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Australians are reading less than other countries, a new report shows. Why?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katya-johanson-425719">Katya Johanson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a></em></p> <p>Recent international research shows Australians are buying and reading fewer books than people in many other countries. But why?</p> <p>A <a href="https://risebookselling.eu/consumer-behaviour">report</a> by the European and International Book Federation found that only 64% of Australians bought a book in the past year, compared to an average 72% of people across 19 countries.</p> <p>Similarly, 80% of Australians read a book in the past year, slightly below the international average of 85%. These differences are slim, but as book buyers and readers, we are among the lowest in the sample, alongside Aotearoa New Zealand, Finland, Latvia and the United States.</p> <p>The number of people who had read a book in the past year in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Ireland all came in at over 90%.</p> <p>Local research also suggests reading rates in Australia are falling. Back in 2017, a Macquarie University study found 92% of us read books at least once in the previous year. By 2021, in the <a href="https://australiareads.org.au/research/the-national-reading-survey/">Australia Reads national survey</a> that figure had dropped to 75%.</p> <p>What’s behind these numbers?</p> <p>Price might be less of a factor than we often assume – and surprisingly, Australia’s dependence on cars could play a role. International examples showing how other countries protect and value their book cultures –  from government policies to counter the strength of Amazon to public holidays for poets – suggest measures to actively boost our own could help.</p> <h2>The price myth</h2> <p>There’s a general perception that books cost too much in Australia. But they’re not necessarily more expensive here than elsewhere. Competition from online retailers like Amazon and increases in production costs globally <a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/au/industry/book-publishing/171/">have levelled prices internationally</a>.</p> <p>In fact, Australians often pay similar or less for books than readers in Canada, New Zealand and the US.</p> <p>Tim Winton’s new novel, <a href="https://theconversation.com/tim-winton-goes-cli-fi-his-dystopian-novel-juice-breaks-new-ground-to-face-the-climate-emergency-238769">Juice</a>, for example, has an Australian recommended retail price of A$49.99. It’s almost exactly the same price in Aotearoa New Zealand (A$49.81) and costs more in Canada (A$54.59). In the US, Juice is A$44.02, and in the UK, it’s A$43.07.</p> <p>While UK book prices are lower, this is mainly because books there don’t attract sales tax. The UK <a href="https://www.accountingfirms.co.uk/blog/are-books-vat-exempt/#:%7E:text=In%20the%20UK%2C%20books%20are,to%20most%20goods%20and%20services">made books exempt</a> from its value-added tax (VAT) applied to most goods and services – a deliberate decision to make reading more affordable.</p> <p>Pauline MacLeod, the children’s and young adult literature specialist at Brisbane’s Riverbend Books, told me children’s publishers are “trying hard to keep local books priced between $22.99 and $25.99”. Still, <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-australian-workers-true-cost-of-living-has-climbed-far-faster-than-weve-been-told-221590">in the current cost of living squeeze</a> books are a discretionary spend some cannot afford.</p> <h2>Public transport is good for reading</h2> <p>Interestingly, countries where <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/8282/rail-passenger-transport-in-europe/#statisticChapter">more people use public transport</a> – like the UK, France, Germany and Spain – tend to have higher reading rates. It’s easier to read a book on a train than in a car, and these countries often have bookshops in train stations, creating a culture of reading while commuting.</p> <p>In contrast, car-dependent countries like Australia, the US and Aotearoa New Zealand show lower reading rates. Our reliance on cars might explain why audiobooks are more popular in Australia than in many other countries.</p> <h2>A holiday for a poet</h2> <p>In Ireland, where 91% of people have read a book in the past 12 months, there is a strong cultural history of storytelling. Reading is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/aug/20/we-all-read-like-hell-how-ireland-became-the-worlds-literary-powerhouse">supported by</a> an arts council providing grants and bursaries, and a healthy ecosystem of literary festivals and magazines, public libraries and bookshops.</p> <p>Australia has many of these things, but Ireland also significantly supports writers, with a tax exemption on artists’ income up to €50,000 (approximately A$81,500) and a basic-income pilot scheme granting 2,000 artists €325 (approximately A$530) a week.</p> <p>In France, where the government <a href="https://www.culture.gouv.fr/en/regions/drac-grand-est/services/idc/reading-book/Support-for-the-book-economy">actively protects its reading culture</a>, 88% of people have read a book in the past 12 months. In 2022, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/23/france-minimum-book-delivery-fee-amazon">France introduced a law</a> to make French bookshops more competitive with online retailers like Amazon which often offer free delivery of books. By setting a minimum delivery fee for all online book orders of less than €35 (around A$57), the government aims to level the playing field for local booksellers.</p> <p>Perhaps unsurprisingly, only 5% of French people buy all their books online (as opposed to 12% in Australia).</p> <p>Australia has public holidays dedicated to sports, like the Melbourne Cup and the AFL Grand Final (both in Victoria). In Portugal, a national holiday, Portugal Day, commemorates the death of poet <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luis-de-Camoes">Luís de Camões</a>, considered Portugal’s greatest.</p> <p>While 85% of Portuguese people have read a book in the past 12 months (exactly the international average), they consider reading as one of their hobbies (37%) and have bought a book in the past year (76%) at rates above the international average.</p> <p>Interestingly, just 32% of Australians said they consider reading a hobby, compared to 44% in Spain and 42% in the UK.</p> <p>Families, the education system and the media are also all key to inculcating this culture of reading, as is a strong local publishing industry.</p> <h2>The way forward</h2> <p>Local booksellers report declining reading rates in Australia, too. Robbie Egan, CEO of Australia’s peak bookselling industry body, BookPeople, told me: “The competition for eyeballs is real and it is fierce, and consumer discretionary dollars are scarce”. Industry leaders like Egan suggest we need a national campaign to promote the benefit of reading.</p> <p>We know from local research that <a href="https://www.bookpeople.org.au/images/BookPeople_Papers_Imagination.pdf">Australians value books and storytelling</a>. With increasing competition from other forms of entertainment and tighter household budgets, encouraging a stronger reading culture may be more important than ever.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243272/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katya-johanson-425719">Katya Johanson</a>, Professor of Publishing and Audience Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australians-are-reading-less-than-other-countries-a-new-report-shows-why-243272">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Books

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The delicious Christmas tipple is sure to will whisk you away

<p dir="ltr">With the festive season in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about presents that make a lasting impression. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite who you’re buying for, it's hard to look past the perfect tipple to gift your loved ones on Christmas day. </p> <p dir="ltr">Whether you're looking for the perfect gift, or a delectable drink to showcase at a festive gathering, Glen Moray’s Classic Single Malt Whisky is the perfect option this year. </p> <p dir="ltr">From first being brewed in the north of Scotland over 120 years ago, Glen Moray has long been a pioneer for rich, smooth and heavenly whisky, combining tradition, skill and passion into every glass. </p> <p dir="ltr">This unpeated single malt offers a smooth, light profile that will appeal to all whisky drinkers this Christmas season. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB6oNqPsiEJ/?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/DB6oNqPsiEJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Glen Moray (@glen_moray_whisky)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">It's a drink that truly impresses, offering a complexity and refinement that will captivate even the most discerning whisky lovers. </p> <p dir="ltr">Gifted or served during a festive celebration, it's sure to be the highlight of the party, something guests will remember and savour. </p> <p dir="ltr">It also makes the perfect gift choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whether served as a <a href="https://www.glenmoray.com/find-your-best-serve">cocktail</a> or just on its own, it's easy to see why Glen Moray has become such a staple of luxurious whiskeys, without the extortionate price tag.</p> <p dir="ltr">You can pick up your Glen Moray <a href="https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_903515/glen-moray-classic-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml?isFromSearch=false&amp;isPersonalised=false&amp;isSponsored=false&amp;state=6&amp;pageName=member_offers">Dan Murphy’s</a> and <a href="https://bws.com.au/product/903515/glen-moray-classic-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml">BWS</a> for just $66.99, proving you can spoil your loved ones - or yourself - without breaking the bank this Christmas. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Supplied</em></p>

Food & Wine

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"Every parent's nightmare": Families of poisoned teens share update

<p>The families of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones have shared a heartbreaking update as the teenagers continue to fight for their lives after being <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/two-aussie-teens-poisoned-in-laos-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poisoned</a> in Laos. </p> <p>While travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year, the Melbourne 19 year olds consumed what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos.</p> <p>The young women were found barely alive in their hotel room and were rushed to a hospital in the neighbouring country of Thailand, where they remain on life support. </p> <p>Holly’s dad Shaun Bowles fronted the media on Wednesday in Bangkok where he confirmed his daughter remained in the ICU in a critical condition, where the family are spending as much time as possible by her bedside. </p> <p>“Right now our daughter remains in the intensive care unit in a critical condition. She’s on life support,” Shaun said.</p> <p>“We’d just like to thank everyone from back home for all the support and love that we’re receiving but we’d also like for people to appreciate right now we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly.”</p> <p>Bianca's family also released a statement saying there was no update on her condition, but confirmed that she remains on life support. </p> <p>"Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia," the statement from the family reads.</p> <p>"This is every parent's nightmare and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through. We hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible."</p> <p>Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of "vodka" while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane.</p> <p>They were among a large group of international travellers who fell victim to what is feared to be a mass poisoning which has already killed two other people. </p> <p><em><strong>Editor's note: Police in Thailand confirmed the death of Bianca Jones on Thursday afternoon. Holly Bowles is understood to still be in hospital.</strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Woman horrified after man brings his mother to first date

<p dir="ltr">A woman has been left stunned after her crush invited his mother to infiltrate their first date. </p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr">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.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He planned the date at this nice little spot in Dallas, which I thought was sweet,” she added. </p> <p dir="ltr">She continued, “I show up, and everything's fine at first. He's already there, we hug, and he even complimented my outfit.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“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.”</p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr">“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’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“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.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“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. </p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr">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.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although she thought she did the right thing, she began doubting her decision and questioned if she was in the wrong. </p> <p dir="ltr">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?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Reddit users flocked to the comments section and ran to her defence as they slammed Jake for bringing his mother along on the date. </p> <p dir="ltr">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.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Second Bee Gees member dies within four days

<p>Drummer Byron Dennis, who played a pivotal role in the success of The Bee Gees, has died just days after one of the original band members also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/original-bee-gees-star-passes-away-aged-78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a>. </p> <p>Touring drummer Dennis Bryon died aged 76 in Nashville on November 14th, just four days before original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen.</p> <p>The news of Bryon’s death was confirmed by his former bandmate, Blue Weaver, who performed alongside him in another band before he joined the Bee Gees.</p> <p>“I am lost for words at the moment. Dennis has passed away,” Weaver wrote in a heartfelt social media post.</p> <p>“Dennis has been my friend since we were in our first band together aged 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.”</p> <p>Bryon was the group's drummer between 1973 and 1981, and played on some of the Bee Gees’ most iconic disco hits, including <em>Stayin’ Alive</em> and <em>Night Fever</em>.</p> <p>Just days before Dennis's tragic death, the Bee Gees original drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen, as the band confirmed the news of his passing with a post on social media. </p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the post read.</p> <p>“He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect."</p> <p>“Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Mediapunch/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px; font-size: 1.125rem; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33;"> </p>

Caring

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Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans upset by US election results

<p>An Italian village in Sardinia, Italy is offering one-euro homes to Americans seeking a new start following the results of the 2024 U.S election that saw Donald Trump being re-elected as president. </p> <p>Ollolai has long been trying to persuade outsiders to move in to revive the community after decades of depopulation. </p> <p>Now, it's selling dilapidated houses for as little as one euro — just over a US dollar or $AU1.60 — to entice Americans to move abroad. </p> <p>Following the November 5 outcome, they have launched a website aimed at potential American expats, offering cheap homes in hopes that those disappointed by the result and seeking a fresh start will snap up one of their empty properties. </p> <p>"Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?" the website read. </p> <p>"It's time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia."</p> <p>Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that the website was specifically created to attract American voters in the wake of the presidential elections.</p> <p>The mayor loves the United States and is convinced Americans would be the best people to revive the community. </p> <p>"We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all," he said. </p> <p>"We can't of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card."</p> <p>The village is offering three tiers of accommodation: Free temporary homes to certain digital nomads, ($1.6) homes in need of renovations, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to $160,000.</p> <p>The mayor also set up a special team to guide interested buyers through every step of the process including finding contractors, builders and navigating required paperwork. </p> <p>"Of course, we can't specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he's the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country," Columbo added. </p> <p>"We have specifically created this website now to meet US post-elections relocation needs. The first edition of our digital nomad scheme which launched last year was already solely for Americans."</p> <p>Photos and plans of available empty properties will soon be uploaded to the website. </p> <p>The website has since received nearly 38,000 requests for information on houses, with most of them coming from the United States</p> <p>In the past century, Ollolai's population has shrunk from 2,250 to 1,300 with only a handful of babies born each year. </p> <p>Over the last few years, this has dropped 1,150 residents. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Family cops $2k fine for little known offence

<p>A family in Sydney have been repeatedly fined for parking their car in their own driveway. </p> <p>Jane Mansfield, who lives in Sydney's south-west with her family of six, started copping fines for her parked car six months ago. </p> <div> <article> <div id="outbrain_widget_1" data-src="//9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/sydney-family-cops-repeated-fines-for-parking-car-in-their-own-driveway/58653db4-cd4f-41be-9f29-0d0d2a678394" data-widget-id="AR_1" data-external-id="63f8b8e389687ebfeb24eb9bf5179b0b" data-ob-mark="true" data-browser="safari" data-os="macintel" data-dynload="" data-idx="1"> <p>"All up we're due to pay about $2,000 on a finance plan at the moment," she told <em>A Current Affair</em>.</p> <p>Both Jane and her husband each received one fine for parking slightly over the curb in their driveway, with both of them accepting the fine and putting them on a payment plan. </p> <p>"Then we tried to do the right thing by pulling the car onto the driveway further, and got another fine," Mansfield said.</p> <p>"Well, apparently, you need to go past the letterbox, and even being slightly out ... is not allowed. So I'm thinking, where am I meant to put my car?"</p> <p>According to the fine, the offence was for stopping on or across a driveway - which is her own.</p> <p>Each fine they have received is worth $320 and Mansfield claimed she is now running out of patience and money trying to keep up with the ridiculous fines. </p> <p>"Four children, rent's gone up, electricity, everything's gone up bill wise, so $2,000 to us is a huge amount," Mansfield said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p> </div> </article> </div>

Legal

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"Yet another disgrace": Rolf Harris’ net worth revealed

<p>Disgraced TV star Rolf Harris died penniless after wiping out his estimated  $31 million fortune, making it difficult for his victims to claim compensation. </p> <p>The convicted pedophile died of neck cancer and old age last year after spending his final years as a recluse with his wife at their luxury $10 million riverside mansion in Bray, Berkshire. </p> <p>Harris – a staple of children’s TV in the 1980s - was convicted of 12 indecent assaults, and managed to overturn only one of his convictions. The vile pedophile was released from prison in 2017.</p> <p>After his death, it was said that he left a $31 million fortune that he amassed during his career to his wife Alwen Hughes and daughter Bindi, 60. </p> <p>However, probate documents seen by <em>The Sun </em>show that his assets were said to be worth just  $853,436.98 when he died.  </p> <p>When expenses were taken out the net value of his estate was $0.</p> <p>It is believed that most of his fortune was spent to make it difficult for his victims, who were seeking compensation, to access his wealth following his death. </p> <p>A large part of his fortune is believed to have been used on around-the-clock carers for him and his wife Alwen, who died in September this year after suffering from dementia. </p> <p>His legal documents show that his will was last signed in March 2022, a year before his death, and was witnesses by two of his carers. </p> <p>Investigator and ex-detective Mark Williams-Thomas, who helped to convict Harris, said: “This is yet another disgrace.</p> <p>“He has obviously planned to get rid of money and assets and there is no way he’d have actually been penniless.</p> <p>“He had amassed a huge amount of wealth and I would assume he has squirrelled it away to avoid victims making claims on it, even after his death. The man had no shame.”</p> <p>Harris was known for a string of children's TV hits and was the face of British Paints for more than three decades before he was dumped by the brand when he was arrested in 2013.</p> <p>The following year, he was convicted a found guilty on 12 counts of indecent assault, and was sentenced to five years and nine months in jail.</p> <p>The assaults include one on an eight-year-old fan who asked for his autograph, two on girls in their early teens, and a catalogue of abuse against his daughter's friend of over 16 years. </p> <p>He was released on parole in May 2017 after serving three years behind bars. </p> <p><em>Image: Alan Davidson/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

News

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World reacts as Donald Trump wins US election

<p>World leaders, celebrities and millions of Americans have shared their first reactions and messages of support - or messages of anger, upset and frustration - as Donald Trump claimed his victory in the US election. </p> <p>The Republican leader won both the electoral college vote and the popular vote, taking a hold of the majority of key swing states, as his victory just hours after the polls closed. </p> <p>The win will see Trump re-enter the White House in January as the 47th President, making him the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. </p> <p>Reactions to the unprecedented win flooded online spaces, with world leaders sending their congratulations. </p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the election of the US president marked an important moment for Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and vowed to work closely with the Trump administration.</p> <p>“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends,” he said. “Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and — above all — enduring respect and affection between our peoples."</p> <p>“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”</p> <p>Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal Coalition, describing the US as an “overwhelming force for good”.</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to speak to Trump, writing on X, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!”</p> <p>“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship.”</p> <p>Elon Musk, petulant billionaire and owner of Twitter, also shared a series of memes on X, after he publicly endorsed Trump throughout his campaign. </p> <p>Among the posts is an image of Musk holding a bathroom sink photoshopped into the Oval Office with the caption "Let that sink in", a reference to how he marked his controversial takeover of X when it was still known as Twitter.</p> <p>Musk also shared a photo of a conversation he was having with Trump as votes were being counted.</p> <p>"The future is gonna be so [fire]," Musk said with American flag emojis.</p> <p>"The future is gonna be fantastic," he said in a follow up post with a photo of his recent SpaceX rocket test that Trump discussed at length, for some reason, in his declaration speech.</p> <p>Despite the messages of well wishes from world leaders, social media has been awash with messages of disbelief and anger since the victory was announced, with many American citizens anxious and scared about the next four years under Trump's controversial <a href="https://www.project2025.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Project 2025</a>, which will see mass deportations of immigrants, more tax cuts to the rich, harsher penalties for those seeking abortions or reproductive care, and unprecedented power in the hands of a President with authoritarian aspirations. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Brian Prahl/Shutterstock </em></p>

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Hero cop from Bondi Junction attack nominated for major award

<p>The hero cop who brought an end to the Bondi Junction stabbing in April has been nominated for Australian of the Year.</p> <p>Inspector Amy Scott, who fatally shot Joel Cauchi during the April 13th attack, is up for the coveted award in New South Wales for her quick-thinking and courage during the terrifying ordeal. </p> <p>Scott is up for NSW Australian of the Year alongside the likes of former cricketer and charity boss Kath Koschel and youth advocate Daniel Principe.</p> <p>The nomination commends Scott for her "unparalleled bravery and dedication to service" during the horror attack, which killed six people and injured another 12.</p> <p>"Without hesitation or regard for her own safety, Inspector Scott responded with exceptional courage, not waiting for backup and choosing to face the threat head-on and alone, a decision that would define her heroism," the statement confirming her nomination read.</p> <div> <div>"Her actions saved countless lives and showcased her unwavering leadership in the face of extreme danger. Inspector Scott's fearless and decisive actions are an inspiration to all Australians."</div> </div> <div> <div>The award recipients for the NSW Australian of the Year will be announced on November 13th.</div> </div> <p>In October, Inspector Scott <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-cop-breaks-silence-on-westfield-bondi-junction-stabbing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke</a> about the horrific attack during an NRL event to honour emergency services, telling <em>9News</em>, "The incident was obviously extremely traumatic for so many people so when people are so kind and acknowledge us in the way they have it's really helped the healing process I would say."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine </em></p>

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"One more shot": Nick Kyrgios makes major career announcement

<p>After two years of dealing with an injury, Nick Kyrgios has made a major announcement about his career future. </p> <p>The 29-year-old Aussie tennis champion has confirmed he will be returning to the court for Australian Open in 2025, after not playing any professional tennis for 492 days. </p> <p>His last match dates all the way back to June 13th in 2023, which he lost against China’s Yibing Wu before he took a step back from the court to deal with serious knee and wrist injuries. </p> <p>While many fans have speculated whether he would ever return to the sport, Kyrgios made the announcement himself while speaking at South by South West (SXSW) in Sydney on Thursday. </p> <p>“The injury I had was brutal,” he said as a keynote speaker on stage.</p> <p>“The surgeon said I probably wouldn’t be able to play again. But I said whatever, just try and get me another 2-3 years of my career."</p> <p>“Everything has gone semi-well and I will be playing the Australia Open this summer.”</p> <p>While on his hiatus from playing, Kyrios has dabbled in the world of commentating, but he admitted it has been tough to sit on the sidelines for so long. </p> <p>“It’s been a brutal last couple of years ... but just being out there to play in front of a home crowd ... I just want to be out there, lighting up the crowd and playing in front of my own country,” Kyrios added.</p> <p>“Whether it is good or bad, it will certainly be a lot of fun, for sure. I am looking forward to it.</p> <p>“My only motivation to come back and play is to try and win a grand slam, and I’ll give it one more shot.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Update on search for Samantha Murphy

<p>A fresh search for the body of Samantha Murphy, 51, has been initiated months after her disappearance and the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/how-samantha-murphy-s-digital-data-could-be-a-crucial-clue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discovery of her mobile phone</a> near a dam. Murphy was last seen on February 4 when she left for a 14km run through the Canadian State Forest, a route she frequently travelled.</p> <p>In a statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson said, "Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad as well as a range of specialist resources from across Victoria Police, New South Wales Police, and the Australian Federal Police are involved in the search."</p> <p>The renewed search, which began on Tuesday and continues today, focuses on bushland near Grenville, a new area in the Ballarat region. Despite numerous efforts, Murphy's body has yet to be found. The police have urged the public to stay away from the area to avoid interfering with the investigation.</p> <p>Murphy’s mobile phone was recovered in June by detectives near a dam in Buninyong, about 10 minutes from her home in Ballarat. The phone was found undamaged in its teal-coloured case and was still functional. Earlier searches were conducted in the Buninyong area and the Canadian State Forest, but they yielded no results.</p> <p>The disappearance of the Victorian mother has gripped the local community, with many participating in earlier searches. Her family has been kept informed of the ongoing investigation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/everything-we-know-about-samantha-murphy-s-accused-killer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patrick Orren Stephenson</a>, 22, remains in custody as the primary suspect in Murphy’s disappearance. Stephenson, the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, was last in court on August 8 and is not expected to appear again until November 14.</p> <p>Prosecutors requested a 12-week adjournment during the August hearing to review a brief of evidence, which includes extensive CCTV footage.</p> <p>The investigation continues as police and specialists work tirelessly to locate Murphy’s remains and bring closure to her family.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Travel

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Readers response: What was the worst hotel experience you had?

<p>We asked our readers to share their stories of the worst hotel experience that have endured while on holiday, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Deedee Cullum</strong> - At a 5 star in Beijing. Arrived from the airport after 1am. Let into the room to find it occupied with someone having a bath. Instead of changing our room we waited in the lobby for 1 and 1/2 hours while they changed to the correct room and cleaned ours. The wet towels were neatly folded on the towel rack and the used soap was on the basin. When I turned the bedside light on I got a shock. To be fair management were most apologetic and gave us free dining in their top restaurant for the 4 days we were there. It was a few years ago but never forgotten.</p> <p><strong>Bruce Hopkins</strong> - I stopped at a Hotel in Hobart, arrived in the afternoon, checked out the next day, the whole time I stopped there, I never saw anyone on reception or any staff at all. Creepiest hotel I stayed in.</p> <p><strong>Carol Henwood</strong> - When we went to have a shower, and the towels disintegrated! The shower had black mould in all the corners. The carpet was so sticky, we kept our shoes on.  We slept on top of the bed as the sheets were crumpled and smelly. What a night.</p> <p><strong>Sheila Kell </strong>- When my eldest son was about 2 years old we took a holiday to Shute Harbour in QLD and in middle of night we heard lots of scratching so turned on light and sat up in bed and there were hundreds of field mice crawling up walls and back of bed. They apparently were having a plague, but we dressed and left. Couldn't sleep in that motel.</p> <p><strong>Christine Warner</strong> - A country pub only option one night. Our room has no lock on the door, and there were gaps in the floorboards so we could see straight down to the bar where it was very noisy. We had already been warned of people breaking in to hotel and motel rooms in that region, so we slept in the car and returned to the room in the morning for a shower.</p> <p><strong>Helen Wilson</strong> - In Singapore, they gave us a “free” breakfast while someone rummaged through our belongings and took stuff.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Bindi Irwin's glam hotel receives huge award

<p>A Queensland hotel owned by Bindi Irwin has been named the World's Best Nature Hotel for 2024. </p> <p>The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, located in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, was given the honour at the Boutique Hotel Club Awards, which features the finest boutique hotels from across the world. </p> <p>Winners were announced across 18 categories, with 500-vetted nominees from 80 countries globally. </p> <p>The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is named after Bindi's father, the late Steve Irwin, who as known as the original Crocodile hunter capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. </p> <p>Judges commented that the property "really feels like you're entering into relaxation mode."</p> <p>Speaking of the huge win, Bindi said she and her team were "honoured" to receive the recognition for  their commitment to an exceptional guest experience.</p> <p>"These awards showcase our dedication to providing extraordinary accommodation at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, where guests can immerse themselves in the natural world, allowing them to reconnect with nature and one another," she said.</p> <p>The Boutique Hotel Club's panel of experts hand-picked a selection of destinations all around the world. They quality test over 400 gold standards of hospitality excellence to find exceptional stays. </p> <p>The title of the World's Best Boutique Hotel went to Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine/ Bindi Irwin</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Hotel booking sites actually make it hard to get cheap deals, but there’s a way around it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a></em></p> <p>Booking a place to stay on holidays has become a reflex action.</p> <p>The first thing many of us do is open a site such as <a href="https://www.wotif.com/">Wotif</a>, <a href="https://au.hotels.com/?locale=en_AU">Hotels.com</a> or <a href="https://www.trivago.com.au/">trivago</a> (all of which are these days owned by the US firm <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-will-not-oppose-expedia%E2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-wotif">Expedia</a>), or their only big competitor, <a href="https://www.booking.com/">Booking.com</a> from the Netherlands.</p> <p>Checking what rooms are available – anywhere – is wonderfully easy, as is booking, at what usually seems to be the lowest available price.</p> <p>But Australia’s Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh is concerned there might be a reason the price seems to be the lowest available. It might be an <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/media-releases/supporting-tourism-and-accommodation-providers-set-their">agreement not to compete</a>, or the fear of reprisals against hotel owners who offer better prices.</p> <h2>Agreements to not compete</h2> <p>Leigh has asked the treasury to investigate, and if that’s what it finds, it may be the booking sites have the perverse effect of keeping prices high, especially when the substantial fees they charge hotels are taken into account.</p> <p>For now, the treasury is seeking information. It has set a deadline of <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2022-338978">January 6</a> for hotel operators and booking sites to tell it:</p> <ul> <li> <p>the typical fees charged by online booking platforms</p> </li> <li> <p>the details of any agreements not to compete on price</p> </li> <li> <p>whether hotels that try to compete get ranked lower on booking sites.</p> </li> </ul> <p>What’s likely to come out of it is a ban on so-called price-parity clauses that prevent discounting, or a ban on “algorithmic punishment,” whereby hotels that do discount get pushed way down the rankings on the sites.</p> <p>But in the meantime, there are things we can do to get better prices, and they’ll help more broadly, as I’ll explain.</p> <h2>Flight Centre precedent</h2> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <p>Back in 2018, in a case that went all the way to the High Court, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) forced <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/flight-centre-ordered-to-pay-125-million-in-penalties">Flight Centre</a> to pay a penalty of A$12.5 million for attempting to induce airlines not to undercut it on ticket prices.</p> <p>That the ACCC eventually won the case might be an indication price-parity clauses are already illegal under Australian law. But it’s a difficult law to enforce. This is why the treasury is considering special legislation of the kind in force in France, Austria, Italy and Belgium.</p> <p>The ACCC has known for some time that Expedia and Booking.com have included clauses in their contracts preventing hotels offering the same room for any less than they do, even directly.</p> <p>Rather than take the big two to court, in 2016 the ACCC “reached agreement” with them to delete the clauses that prevented hotels offering better deals <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/expedia-and-bookingcom-agree-to-reinvigorate-price-competition-by-amending-contracts-with-australian-hotels">face-to-face</a>.</p> <h2>The concession that conceded little</h2> <p>From then on, hotels were able to offer better deals than the sites over the phone or in person, but not on their own websites. Given we are less and less likely to walk in off the street or even use the phone to book a hotel, it wasn’t much of a concession.</p> <p>Then, in 2019, with the Commission under renewed pressure from hotel owners for another investigation, Expedia (but not Booking.com) reportedly <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/competition/expedia-allow-hotels-undercut-prices-online/">waived</a> the rest of the clauses, giving hotel owners the apparent freedom to advertise cheaper prices wherever they liked including on their own sites without fear of retribution.</p> <p>Except several appear to fear retribution, and very few seem to have jumped at the opportunity.</p> <h2>Algorithmic punishment</h2> <p>An Expedia spokesman gave an indication of what might be in store when he was quoted as saying a hotel that undercut Expedia might “find itself ranked <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/competition/expedia-allow-hotels-undercut-prices-online/">below its competitors</a>, just as it would if it had worse reviews or fewer high-quality pictures of its property”.</p> <p>Being ranked at the bottom of a site is much the same as not being ranked at all, something Leigh refers to as “algorithmic punishment”.</p> <p>It’s not at all clear the present law prevents it, which is why Leigh is open to the idea of legislating against it.</p> <p>Although you and I may not often think about what hotels are paying to be booked through sites such as Wotif and Booking.com, and although what’s charged to the hotel isn’t publicised, it appeard to be a large chunk of the cost of providing the room.</p> <p>One figure quoted is <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/tourism/online-travel-booking-fed-up-small-businesses-call-accc-action/">20%</a>. Leigh says hotel owners have told him the fees are in the “<a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/transcripts/interview-geraldine-doogue-abc-saturday-extra">double digits</a>”, something he says is quite a lot when you consider the sites don’t need to clean the toilets, change the sheets or help on the front desk.</p> <h2>‘Chokepoint capitalism’</h2> <p>What this seems to mean (the treasury will find out) is almost all bookings are more expensive than they need to be because firms that sit at the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/chokepoint-capitalism-why-well-all-lose-unless-we-stop-amazon-spotify-and-other-platforms-squeezing-cash-from-creators-194069">chokepoint</a>” between buyers and sellers are squeezing sellers.</p> <p>A hotel could always abandon the sites and offer much cheaper prices, but for a while – perhaps forever – it will be much harder to find.</p> <p>In their defence, the operators of the platforms might say they need to get the best offers from hotels in order to make it worthwhile for the operators to invest in their sites, an argument the treasury is inviting them to put.</p> <p>In the meantime, with some hotels reluctant to put their best rates on their websites, but with them perfectly able to offer better rates over the phone, there’s a fairly simple way we can all get a better deal – and help fix the broader problem by weight of numbers.</p> <p>If we look up the best deal wherever we want online, and then phone and ask for a better one (or a better room), we might well find we get it. We might be saving the owner a lot of money.</p> <p>Leigh reckons the more we do ring up, the more the sites might feel pressure to discount their own fees, helping bring prices down even before he starts to think about writing legislation.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/196460/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709"><em>Peter Martin</em></a><em>, Visiting Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hotel-booking-sites-actually-make-it-hard-to-get-cheap-deals-but-theres-a-way-around-it-196460">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Trouble

Health

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What is ‘doll therapy’ for people with dementia? And is it backed by science?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nikki-anne-wilson-342631">Nikki-Anne Wilson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>The way people living with dementia <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-dementia-changes-perception">experience the world</a> can change as the disease progresses. Their sense of reality or place in time can become distorted, which can cause <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/restlessness">agitation and distress</a>.</p> <p>One of the best ways to support people experiencing changes in perception and behaviour is to <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/designing-dementia-friendly-care-environments">manage their environment</a>. This can have profound benefits including <a href="https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/reducing-use-sedatives-aged-care-video">reducing the need for sedatives</a>.</p> <p>One such strategy is the use of dolls as comfort aids.</p> <h2>What is ‘doll therapy’?</h2> <p>More appropriately referred to as “<a href="https://www.dementia.com.au/resource-hub/the-use-of-dolls-in-dementia-care">child representation</a>”, lifelike dolls (also known as empathy dolls) can provide comfort for some people with dementia.</p> <p>Memories from the <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/memory-loss#:%7E:text=Older%20memories%20%E2%80%93%20which%20have%20been,detailed%20memories%20from%20earlier%20life.">distant past</a> are often more salient than more recent events in dementia. This means that past experiences of parenthood and caring for young children may feel more “real” to a person with dementia than where they are now.</p> <p><a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/hallucinations#:%7E:text=Visual%20hallucinations%20are%20more%20common,hallucinating%20and%20how%20others%20respond.">Hallucinations or delusions</a> may also occur, where a person hears a baby crying or fears they have lost their baby.</p> <p>Providing a doll can be a tangible way of reducing distress without invalidating the experience of the person with dementia.</p> <h2>Some people believe the doll is real</h2> <p>A recent case involving <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/06/deplorable-nurse-slammed-therapy-doll-dementia-patient-believed-was-real-baby-on-table-nsw-tribunal-hears">an aged care nurse mistreating a dementia patient’s therapy doll</a> highlights the importance of appropriate training and support for care workers in this area.</p> <p>For those who do become attached to a therapeutic doll, they will treat the doll as a real baby needing care and may therefore have a profound emotional response if the doll is mishandled.</p> <p>It’s important to be guided by the person with dementia and only act as if it’s a real baby if the person themselves believes that is the case.</p> <h2>What does the evidence say about their use?</h2> <p>Evidence shows the use of empathy dolls may help <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197457223002677">reduce agitation and anxiety</a> and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/14/4/200">improve overall quality of life</a> in people living with dementia.</p> <p>Child representation therapy falls under the banner of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763423004761">non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care</a>. More specifically, the attachment to the doll may act as a form of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6494367/">reminiscence therapy</a>, which involves using prompts to reconnect with past experiences.</p> <p>Interacting with the dolls may also act as a form of <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/dementia-friendly-environments/sensory-stimulation">sensory stimulation</a>, where the person with dementia may gain comfort from touching and holding the doll. Sensory stimulation may <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocn.13169?casa_token=ro96fxe2VPoAAAAA%3AKOS10VkTdcrf0yTI_F9p6cI5Kpbj85ZTFq13PQ56YHxi0i3-5BOnFQfW1WFWqiCZ8-mk5sp_EGkGtKM">support emotional well-being and aid commnication</a>.</p> <p>However, not all people living with dementia will respond to an empathy doll.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.alzheimerswa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2.00-Guidlines-for-Use-of-Dolls-and-Mechanized-Pets-as-a-Therapeutic-Tool-4-pages.pdf">introduction of a therapeutic doll</a> needs to be done in conjunction with careful observation and consideration of the person’s background.</p> <p>Empathy dolls may be inappropriate or less effective for those who have not previously cared for children or who may have experienced past birth trauma or the loss of a child.</p> <p>Be guided by the person with dementia and how they respond to the doll.</p> <h2>Are there downsides?</h2> <p>The approach has <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33125455/">attracted some controversy</a>. It has been suggested that child representation therapy “infantilises” people living with dementia and may increase negative stigma.</p> <p>Further, the attachment may become so strong that the person with dementia will <a href="https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/doll-therapy/">become upset if someone else picks the doll up</a>. This may create some difficulties in the presence of grandchildren or when cleaning the doll.</p> <p>The introduction of child representation therapy may also require additional staff training and time. Non-pharmacological interventions such as child representation, however, have been shown to be <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180718/">cost-effective</a>.</p> <h2>Could robots be the future?</h2> <p>The use of more <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8247474/#:%7E:text=Therefore%2C%20an%20interactive%20baby%20robot,mental%20support%20for%20older%20adults.">interactive empathy dolls</a> and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14713012231155985">pet-like robots</a> is also gaining popularity.</p> <p>While robots have been shown to be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163722000757">feasible and acceptable in dementia care</a>, there remains some contention about their benefits.</p> <p>While some studies have shown <a href="https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/5/2/igab013/6249558?login=false">positive outcomes</a>, including reduced agitation, others show <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163722000757">no improvement</a> in cognition, behaviour or quality of life among people with dementia.</p> <p>Advances in artificial intelligence are also being used to help support people living with dementia and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1471301221998888">inform</a> the community.</p> <p><a href="https://feel-lab.org/research_projects/ai-viv-and-friends/">Viv and Friends</a>, for example, are AI companions who appear on a screen and can interact with the person with dementia in real time. The AI character Viv has dementia and was co-created with women living with dementia using verbatim scripts of their words, insights and experiences. While Viv can share her experience of living with dementia, she can also be programmed to talk about common interests, such as gardening.</p> <p>These companions are currently being trialled in some residential aged care facilities and to help educate people on the lived experience of dementia.</p> <h2>How should you respond to your loved one’s empathy doll?</h2> <p>While child representation can be a useful adjunct in dementia care, it requires sensitivity and appropriate consideration of the person’s needs.</p> <p>People living with dementia <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38325063/">may not perceive the social world the same way</a> as a person without dementia. But a person living with dementia is not a child and should never be treated as one.</p> <p>Ensure all family, friends and care workers are <a href="https://www.alzheimerswa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2.00-Guidlines-for-Use-of-Dolls-and-Mechanized-Pets-as-a-Therapeutic-Tool-4-pages.pdf">informed about the attachment to the empathy doll</a> to help avoid unintentionally causing distress from inappropriate handling of the doll.</p> <p>If using an interactive doll, ensure spare batteries are on hand.</p> <p>Finally, it is important to reassess the attachment over time as the person’s response to the empathy doll may change.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243589/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nikki-anne-wilson-342631">Nikki-Anne Wilson</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-doll-therapy-for-people-with-dementia-and-is-it-backed-by-science-243589">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

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What causes the itch in mozzie bites? And why do some people get such a bad reaction?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Are you one of these people who loathes spending time outdoors at dusk as the weather warms and mosquitoes start biting?</p> <p>Female mosquitoes <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153618">need blood</a> to develop their eggs. Even though they take a tiny amount of our blood, they can leave us with itchy red lumps that can last days. And sometimes something worse.</p> <p>So why does our body react and itch after being bitten by a mosquito? And why are some people more affected than others?</p> <h2>What happens when a mosquito bites?</h2> <p>Mosquitoes are attracted to warm blooded animals, including us. They’re attracted to the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/abs/role-of-carbon-dioxide-in-hostfinding-by-mosquitoes-diptera-culicidae-a-review/2506B86EF63852B2D02EC3FCEE1E3B8B">carbon dioxide</a> we exhale, our body temperatures and, most importantly, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-08/mosquitoes-climate-change-skin/104548122">the smell of our skin</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/abstract/S1471-4922(21)00237-3">chemical cocktail</a> of odours from bacteria and sweat on our skin <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00532-8">sends out a signal</a> to hungry mosquitoes.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522">Some people’s</a> skin smells more appealing to mosquitoes, and they’re more likely to be bitten than others.</p> <p>Once the mosquito has made its way to your skin, things get a little gross.</p> <p>The mosquito pierces your skin with their “proboscis”, their feeding mouth part. But the proboscis isn’t a single, straight, needle-like tube. There are multiple tubes, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/07/480653821/watch-mosquitoes-use-6-needles-to-suck-your-blood">some designed</a> for sucking and some for spitting.</p> <p>Once their mouth parts have been inserted into your skin, the mosquito will inject some saliva. This contains a mix of chemicals that gets the blood flowing better.</p> <p>There has even been a suggestion that future medicines could be inspired by the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2018/03/29/mosquito-saliva-vital-to-the-discovery-of-future-drugs.html">anti-blood clotting properties</a> of mosquito saliva.</p> <p>It’s not the stabbing of our skin by the mosquito’s mouth parts that hurts, it’s the mozzie spit our bodies don’t like.</p> <h2>Are some people allergic to mosquito spit?</h2> <p>Once a mosquito has injected their saliva into our skin, a variety of reactions can follow. For the lucky few, nothing much happens at all.</p> <p>For most people, and irrespective of the type of mosquito biting, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024559/full">there is some kind of reaction</a>. Typically there is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161589023002304?via%3Dihub">redness and swelling of the skin</a> that appears within a few hours, but often more quickly, after just a few minutes.</p> <p>Occasionally, the reaction can cause pain or discomfort. Then comes the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2023-01-20/mosquito-bites-itchy-calamine-heat-ice-antihistamine-toothpaste/101652608">itchiness</a>.</p> <p>Some people do suffer severe reactions to mosquito bites. It’s a condition often referred to as “<a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-is-skeeter-syndrome">skeeter syndrome</a>” and is an allergic reaction caused by the protein in the mosquito’s saliva. This can cause large areas of swelling, blistering and fever.</p> <p>The chemistry of mosquito spit hasn’t really been well studied. But it has been shown that, for those who do suffer allergic reactions to their bites, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091674904022183">reactions may differ</a> depending on the type of mosquito biting.</p> <p>We all probably get more tolerant of mosquito bites as we get older. Young children are certainly more likely to suffer more following mosquito bites. But as we get older, the reactions are less severe and may pass quickly without too much notice.</p> <h2>How best to treat the bites?</h2> <p>Research into treating bites <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0161589023002304">has yet to provide</a> a single easy solution.</p> <p>There are many <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites">myths and home remedies</a> about what works. But there is little scientific evidence supporting their use.</p> <p>The best way to treat mosquito bites is by applying a cold pack to reduce swelling and to keep the skin clean to avoid any secondary infections. Antiseptic creams and lotions may also help.</p> <p>There is some evidence that <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309056/">heat may alleviate</a> some of the discomfort.</p> <p>It’s particularly tough to keep young children from scratching at the bite and breaking the skin. This can form a nasty scab that may end up being worse than the bite itself.</p> <p>Applying an anti-itch cream may help. If the reactions are severe, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings">antihistamine medications</a> may be required.</p> <h2>To save the scratching, stop the bites</h2> <p>Of course, it’s better not to be bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Topical <a href="https://theconversation.com/insect-repellents-work-but-there-are-other-ways-to-beat-mosquitoes-without-getting-sticky-171805">insect repellents</a> are a safe, effective and affordable way to reduce mosquito bites.</p> <p>Covering up with loose fitted long sleeved shirts, long pants and covered shoes also provides a physical barrier.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/are-mosquito-coils-good-or-bad-for-our-health-88548">Mosquito coils and other devices</a> can also assist, but should not be entirely relied on to stop bites.</p> <p>There’s another important reason to avoid mosquito bites: millions of people around the world suffer from mosquito-borne diseases. More than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria">half a million people die</a> from malaria each year.</p> <p>In Australia, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1005070">Ross River virus</a> infects more than 5,000 people every year. And in recent years, there have been cases of serious illnesses caused by <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/how-rains-pigs-and-waterbirds-fueled-shocking-disease-outbreak-australia">Japanese encephalitis</a> and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256149/full">Murray Valley encephalitis</a> viruses.<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-causes-the-itch-in-mozzie-bites-and-why-do-some-people-get-such-a-bad-reaction-243044">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

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Beloved Aussie musician dies days after revealing cancer diagnosis

<p>Australian musician Richard Andrew has tragically died at the age of 58, just seven days after announcing he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. </p> <p>Andrew, who has long been a fixture of the Melbourne music scene, passed away on October 30th, with his grieving wife confirming his death on a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-nikki-through-tragedy-honouring-richards-legacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page. </p> <p>Andrew's wife, Nicolette Powell, is now faced with mourning the sudden loss of her husband while caring for her mother, who is grappling with a terminal brain tumour.</p> <p>"Nicolette's beloved husband, Richard, a well-known and iconic figure in Melbourne's music scene, recently passed away suddenly from cancer," the GoFundMe page's tribute to Andrew began.</p> <p>"Richard was a talented musician who left his mark in bands like Underground Lovers, Crow and Black Cab as well as his own band Registered Nurse and more recently his solo project RJ Andrew."</p> <p>"He was also the founder of Pharmacy Records. He poured his heart and soul into his music, and his legacy will be felt across Melbourne's music community for years to come."</p> <p>Just one week before his untimely death, Andrew revealed to his fans he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in a social media message shared alongside a photo from his wedding to Powell.</p> <p>"After my last unsuccessful attempt to jump 17 double decker buses – A) this may go someway towards explaining being in a wheelchair and, B) the fact I'm getting married to the beautiful Nicolette Powell, in this photo," he wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>"Alas, although the marriage is definitely true and based on love, the double decker bus is, sadly, not quite the truth. Instead, a few month ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer, which has been a billy cart ride down s**t street, for the last little while."</p> <p>Andrew then went on to issue a public farewell to his fans and loved ones.</p> <p>"I am completely reconciled to whatever the future is, however, that future is probably quite limited and I'm in the process of preparing to pop this mortal coil and return to the trees, as it were," he wrote.</p> <p> </p> <p>"I cannot overstate enough what an honour and a privilege it has been to know you all over the last 58 years, and to have lived the most incredible, incredible life."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

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Hospice nurse reveals people's last words before they die

<p>A hospice nurse has revealed the number one thing people say in their final moments before they die. </p> <p>Healthcare expert Julie McFadden, who makes online videos discussing death to help break the taboo around dying, has shared the three most common regrets patients share on their death beds. </p> <p>Speaking to NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan on his podcast, Julie said these final discussions tend to centre around what they've taken for granted. </p> <p>"The first one I hear all the time is that they regret not appreciating their health while they had it," Ms McFadden said, reflecting on her 15 years of working in the health sector. </p> <p>"That's the number one thing people say to me, I wish I would have understood how amazing it is to have a working body."</p> <p>The second regret she often hears is people admitting they "worked too much" and wish they hadn't worked their life away, and rather spent time doing things that brought them joy. </p> <p>Finally, she revealed in the clip shared to Instagram, that many dying patients have regrets about relationships. </p> <p>The nurse explained people either wish they had maintained certain relationships and friendships, or regret holding grudges.</p> <p>Dr Rajan responded to Ms McFadden's insight with a story of a young patient that made him realise we are not 'immortal' and we should not take our life "for granted". </p> <p>In the clip shared with his 1.5million followers he said, "A few years ago when I saw a young woman come in with pancreatitis in her 20s, within three hours this young woman is in the intensive care unit, she's intubated, ventilated, and the next day, she had passed away."</p> <p>"That just made me think wow, I'm in my 30s now, I'm 34, life can just go in a flash. So yes, truly don't take it for granted, we sometimes have this tendency to walk around like we're immortal."</p> <p><em>Image credits: YouTube</em></p>

Caring

Lifestyle

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"You made me enjoy the game": Federer's emotional retirement letter to Nadal

<p>Roger Federer has penned an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of his retirement, reflecting on their stellar careers together. </p> <p>Nadal’s career officially came to an end when Spain was defeated 2-1 by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-final in Malaga on Wednesday morning, with Nadal in tears as he stepped onto the court for the final time. </p> <p>Thousands of tributes poured in for Nadal as his retirement officially began, but Federer's tribute quickly went viral for his emotional words.</p> <p>“As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional,” Federer said. </p> <p>“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground."</p> <p>“You made me reimagine my game - even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge. I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals."</p> <p>“Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear … All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique - it was so you."</p> <p>“And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the No. 1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was - until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly."</p> <p>"All that buzz I’d been hearing about you - about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday - it wasn’t just hype."</p> <p>“We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens - historic! You made Spain proud … you made the whole tennis world proud."</p> <p>“And then there was London – the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side – not as my rival but as my doubles partner."</p> <p>“Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”</p> <p>Federer signed off the 585-word tribute from “your fan Roger”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Retirement Life

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Mum's tribute to "kind" teenager after unidentified remains found

<p>Isla Bell's mum, Justine Spokes, has paid tribute to the "kind" and "gentle" teenager, after remains believed to be the 19-year-old's were found at a waste management facility in Melbourne's south-east. </p> <p>Bell was last seen leaving her Brunswick home about 6pm on October 4 and made final contact with her friends on October 7. </p> <p>At the time, her mother made a heartfelt plea for her return, saying: "We just can't wait to hold you bub, we love you so much and we just want to know you're safe, my darling." </p> <p>On Tuesday afternoon, police arrived at a facility in Bentleigh East, after receiving a tip-off that a white van was seen dumping a fridge believed to be connected to the investigation. The found the yet-to-be-formally identified remains at the facility. </p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/men-charged-after-remains-found-following-teen-s-disappearance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two men have been charged</a> over the death of the 19-year-old, and documents released by the court on Wednesday revealed that she was allegedly murdered in St Kilda East, the same day she was last in contact with her loved ones. </p> <p>Police allege a 53-year-old man, who she was believed to be staying with a few days prior to her death, attacked her inside his apartment, and a 57-year-old man helped him hide her body in the fridge. </p> <p>They also allege the 53-year-old man initially denied knowledge of the fridge, but eventually admitted to transporting Bell's remains after she died at his house, but claims he did not know how she died and denied any involvement.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>The Age</em>, Bell's mother said her daughter is "cherished forever and suffering no more".</p> <p>"I am so sorry I could not protect you, that your experience of the world was cruel and unsafe," Spokes said.</p> <p>"Despite your challenges, you lived bravely, stood up for what was right and remained the kindest human, the gentlest soul.</p> <p>"May your (alleged) murderer murder no more. With the deepest love and respect, your Mumma."</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"My boys": Channel 7 presenter's baby joy

<p>Channel 7 sports presenter Abbey Gelmi and former Richmond star Kane Lambert are celebrating the birth of their second child, a baby boy.</p> <p>The couple took to Instagram to announce their joyful news, with a set of black-and-white photos. </p> <p>“My boys 🌏🤍,” Gelmi wrote in the caption. </p> <p>One of the photos showed her fiance holding the two children, and the second was of her holding her newborn baby boy. </p> <p>“Oliver Herb Lambert arrived 17.11.24,” Gelmi continued.</p> <p>“Everyone happy, healthy and very much in love.”</p> <p>Fellow Aussie stars were quick to congratulate the couple, with <em>Better Homes and Gardens </em>host Joh Griggs saying: “Welcome to the Two boys Club Abbey. Those lucky men in your life…❤️❤️❤️.”</p> <p>Seven AFL presenter Abbey Holmes added:  “Omg !!! Just beautiful!! Congratulations guys, rapt for you xx.”</p> <p>Brit Selwood, wife of Geelong great Joel, commented: “Aww congratulations gorgeous!!! Two beautiful boys, just the best ❤️❤️.”</p> <p>While Australian model and influencer Bec Judd wrote a simple, “Congrats darling x.”</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/DCieSDcTOdN/?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/DCieSDcTOdN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Abbey Gelmi (@abbeygelmi)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Lambert and Gelmi already share a son together, Louis, who was born in March 2023. </p> <p>In May this year, Gelmi revealed that her pregnancy with her second son was difficult, as she battled a “debilitating” case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a condition that causes intractable vomiting during pregnancy leading to weight loss. </p> <p>At the time, she had been absent from duties with Seven and iHeart Radio, and explained why she had been absent. </p> <p>“I’ve been in hospital three days a week for most of the first trimester, unable to keep anything down or leave bed with relentless nausea. I’d get dizzy when I stood, couldn’t care for (first-born) Louis and my mental health took a dive," she shared. </p> <p>She then shared a few resources for women who may experience the same condition,  "in the hope that those who endure it know they’re not alone." </p> <p>“Work have been so accommodating, I can’t thank Seven and iHeart enough for the grace and time to recover.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas celebrate 24th anniversary

<p>Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. </p> <p>The Hollywood couple, who've been together since 1998, took a trip down memory lane and shared photos from their nuptials as well as loving tributes to each other. </p> <p>Zeta-Jones shared three photos of their wedding day and the moment they officially became husband and wife. </p> <p>"24 years ago, I said, I do," she began in the caption.</p> <p>"Happy Anniversary darling Michael. Our love is like a hole in one…. You have to see it to believe it. Love you," she added with a series of red heart 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/DCgehPtsXt2/?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/DCgehPtsXt2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Catherine Zeta-Jones (@catherinezetajones)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Douglas shared one photo of their wedding day, showing the two cheek-to-cheek as they smiled for the camera, with Zeta-Jones' showing off her stunning ring. </p> <p>"24 years ago my darling," wrote Douglas. "Wow was I a lucky guy! Happy Anniversary Catherine!" </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/DCgB47hs8kA/?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/DCgB47hs8kA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Douglas (@michaelkirkdouglas)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first met in 1998, after Douglas said he fell in love at first sight and arranged a meeting with her through his publicist. They began dating shortly after. </p> <p>They got engaged the following year and had their first child together in 2000. </p> <p>Zeta-Jones and Douglas share two kids together, Dylan, 24 and Carys, 21, who are both following in their parents footsteps and pursuing careers in acting. </p> <p>Douglas also has a son from a previous relationship, named Cameron Douglas, 45.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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

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

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Bunnings releases shocking CCTV footage of attacks on staff

<p>Bunnings has shared CCTV footage of violent attacks on staff members, after a watchdog found that the store's facial recognition camera breached privacy laws. </p> <p>The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has ruled the retail giant breached privacy laws when it used CCTV-linked facial recognition technology to capture the face of every person who entered 63 stores in NSW and Victoria in the three years to November 2021.</p> <p>Bunnings is set to appeal the ruling, as they explained the cameras were installed to crackdown on shoplifting and violence towards staff in their stores. </p> <p>Managing director Mike Schneider said, “FRT was trialled at a limited number of Bunnings stores in Victoria and NSW between 2018-2021, with strict controls around its use, with the sole and clear intent of keeping team members and customers safe and preventing unlawful activity.”</p> <p>“Our use of FRT was never about convenience or saving money but was all about safeguarding our business and protecting our team, customers, and suppliers from violent, aggressive behaviour, criminal conduct and preventing them from being physically or mentally harmed by these individuals,” Schneider said.</p> <p>“It was not used in isolation but in combination with various other security measures and tools to deliver a safer store environment.”  </p> <p>The company added that about 70 percent of violent attacks were committed by "the same group of people", as Bunnings shared a compilation of clips of the incidents, showing its staff punched, pushed, grabbed and threatened with firearms, knives and hammers in its stores.</p> <p>“FRT provided the fastest and most accurate way of identifying these individuals and quickly removing them from our stores.”</p> <p>In her ruling, Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind acknowledged the potential of the technology to protect against crime and violent behaviour, but determined, “However, any possible benefits need to be weighed against the impact on privacy rights, as well as our collective values as a society.”</p> <p>“Facial recognition technology may have been an efficient and cost-effective option available to Bunnings at the time in its well-intentioned efforts to address unlawful activity, which included incidents of violence and aggression.</p> <p>“However, just because a technology may be helpful or convenient, does not mean its use is justifiable.”</p> <p>The ruling found Bunnings had taken the private information of customers without consent, failed to take steps to notify them and had left gaping holes in its privacy policy.</p> <p>Commissioner Kind said the technology was an intrusive option that interfered with all customers’ privacy, not just high-risk individuals.</p> <p>“Individuals who entered the relevant Bunnings stores at the time would not have been aware that facial recognition technology was in use and especially that their sensitive information was being collected, even if briefly,” she said.</p> <p>The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner said the ruling should be a reminder to businesses about their privacy obligations and has released a privacy guide for companies considering using facial recognition tech.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Bunnings</em></p>

Legal

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

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/park-thaichon-175182">Park Thaichon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sara-quach-175976">Sara Quach</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a></em></p> <p>Your landlord has just raised your rent by 10% and your mind starts running the numbers – should you cop it sweet or look to move?</p> <p>It’s a familiar scenario in today’s unpredictable housing market.</p> <p>Understanding the real costs of staying versus moving is essential for making informed choices: renters must consider hidden expenses such as moving costs, deposits and changing rental rates, giving them tools to handle rising rent pressures more effectively.</p> <h2>A grim time for many renters</h2> <p>National median market rents have hit record highs, reaching $627 per week, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1% during the past three years, according to real estate giant <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/Budget/reviews/2024-25/Housing#:%7E:text=Based%20on%20April%202024%20CoreLogic,the%20past%203%20calendar%20years">CoreLogic</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2024/rent-growth-picked-up-in-the-start-of-2024,-taking-rents-to-new-record-highs">CoreLogic</a> also reported annual rental changes (houses and units) in regional Australia are not far off from the big cities: annual rent changes were 9.4% for combined capital cities, 6.4% for combined regional areas, and 8.5% nationally.</p> <p>So, is it better to stay or move if your rent is raised by 10%? Let’s examine the costs and benefits of each option.</p> <h2>A breakdown of typical moving costs</h2> <p>We’ll start with the most obvious expense: <strong>moving costs</strong>.</p> <p>Professional moving services aren’t cheap. For example, moving a three-bedroom house in the Gold Coast costs <a href="https://www.muval.com.au/removalists/gold-coast">$1,095.25 on average</a>, with an hourly rate of $158.26.</p> <p>In a bigger city like Melbourne, the cost is slightly higher at <a href="https://www.muval.com.au/removalists/melbourne">about $1,118.46</a>.</p> <p>The moving costs between states or cities will be more expensive if you move further away.</p> <p>You could choose to handle packing yourself and hire some help with a truck – a common option with businesses such as “<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-removals-storage/gold-coast/2+men+and+a+truck/k0c18643l3006035">Two Men and a Truck</a>”, which typically costs around $100 per hour.</p> <p>Be aware, though, that the hourly rate often starts from the moment the truck leaves the company’s warehouse until it returns. Alternatively, you can rent a van for a lower price, such as $87 for a 24-hour <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/for-hire-handivan-24hr-first-100kms-inc-_p5470402">Handivan rental at Bunnings</a>.</p> <p>Don’t forget the cost of moving boxes, too: Bunnings’ 52 litre <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/bunnings-52l-light-duty-moving-carton_p0517130?srsltid=AfmBOoqCYAWT0P5apPiJpoOLRAIpUCHNi63ztvIZrG5CxCoNOv45G0TV">moving cartons</a> cost $2.66 each.</p> <p>End-of-lease or <a href="https://firstcallhomeservices.com.au/service-menu/bond-exit-end-lease-cleaning/"><strong>bond cleaning</strong></a> is another common expense.</p> <p>For a typical three-bedroom property, internal cleaning can range from $365 to $500.</p> <p>If you have pets, or kids who love drawing on the walls, your cleaning costs might be a bit higher.</p> <p>Now, let’s look at <strong>utility connection expenses</strong> that can catch people by surprise.</p> <p>Cancelling your internet service can be costly if you don’t meet the exit or cancellation policies. With <a href="https://www.telstra.com.au/internet/5g-home-internet">Telstra Home Internet</a>, for example, if you cancel within the first 24 months, you must return your modem within 21 days to avoid a $400 non-return fee.</p> <p>Most providers charge a cancellation fee or require final device repayments, typically ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the remaining contract period. As a renter, it might be wise to choose a no-lock-in contract plan to avoid these fees if you need flexibility.</p> <p>Electricity and gas connection and disconnection fees are usually minor but can add up, often costing about $40 to $60 for <a href="https://www.energyon.com.au/fees-and-charges/">connection and disconnection fees</a> for electricity alone. If your house uses gas for hot water or cooking, you may have to pay additional fees for setting up service.</p> <p>However, there are also <strong>non-financial costs</strong>, like the time spent searching for a new home, attending inspections, and putting in applications.</p> <p>Moving takes effort and energy for packing, transporting and unpacking.</p> <p>Some people feel emotionally attached to their current home, which can make leaving harder.</p> <p>Older renters <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829218311304">seem to draw strength</a> from their familiarity with, attachment to, and enjoyment of their place and community. This is something to be considered.</p> <p>Plus, moving can take <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41537-023-00349-w">an emotional toll</a>.</p> <h2>The benefits of not moving</h2> <p>The clear benefit of staying is <strong>avoiding the hassle</strong> of relocating.</p> <p>Staying means saving on moving expenses and avoiding the time spent searching for a new place, packing and unpacking.</p> <p>This may also save some people from needing to take time off work.</p> <p>Changing and updating an address is also another tedious task that can be avoided by staying.</p> <p>Moving can hit the hip pocket with “<strong>after moving costs</strong>” that people may not initially consider.</p> <p>For instance, a new location might mean a longer commute. If each trip adds just 15 extra minutes, that could amount to an additional 11 hours per month over 22 workdays.</p> <p>For drivers, increased fuel and parking expenses might also come into play.</p> <p>Is the current or new location closer to a supermarket, hospital, and school? This proximity could be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the surrounding environment and available services.</p> <h2>To move or not to move?</h2> <p>One point to note is that overall, moving costs are likely to be similar between big cities and regional areas if you get moving supplies or rent a van from a large company such as Bunnings.</p> <p>In the end, moving costs will be around $2,000 based on the figures above, and it can be around $800 to $1,000 cheaper if you opt to rent a van instead of using a full-service moving company.</p> <p>Therefore, if the current rent is $600 per week and is about to increase by 10% to $660, the additional cost would be $3,120 per year.</p> <p>So is it cheaper to move or stay when your rent increases by 10%?</p> <p>The answer is moving may save about $1,000 to $2,000, but comes with the hassle and emotional toll of relocation. Staying will be more expensive, but with less hassle and emotional strain.</p> <p>The right choice depends on your situation.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243155/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/park-thaichon-175182">Park Thaichon</a>, Associate Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sara-quach-175976">Sara Quach</a>, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-move-or-not-to-move-is-it-cheaper-to-find-a-new-place-or-stay-when-your-rent-increases-by-10-243155">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

Entertainment

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Radio presenter announces he was sacked live on air

<p>KIIS FM radio presenter Mitch Churi has revealed that he has been sacked, sharing the information live on air. </p> <p>Churi shared the sad news during the latest episode of <em>The Pick Up</em>, which he hosts with Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne, revealing to his listeners why he won't be back next year.</p> <p>"So late last week, I was informed by the powers that be... They have identified my roles and roles that won't be returning in 2025," he explained.</p> <p>"So I just want to say that it wasn't my decision. It wasn't my call. I really wanted to stay on this show with the two of you. And I wanted to stay on the night show and I wanted to stay at ARN and KIIS. And that I love working in radio," he said.</p> <p>Churi continued,"You know, I started on The Kyle and Jackie O Show when I was 19 and I was their barista. I was a kid who dreamt to have a show like this. And now I've got more time to dream of more dreams."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DClRw2qR88Z/?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/DClRw2qR88Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by THE PICK UP (@thepickup)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Co host Laura Byrne confirmed the news, adding, "It's a decision that's been made that's out of our control. As you know, Britt and I, we have to continue on doing the show without you and we are utterly devastated."</p> <p>Brittany Hockley added, "You are not only our co-host, but also one of our best friends."</p> <p>Churi ended his announcement with a message to listeners, saying, "And I just want to end this by saying to the listeners who have listened to our show. When you first heard me, I was a kid. I was in the closet."</p> <p>"I was pimply. I was terrified. And I was so happy to be on air. And all those things still really are the same. I have loved every moment of it."</p> <p>ARN confirmed Chrui's departure in a statement which read: "As part of our review of network shows for 2025, Mitch Churi will be departing ARN, with his final day on KIIS being December 13. Mitch has been a cherished member of the ARN family, bringing his unique energy, humour, and talent to our network."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p> </p>

Music

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Australian Word of the Year announced

<p>Cost-of-living pressures and anger at the nation-wide supermarket duopoly have influenced the Australian Word of the Year for 2024.</p> <p>The Australian National Dictionary Centre, based at the Australian National University, has chosen "Colesworth": a blended word referencing the country's largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths.</p> <p>Senior Researcher Mark Gwynn said the word is almost exclusively used in negative contexts, with many calling out the power held by both supermarket giants. </p> <p>Although the word itself has been circulated for several years, its use has skyrocketed over the past 12 months, according to Gwynn.</p> <p>"Aussies walk out of the supermarket with less after paying more, but then hear news of massive profits in the supermarket sector. And with official investigations into some of the pricing practices at Australia's two largest supermarkets, it's no wonder that ordinary shoppers have become cynical," he said.</p> <p>"The blend of the supermarket names Coles and Woolworths into Colesworth provides a succinct way of referring to both supermarkets while at the same time hinting at the negative aspects of what is perceived as an unfair duopoly."</p> <p>Other shortlisted words include a mix of terms referencing politics, tax, and climate change.</p> <p>"Breaking" also made the shortlist, following the iconic performance by Australian artist RayGun at the Paris Olympic Games, with words included "climate trigger," "ute tax," and "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard).</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Books

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Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel team up for new show

<p>With the 2024 season of <em>My Kitchen Rules</em> coming to a close, Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel have teamed up for a brand new show. </p> <p>At their annual Upfronts event, Channel Seven announced that the pair will host a show called <em>Off The Grid</em> in 2025.</p> <p>Speaking exclusively to <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/mkrs-colin-fassnidge-announces-new-series-with-manu-feildel-in-2025-044819605.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em></a>, Colin reveals that the series is an “off-the-beaten-path food adventure” where he and Manu travel around New Zealand for a month in a caravan.</p> <p>“We did the North Island and the South Island, and it was sort of like a chef’s dream scenario where you get to shoot, fish and hunt,” he details. “We did a lot of cooking with the Māori people, Manu and I got tattoos which wasn’t planned, I managed to split my head open - you’ll have to watch the series for that one.”</p> <p>The Irish chef explains that <em>Off The Grid</em> was a long time in the making, and was filmed “a few months ago” in between production for <em>MKR Australia</em> and <em>MKR New Zealand</em>.</p> <p>“We’ve been talking to Seven about it for years, just getting on the road,” he shares. “Manu had an idea to do a thing called ‘A Big Lap Around Australia’ and no one wanted to do it, but when we were in New Zealand I said, ‘We should do it in a caravan’. It was Manu’s idea, but I made it better."</p> <p>“We saw this little caravan in the garden one day when we were shooting <em>MKR</em> over there and we said, ‘Wouldn't it be great to do it in a 1960s caravan?’. We sent it to the producer of Screentime in New Zealand, who works very closely with Channel Seven, and he said, ‘Let’s make it happen’, and then Seven jumped on board.”</p> <p><em>Off The Grid</em> is set to air early next year on Channel Seven before the fifteenth season of <em>MKR</em> premieres, with Colin saying, “I’ve just seen the teaser for it and it looks amazing.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Denzel Washington's awkward encounter with King Charles

<p>Denzel Washington and King Charles have had an awkward encounter at the <em>Gladiator II</em> premiere in London. </p> <p>The cast of the highly-anticipated film lined up to meet His Majesty, and as the King approached the legendary actor, Washington held out his arm to shake Charles' hand. </p> <p>As the moment took place, the actor told the King with a nervous grin, “I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not”.</p> <p>Afterwards, the King asked him about his role in Gladiator II, where he plays the villainous Macrinus, to which Washington joked, “I’m, just an awful … I’m a lovely man you’ll see. I’m a lovely chap”.</p> <p>The King then told Washington, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCVGH0lowSg/?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/DCVGH0lowSg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ITV News Royals (@itvnewsroyals)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Denzel was joined at the premiere by his fellow co-stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and the film's director Ridley Scott. </p> <p>Gladiator II returns fans to Ancient Rome, but is set 20 years after the original <em>Gladiator</em> - released in 2000 and starring Russell Crowe - focusing on a now grown-up Lucius who is forced into slavery after a Roman invasion sees his home destroyed and his wife killed.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Movies

Property

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Dr Chris Brown recalls "dramatic" personal renovation disaster

<p><em>Dream Home</em> host Dr Chris Brown has revealed his own renovation fail on the latest episode of the show. </p> <p>The vet turned TV star has taken on a new role where he guides six teams of aspiring renovators through the joys — and pitfalls — of house remodelling in the new Channel 7 reality show. </p> <p>Speaking to 7NEWS, the star recalled the terrifying moment his home nearly fell in on itself when he was trying to build a garage. </p> <p>“On my first renovation, I decided I needed a garage underneath my house,” he said, adding that he had council approval for the renovation. </p> <p>“With a couple of tradies, we went about digging out the garage underneath the house, in the sand.</p> <p>“We just kept on digging, digging, digging, until a rather large sound indicated the house was about to fall into the hole!</p> <p>“So that’s about as dramatic as it as it gets.</p> <p>“To have your house sort of falling in on itself, that was a pretty big learning curve.”</p> <p>He said that the problem was solved "very quickly" with a lot of underpinning and structural support. </p> <p>“A lot of those steel support posts that you can sort of wind up and down, they went in, and thankfully the house didn’t fold in half,” he said, laughing at the situation. </p> <p>He added that unexpected situations like this are what make renovation shows so appealing as "there’s so much natural drama, you don’t have to fake anything." </p> <p>“Choices have to be made, and it’s either the right way or the wrong way, and you only really discover that as you go along," he added. </p> <p>“Sometimes it’s too late to turn back once you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake.”</p> <p>Chris added that his role on the show is almost as a"coach" to the pairs, supporting them through the renovation challenges, and helping them get to the finish line. </p> <p>“What these couples are going through, and just how much they put on the line to get these renovations done, is quite inspiring and quite uplifting and but also thoroughly entertaining,” he said. </p> <p><em>Image: Seven</em></p>

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Yoko Ono selling John Lennon's New York home for first time in 50 years

<p>For the first time in 50 years, the house where John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in New York City has hit the market.</p> <p>The brick, bluestone and terra cotta structure at 496 Broome St. was the first home the pair bought together in New York City before they moved to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. </p> <p>Yoko Ono has held onto the property since she first bought it with the late Beatles member, and has now listed it with her son with JLL Real Estate, for an asking price of $US5.5 million ($8.23m AUD).</p> <p>“The building on Broome St. was sort of like a base for their artistic ventures,” Philip Norman, author of “John Lennon: The Life,” told the <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/05/21/real-estate/yoko-ono-lists-former-nyc-home-for-5-5m/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a></em>. “Bank Street was their salon, where people could just walk in.”</p> <p>First built in 1885, the two-storey building has an open-plan format, with a gallery-like ground floor space with 14.4-foot-high ceilings, an open kitchen and a lofted bedroom.</p> <p>On the second floor, there’s a live-work space and a recording studio.</p> <p>“496 Broome St. is both a unique piece of New York history and popular culture and a prime investment opportunity for the right buyer,” said Paul Smadbeck, who holds the listing.</p> <p>“Versatile zoning and its location in one of the city’s most desirable and trendsetting neighbourhoods offers an exciting opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind property.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Mediapunch / JLL Real Estate </em></p>

Real Estate

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Airbnb launches real-life "Up" house - and it actually floats!

<p>Airbnb is taking its latest listing to the sky - literally. </p> <p>The accommodation provider has announced a partnership that will see the iconic house from Pixar's hit film <em>Up</em> being lifted into the air, balloons and all. </p> <p>In their ongoing quest to redefine hospitality, Airbnb has launched a permanent category called “Icons,” which features partnerships with brands and celebrities that promise unforgettable experiences.</p> <p>Suspended over the New Mexico desert with the aid of a crane, the property looks like an exact replica of the home and contains adorable easter eggs from the film - including the Adventure Book. </p> <p>“Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination — until now,”  Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky said in a statement.</p> <p>“As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world … we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth." </p> <p>The house offers a stunning view of the desert, which you can enjoy while sitting on replica's of Ellie and Carl's chairs or have breakfast with a view in the kitchen. </p> <p>Alternatively, you could look at the stars while sitting on the front porch - but don't look down because the adventure is out there. </p> <p>Of course there are questions about the logistics of the stay, including plumbing and electricity, but the accommodation giant has assured that the house is “fully functional,” connected to generators and utilities that will be seamlessly managed before and after its flight.</p> <p>Other fantastical listings include a replica of the mansion from the “X-Men ’97” cartoon, a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Italy, and Prince's house that was featured in the legendary film <em>Purple Rain</em>. </p> <p>Check out the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1126185893236246260?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1715826165_M2NkZDdkODdhMjcy&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1715826166_A20M4770EGAtl8AV&amp;modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Up</em></a> listing here, be warned the sweet listing may make you shed a tear or two. </p> <p><em>Images: Airbnb</em></p> <p> </p>

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When is it a good idea to get a property appraisal?

<p>In the fast-paced world of real estate, finding a space that truly reflects your essence and aspirations can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter <a href="https://go.linkby.com/PXROBQFZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlas by LJ Hooker</a>.</p> <p>At the heart of Atlas lies a profound understanding that a home is not merely a structure; it's a canvas upon which individuals paint their dreams and express their identities. This ethos is beautifully encapsulated in their brand message: "We understand that a home is so much more than real estate; it's a place to truly express yourself, to live the life you envision."</p> <p>What sets Atlas apart is its unwavering commitment to personalised service – especially when it comes to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/PXROBQFZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free property appraisals</a>. Unlike traditional real estate agencies, Atlas doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they empower sellers to curate their own narrative, choosing elements of the brand that resonate with their unique lifestyle. Whether it's a sleek urban penthouse or a sprawling countryside estate, Atlas offers highly tailored marketing strategies that serve as a personal reflection of the property and its inherent allure.</p> <p>For those ready to embark on the journey of <a href="https://go.linkby.com/PXROBQFZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">having their property appraised</a> – whether you're contemplating a sale, gauging investment opportunities, or simply curious about your net worth – Atlas offers a seamless pathway to success, as well as comprehensive advice on the potential benefits.</p> <p>At the core of any property appraisal lies a quest for insight into the local property market's heartbeat. Has your neighbourhood witnessed fluctuations in property values? Have recent renovations added significant value to your home? Are you considering upsizing, downsizing, or entering the investment realm? Or perhaps you're merely eager to unveil the hidden potential nestled within your property's walls.</p> <p>From the size of your property to the nuances of its structure and condition, every facet contributes to the appraisal process. Agents meticulously scrutinise elements such as property size, bedroom configurations, fixtures and fittings, offering valuable insights into your property's market positioning.</p> <p>Beyond tangible attributes, location exerts a profound influence on property values. Agents dissect the neighbourhood fabric, examining proximity to amenities, school catchments and transport accessibility. Additionally, factors like building structure, overall presentation and ease of access shape the appraisal narrative, underscoring the intricate interplay between tangible and intangible elements.</p> <p><strong>The crucial distinction: Valuations vs. Appraisals</strong></p> <p>It's imperative to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/PXROBQFZ/understanding-property-appraisals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discern between property valuations and appraisals</a>. While valuations offer an independent assessment of a property's value by certified valuers, appraisals provide a nuanced perspective shaped by local market dynamics and agent expertise.</p> <p>Embarking on the path to a property appraisal is easy. Simply <a href="https://go.linkby.com/PXROBQFZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book a consultation</a>, relax as they navigate through the intricacies of your property, and await their expert assessment.</p> <p>Armed with the insights garnered from your property appraisal, you're now equipped to chart your next course of action. Whether it's embarking on home improvements, contemplating a sale or recalibrating your financial portfolio, the appraisal serves as your guiding light.</p> <p>In a landscape defined by constant flux, the value of knowledge cannot be overstated. A property appraisal isn't merely a transactional ritual; it's a journey towards financial empowerment and informed decision-making. So, whether you're contemplating a sale or simply curious about your property's worth, take that pivotal step towards unlocking the true value of your home. After all, in the realm of real estate, knowledge is indeed power.</p> <p><em>For more information or to book your own <a href="https://go.linkby.com/PXROBQFZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free property appraisal, click here</a>.</em></p>

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