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"Haven’t got long to live": Beloved Harry Potter star's sad health update

<p>Veteran actress Miriam Margolyes, best known to many as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter franchise, has spoken movingly about her deteriorating health and approaching mortality, revealing she likely has only a few years left to live.</p> <p>In a recent interview with <em>The Times</em>, the 84-year-old star discussed her decision to step away from the big screen, admitting that her body is no longer strong enough to perform the roles she once loved.</p> <p>“When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before – I’m loathe to leave behind performing,” she said. “It’s such a joy. I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”</p> <p>Margolyes has been increasingly open about her health challenges in recent years. In 2023, during an appearance on the Table Manners podcast, she revealed she had undergone heart surgery, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/aussie-harry-potter-star-undergoes-heart-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">receiving a cow’s aortic</a> valve to replace her own. “I don’t know how common it is. I’d never heard of that operation,” she said. “But it saves you from having open-heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive.”</p> <p>She later told <em>British Vogue</em> that her perspective on death had changed with age. “When you’re young, you never think about death. You just think about your next f**k, basically,” she joked. “I think about death a lot. You can’t help but be aware that the amount of time ahead is less than the time before you.”</p> <p>Despite the seriousness of her condition, Margolyes maintains her trademark wit and philosophical outlook. “I’m still ducking and diving. I’m still open to new experiences. I’m just very conscious that there is no light at the end of the tunnel.”</p> <p>In 2024, Margolyes publicly disclosed she is living with spinal stenosis, a painful and debilitating condition that has severely impacted her mobility. “I’m registered disabled. I use all kinds of assistance,” she shared with <em>Closer Magazine</em>. “I’ve got two sticks and a walker and they’re such a bore, but I’ve just got a mobility scooter, which is a lot of fun.”</p> <p>The <em>Age of Innocence</em> actress also acknowledged her financial worries, saying her biggest fear is outliving her resources. Yet, through it all, she remains strong, funny and honest – qualities that have endeared her to fans for decades.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Huge update in Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman's divorce

<p>Deborra-Lee Furness has officially filed for divorce from Hugh Jackman, nearly two years after the couple publicly announced their separation following 27 years of marriage.</p> <p>According to documents reportedly submitted in New York on May 23, the Australian actress moved forward with the legal process after reaching a behind-the-scenes agreement with the <em>X-Men</em> star. Sources close to the matter say the divorce is uncontested, meaning both Furness and Jackman have agreed on all terms.</p> <p>“A settlement was reached that Deborra is pleased with, which includes a handsome spousal support payment,” a source <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14754391/Deborra-Lee-Furness-files-divorce-Hugh-Jackman-fortune.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the Daily Mail</a>. “There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, [Deborra] got what she believed she deserved. Both are coming out of this financially secure.”</p> <p>The insider added that the 69-year-old actress has found the “closure she needed”, with the next step being final approval from a judge.</p> <p>Furness and Jackman share two adopted children: Oscar, 25, and Ava, 19. The divorce follows months of reported tension over the division of the couple’s estimated $250 million fortune. In March, insiders claimed that Furness was delaying proceedings over dissatisfaction with Jackman’s initial financial offer. However, the newly reached settlement appears to have resolved those disputes.</p> <p>The couple first announced their separation in September 2023, releasing a joint statement: “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”</p> <p>While no official reason for the split was confirmed, rumours of a rift had been circulating for some time. Around the time of the separation, speculation grew over Jackman’s alleged affair with his <em>Music Man</em> Broadway co-star Sutton Foster. Sources claimed the two developed a deep connection during the show’s run from December 2021 to January 2023.</p> <p>Foster, 50, filed for divorce from her second husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin, in October 2024 after ten years of marriage.</p> <p>Furness has also reportedly been focusing on personal healing. In March, she was said to be “rebuilding her life and taking a vacation to Bhutan” for a fresh start. </p> <p><em>Images: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Editorial / Instagram</em></p>

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Alan Alda shares health update on battle with Parkinson's

<p>Beloved TV icon Alan Alda has shared a candid and characteristically humorous update on his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2015.</p> <p>“Making progress,” Alda, 89, quipped to <em>People</em>. “I didn’t say in which direction.”</p> <p>The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on the long-running hit series <em>MASH</em>, continues to embrace his trademark wit and optimism, even as the neurological disease increasingly shapes his daily life.</p> <p>Alda described the progression of Parkinson’s as turning what was once a “part-time job” into “almost a full-time job”, yet he remains determined to find joy and humour in each day. “It keeps me always looking for the funny side,” he said.</p> <p>Living with Parkinson’s isn't Alda's only neurological challenge – he also has prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which prevents him from recognising even familiar faces. Despite this, Alda maintains a playful spirit, saying each day is about “finding a new way to do something”, likening it to a daily game.</p> <p>Though his health has prompted some lifestyle adjustments, Alda hasn't stepped away from the screen entirely. He recently appeared in Netflix’s new series adaptation of <em>The Four Seasons</em>, a modern reimagining of the 1981 film he originally wrote, directed and starred in. The show, led by Tina Fey, has already been renewed for a second season. Alda appeared in a new role, playing the father of Anne, rather than reprising his original character, the high-strung lawyer Jack.</p> <p>In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Alda congratulated Fey on the show's success. “Last week her new series <em>The Four Seasons</em> was number one on Netflix worldwide,” he said. “Tina, I knew you'd take the movie that I wrote and directed all those years ago and do something wonderful with it – and you have.” </p> <p>Beyond his professional life, Alda continues to celebrate a remarkable personal journey with his wife of 68 years, Arlene, 92. It was Arlene who first noticed an early symptom of Parkinson’s – the absence of Alda’s usual arm swing while walking – a subtle sign of the disease’s characteristic muscle stiffness.</p> <p>Despite the challenges, Alda remains a powerful example of strength, humour and creativity in the face of adversity – a role he seems to play as effortlessly off-screen as he has for decades on it.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"Keen to keep living": Hero professor's heartbreaking health update

<p>Professor Richard Scolyer, the <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">acclaimed melanoma researcher and former Australian of the Year,</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> has revealed a devastating update in his ongoing battle with brain cancer, announcing that his aggressive glioblastoma has progressed once again.</span></p> <p>Professor Scolyer, 58, was diagnosed in 2023 with the terminal form of brain cancer and initially given just eight months to live. Defying the odds, he has endured 18 months of life thanks to a groundbreaking experimental immunotherapy based on melanoma research – a treatment approach that has drawn global attention.</p> <p>However, in a candid social media post on Monday, Professor Scolyer confirmed that a recent MRI had shown further tumour growth on the left side of his brain.</p> <p>“While this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly (to me), I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible,” he wrote. “I feel like there are quite a few people on my team (including my family & friends) and they make me happy and proud.”</p> <p>Jointly named the 2024 Australian of the Year with fellow Melanoma Institute Australia co-director Professor Georgina Long, Scolyer has become known not only for his scientific leadership but for his openness and optimism in facing a terminal diagnosis.</p> <p>The most recent setback follows a recurrence of the cancer earlier this year, which led to surgery in March. While doctors were able to remove much of the tumour, Scolyer explained that microscopic “tentacles” remain, requiring further treatment.</p> <p>“Depending on what the scan shows … that will help choose what are the next forms of therapy that I can have to see where we need to go from here,” he said in a previous update.</p> <p>Despite ongoing physical and emotional challenges, Scolyer continues to cherish time with his wife, Katie, and their children.</p> <p>“Sometimes I’m happy to have fun, but some of the therapies have knocked me around a bit, so I can’t do some of the things I love doing,” he said. “I’m still having a fun time at home with my kids … and my beautiful wife Katie has been using her incredible intellect to help me speak to different doctors about various options.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ1JNz9zW8W/?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/DJ1JNz9zW8W/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Prof Richard Scolyer AO - My Uncertain Path (@profrscolyer)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Looking ahead, Professor Scolyer anticipates another operation and remains hopeful that ongoing research and innovation may unlock new options for glioblastoma patients worldwide.</p> <p>“Fingers crossed this operation isn’t so bad and we can move forward with the next form of therapy,” he said, “and hopefully push things along faster to try and get things open up for many, many patients who have got glioblastoma.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Bindi shares heartbreaking update from hospital bed

<p>Beloved Aussie conservationist Bindi Irwin has updated fans following a recent health scare that saw her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/bindi-irwin-rushed-to-hospital-in-the-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rushed to hospital</a> during a trip to Las Vegas. The 26-year-old was in the city to attend the annual Steve Irwin Gala Dinner, held in honour of her late father, when she was suddenly hospitalised.</p> <p>In a heartfelt video recorded from her hospital bed, Irwin addressed her concerned followers, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support she’s received.</p> <p>“Hey guys, Bindi here. I just wanted to thank you so much for your incredible well wishes. I just got out of surgery about an hour ago,” she said in the clip, visibly groggy but smiling.</p> <p>Irwin revealed the extent of her medical ordeal, explaining that doctors had removed her appendix and discovered 14 new endometriosis lesions, which were also excised. Additionally, surgeons repaired a hernia during the operation.</p> <p>“I’m sorry if I’m a little out of it in this video,” she said, “but I just wanted you to know that I’m on the road to recovery one step at a time and I am so lucky to have so much love in my life from my beautiful family.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJkni9ypEfA/?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/DJkni9ypEfA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her younger brother, Robert Irwin, 21, confirmed that Bindi’s appendix had ruptured, calling the situation an unexpected shock for the family. Speaking from the gala event, where he stepped in for his sister, he told reporters: “She’s going to be OK, but surgery – out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them.”</p> <p>This is not the first time Irwin has opened up about her health. In March 2023, she publicly shared her struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing chronic pain and fatigue. At the time, she underwent surgery and disclosed that doctors had removed 37 lesions and a large ovarian cyst, commonly referred to as a “chocolate cyst”.</p> <p>“Going in for surgery was scary but I knew I couldn’t live like I was,” she said last year. “Every part of my life was getting torn apart because of the pain.”</p> <p>She also recalled the sobering words of her doctor post-operation: “How did you live with this much pain?”</p> <p>Bindi’s family has rallied around her once again, with brother Robert writing under her latest post, “Stay strong Bindi! Love you!” Her husband of five years, Chandler Powell, also commented: “Strongest person I know.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Edwina Bartholomew's grateful update in cancer battle

<p>Beloved <em>Sunrise</em> star Edwina Bartholomew has shared a heartwarming update on her health journey – she's almost in molecular remission following treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia.</p> <p>The 41-year-old mother of two <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sunrise-star-announces-cancer-diagnosis-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first opened up</a> about her diagnosis in September last year, after receiving the life-changing news in July. She began treatment in August, supported by her family, colleagues, and an outpouring of love from viewers across the country.</p> <p>Appearing on <em>Sunrise</em> this week, Edwina beamed as she shared the incredible news with her co-hosts and audience. “I am almost in what they call molecular remission,” she said, smiling. “Thanks to my daily medication, my incredible specialist, and the gift of time I’ve been given by working part-time here at <em>Sunrise</em>, the leukaemia has essentially been eradicated from my body to the point it’s almost undetectable.”</p> <p>Though she’ll continue treatment with a daily tablet for the foreseeable future, Edwina says she hasn’t experienced any noticeable side effects – calling it “genuinely a medical miracle”.</p> <p>Her gratitude was palpable as she thanked the <em>Sunrise</em> community for their kindness. “I quickly wanted to thank all of our wonderfully kind <em>Sunrise</em> viewers who sent me messages over the past nine months – checking in, sharing their stories, keeping my family in their thoughts. That’s been really, really lovely.”</p> <p>In a beautifully candid feature for <em>The Australian Women’s Weekly</em>, Edwina appears on the cover with her husband Neil Varcoe and their two children, Molly (5) and Tom (3). The photos, taken on the family’s farm, show Edwina glowing in a high-neck blue lace dress, surrounded by the love and laughter of her young family.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhs-rvT61i/?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/DIhs-rvT61i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Edwina Bartholomew (@edwina_b)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Back in September, when she first shared her diagnosis on air, Edwina approached the moment with characteristic honesty and hope. “It is a good kind – It’s called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I take care of myself, I will be completely fine.”</p> <p>Even in that early moment, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/edwina-bartholomew-s-classy-call-to-action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she described herself</a> as “very lucky” – thankful for early detection, a manageable treatment path and the unwavering support of her colleagues and loved ones.</p> <p>“I turned 40 and decided to prioritise my health,” she explained. “Routine blood tests picked it up – one of those things mums often skip because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else. Please, especially to mums, take care of yourself too.”</p> <p>Now, just months later, Edwina says<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">: “It’s not lost on me how extraordinarily lucky I have been.”</span></p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Huge update in search for Samantha Murphy's body

<p>The man accused of murdering Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy has reportedly been removed from prison and taken under heavy police guard to bushland near Ballarat, as Victoria Police intensify their search for her remains.</p> <p>Patrick Orren Stephenson, 23, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 51-year-old, was previously escorted to the search site from jail last year. According to <em>Sunrise</em>, he remains under tight security as police continue their investigation.</p> <p>Murphy was last seen on February 4 last year, setting out for a routine 14-kilometre run through the Canadian State Forest. Despite extensive searches by police and community volunteers across the Canadian State Forest, Enfield State Park, and the Buninyong Bushland Reserve, her body has not been found.</p> <p>While police have not confirmed that Stephenson is cooperating with the search, nor suggested that he knows the location of Murphy's body, his presence at the scene signals ongoing investigative efforts.</p> <p>In June last year, a significant breakthrough emerged when Murphy’s personal belongings – including her credit cards, driver’s licence and an iPhone encased in a teal cover – were discovered submerged in mud at the bottom of a dam in Buninyong, close to her home. Investigators found the phone in near-perfect condition, raising hopes that its data might reveal clues about Murphy's final movements.</p> <p>Police subsequently focused their search on bushland south of Buninyong, roughly two kilometres from the dam.</p> <p>Victoria Police have declined to comment on the latest developments, citing the ongoing court proceedings. Stephenson’s trial is expected to take place later this year.</p> <p>During a February court hearing, Prosecutor Raymond Gibson KC indicated that police officers and a DNA expert are among eight proposed witnesses for the trial. The list also includes a road crash reconstruction specialist, a digital data expert and a phone data analyst.</p> <p>Stephenson, the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, had never personally met Murphy. However, the pair shared a local connection: Murphy volunteered at the uniform shop at St Francis Xavier Primary School, where Stephenson had been a student.</p> <p>It is understood that police had been monitoring Stephenson for two weeks prior to his arrest in March last year, at a Ballarat home where he and his girlfriend were house-sitting.</p> <p>The investigation continues.</p> <p><em>Images: File photos</em></p>

Legal

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‘Behind every claim is a grieving family’. Death benefits inquiry update

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>When Lisa’s husband passed away unexpectedly, she assumed accessing his superannuation <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/superannuation-death-benefits">death benefit</a> would be straightforward. Instead, she spent months navigating a bureaucratic maze.</p> <p>She repeatedly sent documents, waited weeks for callbacks and struggled to get answers from his fund.</p> <p>Her experience is far from unique. A damning <a href="https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/reports/rep-806-taking-ownership-of-death-benefits-how-trustees-can-deliver-outcomes-australians-deserve/">new report</a> reveals systemic failure by Australia’s <a href="https://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/super-stats/#:%7E:text=Total%20superannuation%20assets%20were%20%244.2,with%20more%20than%20six%20members.">A$4 trillion</a> superannuation industry in handling members’ death benefits.</p> <h2>A system in disarray</h2> <p>The Australian Security and Investments Commission’s landmark review of ten major super trustees, managing 38% of super assets, exposes an industry that is not serving its members.</p> <p>Grieving families routinely face excessive delays, insensitive treatment and unnecessary hurdles when trying to access death benefits. It found they sometimes waited over a year for payments to which they were legally entitled.</p> <p>The central problem was a fundamental breakdown in claims processing, with five critical failures exacerbating inefficiency and distress.</p> <p><strong>1. Poor oversight</strong></p> <p>No trustee monitored end-to-end claims handling times, leaving boards unaware of how long families were waiting. While the fastest trustee resolved 48% of claims within 90 days, the slowest managed just 8%.</p> <p>In one case, a widow waited nearly a year despite her husband having a valid binding nomination. ASIC found 78% of delays stemmed from processing inefficiencies entirely within trustees’ control.</p> <p><strong>2. Misleading and inadequate information</strong></p> <p>Many funds misled on processing times and masked extreme delays. Boards often received reports only on insured claims, despite most death benefits not involving insurance. This meant boards were unable to fix systemic problems.</p> <p><strong>3. Process over people</strong></p> <p>Risk-averse procedures often overrode common sense. Many funds imposed claim-staking – delaying payments for objections – even for straightforward cases, adding a median 95 day delay.</p> <p>Communication failures further compounded delays, with claimants receiving inconsistent advice and few or no status updates.</p> <p><strong>4. Outsourcing without accountability</strong></p> <p>Claims handled in-house were processed significantly faster than those managed by external administrators. Only 15% of outsourced claims were resolved within 90 days, compared to 36% of in-house claims.</p> <p>The securities commission is calling for stronger oversight. External administrators significantly slow down responses, so some funds may need to bring claims processing back in-house to ensure efficiency.</p> <p><strong>5. Lack of transparency</strong></p> <p>Many funds failed to provide clear timelines or explanations for delays and had no accountability mechanisms.</p> <p>The ten funds investigated include the Australian Retirement Trust, Avanteos (Colonial First State), Brighter Super, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, HESTA, Hostplus, NM Super (AMP), Nulis (MLC), Rest and UniSuper.</p> <p>Two others, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/asic-sues-australian-super-death-processing-benefit-claims-delay/105040450">Australian Super and Cbus</a>, are being sued separately by ASIC for either failing to pay out or delaying payments to thousands of eligible beneficiaries.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=405&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=405&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=405&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=509&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=509&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/658866/original/file-20250401-56-jrqwbg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=509&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="A list of key findings from the ASIC Taking ownership of death benefits report" /></a><figcaption><span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/reports/rep-806-taking-ownership-of-death-benefits-how-trustees-can-deliver-outcomes-australians-deserve/">Taking ownership of death benefits: How trustees can deliver outcomes Australians deserve, ASIC, March 2025</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Will ASIC’s fixes work?</h2> <p>ASIC has made 34 recommendations to improve death benefit processing. This will require real change, not box ticking. Changes should include setting performance objectives and empowering frontline staff to cut unnecessary steps.</p> <p>There should be consequences for failure. Unlike the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/bereavement">United Kingdom</a>, which fines pension providers for missing statutory deadlines, ASIC’s recommendations lack penalties.</p> <p>Without consequences, some funds may continue prioritising administrative convenience over members receiving their entitlements.</p> <h2>What needs to happen now?</h2> <p>ASIC’s report is a wake-up call, but real reform requires strong action.</p> <p>Super funds must be held to clear, binding processing timelines, with meaningful penalties for non-compliance. Standardising requirements across the industry would eliminate unnecessary hurdles, ensuring all beneficiaries are treated fairly.</p> <p>Beyond regulation, funds must improve communication and accountability. Bereaved families deserve clear, plain language guidance on what to expect, not bureaucratic roadblocks or sudden document requests.</p> <p>Technological upgrades should focus on reducing delays, not just internal efficiencies.</p> <p>And to better support families, an independent claims advocate could help navigate the process, ensuring no one is left to struggle alone.</p> <h2>Has ASIC gone far enough?</h2> <p>While ASIC’s review is a step in the right direction, it does not fundamentally overhaul flawed claims-handling practices.</p> <p>The recommendations lack enforceability, relying on voluntary compliance.</p> <p>Also, the role of insurers within super remains largely unaddressed, despite death benefits being tied to life insurance policies. This often causes further complications and delays.</p> <p>Ensuring insurers adopt and apply ASIC’s recommendations will be critical for meaningful change.</p> <p>Most importantly, super funds must remember that behind every claim is a grieving family. No one should have to fight for what they are owed during one of the most stressful times in their life.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/253419/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/natalie-peng-1369555">Natalie Peng</a>, Lecturer in Accounting, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/behind-every-claim-is-a-grieving-family-death-benefits-inquiry-demands-change-but-lacks-penalties-253419">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Legal

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Kyle Sandilands shares grim new health update

<p>Just days after Kyle Sandilands revealed he has to undergo surgery for a <a href="https://o60.me/vwv7ix" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brain aneurysm</a>, the radio star recently found another aneurysm in his chest. </p> <p>During the <em>Kyle and Jackie O Show</em>, the radio shock jock explained he had been discussing his options with surgeons and specialists when he was told the grim update. </p> <p>“They found another one in my chest and that’s a separate surgery and I have very bad calcium build-up in the heart where I’m likely to have a heart attack,” he shared. </p> <p>Sandilands said he has a 25 per cent chance of having a heart attack in the next five years “if I do nothing about that”.</p> <p>He also revealed that the surgery for the brain aneurysm will involve drilling a large hole in his skull.</p> <p>"It's in the front right hand side of my brain... they have to drill a hole through my skull the size of a drinking glass, pull that bit of skull out, and go into the brain," he explained. </p> <p>"They [will] put a titanium clip on the vein where the problem is and then they stitch me up with a plastic surgeon."</p> <p>"That will mean I have this huge scar from the forehead to top of ear and they would have to drill a hole in my skull, go into the brain and clip it off," he continued. </p> <p>On the 3rd of February, Sandilands first made his diagnosis public, saying: "I have a brain aneurysm and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery," and that he could need up to eight weeks off the air. </p> <p>He went on to explain that his brain aneurysm was “not a blockage” but rather a “puncture”.</p> <p><em>Image: KIIS FM</em></p>

Caring

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John Farnham's son shares major health update

<p>John Farnham's son James has shared a major update on his father's health condition, as he prepares to become a grandfather. </p> <p>The Aussie singer, 75, is recovering from 12-hour surgery for throat cancer, with doctors removing a tumour from his mouth and reconstructing his jaw in August 2022.</p> <p>He has since received an “all clear" as his cancer remains in remission. </p> <p>Speaking candidly to Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington on <em>Sunrise</em>, James updated viewers on his father's condition. </p> <p>“He’s doing great, he’s doing really well, walking around, kicking goals .... annoying mum,” James said with a laugh.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">FARNHAM FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENT 🎤 James Farnham on his dad’s health, an exciting family announcement and the incredible Logies tribute.</p> <p>WATCH SUNRISE FOR MORE | <a href="https://twitter.com/7plus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7plus</a> ☀️ <a href="https://t.co/pY48wTiLNU">pic.twitter.com/pY48wTiLNU</a></p> <p>— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1886532531001884967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>James, who is expecting his first child later this year with his partner Tessa, also revealed that Farnham has decided what he wants his first grandchild to call him.</p> <p>“We’re all really excited, another little Farnham on the way,” James said.</p> <p>“I can’t wait to take him up to the farm and get dad to teach him everything he taught me.”</p> <p>He then revealed that his famous father wants to be called “Pa” when the baby is born.</p> <p>James went on to share details about Cancer Research Giving Day, as since their father’s diagnosis, James and his brother, Rob, have supported cancer awareness and fundraising events including Daffodil Day</p> <p>“Given the fact that dad went through a brutal cancer, we were asked by Daffodil Day to be ambassadors — we jumped at the chance,” Rob told <em>Sunrise</em> last August.</p> <p>“It’s such an amazing opportunity to push that forward. And the things that they do for fundraising and research, it helps recovery process, helps families, helps the people who have the cancer."</p> <p>“Cancer is one of those things that doesn’t just affect the person going through it, it affects everyone else around them.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Sunrise </em></p>

Family & Pets

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"No end in sight": Australian Idol star's sad health update

<p>Courtney Murphy, beloved <em>Australian Idol</em> finalist from 2004, has shared a difficult update nearly a year after being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer.</p> <p>The 45-year-old musician revealed in an interview with <em>Perth Now</em> that his fight against the disease remains ongoing, with no clear end in sight.</p> <p>“It’s nearly a year on now from my diagnosis, and there’s no end in sight as far as treatment goes,” Murphy said. “I’ve told my doctors to throw everything they’ve got at it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m going to keep looking forward to putting out the next album.”</p> <p>Murphy was diagnosed with advanced-stage bowel cancer in March 2024 and has been undergoing intensive treatment since.</p> <p>Murphy first captured Australia’s hearts during <em>Australian Idol</em>, where his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances earned him a devoted fanbase. Following the competition, he continued to thrive as a musician, joining the cast of the Queen-inspired musical <em>We Will Rock You</em> in 2018 and performing both as a solo artist and with his siblings in their band, The Murphy Brothers.</p> <p>Over the years, Murphy has entertained audiences across WA and beyond, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the local music scene.</p> <p>Murphy’s diagnosis has been a devastating blow for his family, especially coming so soon after the loss of his father, Kim, who passed away following a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumour.</p> <p>In April 2024, Murphy’s family launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign to help support him and his young family through the challenges ahead. The father of three, who is unable to work during treatment, has been relying on the generosity of his community to ease the financial burden.</p> <p>“Our beautiful brother Courtney Murphy is in for the fight of his life,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Many of you will know Courtney for his amazing musical talent and his big voice. We think it’s fair to say he’s been entertaining West Aussies for the best part of 30 years… Now, we’re asking for your help to support him as he faces this incredible challenge.”</p> <p>For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made through the family’s <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a>, which serves as a lifeline for Murphy, his wife, and their three young children during this difficult time. At the time of writing, donations had soared above $140,000, well on its way to the $200k target.   </p>

Caring

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Deborra-Lee Furness shares life update after divorce

<p>Deborra-Lee Furness has broken her silence for the first time since photos emerged of Hugh Jackman's new <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/deborra-lee-furness-reacts-to-hugh-jackman-s-new-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relationship</a> with his co-star Sutton Foster. </p> <p>Furness revealed that she feels as though she is now in “chapter three” of her life following her shock split from Jackman in 2023. </p> <p>Speaking about focusing on her career over her love life, she told the <em>Herald Sun</em>, “I’ve had a few offers for films back here so I’m still reading some scripts so if there’s something that’s great.”</p> <p>She went on to share that she’ll be taking more time for herself now she’s single and able to focus on herself first. </p> <p>“I’ve got some projects in New York. I’m in my chapter three. I’m a creative, I love being creative in a variety of areas and I think I’ll be doing more travelling.”</p> <p>This is the first time she has spoken publicly since her ex-husband debuted his new relationship, although a source allegedly close to Furness said she felt "a sense of relief" when Jackman and Foster's relationship was announced. </p> <p>The source told the <em>Daily Mail</em>, “She has been plagued with suspicions. She was told it wasn’t true, and that they were nothing more than close friends who worked together. But something in her heart told her that this was not true."</p> <p>“She trusted her intuition and her intuition was right. She finally feels at ease after getting confirmation that her fears and suspicions were warranted. She can now fully close this chapter and move on.”</p> <p>Jackman and Furness announced their separation after 27 years of marriage in September 2023.</p> <p>The former couple have two adult children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Relationships

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Ash Barty shares pregnancy update

<p>Ash Barty is expecting her second child with husband Garry Kissick, and while the tennis legend is excited for the future, she has shared some of her concerns with raising two young children.</p> <p>The couple already share son Hayden, 18 months, and are set to have a newborn and a toddler to care for. </p> <p>"It's been probably the best part of my life, being able to share this next chapter with my husband Garry, and we have no idea what we're doing but he's alive and he's happy," she told the <em>Herald Sun</em>.</p> <p>"Terrified for what is going to come next but we'll figure it out, I'm sure," she added. </p> <p>The 28-year-old also said that while it's not in her nature to deal with "chaos" she hopes to make it work. </p> <p>"As an athlete I used to be the most meticulous, organised person and now it's absolute carnage," she said. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD_vAWhxAOd/?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/DD_vAWhxAOd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Garry Kissick (@gazlfc90)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The tennis champion posted her pregnancy news to Instagram on Christmas Day, with a photo of her son Hayden standing in front of their Christmas tree with a shirt that read "I'm going to be a... big brother". </p> <p>She captioned the snap with: "Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!", which was quickly inundated with congratulatory messages from her friends and followers. </p> <p>Barty and Kissick welcomed Hayden one year after they <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/game-set-and-match-ash-barty-ties-the-knot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tied the knot </a>in a private ceremony in Queensland on July 30, 2022, just months after she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/ash-barty-announces-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired</a> from tennis. </p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Dame Judi Dench shares update on her deteriorating health

<p>Dame Judi Dench has revealed she can no longer leave her house by herself due to her worsening eyesight. </p> <p>The legendary British actress, 90, opened up about her deteriorating health in a candid chat on the <em>Fearless</em> podcast with Trinny Woodall, admitting she must be accompanied by someone everywhere she goes in case she falls over or bangs into something.</p> <p>Judi said, “Somebody will always be with me; I have to now because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over.”</p> <p>Aside from her declining sight, which is caused by age-related macular degeneration, Judi says she prefers to be supported by others and is “not very good at being on my own”.</p> <p>She told the podcast host, “I’m always nervous before going to something. I have no idea why...I’m not good at being on my own at all, nor would I be now."</p> <p>“And fortunately, I don’t have to now because I pretend to have no eyesight,” Judi joked. </p> <p>In 2024, Dench hinted that her acting career could be over as her worsening eyesight makes it "impossible" to learn lines. </p> <p>When asked about her career at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, the Oscar winner replied: "No, no, I can't even see!"</p> <p>Judi, who was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012, said she has tried to work “as much as she can” but finds any part “difficult” to play.</p> <p>She told <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/2002898/dame-judi-dench-health-issue?int_source=nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Express.co.uk</em></a>, "I have so many friends who will teach me the script. But I have a photographic memory, so I have to know where it is on the page, and that's quite a difficult thing."</p> <p>"That's what makes it really impossible so far [not knowing exactly where the text is]. But I'll find a way."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Kate Middleton shares major health update

<p>Kate Middleton has attended her first solo engagement since 2023 to visit nurses who cared for her during her cancer treatment, and has shared a positive update about her health. </p> <p>The 43-year-old royal, who finished her chemotherapy last September, wanted to “show her gratitude” to the team of health professionals based at the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London.</p> <p>The Princess of Wales spend over an hour at the dedicated cancer treatment facility, engaging in emotional conversations with patients who were facing cancer battles of their own. </p> <p>Catherine later posted a photo of her interacting with a patient and discussing the outing to the hospital, while revealing for the first time that her own cancer is in remission. </p> <p>"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," the post read. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE0XDdGtCC2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/DE0XDdGtCC2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."</p> <p>"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal."</p> <p>She concluded the post by sharing her wishes for 2025, adding, "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."</p> <p>While at the hospital, Kate admitted to the patients that she’d had a “really, really tough” time, according to reports from <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/32789130/princess-kate-emotional-solo-visit-hospital-cancer-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em>.</p> <p>“The treatments are so different and so varied, it impacts families differently,” she said to a patient. </p> <p>A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the publication, “The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.” </p> <p>The Palace also announced on Tuesday that Kate would be joining her husband, Prince William, in becoming a Patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.</p> <p>Kate’s poignant visit came exactly one year after she was admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery, during which doctors discovered “cancer had been present”, as the princess revealed in March 2024.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Chris Jackson-Getty/POOL supplied by Splash News</em></p>

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Olympic legend gives health update from hospital

<p>Former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney has updated her fans after undergoing a "long overdue" operation and a stint in hospital. </p> <p>The Olympic gold-medallist has spent the "past couple of days" at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney, taking to Instagram from her hospital bed to update her 30,000 followers on her condition. </p> <p>"Been in hospital the past couple of days - had an operation to fix an old birth injury (long overdue considering my youngest is 7 & a half!)," Rooney wrote.</p> <p>Rooney revealed that thankfully the surgery went off without a hitch but not everything was smooth sailing, as she added, "I had a bad reaction to the anaesthetic."</p> <p>"I'm home and fine but wanted to highlight our incredible nurses who care for us when we are at our most vulnerable," she wrote.</p> <p> </p> <p>"A huge thank you to Maria, Kira, Rochelle (who caught me when I blacked out) and June amongst many others who go above and beyond every day just doing their job, you are so very appreciated."</p> <p>Hundreds took to the comment section of Rooney's post to share their well wishes for a speedy recovery.</p> <p>"Oh Giaan I'm so sorry to hear that I hope you recover fast and yes they are angels that work in that system," Australian singer and actress Kate Ceberano wrote.</p> <p>"Sorry to read this. Get well soon," wrote Australian TV personality Barry Du Bois.</p> <p> </p> <p>"Big hugs, rest up beautiful lady," wrote fellow former Olympian Brooke Hanson OAM.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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Edwina Bartholomew's emotional health update

<p>Edwina Bartholomew has opened up about the life-changing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sunrise-star-announces-cancer-diagnosis-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancer diagnosis</a> she received earlier this year in an interview with <em>Stellar</em>. </p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> star, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in July, appeared on the <em>Something To Talk About </em>podcast and opened up about her health battle. </p> <p>Edwina said she feels extremely lucky because they caught the cancer early as she reassured her fans that she is doing "really well", explaining that she takes her medication twice daily and will have to continue to do so for the next few years. </p> <p>"My white blood cell count is almost back to normal, and there's another indicator that's looking really good as well," she shared.</p> <p>"Perspective and mindset have been a big part of the process from the get-go. People can live with this their entire life and because I caught it so early, I could be rid of it in a few years."</p> <p>She admitted the diagnosis prompted her to start taking care of her health and where her priorities should be, after announcing that she would cut down on her work on <em>Sunrise </em>in September. </p> <p>“The 24/7 go, go, go approach I had to life for the past 40 years had to shift. This has definitely been a huge takeaway for me that life can’t continue like that. I’ve had to say to work, ‘I can’t now go back to work five days a week at 3am in the morning. It’s not something that I can do,’” she said. </p> <p>“To their credit, Channel Seven has been phenomenal about that. Understanding that for my family, for me and my health, that’s not something I can do right now.</p> <p>“Having to set really clear parameters around that isn’t something I’ve ever done before. It’s like I finally grew some balls after 20 years of working where I just said, ‘Right, these are the non-negotiables in my life and I will not compromise on my family, myself, my marriage, my life and my health’. And that’s it. And wow, that’s been powerful.”</p> <p>She also opened up about the moment she broke the news to her parents,  who she told in a “really emotional” conversation.</p> <p>“Watching Dad find out was probably harder than watching Mum, because I think dads are often quite stoic, aren’t they?" she said in the interview. </p> <p>"I was able to explain to Mum and Dad straight up the nuts and bolts and the practicalities of it, what would happen and the treatment – and that I had to have a biopsy to confirm it,” she continued. </p> <p>“And they’re fairly pragmatic people. It was a really emotional discussion but also they could see that it wasn’t the end of the world and I was going to be OK.”</p> <p><em>Images: Stellar</em></p>

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Queen Camilla shares major health update

<p>Queen Camilla has shared details of her health diagnosis, after she was forced to pull out of several key engagements in the last few weeks. </p> <p>During the Qatari royal visit in London, she revealed that her recent chest infection was actually a form of pneumonia.</p> <p>The royal had to miss out on the outdoor events of the state visit as she is suffering from post-viral fatigue. </p> <p>It is understood that her condition was viral, not bacterial, and while she doesn't have pneumonia anymore, doctors have encouraged her to rest and take more time to recover from the fatigue. </p> <p>A royal source told<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/32081690/queen-camilla-illness-royal-engagements/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em> The Sun</em></a>, "Some days the Queen is on really good form. It's just one of those things. She has lost the coughing but the lingering side of it is bouts of extreme tiredness.</p> <p>"There has to be a degree of flex in the Queen's diary at the moment."</p> <p>The Queen contracted the infection after her and the King’s royal tour of Australia and Samoa in October, and as a result had to pull out of a series of high-profile engagements including Remembrance Day commemorations and the Royal Variety Performance.</p> <p>She also had to cancel  her appearance at the Palace’s reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, hosted by her husband, King Charles, and the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. </p> <p>There was some concern late last month after the royal abruptly cancelled her planned appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, but she has since returned to her duties in a reduced capacity. </p> <p>“Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family</em></p> <p> </p>

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"I’ve lost my eyesight": Sir Elton John's sad health update

<p>Sir Elton John has revealed that he had "lost his eyesight" at the premiere of his new musical. </p> <p>The singer, 77, attended the opening night of <em>The Devil Wears Prada</em> in London on Sunday and told the audience that he has lost his eyesight. </p> <p>“As some of you may know, I have had issues and now I have lost my sight," he began.</p> <p>“I haven’t been able to see the performance but I have enjoyed it.</p> <p>“To my husband who’s been my rock because I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight".</p> <p>"So it's hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight," he said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDDXN04iPc1/?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/DDDXN04iPc1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The singer-songwriter wrote the music for the highly-anticipated new musical which premiered in London's West End on Sunday night. </p> <p>He previously opened up about his condition in September, after he contracted an infection in his right eye that had left him "with only limited vision in one eye."</p> <p>“It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. My left eye is not the greatest," he told <em>Good Morning America</em>. </p> <p>“It’s been a while since I’ve done anything. I just have to get off my backside.”</p> <p>The superstar admitted that his loss of vision had really rattled him, saying: “It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything." </p> <p>“There’s hope and encouragement that it will be okay. But I’m kind of stuck in the moment, going into the studio and recording, I don’t know. Because I can’t see a lyric for start.”</p> <p>Sunday's premiere of the musical was also a charity gala event for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which was attended by celebrities and fashion-industry figures including Donatella Versace and former <em>Vogue</em> editor Anna Wintour.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Devastating update on Molly the Magpie

<p>Molly the Magpie is at risk of being separated from his rescue family again after a special wildlife carers licence was overturned in court this week. </p> <p>Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen had rescued the bird when he fell from a nest in 2020. The couple and their two dogs, Peggy and Ruby, have since formed a special relationship with the magpie who now lives with them. </p> <p>Molly's unlikely friendship with the two staffordshire terriers quickly became an internet sensation, but after complaints that the couple did not have the appropriate licences to look after the magpie, she was surrendered to Queensland wildlife authorities in March. </p> <p>After receiving pressure from the public and some politicians, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) “approved a specialised licence” and returned Molly to the couple almost two months after the bird had been surrendered. </p> <p>The licence was granted on the condition that the couple would not make commercial gain from Molly, continue wildlife training and engage with the department  to “ensure the bird is receiving adequate care and enrichment”.</p> <p>However, on Monday the Supreme Court had overturned the granting of the specialised licenced, following a judicial review. </p> <p>Legal firm XD Law & Advocacy sought the judicial review on behalf of an unnamed wildlife volunteer representing a network of volunteers who work to care for injured and rescued birds.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC1Et0UpCio/?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/DC1Et0UpCio/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Peggyandmolly (@peggyandmolly)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p> “This action was not about one magpie — it was about reinforcing Queensland’s wildlife protection laws and the integrity of the wildlife licensing system," the applicant said. </p> <p>“I am grateful to the Supreme Court and so proud of all the wildlife carers that stood up for the law when the Department and the former Premier failed to do so.</p> <p>“We are the ones who deal with the wreckage of the social media fad of capturing baby magpies and training them to do cute tricks.</p> <p>“There is nothing cute about wings and legs bitten off by family pets. There is nothing cute about seeing a domesticated magpie ferociously attacked by a wild flock when they first interact.</p> <p>“We are not commenting at all on what should be done with Molly — we will not be exposing our members to that violence and abuse again.”</p> <p>Following the court decision, a DETSI spokesperson said in a statement: “In trying to protect the welfare of the bird — which has always been our highest priority — we made an error, and we are currently considering next steps."</p> <p>Image: Instagram</p>

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