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Amanda Keller breaks down over simple question about her husband

<p>Amanda Keller couldn't hold back her tears during a recent episode of ABC's heartwarming new series,  <em>The Assembly,</em> where high-profile figures are interviewed by a classroom of journalists-in-training, who are all autistic and can ask whatever they want. </p> <p>One student, Savannah, asked her the simple question: “Do you love your husband?”</p> <p>The <em>Jonesy and Amanda</em> radio host teared up as she told the student her question was "beautiful", before opening up about her husband, Harley Oliver. </p> <p>“I think I’m going to cry, because my husband is going through some stuff at the moment,” Keller told her.</p> <p>“My husband has Parkinson’s disease, and we've been married 34 years, and life is changing around us.</p> <p>“He’s so good with it, in a way that I’m not, actually. We’re learning to find ourselves in the midst of changing circumstances, and part of me thinks – it’s easy for me to say, he’s the one going through it – but part of me thinks it’s a real privilege to be with someone long enough that you go through these changes with them.”</p> <p>She wrapped up her answer saying: “So yes, I love him very much, even though we’ve got some stuff going on.”</p> <p>Another student, Evie, then asked her what prompted the pair to go public with Oliver's diagnosis and she admitted that she'd had to think "long and hard” about sharing the news for a few reasons. </p> <p>“One is that I work on breakfast radio, and a big part of that is sharing your life – and even though it wasn’t my story to tell, it affected me too, and our lives,” she told the class.</p> <p>“ … Another reason I wanted to was that I wanted to open the window into why people look at us strangely when we’re out," she continued. </p> <p>“I wanted to free us up by saying, ‘Here's what’s going on.’ I think that’s why I did it.”</p> <p>However she admitted that opening up about their personal struggle has been "hard" at times but she is "glad" she did it. </p> <p>Keller first revealed the heartbreaking news about her husband's Parkinson's diagnosis in an episode of her <em>Double A Chattery</em> podcast last October. </p> <p>As the interview session wrapped up, she told the students that it had been a high point of her career. </p> <p>“What a life highlight this has been,” she told the class.</p> <p>“Thank you, I’ve loved it.”</p> <p><em>Images: ABC/Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Dr Chris Brown to reunite with Amanda Keller on new show

<p>Dr Chris Brown and Amanda Keller will be reunited on screen for the first time in two years. </p> <p>Keller confirmed on her WSFM breakfast show that she will reunite with Brown for his new series <em>Once in a Lifetime, </em>and will be travelling across the globe to film the show. </p> <p>“It’s a show called Once in a Lifetime, and Chris Brown is hosting this," she told listeners on Tuesday morning. </p> <p>“And this is a show I know that he’s wanted to do for years … I do know which country I’m going to, but I’m not allowed to say. It’s in Africa.</p> <p>“It’s Chris’s show. He and I are hanging out, and I’m going to be having experiences.</p> <p>“My nature is to over-research things and there’s nothing I can do. I can’t do that. So it’s a TV show where I can go into it floating, I can get on a plane and not have to be anxious about having to prepare something.</p> <p>“It’s a real gift for me, so I’m excited. But I have arranged for people to come in and play with you while I’m away.”</p> <p><em>Once in a Lifetime</em> will air on Channel 7, and was announced last year. </p> <p>It is an animal adventure series starring Brown, where he will be "pushed to his limits in the pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter," according to a Channel 7 spokesperson. </p> <p>“But he will not be travelling to the furthest corners of the globe alone. In the most delicious twist, Chris will be taking the country’s most intriguing and entertaining personalities along … as his veterinary assistant," they added. </p> <p>This is the first time the duo are reuniting on screen after working on <em>The Living Room</em> together for a decade before it was axed in 2022. </p> <p><em>Images: Ten</em></p>

TV

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Amanda Keller's emotional family update

<p>Amanda Keller has shared an emotional family update while live on-air on the <em>Jonesy and Amanda show </em>on Monday. </p> <p>The radio star has shared an update on how her husband's battle with Parkinson's disease has affected them, as they try to plan their son's 21st birthday party. </p> <p>“It was a hard week for me leading up to it because I wanted to put a slide show together to play throughout the night,” she told her co-host Jonesy. </p> <p>“And normally that is Harley’s domain. He has been the guy who will make the kid’s birthday invitations. He’s very creative. He will work on the computer to do this funky stuff. Normally, he would have done all of that. And with the way things are with Harley at the moment, he’s got Parkinson’s disease and things are just hard.”</p> <p>Keller, who has been married to her husband since 1989, revealed that he had been <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/amanda-keller-shares-heartbreaking-family-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">privately battling</a> with the disease for seven years, on October 2023. </p> <p>She then went on to share how the disease has affected her husband's ability to perform tasks that he was once good at. </p> <p>“So that kind of skill set isn’t with him anymore. He doesn’t have dementia or any of that stuff, but that stuff’s hard for him to do now.</p> <p>"And so I was going through a whole lot of photos on my phone and seeing photos of when he was well, and it was a very emotional week leading up to the 21st.”</p> <p>She then went on to confess that the situation had made her feel “lonely” and that her heart broke for her husband, who she thought couldn't attend the birthday party. </p> <p>“Leaving the house to go to Jack’s party, I thought, you know, it’s not right that Harley can’t come. Yeah, I really felt lonely thinking it’s our son’s 21st, but how hard it is for Harley and how much he would have loved to have been there,” she continued.</p> <p>But her husband surprised her, and managed to attend the event despite his ill health. </p> <p>“So there we are, having a great time. The speeches are about to start and my friend Kate said to me, There’s Harley. And I looked over. And I know what it cost him to be there.</p> <p>"He and our friend Pam and our driver friend Cole had conspired to get Harley there for the speeches. And it was so moving.”</p> <p>Keller, who was tearing up at this moment, proudly added:  “And a lot of people were shocked because they hadn’t seen Harley for a while. But I know what it cost him to get there. And he said to me, how could I not be here?”</p> <p><em>Image: Jonesy and Amanda show/ news.com.au</em></p>

Caring

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Millions of eligible Aussies about to receive financial boost

<p>Starting this Wednesday, millions of Australians relying on Centrelink benefits will see a welcome increase in their payments. With indexation kicking in, fortnightly boosts ranging from $14 to $30 will be allocated to eligible recipients, depending on their specific circumstances and the type of payment they receive.</p> <p>This adjustment will not only benefit current beneficiaries but also extend support to more individuals, with an additional 77,000 parents now qualifying for higher payment rates. The eligibility criteria for certain payments have been expanded, particularly for parents whose youngest child is under 14, a significant extension from the previous threshold of under eight.</p> <p>Income and assets limits tied to these payments will also experience an uptick in line with the indexation process, offering further relief to recipients. But how exactly will these increments manifest across different categories of payments?</p> <p>For single parents, the fortnightly payment will see a boost of $17.50, while partnered parents will witness an increase of $12.30 individually. Moreover, the income free area will rise to $1,345 for each person, an enhancement of $20 per fortnight.</p> <p>Jobseekers with children or those aged over 55 will receive an additional $14.40 fortnightly. Single JobSeeker recipients without children and individuals aged over 22 on ABSTUDY will enjoy a $13.50 increase per fortnight, with couples receiving an extra $12.30 each.</p> <p>Rent assistance, however, will see relatively modest increments, ranging from $2.27 to $3.40, depending on the recipient's family situation.</p> <p>For those on the age pension, disability support pension, and carer payment, the increase is more substantial, with singles receiving an extra $19.60 and couples combined receiving $29.40 each fortnight. This brings the maximum rate of the pension to $1116.30 for singles and $1682.80 for couples, including pension and energy supplements.</p> <p>Amanda Rishworth, the Social Services Minister, explains that indexation plays a crucial role in ensuring that welfare recipients can cope with inflation and the rising cost of living – and that addressing these pressures remains a top priority for the government.</p> <p>This increase in Centrelink payments comes at a critical time when many Australians are grappling with economic uncertainty due to various factors, including the ongoing pandemic. While these adjustments may seem modest to some, they can make a significant difference for those relying on welfare support to make ends meet.</p> <p>It's essential for eligible individuals to stay informed about these changes and ensure they receive the full benefits they're entitled to. For those who may be unsure about their eligibility or how to navigate the system, seeking assistance from Centrelink or relevant support services can provide valuable guidance.</p> <p>As the cost of living continues to evolve, initiatives like indexation serve as vital mechanisms for maintaining the welfare safety net and supporting vulnerable members of society. By keeping pace with economic realities, these adjustments strive to provide meaningful relief to those who need it most, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society for all Australians.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Radio stars reveal their worst on-air moments

<p>In celebration of 100 years of Australian radio, the who's-who of the Aussie airwaves have shared their most awkward interview moments.</p> <p>Ben Fordham, Amanda Keller and Fifi Box were among the radio presenters who recalled their worst on-air moments to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/celebrity-interview-derailed-by-radio-stars-bulge/news-story/056c130ab09f85c3c9e14a0fdeb5587b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>, with the memorable moments ranging from mispronouncing a guest's name, to announcing the death of a celebrity who was very much still alive. </p> <p><em>2GB</em>'s Ben Fordham revealed one of the more outrageous moments from his radio show, recalling when a caller asked him about classic Aussie TV show Simon Townsend's <em>Wonder World</em>.</p> <p>"I said, 'yeah, that was a great show. Sadly we lost Simon Townsend recently,' and then people started calling in saying, 'are you sure Simon Townsend is dead?'" he said. </p> <p>It turned out that Fordham had made an error, as it was actually Townsend's dog Woodrow who had died. </p> <p>He said, "When I came out of the ad-break I had to do a mop up job. It was pretty ugly."</p> <p>Amanda Keller from WSFM's <em>Jonesy and Amanda</em> shared a story about accidentally mispronouncing Weird Al Yankovic's name, despite her co-host trying to help her.</p> <p>"Jonesy (my co-host) kept telling me to pronounce his surname 'Yankovick', and I said, 'no, excuse me, it's pronounced 'Yankovich'."</p> <p>During the entire interview with the musician, Keller introduced the singer with her mispronunciation, and was eventually corrected by the singer when the time came for him to record a promo for the radio network. </p> <p>"It was humiliating," she said. </p> <p>Fifi Box recalled an experience back in 2013 when her then co-host Jules Lund blindfolded her and took her to a secret location for their show's 'Blackout Challenge.'</p> <p>"I was pregnant at the time, and basically found myself lying on a bed in a dark room being serenaded by the one and only David Hasselhoff!" she said.</p> <p>"The Hoff then decided it was funnier to take his pants off for an added extra surprise. Also, being heavily pregnant made the whole scenario a lot more awkward."</p> <p>Rounding out the awkwardness was <em>KIIS FM</em>'s Will and Woody who had an uncomfortable interview with pop star Jennifer Lopez.</p> <p>"We overheard Jennifer Lopez screaming at her publicist about needing to do an interview with us. We were both dressed as Santa and had to go through the whole interview knowing that she really didn't want to be there," Will said.</p> <p>"Suffice to say that the interview wasn't one of our best."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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"That's cheap": Tim Minchin attacked by former senator over emotional moment

<p>In the wake of tragedy, renowned Australian musician and comedian Tim Minchin faced an unexpected wave of criticism from former government minister Amanda Vanstone.</p> <p>Minchin, who recently <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/tim-minchin-s-tragic-mid-show-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared the heartbreaking news</a> of his mother's death during a concert in Sydney, was accused by Vanstone of "cheapening" the experience by making it public. The public response to Vanstone's comments was swift and overwhelmingly negative.</p> <p>During last Friday night's concert, Minchin bared his soul to the audience, disclosing that his beloved mother, Ros, had been battling terminal blood cancer for three years. The emotionally charged performance included anecdotes about his mother's life, interspersed with songs he had composed in her honour. The devastating climax came when Minchin revealed that his mother had passed away just a day before, at the age of 74.</p> <p>In a late-night tweet following the performance, former Senator Amanda Vanstone criticised Minchin for sharing such a personal and private moment with the public. </p> <p>"Losing a parent is hard," Vanstone wrote. "Whatever age and however expected. But to me it’s a private grief. Making it public seems to cheapen it, make it marketable."</p> <p>The comments struck a nerve with many, igniting a firestorm of backlash on social media.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Losing a parent is hard. Whatever age and however expected. But to me it’s a private grief. Making it public seems to cheapen it, make it marketable : Tim Minchin stuns audience with sad announcement <a href="https://t.co/tSK3LhhvlX">https://t.co/tSK3LhhvlX</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/newscomauHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@newscomauHQ</a></p> <p>— Amanda Vanstone (@amandavanstone) <a href="https://twitter.com/amandavanstone/status/1724032047511916677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Readers expressed their indignation at Vanstone's perceived lack of empathy, with many arguing that everyone processes grief differently and that Minchin's decision to share his pain was a personal choice. Some accused Vanstone of disrespecting Minchin's right to grieve in his own way, and others called for her to retract her statement.</span></p> <p>"Shut down your account you heartless crone - but then you've always been that. However, you've never been cheap - with our money," read one angry post. </p> <p>"It brings those who have lost their parent together to share their grief. As someone who lost their mum to cancer at a young age, this sharing is what gets me and many others through. You’re entitled to privacy. He’s entitled to share and not be labeled as opportunistic," read a second comment.</p> <p>"Imagine disrespecting someone’s right to grieve in a way of their choosing. That’s cheap," another said.</p> <p>Among the many voices condemning Vanstone's comments, an overwhelming outpouring of support for Tim Minchin also emerged. Fans commended the artist for his courage in continuing with the show despite the family tragedy. Many emphasised that sharing grief in a public space can be a source of solace and connection for those who have experienced similar losses. The consensus among Minchin's supporters was that his decision to proceed with the concert demonstrated strength and resilience.</p> <p>Minchin, undeterred by the controversy, has continued his nationwide tour, receiving rave reviews for his performances. On Instagram, he shared a glowing tribute from a concertgoer, underscoring the beauty of his show and its impact on the audience. The positive response to his performances served as a powerful rebuttal to those who criticised him for sharing his grief publicly.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / X</em></p>

Caring

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Amanda Keller breaks down during emotional win

<p>In a heartwarming display of both resilience and talent, Amanda Keller, one-half of the iconic Jonesy and Amanda radio duo, took home the prestigious Best On Air Team (FM) award at the 34th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs).</p> <p>The heartfelt triumph unfolded on Saturday night in Sydney, offering a poignant testament to the power of radio as a medium for empathy, connection and joy.</p> <p>Keller and her steadfast co-host of 18 years, Brendan Jones, clinched the FM radio industry's most esteemed accolade, an honour comparable to the Gold Logie at the TV awards. The Jonesy and Amanda show emerged victorious over formidable contenders, including KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show and Nova's national drive show, Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel.</p> <p>Keller's genuine and tearful acceptance of the award, as she stood on the grand stage in Sydney, marked an emotional highpoint in her illustrious career.</p> <p>"This was the most meaningful win of my career," Keller confessed, as her emotions swelled. It was a bittersweet moment for her, accentuated by the weight of recent hardships. Keller acknowledged that this week had been particularly challenging, with a barrage of disheartening news. However, she recognised the privilege of her role in "acknowledging the world's challenges every day and playing the delicate dance of uplifting people's spirits."</p> <p>Keller's gracious spirit extended to her co-host, Brendan Jones, whom she showered with accolades. "Jonesy has a life enthusiasm that lifts you, no matter what," she shared with <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/acras-2023-amanda-keller-breaks-down-after-emotional-win/news-story/a8dafb119bf1cc71822224290b5f0927" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. "There's a very sunny energy to him that's very attractive."</p> <p>Jonesy, in turn, reciprocated the praise, revealing the synergy that has sustained their partnership for nearly two decades. "Sometimes my brain is like a hive of bees," he admitted, "but Amanda will come in early in the morning and just say, 'let's do this.' And I'll go, 'OK.' She's always the nucleus of what we're doing every day, and I don't know how she does it."</p> <p>However, what made this ACRAs win particularly poignant was the backdrop of Keller's recent announcement. Just two weeks before the award ceremony, Keller publicly revealed for the first time that her husband, Harley, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In a heartfelt moment on her podcast, <em>Double A Chattery</em>, Keller disclosed that her partner of 34 years had received this life-altering diagnosis six years ago.</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/CyB2Q5lSkoh/?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/CyB2Q5lSkoh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Amanda Keller (@amandarosekeller)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"This was something I've never spoken about," Keller said  regarding her decision to share this deeply personal aspect of her life. When asked why she chose to speak out about it now, Keller articulated her desire for understanding and empathy. "I want to go to a restaurant and not have people think, 'what's going on with Harley?' I just want people to go, 'there it is, that's what's happening. He's a smart, funny, interesting man, but this is happening to him.' I just wanted him to be understood."</p> <p>In the midst of life's profound challenges and amidst the tumultuous waves of breaking news, Keller and Jones have demonstrated the remarkable power of radio to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of shared humanity to their listeners. Their ACRAs win serves as a touching reminder that the voices behind the microphone are not just entertainers; they are storytellers, companions and friends who uplift, console, and inspire us in our everyday lives.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Amanda Keller shares heartbreaking family news

<p>Amanda Keller has spoken candidly about her family's difficult health battle, as she revealed her husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. </p> <p>The radio host announced that her husband, Harley, has been privately battling the life-altering disease for six years, as she opened up about the struggle for the first time. </p> <p>On Thursday’s episode of her new <em>Double A Chattery</em> podcast, the 61-year-old shared the first signs something with not quite right with her husband, who she has been married to since 1989. </p> <p>“I first noticed Harley’s footfall around the house changing, like he was dragging his leg, and his hands started to shake, and he said he’d just been whacked in the thumbs as a wicket keeper playing cricket, but I felt something was going on,” Keller told her podcast co-host, forensic psychologist Anita McGregor.</p> <p>“I know Harley so well, and how protective he is of his inner core, he was absolutely scared and in denial, and who would blame him.”</p> <p>After the initial symptoms began, Harley was given the diagnosis of Parkinson's, which shocked the family to the core. </p> <p>“When he came home [from the doctor], we both just sat there completely numb,” Keller remembered.</p> <p>“Two days later, I went with our eldest son Liam to an open day – he was in Year 11 – and I fought tears all day just looking at these people at the beginning of their journey, and I was so envious.</p> <p>“I had such a flashback to when that was me. And I thought, ‘Their journey is just starting.’ And something closed off for me."</p> <p>“I don’t necessarily feel that now, but this is how I felt in the early days.”</p> <p>Keller went on to say her initial reaction was to be “cross” with her husband, as she would attempt to correct his posture and speech.</p> <p>“All the things that it [Parkinson’s] does [to you], I thought, ‘why isn’t he fighting it?’ And of course I’ve come to see he can’t control this, and neither can I, and that’s been a big lesson for me. So I’ve become kinder, and sadder,” she said.</p> <p>“[I’ve changed] trying not to feel like I have to control it. Because it’ll kill me. And he doesn’t want that.”</p> <p>The radio host admitted she sometimes "hates herself" for being frustrated with her husband, while also mourning their life before his diagnosis. </p> <p>“I miss the ease of life. Of going to a restaurant, [but then] Harley’s back gets sore, and he’s quietly spoken so the noise overwhelms him. I miss the ease of travel. It changes us,” she said. </p> <p>“But we’re not alone in that. Life is this stuff, isn’t it? We talk a lot about long-term relationships, and how popular culture celebrates the beginning and the end."</p> <p>“But the meat of life, the joy of life, the sadness of life, the true human condition, lies in the middle.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Amanda Keller snaps up multi-million dollar townhouse

<p dir="ltr">Australian radio and TV presenter Amanda Keller has snapped up a townhouse in Sydney’s Newtown area with husband Harley Oliver. </p> <p dir="ltr">The property set them back $1.923 million, a hefty price tag that likely had a lot to do with its sought after location just steps from the busy Enmore Road. </p> <p dir="ltr">It boasts a modern warehouse-style appearance, with two levels that contain three bedrooms - one with its own built-in wardrobe and balcony - and an additional 47 sq m for garage space. However, the home’s title declares a total of 343 sq m, as it also includes a garden courtyard.</p> <p dir="ltr">Described as being at the back of “a whisper-quiet complex”, the townhouse is one of four, and features polished concrete floors throughout, an open plan living space with bifolds onto a paved courtyard, a renovated laundry, and high ceiling with exposed beams. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The combination of quality modern comforts and generous proportions offers an unsurpassed standard of living,” its listing read. </p> <p dir="ltr">It was listed through Adrian William Real Estate’s Adrian Tsavalas and Kate Ferrante, and was the first time the house had been on the market since 2013, when it sold for less than half of its 2023 price at $870,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">The median price of a three-bedroom home in Newtown has been tracked by PopTrack as $1.876, while in July 2022, it was at a high of $1.95 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Keller and Oliver reportedly snapped up their latest property as an investment, though there is currently no evidence that it is being advertised on any rental website.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple - who have been married since 1990 - are no strangers to Sydney real estate, having lived in Coogee for over two decades after making a move from the northern beaches. They’ve made their fair share of changes to their home in that time, submitting four different development applications for the likes of a pool and a ‘vergola’.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to CoreData, they bought that long-term home in 2001 for $900,000, while prices now average at around $2.615 million in the suburb.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also own a property in the South Coast at Culburra Beach, and paid only slightly less for it - $1.475 million - than their lavish Newtown buy.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: realestate.com.au, Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

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"THE SENNA MADE IT": Multi-millionaire has McLaren craned up to Melbourne’s most expensive penthouse

<div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="post-actions-component" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible;"> <div class="upper-row" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 8px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: flex-end;"> <div class="right-box-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; justify-content: flex-end; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> <div class="post-editor-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Multi-millionaire Adrian Portelli has had his McLaren Senna GTR craned 57 storeys off the ground and into the most expensive penthouse in Melbourne.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 34-year-old bought the $39 million penthouse in April, and announced his plans to use a crane to lift his luxury sports car into the penthouse so that he can display it in the living room.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a car that we can’t register, and it’s just collecting dust, so I might as well have it somewhere where it’s safe,” he told <em>7NEWS </em>last month.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Wednesday a crowd had gathered to watch Portelli’s dreams come true.</p> <p dir="ltr">The multi-millionaire took to Instagram to share his success.</p> <p dir="ltr">“THE SENNA MADE IT! A first look at the McLaren Senna GTR 57 floors up 🔥” he captioned the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A huge thank you to everyone involved for making this absolutely surreal moment happen,” he added, tagging the construction and investment companies who helped him achieve this.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Forever grateful.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He shared a follow up post with a series of images from the move and how proud he was to be able to achieve his dream.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I went to bed last night I just giggled. Young Portelli would be proud. The one nobody knew 10 years ago,” he captioned the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I can motivate and inspire people to want to succeed, my job is done because I understand how hard and lonely it is on the pursuit of success,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Portelli has said that he plans to use his Melbourne penthouse as a weekend getaway, and admitted that he had looked at a few other penthouses during his property search, but unfortunately they didn’t have “that ‘wow’ factor”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The penthouse is located atop the Sapphire by the Gardens tower in the Melbourne CBD, and was set to<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/luxury-penthouse-could-set-records-with-eye-watering-price-tag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> break records</a> for the most expensive penthouse back in March.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> </div>

Real Estate

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Set sail in style alongside these sporting legends

<p dir="ltr">The time has come for sports fans with a passion for cruising to live their dreams, with <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-types/event-cruises/sporting-greats">The Voyage of Sporting Greats</a> - the latest offering to the world of thrilling themed voyages from British luxury cruise line Cunard. </p> <p dir="ltr">The first-of-its-kind-trip will set sail in February 2024, headlined by none other than AFL legend Adam Goodes, cricket’s Brett Lee, and golfer Karrie Webb. <em>Sunrise </em>and Olympic presenter Mark Beretta will also be joining in on the fun, as well as Bruce McLaren’s daughter, Amanda McLaren.</p> <p dir="ltr">While onboard, guests will have the opportunity to attend live fireside chats with their sporting heroes, to enjoy sports-themed shore excursions with those very same stars, and to get to know them better - if you’ve ever wondered just how heavy some of those trophies can be, now’s your chance to ask.</p> <p dir="ltr">For example, the Queen Elizabeth - one of four ships setting sail as part of the 2024 fleet, alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the brand new Queen Anne - has a jam-packed star-studded program to offer guests, featuring everything from talks to sporting activities, and unique excursions to the shore in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart. </p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth - the second largest ship in Cunard’s fleet with room for 2,000 guests and an additional 1,000 crew - boasts more than 10 different eating establishments, an entire Games Desk with the likes of paddle tennis, croquet, hitting bays, and bowls, as well as an impressive two-story library, a ballroom, and a Royal Court Theatre - the latter will even host performances by <a href="https://circa.org.au/">Circa</a>, an Australian contemporary circus company, in February 2024. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Katrina McAlpine, the commercial director of Cunard Australia and New Zealand, explained, “we are extremely excited to host some of the biggest local names in sport on Queen Elizabeth next February. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Brett Lee, Adam Goodes, Karrie Webb, Mark Beretta, and Amanda McLaren will captivate sport enthusiasts with stories of their career defining moments, their professional highs and lows, and give guests the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with them during priceless and bespoke activities onboard and ashore. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Voyage of Sporting Greats offers sports fans a once in a lifetime chance to meet and engage with some of our country’s most famous sporting icons in one place.”</p> <p dir="ltr">2014 Australian of the Year and AFL great Adam Goodes, for one, is eager to join in on the fun with his fellow sporting greats, noting that “this is a spectacular opportunity to join the other sporting icons and connect with guests aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. I am looking forward to sharing stories about my career, what drives and inspires me and what projects I am currently working on. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am specifically keen to talk to fans onboard and create great memories of the sailing for them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Celebrated Australian golfer Karrie Webb is similarly excited for Cunard guests to experience their athletic lineup. And golf fans in particular will benefit, with Karrie “very much looking forward to sharing with guests my favourite tips and golf stories, as well as having a swing with them onboard.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Amanda McLaren - daughter of the late Bruce McLaren -  is honoured to be taking part, and “can’t wait to interact with guests and to share the McLaren racing story - and my father’s legacy that kick started in Australia.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And for cricket legend Brett Lee, the trip is set to become the highlight of his year, with the star most looking forward to catching up with guests on the “voyage for the ages”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The same could be said for and by renowned sports presenter Mark Beretta, who is thrilled to be facilitating the talent on deck as they share their stories. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Sharing stories of Australian sporting history and anecdotes from behind the scenes of the world of sports, plus talking to some of the biggest stars in Australian sport is going to be a treat for me and our guests,” he shared. “I’m also looking forward to getting on the road with guests to host a very special excursion!”</p> <p dir="ltr">The stars and their fellow cruisers will depart from Sydney on February 13 2024, heading to Tasmania and back over a span of 7 nights, with stops to stretch their legs and enjoy all that the shore has to offer in Hobart, Port Arthur, and Melbourne.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find our more about costs the voyage’s impressive guest list, and what’s on offer on this trip of a lifetime, potential passengers can learn all about it - and secure their spot - here: <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-types/event-cruises/sporting-greats">https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-types/event-cruises/sporting-greats</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Cunard [supplied]</em></p>

Cruising

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“All power to him”: Amanda Keller reveals why Chris Brown is jumping ship

<p>After Dr Chris Brown <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-doctor-is-out-chris-brown-changes-the-script" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced his departure from Channel Ten</a> to join rival network Channel Seven, his former <em>Living Room</em> co-star spoke candidly about the situation on WSFM’s Jonesy &amp; Amanda, while delivering a dig to the network.</p> <p>Brown’s career move has come after 15 years at Channel Ten, with his time at Seven set to begin on July 1. Chris will still star alongside friend and co-host Julia Morris for 2023’s <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!</em> before departing for the rival network.</p> <p>Chris is only one on a list of notable TV personalities to jump ship from Ten, with fellow <em>The Project</em> hosts Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson, and Peter Helliar already having severed ties. </p> <p>It is reported that Chris’ new contract is worth a staggering $1m a year for two years. </p> <p>“Chris Brown has provided Australians with warmth and compassion as the resident vet on <em>Bondi Vet</em>, treating animals large and small,” said a 10 spokesperson. “He has served up a multitude of uplifting, inspiring and hilarious stories with Amanda, Barry and Miguel on <em>The Living Room</em> couch and Chris, along with Julia Morris is contracted to the upcoming season of <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!</em> which will be back on screens and back in the South African jungle in April.” </p> <p>And now Keller, who co-starred with Brown on Ten’s <em>The Living Room</em> before the award-winning program was “rested” for 2023, said the network’s unwillingness to renew the lifestyle show for this year was a “risk”.</p> <p>In October, Keller had revealed the cast was “sad” to be taking a break from the show, and that it was a network decision to temporarily halt filming.</p> <p>“I said at the time, this is the risk you take as a network. None of us are on contracts, they haven’t rested the show and retained us on contract,” Keller said today on WSFM’s Jonesy &amp; Amanda.</p> <p>“So as Chris said, ‘I’m working one month a year on television’,” Keller said.</p> <p>“In terms of television, he’s doing <em>I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here</em>, which pretty much goes for a month, and then he has 11 months where he’s looking for a TV project.”</p> <p>Keller also gave more details about what Brown will tackle once he moves to Seven.</p> <p>“He’s got ideas for his own programs and Channel 7 have said come and do it over here and all power to him,” Keller said.</p> <p>“Why would Chris not jump somewhere where he’s offered a variety of work for a year?”</p> <p>Chris launched his television career with Channel Seven, starring on <em>Harry’s Practice</em> and putting his skill as a vet to the test in 2003. The role earned him a Logie Award nomination for “Most Popular New Talent”. </p> <p>Of Chris’ return to the network, Seven West Media CEO James Warburton said, “we are very pleased to welcome Chris back to Seven. It’s been too long.</p> <p>“Chris is one of the most popular and recognised people on Australian TV, bringing warmth, intelligence and a great sense of humour to everything he does. We can’t wait to have him on board and to announce the great new content he will star in.”</p> <p><em>Images: TV Tonight / Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Amanda Keller blames The Project for the end of her show

<p dir="ltr">Amanda Keller has blamed <em>The Project</em> for far less viewers of her show <em>The Living Room</em> which is ending after 10 seasons. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Living Room</em> will air its final episode on November 25 on Network 10 at 7.30pm with Keller expressing her disappointment at the show ending.</p> <p dir="ltr">She however said there is still hope for it returning but blamed the slot in which the show airs - right after <em>The Project</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I admire Channel 10 that they’ve stuck with The Project for so long,” she told TV Tonight.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I admire that they’ve decided to do their evenings differently. But it does mean that if your show’s on at 7:30 it’s really hard to be compared to other shows.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Keller went on to compare <em>The Living Room</em> to competing show <em>Better Homes &amp; Gardens</em> and <em>Gardening Australia</em>, explaining that they get more viewers due to the strong viewership on their news programs. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re up against Better Homes &amp; Gardens, Gardening Australia and we do our best to hold our own in that capacity,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I love that it’s a lifestyle night. But you know, they come off a rating of 900,000 from the news or something.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s harder for any Channel 10 show at 7:30. So I’m grateful that we had 11 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I think that we deserved a higher rating and I wish more people had seen us, but the people who do watch us are rusted-on, loyal fans who are wondering, like we are, what’s going on here?”</p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to thank the loyal fans for their support and said they will be working “really hard” to come back. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for your support. I’ve never worked on a show that has really hit people in the feels like The Living Room has, and I’ve loved that response,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Everywhere I go, people tell me how much they love this show. They talk about Miguel, Chris and Barry. I’ve never ever had that and I don’t take that lightly. I will never forget how much I love hearing how people love this show. And I hope we get to do that again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for your loyalty. We’re working really hard to come back again.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TV Tonight</em></p>

TV

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2021 Miles Franklin Award winner announced

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tasmanian author, Amanda Lohrey, has been awarded the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Prize for her novel </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/the-labyrinth" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Labyrinth</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, making her the second Tasmanian to win in the coveted award in its 64-year history.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Set up in 1957, the Miles Franklin award was established after the death of the author, Miles Franklin, to recognise novels of literary merit that reflect Australian life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Australia’s most significant literary prize, Lohrey has been awarded a $60,000 prize.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My husband calls it the Wimbledon of literary awards. It’s just an honour [to win],” Lohrey said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s something nice about being associated with Miles Franklin; she was such a larrikin, such a non-conformist.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The judges praised Lohrey’s book as a “beautifully written reflection on the conflicts between parents and children, men and women, and the value and purpose of creative work”.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Labyrinth</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> follows Erica Marsden, a hotel receptionist, as she moves from Sydney to coastal NSW to be closer to her mentally ill son in prison. While looking for a house to purchase, Erica has a dream imploring her to build a labyrinth - a mission which quickly becomes an obsession.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lohrey was shortlisted in the 1996 Miles Franklin for her novel, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Camille’s Bread</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and longlisted in 2005 for </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Philosopher’s Doll</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Text Publishing</span></em></p>

Books

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"Look after your neighbours": Amanda Keller breaks down on air

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in">Amanda Keller has opened up about the difficulty she is having during Sydney’s latest lockdown, in a new segment for WSFM’s <em>Jonesy &amp; Amanda</em> today.<br /><br />The broadcaster and TV host repeatedly had to choke back tears as she publicly pleaded for answers on when the current Covid lockdown would come to an end.<br /><br />“I had a tough day yesterday … someone from Melbourne was telling me that week five was the hardest. I think that’s what we’re in now – week four, week five?” Keller said.<br /><br />She admitted she had shed “a few tears” while watching Wednesday’s NSW press conference, announcing 110 new cases (Thursday’s figure is worse, with 124 new cases).</div> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842628/daily-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3a1a4f5135df4c9d8e42be500791e634" /><br /><br />“I feel weepy talking about it now … I could feel the difference in the energy of that press conference yesterday.<br /><br />“People are frightened. People are frustrated. We’re told we’ll only come out of this when we’ve got 80 per cent vaccination – when’s that happening? That’s not soon,” she said.<br /><br />“Our premier says, ‘I’m confident we’ll come out of this.’ When? What if we don’t? What is it?”<br /><br />Keller became more emotional while describing the toll the lockdown had taken on her two sons.<br /><br />“That’s what I was in tears about yesterday. I was thinking about everyone’s mental health … this is so hard.<br /><br />“I’ve got a son who’s 20 – I want him, and everyone’s kids, to take a year and go travelling. Where’s Contiki for our kids! I’ve got a son in year 12 – he said to me yesterday, ‘Have I had my last day of school?’” she revealed, her voice breaking.<br /><br />“I’m an optimistic person, (but) I just feel, where’s the end? And what people are angry about this time as opposed to last year is, why are we in this position?”<br /><br />Keller called the situation “emotionally and psychically hard,” as her co-host Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones tried to console her.<br /><br />“No one has the answers, and that’s why this is hard. Look out for your neighbours, look out for your friends, because everyone’s having a hard time,” she said.<br /><br />There were 124 new locally acquired cases of coronavirus recorded in the 24 hours to 8 pm on Wednesday.<br /><br />Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said the number of those people infectious in the community before being detected was still worryingly high.<br /><br />Greater Sydney is due to end its lockdown on July 31, but that is an unlikely proposition as the days creep closer to the end of the month.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"><span class="like-bar-component"></span> <div class="right-box-container"> <div class="post-editor-container"></div> <div class="share-email-container"></div> <div class="watched-bookmark-container"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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Sam Newman's wife dies unexpectedly at age 50

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sudden death of AFL legend Sam Newman’s wife Amanda Brown, who died in the couple’s Melbourne home, has left many in shock, including Eddie McGuire.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Herald Sun</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> revealed the Geelong legend and former </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Footy Show </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">host found his wife lying on the floor of their apartment in Docklands on Saturday night.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the paper, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said emergency services responded to calls of a cardiac arrest at approximately 7.40pm, but were unable to revive Ms Brown. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m just devastated, I can’t say anything else,” Newman told the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Herald Sun</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victoria Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a statement to news.com.au, a police spokesperson said, “Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a 50-year-old woman in Docklands on Saturday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The matter is not being treated as suspicious.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 75-year-old football legend is a member of the Geelong Hall of Fame and has had an extensive career in media as a broadcast commentator and one of the faces of the AFL </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Footy Show</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from 1994 until 2018.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though Newman and Ms Brown married in November, they had been together for 20 years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Australians have reacted to Ms Brown’s passing with shock and support for Newman.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Newman’s former colleague Eddie McGuire told Fox Footy on Sunday that Newman had found his wife after he came home from drinks with friends.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her death also comes as Geelong mourns Frank Costa, 83. The former club president died in his sleep on Sunday morning after a long battle with illness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s been a heartbreaking day, particularly for the Geelong Football Club, but for the entire football community as a whole,” McGuire said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“(Newman) came home from going out with a couple of friends yesterday and found his wonderful wife Amanda dead on the floor of his apartment. Sam, we know that you know we’re thinking of you, buddy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I spoke to him last night and (he’s) clearly devastated by the whole situation.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don Scott, AFL great and co-host of the podcast </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">You Cannot Be Serious</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> told the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Herald Sun</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">: “They’ve been together for 19 years and he depended on her a fair bit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He had a lot of feeling for her. What do you say? All you can do is be there.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Veteran reporter Mike Sheahan said he was “really sad” for Newman.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He was happy and that’s not always something you’d associate with Sam,” Sheahan said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s just terrible to find her gone at 50. Sometimes it’s hard to comprehend that stuff.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The couple were married inside their luxury Docklands apartment last year with close friends and family attending. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was the fourth time Newman had tied the knot and the ceremony took place just after Brown’s 50th birthday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though Newman often faced backlash for comments on social media or his podcast, the couple were private and Brown stayed out of the public spotlight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Newman has three sons - Max, Jack, and Jordan.</span></p>

News

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"Stay inside silly": Nick Kyrgios takes a gentle swipe at former partner's quarantine photo

<p>There isn’t much to do during the global sporting shutdown, which is why many athletes are spending their time on social media.</p> <p>And that includes Nick Kyrgios.</p> <p>Kyrgios took to Instagram to send a cheeky message to a female tennis star.</p> <p>The star’s former doubles partner Amanda Anisimova posted a photo of herself on Instagram at the beach, writing: “When your backyard is a beach #quarantine”.</p> <p>Kyrgios saw the photo and commented: “Stay inside silly.”</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B94vo6aJBKv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B94vo6aJBKv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">When your backyard is a beach #quarantine</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/amandaanisimova/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Amanda Kay Victoria</a> (@amandaanisimova) on Mar 18, 2020 at 12:25pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 24-year-old was referencing the fact that nearly a third of the world’s population is in lockdown, with governments urging the public to stay inside and only leave the house when absolutely necessary.</p> <p>While he may have been joking, a number of other Instagram followers appeared to seriously question Anisimova’s actions.</p> <p>Kyrgios and Anisimova have shared a special friendship for a long time, with the Aussie tennis player previously speaking about her before they played mixed doubles together.</p> <p>“She’s an amazing person. I’m just looking forward to go out there and hopefully – I mean, she lost first round. I know it’s not going to be easy for her to be around the tournament,” he said.</p> <p>“Hopefully I can get her up, bring some good vibes. Hopefully, we can do well. I think we can. She's an amazing player. I'm looking forward to it.</p> <p>“I've been excited for this for like a month and a half. I'm like a little kid at the moment. I'm pretty excited.”</p>

International Travel

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“I’m always blown away”: Amanda Keller talks candidly about what she’s grateful for

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Amanda Keller is one of Australia’s most successful media figures but she explained to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/amp/parenting/celebrity-families/amanda-keller-family-63005" target="_blank">Now To Love</a></em><span> </span>that she never expected to be working at the age of 57.</p> <p>The mother-of-two has been working in radio and television for the last 30 years and she has more than enough to keep her occupied.</p> <p>As she co-hosts WSFM’s top-rating breakfast show <em>Jonesy &amp; Amanda</em> as well as hosting <em>Ten’s</em> hit show The Living Room, Keller has also found time to co-host <em>Dancing With The Stars</em>.</p> <p>DWTS is a show Keller is particularly impressed with, and it helps that she gets along with co-host Grant Denyer so well.</p> <p>"It's a stack of fun – what can I say?" she declares with passion. "People get to see their favourite stars outside of their comfort zones. It's just great TV."</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9i0hwpnKX6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9i0hwpnKX6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Amanda Keller (@amandarosekeller)</a> on Mar 10, 2020 at 12:04am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Sometimes it's hard to get us to shut up when we're together on set," says Keller about her friendship with Denyer.</p> <p>"I've come to learn we're really similar people. Spending more time together, we've realised we have quite a bit in common. The stuff he doesn't like, I'm not a fan of. We just seem to be on the same page all the time."</p> <p>When she’s not a staple on TV and radio, she raises two teenage boys, Liam and Jack, alongside her husband Harley.</p> <p>"I'm always blown away by what good humans they are," she explained.</p> <p>“They are truly so funny and so caring. They don't ever take my job too seriously – I find that so refreshing. They know it's just a job that I do. They are very fantastic and well-balanced children, and I'm so grateful for that.”</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B23NR_bH0cg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B23NR_bH0cg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Amanda Keller (@amandarosekeller)</a> on Sep 25, 2019 at 10:25pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As her job keeps her in the public eye, Keller says that it’s a daily challenge to not overshare about her life, especially as she now has the potential to upset her sons as they’re older now.</p> <p>“Radio is live, <em>Dancing With The Stars</em> is live and then working with some of my best friends on <em>The Living Room</em>, there's always that chance I'm going to share too much. I sort of have to remind myself occasionally and be like, "We're on air!" because I just love to blab, whether it's about my personal life, or my co-stars, or my children. </p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KimtiHJzC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KimtiHJzC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Amanda Keller (@amandarosekeller)</a> on Aug 14, 2019 at 5:34pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“That's another big challenge – when they were babies I could say what I wanted. Now, they're older, I probably need to be a bit more judicious about what I'm putting out there.”</p> <p>Although Keller knows that she’s a staple on Aussie screens, being reminded of that can sometimes be a bit challenging.</p> <p>“I went to South Africa for a recent holiday and when we came back, I'd almost taken for granted that people didn't know who I was over there! I've had my photo taken in a public bathroom many times!” she shared.</p> <p>“You have to think – toilets, dentists' surgeries, doctors' surgeries… maybe not… but it happens! With that said, my teenage self would've loved the idea of me having a job where people recognise me and respond to the things I'm saying. My diary was full of exactly what this dream life is, so I'm grateful.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Hair of the dog: Amanda Keller cracks up over hilarious dinner party gaff with Lisa Wilkinson

<p>Amanda Keller has shed light on a hilarious dinner party incident involving mashed potato, several alcoholic beverages and Lisa Wilkinson.</p> <p>Sharing her drunken tale on<em><span> </span>Hughesy, We Have A problem</em>, the television personality recounted the moment she scooped up a spilt mound of mashed potato off the floor and served it to her guests – one being<span> </span><em>The Project</em><span> </span>co-host Lisa Wilkinson.</p> <p>Joking that she had downed “a thousand drinks” beforehand, she said it was like “an out of body experience”.</p> <p>“It was awful,” she said in a segment which involved Hughesy matching three different stories written on cards to celebrity guests Arj Barker, Tommy Little and Keller.</p> <p>He had correctly guessed that it was Keller who had the dinner party faux pas, telling the panel it sounded like something a “busy mum” would do.</p> <p>“I thought, I’ll get ahead and make the mashed potato and then just reheat in the microwave,” explained Keller.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7hJybvHAyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7hJybvHAyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Who knew there were so many problems in the world? Luckily some of the country’s biggest brains are at your disposal. @hughesywhap tonight 9 on @channel10au</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/amandarosekeller/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Amanda Keller</a> (@amandarosekeller) on Jan 19, 2020 at 2:28pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Of course I had a thousand drinks,” she joked, adding: “Lisa Wilkinson was a guest at my home that night!” as Wilkinson’s<span> </span><em>Project</em><span> </span>co-host Tommy Little shook his head beside her.</p> <p>“Everyone saw it, it landed at their feet. I had an out of body experience, I scooped it up, dog hairs on the floor everything, put it back in the bowl and put it on the table and just brazened my way through,” she said as the audience broke out in fits of laughter.</p> <p><em>News.com.au</em><span> </span>approached Wilkinson to hear her side of the story, to which she revealed that no one had known that the dish fell to the floor.</p> <p>“She never told us!” she said.</p> <p>“We thought the crunchy topping was some sort of garnish. Then again, dinner at Amanda’s is usually boozy enough to ensure that any side order of roasted germs that came with the potatoes would have been killed off.”</p> <p><em>Hughesy, We Have A Problem returns tonight at 9.00 pm on 10</em></p>

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