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Woman horrified after man brings his mother to first date

A woman has been left stunned after her crush invited his mother to infiltrate their first date. The young woman took to Reddit to recall the mortifying moment, and to ask users if she was out of line by leaving the awkward date. The 23-year-old began the story by explaining how she matched with a 25-year-old man, who she referred to as Jake, on the dating app Hinge. She explained that the couple had been “chatting for a few weeks, and he seemed like a solid guy — funny, good taste in music, and even remembered I loved Italian food.” “He planned the date at this nice little spot in Dallas, which I thought was sweet,” she added. She continued, “I show up, and everything's fine at first. He's already there, we hug, and he even complimented my outfit.” “But like five minutes after I sit down, this older woman walks in. Jake stands up, waves her over, and says, ‘This is my mom!’ 'I thought I misheard him for a second.” After he introduced his mother to his date, she pulled up a chair and began asking the 23-year-old a slew of invasive questions. “She sits down at the table, all casual, and starts introducing herself to me like this is normal. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there, trying to figure out if I'm being pranked. I kind of laugh nervously and say, ‘Oh, I didn't know you were bringing anyone,’ and he goes, ‘Oh, she just wanted to meet you. Don't worry—it's not a big deal’.” “But it was a big deal because she didn't just stop by to say hi — she ordered wine and stayed. The whole time, she's asking me these personal questions about my job, my family, even if I want kids someday.” “It was like an interview, not a date. Jake barely said anything. He just smiled and kept nodding like this was all normal,” she revealed. The woman then shared that after 20 minutes of the awkward encounter, she decided to leave, and texted Jake that same evening to say she didn’t want to go on another date. She said, “I couldn't take it anymore. I said I wasn't feeling great and needed to leave. I texted him later, saying I didn't think it would work out and wished him well.” Although she thought she did the right thing, she began doubting her decision and questioned if she was in the wrong. The 23-year-old concluded the post by asking, '”Now I feel kind of bad. My roommate says I did the right thing because honestly, who brings their mom to a first date? But my coworker said it was rude to just leave and that maybe his mom was just super close to him or nervous for him or whatever. Was I wrong for walking out?” Reddit users flocked to the comments section and ran to her defence as they slammed Jake for bringing his mother along on the date. One person said, “It's absurd that he would bring her. Unless she needs constant supervision due to some health issue. That is a very strange dynamic. You did what most anyone else would have done. Best of luck.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Relationships

Mother of baby scalded in park makes sad admission

The mother of baby Luka, who was just nine-months-old when he was attacked by a stranger in a Brisbane park, has made a heartbreaking admission about her son's healing process. Baby Luka and his mother were enjoying the sun in Hanlon Park on August 27th when a stranger approached and poured boiling hot coffee over the baby boy. The nine-month-old was rushed to hospital, while the man accused of the attack remains at large. Luka, now one-year-old suffered serious burns to 60 per cent of his body, including his face, upper body and arms, and has undergone seven operations since the attack. The young boy's mum has now revealed that it may take her son up to one year to fully recover as he heals from the mental, emotional and physical damages from the attack. "In those first few weeks, we had no idea what his future was going to look like, especially because the burns were so significant," she told <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/baby-luka-on-the-road-to-recovery-after-hot-coffee-attack-but-suspect-years-from-day-in-court/news-story/c6dd3c9c8f68d493faba84a655e7cf90" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">The Courier Mail.</a> "He didn't have a bath for, like, a month when he had all the bandages, and when we poured water over his head when we had a bath, he started screaming." Luka's mum said her son was still "wary" around people and had become shy when in a group setting, as opposed to his confidence around others before the incident. The woman went on to say her son's skin had "healed really well" since the synthetic skin grafts; however, his dad explained it would take years for the scars to settle. "We are definitely optimistic at this point, he already looks better than we ever thought," Luka's father said. "Hopefully by the time he becomes a teenager you won't even be able to see the scars anymore." Image credits: 9News / Facebook

Family & Pets

Coldplay pause concert to help young boy in distress

Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin has paused their concert in Sydney to help a young fan in distress. At Sydney's Accor stadium, Martin spotted a young boy in the crowd who was being crushed behind a wall of pushing fans. A video of the moment was shared on TikTok, showing the singer checking in on the kid before giving him the best seat in the house. "You can sit right here, OK? You don't have to be squeezed," Martin told the boy during Wednesday night's show, pointing to a spot over the crowd control barriers. Martin then turned to the security team if they could "get some headphones for him" before turning his attention back to the boy, as he explained, "Then you don't have to be squished by all these adults is all." <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: currentcolor !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: currentcolor !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7434149552611020040&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40rubygxpim%2Fvideo%2F7434149552611020040%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fok6scDVKIAojceAI4DZEVneANEAjAAFROrEg6f%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1731196800%26x-signature%3DOcK0QZUELKCqtkgmIvPpGukhRCc%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> "You sit right there my little brother, OK. Better? Now let's get you ... do you want some coke or something? The drink, I mean," he said to laughs from the crowd. "We'll take care of you man." Once the boy was safely in position, Martin carried on with the show. The video quickly went viral, with many commenting that Martin's care for the young fan was a "class act", with many praising his "wonderful" actions. Image credits: TikTok/Sonia Moskowitz Gordon/ZUMA/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Sad end in search for young boy swept out to sea

A body has been recovered in the search for a young boy swept out to sea in front of his family while on a fishing trip at The Entrance, NSW over the weekend. Laith Alaid, 11, was crossing a channel about 5pm on Sunday when he was caught in the outgoing tide. His father managed to save his other three sons aged, three, seven and nine, but he could not reach Laith in time. Bystanders looked after the three children while Laith's father tried to reach him. “(The father) came here by himself and with his four beautiful boys ... and he tried to save them all, he saved three and by the time he turned around (Laith) was gone ... in a split second,” family member Zeid Alhirz said. The family were visiting the Central Coast from Sydney and had been fishing when it is understood they took a shortcut across the channel between an estuary and the ocean. Relatives said they had visited and fished at the popular tourist spot for years and had crossed the channel at least three times before tragedy struck. An extensive multi-agency search was conducted and on Wednesday police were called back to The Entrance after a body was found in the water. “While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing boy,” NSW Police said. Inspector David Piddington said “lots of people try to move across that channel” but he advised against it. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Images: 7News

Caring

"Stern warning": William Tyrrell's foster mother abused outside court

William Tyrrell's foster mother has been targeted in wild scenes outside court as she left the inquest into the child's disappearance, as another woman was seen "hurling abuse at her". When leaving court on Monday afternoon, the woman, who is unable to be named, was abused and heckled by an unknown female, as Counsel Assisting Gerard Craddock SC informed NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame. "There is no place in civil society for that at all," he told the inquiry. "It is particularly terrible in these circumstances." He asked the coroner to "remind people in attendance that orderly conduct is required. That sort of conduct could amount to being punishable by contempt of court". Coroner Grahame said, "That is very disappointing. If that person is in this court now they should be warned (the court) can take action." "That sort of behaviour must not occur. I'm just disturbed by that sort of behaviour. I use a stern warning. Please behave." The incident was revealed at the beginning of the second day of the resumed inquest into the disappearance of the three-year-old boy 10 years ago. The inquest is probing the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-corpse-disposal-theory-tested-in-william-tyrrell-inquest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">police theory</a> that William Tyrell's foster mother buried his body in bushland after he fell from a balcony and died on the morning he vanished from Kendall, on the NSW mid north coast, in September 2014. Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Grieving father pays tribute to young son killed in school crash

The heart-broken father of the young boy who was killed when a car crashed through his school gate has spoken out about his profound loss. Jack Davey was sitting with friends when a car slammed through a fence and into a group of Year 5 students at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday afternoon. He was critically injured and died on the way to hospital, while four other children were also injured. As tributes for the young boy have started to emerge in the days following the accident, Jack’s father has also now publicly spoken for the first time following his son’s death. In a moving tribute, Mike Davey said he couldn’t imagine spending the rest of his life without his “beautiful” boy. “Our beautiful son. A shooting star who blessed us for 11 years with love, friendship and kindness,” he said. “You were my inspiration and motivation. I cannot comprehend the life ahead without you." “My mate, my champ, my Jackie-boi. Godspeed, until we meet again ... I love you.” His mother, dad and siblings visited a growing memorial for the student outside the school on Wednesday afternoon to read all the messages left in his honour. His father wore his son’s backpack and his two sisters left teddy bears. School mum and friend of the family Lucy Pristel along with some of the other school mums, decided to launch a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-davey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:GoFundMe;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="15" data-v9y="1">GoFundMe</a> to help "ease the burden" of funeral costs, adding, "We just wanted to make life as easy as possible." In a matter of hours, the fundraiser has exceeded its goal, and at the time of writing over $160,000 has been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/boy-s-tragic-death-in-school-crash-sparks-incredible-community-response" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donated</a> by the community. Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

Stranger wanted after assaulting child in mother's arms

Police are searching for a woman who callously attacked a toddler who was being carried by her mother through a busy shopping centre in Western Australia. The shocking act unfolded in East Victoria Park shopping centre, in south-eastern Perth, with CCTV capturing the distressing moment. In the security footage, a mother can be seen holding her two-year-old daughter near the entrance of the shopping centre, who are then approached by the woman who lunges at the child before fleeing. Staff working in the surrounding shops say it all happened incredibly quickly, one only hearing a scream from the mother, as nearby shoppers rushed to help. The little girl has been left with facial injuries, as well as the mother and daughter being left shaken and scared by the incident. Police said the child sustained "facial injuries", adding, "A female approached a mother who was holding her child, before assaulting the child and leaving the area.” “The female is not known to the mother and child.” The woman behind the attack has not been found, as police have called on the public for information. The attacker is described as having a medium build and a shaved head, and was wearing a pink singlet and grey shorts. Police are asking anyone who recognises the woman or who witnessed anything in the area at the time to come forward, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Editor's note: On Wednesday morning, Western Australian police said they want to speak to 21-year-old Pamila-Raye Jetta over the attack, and appealed for public help in finding her. "Jetta is described as female, olive skin, 170cm tall, heavy build, shaved head and was last seen wearing green coloured shorts with white stripes, pink coloured singlet and blue trainers," police said. "Jetta has also recently been observed wearing a fluorescent pink wig." Image credits: Nine News

Caring

Aussie sisters recall tradition that left young King Charles speechless

Aussie sisters Jane Tozer and Amanda Boxshall have had the rare privilege of forming a closer bond with King Charles than most, having hosted the young royal during his studies in Australia. In 1966, at the age of 16, King Charles spent a year in Australia attending Timbertop outdoor adventure school, a remote campus that forms part of Geelong Grammar School. He stayed at Jane and Amanda's family farm, the two sisters then aged 11 and six, got to share six months of their lives with him. The royal family's security chose their dairy farm as it was an easy place to keep the then Prince Charles secure, and had enough room for his personal staff. On Monday, the sisters recalled their experience of living with the royal to Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington. They said that he was a "normal kid" but there was one family tradition that shocked him - their family eating together. “Mum and dad and the farm workers all used to just sit at one table and King Charles would come past and he couldn’t believe that people all sit together — that families sit and enjoy meals together,” Amanda said. The sisters also said that while they were briefed by the King's security prior to him moving in, they "didn't really understand the whole concept of being royal." “He was just another person on our farm that we chatted to and had a swim with. But he was very friendly. He always had his security with him ... (but) he was really friendly, very curious," Jane said. “He would ask a lot of questions, like how did this and that work? Can I help you do this? Can I do that?” They also said the King liked the outdoors - a passion he still holds to this day. “(We would go) horse-riding, of course. He’s very into horses ... and just doing kid things ... it was just like this whole new family had moved into our farm life. It was a unique experience.” The sisters managed to catch up with King Charles during his royal tour in 2018. “He remembered mum and dad and asked how they were and all of those sorts of things,” Jane said. “We laughed about all the things we did on the farm. So, he remembered everything. We didn’t really expect that he would remember all those things. But he did. So yeah, it was part of history.” Reflecting on Charles' last day staying the family, they said while they "were very sad" he had to leave, the family commemorated the moment with a portrait together. "Mum made us all beautiful new outfits and he said, ‘no, I want you as you really are’. So, we had to go and get our farm clothes back on. But he, he’s just such a nice person and very funny,” Jane said. Images: Seven

Family & Pets

"Police have done nothing": William Tyrrell's foster mother speaks out

William Tyrrell's foster mother has issued a rare statement, slamming the police investigation into the disappearance of the toddler. In her first public comments in two years, the woman - who cannot be identified - has been insistent on denying any involvement in William's disappearance despite being at the centre of a dedicated Strike Force team. She claimed police had “gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media” as they built a case against her, since she was publicly outed as the current person of interest for Strike Force Rosann detectives in 2021. As <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/done-nothing-william-tyrrells-foster-mother-issues-statement/news-story/0503f8940a3bad2bb2648c38bc44e288" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> continue their investigative podcast into William's disappearance and the subsequent investigation, the foster mother has slammed the authorities for the way they have handled the high-profile case. She said, “I believe that if the police had properly investigated this case, instead of persecuting me, they may well have found the person responsible for William’s disappearance.” She went on to reiterate she believes the three-year-old was taken from her mother’s yard in Kendall in September of 2014 and that she has “no idea who took William, or what happened to him”. “For the past five years, the police have done nothing to try to discover who took William, and what has happened to him," she said. “Instead, they have concentrated all their efforts on trying to build a case that I was in some way to blame for his death, and the disposal of his precious little body." “They have gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media.” She went on to say she loved William “as much as any mother could love her child … if not more”. She said, “It did not matter one bit that he was not connected to us biologically. William made my life complete; I loved him fiercely. I just loved being his ‘mummy’.” “Never ever for a moment did I regret becoming a foster mother”, she said, adding the family was “and still are … connected as one”. “It’s challenging to have hope and build plans for the future when our hearts remain shattered and in pieces,” she said. “All I can hope for is that some person who knows something comes forward.” Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

"Unimaginable sorrow": Mother and two children drown during family outing

A mother and two children have died after struggling to swim in a Sydney waterway, with tributes and donations flowing in to support the grieving father. Hoai Nguyen, 32, and her two children, Mitchell, seven, and Hazel, five, were enjoying a day out at Shearer Park in south-west Sydney on Sunday, when they were spotted in distress in the waters of the Georges River. Hoai was pulled from the river, but despite the best efforts of bystanders and paramedics, she was unable to be revived. Police and volunteers from the State Emergency Service launched a large search and rescue operation for the two children, with divers locating their bodies in the water hours later, metres from a jetty. According to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-news-georges-river-mother-hoai-nguyen-and-children-drown-lansvale/c8601ec9-47a1-4a79-8a12-67c3ff18f3ea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>, the children's father and Hoai's husband had been at work during the incident and was only alerted to the tragedy when police showed up at his house. A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hoai-mitchell-and-hazel-nguyen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up by a family friend to support the children's father, Hoai's husband, and their one-year-old brother during the "time of unimaginable sorrow". "A beloved mother and her two young children tragically drowned... leaving behind a profound void in our hearts and a father and baby who is only 1 years old," the fundraiser reads. An investigation into how the mother and her children ended up in the water is ongoing, as NSW Police acting superintendent Luke Scott yesterday described the tragedy as "beyond words". Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

Mother helps raise over $1 million for her children ahead of her death

A single mother from America has left an enduring financial legacy to her two young children in the weeks before her untimely death. Erika Diarte-Carr, 30, started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-erika-and-her-children-with-funeral-expenses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in order to cover costs of her own funeral, as well as providing funds to raise her two kids, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. After setting the fundraising goal for $5,000 USD, generous members of her community spread the word of her selfless actions, with the fundraiser now reaching over $1.7 million USD and counting. Titled “Support Erika: A Mother planning her own funeral”, the page has garnered more than 38,000 individual donations. The page reads, “Dear family, friends and to all of those of you who may or may not know know me..." “My name is Erika Diarte-Carr. I am 30 years old and a single mother of two beautiful children. Jeremiah (7) and Aaliyah (5). ❤️ They are my whole life, light and soul. My children are my fight and what keep me going.” The mother then shared the tragic details of her cancer journey, as she recalled being diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer in May 2022 after presenting for “normal shoulder surgery”. “By that point, the damage had already been done. In that moment, mine and my kids’ entire lives had changed forever, as well as all of those around us,” she wrote. On top of her cancer diagnosis, Erika was hit with another blow in January 2024 as she was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome, which resulted in rapid weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, and further debilitating symptoms the mother claimed had “taken so much away” from her family. The page was updated in mid-September upon advice Ms Diarte-Carr had just three months to live and that treatments would “no longer help”. The mother added to the GoFundMe page how the excess funds would be allocated, writing, “For anyone’s concern, all the funds that have exceeded my funeral costs goal will be now put into a trust fund for my babies that way I can leave behind something for them and I can still ensure they are going to be ok as they grow up." On October 4th, the mother thanked donors and announced she and her family were able to take one final trip together hoping to leave her kids with “memories that’ll last a lifetime”. Just days later, Erika's cousin shared a post to social media to announce that Erika had passed away on October 12th. “It is with a heavy heart that this is the final update I will be giving for my cousin Erika,” she wrote on Facebook. “She fought a long and hard battle. She was strong and held on as long as she could for her babies. I know she was so thankful for all of your support and love and prayers.” Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

Nicole Kidman bids farewell to her mother at intimate funeral

Nicole Kidman has said a tearful goodbye to her beloved mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, during an intimate funeral service held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lavender Bay, Sydney. The 57-year-old Oscar winner was supported by her husband, country music star Keith Urban, and their two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, as family and close friends gathered to honour Janelle’s life. 84Janelle Kidman, 84, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/nicole-kidman-confirms-heartbreaking-family-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away in early September</a> after a long illness. The family, including Nicole's sister, journalist Antonia Kidman, and Janelle’s eight grandchildren, shared moving tributes at the service. Among them was TV host Lucia Hawley, the eldest of the grandchildren, who gave a heartfelt speech. The service was also attended by a number of notable figures from Australia’s entertainment industry, including actor Russell Crowe, broadcaster Peter Overton, and his wife, television personality Jessica Rowe. The news of her mother's passing reached Nicole while she was in Venice, Italy, for the Venice Film Festival on September 8, where she was being honoured with the Best Actress award for her role in the upcoming thriller Babygirl. Unable to attend the ceremony, director Halina Reijn accepted the award on her behalf and read a touching message from Kidman, in which the actress expressed her grief. “Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just passed,” Kidman’s statement began. “I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking. My heart is broken.” Janelle Kidman’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but she had reportedly been battling health issues since 2016 when she suffered a suspected heart scare. Her passing comes nearly a decade after the death of her husband, Dr Antony Kidman, who died of a heart attack in Singapore in 2014. Kidman, who divides her time between Nashville, Manhattan, and Australia, remains close to her family despite her international career, often speaking about the pivotal role her mother played in her life and career. Images: 9News / Instagram

Family & Pets

Tributes flow after young model dies suddenly

A young model has been remembered as the "most beautiful, caring and supportive woman" by her friends after she died tragically in a fatal car accident. Aussie model Elise Hodder, 24, was at a rave with her friends and as they were leaving the venue in Melbourne in the early hours of Sunday morning, she was hit by a vehicle that allegedly reversed at speed in a car park. Two others were also hit in the accident, as a 26-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her lower body, while a 25-year-old man was also struck but escaped unharmed. According to police, Hodder was pronounced dead at the scene. Prior to the accident, the young model appeared in New York's Vanguard Magazine, as well as many other prominent photo shoots. The 23-year-old man behind the wheel at the time of the crash is accused of having cannabis in his system and police say he allegedly blew three times over the legal blood alcohol content limit. In the wake of the fatal accident, the man has been charged with several offences, including culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligently causing serious injury, as police also allege he was driving without a licence. Tributes have poured in for Hodder after her sudden death, with loved ones sharing memories of the "hilarious" young woman who was "unapologetically herself". Hodder's father said his daughter's death left him "torn apart", as he wrote, "You were the most beautiful, caring and supportive woman." "We will cherish every memory and support all your friends as you always did for others. [I'm] torn apart, but your smile and heartbeat will always be with us. Words can’t even begin to describe the grief that floods her family and friends. I will carry you in my heart forever." Another friend also shared her immense grief on social media, writing, "To know Elise, was to love Elise." "Never have I met someone so hilariously and unapologetically herself. Her laugh was infectious, her eyes bewildering, and a heart so full of love." Image credits: Instagram / Facebook

Caring

Mother and son reunited after rigid aged care rules divided them

An elderly woman and her disabled son are celebrating after they successfully beat a bureaucratic blockage that threatened to <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/red-tape-threatens-to-remove-a-man-with-down-s-syndrome-from-his-elderly-mother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">split</a> them up for good. Anne Deans, 81, and her 56-year-old son, Mark, who suffers from Down's syndrome, were hoping to live together in Anne's aged care facility, but the pair were met with countless hurdles when trying to get Mark a room of his own. Now, Mark's sister Sharon shared the happy news that the mother and son are to be reunited. "We're very happy today. We've got a great result," Sharon told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/melbourne-mum-and-son-living-with-downs-syndrome-reunited-in-aged-care-facility/ff023844-be2d-4ab8-be95-75bf91f17b4a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. "I'm so grateful that people understood and they listened. That's all I ever wanted through this whole thing, was someone to listen." The problems began when authorities originally refused Mark's request to move into Anne's aged care facility, with federal government policy saying that aged care is "not appropriate for people under 65". But Mark's relatives argued that given the life expectancy of people living with Down's syndrome is 60 years, an exception should be made. A new assessment was done and Mark has been granted a place at the same nursing home as his mother, as Mark's other sister Michelle said, "We got what we wanted. Everything worked out perfectly, the way it's supposed to." After Anne received the exciting news, she said, "I'm feeling great. He's staying with Mum!" Sharon and Michelle hope that their experience will assist other families with unique circumstances. "My advice is to keep pushing," Sharon said. "Only you know your family and you have to be their voice. "There's a lot of difference out there and a lot of people who are individuals [and] they need to be looked at individually." Image credits: A Current Affair

Legal

Parents demand action after five-year-old son brutally attacked with golf club

William Brooks-Chiplin was playing in the front yard of his friend’s house in Tamworth, NSW on Thursday, when he was allegedly attacked with a golf club by another child. The five-year-old's face was extremely swollen and he was left dizzy and unable to move his jaw. “The people who came out and saw it thought he was gone. He didn’t make a sound, and he wasn’t moving,” his father, Kayleb Brooks, said. “My thought was he was going to die. No kid should ever experience that,” his mother, Marrisa Tisdell, added. His parents also said the young boy “is having nightmares, waking up and screaming in his sleep”. William is required to return to hospital for further scans to determine whether he has any hairline fractures or issues with his eyesight. NSW Police said they identified the 10-year-old accused of hitting William, and he had been given a warning under the Young Offenders Act, designed to provide an alternative process to court proceedings for children accused of crimes. For children aged between 10 and 14 years, the act is design in such way because, “a child cannot be held criminally responsible for their conduct because they don’t understand right or wrong”, according to Hugo Law Group’s Linday Stankovic. However, William's parents are calling for the government to change the age of criminal responsibility following the incident. “The kid pretty much just got a caution,” William's mum said. “(It’s) is unfair, because in the meantime he is suffering and nothing is being done about it,” his dad added. However, things aren't that simple as there are other concerns about the implication. Earlier this month, the Australian Human Rights Commissioner wrote to the NT government urging it to not lower the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10-years-old. “The younger a child comes into contact with the criminal justice system, the more likely they will go on to commit more serious and violent crimes," National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said. “Lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 10 years will not make communities safer, it will only see rates of child offending increase. “These are primary school age children, and harsh, punitive responses are not the answer. “ A recent report also found that more than three-quarters of children had mental health needs or cognitive disability, and 47 per cent had multiple diagnosed cognitive disabilities. Image: 7News

Legal

Young woman dies after horror cruise fall

A woman in her 20s has died after plunging from the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship in the middle of the night. The cruise ship was travelling from Lisbon to Southampton when disaster struck at around 2am on October 12. While air ambulance successfully winched her out of the English Channel, she was pronounced dead at the hospital despite the best efforts of medics. British and French police are now probing the unidentified woman's death, The Sun reported. The ship originally sounded a Man Overboard alert and spotlights were then used to light up the sea, as aircraft from France and the Channel Islands attended the sea. Infra-red cameras were used to locate the woman, who would've struggled to survive in the cold water. At around 3am French time, an emergency alert was issued saying that a person was missing, a coast guard told The Sun. A helicopter was sent to a search area just north Les Casquets rocks, near the Channel Island of Alderney, while a plane from Channel Islands Air Search was sent to the scene from Guernsey, along with lifeboat crews. The £650 million ($A1.2 billion) vessel, which has a crew of more than 1500 and can carry up to 6300 passengers, remained in the area before making its way to Southampton. “A guest on board MSC Virtuosa went overboard on 12 October, while the ship was sailing to Southampton,” a Virtuosa spokesperson said. “The body was later recovered with the involvement of the authorities. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. “Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be providing further details.” A Hampshire Police spokesperson added: “The investigation is not being managed by UK authorities.” Images: P.Cartwright / Shutterstock.com/ Channel Islands Air Search

Travel Trouble

Charlise Mutten's grieving mother speaks out about her daughter's killer

The heartbroken mother of Charlise Mutten has spoken out about her "amazing little girl", and how she will never forgive herself for starting a relationship with the man who would go on to kill the nine-year-old. In her first TV interview, Kallista Mutten revealed what the final days were like between her, Charlise and Justin Stein - Kallista's partner - who was jailed for life in August after being found <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/unspeakably-vicious-judge-hands-down-verdict-to-justin-stein" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guilty</a> of Charlise's murder. In the days before the young girl's death in January 2022, the trio were celebrating Christmas in the Blue Mountains. Kallista revealed that during their holiday, Stein had asked Charlise to call him "daddy", saying he was “always going to be a father figure”. “That was a very touching moment for both of us because she’s always longed for a dad,” she told 60 Minutes. <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/DBDz4pqhG4e/?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/DBDz4pqhG4e/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 60 Minutes Australia (@60minutes9)</a> </div> </blockquote> Kallista and Justin met in 2018 in prison and formed their relationship on wanting to build a better life together, but Kallista now says she will always hate herself for trusting him. “I am forced to live with the fact that I trusted someone with my daughter and that because of my trust in someone, I put my daughter in harm’s way,” She said. "I hate myself for it. I really do. It’s taken this for me to wake up and realise that I already had someone that loved me … He’s a monster, pure evil.” The grieving mum opened up about the nature of her relationship, admitting that her time with Stein had been erratic, in no small part due to their drug use, but she never believed he was capable of what happened. “The thought of what she had gone, would’ve gone through, that’s … that’s what breaks me,” Ms Mutten said. “There is just not enough justice that will make it better for me and my family.” Ms Mutten said she understands why she was judged by those who blamed her for her daughter's death and now knows “Charlise deserved more”. “I do take accountability of the things that I have done,” she said. “I wish I had been there more for her and, like, I see that now and I’ve got to live with that.” While Kallista continues to mourn the loss of her daughter, she hopes Charlise is remembered as a bundle of joy with a kind soul. “We just had this amazing connection and that she just absolutely, she was my number one fan,” she said. “She just was just the most incredible amazing little girl.” Image credits: 60 Minutes / NSW Police / Facebook

Legal

Father reveals alarming details after young model found dead in Sydney brewery

Savana Calvo, 27, was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragedy-as-young-model-dies-in-popular-brewery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> in the bathroom of Young Henry's brewery in Newtown, at around 11.30pm on Wednesday. As tributes pour in for the young model, her father, Daniel Paul Calvo has revealed that she allegedly received death threats in the week prior to her death. “As her father, I knew very well that she was being harassed and stalked, and I tried to intervene. Although we were very close, daughters only tell their parents so much,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “There’s more and more coming out, she was involved with some dodgy young guys, owed money, and leading up to last week she was getting multiple death threats.” The death threats that were allegedly sent to her will form part of an ongoing investigation into her death, NSW Police have confirmed. Friends and family have paid tribute to the fallen model, and started a GoFundMe page to cover her funeral costs. They said that “those who knew her best, knew that she went through some trying times." “She was a cherished daughter, sister and friend who brought so much love and light into all of our lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.” The fundraiser has since raised over $30,000 for the model. Images: Instagram/ Google Maps

Caring

Tragedy as young model dies in popular brewery

A young woman has died suddenly at a popular Sydney brewery. Savana Calvo, 27 tragically passed away at the Young Henry's brewery in Newtown at about 11.30pm last Wednesday. Her death is not being treated as suspicious, but her loved ones have revealed she had been going through "trying times" before her death. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Savana, 27,” the model's friend Adam St John-Foti wrote online. “She was a cherished daughter, sister and friend who brought so much love and light into all of our lives. “She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. “Those who knew her best, knew that she was went through some trying time these past in recent times that led to her tragic passing.” Friends have rallied around her family, with St John-Foti setting up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/savana-calvo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page, which has so far raised over $28,000 to help her family cope with funeral costs. He added that he family were "spellbound" by the outpouring of support. “Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in ensuring that Savana is laid to rest with the dignity, respect, and celebration she deserves,” the page read. “We also appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and messages of support during this difficult time. “Your kindness means the world to Savana’s family as we navigate through our grief.” Another friend of the model has remembered her as a “smiling and a kind gentle soul” who would “be missed so much". “Fly high beautiful angel. I haven’t stopped thinking of you since I found out about your passing ... I will miss you Savvy.” Coopers Hotel, another Newtown institution has also paid tribute to Calvo, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that Newtown grieves the loss of a beloved member of its community Savana C." “Sav’s family has started a go fund me to help with funeral costs, please donate if you can.” Young Henrys was closed to the public on Thursday with police spotted on the outside. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the brewery. Images: GoFundMe/ Instagram

Caring

Mother's heartbreaking farewell at bullied daughter's funeral

<em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Warning: This article contains discussions about suicide that some readers may find distressing. The mother of 12-year-old Charlotte Frances O’Brien, a victim of relentless bullying, broke down at her daughter's funeral in a heartbreaking farewell, expressing her anguish and grief. Charlotte, a Year 7 student at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, Sydney, tragically took her own life on September 9, leaving her family, friends and community devastated. Hundreds of mourners gathered at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Bossley Park on Friday for the solemn service. Many wore pink ribbons in their hair, a tribute to Charlotte’s favourite colour. The student body of her primary school was given the day off to attend the funeral. As the service began, Charlotte’s parents, Mat and Kelly, struggled to hold back tears as they carried their daughter’s casket, adorned with lavender and butterflies, through the church. During an emotional eulogy, Kelly expressed her profound love for her daughter, saying, "I will grieve the life you never had." Kelly described Charlotte as her soulmate and best friend, recalling moments of joy and love they shared. “The first moment I held her in my arms will always be the best day of my life," she said tearfully. "I knew within a moment of being her mother that I had met my soulmate." Charlotte's stepfather, Mat, also spoke lovingly of her, recalling her kindness, bravery and the special bond they shared. He read from her final Father’s Day card, where she affectionately described him as “more than a captain”, expressing the deep love she held for him. A poignant slideshow of Charlotte’s life played during the service, accompanied by the song "You Are Not Alone". The photos showed Charlotte smiling and laughing with friends, celebrating birthdays and cuddling her newborn brother, offering glimpses of her joy-filled yet short-lived childhood. The service concluded with Kelly clutching a stuffed penguin, a symbolic farewell to her beloved daughter. Outside the church, mourners gathered around, throwing petals onto the hearse before it departed for the cemetery. While Charlotte’s parents did not directly address the bullying their daughter endured, the presiding priest highlighted the alarming statistic that one in three children worldwide are bullied, urging the community to reflect on their role in combating this issue. “There is a responsibility in the world, starting at home and in our communities. We must grow our hearts and minds in God’s work and continue to move forward,” he said. Charlotte’s death has left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and school community, sparking renewed conversations about the urgent need to address bullying in schools and beyond. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 <em style="font-weight: bolder; background-color: #ffffff; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;">SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org Images: 7News

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Tragedy as young model dies in popular brewery

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