane who described him as the "strength of the family" and "life of all parties". Adding to the pain, Shane was also experiencing heart problems and his brother Scott was diagnosed with a terminal illness, which he is still fighting. On top of that Shane was also struggling with the breakdown of his marriage, and now old Facebook posts about his struggles have re-emerged. "F***ing sucks.. Now over 12 years [and I have] not seen or herd [sic] from my kids," he wrote in September. "Not knowing how they [are] doing or if they [are] going through hard times just sucks." On December 31, 2022 he wrote: "The only happy [thing about] New Years is that hopefully 1 year will be happy for me when I meet my kids again." "12 years to not see or hear from you.. Breaks me every year but I stay strong, hoping one new year my dreams will come true," he wrote with a picture of his three young children. Sadly, he never got to fix his broken relationship with his children. In another eerie post obtained by <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13424493/Shane-Dixon-P-O-cruise-debt-suicide-eerie-post.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>, last year the truck driver described how May was his "hardest month". "My hardest month May is just around the corner," he wrote on April 2023. "[It's] not only my birthday, but my eldest girl turns 18 that I have not seen or heard from in over 12 years. My boy turns 15 and [it's] the same situation as my girl. [It's] my dad's birthday also who passed away in 2009 [at] only 54 years of age. "So yes, to me life is f***ed. [So] don't judge me or let's just swap shoes." His eldest daughter turned 19 this year, just three days after his death, and Shane would've been 46 in just one week. Several others have since spoken out on the enticing gambling tactics, and Shane's friend that he made on board the cruise even <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/it-seems-crazy-shane-dixon-s-gambling-friend-breaks-his-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recalled</a> how "full of energy and happy" Shane was just hours before his death. Earlier this week, a P&O spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that it would be inappropriate to comment on Shane's death as the matter is under investigation from the coroner. In response to the other allegations and calls for a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/these-are-people-s-lives-calls-for-gambling-reform-after-fatal-cruise-ship-plunge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gambling reform</a>, she said: "P&O Cruises Australia appreciates the feedback from guests." "We have Responsible Gaming Conduct Policies on all P&O ships and take those policies seriously." "We encourage any guest with concerns to get in contact with us so that we can investigate." Images: Facebook

Cruising

"It seems crazy": Shane Dixon's gambling friend breaks his silence

The man who befriended Shane Dixon on a P&O Cruise before he plunged overboard has broken his silence, saying he too fell victim to seductive gambling tactics. The man, James, and his friends met Shane on the first day of the Elvis themed cruise and casually socialised throughout the entire trip. James, his friends, and Shane all spent time together in the onboard casino, where James was shocked by the blatant practices used by the cruise line to lure gamblers to the table. "We all got given free cruises to use in the next six months from the casino director and I myself racked up almost $2,000 gambling which was charged to my credit card, something I would never normally do in a million years," James told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13415149/p-o-cruises-gambling-shane-dixon-suicide-pacific-adventure.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>. "He [Shane] was a great guy and it’s so wrong how the casinos push so hard to get you to gamble more.'" When onboard a P&O cruise, customers use their room key, or "cruise card", as a form of currency to pay for various items onboard the ships. Passengers can either pay "cash" by topping their cruise card up with set cash amounts using machines located around the vessel or by "card" by linking it to a credit or debit card. James said the same payment methods extend to the casino, as every time a passenger plays a game in the casino they need to scan their cruise card, regardless of which type of payment arrangement they have set up. When funds are depleted, players have the option to select "charge room" to add more money and the bill will be charged to the card associated with your room at the end of every day. James said paying with this method makes it difficult to track how much you have spent, particularly as there is no internet on board to monitor transactions through online banking. When James, luckily, won back most of his debt and chose to walk away from the table before any more damage occurred, he asked the cashier if he could enter a self-exclusion arrangement to bar him as he didn't trust himself to not spend the cash. However, James said the cashier told him self-exclusion was not an option. "They should have been able to [disable my room key] just like they do with minors, but the cashier said they don’t know how or if it’s even possible," he said. "It seems crazy!" According to P&O's website, self-exclusion is one of the initiatives punters can access under the company's "commitment to the responsible delivery of gaming on our ships". The last time James saw Shane was while they were all dancing together in a bar at midnight on Monday. While he left to go to a club, Shane went back to the casino and just four hours later, the father-of-three was dead. "We were all drinking heavily but he was full of energy and happy," James said, recalling their last encounter. "He had been saying how he had lost heaps at the casino but we didn't know his situation so didn’t know how much of a big deal it was. He didn’t seem overly upset about it at the time. He seemed fine." Shane had racked up over $4,000 in gambling debt, and went overboard while the ship was making its way into Sydney Harbour. Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock

Cruising

“These are people’s lives”: Calls for gambling reform after fatal cruise ship plunge

The shocking death of a 50-year-old father who went overboard on a P&O Cruise has caused widespread outrage, with many questioning who is to blame for his untimely passing. Shane Dixon had racked up $5,000 of gambling debt while onboard the Elvis-themed voyage, which his mother, who was also travelling with him, helped him to repay. The next day, Dixon went back to the cruise ship's casino where he racked up another $4,000 in debt, before he plunged to his death while the vessel was on its way into Sydney Harbour. While questions have arisen about the circumstances surrounding his death, the CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform Carol Bennett said the cruise ship operator had failed to provide Shane with an adequate duty of care, and encouraged him to keep gambling. "It's really concerning that when a ship sails 12 nautical miles off the coast it can then allow anything and everything to happen," she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13414919/Anti-gambling-Shane-Dixon-cruise-ship-casino.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>. "The rules that might apply on land no longer seem to apply and yet you would expect this cruise line would have some kind of duty of care to ensure that people are not plied with inducements, promotions and advertisements that are pushing them to gamble to extremely harmful levels." "It is just beyond belief that there is not an expectation that when a cruise ship leaves a dock that the rules of that jurisdiction apply." "But clearly that's not the case and we leave it all in the hands of the cruise line operator who may or may not apply the responsible service of gambling." Ms Bennett said it was "fundamental" that gamblers were able to set spend limits, self-exclude themselves and be in an environment free of inducements: all of which are required by law when it comes to casinos on Australian soil. "This is just basic harm reduction that any provider or organisation that is providing gambling services should be complying with," she said. "And if they're not, we need to really seriously think about what governments need to do to address this problem because you do wonder how widespread this is. This could be just the tip of the iceberg." Ms Bennett said Australia loses an estimated $25billion on legal forms of gambling each year, with the consequences spreading far beyond the impact on the economy. "It leads to everything from domestic and family violence to health and mental health issues, anxiety, depression, financial distress, right through to suicide," she said. "It is a huge and to some degree hidden problem in Australia, which is why we need stronger enforcement of safeguards and guardrails around gambling that don't see people led into a situation where they see no other way out but suicide." "These are peoples lives. For every person who gambles, there are six people around them who are going to be directly impacted." Labor backbencher Graham Perrett said the British cruise line most likely operated under the UK's gambling laws. "My understanding is that the UK gambling laws are not dissimilar to ours in terms of marketing and advertising," he said. "It's not just a gambling free-for-all, even if they are outside our territorial seas they still have to follow the laws of the UK." Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock

Cruising

Kochie's warning for every Aussie parent

Australian finance expert David Koch has warned parents to think twice before offering financial assistance to their adult children who are thinking of buying their first home. With many young Australians looking to buy property turning to the “Bank of Mum and Dad” for financial help, Kochie has advised parents to approach this with caution, structured agreements, and clear communication, to reduce the risks and protect both parties involved. “The Bank of Mum and Dad provided $2.7 billion to their adult children to buy property over the past year," the finance expert said on his latest column in The Nightly He encouraged a structured approach to navigating the common intergenerational finance practice, and added that financial assistance from parents has become a significant player in the housing market. “If it was an actual bank, it would be somewhere between the fifth and ninth biggest mortgage lender," he said, referring to an estimation by the Productivity Commission. He then warned against the casual approach that is often taken, saying: “We all want to help our kids … But the question is what that help looks like.” “Treat the loan as a business transaction and draw up a formal agreement between each party outlining the terms of the deal, including a set repayment schedule,” he emphasised. Kochie also drew attention to the University of Newcastle’s findings on the increased risk of financial elder abuse associated with parental assistance. “Borrowing from the Bank of Mum and Dad encourages ageist attitudes, which leads to kids financially abusing their parents," he quoted the study. He then differentiated the different forms of financial assistance, explaining the difference between gifts, loans, and guarantees. “If your child is married or in a de facto relationship and it ends, gifts will usually be considered part of the family assets and divided up in court,” he warned. He also offered guidance on parental investments in entrepreneurial ventures, advising parents to “think of your role as that of a regular investor." Image: news.com.au

Money & Banking

Nick Kyrgios' honest thoughts on Shane Warne's open letter

In 2015, late cricket legend Shane Warne posted an open letter Nick Kyrgios on social media, calling out the then hot-headed tennis player's fiery behaviour off-court. "Dear Nick, we all realise you're only 20 and have a lot to learn buddy, but please don't waste your talent," the letter began. "Everyone in the world, especially us Australians want to respect you. You need to respect the game of tennis and yourself. We all make mistakes. "You're testing our patience mate, show us what you're made of and how hungry you are to be the best in the world. It's time to step up and start winning, no excuses," he added in the scathing letter. "We all make mistakes. It's how we learn from them and the way we conduct ourselves when we lose that shows true character. You're testing our patience mate," he concluded. A then 20-year-old Kyrgios had just beat Spanish champion Rafael Nadal during the 2015 Wimbledon, but also attracted a lot of controversy after insulting Stan Wawrinka at a tournament in Montreal, Canada. This was a particularly difficult time in Kyrgios' career, as he was suspended for 28-days and got a $34,705 fine from the ATP. Since the incident, Kyrgios has managed to get his professional life back on track, and in a recent interview with Piers Morgan on his show Uncensored, the tennis star shared that he never read the letter. "I saw it and didn't read it. I'm never going to be the first one to go out on social media and put someone down," he told the host. He added that he believed that Warne would be proud of how far he's come. "I look back at that letter and at how far I've come and I'd say he would be proud for sure. I’ve had a pretty successful career. I feel I've won a lot more than I've lost." Images: Getty

Iconic rocker passes away aged 65

In the early hours of November 30, the music world lost one of its most poetic voices, Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues. At the age of 65, MacGowan succumbed to the wear and tear of a prolonged health battle, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations. The news of MacGowan's passing struck a somber chord across the music industry, as fellow musicians and fans alike paid tribute to the man hailed as "one of the finest lyricists of a generation." Peter 'Spider' Stacy, MacGowan's long-time bandmate, led the mournful chorus with a heartfelt tribute on social media, poignantly quoting Walt Whitman: "O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done..." The Pogues, founded in 1982 by MacGowan and a group of like-minded musicians, redefined the musical landscape with their fusion of Celtic punk, traditional Irish melodies, and rock'n'roll energy. Their unforgettable hit, "Fairytale of New York", remains a timeless Christmas anthem, echoing through the decades. The song was famously announced in 2012, by licensing body PPL, as "the most-played Christmas song of the century" in the UK, beating out <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/mariah-carey-slapped-with-multi-million-dollar-lawsuit-over-hit-festive-song" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mariah Carey's classic "All I Want For Christmas Is You"</a> and "Last Christmas" by Wham!. The void left by MacGowan's departure was keenly felt by musicians such as Glen Matlock, Nick Cave, and Carl Barât, who collectively mourned the loss of a true friend and the "greatest songwriter of his generation". Australian musician Nick Cave lamented, "A very sad day," encapsulating the collective sorrow of those who admired MacGowan's profound impact on music. MacGowan's wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, poured her heart out in an emotional tribute, sharing a black and white photo of her late husband. Clarke spoke of MacGowan as the light in her life, the measure of her dreams, and the love of her life. Her words conveyed the profound loss, describing the ache for "just one more of his smiles that lit up my world". MacGowan's family, too, released a formal statement, announcing his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones. The musician had battled viral encephalitis since late 2022, a rare and life-threatening condition that led to a prolonged hospital stay. Despite being discharged just days before his 66th birthday on Christmas Day, the resilient artist succumbed to the hardships he faced in his final months. As we reflect on Shane MacGowan's remarkable journey, from the punk scene of the '70s to the pinnacle of musical success with The Pogues, we mourn not only the loss of a musical genius but a man whose soulful lyrics and captivating performances touched the hearts of millions. MacGowan's legacy lives on in the melodies he crafted, the stories he told, and the emotions he stirred. His unique blend of Irish tradition and rock'n'roll spirit created a timeless sound that defied generational boundaries. As we bid farewell to Shane MacGowan, we remember him not only for the "Fairytale of New York" but for the indelible mark he left on the world of music – a mark that will resonate for generations to come. Images: Instagram / X

Music

"So beautiful": Summer Warne overwhelmed by Coldplay's tribute to Shane

Summer Warne has captured the emotional moment that Coldplay frontman Chris Martin paid tribute to her late father on stage. During their show in Perth on Sunday night, Martin bean singing an original acoustic song that honoured Shane Warne in a unique way. Shane's daughter Summer was in the audience for the performance, and was incredibly touched by the gesture. During the song, Chris Martin sang the lyrics, "Friends come, and friends go, there are just some people you're lucky to know. If I could, I'd do it all again, so thanks for everything Shane." <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/Cz1Ln4fRVQU/?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/Cz1Ln4fRVQU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Summer Warne 🍒 (@summerwarne)</a> </div> </blockquote> He even joked at one point, singing "I needed sunglasses just to look at your teeth," and poked fun at the late cricketer's lack of rhythm. Summer posted a clip of the emotional moment to Instagram with the caption, "The most amazing song dedicated to Dad. Thank you Chris, so beautiful <a title="" href="https://www.instagram.com/coldplay/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">@coldplay</a> Love you dad xx." This isn't the first time Martin has honoured the star in song, as Coldplay dedicated an acoustic cover of their hit song Yellow to the sporting legend at Shane's memorial. The performance was done via video, as Chris began saying, "I am sorry I cannot be there today." "We are on tour in Central America and there are a lot of background noises, but I feel like that may be OK with him. I think chaos and Shane were good friends." Image credits: Instagram

Music

"I couldn't save her": Husband's heartbreaking warning against weight loss drugs

A grieving father has issued a desperate plea against using weight loss drugs after his wife passed away from possible side effects just months into her treatment. Roy Webster told 60 Minutes that his wife Trish simply wanted to lose weight before their daughter's wedding, so she decided to take Ozempic - a drug which was originally designed to treat diabetes, but is now being prescribed as a weight loss drug. The 56-year-old mother lost 16 kilos from taking Ozempic and another weight loss drug, Saxenda, but she was also frequently ill and in January "something went seriously wrong". "I couldn't save her, that's the hard part," Webster said. "If I knew that could happen, she wouldn't have been taking it." The heartbroken Aussie father added that his wife tragically passed away in his arms. "She had a little bit of brown stuff coming out of her mouth and I realised she wasn't breathing, and started doing CPR," he said. "It was just pouring out and I turned her onto the side because she couldn't breathe." Trish's death certificate reveals that her cause of death was an acute gastrointestinal illness, although there isn't a direct link to weight loss drugs, Webster believes that they contributed to his wife's death. "I never thought you could die from it," he warned other Aussies. In the same interview with 60 Minutes, Endocrinologist Dr Kathryn William, said that there's "growing evidence the active ingredient in drugs like Ozempic can cause digestive complications." "When we prescribe them, we warn people," she said. "So if I say to someone, 'yes, it might be that you do vomit once or twice, but if you are having recurrent vomiting, you need to let me know and you need to stop the medication'." The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia is investigating local cases and encourages people like Webster to report their concerns. Webster also reportedly wants a coronial inquest to examine his wife's death. "She shouldn't be gone, you know," he said. "It's just not worth it, it's not worth it at all." Image: 60 Minutes

Body

Jackson Warne speaks for the first time on the moment he found out about his father's death

Jackson Warne has opened up for the first time about the life-changing moment he found out about his father's untimely death. Jackson was 22-years-old when his father, famous Aussie cricketer Shane Warne, passed away of a heart attack while holidaying in Thailand in March 2022. Now, for the first time, Jackson has recalled the moment he and his family found out abut the devastating news. Speaking with SAS Australia chief instructor Ant Middleton on the show's podcast ahead of the show's anticipated finale, Jackson spoke candidly about receiving the life-changing phone call. Middleton asked Jackson, who was a contestant on SAS three years ago, “Do you remember where you were when you got the news?” Jackson said, “Definitely, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to probably forget where I was or what I was doing. Because all you get is a phone call. And then when you hang up the phone call, your life that you’ve been living, your entire life, everything you ever knew sort of was like this, just gets whooshed, just completely flipped upside down." “You have all these thoughts, and you let the tears out, that you just sort of sit in silence. Like we, I was with my girlfriend, my sister, Brooke, and her partner, and then my mum. And we just got to call. Hung up the phone and we just sat in silence for hours." While going through the shock and devastation of finding out about his father's death, Jackson had a profound dream about his late dad, as he felt he was sending him a message. He began, "I can tell you about a dream that might sound bizarre, but it would have been maybe two weeks, or two-and-a-half weeks after dad passed, and I was driving my car. He was driving his car. And we used to sort not race, we used to just drive next to each other and, you know, race a little bit." “But he was always the better driver in the better car. So (he) always beat me all the time, all the time. And in this dream I had, I was driving my car, he was driving his car, we’re both looking each other left and right and driving and driving. “And then all of a sudden our cars sort of, they sort of merged, and I was in the driver’s seat of his car. And then I looked to my left, and he wasn’t there. And then I sort of woke up and I can really vividly remember that dream." “Everything about it, I can remember. And I sort of looked at that as he was sort of giving me the permission to be in charge. Now he’s like, ‘Jackson, I’m giving you the driver’s seat. You’re the one that’s, you know, going to be making the tough decisions. Now you’re the one that has to step up for the family. I’m not here anymore, you have to be (the one)‘." Jackson also shared the reason he is finally speaking out about his father, saying, “To keep someone’s memory alive, you have to keep talking about them." Image credits: Instagram

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Shane Dixon's heartbreaking posts before cruise plunge

"It seems crazy": Shane Dixon's gambling friend breaks his silence

“These are people’s lives”: Calls for gambling reform after fatal cruise ship plunge

Kochie's warning for every Aussie parent

Nick Kyrgios' honest thoughts on Shane Warne's open letter

Iconic rocker passes away aged 65

"So beautiful": Summer Warne overwhelmed by Coldplay's tribute to Shane

"I couldn't save her": Husband's heartbreaking warning against weight loss drugs

Jackson Warne speaks for the first time on the moment he found out about his father's death

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