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Mother charged with murder after deadly house fire kills three children

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

Legal

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

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> It would be impossible at this stage in the election campaign to be unaware that housing is a critical, potentially vote-changing, issue. But the suite of policies being proposed by the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-the-coalition-and-labor-plans-on-housing-differ-and-what-have-they-ignored-253337">major parties</a> largely focus on young, first home buyers. What is glaringly noticeable is the lack of measures to improve availability and affordability for older people. Modern older lives are diverse, yet older people have become too easily pigeonholed. No more so than in respect to property, where a perception has flourished that older people own more than their fair share of housing wealth. While the value of housing has no doubt increased, home <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/home-ownership-and-housing-tenure#:%7E:text=The%20home%20ownership%20rate%20of,compared%20with%2036%25%20in%202021.">ownership rates</a> among people reaching retirement age has actually declined since the mid-1990s. Older people can also face <a href="https://www.anglicare.asn.au/research-advocacy/rental-affordability/">rental stress and homelessness</a> – with almost 20,000 <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/latest-release">homeless people</a> in Australia aged over 55. Severe housing stress is a key contributing to those homelessness figures. It’s easy to blame older Australians for causing, or exacerbating, the housing crisis. But doing so ignores the fact that right now, our housing system is badly failing many older people too. <h2>No age limits</h2> Owning a home has traditionally provided financial security for retirees, especially ones relying on the age pension. This is so much so, that home ownership is sometimes described as the “fourth pillar” of Australia’s retirement system. But housing has become more expensive – to rent or buy – for everyone. Falling rates of <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/money-in-retirement/">home ownership</a> combined with carriage of mortgage debt into retirement, restricted access to shrinking stocks of social housing, and lack of housing affordability in the private rental market have a particular impact on older people. <h2>Housing rethink</h2> Housing policy for older Australians has mostly focused on age-specific options, such as retirement villages and aged care. Taking such a limited view excludes other potential solutions from across the broader housing system that should be considered. Furthermore, not all older people want to live in a retirement village, and fewer than <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release#:%7E:text=5.5%20million%20Australians%20(21.4%25),a%20profound%20or%20severe%20disability.">5% of older people</a> live in residential aged care. During my <a href="https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/victoria-cornell-sa-2019/">Churchill Fellowship study</a> exploring alternative, affordable models of housing for older people, I discovered three cultural themes that are stopping us from having a productive conversation about housing for older people. <ul> <li> Australia’s tradition of home ownership undervalues renting and treats housing as a commodity, not a basic need. This disadvantages older renters and those on low income. </li> <li> There’s a stigma regarding welfare in Australia, which influences who is seen as “deserving” and shapes the policy responses. </li> <li> While widely encouraged, “ageing-in-place” means different things to different people. It can include formal facilities or the family home that needs modifications to make it habitable as someone ages. </li> </ul> These themes are firmly entrenched, often driven by policy narratives such as the primacy of home ownership over renting. In the past 50 years or so, many have come to view welfare, such as social housing, as a <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/390">last resort</a>, and have aimed to age in their family home or move into a “desirable” retirement village. <h2>Variety is key</h2> A more flexible approach could deliver housing for older Australians that is more varied in design, cost and investment models. The promises made so far by political parties to help younger home buyers are welcome. However, the housing system is a complex beast and there is no single quick fix solution. First and foremost, a national housing and homelessness plan is required, which also involves the states and territories. The plan must include explicit consideration of housing options for older people. Funding for housing developments needs to be more flexible in terms of public-private sector investment and direct government assistance that goes beyond first home buyer incentives. <h2>International models</h2> For inspiration, we could look to Denmark, which has developed numerous <a href="https://www.spatialagency.net/database/co-housing">co-housing communities</a>. Co-housing models generally involve self-managing communities where residents have their own private, self-contained home, supported by communal facilities and spaces. They can be developed and designed by the owner or by a social housing provider. They can be age-specific or multi-generational. Funding flexibility, planning and design are key to their success. Institutional investors include <ul> <li> so-called impact investors, who seek social returns and often accept lower financial returns </li> <li> community housing providers </li> <li> member-based organisations, such as mutuals and co-operatives. </li> </ul> Government also plays a part by expediting the development process and providing new pathways to more affordable ownership and rental options. Europe is also leading the way on social housing, where cultural attitudes are different from here. In Vienna, Austria, more than 60% of residents live in 440,000 <a href="https://www.wienerwohnen.at/wiener-gemeindebau/municipal-housing-in-vienna.html">socially provided homes</a>. These homes are available for a person’s entire life, with appropriate age-related modifications permitted if required. At over 20% of the total housing stock, <a href="https://lbf.dk/om-lbf/english-the-danish-social-housing-model/">social housing</a> is also a large sector in Denmark, where the state and municipalities support the construction of non-profit housing. <h2>Overcoming stereotyes</h2> Our population is ageing rapidly, and more older people are now renting or facing housing insecurity. If policymakers continue to ignore their housing needs, even more older people will be at risk of living on the street, and as a result will suffer poor health and social isolation. Overcoming stereotypes - such as the idea that all older people are wealthy homeowners - is key to building fairer, more inclusive solutions. This isn’t just about older Australians. It’s about creating a housing system that works for everyone, at every stage of life.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/255391/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/victoria-cornell-2372746">Victoria Cornell</a>, Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/older-australians-are-also-hurting-from-the-housing-crisis-where-are-the-election-policies-to-help-them-255391">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock </div>

Money & Banking

Desperate Aussie dad sparks brutal immigration debate on Q+A

An Australian father, fearing that another rent hike could push his family into homelessness, directly challenged the federal government’s immigration policies on national television. Morgan Cox, a father of a one-year-old, raised his concerns on ABC’s Q+A program on Monday night. The episode, broadcast from the federal election battleground of Wyong on the Central Coast of New South Wales, saw an emotionally charged exchange between Cox and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler. Cox detailed his dire financial situation, explaining that he had recently received notice of a $180-per-week rent increase – an additional $10,000 annually. “I tried to find a cheaper place and there just aren’t any," Cox said. "What little is available, there’s dozens of people lined up. Lots of them are immigrants and they have plenty more money than I can possibly get.” The audience applauded as he pressed the government on whether it planned to curb immigration to align with housing availability. In response, Butler expressed sympathy, acknowledging the widespread struggles with housing affordability. “I’m so sorry you’re going through that and it’s a story we all hear right across the country, particularly in the bigger states around the big cities,” Butler said. He then noted that the government was working to bring immigration levels down to sustainable levels, but said that it is difficult to control departures of temporary residents. “What we’ve found after those efforts is that the arrival numbers have returned to about pre-Covid levels, but we’re not managing the exits – the people returning home after studying or short-term skilled work. We’re working very hard on that,” Butler explained. However, Cox appeared visibly frustrated, questioning why the government could not simply halt immigration until housing supply could meet demand. Former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, also on the panel, argued that the issue was more complex than immigration alone. “The reality is that we need more housing supply," he said. "More supply into the system means more availability for renters, for homeowners – more choice.” He further criticised excessive bureaucracy in housing development. “There’s way too much red tape and green tape stopping housing developments, whether it’s Sydney, Melbourne, or right across Australia,” he added. As housing affordability continues to be a pressing concern for many Australians, the government clearly faces increasing pressure to strike a balance between population growth and adequate housing solutions. Images: ABC

Money & Banking

Woman slammed for using GoFundMe for house deposit

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

Money & Banking

Acquapole lands in Sydney - Because fitness should never be dry!

Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre (SGAC) at West HQ is redefining workouts with the launch of Acquapole, an exciting aquatic fitness experience making its splashy debut in Sydney this February. Forget the monotony of the gym or swimming laps – Acquapole combines the resistance of water with the strength-building benefits of pole fitness for a workout that’s effective, accessible and a whole lot of fun. Brad Vella, Aquatics Manager at SGAC, said Acquapole, which was designed in Italy, has proven to be a big hit in Europe given its ability to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance coordination while being gentle on joints. “It’s a workout like no other, combining the strength-building benefits of pole fitness with the natural resistance of water for a full-body experience that’s as enjoyable as it is effective,” Brad Vella said. “It’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new, from seasoned fitness lovers to those just starting their wellness journey. “Acquapole brings a fresh and exciting approach to fitness for both enthusiasts and beginners. This is exactly what SGAC is all about—making fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone.” The introduction of Acquapole is part of West HQ’s larger mission to bring cutting-edge fitness experiences to Greater Sydney. Acquapole is one of four innovative aquatic fitness programs now available at SGAC, alongside Acquapole Boxing, Acquapole Elastics, and SAF AQUA Drums Vibes, each offering a unique and engaging way to work out in the water. West HQ CEO, Richard Errington, said SGAC was committed to redefining fitness to ensure its programs continue to be to be relevant, enjoyable and dynamic. “That’s why both SGAC and our One55 fitness centre continually evolve programs to make working out more rewarding by bringing fresh experiences to our members and the local community in Western Sydney,” Mr Errington said. “SGAC’s Acquapole is a perfect example of how we evolve fitness as it combines fun and innovation in a new work out experience.” By combining world-class fitness options with exceptional dining and entertainment, West HQ is continuously enhancing what it means to be an all-encompassing lifestyle destination in Western Sydney. Why Everyone’s Talking About Acquapole: <ul> <li>It’s Fun: Say goodbye to dull workouts and hello to a 45 minute splash of excitement. </li> <li>It’s Low-Impact: Perfect for those looking to stay active without stressing their joints. </li> <li>It’s Inclusive: Whether you’re a fitness pro, a beginner, or somewhere in between, Acquapole welcomes you.</li> </ul> Image credits: Supplied

Body

"Absolutely cooked": Old Sydney home sold for over $4.1 million

A one-storey red brick home in Lane Cove, Sydney has sold for a whopping $4,165,000 at an auction on Saturday. The home, which boasts two bathrooms, a backyard, four bedrooms and a “traditional kitchen” has sold for more than $600,000 over reserve, despite being built between the 1920s-1950s and needing renovation. The home was snapped up by a British family after a fierce bidding war with six other registered buyers. “The people who purchased it were the opening bid. (The bidders) were actively bidding into the high threes, and two of them pushed it above the four mark,” said Sam Lloyd from McGrath Estate Agents. “As far as we know, they will definitely do some work to it to make it their family home.” Lloyd added that there was was “plenty of interest” in the 695 sqm property, with its prime location near the suburb's retail and restaurant precinct. The selling agent said that both himself and the owner were “surprised” by the high price of the property – which had a reserve of $3.5 million. “It was definitely above our expectations” he said. According to Domain, the median house price for a four bedroom home in Lane Cove is $3.505 million. Many expressed their outrage over the "crazy" price online, with freelancer chief executive Matt Barrie saying: “Sydney house prices rapidly approaching $5m. Absolutely cooked." “$4 million for the house, plus another $2-3 million to demolish and rebuild. The reality of living in Australia where even the top one per cent income earners face significant costs for home ownership,” another added. “Our economy is out of control, what a ridiculous price for an average house,” a third wrote. “That’s some crazy pricing! I hear Adelaide is lovely this time of year …” a fourth commented. Image: Domain

Money & Banking

"This ruined my life": Mum still seeking justice after horror e-bike crash

Sarah was crossing on George Street in Sydney's CBD on February 2023 when she was brutally struck by a Lime e-bike rider. At the time of the accident, she was three months pregnant. Speaking to Yahoo News, Sarah explained she had been crossing the street when she heard someone yell "look out!" but before she could react, she was knocked down by the speeding vehicle. She claims that the bike user was illegally riding with a companion on the handle bars at the time, and fled the scene when she cried out "my baby!" Fortunately, Sarah's unborn daughter was unharmed during the incident, but she was left with lifelong injuries. "My foot was crushed, I had dislocations and many broken bones, and I needed 21 screws, two plates and two pins," Sarah said. "As a result of the injury, the skin on my foot began to die with fracture blisters, so I needed skin grafts as well. "I required six surgeries on my foot in total. One on my elbow, which was broken. One big plate and seven screws. Six weeks of non-weight bearing on my arm, and much longer on my foot. Around 12 weeks plus altogether." It took the mum six months after the accident to be able to walk again - three weeks before she gave birth. "The pain was unbelievable," she recalled. "The trauma was unbelievable. It was all just horrible, horrendous. It really was." Her family tried to seek compensation from Lime, but they deflected any blame saying that they would only take responsibility if the accident was caused by a faulty Lime bike, but not reckless riding. Since Lime e-bikes are rented by individuals, liability typically falls on the rider, not the company, they argued. The family's solicitor had also obtained CCTV footage of the incident, and had tried to get police to follow up but have been hit with multiple roadblocks since. "The police had their name, addresses, mobile and photos. [But] they only called one time, and went to the house one time. That's it. A high commissioner rang me to apologise, but then they still did nothing." Now, Sarah and her family are calling for the total ban of e-bikes in Australia. "They should be banned," Sarah said. "The government and Lime have just let loose motorised vehicles that can hurt riders and pedestrians, and have not covered anyone but themselves. "There is no policing how fast they are going. This ruined my body, my life and my first pregnancy. And nobody has been held accountable." While Sarah's baby was unharmed in the accident, nine months after her birth, the baby girl "was found to have tetralogy of Fallot" — a rare but serious heart defect that affects how blood flows through the heart. "She needed open heart surgery and will need it every 10 years. My injuries made everything a lot harder. But hopefully I can change things," Sarah said. "I'm certainly scarred for life." Image: Yahoo News

Legal

Beloved Man About the House actor passes away

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

Caring

Bus crashes into suburban Sydney home

A bus carrying multiple passengers has crashed into a home in south-west Sydney. Emergency services were called to Aplin Road in Bonnyrigg heights on Tuesday morning following reports a bus had smashed into a house. Fortunately nobody was in the house at the time of the crash, according to NSW police. Six people were treated for minor injuries, with the bus driver, a man in his 50s, taken to Liverpool Hospital with minor injuries. The crash caused significant damage to the home, with a part of the roof caving in, however, NSW Fire and Rescue has confirmed that the structure of the home is safe. An investigation into the crash is still ongoing, with a tow truck extracting the bus from the house since the accident. Image: Nine News

Travel Trouble

Man who worked on Harbour Bridge climbs iconic landmark

An elderly man who worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge 60 years ago has returned to Australia to climb the iconic landmark. Irishman Patrick Lonergan, 82, was part of a team of men who painted the Harbour Bridge in the 1960s as part of its yearly maintenance. Lonergan then returned to his native Ireland after his work in Sydney and has dreamed of returning ever since. Now in his 80s, the Sydney Bridge Climb official Instagram page has shared that Patrick has ticked off his bucket list dream of climbing the Harbour Bridge. "We’re honoured to have played a small role in helping him relive those special memories and capture a new photo on the Bridge," the account wrote. <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/DE4XDIMvCgm/?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/DE4XDIMvCgm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BridgeClimb Sydney (@bridgeclimb)</a> </div> </blockquote> The Instagram page then shared a photo of Patrick from when he was in his 20s standing atop the bridge when he was enlisted to paint, and also a photo snapped after he completed his climb. The post racked up thousands of likes, with dozens of comments praising Patrick's efforts for completing the climb. One person wrote, "Blimey!!! No OH&S precautions back in those days! Welcome back to Oz, Paddy," while another added, "What a fantastic story. Well done Patrick!" Image credits: Instagram - Bridge Climb

International Travel

Ray Martin cashes in after selling luxury Sydney home

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

Money & Banking

Sydney stages major comeback in World's Best Cities ranking

Sydney has staged a major comeback in the annual ranking of the World's Best Cities, rising 25 places since last year's list. Each year, research firm Resonance compile their list of the best cities in the world, with London coming out in the top spot for 2024 for the 10th time. New York replaced Paris in second place on a top-10 list dominated by European cities, but the most impressive change to the rankings came from Sydney. Sydney leapfrogged Melbourne in the rankings, and jumped from 35th to 10th place in just one year. Melbourne, which was the top-ranked Australian city last year in 31st place, also improved its position to 25th, while Perth at 83rd and Brisbane in 90th rounded out the Aussie cities. The World’s Best Cities rankings combines core statistics from over 400 global cities based on both resident and visitor perception indicators, rankings from trusted sources, and user-generated ratings and reviews. Check out the top 10 list of the World's Best Cities below. 10. Sydney, Australia 9. Berlin, Germany 8. Barcelona, Spain 7. Madrid, Spain 6. Rome, Italy 5. Singapore 4. Tokyo, Japan 3. Paris, France 2. New York, USA 1. London, England Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Beloved Hollywood couple's move to Sydney

Freddie Prinze Jr and Sarah Michelle Gellar have made a very low-key entry into Australia, after they were spotted at Chin Chin, a restaurant in Sydney's CBD on Saturday night with their two children. The beloved 90s stars have reportedly temporarily relocated to the harbour city as they film the next instalment of the I Know What You Did Last Summer horror franchise, 27 years after the release of the first movie, according to The Daily Telegraph. The new film, titled I Never Forget What You Did Last Summer, will see Prinze Jr, 48, reprise his role as Ray Bronson. The horror film is expected to be released next year through Sony Pictures. Prinze Jr and Gellar's first date was not intentional, as they had plans for dinner with a mutual friend who then cancelled. “We decided to have dinner anyway and never looked back,” Gellar told People in 2002. They tied the knot in Mexico that same year. “One day, I just knew we were gonna get married and I knew I was gonna propose. I didn’t know when or how,” Prinze Jr told People in 2020. “And so I did and fortunately, she was on the same page. My instincts were correct.” In 2009 they welcomed their daughter Charlotte and in 2012 they had their son Rocky. Image: Instagram

Relationships

Alan Jones once seemed unassailable. What ended it was a peculiarly Sydney story of media, politics and power

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/denis-muller-1865">Denis Muller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> For decades it seemed Alan Jones was unassailable. A finding against him of professional misconduct by the Australian Broadcasting Authority (2000); a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/tribunal-upholds-that-jones-incited-hatred-20121002-26x8h.html">finding</a> that he incited hatred, serious contempt and severe ridicule of Lebanese Muslims (2009); propositions of violence against two women prime ministers (<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-20/alan-jones-says-gillard-remark-best-left-unsaid/3579658">2011</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-21/alan-jones-breached-rules-in-jacinda-ardern-comment/12271476">2019</a>); verdicts against him and his employer amounting to millions of dollars in defamation actions (most notably <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-12/alan-jones-defamed-wagners-court-decision-brisbane-qld/10230384">one for $3.75 million</a> in 2018): none of these ended his career. Quite the reverse. Only weeks after the Australian Broadcasting Authority found in its “cash for comments” inquiry that Jones and others had misled their listeners by presenting paid endorsements as editorial opinion, he was hosting an event for then prime minister John Howard. Howard was to become a fixture on the Jones program throughout the 11 years of his prime ministership. The day after the Australian Communications and Media Authority found Jones was likely to have encouraged violence and vilification of Australians of Lebanese and Middle Eastern background, Howard <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/jones-wins-friends-in-high-places-20070412-ge4n4f.html">described him</a> as “an outstanding broadcaster”. “I don’t think he’s a person who encourages prejudice in the Australian community, not for one moment, but he is a person who articulates what a lot of people think.” By 2001, Jones had become a kind of on-air policy-maker for the New South Wales government. In November that year, he dined with the then Labor premier, Bob Carr. They discussed a range of government policies, particularly policing. At that time, Jones was a relentless critic of the NSW police. The following week, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-01/newton-alan-jones/4288824">Carr dispatched</a> his police minister-designate, Michael Costa, to Jones’s home to discuss policing policy. In 2011 he said Julia Gillard, then Australia’s prime minister, should be taken out to sea and dumped in a chaff bag. In August 2019 he said Scott Morrison, who was then Australia’s prime minister, should “shove a sock” down the throat of his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern. He was an outspoken climate-change denier, and these grotesqueries were part of his campaign against political recognition of this reality. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Od6I1YbrBoM?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Jones’s power, which made him so apparently untouchable, came from his weaponising of the microphone for conservative political ends in ways that resonated with his vast and rusted-on audience of largely working-class older people across Sydney’s sprawling western suburbs. These suburbs contain many marginal state and federal electorates where the fates of governments can be decided. Their populations provide fertile ground for seeding by right-wing radio shock jocks, of whom Jones and his rival John Laws were pre-eminent examples. In Australia, this is a peculiarly Sydney phenomenon. It is not seen to the same degree in any other capital city, even though they too have large areas of socioeconomic disadvantage like western Sydney. Why that should be so is a complex question, but there are aspects of Sydney life that mark it out as different. It is really two cities. One is the largely prosperous and scenically dazzling east and north. The other, much larger, consists of dreary tracts of increasingly crowded housing stretching for many kilometres to the west and southwest. In Sydney argot, the inhabitants of these respective worlds are called “silvertails” and “fibros”, the latter referring to the cladding of the homes that proliferated in western Sydney between and after the two world wars. This two-cities effect makes the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” highly visible in a way that has no parallel in other Australian capitals. It engenders deep-seated grievance and cynicism, which the likes of Jones, who lives in a multimillion-dollar apartment on Circular Quay, have relentlessly exploited. Jones coined the term “Struggle Street” to encapsulate the hardships of his listeners’ lives. To these powerless people, Jones and Laws gave a voice, and as their audiences grew, prime ministers and premiers courted and feared them. In the end, Jones’s impregnability was breached by not the power elite turning on one of their own, but by the journalism of a redoubtably tenacious Sydney Morning Herald investigative reporter, Kate McClymont. In December 2023, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/he-d-go-the-grope-alan-jones-accused-of-indecently-assaulting-young-men-20231205-p5epai.html">she claimed</a> Jones had used his position of power, first as a teacher and later as the country’s top-rating radio broadcaster, to allegedly prey on a number of young men. In response to McClymont’s work, the NSW police set up Strike Force Bonnefin, run by the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad, to conduct an investigation into Jones. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ExkpCtfmA8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> On November 18 2024, Jones was arrested at his Circular Quay home and charged initially with 24 sexual offences against eight males. The following day, two <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-19/alan-jones-charged-with-additional-offences-nsw-police/104617680">additional charges</a> were laid involving a ninth male. Through his lawyers, Jones has denied the charges and was bailed to appear in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on December 18. He <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/alan-jones-arrested-over-allegations-he-indecently-assaulted-young-men-20241118-p5krdu.html">was ordered</a> to surrender his passport and not to contact or harass the alleged victims. The charges relate to offences alleged to have been committed by Jones between 2001 and 2019, the youngest alleged victim being 17 at the time. Those dates coincide almost exactly with Jones’s most influential years, from 2002 to 2020. McClymont <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-stunning-development-kate-mcclymont-on-alan-jones-arrest-and-what-s-next-20241118-p5krln.html">has spoken</a> about the reluctance of some of her interviewees to speak, for fear of what Jones might do: "People were too afraid to take on Alan Jones. Once a couple of people came forward, and some people were happy to be publicly named, that gave confidence for other people to come forward.<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/243942/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />" <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/denis-muller-1865">Denis Muller</a>, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/alan-jones-once-seemed-unassailable-what-ended-it-was-a-peculiarly-sydney-story-of-media-politics-and-power-243942">original article</a>. </div>

Legal

To move or not to move: is it cheaper to find a new place or stay when your rent increases by 10%?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/park-thaichon-175182">Park Thaichon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sara-quach-175976">Sara Quach</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Your landlord has just raised your rent by 10% and your mind starts running the numbers – should you cop it sweet or look to move? It’s a familiar scenario in today’s unpredictable housing market. Understanding the real costs of staying versus moving is essential for making informed choices: renters must consider hidden expenses such as moving costs, deposits and changing rental rates, giving them tools to handle rising rent pressures more effectively. <h2>A grim time for many renters</h2> National median market rents have hit record highs, reaching $627 per week, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1% during the past three years, according to real estate giant <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/Budget/reviews/2024-25/Housing#:%7E:text=Based%20on%20April%202024%20CoreLogic,the%20past%203%20calendar%20years">CoreLogic</a>. <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2024/rent-growth-picked-up-in-the-start-of-2024,-taking-rents-to-new-record-highs">CoreLogic</a> also reported annual rental changes (houses and units) in regional Australia are not far off from the big cities: annual rent changes were 9.4% for combined capital cities, 6.4% for combined regional areas, and 8.5% nationally. So, is it better to stay or move if your rent is raised by 10%? Let’s examine the costs and benefits of each option. <h2>A breakdown of typical moving costs</h2> We’ll start with the most obvious expense: moving costs. Professional moving services aren’t cheap. For example, moving a three-bedroom house in the Gold Coast costs <a href="https://www.muval.com.au/removalists/gold-coast">$1,095.25 on average</a>, with an hourly rate of $158.26. In a bigger city like Melbourne, the cost is slightly higher at <a href="https://www.muval.com.au/removalists/melbourne">about $1,118.46</a>. The moving costs between states or cities will be more expensive if you move further away. You could choose to handle packing yourself and hire some help with a truck – a common option with businesses such as “<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-removals-storage/gold-coast/2+men+and+a+truck/k0c18643l3006035">Two Men and a Truck</a>”, which typically costs around $100 per hour. Be aware, though, that the hourly rate often starts from the moment the truck leaves the company’s warehouse until it returns. Alternatively, you can rent a van for a lower price, such as $87 for a 24-hour <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/for-hire-handivan-24hr-first-100kms-inc-_p5470402">Handivan rental at Bunnings</a>. Don’t forget the cost of moving boxes, too: Bunnings’ 52 litre <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/bunnings-52l-light-duty-moving-carton_p0517130?srsltid=AfmBOoqCYAWT0P5apPiJpoOLRAIpUCHNi63ztvIZrG5CxCoNOv45G0TV">moving cartons</a> cost $2.66 each. End-of-lease or <a href="https://firstcallhomeservices.com.au/service-menu/bond-exit-end-lease-cleaning/">bond cleaning</a> is another common expense. For a typical three-bedroom property, internal cleaning can range from $365 to $500. If you have pets, or kids who love drawing on the walls, your cleaning costs might be a bit higher. Now, let’s look at utility connection expenses that can catch people by surprise. Cancelling your internet service can be costly if you don’t meet the exit or cancellation policies. With <a href="https://www.telstra.com.au/internet/5g-home-internet">Telstra Home Internet</a>, for example, if you cancel within the first 24 months, you must return your modem within 21 days to avoid a $400 non-return fee. Most providers charge a cancellation fee or require final device repayments, typically ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the remaining contract period. As a renter, it might be wise to choose a no-lock-in contract plan to avoid these fees if you need flexibility. Electricity and gas connection and disconnection fees are usually minor but can add up, often costing about $40 to $60 for <a href="https://www.energyon.com.au/fees-and-charges/">connection and disconnection fees</a> for electricity alone. If your house uses gas for hot water or cooking, you may have to pay additional fees for setting up service. However, there are also non-financial costs, like the time spent searching for a new home, attending inspections, and putting in applications. Moving takes effort and energy for packing, transporting and unpacking. Some people feel emotionally attached to their current home, which can make leaving harder. Older renters <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829218311304">seem to draw strength</a> from their familiarity with, attachment to, and enjoyment of their place and community. This is something to be considered. Plus, moving can take <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41537-023-00349-w">an emotional toll</a>. <h2>The benefits of not moving</h2> The clear benefit of staying is avoiding the hassle of relocating. Staying means saving on moving expenses and avoiding the time spent searching for a new place, packing and unpacking. This may also save some people from needing to take time off work. Changing and updating an address is also another tedious task that can be avoided by staying. Moving can hit the hip pocket with “after moving costs” that people may not initially consider. For instance, a new location might mean a longer commute. If each trip adds just 15 extra minutes, that could amount to an additional 11 hours per month over 22 workdays. For drivers, increased fuel and parking expenses might also come into play. Is the current or new location closer to a supermarket, hospital, and school? This proximity could be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the surrounding environment and available services. <h2>To move or not to move?</h2> One point to note is that overall, moving costs are likely to be similar between big cities and regional areas if you get moving supplies or rent a van from a large company such as Bunnings. In the end, moving costs will be around $2,000 based on the figures above, and it can be around $800 to $1,000 cheaper if you opt to rent a van instead of using a full-service moving company. Therefore, if the current rent is $600 per week and is about to increase by 10% to $660, the additional cost would be $3,120 per year. So is it cheaper to move or stay when your rent increases by 10%? The answer is moving may save about $1,000 to $2,000, but comes with the hassle and emotional toll of relocation. Staying will be more expensive, but with less hassle and emotional strain. The right choice depends on your situation.<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/243155/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/park-thaichon-175182">Park Thaichon</a>, Associate Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sara-quach-175976">Sara Quach</a>, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith 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/to-move-or-not-to-move-is-it-cheaper-to-find-a-new-place-or-stay-when-your-rent-increases-by-10-243155">original article</a>. </div>

Money & Banking

How hip pain led Sydney karate master to life-changing weight loss journey

<div> Sydney-based karate instructor and personal trainer Glenn Stephenson knows the toll that joint pain and extra weight can take on physical activity. Despite decades of experience as a martial arts coach, Glenn found himself increasingly limited by severe hip pain and unwanted weight gain. </div> <div> In 2021, at 95 kilograms, the 64-year-old’s arthritis and reduced mobility affected not only his work but also his confidence. “I couldn’t move around like I wanted to, and as a master instructor, it felt wrong to be teaching students while carrying so much extra weight,” he admits. </div> <div> Glenn’s pain and discomfort prompted him to make a drastic change. Instead of resorting to extreme dieting, he adopted a more sustainable approach to weight loss to reduce joint and liver inflammation, and regain his mobility. He shed 20 kilograms and now walks four kilometres daily. “I can move better, my mental health has improved, and I feel more capable of guiding my students,” he says. </div> <div> Today, Glenn encourages others struggling with weight to take a balanced approach to fitness and health. “I look the part now, which gives me confidence as a master instructor to show my students that staying active is achievable at any age.” </div> <div> Dietitian Kirby Sorenson, from health platform <a title="https://www.getmosh.com.au/?utm_term=mosh&utm_campaign=Cross_Search_Brand_Mosh&utm_source=paid-search&utm_medium=adwords&utm_content=100740202037&hsa_acc=5792635568&hsa_cam=1701000406&hsa_grp=100740202037&hsa_ad=697110582898&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-295213997936&hsa_kw=mosh&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiAxKy5BhBbEiwAYiW--5qfGzQVQBG-CmA6baVMEeP5Zmk_oB_GOstA1n2vabFrLzbeDrEEnxoCM4YQAvD_BwE" href="https://www.getmosh.com.au/?utm_term=mosh&utm_campaign=Cross_Search_Brand_Mosh&utm_source=paid-search&utm_medium=adwords&utm_content=100740202037&hsa_acc=5792635568&hsa_cam=1701000406&hsa_grp=100740202037&hsa_ad=697110582898&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-295213997936&hsa_kw=mosh&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiAxKy5BhBbEiwAYiW--5qfGzQVQBG-CmA6baVMEeP5Zmk_oB_GOstA1n2vabFrLzbeDrEEnxoCM4YQAvD_BwE" data-outlook-id="bc4b923a-a4a3-4af0-80db-e837cd64b4c7">Mosh</a>, is encouraging Australians to ditch the Body Mass Index (BMI) in favour of more modern diagnostics to determine the risk of disease linked to higher body fat, declaring it’s unfairly categorising people as being overweight. </div> <div> Ms Sorenson says knowing your Body Roundness Index (BRI) as well as your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) can more accurately predict the risk of diseases like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease because it works out body fat levels based on height and waist circumference, rather than the BMI method which relies on height and weight. </div> <div> “BMI has long been criticised for inaccurately categorising people as overweight or obese because it doesn’t differentiate between those who carry a lot of muscle and individuals with fat in the wrong places,” Ms Sorenson says. </div> <div> “The problem is that it only looks at overall weight, while the BRI focuses on fat held around the abdomen which is the riskiest fat in terms of overall health. </div> <div> Once the BRI is determined, Ms Sorenson says it can help to know your Basal Metabolic Rate, which is largely determined by your total lean mass to help determine a healthy path to maintaining a healthy weight range. </div> <div> “The basal metabolic rate or BMR gives you an idea of how many calories your body burns doing the bare minimum; breathing, blood circulation, brain and nerve function. It can vary greatly from person to person, which explains why individual weight loss journeys can be so different,” Ms Sorenson said. </div> <div> For more information visit Moshy’s online <a title="https://www.getmoshy.com.au/weight-loss/basal-metabolic-rate-calculator?srsltid=AfmBOoobS-PiI_4sJn2ykpEG6vzq6qkvQXammfLv4Rm-mS5nwll6EN0m" href="https://www.getmoshy.com.au/weight-loss/basal-metabolic-rate-calculator?srsltid=AfmBOoobS-PiI_4sJn2ykpEG6vzq6qkvQXammfLv4Rm-mS5nwll6EN0m" data-outlook-id="800f9af2-0a34-4ac4-801b-d16714c7ec2e">BMR calculator</a>. Image credits: Supplied </div>

Body

Full House star's devastating cancer diagnosis

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

Caring

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

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-lee-thompson-1449312">Deryn Lee Thompson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> People often believe they are allergic to <a href="https://ahd.csiro.au/everything-in-our-homes-gathers-dust-but-what-exactly-is-it-where-does-it-come-from-and-why-does-it-keep-coming-back-is-it-from-outside-is-it-fibres-from-our-clothes-and-cells-from-our-skin/">house dust</a>. But of the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">20% of Australians</a> suffereing with allergies, a number are are actually allergic to microscopic <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites">house dust mites</a>. House dust mites belong to the same family as spiders and ticks. They measure just 0.2-0.3 mm, with 50 fitting on a single pinhead. They <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71977">live</a> for 65–100 days, and females lay 60–100 eggs in their life. House dust mites love temperate climates and humidity. They feed off the skin cells we and animals shed, as well as mould, which they digest using special enzymes. These enzymes are excreted in their poo about <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71977">20 times a day</a>. They also shed fragments of their exoskeletons. All these fragments trigger allergies in people with this type of allergic rhinitis (which is also known as hay fever) <h2>What are the symptoms?</h2> When people with house dust mite allergy inhale the allergens, they penetrate the mucous membranes of the airways and eyes. Their body recognises the allergens as a threat, releasing chemicals including one called histamine. This causes symptoms including a runny nose, an itchy nose, eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing and a feeling of mucus at the back of your throat (known as a post-nasal drip). People with this type of allergy usually mouth breath, snore, rub their nose constantly (creating a nasal crease called the “dust mite salute”) and have dark shadows under their eyes. House dust mite allergy <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7328274/">can also cause</a> poor sleep, constant tiredness, reduced concentration at work or school and lower quality of life. For people with eczema, their damaged skin barrier can allow house dust mite proteins in. This prompts immune cells in the skin to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/190/1/e5/7485663">release chemicals</a> which make already flared skin become redder, sorer and itchier, especially in children. Symptoms of house dust mite allergy occur year round, and are often worse after going to bed and when waking in the morning. But people with house dust mite allergy and pollen allergies find their year-round symptoms worsen in spring. <h2>How is it diagnosed?</h2> House dust mite allergy symptoms often build up over months, or even years before people seek help. But an accurate diagnosis means you can not only access the right treatment – it’s also vital for minimising exposure. Doctor and nurse practitioners can order a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">blood test</a> to check for house dust mite allergy. Alternatively, health care providers with <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/a-career-in-clinical-immunology-and-allergy">specialised allergy training</a> can perform skin prick tests. This involves placing drops of the allergens on the arm, along with a positive and negative “control”. After 15 minutes, those who test positive will have developed a mosquito bite-like mark. <h2>How is it treated?</h2> Medication options include one or a combination of: <ul> <li>daily non-sedating antihistamines</li> <li>a steroid nasal spray</li> <li>allergy eye drops.</li> </ul> Your health care professional will work with you to develop a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf">rhinitis (hay fever) medical management plan</a> to reduce your symptoms. If you’re using a nasal spray, your health provider will <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ytYj1TLojM">show you how to use it</a>, as people often use it incorrectly. If you also have <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/how-is-asthma-managed">asthma</a> or eczema which is worsened by dust mites, your health provider will adapt your <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/health-professionals/asthma-action-plans">asthma action plan</a> or <a href="https://medcast.com.au/qhub/eczema/resources">eczema care plan</a> accordingly. If you experience severe symptoms, a longer-term option is <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_Allergen_Immunotherapy_FAQ_2024.pdf">immunotherapy</a>. This aims to gradually turn off your immune system’s ability to recognise house dust mites as a harmful allergen. Immunotherapy involves taking either a daily sublingual tablet, under the tongue, or a series of injections. Injections require monthly attendances over three years, after the initial weekly build-up phase. These are <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-considering-allergen-immunotherapy-for-my-hay-fever-what-do-i-need-to-know-190408">effective</a>, but are costly (as well as time-consuming). So it’s important to weigh up the potential benefits and downsides with your health-care provider. <h2>How can you minimise house dust mites?</h2> There are also important allergy minimisation measures you can take to reduce allergens in your home. Each week, <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/component/finder/search?q=minimisation&Itemid=100001">wash</a> your bedding and pyjamas in hot water (over 60°C). This <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma">removes</a> house dust mite eggs and debris. Opt for doonas, covers or quilts that can be washed in hot water above 60°C. Alternatively, low-cost waterproof or leak proof covers can keep house dust mites out. If you can, favour blinds and wood floors over curtains and carpet. Dust blinds and surfaces with a damp cloth each week and vacuum while wearing a mask, or have someone else do it, as house dust mites can become airborne during cleaning. But beware of costly products with big marketing budgets and little evidence to support their use. A new mattress, for example, will always be house dust mite-free. But once slept on, the house dust mite life cycle can start. Mattress protectors and toppers commonly claim to be “hypoallergenic”, “anti-allergy” or “allergy free”. But their pore sizes are not small enough to keep house dust mites and their poo out, or shed skin going through. Sprays claiming to kill mites require so much spray to penetrate the product that it’s likely to become wet, may smell like the spray and, unless dried properly, may grow mould. Finally, claims that expensive vacuum cleaners can extract all the house dust mites are unsubstantiated. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites">healthdirect.gov.au</a> or the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240918/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-lee-thompson-1449312">Deryn Lee Thompson</a>, Eczema and Allergy Nurse; Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> 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/what-are-house-dust-mites-and-how-do-i-know-if-im-allergic-to-them-240918">original article</a>. </div>

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"Completely out of touch" boomer slammed for housing advice

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

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Father breaks silence after wife and two children die in tragic drowning

Hoai Nguyen, 32, and her two children, Mitchell, 7, and Hazel, 5, were enjoying a day out at Shearer Park in south-west Sydney, and were walking down to a small pier on the waterfront before they were spotted <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/unimaginable-sorrow-mother-and-two-children-drown-during-family-outing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">struggling in the Georges River</a> about 10.15am on Saturday. Hoai was pulled to shore shortly afterwards, but despite desperate attempts by rescuers and bystanders she could not be revived. The bodies of the two children were recovered a few hours later, metres from a jetty. The children's father, Dinh Nguyen, had been at work during the incident and only found out about the tragedy when police showed up at his house. He has since broken his silence, and told The Sydney Morning Herald that his wife was navigating a mental illness prior to her death. “She has bipolar disorder, and she has some ups and some downs,” he told the publication. “She takes medicine. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.” He also recalled one of the last conversations the couple had, the night prior to the tragedy. “She told me the last night she didn’t sleep so she wanted to stay at home,” he said. According to The Daily Telegraph, detectives are now probing whether the incident was premeditated as they continue their investigations into the tragedy. The southwest Sydney community has since rallied around the family's loved ones, with bouquets of flowers and tributes seen at the riverbank as part of a growing memorial. A close friend of the family, Sarah Vu, has also organised a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hoai-mitchell-and-hazel-nguyen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page for the family which has since raised over $60,600 of their $40,000 goal. “I sincerely thank the entire community for their contributions,” she wrote in a social media tribute on Monday. “The family have decided to bring Hoai and the kids back to Vietnam. “The fund has currently exceeded my expectations, but I will keep the link open for anyone who still wants to donate.” "All we can do now is pray for you and the little ones to depart peacefully,” she added with a video of two young kids holding hands and skipping down a street together. Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Lifeline: 13 11 14, <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au </a> SANE Support line and Forums: 1800 187 263, <a href="https://saneforums.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saneforums.org</a> Headspace: 1800 650 890, <a href="https://headspace.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headspace.org.au</a> Beyond Blue: 1300 224 635, <a href="beyondblue.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au </a> Images: Facebook/ GoFundMe

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