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Experienced bush tracker to join in search for Samantha Murphy

An experienced bush tracker is joining the search for Samantha Murphy, who went missing two weeks ago after she was last seen going out for a morning run. Jake Cassar - who has experience in high-profile missing persons cases including that of missing child, William Tyrrell - is on his way to Ballarat to help with the ongoing search. Cassar’s involvement was announced in a Facebook post set up by locals to help find Murphy. Cristie Lea, who helped organised Cassar’s visit to Victoria, said that the experienced bushman will be arriving in Melbourne on Monday and will return on Friday, with the community pitching in to cover the cost of his flights. “I’m hoping to get a lot done while I’m here,” Cassar told 7News. Cassar's arrival is ahead of the planned community-led ground search for Murphy on Saturday, with him set to teach tracking skills to volunteers and help them “establish a solid game plan” before he leaves. “I’ll cover as much ground as physically possible while I’m out here, especially in the more remote places. “I plan on training up some locals in the fundamentals of tracking, so when I leave I can continue to liaise with those on the ground.” He added that he respected the work done so far by police and SES volunteers and hoped that he could find something that could further the investigation. “People are entitled to their opinions as to whether or not Samantha is out in the bush,” he said. “On the chance that she is, I want to ensure that absolutely everything is done to find her.” Cassar’s involvement had been “highly anticipated, warmly welcomed and very much appreciated” by locals who are helping search for Murphy. “Jake has significant bush expertise, tracking skills and previous experience in searching for missing people,” Lea said. “Momentum is strong and we pray that Jake’s expertise will energise the already motivated community and grow the already overwhelming public support for this Saturday’s major Ground Search event. “Together we will continue to encourage others to join local search activities that will bring Samantha home.” Images: Facebook

Legal

Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion tie the knot in "bush bash" wedding

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce and his partner, ex-staffer Vikki Campion, celebrated their union in an intimate "bush bash" wedding at Joyce's family estate in Woolbrook, near Walcha in northeast NSW. The event, described affectionately by a guest as a "bachelor and spinster ball", marked a significant moment in the couple's journey, which had faced public scrutiny in the past. The much-anticipated celebration, held five years after the revelation of their relationship, saw the couple donning Akubra hats, embracing the rustic charm of their country-style wedding. The ceremony, which prompted Joyce's resignation as deputy prime minister and Nationals leader, was a private affair, with the guest list exceeding 80 attendees. The pink and ivory-themed wedding unfolded with Campion radiantly adorned in a strapless cream tulle dress, featuring a long train. She paired the elegant ensemble with gold earrings and heeled black cowboy boots, epitomising the unique blend of sophistication and rural charm. The couple's two sons, Sebastian (5) and Thomas (4), played the role of page boys in matching chinos and navy waistcoats, adding a family touch to the heartwarming ceremony. The event took place at a location on Joyce's family property that held special significance for the couple, adding a personal touch to the nuptials. <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/CziVHv_S2_z/?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/CziVHv_S2_z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Daily Telegraph Sydney (@dailytelegraph)</a> </div> </blockquote> Following the ceremony, guests gathered at Woolbrook hall for a country-style feast and drinks, reminiscent of a traditional bachelor and spinster ball. The event embraced a return to "country style", with guests arriving in 4x4s and a relaxed dress code featuring flat shoes and broad-brimmed hats. Notable attendees included Nationals MP George Christensen, adding a touch of political prominence to the celebration. The festivities also featured high-profile guests, contributing to the event's unique blend of country charm and political influence. However, the guest list raised questions about the attendance of Joyce's four daughters from his previous marriage to Natalie Abberfield – Julia, Caroline, Odette and Bridgette. Julia Joyce had previously taken to Instagram, expressing her humorous intent to "crash" her father's wedding in her mother's vintage wedding dress. The involvement of Campion's father, Peter, in giving her away added a traditional touch to the ceremony, reinforcing the significance of family in the couple's journey. Joyce's proposal to Campion last year, following his separation from his wife of over 25 years, marked a turning point in their relationship. The bush bash wedding served as a symbolic celebration of their love, surrounded by the rustic beauty of the Woolbrook estate. As the newlyweds embark on this new chapter, their bush bash wedding will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique blend of country charm and personal significance. Images: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / Instagram

Family & Pets

Hill Street Blues star passes away

Hill Street Blues star Barbara Bosson has passed away aged 83. Bosson, who played Fay Furillo in the American police drama, was a popular TV star in the ‘80s, earning five consecutive Emmy nominations for her role. She was also the ex-wife of TV giant Steven Bohcho, who created Hill Street Blues and several other hit shows at the time. The news of Bosson’s death was shared by her son, Jesse Bohcho, who shared an image of he and his mother when he was a child. "More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn't, you may well have also known that too. Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara "Babs" Bosson Bochco 1939-2023," he captioned the image. Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey shared her support, commenting a red heart under Bochco’s Instagram. Bosson was also known for her roles in shows including Murder One, Hooperman and films including Cop Rock and Calendar Girl Murders. Hill Street Blues proved Bosson's main claim to fame, with her leaving the show in 1985 during its sixth season after being fired from the project over creative disagreements. Bosson and Steven Bohcho went on to work together on other projects, including the Rockford Files spin-off Richie Brockelman, Private Eye, Hooperman and the musical Cop Rock. The pair divorced in 1997 but continued to co-parent their son Jesse, who was born in 1975. Steven died in 2018 at the age of 73. Further details of Bosson’s death are yet to be revealed. Image credit: Instagram

News

Iconic artist and broadcast pioneer John Pickup passes away at 91

John Pickup OAM passed away on Tuesday at home in Murwillumbah. The broadcast pioneer, who spent over 40 years working at the ABC, enjoyed a varied career across Australian TV and radio. As well as his broadcast work, John found success with the Brushmen of the Bush - a group consisting of five Broken Hill artists. They dedicated their time to depicting the outback and garnered international recognition during the '60s and '70s. The group - John Pickup, Erin Minchin, Pro Hart, Hugh Schulz, and Jack Absalom - came together when artist Erin Minchin needed help with a charity fundraising exhibition. They went on to showcase their work around the world, raising thousands for charity along the way. "They donated a lot of paintings to charities all over the country," fellow Broken Hill artist Howard Steer said of their generosity. Pro Hart’s wife, Raylee Hart, told the ABC that “there was a great sense of community” around them while reflecting on time spent with the Brushmen. John was the last surviving member of the Brushmen of the Bush after Jack Absalom’s death in March 2019. Despite John’s skill with a brush, it was not his painting that saw him awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020, but instead his 57 years of service to broadcasting. Opening up to AnArt4Life about the honour, John said, “while I am extremely proud to receive an OAM, I was also honoured to receive numerous messages from people thanking me for training them in broadcasting as that training sent them on their present career path: to receive these messages of congratulations was very gratifying". John launched his media career in 1947, and moved to the ABC in 1950, where he remained for more than 40 years. He spent time in the sound effects department, as a manager, and as a broadcaster for the company. But his most unique role comes from his time with sound, when his right hand secured itself a place in the history books by becoming the first “animated object” ever seen on Australian TV in 1956. John was a floor manager at the time, tasked with opening a book set to feature in the broadcast’s opening shot. "I took my right hand up to makeup, had it satisfactorily made up," he told ABC Radio National's Late Night Live of the incident. “Come eight o'clock, I get the cue from the floor manager. I pick up the book, I open to the first page,” John went on, “it just so happens that … my right hand is the first animated object seen on national television." Raylee Hart, while speaking of John, noted that Pickup’s death marked the end of an era, but shared her hope for the future in knowing that “there’s always something else for another era.” Images: Facebook

News

TV host humiliated live on air by 9-year-old daughter

A TV host has been left mortified after her 9-year-old daughter embarrassed her live on air. Jenna Hager Bush, one of the hosts of the US morning show Today with Hoda & Jenna, had her daughter Mila on the show to chat about fashion. The 9-year-old then shocked her mum by telling viewers that Hager “never wears underwear.” She continued, “She is not wearing it right now! I saw her change!” The little one’s confession came one month after the journalist first confessed that she often skips underwear for a “more pretty silhouette” after co-host Hoda Kotb called her out. Hager, who also shares daughter Poppy, 7, and son Hal, 3, with husband Henry Hager, explained that her controversial wardrobe choice makes her life “easier.” “You don’t have to pack as much,” she pointed out last month. “There [are] a lot of pros to it.” While Mila wasn’t the first to out her mother’s lack of underwear, she did continue to embarrass Hager with another story on Tuesday. “One time she was laughing in our living room and she peed her pants!” Mila said, noting that Hager had to “change [her] pyjamas” at the time. Hager was a good sport, sarcastically thanking Mila before saying, “I think Hoda is trying to get the truth bombs out [of you] but no more.” <div id="ad-hybrid-banner-1" data-type="unruly" data-ad-size="4x4" data-device-type="web"> <div> </div> </div> When Mila showed no signs of keeping quiet, Hager abruptly concluded, “OK, goodbye! Goodbye, I love you!” As Mila exited the stage, Kotb gushed, “What a great kid. … You and her are very similar because you’re both just exactly who you are.” Image credits: Today with Hoda & Jenna

Kate Bush reflects on hit song revival

British singer-songwriter Kate Bush has reflected on a new generation of fans discovering her music that was made popular in the 1980s. After appearing in the highly-anticipated new season of the Netflix series Stranger Things, Bush’s 1985 hit song Running Up That Hill has found itself back in the top 10 of the international music charts. In a rare interview, the singer told <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb">BBC’s Woman’s Hour</a> radio show how wonderful it has been to have a new legion of younger fans. She said, “Well it’s just extraordinary. I mean, you know, it’s such a great series, I thought that the track would get some attention. But I just never imagined that it would be anything like this. It’s so exciting. But it’s quite shocking really, isn’t it? I mean, the whole world’s gone mad.” She added, “What’s really wonderful I think is this is a whole new audience who, in a lot of cases, they’ve never heard of me and I love that. The thought of all these really young people hearing the song for the first time and discovering it is, well, I think it’s very special.” Bush also discussed the meaning of the song and how it has been reinterpreted by the show, giving the track a new life. She said, “I really like people to hear a song and take from it what they want. But originally it was written as the idea of a man and a woman swapping with each other. Just to feel what it was like, from the other side.” She also revealed that the show led her to listen to Running Up That Hill for the first time in a long while, admitting “I never listen to my old stuff.” “But then you know, when things like this come along, I’m normally involved in something like you know, maybe doing an edit or revisiting the track for some kind of other reason, I’m working on it. So yeah, I hadn’t heard it for a really long time.” Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Woman turns herself in after fatal attack on 87-year-old singing coach

A 26-year-old woman has turned herself in to police after admitting to attacking an 87-year-old woman, which led to her death. Lauren Pazienza shoved Barbara Maier Gustern before striking her on the back of the head in an unprompted attack on March 10th in New York City. The NYPD released a picture of the woman wanted for the attack, just days before Lauren turned herself in to authorities. Police identified Pazienza through video and her Metrocard, police sources said. Pazienza covered her face with her hair as she was led by detectives to a car for transport to criminal court, as she refused to answer reporters who asked her about the allegation she pushed Gustern. Following the brutal attack, Barbara was in critical condition until she died from her injuries on March 14th. “Today, at 11:15am, we have lost one of the brightest little flames to ever grace this world,” her grandson wrote on Gustern’s Facebook page. “I ask that you all give me a little time and space, but I want to make time for anyone and everyone who wants to know more about her final moments,” the post said. “Bobbob, I love you, you are and always will be my heart,” it said. “I love you all so much, I could not have made it through these past 5 days without all of your support.” Barbara Maier Gustern, who was a renowned vocal coach and tutored famous students including Blondie singer Debbie Harry, was walking around at night alone when the attack occurred. Her red-headed attacker then ran off, with police saying the attacker crossed the street before pushing Gustern, who suffered a fatal head injury. NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig described it as a “disgusting, disgraceful law offence” committed against a “vulnerable elderly female who is doing nothing but walking down the streets of New York City”. Image credits: NYPD / Facebook

Travel Trouble

Guy Pearce sells unusual home in Victorian bush

Hollywood star and Geelong local Guy Pearce <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/hollywood-star-guy-pearce-sells-bushland-retreat-near-geelong/?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa:strap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has sold</a> his secluded property less than a year after buying it as a family retreat. The five-bedroom home, which sits on a sprawling seven-hectare property in Beremboke, in central western Victoria, boasts views of the Brisbane Ranges and is built on a hillside with turrets, glass walls, and seven decks and verandahs to soak up the views from. Pearce has <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-beremboke-138584531" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> the home for between $1.0 and $1.15 million, despite having spent $1.2 million on it last April, only for it to be snapped up for $1.27 million. However, any profits he might have made from the sale will likely be spent on stamp duty and other buying and selling costs. Dozens of buyers inspected the home - which is split into three interconnecting pods - in February, but the agent selling the property withheld the true identity of the home’s owner from potential buyers and simply said it was an “overseas owner”. The “main house” is where you’ll find the lounge room with a wood heater, the atrium-styled dining room, curved kitchen, and loft bedroom with upper and lower balconies. Connected to this is the octagonal “bedroom house”, with its dual balconies, geometric main bedroom, and a lower-level bedroom with a kitchenette. The final self-contained “cottage” features a sunken lounge, main bedroom, a loft bedroom and even more balconies. Having owned the property for a short time and during the pandemic, Pearce never had the opportunity to take up residence in the unusual home. Last year also proved to be a busy year for Pearce and his investment portfolio, having sold a four-bedroom home for $4.2 million just weeks after buying the Beremboke home. Images: Getty Images, Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Mystery van visitor unmasked

The "fan" who was permitted entry to the van carrying Shane Warne’s body from Koh Samui to the Thai mainland after his shock death has been identified as German national Barbara Woinke – a former entertainment and travel writer. She was at the centre of an investigation over a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/anger-after-fan-enters-van-carrying-shane-warnes-body">potential security breach</a> involving Warne's body. all of which was captured by an ABC film crew. Prior to Warne's autopsy being conducted, Woinke was able to enter an ambulance carrying Warne’s body and spend more than 30 seconds alone in the vehicle. Thai authorities were told the woman knew Warne personally, prompting them to provide her access to pay her respects The Australian reports she has worked for daily newspapers and magazines such as Instyle, Glamour and Bunte. Before moving to Koh Samui in Thailand, she lived in Berlin, Paris and New York, according to one online German book retailer selling her travel guide to Lake Garda in Northern Italy. “(Ms Woinke) always has her passport and driving license in her handbag just in case,” the bio reads. A video posted on YouTube in September last year shows Ms Woinke in Koh Samui promoting a tourism networking group called Skal International. "Hello, I’m Barbara Woinke. I’m originally from Munich in Germany and here on Koh Samui in Thailand I am part of the membership committee of Skal Koh Samui,” she said. Video footage showed Woinke carrying a small bunch of flowers and approaching the ambulance which was transporting Warne’s body from Koh Samui where he died, via ferry to the mainland. Woinke told the ABC she simply wanted to pay her respects and did not mean any harm. “I am a big fan of him. It’s very sad that we lost him. I just took the flowers to pay condolences,” she said. “I am sorry about yesterday but I [did] not mean [any] negative act by that. I am a big fan, he is a great player.” She was accompanied by a Thai woman who spoke to authorities near the ramp entrance to the ferry, reported by ABC to be immigration officials. The woman says in English, “yeah, yeah she knows him”, followed in Thai by, “thank you very much, she’s a friend”. They were both then escorted through parked cars to the ambulance where the German woman approaches the driver-side window, holding up the flowers to show the driver. The driver then gets out and walks around the sliding side door of the ambulance, opening the door for the woman, who enters, and closes it behind her. There are concerns about the length of time the woman spent unaccompanied with Warne’s body, although Thai police say the woman did not do anything illegal. Image: ABC News / YouTube

News

Designer home comes with its OWN footy field

A designer homestead in the middle of the Western Australian bush has been <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-wa-muckenburra-700170614?cid=content-article:buyers:featured-property" target="_blank">listed</a> for sale, and its expansive 100-acre surroundings comes with its own private football oval. The home, with its “contemporary industrial meets country resort” aesthetic, took its creator five years to construct. “The purpose-built property is a model of the perfect country retreat dreamed up by its owner, who is an architect and university lecturer,” Nick French, of Dethridge Groves Real Estate, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/designer-bush-homestead-on-100-acres-just-outside-perth-comes-with-own-afl-oval/" target="_blank">said</a>. “It’s seamless and all the spaces are huge, which gives a very relaxed flow, and it all sits within a pristine bush setting with no other houses in view.” Along with its three bedrooms and bathrooms, the home boasts oversized entertaining spaces, a library and study, and a courtyard garden and plunge pool belonging to the master suite. The property also comes with a two-storey bunkhouse with two full-sized bedrooms of its own. Despite being only an hour from the city, the property has an isolated feel. “The 100 acres of ever-changing natural bush land has many, many species of flowering natives - including some rare orchids,” Mr French said. Though the natural beauty surrounding the home is a huge bonus, the highlight of the outdoor spaces has to be the quarter-sized AFL oval, along with its own seating for spectators “to take in all the fun”. “There’s also a huge rear entertaining patio with built-in barbeque area and woodfired pizza oven,” Mr French said. With a solar energy system and water tanks capable of storing 90,000 litres, he added that the home also has a 10-star energy rating. “The owners have moved to new employment positions in Victoria and had to sell up both their main home and this holiday home,” Mr French said. “It might not be the place you immediately think of when buying a holiday home or a weekender, but it’s only an hour drive from Perth but is completely secluded on its own huge land holding of diverse, native bushland. “The local town is utterly delightful with a number of historic buildings.” The home is open for inspections by appointment, and Mr French said he is welcoming offers starting at $1.7 million. Images: Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Hero dog honoured for saving over 100 koalas

Image: Nine News A former rescue dog who saved over 100 koalas during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires has been honoured for his work in the United Kingdom. Bear, a six-year-old Australian koolie, was honoured by the International Fund for Animal Welfare at the House of Lords earlier this week. He appeared via video link to accept the award. Bear’s handler Romane Cristescy, of the University of the Sunshine Coast, couldn’t be prouder of the former rescue dog. “We think Bear really deserved this award,” she said. “He’s been such a good boy in helping us find and rescue a lot of koalas, especially during the bushfires but he works throughout the year to help us in our job to make a better and safer place for koalas. “We’ll give bear extra pats and extra play for his award.” Bear was one of two dogs honoured during the ceremony. Jasper, a cockapoo, won “Animal of the Year” for his work in supporting frontline NHS staff through the pandemic. Bear’s boundless energy made him a perfect candidate for the Detection Dogs for Conservation program at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He was trained to recognise the scent of koalas’ fur. Over the 2019-2020 bushfire season Bear is credited with saving 100 marsupials after the habitats were scorched. Once he’d detect their smell, Bear would drop silently to the ground at the base of the tree, to ensure it is not disturbed. A total of 33 people lost their lives in the fires which burned across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Three billion animals are estimated to have died over, 24 million hectares of land was burnt, and 3000 homes were lost.

Family & Pets

How tiny AJ Elfalak survived in the bush for three days

The Australian public has been amazed at the miraculous story of three-year-old AJ Elfalak who survived three days and three cold nights in rugged bushland near Putty, 150km north-west of Sydney. Specialist bush survival experts have stated one of the reasons 'miracle boy' AJ Elfalak coped so well while lost in bushland was because his autism kept him in a calm state of mind. Survival expert Bob Cooper, who works with the SAS, added AJ’s youth was also an advantage: “Children are better than adults at surviving sometimes because they haven't got the preconceived idea of what the bush is like.” “When they feel tired they sleep, when they're cold they seek shelter, when they're thirsty they drink,” Cooper said. “A human can survive for three weeks without food provided they can keep warm, drink water and stay safe from the elements,” he noted. AJ was found with minor injuries only Little AJ was found with some minor scratches and bruising to his body. He'd been bitten by ants and had a case of nappy rash, but he was otherwise in high spirits - all of which seems to point to the truth in what Cooper and other experts have said. Wild conspiracy theories continue to circulate on social media concerning AJ's disappearance saying it was staged and that a child could not survive alone with food or water in such rugged terrain - where overnight temperatures were as low as two degrees. But detectives on Strike Force Jaylang - which was set up to investigate the circumstances of the toddler's disappearance - said AJ's injuries and condition when he was found were all consistent with him being in the bush the entire time. Police have worked with bush survival experts to develop a full picture of AJ's time away from home - and they suggest his autism actually largely helped him maintain a calm state of mind. “The reality is he didn't know he was lost… so he wasn't scared, he didn't panic,” an investigator said. “If he was tired, he slept... he had access to water, which is a big thing for survival in the bush.” The toddler ate ravenously when rescued When AJ was rescued and loaded into a waiting ambulance, paramedics said he ravenously ate an entire pizza and “guzzled” water - typical traits of someone who hasn't eaten for days. “He was starving... it's all consistent with him being in the bush the entire time,” a paramedic said. The Child Mind Institute says children with autism often have 'a weaker sense of danger' than others and enjoy exploration. They're also more likely to 'wander off' or look to remove themselves from overwhelming sensory experiences. Epic family party to celebrate his rescue With AJ safe and sound - back in the arms of his mother - his family hosted an epic party to celebrate. The local store was cleared out of all booze in stock, a cow was freshly slaughtered and carved up for a BBQ and the music blared. Grey Gums Cafe owner Kim Grace watched on as all the alcohol she had left in stock - about $700 worth - was packed into a ute and taken back to the Elfalek's property. In the back seat was a freshly slaughtered sheep, which was being taken back to AJ's godfather Alan Hashem, who is renowned for his 'famous' lamb. Meanwhile back at the farm, two freshly-killed cows were already on the barbecue and AJ's elated dad had extended an invitation to the party to anybody back in locked-down Sydney who was prepared to make the journey. “See that hill back there,” he told media at his home. “There's going to be a big party on that hill. Anybody who wants to come on down from Sydney is welcome.” Celebrations were well underway on Tuesday afternoon at the Yengo Drive property in Putty - and the party lasted into the night. AJ returned from Maitland Hospital later that evening AJ and his mother returned home from Maitland Hospital later that night - telling the guests party time was over because the toddler needed to sleep. AJ, meanwhile, watched on from the safety of his home, clinging to his mother. Relatives say he is yet to leave her side. A professional tracker has been brought in to help The Elfalak family is relying on the opinion of a professional bush tracker to help them understand how the toddler spent three nights alone in the unforgiving terrain behind their home. Professional tracker Jake Cassar has been at the family home for some time, AJ was found sitting in a shallow, muddy creek at the base of what appeared to be a barely visible path, but the question remains as to how he made it down such a steep track safely. Cassar explained it was very possible that, even with hundreds of volunteers, little AJ avoided detection while in the bush. He said search parties tended to stay in straight lines and follow a near perfect trajectory from point A to point B, whereas somebody who is lost intuitively does the opposite. “When we're lost, we almost always walk at a slight curve to the right or left, therefore it's easy to travel in directions that might be missed by search parties,” Cassar said. He hoped to provide the family some further guidance as to whether AJ likely wandered off on his own or was abducted, which is what the family initially believed. Image: NSW Police

Family & Pets

"Against human rights": Authorities remove child from mum in Byron

An eight-month-old boy has been forcibly taken from his mother's arms in NSW after his family were believed to live in bushland near Byron Bay. The incident was caught on video and posted to social media. NSW Police officers and Family and Community Services can be seen speaking to the mother and begging them not to remove her child. “This is not right. This is my baby,” the topless mother is heard telling authorities. “This is against human rights. Don’t do this to him.” The mother is seen clutching to her child in the video. At one point, a police officer explains to the mother that he has concerns for the safety of the child. “It’s not going to end any differently at the moment so the best thing for you is to listen”, the police officer says. “I’ve got concerns for the safety of your baby." The mother continued to argue with authorities and asks a police officer to let go of her, which the officer refuses to do so. “I will not have you take my baby. I birthed this child. He will drink my milk,” the mother is heard saying. A fundraising page has been set up to support the family, with the child referred to as a "gumnut" baby. This is a reference to a book by May Gibbs about babies who live in the bush. “As Mothers, Fathers, Aunties, Uncles and Grandparents we can feel the trauma this separation is causing to our family,” a statement from the parents on the fundraiser says. “We eat & live an Organic lifestyle and love spending our time in nature, swimming and having fun.” The parents cannot be identified and accuse the authorities of unlawful action and claim that they have not been informed of where the child is. “The money raised from this fund will go towards rescuing our son and bringing him home in our arms, where he belongs,” the parents said. The reason for the child's removal is currently unclear, with a spokesperson from the Department of Communities and Justice said that it "takes concerns about children's safety and wellbeing extremely seriously". “At times, however, the public’s concern is at odds with our statutory requirement to protect privacy,” the statement provided to <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/dramatic-moment-cops-hold-back-nsw-mum-as-authorities-remove-her-eight-month-old-child-c-1995386" target="_blank">7NEWS.com.au</a> said. “As a result, DCJ cannot comment on individual child protection matters.”

Family & Pets

Dame Barbara Windsor dies aged 83

Actress Dame Barbara Windsor, who is best known for her roles in EastEnders and the Carry On films, has died at aged 83. Her husband Scott Mitchell said she had passed peacefully from Alzheimer's at a London care home on Thursday evening. He recounted his wife’s life beautifully, and said she would be remembered for the "love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives". The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who both met Dame Barbara, also went on to pay tribute to her acting and charity work. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "So sad about Barbara Windsor, so much more than a great pub landlady and Carry On star." He went on to say that she was "one of those people that just cheered you up, and cheered everybody up because she had a kind of irrepressible naughtiness that was totally innocent. "She did a lot of good work for charity and looking after lonely and vulnerable people, she lit up people's faces." Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014 and had moved to a care home earlier in 2020. She appeared in nine films in the Carry On comedy series, plus Sparrows Can't Sing, for which she was nominated for a Bafta, as well as parts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and On the Fiddle with Sir Sean Connery. She made a permanent mark for her portrayal of landlady Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders.

"Beautiful and caring": Dad pays tribute to autistic son

<div class="body_text "> The father of an autistic teenager who was found dead after a two-day search in Victoria's Yarra Ranges has given a touching tribute to his son. William Wall, 14, went missing after he left his home to go for a walk and was tragically found dead around 34 hours later. William’s dad Shane Wall gave a touching tribute to his “beautiful and caring son” on Thursday morning via Facebook.. “I wish I had better news regarding our beautiful and caring son and brother William Wall, unfortunately he is no longer with us,” Mr Wall wrote. “We don’t know how to begin to thank everyone who searched and supported us in the last 48 hours. “The list is endless. We are so fortunate to live in an amazing and supportive community.” Mr Wall told reporters that his son wanted to join the airforce, loved dogs and exercise and was energetic. “He loves exercise, 15 minutes to an hour, it’s not unheard of, he’s a decent-sized kid, very energetic, athletic,” Mr Wall said. “He’s a kid that sticks to himself, does all his school work, so this (his disappearance) is really out of the ordinary.” Friends and family are devastated and have passed on their condolences to the Wall family. “I’ve got no words, we are thinking of you all, and will treasure the memories of Wil as a little boy,” Maria Niksic posted. Tony Carden said Mr Wall was one of the “most dedicated dads” he knew. “My heart breaks for you and your family,” he said. “This is the cruellest blow to one of the most dedicated dads I know. Know that Will and you are loved by many. “I wish you and your family all the very best in drawing on your great strength to move forward.” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews passed on his condolences at his daily media briefing. “On behalf of all Victorians I would like to send our love and support, our condolences and best wishes to the family of William Wall,” he said. This is a terrible tragedy and one that has touched every single Victorian. “To every member of William’s family we say how sad we are, we’re sharing your grief, your loss and any support that we can provide to you we stand ready to do that.” Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/dad-shane-wall-pays-tribute-to-beautiful-and-caring-son-william/news-story/d6da6fbee2e700f734e671e7940e48d4" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">news.com.au</a> </div>

News

24 hours to evacuate: Aussie troops move in to assist families fleeing bushfires

Residents are struggling on the South Coast of NSW a there’s no fuel, no food and no power. This is due to bushfires ravaging the area and the Australian Defence Force has been called in to help the affected areas. A fleet of ships and helicopters are making their way to coastal regions to supply and rescue residents that are trapped by the flames. There are currently 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained, according to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489" target="_blank">NSW RFS</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> At 5.30am there are 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained. Firefighters will make the most of more favourable conditions today to protect properties before deteriorating conditions again this Saturday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWRFS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWRFS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFires?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFires</a> <a href="https://t.co/vb3o55n8XU">pic.twitter.com/vb3o55n8XU</a> — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 January 2020</a></blockquote> With around 50,000 homes without power, major phone networks being down, and supermarkets closed, residents are struggling to obtain essentials such as food, fuel and water. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says that there will be a “huge effort” to get as many people out of the area before Saturday, as conditions are set to worsen. "It's an extreme challenge for firefighters," he said on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6119081428001" target="_blank">Sky News</a>. RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers agrees. “There is every potential that the conditions on Saturday will be as bad or worse than we saw yesterday (Tuesday),” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/australian-troops-prepare-for-bushfire-emergency-evacuations-by-sea/live-coverage/cf3d149ec9bbb9b7eb808e663eec8a28" target="_blank">reporters</a> in Sydney. “Crews are working hard to get some containment before Saturday but we are concerned about that fire because of its potential run into far western Sydney,” Mr Rogers said. With at least 1298 homes destroyed across the state and air quality continuing to worsen in the affected areas, firefighters are run ragged trying to stop NSW from burning. Thousands are fleeing the South Coast, with almost 30 road closures in the region. Live Traffic NSW has issued a warning for heavy traffic conditions as well as significant delays.

News

Oprah buys actor Jeff Bridges' Santa Barbara estate for $10 million

Another day, another home for Oprah. The TV star now owns at least six homes after selling the houses based in Chicago and Atlanta. The star has seemed to turn her focus to the Montecito neighbourhood of Santa Barbara, and her latest house purchase from actor-friend Jeff Bridges is no exception. She purchased the home after sneakily waiting for the price to be reduced from the initial price of $USD 7.495 million ($AUD 10,996,000) and snapped it up for $6.85 million ($AUD 10,048,000). That’s a price reduction of $AUD 948,000. The 3,517 square foot Spanish Revival-style home was originally built in 1919 by famous architect James Osborn Craig. The house has been carefully taken care of as it still has its original windows, doors, hardwood floors as well as five fireplaces. The home features two bedrooms and three bathrooms. High ceilings, expansive windows and French doors are around the home, with every room opening to beautiful gardens. The house sits on an impressive four acres of gardens and also has a pool. The master bedroom features an open-beamed ceiling, French doors and a fireplace. The kitchen boasts wood cabinetry and quartz countertops and large, expansive windows are a staple throughout most of the rooms in the house. Photo credit: Elevated Horizon courtesy of Coldwell Banker

Home & Garden

"Everything is gone": Up to 20 properties lost in raging bushfires

Bushfire season has well and truly started, with up to 20 properties being lost in an out-of-control bushfire in the NSW town of Rappville. The fires have continued to ravage parts of NSW and Queensland, with a fast-moving fire in Laidley, Queensland has forced the evacuation of 60 homes. In NSW, former ABC worker Carol Duncan has said that her father and his partner have lost “absolutely everything” in the fire in Busby’s Flat. “My father’s home has been destroyed. Everything is gone. Please help if you can,” she wrote on Twitter. “He has nothing. He’s been a battler his entire life. And what he did have is now a pile of ashes. I feel utterly helpless.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> From my father. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWfires?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWfires</a> 😭😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/uyQxH4rQ4C">pic.twitter.com/uyQxH4rQ4C</a> — Carol Duncan (@carolduncan) <a href="https://twitter.com/carolduncan/status/1181458929533865984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">8 October 2019</a></blockquote> “When I spoke with Dad after they’d taken him to the school, he told me they’d ‘lost everything but the shed’. But I now know that the shed was also incinerated.” “So, the RFS people who went and got my Dad and his partner OUT OF THE SHED thanks to Twitter … saved my Dad’s life,” she said. Another Rappville resident, Danny Smith, shared his loss. “I’ve lost the bloody sheds, the house, lost everything.” “We might have saved the second place but everything else has gone.” Firefighters trying to battle the blaze are up against strong winds and hot conditions that are expected to continue for several hours. RFS spokesman Greg Allan said that the conditions aren’t looking to change until later in the week. “We’re probably not going to see any reprieve until tomorrow,” he told AAP. “We’ve been seeing very strong westerly winds pushing that fire towards the east, still very high temperatures and very low humidity.” One home was destroyed in Laidley, with residents saying that it was one of the worst fires they’ve ever seen. “I’ve lived here all my life, this is one of the worst fires I’ve ever seen,” Joan Body told the <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/house-lost-60-homes-evacuated-in-ferocious-fire/news-story/5b25d048a2755dafb513dd7e5c7867c4" target="_self">Courier Mail</a>. “We don’t know really until we find our family and friends, if they’re alright.”

Travel Trouble

Inside Ellen DeGeneres' luxury $10 million Santa Barbara home

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have dropped the price of their gorgeous vintage farm near Santa Barbara, California. The property had over $1 million slashed from its price back in July and is now going for AUD$10 million. The prolific home owners purchased the home for AUD$9.8 million a little over a year ago and turned it into a posh, design-savvy home that is hard to resist! With three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms with an additional barn house for a lucky guest, the 10.5 acre mountain and ocean-view property has become a haven for any potential buyer looking for seclusion in comfortable luxury. Built in 1917, the main floor has an open layout with wide, beautiful plank oak floors throughout to give a real farmhouse feel. The kitchen has a unique touch with all black granite counter tops, grey cabinetry, stone slabs and sleek, stainless steel appliances. The living and dining area also carry a dark tone with a painted stone fireplace. The master suite offers a size that is unlike any other - with vaulted ceilings, custom lighting and a french doors leading to a verandah it is the type of airy and spacious part of the home a haven. The property also comes with a century-old barn as well as a spa, various terraces pastures that give a view worth looking at. The equestrian estate is located between Montecito and Carpinteria - areas DeGeneres and her wife de Rossi are familiar with. The couple have spent an estimate of $145 million flipping homes. Scroll through the gallery above to see Ellen's gorgeous home.

International Travel

Catastrophic bushfires building across NSW and QLD destroy heritage-listed building

As out of control bushfires continue to ravage the Australian landscape in NSW and Queensland, one Heritage-listed building has fallen victim to the upcoming fire season. The heritage-listed Binna Burra Lodge, which was built in 1933 in Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast has been “fully destroyed”. “This fire has continued to show a mind of its own and early this morning it crept into the Binna Burra resort and there has been significant structural loss,” Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen told the <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/a-mind-of-its-own-fire-rips-through-heritage-binna-burra-lodge-20190908-p52p3v.html">Brisbane Times</a>. Binna Burra Lodge chairman Steven Noakes fought back tears as he described the damage, the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-08/bushfire-destroys-binna-burra-lodge-gold-coast-hinterland/11489860">ABC</a> reports. “It’s a dark day in the 86-year history of Binna Burra. Fires have destroyed much of the heritage building facilities and some of our more contemporary buildings also,” he said. <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/B2K8KxMAuSp/?utm_source=ig_embed&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> <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/B2K8KxMAuSp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Hi all, we’re amazed by the outpouring of support and all of the photos and memories you are all sharing with us. Please use our hashtag #standwithbinnaburralodge so we can see all of your amazing photos and memories. We are all heartbroken and we would love to be warmed by hearing your stories and seeing your photos.</a> <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/binnaburralodge/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> #Standwithbinnaburralodge</a> (@binnaburralodge) on Sep 8, 2019 at 5:49pm PDT </div> </blockquote> This was just one of the victims of the 51 bushfires that are tearing apart Queensland in what some are saying is the worst start to the fire season on record. More than 100 fires are also burning in rural New South Wales, with residents revealing that their homes were destroyed in a matter of minutes. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/wild-bushfires-still-blazing-in-qld-and-nsw-communities/news-story/a0e700d1b425498c4e05ba4e85adafbb">news.com.au</a> that the blazes were the worst he’s ever seen. “Firefighters stood side by side battling wind gusts of up to 90km/h,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything as bad as that.” Things aren’t looking good in NSW either, with the Rural Fire Service being concerned about two major fires in the state. Deputy Commissioner Rog Rogers said that the blaze near Bees Nest in Armidale and one on Long Gully Road, Drake near Tenterfield are of “major concern”. “The Armidale area is a huge area, it is more than 100km wide and is still burning actively, so it’s a major concern for us,” Rob said to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/wild-bushfires-still-blazing-in-qld-and-nsw-communities/news-story/a0e700d1b425498c4e05ba4e85adafbb">news.com.au</a>. “We’re holding out for some spring rain, but it’s not looking good at all,” he said.

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"Against human rights": Authorities remove child from mum in Byron

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24 hours to evacuate: Aussie troops move in to assist families fleeing bushfires

Oprah buys actor Jeff Bridges' Santa Barbara estate for $10 million

"Everything is gone": Up to 20 properties lost in raging bushfires

Inside Ellen DeGeneres' luxury $10 million Santa Barbara home

Catastrophic bushfires building across NSW and QLD destroy heritage-listed building

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