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Melissa George shares first glimpse of newborn son

<p>Melissa George has revealed the name of her third child. </p> <p>The <em>Home and Away</em> actress, who is known to be ultra-private about her personal life, only sharing glimpses of it to her fans, shared the special moment on her Instagram stories. </p> <p>The 47-year-old posted a snap of herself lying down and breastfeeding her young bub with a caption revealing his name. </p> <p>"Precious little Lyor Gatsby Gene… my everything," she wrote.</p> <p>Lyor is variation of the Hebrew name Lior which means "my light". </p> <p>George announced the birth of her third son earlier this year with an adorable post captioned:  "Welcome to the world my little man. Love knows no end. A mother of 3 sons. Cannot believe it. My heart is so full." </p> <p>She has two older sons Raphaël, nine, and Solal, seven, who she shares with her ex-partner Jean-David Blanc, a French entrepreneur.</p> <p>The mother-of-three has not yet revealed who Lyor's father is and whether she is in a new relationship. </p> <p>She currently resides in France with her kids, due to a strict custody agreement where her children can't leave the country without their father's consent. </p> <p>The actress began her career in 1993 playing Angel Parrish in the iconic soap opera <em>Home and Away. </em></p> <p>She then moved to the United States a few years later and her career took off after she starred in the supernatural horror film <em>The Amityville Horror</em> in 2005.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Nine-year-old Aussie ballet prodigy scores full New York scholarship

<p>A talented nine-year-old is heading to New York City, after scoring a full scholarship to a prestigious ballet school. </p> <p>Malcolm Doyle's dad Nick said he and his wife knew their son had a talent for dance from a young age, and could not be more proud of the international attention his dancing has garnered.</p> <p>"He's been doing really well here in Australia and since last year, there's been a bit of a focus from overseas," Nick told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/aussie-billy-elliot-nine-year-old-ballet-prodigy-scores-scholarship-to-prestigious-new-york-academy/4e3fdf08-3fb7-41a4-89df-eb6ee4b58095" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a></em>.</p> <p>"He got brought in to do an audition for Chicago's A and A Ballet, who were doing a world broadcast for auditions and from there, we just started to get a bit of interest."</p> <p>"And then this year, we let him do the auditions for the Royal Ballet and he ended up in Hong Kong over Easter."</p> <p>From there, Nick said the American Ballet Theatre in New York got in contact and offered Malcolm a scholarship. </p> <p>Malcolm ultimately turned down the offer and signed with another NYC school, the Ellison Theatre, who offered the youngster a full ride. </p> <p>The family are currently saving up to buy flights over to the US to check out the school, with Nick saying they will do anything and everything to support their son's dream. </p> <p>"It's taking quite a bit of the funds out of my bank account, but the love he's got for dancing, you can't stop him and even if we wanted to, I mean we get home after he's had a full day of dance and he's still dancing around the house," Nick said.</p> <p>Malcolm's dad has a performing arts background and his mum is also a classically trained ballerina and teacher, so Nick said Malcolm was either going to inherit the genes or "end up having three left feet".</p> <p>"He went and saw a production by the Queensland Ballet on the weekend, which he had never seen before and he walked out with half the choreography memorised in his head and trying to reproduce it.," Nick said.</p> <p>After being dubbed "Australia's own Billy Elliot", the Today hosts asked Malcom what it is he loves so much about dancing.</p> <p>"It makes me feel really excited and it's so amazing for me, the feeling I get when I dance," Malcolm said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today  </em></p>

Music

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Home & Away star gives birth to third son at 47

<p>Melissa George has welcomed her third son! </p> <p>The former <em>Home & Away</em> actress, 47, announced the news on Instagram, with a sweet black and white photo of her baby boy's feet. </p> <p>"Welcome to the world my little man. Love knows no end. A mother of 3 sons. Cannot believe it. My heart is so full," George captioned her post.</p> <p>Fans were quick to congratulate the actress in the comments. </p> <p>"How beautiful - congratulations and sending love 🤍" wrote one fan. </p> <p>"I am so thrilled for you my love, sending all of my love to you and your three magnificent boys," added another. </p> <p>"Congratulations Melissa!!! Sending you all so much love!" wrote a fourth. </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/C4tNiLjq6PC/?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/C4tNiLjq6PC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Melissa George (@melissageorgeofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>News of the star's birth comes just weeks after she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/inside-home-and-away-star-s-joyous-baby-shower" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed her pregnancy </a>with a series of photos from her lavish baby shower in France, after she sparked pregnancy rumours earlier this year. </p> <p>In one of the photos shared at the time, George showed off her growing baby bump in a white shirt and cardigan, making silly faces as she posed with heart-shaped cookies with "Melissa's baby boy" written with frosting. </p> <p>She had a bunch of blue and white balloons set up, with friends sharing photos from the event with the caption: "Celebrating this beautiful lady... what a magical afternoon." </p> <p>George shares sons, Raphaël, nine, and Solal, seven, with her French ex-partner Jean-David Blanc.</p> <p>She has previously reflected on motherhood in an interview with <em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em>. </p> <p>"Having children, for me, will go down in my life as the greatest, most victorious, thing I've ever done," she said at the time. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Former world champion cyclist to face court over Olympian wife's death

<p>Rohan Dennis, the husband of former Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, will face court after allegedly causing her death. </p> <p>Dennis, a former world champion cyclist, was arrested in January and charged with  causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.</p> <p>It is alleged that he recklessly struck his wife with his car in front of their home in Medindie in Adelaide on December 30.</p> <p>Hoskins was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died later that night. </p> <p>The pair share two children together, and Dennis is due to appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.</p> <p>If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. </p> <p>The Australian cycling community were devastated when news of Hoskins' death first broke. </p> <p>"Melissa described her team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 world championships as the highlight of her career but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around," AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said at the time.</p> <p>"Although she retired in 2017, her presence as an alumnus of the sport has been felt and appreciated by many in the cycling and riding community."</p> <p>Hoskins competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics as a member of the Australian track cycling team pursuit, that finished fourth place. </p> <p>She also competed at the 2016 Olympics for the same team, and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event. </p> <p>The Olympian was laid to rest in her hometown, Perth, in January with a public memorial service held in Adelaide during what would've been her 33rd birthday a month later.</p> <p>Dennis, who has been on bail since January, attended both ceremonies. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Inside Home and Away star's joyous baby shower

<p>Former <em>Home and Away</em> star Melissa George has some joyful news to share with her fans – she's expecting her third child!</p> <p>The 47-year-old actress, who now resides in France, recently celebrated this exciting milestone with a joyous, fun-filled baby shower surrounded by friends and family.</p> <p>Dressed in a chic white T-shirt and cardigan that beautifully accentuated her baby bump, George radiated happiness as she revealed that she's expecting another son.</p> <p>The baby shower was a sight to behold, adorned with blue and white balloons, and featured adorable blue cookies with the sweet message, "Melissa's baby boy".</p> <p>In photos shared from the event, George can be seen delightfully displaying her baby bump while holding up the cute cookies and pulling a funny face. A friend captioned the images, capturing the magic of the afternoon spent celebrating this beautiful moment.</p> <p>Although George has not disclosed the identity of the father, she shares her two older sons, Raphaël and Solal, with her French ex-partner, Jean-David Blanc.</p> <p>Reflecting on motherhood in the past, George as expressed profound gratitude: "Having children, for me, will go down in my life as the greatest, most victorious, thing I've ever done."</p> <p>She added: "Adopting, however you do it, when you have that baby in your arms, it's the greatest thing in the world."</p> <p>Having risen to fame on <em>Home and Away</em> before making her mark in Hollywood with notable roles in films like <em>Triangle</em>, <em>The Amityville Horror</em>, and <em>30 Days of Night</em>, George continues to embrace life's adventures with grace and joy. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Melissa Leong opens up on sudden MasterChef exit

<p>Melissa Leong has addressed the "chaos" and "confusion" behind the recent rumours that she got <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/melissa-leong-axed-just-weeks-ahead-of-filming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">axed</a> from <em>MasterChef Australia </em>in a statement released on Instagram.</p> <p>The food critic revealed that she voluntarily chose to leave the show, as she embraces a "new delicious chapter" of her life. </p> <p>“I get that there is going to be a bit of confusion and chaos about the ‘why’ of it all right now," she wrote in the statement released on Instagram. </p> <p>"I’m here and happy to clear that up, because negative tropes draped around women who achieve something is boring, and frankly we are all better than that,” she continued. </p> <p>“This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved, to expand. To put it plainly, I’m very fortunate to continue to be a key part of [MasterChef], yet have the space to evolve my career.</p> <p>“In effect, I get to have my cake and eat it too…and what could be better than that?!”</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/CyxJ1y6Lvwy/?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/CyxJ1y6Lvwy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Melissa Leong | FOODERATI (@fooderati)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This statement comes just two days after Leong <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyu7xa_Ld-D/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thanked <em>Network Ten</em> </a>for it's continued support, after three years on the show alongside Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo. </p> <p>“My time as co-host and judge on @MasterChefAU has been a great gift. To have been given the opportunity to learn and grow – and now to be given the vote of confidence to expand and evolve the MasterChef universe is huge!” she wrote in the Instagram post. </p> <p>She added that she is looking forward to share a few new projects that she has coming up, including the upcoming second season of<em> Dessert Masters Australia</em> on <em>Ten</em>, which she will co-host with pastry chef Amaury Guichon.</p> <p>"On top of all that joy, I am excited to share with you (soon), some other projects I’ve been working on behind the scenes, so watch this space!</p> <p>"My gratitude to our audience for all your support, can't wait for you to see the new show." </p> <p>Leong will be replaced by 2009 <em>MasterChef</em> runner-up Poh Ling Yeow and Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. </p> <p>Leong shared her well-wishes for the new judges. </p> <p>“It is with great warmth and enthusiasm that I wish this new line-up of judges and hosts all the best in making it theirs, and big love to @andyallencooks for leading the way,”</p> <p>“The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I’m so glad to do that, on my terms, today.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

TV

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Melissa Leong axed just weeks ahead of filming

<p>In an unexpected turn of events, Channel Ten's beloved cooking show, <em>MasterChef Australia</em>, is set to undergo a significant makeover in 2024. The series, which has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts and reality TV aficionados alike, will introduce a new judging panel, leaving fans both excited and apprehensive.</p> <p>Melissa Leong, a fan favourite who joined the <em>MasterChef</em> family in 2019 alongside Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo, finds herself stepping away from the iconic show. Her arrival was part of a pivotal change in the program after the departure of original judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris due to a pay dispute. Sadly, the show faced another devastating loss with the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/shattered-hearts-culinary-world-mourns-tragic-death-of-jock-zonfrillo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sudden passing of Jock Zonfrillo</a> earlier this year, leaving a void that needed to be filled.</p> <p>According to sources reported by the <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/masterchef-s-melissa-leong-axed-from-judging-lineup-20231023-p5ee9f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Australian Financial Review</em></a>, Leong was made aware of this transition only recently, just a month before the new season began filming. The Australian public, deeply attached to the familiar faces they've come to love on the show, was left wondering about the future of <em>MasterChef</em>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/masterchef-shakeup-for-2024-new-sweet-gig-for-melissa-leong/news-story/4c3b7c3b77e942e09be516d631b5065a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a> broke the news that the new judging panel would include former contestant Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and food critic Sofia Levin. While these newcomers bring their own expertise and charm to the <em>MasterChef</em> stage, they must face the challenge of filling the shoes of their predecessors and winning over the show's passionate audience.</p> <p>Andy Allen, who has been a part of the <em>MasterChef</em> journey since 2012, made the surprising decision to return to the series after what he described as a "difficult year" in 2023. Speaking about his choice, Allen said, "There is something special in the <em>MasterChef Australia</em> Kitchen, and it feels right to come back to work with the amazing production team, and to play my role in seeing the contestants do as I have done." With the new line-up, 2024 promises to be the beginning of a fresh chapter in the show's history.</p> <p>Notably, there were rumours that celebrity chef <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/jamie-oliver-tipped-to-replace-jock-zonfrillo-on-masterchef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jamie Oliver might join the show</a> as a replacement. However, it appears that the production team opted for a mix of <em>MasterChef</em> alumni and culinary expertise to usher in this new era.</p> <p>Leong's connection with Channel Ten remains strong, as she is set to host <em>Dessert Masters</em>, alongside the pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon, known as "The Chocolate Guy". This spinoff series promises to showcase the skills of Australia's top pastry chefs and dessert makers through sweet-themed challenges. Dessert enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting showdown between some of the country's finest dessert creators.</p> <p>A Network 10 spokesperson has clarified that the decision was not influenced by any ongoing investigation and that Leong will continue to be a cherished member of the <em>MasterChef Australia</em> family. The spokesperson stated, "Melissa is set to return for a second season of <em>Dessert Masters</em> in 2024, alongside fellow judge and pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon." The scheduling of both programs, with<em> MasterChef</em> and <em>Dessert Masters</em> airing back-to-back, called for each show to have its distinct style, personality and hosting team.</p> <p>As fans eagerly await the new season of <em>MasterChef Australia</em> in 2024, there is a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. The departure of a beloved judge and the introduction of fresh faces signal a new chapter in the show's legacy.</p> <p><em>Image: MasterChef Australia</em></p>

TV

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Eye-watering price tag for Melissa Caddick's penthouse

<p>A penthouse formerly owned by fraudster Melissa Caddick is on the market for an estimated $5.5 million.</p> <p>The apartment, which was previously occupied by her parents Ted and Barbara Grimley, was listed for auction on October 10 and boasts stunning panoramic views of the city skyline.</p> <p>“Spacious throughout and stylishly presented with understated contemporary finishes, this is the perfect opportunity for downsizers, executives and families who seek undeniable quality and convenience,” read an online listing.</p> <p>Viewings for the apartment located in Eastpoint Tower at Edgecliff are only available through appointments, according to managing agents Richardson and Wrench.</p> <p>Liquidators hope that the sale of the penthouse will help recover some of the money Caddick stole from over 50 investors as part of her ponzi investment scam.</p> <p>The 49-year-old lived a life of luxury after stealing up to $30 million from the investors, many of whom were reportedly her close friends and family.</p> <p>Jones Partners, the accounting firm in charge of liquidating Caddick's former assets, have already recouped $3 million to investors after the sale of her share portfolio and Dover Heights cliff-top mansion.</p> <p>At the time, Jones Partners principal Bruce Gleeson said that it wasn't rare for investors to not get anything back from ponzi schemes.</p> <p>However, he has said that the sale of the Edgecliff apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs, would allow for further significant distributions to investors.</p> <p>Caddick disappeared in November 2020, just days after her home was raided by ASIC investigators.</p> <p>She is believed to be dead after her badly decomposed right foot was found washed up on a beach in the south coast of NSW on February 2021, but the rest of her body has not been found.</p> <p><em>Images: </em><em>Richardson &amp; Wrench </em></p>

Real Estate

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Better Homes and Gardens star reveals health scare

<p><em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> star Melissa King has revealed the details of her "terrifying" health scare, which began with a series of migraines. </p> <p>King wanted to keep her condition away from the public eye, until her face went into an uncontrollable spasm live during a broadcast segment on <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>The spasms have now become a part of Melissa's life, after she was diagnosed with a benign tumour on the lining of her brain.</p> <p>Chatting candidly with <em>Australian Women's Weekly</em>, the mother-of-two revealed when she was diagnosed with the meningioma, and when she decided it was time to tell others about her health battle. </p> <p>“I could feel the stretching and tightening as the right side of my face contorted, and I knew everyone watching at home could see it too,” she told the publication.</p> <p>“That morning was awful. I could hear the producers say, ‘Melissa, are you okay?’”</p> <p>Melissa first began experiencing migraines in her teenage years, before going to see a doctor in 2017 as they progressively got worse. </p> <p>She was then referred to a neurologist, who recommended an MRI which revealed a meningioma, a non-cancerous tumour located in her brain lining, a discovery Melissa said was “terrifying,” despite her tumour being classified as benign.</p> <p>Whilst a meningioma is most often benign - many people may have one without even knowing - in other cases it can be potentially life-threatening.</p> <p>After her initial diagnosis, Melissa underwent six-monthly MRI scans to monitor her tumour, and for four years, it remained stable in size.</p> <p>But in 2021, when Melissa had become a mother of two boys, Noah, now 11, and Marlon, nine, doctors had noticed her tumour had grown in size. </p> <p>Doctors offered her one of two choices - brain surgery to remove it, or radiotherapy to shrink it.</p> <p>She chose the "less invasive" option of radiotherapy, and incredibly, during a two-week break from work, she undertook her entire 15 sessions, heading off to the hospital each morning and coming home to sleep at night.</p> <p>Relatively new to her role on <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em>, she decided to keep her health ordeal quiet.</p> <p>“I just wanted to be able to take each step quietly with my family around me,” she told <em>Australian Women’s Weekly</em>.</p> <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <p>“They wrapped me up in so much love and I felt very supported by them.”</p> <p>Melissa said she also wanted to protect her boys, knowing that to them the word “tumour” would sound very scary.</p> <p>After her appearance on <em>Sunrise</em> when the facial spasm took over, it was then Melissa decided it was time to tell her <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> colleagues about what she’d been through.</p> <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <p>“They’ve been amazing,” she said.</p> <p>"Most of my segments are filmed so we can stop the camera if I need to wait until it passes."</p> <p>“People have been incredibly understanding and supportive, and I’m so grateful.”</p> <p>“It was a lot of trial and error for me, working out what triggered the migraines and what didn’t,” she said.</p> <p>“(Now) I’m feeling really good and my health is great.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p> </div> </div>

Caring

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Melissa Doyle shares major family news that left her “bawling”

<p>Former <em>Sunrise </em>host Melissa Doyle has shared some amazing family news about her son Nick Dunlop. </p> <p>The 21-year-old, who is part of the Australian Rowing Team, has had a major win after taking home a gold medal in an international regatta held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.</p> <p>The journalist and proud mum couldn't hide her excitement as she took to Instagram to share a few snaps of her son and his team. </p> <p>"Really trying hard not to be an embarrassing mum, but failing," she started the caption. </p> <p>"Bawling like a baby. Gold! World Champions!! Back to back gold!" </p> <p>Dunlop is a coxswain for Washington University in the US, which means he was responsible for steering the boat and co-ordinating the power and rhythm of the crew. </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/Cu_etjOxupN/?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/p/Cu_etjOxupN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyleofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Dunlop represents Australia internationally, and proud mum Doyle couldn't help but gush about her stunning week in Bulgaria. </p> <p>"What a week in Plovdiv! An absolutely gorgeous town - rich history &amp; magnificent food. A gold medal certainly makes it even better!" she captioned another set of photos with her son. </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/CvEVz6HtUUV/?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/p/CvEVz6HtUUV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyleofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Doyle's friends and fans took to the comments to congratulate the family. </p> <p>“So amazing Mel. Huge congratulations Nick for all your hard work,” <em>Sunrise</em> host Natalie Barr said.</p> <p>“Amazing!!!!! Congrats Nick 👏👏👏,”  TV presenter Sonia Kruger wrote. </p> <p>“A m a z i n g 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 congrats to Nick and the whole crew,”  <em>Morning Show </em>host Kylie Gillies added. </p> <p>"Frame that for the family wall 🙌😍" wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Congratulations and awesome effort Nick! What a special holiday ❤️" commented another. </p> <p>"Congratulations Nick. Cry as much as you want. You are a mum first and foremost," commented a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Kochie’s emotional farewell on Sunrise

<p><em>Sunrise </em>host David Koch bid an emotional farewell to the show in his final episode on Friday morning.</p> <p>After 21 years on the job and hosting over 5,300 episodes, Kochie received a hero’s welcome when he entered the studio at 7am that morning.</p> <p>The veteran host teared up as co-host Natalie Barr, newsreader Edwina Bartholomew and sports presenter Mark Beretta greeted him at the desk.</p> <p>“Thank you for everything. Thank you. Oh dear. Quick, I’ve got to [read] the news,” Koch said, while he wiped away his tears.</p> <p>Not long after, Kochie confessed that he was distracted by the text messages sent by <em>Nine’s Today Show</em> host, Karl Stefanovic and shared their banter.</p> <p>“I asked him if he had a Sportsbet booked on me crying on the show, and he said, ‘No, my missus closed my account last year when I bet on the camel races in Dubai,’” he said.</p> <p>To which co-host Nat Barr quipped: “Well, as we walked in, you were already crying, so someone won some money.”</p> <p>Later on in the show, former co-host Sam Armytage, who left the show in 2021, made a surprise guest appearance and shared her well-wishes for Kochie.</p> <p>“This job is so incredibly difficult, and you can’t say it when you’re in the job, because no one wants to hear you complaining. But when you’re not in the job anymore, you can say how hard this is,” she said.</p> <p>Armytage recalled her own experiences of working at the breakfast TV show before commending Kochie for his resilience and drive.</p> <p>“There is so much scrutiny. To get up day after day and do this: the resilience, the drive, the ability, the energy to just keep coming in here every day and do that is extraordinary.</p> <p>“I absolutely salute you. After eight years, I couldn’t do it anymore. 21 I just think it’s extraordinary.”</p> <p>Both Kochie and Barr sat on the sofa across from Armytage, and her appearance comes days after Kochie <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kochie-addresses-feud-rumours-with-sam-armytage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">addressed the rumours of a feud</a> between him and Armytage.</p> <p>Mel Doyle, who was Kochie’s co-host from 2002-2013 also made a surprise appearance and shared stories about their humble beginnings.</p> <p>“Remember when we bet our boss to take us to lunch if we hit 40,000 viewers?” she asked about the program’s early days. Kochie added that when their show first began their office was “a demountable in the car park.”</p> <p>Kochie and Barr also sat down for an emotional final interview where they reminisced the highlights of his career.</p> <p>“Really, thanks for everything,” Barr told Kochie, while tearing up.</p> <p><em>Images: Channel Seven/ Sunrise</em></p>

TV

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Melissa Caddick’s parents ordered to vacate

<p dir="ltr">Barb and Ted Grimley, the parents of alleged conwoman Melissa Caddick, have been ordered to vacate their daughter’s Sydney eastern suburbs property within six weeks.</p> <p dir="ltr">The apartment, which is reportedly the last of Melissa’s assets to be sold, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/melissa-caddick-s-parents-at-war-with-fraud-victims">has been the subject of a long-running legal dispute</a> between her parents - who were co-owners of the Edgecliff property after buying a share in it - and her victims. </p> <p dir="ltr">Melissa disappeared in late 2020 after the ASIC raided her Dover Heights home as part of a corporate watchdog investigation into a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme, with claims that Melissa had stolen upwards of $23 million. </p> <p dir="ltr">And when it came to the apartment purchased with those funds, the Grimleys claimed that they deserved a larger share of the estate’s proceeds, while those who had suffered from Melissa’s scam argued that the earnings from the apartment’s sale should be split evenly among them. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Grimleys were refusing to leave unless they were paid a sum of $950,000 - which would see them take home most of what they’d allegedly put into the apartment’s $2.25 million mortgage. </p> <p dir="ltr">And on June 5, Federal Court Justice Brigette Markovic proclaimed that Barbara and Ted had to leave the property within a six week timeframe if they wanted to see that $950,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">More than 50 investors were being represented in the ASIC’s Federal Court case, hoping to regain the money they’d lost through the sale of Melissa’s assets. </p> <p dir="ltr">To date, Melissa’s substantial collection of designer clothing, luxury cars, jewellery, and multimillion dollar properties with stunning views of Sydney Harbour have come under scrutiny, with many facing the auction block in Sydney in a bid to repay the investors. </p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, another order was passed down that would see them get an “interim distribution” of $3 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Neither the Grimley’s lawyers or the investors’ opposed the “only way forward” settlement, with the latter set to take over the ownership of the controversial apartment once Melissa’s parents have vacated the premises, and will get to work preparing to sell it.</p> <p dir="ltr">And, as some have theorised, the agreement could mark the end of the ASIC investigation. However, Justice Markovice was clear that the identities of the investors would remain confidential until legal proceedings concluded, with the court hearing that they would be classified as interested parties in the following proceedings, as well as Barb and Ted Grimley. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 9News / Nine </em></p>

Legal

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“Sitting alone in my house and in sadness”: Melissa Leong opens up about her grief

<p><em>Masterchef Australia</em>’s Melissa Leong has spoken publicly about the grieving process for the first time since losing her friend and fellow chef, Jock Zonfrillo. </p> <p>In a piece for<em> Stellar</em>, Melissa reflected on both life and loss, alluding to her own experiences “with this most enveloping of emotions” - though she notes early on that it is “too soon, too private and too raw” to address Jock’s passing specifically.</p> <p>Instead, Melissa writes of her experience “sitting alone in my house and in sadness as I attempt to articulate some of my thoughts, I can tell you it is indeed a strange experience for someone who usually writes from the crystal-clear perspective of hindsight, but here goes …</p> <p>“Firstly, we all deal with loss differently, and we need to honour that. People talk about the various stages of shock, disbelief, anger, bargaining and acceptance, and while that much is probably true, everyone deals with these exceptional times differently, and at different speeds. </p> <p>“As you navigate reaching out to someone who’s grieving, know that a message of support left unread isn’t the recipient rejecting you - sometimes the deluge of support can be more than one can bear. And what people bear can be a lot, because grief often stirs up remnants of other loss, compounding it into something that feels insurmountable.</p> <p>“While some go to pieces, others go to work, finding momentum to cope. This isn’t because they aren’t feeling, it’s because sometimes focusing on tasks is a way to find purpose in an impossible situation.”</p> <p>From there, she went on to detail that while some “need to talk in order to process emotions”, others take longer to put their thoughts into words, “if they can at all”. And while some need to surround themselves with other people, just as many need to be alone. </p> <p>“There is no right or wrong way to be in these moments,” she wrote, “just what is true to you. And whether you’re the person going through it, or the friend on the sidelines feeling helpless, be kind and try not to take things personally.</p> <p>“The passing of someone from life is a powerfully shared experience. Even more so when that person lived a huge life and touched the lives of many.</p> <p>“In their passing, a community struggles to come to terms with saying goodbye. Outside of immediate family and 'framily' (friends who are like family) members, whose privacy and consideration are paramount, grief is beautifully democratic.</p> <p>“We must look outwards as well as inwards when it comes to our experience, checking in on the people in our lives who are also coping with loss.”</p> <p>And after stressing the importance of taking care of yourself during such difficult periods with the likes of eating and hydrating, and a personal anecdote about her appreciation - as “a feeder by nature” - for comfort food, she brought her thoughts to a close. </p> <p>“To feel grief is to know that the one we lost meant something important to us,” she said, adding that “what we feel in grief is proportionate to the joy and light that person gave you – a bittersweet reminder that in life, as we connect to each other, the more that’s given, the greater the loss is felt.</p> <p>“In its own way, grief is a poignant tugging at the heart to remind us that we are alive, that we are human – and to be human is to feel.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Melissa Caddick's parents at war with fraud victims

<p>Melissa Caddick's parents are at war with the victims of the deceased conwoman's long-running scam, as they fight over who deserves the biggest cut of her estate. </p> <p>The two parties are locked in a bitter despite over Caddick's penthouse apartment in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs, where Caddick's parents Ted and Barb Grimley currently reside.</p> <p>The Grimleys claim they deserve a larger share of the proceeds of the sale of the property, despite the penthouse being purchased by Caddick as part of her Ponzi scheme. </p> <p>However, the victims of Caddick's scam are adamant that the proceeds should be evenly divided by those who have suffered at the hands of the deceased conwoman. </p> <p>The apartment was purchased by Caddick seven years ago, when Mr and Mrs Grimley gave their daughter $1 million for a share of the eastern suburbs residence.</p> <p>Despite the hefty share sum, Melissa put the entire apartment in her own name and used her parents' money on new jewellery.</p> <p>The Grimleys have refused to vacate the property, telling the victims during a recent mediation that they would only move out if they were paid $950,000 – effectively getting most of their money back and leaving nearly 60 other investors divvying up the rest of the proceeds and getting back less than half of what they are owed.</p> <p>One of the victims of Caddick's scam, Sarah Steel, said she feels for the Grimleys and what they have been through, but they need to think of the other victims involved. </p> <p>"I feel really terrible for what they've been through," she said.</p> <p>"But it feels to me that they aren't feeling the same for the rest of us going through this same thing."</p> <p>"We're facing a situation where other people are putting themselves forward as a priority to the other investors who were duped." </p> <p>Lawyers for the majority of Caddick's victims are now considering suing the auditors that Caddick hired and who were tasked with casting a critical eye over her finances.</p> <p>Given Caddick ran one of the longest frauds in Australian history, not one auditor over the years ever flagged a problem with her financial accounts.</p> <p>Michael Chapman, the lawyer representing the majority of Caddick's victims, is at a complete loss as to how the auditors couldn't have noticed the fraudulent behaviour. </p> <p>"We feel like they've dropped the ball," he told <em>60 Minutes</em>.</p> <p>"We feel as though there is a good claim that could be brought forward against the auditors." </p> <p>Lawyers will be seeking $15 million from the auditors in a potential court case, and if they succeed, the victims of Caddick's scamming would be close to getting back all of the money they lost. </p> <p>"I don't discount the pain and the suffering that these people have been through to this point," Chapman said.</p> <p>"It would be a silver lining."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 60 Minutes</em></p>

Legal

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Melissa Caddick mystery officially laid to rest

<p>A corner has revealed missing fraudster Melissa Caddick is dead but it’s difficult to determine when and how she died.</p> <p>Deputy State Coroner Elizabeth Ryan released her findings after a lengthy coronial inquest examined the circumstances surrounding the 49-year-old’s mysterious disappearance.</p> <p>“I believe it’s appropriate at the outset to say I have concluded Melissa Caddick is deceased,” Ryan said as she handed down her findings at the NSW Coroner’s Court in Lidcombe.</p> <p>However, Ryan said it was tricky to make an accurate finding as to how, when and where she died.</p> <p>Caddick disappeared from Sydney’s eastern suburbs in November 2020, hours after her Dovers Heights mansion, which doubled as her place of business, was raided by the AFP and ASIC.</p> <p>The corporate watchdog had accused Caddick of operating a Ponzi scheme and misappropriating $24 million, including from her friends and family, to fund a lavish lifestyle including holidays, designer jewellery, clothing and shoes.</p> <p>The case has sparked a number of conspiracy theories and even inspired a television series.</p> <p>The inquest examined Caddick’s final hours, the actions of her husband Anthony Koletti, and the police investigation.</p> <p>The court heard that Caddick had taken her own life by jumping off the cliff at Rodney Reserve, approximately 500 metres from her home, on the morning of November 12, 2020.</p> <p>Caddick was heard walking out her front door at about 5:30am before disappearing and failing to turn up to a court appearance the following day.</p> <p>However, Koletti did not report his wife missing to the Rose Bay Police Station until 11:45am on November 13 - 30 hours since she was last seen.</p> <p>Amid his evidence, Koletti told the court he was under the mistaken belief he had to wait 24 hours to report someone missing.</p> <p>“Did you delay reporting her missing until that point in order to give her time to try to go somewhere?” Counsel assisting the coroner Jason Downing asked.</p> <p>“No,” Mr Koletti said.</p> <p>NSW Police Sergeant Trent Riley told the court during the inquest that he found it “extremely strange and unusual behaviour” that Koletti had initially told police he did not want them to come to his house or go to the station to make a statement.</p> <p>“I thought it was strange that a husband would ring the police station, report his wife missing from two days ago and wasn’t prepared to come to the police station and didn’t want police to go around and speak with him because he had too much work on that day,” Sergeant Riley told the court.</p> <p>Sergeant Riley also told the court that Koletti provided conflicting versions of when he had last seen his wife alive.</p> <p>He described Koletti as, “evasive, vague and inconsistent”.</p> <p>Colette has been consistently critical of the ASIC investigation.</p> <p>In an affidavit tendered to the court, he claimed he and Caddick were denied food, water and medical attention during the 12 hours when ASIC and AFP were present at their home.</p> <p>However, the court heard that during the raid, Caddick drank a protein shake, Koletti made her several coffees and they occasionally smoked cigarettes in their backyard.</p> <p>In a statement, he said, “I believe (Caddick) died as a direct result of ASIC’s negligence, cruelty and inhumanity.”</p> <p>Despite conceding Caddick was responsible for defrauding millions of investors and that they were allowed to be in their home on the day of the raid, he still maintained ASIC was responsible for her death.</p> <p>In February 2021, a foot washed up on Bourdna Beacon on the NSW south coast which was later identified as Caddick’s.</p> <p>The court had previously heard that Caddick’s shoe was covered in 250g of goose barnacles when it washed ashore.</p> <p>An expert's report stated the barnacle growth suggested the shoe would have been free floating on the surface of the water for three-seven days before washing up.</p> <p>The court heard that it’s possible the shoe drifted on the ocean floor for several months before floating to the surface and onto the beach.</p> <p>Oceanographer Dr David Griffin said that according to calculations using ocean currents, it’s plausible the show went into the water at Dover Heights and was found 400km south three months later.</p> <p>Pathologist Jennifer Pokorny told the inquest in a statement that it was not possible to determine the full extent of Caddick’’s injuries as there were no other remains aside from the decomposed foot.</p> <p>She added it was also not possible to determine a cause of death.</p> <p>Forensic psychiatrist Dr Kerri Eagle told the inquest that after reviewing Caddick’s medical record, along with witness statement, it appeared she had narcissistic personality disorder.</p> <p>She said that for people suffering from the disorder, their self-esteem and sense of well-worth latches onto external admiration and impressing others.</p> <p>Dr Eagle revealed to the court that as a result of being charged, Caddick would have also been in danger of losing her work and the “respect and admiration” of others.</p> <p>She told Ryan that when ASIC raided her home, it was possible it had a “very huge” impact on her self-esteem.</p> <p>“Ms Caddick appeared to experience problems with low mood, depression and anxiety and problems coping with extraordinary stress … the low mood symptoms persisted as long as the stress persisted,” Eagle said.</p> <p>She also noted that people with similar disorders have been known to take their own lives after a “major insult to their self-esteem”.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Lisa Wilkinson's rare appearance with huge line-up of Aussie stars

<p dir="ltr">Lisa Wilkinson has made a rare appearance at the <em>Tina Turner Musical</em> opening night in Sydney on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Project </em>panellist looked effortlessly chic as she walked the red carpet in a black tailored suit and white blouse, which she accessorised with a floral necklace and pink clutch.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is Wilkinson’s second public appearance since she last attended the <em>Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion</em> exhibition in Melbourne early April.</p> <p dir="ltr">The veteran Australian broadcaster led the arrivals at the star-studded event where fellow TV hosts Melissa Doyle and Kerri-Anne Kennerley were also in attendance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Melissa Doyle rocked a semi-sheer black dress that she accessorised with a pair of black strappy heels and a black clutch.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kerri-Anne Kennerley rocked a more colourful look with a glittery pink top and a black leather jacket that had vibrant floral details embroidered on it.</p> <p dir="ltr">The musical, which highlights Tina Turner’s greatest hits and explores the story of how she turned into a rock ‘n roll star, was attended by a who's who of Aussie stars and influencers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The stars and influencers in attendance included:<em> The Block</em>’s Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie, former <em>E-Street</em> actress Melissa Tkautz, Richard Wilkins and his partner, Nicola Dale, and many more.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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"Love it!": Kochie’s sweet reunion with Melissa Doyle

<p dir="ltr">David Koch and Melissa Doyle were reunited in the annual Australian Fashion Week in Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 67-year-old<em> Sunrise</em> host attended the event for the first time ever, and revealed that he had felt “like an absolute fish out of water” as he reposted a selfie that he took with co-host Natalie Barr and former colleague Melissa Doyle.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trio attended the Mariam Seddiq show and sat in the front row with <em>Channel 7</em>’s personal stylist, Natalie Shehata.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nat Barr took to Instagram to share a sneak peak of the reunion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Took Kochie to his first fashion show. The incredible Mariam Seddiq really put on an amazing night. What a woman!” she captioned the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Sunrise</em> co-host shared a video of Kochie looking confused and playfully admitting that “I am so out of my comfort zone, it is not funny. I don’t know what to do. I’ve just gone for a drink, that’s all I’m doing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also shared a selfie of the group which sparked a comment from Melissa Doyle.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’ve taught him so much! 😍” she wrote, which Nat Barr replied to with two laughing emojis.</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/CsVxUUnPkt2/?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/p/CsVxUUnPkt2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalie Barr (@natalie_barr7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Kochie reposted the same selfie with the caption: “Feeling like an absolute fish out of water at @mariamseddiq runway show @ausfashionweek. Thankfully sat with some experts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Loved the show and @mariamseddiq as a really impressive entrepreneur,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans shared their joy at the reunion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The ‘old’ gang 👍🫶🏻” commented one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Great pic! You, Nat and Mel! Love it!” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah the Mel Doyle ❤️” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Woman reunites with family 50 years after her abduction

<p>DNA testing has confirmed the identity of a Texas woman who was allegedly abducted by her own babysitter when she was 22 months old, and reunited with them after 51 long and painful years apart. </p> <p>The Fort Worth Police Department announced that they had “completed official DNA testing which confirmed Melissa Highsmith’s identity”, while noting their hope that “this test result will offer additional closure for the Highsmith family”. </p> <p>While they requested that anyone with more information come forward, the criminal statute of limitations expired 20 years after Melissa’s 18th birthday. </p> <p>As <em>NBC Dallas-Forth Worth</em> reported, Melissa’s own mother was initially suspected of possibly killing her and then covering up the crime, and the family claimed that a babysitter had been responsible for taking her back in 1971. </p> <p>Melissa’s disappearance had been one of America’s oldest missing persons cases, according to <em>WFAA</em>. </p> <p>And while Melissa’s family had spent decades searching for their long lost loved one, it wasn’t until November 2022 that they made their first major breakthrough, when a 23andMe DNA test presented a link between Melissa and her biological parents. It was these same results that the Fort Worth Police Department was seeking to confirm.</p> <p>"I feel like I am dreaming,” Melissa told <em>WFAA</em> upon reuniting with her parents after their life changing discovery, “and I keep having to pinch myself to make sure I'm awake.”</p> <p>"I’m just elated, I can't describe my feelings,” Melissa’s mother, Alta Apantenco, added, “I'm so happy to see my daughter that I didn't think I would ever see her again.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, her father Jeffrie Highsmith admitted that he “cried like a baby”.</p> <p>Melissa went on to tell her family that she had had a difficult life, even going so far as to run away from home, and that she’d done “what I had to do to get by”.</p> <p>“I didn’t feel loved as a child,” she said. “It was abusive, and I ran away at 15 years old.” </p> <p>And the whole time, she’d been living just 20 minutes from her biological family. </p> <p>That same family who are overjoyed to have their beloved Melissa back with them, and took to social media to update followers, sharing the delightful news that their search was - finally - over. </p> <p>“The results were exactly what we already knew. She was in fact Melissa Suzanne HIghsmith!” they wrote on their Facebook page. “We now have the OFFICIAL confirmation that she is ours! Our daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece. We are thrilled! We are thankful and grateful for all the love and support we have received over the years and especially since we found Melissa. </p> <p>“Our family is whole and we look forward to the time we will be able to spend as a family of 7!”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Melissa Doyle “bursting with pride” in a heartwarming tribute to her daughter

<p dir="ltr">Former Channel 7 star and TV personality Melissa Doyle has shared a touching tribute to her daughter on social media, confessing her pride in the 19-year-old on their “extra special” visit to Kenya.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were in the country with humanitarian aid organisation World Vision - Melissa had been an ambassador of World Vision Goodwill for nearly two decades. And while this was not the former <em>Sunrise</em> host’s first trip, it was her first alongside daughter Talia.</p> <p dir="ltr">Melissa shared a series of pictures of her, Talia, and the people they had met along the way to her Instagram account, writing “this is my beautiful baby girl, all grown up &amp; visiting a school in Kenya. My heart is bursting with pride.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is such a privilege to see first hand the work @worldvisionaus is doing to give children access to health care &amp; education. To take Talia with me made it extra special.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Just five days prior, Melissa had mentioned the “precious trip” in another post, sharing her gratitude to <em>Women’s Weekly</em> magazine for accompanying them, and how special it was for Talia to “finally [be] able to join me on a field trip and see for herself just how important and special the work is.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In that post, she went on to explain how they had travelled to Kenya to see “farming regeneration projects, a child protection group, a Women’s Savings for Transformation group and to meet our 4 yo [year old] sponsor child Bridget.”</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/CraLRoWrm-U/?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/p/CraLRoWrm-U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Melissa Doyle (@melissadoyleofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">And on her Talia tribute post, friends and fans shared their pride in both Doyle’s, with many agreeing that it must have been a special time indeed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh wow this is so special,” wrote producer Chezzi Denyer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Wonderful trip to do together,” actress Danielle Spencer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Extra special,” singer Tina Arena agreed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Soo good for children who come from fortunate backgrounds to see the world is not all like their experiences,” one fan confessed. “I hope to show my kids how we need to give back to those less fortunate.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“What a special time for you both,” said another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Daughter like mother! Proud kind Mama! So happy for you both,” one other supporter declared. “Making our fractured world a better place.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It isn’t the first time that Melissa had spoken out about her pride in her daughter, and in the things she’s on the path to achieve in life.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2021, she told <em>Women’s Weekly</em> that she believes Talia would do “great things”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very proud of my young woman of the future,” she said, “and what she will do next. I’m excited for her and for all of us.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hope that she has just seen that there is now every opportunity available and she makes the most of it, never wastes a moment and will just be the kind, gorgeous woman that she is.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Masterchef’s greatest mystery finally solved

<p>A former <em>Masterchef </em>contestant has satisfied the cravings of curious viewers all across the world by finally revealing what becomes of each episode’s leftovers. </p> <p>The cooking competition regularly sees contestants create extravagant dishes to offer the show’s trio of judges - Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo, and Andy Allen. And as any member of the audience can attest, the three rarely polish off an entire plate of food, leading many to wonder - since the show’s inception in 2009 - what happens to the rest of the meals. </p> <p><em>As Now To Love</em> have reported, ‘doggie bags’ are Masterchef’s most encouraged waste prevention manoeuvre. While the judges reportedly eat “most” of what’s on offer, and the contestants will have a small sample of each others’ creations, the take-home bags are the final step towards dealing with any leftovers hanging about when filming wraps. </p> <p>Melissa Leong was the one to spill the beans on the leftover situation while speaking to New Zealand’s <em>Stuff</em>, telling them that while filming she only ever tries enough to trust her own judgement, and that “sometimes when something is especially tasty it is very difficult not to go back for a second, third or fourth bite, but part of the job is exercising restraint.''</p> <p>''I'm not going to lie, there are definitely days where I do not need to have dinner or lunch because I do most of my eating on camera.''</p> <p>And when it comes to the dishes themselves? Clean up is a one man job, with <em>Masterchef</em>’s executive producer Margaret Bashfield revealing that Leigh Dowling, their dishwasher, “washes everything you see.</p> <p>"He's the happiest bloke on the team, even when he gets pots that are horribly burnt on the bottom."</p> <p>With the show gearing up for its 15th season, and a focus on ‘Secrets &amp; Surprises’, the crew are bound to have their work cut out for them, as well as a few changes to navigate along the way.</p> <p>The high-pressure series will have a shorter runtime than in its previous 14 seasons, taking a step away from its two month marathon as the showrunners aim to keep audiences engaged over the course of the competition.</p> <p>The pressure will be on for the new batch of contestants from the moment they step into the kitchen, as Melissa declares in the series’ promotional material, “we’ve loaded up the biggest surprise ever on day one of the competition”, before revealing that celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will be joining the cast. Additionally, competitors are set to face some of the biggest challenges ever seen on <em>Masterchef</em>, life-changing dishes, and guest judges some could only dream of ever cooking for - or, as the case may be, preparing a scrumptious bag of leftovers for. </p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

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