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Hunter Valley bus driver learns his fate

<p>The judge has handed down his sentence to Hunter Valley bus driver Brett Button, who was behind the wheel of one of Australia's deadliest crashes that killed 10 people and injured 25 others. </p> <p>After a three-day hearing, Button, 59, was sentenced before Judge Roy Ellis at Newcastle District Court on Wednesday afternoon to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years beginning May 8th.</p> <p>He will be eligible for release on parole on May 7th, 2048.</p> <p>When the judge read his sentence, gasps were heard within the courtroom from survivors of the crash, while many victims' families broke down in tears. </p> <p>In sentencing, Judge Ellis said Button was under the influence of the opioid-based painkiller tramadol and had “abandoned his responsibility” to his 35 passengers at the time of the crash.</p> <p>“Words cannot adequately express the pain, anger, and sadness that permeated the first two days of these proceedings as victim impact statement after victim impact statement was read by and for absolutely distraught, depressed, and devastated family members of the deceased and survivors," Judge Ellis said.</p> <p>Judge Ellis said that in his 50 years in the justice system he had never “dealt with, seen, or even read about a case that involved anywhere near the same extent of extraordinary devastation”.</p> <p>“Surviving passengers described the trauma of their injuries and scenes of the crash, with unwanted memory of the carnage still present and easily triggered,” Judge Ellis told the court.</p> <p>Outside the courtroom after the sentence had been handed down, Leoni Bowey, who lost her sister Nadene McBride and niece Kyah McBride in the crash, said the family was surprised by the result but she didn’t “think there was ever an end to this”.</p> <p>“I don’t think closure ever happens,” she said.</p> <p>“Listening to the stories, I realised many of the victims that were on the bus that night are all living with trauma, depression, and anxiety - all things that will be with us for the rest of our lives."</p> <p>“I was having an anxiety attack because it was taking so long to get the numbers, and I had no idea what it all meant... but I will say I didn’t think we would get that sentence. I am really surprised.”</p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

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Hunter Valley bus driver finally speaks out over horror crash

<p>The man who was behind the wheel of the deadly Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023 has finally taken the stand, saying he is deeply sorry for the hurt he has caused the victims and their families. </p> <p>Brett Button, 59, was transporting wedding guests from the reception ceremony at the Wandin Valley Estate back to Singleton when the bus flipped, causing the deaths of 10 people and injuring 25 others. </p> <p>After pleading guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, Button appeared before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hunter-valley-crash-survivor-s-demands-of-killer-bus-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">victim statements</a> from survivors and family members of those who were killed.  </p> <p>On Wednesday, Button finally broke his silence on the fatal crash, issuing an emotional apology to all those impacted by the devastating crash.</p> <p>"I've tried to figure out the words to say I'm sorry, but how do you say you're sorry for such a horrible tragic event that has ruined the lives of hundreds of people," he told the court.</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"I can't forgive myself. I can't believe I caused this, I never meant to cause it and every single person that died and was injured and everyone involved in this, I truly wish it never happened and I could apologise where people actually believe me."</p> </div> <p>"I live with this every day and I hate myself. I've caused parents to have to bury their children, which has been my biggest nightmare all my life, and now I've done it to so many families."</p> <p>"I'm sorry to everyone involved, including the police and everyone, my family — I've shamed everyone."</p> <p>Button also shared with the court that he had been taking the opioid tramadol since 1994, and admitted on the day of the crash, he had taken “in excess” of his prescribed dose of painkillers.</p> <p>When asked by his barrister Paul Rosser KC if he felt he was addicted, Button said he was "certainly dependent", adding that a pain specialist warned Button one year before the crash that he was at risk of addiction. </p> <p>When further questioned, Mr Button said he had no perception on that night the drug had impaired his driving.</p> <p>"I take responsibility for the death and injuries, it was no way purposeful and I wasn't negligent," he told the court. "I didn't do it deliberately."</p> <p>Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents.</p> <p>Judge Roy Ellis will consider 40 victim impact statements as part of his sentencing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

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Hunter Valley crash survivor's demands of killer bus driver

<p>A man who survived the devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley in June 2023 that claimed the lives of 10 people has confronted the man who was behind the wheel with an emotional victim statement in court. </p> <p>On that fateful day, Brett Button was transporting wedding guests to the reception venue when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta, with the crash claiming the lives of 10 people and injuring another 25 passengers. </p> <p>As a result, Button, 59, has pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, appearing before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional victim statements from survivors and family members of those who were killed.  </p> <p>Taking the stand to deliver his impact statement following a day and a half of hearings, one survivor demanded Button look at him before telling him he'd trapped him in a “bus of hell”. </p> <p>“My friends didn’t deserve to die, the others didn’t deserve to die,” he said.</p> <p>“The families here don’t deserve to be here. My future has been destroyed because of your actions. I can no longer be the person I was. The intergenerational trauma you have caused is enormous.”</p> <p>Earlier on Tuesday, Steve Symons, whose son Kane died in the crash, fought back tears to tell Button about how his son had seized on a “second chance” after a childhood injury only to have it “cruelly” robbed from him.</p> <p>“Kane’s death has shattered our lives. It has left an unrepairable void. He was a vibrant and ambitious young man who had been given a rare second chance at life,” Mr Symons told the court.</p> <p>“He lived with an acute awareness of just how precious life is and embraced every moment of it. To lose him now after he was given that second chance at life is both cruel and unjust.”</p> <p>Zachary Bray was also given a “second chance” after a battle with stage-3 bowel cancer, as his mother, Jackie, said he “always chose the right path” in another emotional statement. </p> <p>“In many ways, Zac was the perfect child if there ever was one. He just wanted to please and did so his entire life, making his family, friends and colleagues proud in everything he did,” she said.</p> <p>“He and his friends did what they were told to do: have a plan B. They trusted the bus driver would get them home safely, but my son who did everything right still didn’t make it home."</p> <p>“Zac got a death sentence, and his family and friends got a life sentence.”</p> <p>At least 35 people are expected to provide witness impact statements to the court during a marathon three-day sentence hearing that began on Monday morning before Judge Roy Ellis, who is expected to hand down his sentence to Button on Wednesday. </p> <p>Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

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Hamlet: Experience the epic tragedy reimagined

<p>Brett Dean and Matthew Jocelyn’s <em>Hamlet</em> has been one of the most universally applauded operas in recent memory, with successful performances at the Glyndebourne Festival, the Adelaide Festival, New York's Metropolitan Opera and the Bavarian State Opera. </p> <p>Now Opera Australia’s production of the incredible adaptation at the Sydney Opera House continues to bring new life to Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. With its rich storytelling, the opera masterfully combines the profound themes of betrayal, revenge and madness with stunning musical compositions – but with a huge difference. </p> <p>For those familiar with Shakespeare’s work, this version of <em>Hamlet</em> provides a fresh perspective, blending the traditional elements of the play with operatic expression skilfully applied by Australian composer Brett Dean and Canadian librettist Matthew Jocelyn. </p> <p>Over60 was fortunate enough to secure an interview with librettist Matthew Jocelyn about his experience in adapting one of the world’s most famous plays into an opera.</p> <p><em><strong>O60: Firstly, by way of an introduction, you’re a director and librettist – can you summarise your career and your current roles?  </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “I have led a particularly speckled career, navigating happily between directing theatre and opera, writing, teaching, running arts institutions in France and Canada, and walking. I always look forward to more of the latter. Right now I direct Koffler Arts, a gallery and multi-disciplinary arts project in Toronto, Canada, the first time I have had the opportunity to work directly with visual arts projects.”  </p> <p><em><strong>O60: How did you get involved with working on this production of Hamlet? Was this a project you’d be looking for or did an offer come as a surprise? Had you done a lot of work with Shakespeare works before this project?</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “Brett Dean contacted me in 2013, through the recommendation of a couple of mutual friends in Berlin, a composer and a singer – both of whom I had worked with on a new opera in 2010. Brett was looking for someone crazy enough to embark on a project of adapting Hamlet for the opera. It was a cold call, but after a few conversations it was clear we shared similar ideas about what the opera could look like, and how to go about it.”   </p> <p><em><strong>O60: How did you approach turning Shakespeare’s famous lines into an opera? Did you write the libretto first or did Brett write the music first? Did you feel pressure making changes to the great Bard’s iconic piece? </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “One of the most important decisions we made very early on was to use only Shakespeare’s own words to compose the libretto. But as three different versions of Hamlet were published during Shakespeare’s lifetime, or shortly after he died, there is no one definitive version – giving us both a multitude of choices for various lines, but also a deep sense that Shakespeare himself was continually rewriting his own text, giving us licence to continue doing the same. </p> <p>“The other major decision was to give ourselves freedom in who would say/sing each line. In our version, Hamlet may sing lines from Laertes or Ophelia, Ophelia sings lines from Polonius, Hamlet and Gertrude, lines get moved from one scene to another, and certain scenes appear in unexpected places for those who know the play. But at the end of the day – and this was the goal – the story is clear, and the emotions strong.”  </p> <p><em><strong>O60: You’ve collaborated with Brett Dean on other projects. What do you like about working with this Australian composer? Do you have future plans for work in Australia?</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> "Brett and I worked on numerous projects over a nearly ten-year period. This included chamber works, works for large orchestra with solo voices, and this opera. It was a rich and productive collaboration – with deeply thoughtful exchanges and a shared sense of play. Now we are both working on separate projects.” </p> <p><em><strong>O60: What are your current projects / what’s coming up in the future?</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “I am writing the libretto for a couple of new operas right now – one in Canada, one in France. And my most recent project, Cassandra by Belgian composer Bernard Foccoulle, will be performed at the Berlin Stadtsoper in June, 2025, after opening at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels last autumn. Reconceiving Koffler Arts is also a bit of a passion project – I’m very lucky that way.”</p> <p>Attending Opera Australia’s Hamlet is not just a night out but an opportunity to witness a masterful adaptation of a classic story. Whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, this production promises to be an enthralling experience. Don’t miss the chance to see this exceptional interpretation of Hamlet and immerse yourself in the beauty and drama of opera at its finest. Visit <a href="https://opera.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://opera.org.au/</a> for more info.</p> <p><em>Images: Opera Australia \ Tony Hauser</em></p>

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Dean Heasman's grandmother breaks silence after deadly house fire

<p>The estranged and terminally-ill grandmother of the man allegedly responsible for lighting a house fire that killed three of his children has spoken out in the wake of the tragedy. </p> <p>In the early hours of Sunday morning, neighbours raised the alarm after spotting the fire in a family home in the suburb of Lalor Park, with firefighters arriving on the scene in six minutes to battle what neighbours called an "intense" <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/three-children-dead-after-allegedly-being-forced-into-house-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blaze</a>. </p> <p>Two boys aged three and six years old were given CPR on the street but could not be revived, and a 10-month-old baby girl was also found dead inside the home.</p> <p>The children's father, Dean Heasman, has since been arrested over the deaths of the children, with police treating the tragedy as a domestic violence attack.</p> <p>Now, Heasman's grandmother, 82-year-old Neryle Heasman, told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13610539/Lalor-Park-house-fire-dean-heasman.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a> she knew her grandson Dean as "a nice child" but said she had been estranged from him in recent years.</p> <p>"I didn't have a lot to do with him since his father, my son also named Dean, passed away," she said.</p> <p>"On the odd occasion I saw him, I remember him being a nice child."</p> <p>Mrs Heasman, who is receiving home palliative care for terminal lung cancer and has six months to live, said she had not met her great-grandchildren.</p> <p>"I have kept up with his family through photos on Facebook," she said.</p> <p>But she was stunned to discover he was at the centre of the police investigation into the deadly fire, asking <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>, "Are you sure we're talking about the same Dean?"</p> <p>A 29-year-old woman, a nine-year-old girl, and three boys aged four, seven and 11 were also in the house during the blaze, but escaped and were rushed to Westmead hospital. </p> <p>Investigators are now trying to determine what caused the blaze, with reports claiming that Heasman threw a pillow on fire at his partner, which was partially responsible for starting the fire. </p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News / Daily Mail Australia </em></p>

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Dean Jones’ daughter’s touching wedding tribute to her late father

<p>The daughter of late cricket legend Dean Jones has paid a special tribute to him on her wedding day. </p> <p>Phoebe Jones, one of the cricketer’s three children, tied the knot with partner Dario Gomez on the island paradise of Boracay in the Philippines last Wednesday.</p> <p>As a tribute to her late father, Phoebe had the number 324 embroidered at the end of her veil. </p> <p>Dean was a batter and the 324th person selected to play Test cricket for Australia. He was inducted to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019. </p> <p>“Feeling all the love after the week of our dreams,”  she captioned the photos posted to Instagram on Saturday.</p> <p>The wedding had a white theme and featured a stunning sand sculpture with the words “Dario &amp; Phoebe wedding, 24 April 2024."</p> <p>“The most beautiful week celebrating Mr &amp; Mrs Gomez, so many smiles, tears and everlasting memories,” h<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">er sister and bridesmaid Augusta wrote in the comments. </span></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/C6Pe7peS8DD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Pe7peS8DD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Phoebe Jones (@phoebejones.xo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Dean tragically passed away on September 24, 2020 aged just 59, after he suffered a stroke while travelling in India as part of his IPL commentary duties. </p> <p>The cricket legend was farewelled at a private family service at the MCG on October 7, 2020. </p> <p>“We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love for Dean over the last week and can’t thank everyone enough for their support and for sharing their memories with us,” his wife Jane said at the time. </p> <p>“It has been an awful time to navigate as a family, but I could not have thought of a more fitting place to say goodbye to my husband.”</p> <p>He was also honoured  on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against India in 2020. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Hunter Valley bus driver breaks silence

<p>Brett Andrew Button, 59, who allegedly caused a fatal bus crash that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/hunter-valley-bus-driver-hit-with-new-charges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed 10 people</a> and injured 25 others has broken his silence over the incident for the first time.</p> <p>Button appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday as he faces almost 90 charges associated with the horror crash. </p> <p>In a statement read by his lawyer, Chris O’Brien, Button said that there was “not a day that goes by that I don’t think about what happened that night”.</p> <p>“There isn’t an hour that goes by that I’m not thinking of the families that have been affected by the crash.</p> <p>“I truly feel for anyone involved, including the emergency services.</p> <p>“I am devastated by what has occurred and I am truly deeply sorry.”</p> <p>Button was the bus driver in charge of driving wedding guests to a Hunter Valley venue when the vehicle allegedly lost control and crashed.</p> <p>Husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott were killed in the crash and farewelled in ceremonies weeks later. </p> <p>Nadene and Kyah McBride who were among the ten wedding guests killed in the crash, were also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/a-moving-time-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-honoured-at-aflw-grand-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">honoured with a tribute</a> at the AFLW grand final in December. </p> <p>Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Darcy Bulman, Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen were the other victims of the horror crash. </p> <p>Button faces 89 charges including nine counts of negligent driving occasioning death and 16 counts of driving a motor vehicle furiously doing or causing harm.</p> <p>He has not entered any pleas. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Home and Away star jailed for violent assault

<p>Former <em>Home and Away</em> star Felix Dean has been jailed for a violent assault, in which he attacked three people, tried to steal a car and used a wine bottle as a weapon. </p> <p>The 26-year-old appeared in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court via video link on Monday where he pleaded guilty to assault with intention to rob, three counts of common assault, and breaching a previous court order.</p> <p>The court heard he was using drugs and “heavily intoxicated” when he approached a stranger for “unclear reasons” outside a restaurant in Newtown, in Sydney’s inner west, earlier this year. </p> <p>Dean, who shot to fame portraying the young character VJ Patterson on the hit show <em>Home and Away</em>, then became engaged in a violent altercation with two people on the street. </p> <p>Just a few weeks later, Dean then tried to steal a man’s luxury car while wielding a wine bottle as a weapon in the suburb of Botany. </p> <p>His lawyer Phoebe MacDougall told the court on Monday Dean didn’t dispute the facts of the offences, given he was under the influence when they occurred. </p> <p>“He largely doesn’t remember the events, given the drugs he was on at the time, being meth and alcohol,” she said.</p> <p>Ms MacDougall explained the former child actor had become addicted to illicit drugs following a traumatic event at school which “significantly altered his personality during his formative years”. </p> <p>In a statement provided to NCA NewsWire, Dean explained he “resorted to drugs to cope with strong emotions” following the disturbing occurrence at school. </p> <p>“Not only dealing with that, but I was also living on the streets, with the shame of knowing I was recognised because of my time as an actor on TV,” he said.</p> <p>Ms MacDougall said Dean was very encouraged by the prospect of engaging in rehabilitation and had tried to enrol himself in a custodial program.</p> <p>However, given the seriousness of Dean's criminal record, he was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of one year. </p> <p>“I want to apologise to the many people I have hurt and to my mother who has stood by me,” Dean continued in his statement.</p> <p>The former child actor maintained his time on hit soap opera<em> Home and Away</em> had been a “positive experience” but admitted he continues to struggle with the fallout of fame.</p> <p>“Ten years on, when even the character has been replaced by multiple actors, I am trying my best to overcome the challenges I have outside of the show,” he said.</p> <p>“I wish nothing more than to be afforded the opportunity to do so without the scrutiny of the public and the media.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven / Facebook</em></p>

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How to set realistic exercise goals you’ll actually stick to

<p>We often think that exercise goals need to be huge mountains, feats that are big and hard to achieve. But when your goals are unobtainable you fall into the New Year's Eve cycle, where the excitement you feel at the beginning wavers after just a short time.</p> <p>The same goes if your goals are too small: you will only feel the sweet taste of success after a bit of hard work. Exercise goals need to be realistic. They need to stretch you enough so that you can become more than who you are at this moment without breaking you. </p> <p>Here are the top tips from Dr Brett Lillie – author of <em>Rediscover Your Athlete Within</em> – on how to set realistic exercise goals so you can achieve them on your own terms:</p> <p><strong>1. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow the Principles</strong></p> <p>Designing your goals begins with the core principles; be specific, clarify your destination, make it measurable, in bite size action steps that are achievable in a clear time frame. The goal posts. </p> <p><strong>2. Start where you are</strong></p> <p>Be truthful about where you are right now. On one hand think about your body and be realistic about your physical capacity. On the other, have fun, be creative, get curious. What do your exercise goals make you feel? At the end of the day, we're only as old as we feel. It’s easy to fall into the “I’m too old, I can’t possibly do that” trap: get out of that thought and jazz it up.</p> <p><strong>3. Make your goals compelling</strong></p> <p>Bob Proctor is famous for asking, ‘Is it big enough and scary enough’ to pull you out of your present circumstances and not playing small? A realistic goal doesn’t need to be climbing mount Everest, but it does need to stretch you and take you out of your comfort zone. The more meaning you give your goals, the more why you attach, the more realistic they become, the more they excite you and get you out of bed before the alarm.</p> <p><strong>4. Find the balance</strong></p> <p>When you set goals, they are really signposts along your life journey, “in between” destinations that you are moving in the right direction. There are times where it is spring, and everything just seems to be going your way, heading into summer, you’re ticking boxes, only to head into Winter where nothing seems to be happening. No need to feel discouraged. As the change of the seasons, exercising needs balance too. Make rest and recovery part of your goals.</p> <p><strong>5. Stay on track </strong></p> <p>Once you start exercising, the beginning bit is relatively easy, it’s the honeymoon period. The closer you get to your goal, the greater the effort, the more distractions begin to appear. This is the time you smile to yourself, you stick to your promise, you know your goal is just over the next ridge about to appear. Remind yourself you’re still progressing even if it doesn’t quite feel like it. You are still moving forward, and you have momentum. </p> <p><strong>6. Set yourself up to win</strong></p> <p>Setting yourself up to win is about removing the clutter in your life, both mental and physical. When you’re young you just juggle the growing kids, a career, responsibilities and you multi task like a pro. However, it is putting your attention on the one thing that makes the big things that matter happen. Deliberate attention will give you the greatest success. So think: What is crowding your mind? And your environment? Are there worries or piles of unfinished projects cluttering your world? Clearing the decks is making way for the new. What is your one thing?</p> <p>Making an exercise goal realistic is about deciding what is truly important, then actually writing it down and turning it into a priority in our life. It is in our PM years where the views and values we hold tend to change, we look for the deeper meaning, more heartfelt fulfilment and think about the legacy we are creating. Recognise that setting exercise goals that are realistic is you taking the time to decide what is most important to you and why, setting a promise in place. Look for the wins, acknowledge the progress and celebrate your life every day.</p> <p><em>Dr Brett Lillie, author of Rediscover Your Athlete Within, is a sought-after speaker, coach and rehab professional who helps people rekindle their love for movement and find their mojo so they can live their best life. To find out more about Dr Brett’s programs, go to his website <a href="https://www.brettlillie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.brettlillie.com</a></em></p>

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Police raid Hunter Valley bus crash depots

<p>Police have issued defect and infringement notices to the transport company involved in the Hunter Valley bus tragedy after conducting raids on two depots.</p> <p>The crash on June 11 was the deadliest seen on Australian roads in over 30 years, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/more-than-we-can-bear-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaving 10 dead and nine in hospital</a>.</p> <p>Police and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator inspectors checked 20 buses at Linq Busline depots in Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, and East Gresford, near Newcastle, on June 15.</p> <p>Seven defect and two infringement notices were issued after a cracked windscreen, oil leaks, inoperative seatbelts and vehicle lights, and insecure seats were discovered.</p> <p>A defect notice is issued when a problem needs to be fixed before the vehicle can be deemed safe to drive.</p> <p>“The joint operation involved a comprehensive audit of documentation relating to fatigue, driver management, vehicle servicing and maintenance records, and safety management systems,” police said.</p> <p>Linq said “one major defect identified in the fleet has been rectified” and minor defects were being rectified in accordance with the timelines set by the regulator.</p> <p>The evening of June 15 saw heartbroken family and friends of the victims gathered near the crash site to mourn their loved ones and thank frontline workers.</p> <p>Most of the 25 survivors sent to hospital following the crash have since been discharged.</p> <p>The nine who remain in hospital are in stable condition, with seven at John Hunter Hospital and two at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, according to NSW Health.</p> <p>Over 900 donations have been made since June 14 to fund survivors and victims’ families, with almost $500,00 raised.</p> <p>The tragedy has shaken the Singleton community, with seven locals among the 10 people killed when the bus crashed on its way back from a wedding.</p> <p>Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said the community came together to support the loved ones of those lost in the crash and pay tribute to the first responder.</p> <p>“We’re a really tight-knit community that does come together and support each other in times of need,” he told AAP.</p> <p>Locals have offered accommodation and support for victims’ families.</p> <p>“People are just dropping in things like cake and biscuits to our crisis centres to make sure there’s food available for the people there,” Suvaal said.</p> <p>Devastated friends and family continue to visit a makeshift memorial at the crash site, which is strewn with flowers, cards and teddy bears.</p> <p>Counselling and support is being offered at centres in Singleton and Branxton.</p> <p>Health Minister Ryan Park said mental health services would remain available as long as necessary.</p> <p>“What I do know about these types of traumatic and devastating events is that often it’s not in the hours and days afterwards when people need additional support — it’s often in the weeks and months,” he said.</p> <p>“They’ve been through unimaginable grief and suffering.”</p> <p>The insurer managing the crash compensation claims is being urged to ensure that extended family and friends of the victims receive support.</p> <p>Under the state’s compulsory third-party scheme, only those directly involved in the crash or who had suffered psychological trauma due to the death or severe injury of a close relative are eligible for support.</p> <p>Slater and Gordon layer Doug Williams urged the insurer to show compassion to those who have suffered due to the cash regardless of their ties to the victims.</p> <p>“It’s (the scheme) so limited that the close friends and the extended family as well as members of the small community where many of those killed lived would be ineligible to claim treatment,” Williams said.</p> <p>Many of the victims were heavily involved with the Singleton Roosters AFL club and the AFL Central Coast has cancelled its senior matches the weekend following the crash out of respect.</p> <p>Sydney Swans players will be bearing black armbands ahead of their next game against the Lions in memory of the victims.</p> <p>“We are deeply saddened by the horrific events over the weekend,” Swans chief Tom Harley said.</p> <p>The bus driver, Brett Button, 58, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/hunter-valley-bus-driver-faces-court" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced Cessnock Local Court</a> on June 13 charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Widow of late cricket legend Dean Jones’ lists their family home

<p dir="ltr">The family home of the late cricketing legend Dean Jones has been listed for sale by his wife Jane. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Macedon Ranges property where late Australian cricketer, coach and commentator lived with his family has been listed by his wife, Jane Jones with price hopes of $2.4 million. </p> <p dir="ltr">The batsman resided at the<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-romsey-142041376"> 9-13 William St, Romsey</a>, estate for over 30 years with his wife and their two daughters, Phoebe and Isabella, before his tragic death in 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Jones said her husband always enjoyed coming back to the tranquil property after the “hustle and bustle of cricket life”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With the amount of travelling he did, he had a big career overseas in India and Pakistan so he wasn’t home very much,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But when he did come home he just loved the country lifestyle and kicking back and relaxing after being on the road for eight months of the year.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The sprawling 3501sq m property has a history dating back to 1900 when it was built by the local White family, who were one of three owners of the estate over its lifetime.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jellis Craig Woodend agent Leanne Pearman said the property also had “beautiful oak trees” in the backyard which were planted in the 1890s and were now heritage listed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over the Jones’ 33 years in the four-bedroom house, Jane completed and oversaw many renovations including upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are also seven original fireplaces throughout, plus glass doors leading to an indoor heated swimming pool with a sauna and a gym, all opening to the outdoor kitchen and terrace.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: realestate.com.au</em></p>

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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“What a disgrace”: Grace Tame slams footy star’s child abuse verdict

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article includes mentions of child sex abuse (CSA) and child exploitation material.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Activist Grace Tame has slammed the Australian legal system after former NRL star Brett Finch avoided jail time for sharing child sex abuse (CSA) material.</p> <p dir="ltr">Finch, a former halfback, pleaded guilty to one charge of using a carriage service to transmit, publish or promote child abuse in August, but was sentenced to a $1000 two-year good behaviour bond on Wednesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 41-year-old was under the influence of drugs when he left a series of messages on a gay chat-line expressing a desire to perform sex acts on young boys.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court, Finch admitted to feeling disgust at himself for making the calls, saying his intention behind them was to obtain cocaine.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Tame shared her outrage in a series of posts on social media on Wednesday night, describing the verdict as a shame on Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This pathetic verdict is a shame on our nation. The fact that Judge Phillip Mahony accepted the distorted narrative alleged by Brett Finch that his production of child abuse material was a means of scoring drugs shows just how undervalued children are in Australia,” she wrote over a screenshot of a news story about Finch’s sentencing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The buck continues to stop with innocent lives. What a disgrace.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Let’s be real here: of all the avenues to score cocaine, a paedophile ring is probably THE LAST PLACE you’d need to look. In the words of Robin Williams, ‘that’s like getting chemotherapy because YOU’RE TIRED OF SHAVING YOUR HEAD’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The 27-year-old said that whether his story was true or not, the outcome of his actions remains the same.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It does not change the fact that he produced child exploitation material,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It does not change the fact that he engaged with convicted paedophiles, therefore aiding and enabling the cycle of abuse culture and providing the social cue of legitimacy to a crime against humanity.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In response to his claims that the messages were just “s**t talk”, Ms Tame said it served to “dehumanise and objectify” children.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah, that’s all it ever is, isn’t it, just “s**t talk?” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s just “s**t talk” to dehumanise and objectify an underage member of your own species.”</p> <p dir="ltr">During Finch’s sentencing, Judge Phillip Mahoney described the content of the athlete’s messages as “highly depraved” and “morally reprehensible”.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the maximum penalty for the offence is 15 years, the Crown had asked that Finch be sentenced to full-time custody.</p> <p dir="ltr">Judge Mahoney found that there were some exceptional circumstances surrounding Finch’s offending, accepting that he had been motivated by a “patently absurd” attempt to source drugs rather than out of sexual interest in children.</p> <p dir="ltr">He noted that Finch hadn’t created or shared any images and had acted alone and while under the influence, with the offending being “entirely unsophisticated”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I accept that he is genuinely remorseful for his offending conduct,” the judge said, noting Finch’s lack of a criminal record and his involvement in junior football coaching and charity work.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that Finch was at the height of his drug use at the time, which had started in 2013 and peaked with his use of 12 to 25 grams of cocaine a week.</p> <p dir="ltr">There was evidence that he failed to adapt to life after his NRL career, and that he was ashamed of his actions and had been abused in public, prompting him to rarely leave his home following the arrest.</p> <p dir="ltr">Under his release order, Finch must be of good behaviour, not travel interstate or overseas without permission, and must undergo drug testing and treatment.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>If you or someone you know have been a victim or affected by child sexual abuse, support is available. You can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380 for support.</em></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-0aeebea0-7fff-4515-96fd-837a56bf31c7"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

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Woman marries ex-boyfriend’s dad

<p dir="ltr">A woman who married her ex-boyfriend’s father in which there is a 24-year age gap has spoken out about how the exciting relationship came to be. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney Dean, 27, from Ohio was only in year 6 when she met her childhood boyfriend’s dad, Paul.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the relationship came to an end but Sydney and Paul’s son remained friends until he got another girlfriend in high school. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney felt like a third wheel and ended up speaking to Paul who she never “expected to fall in love with”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair began dating when Sydney turned 16, the legal age of consent in the state of Ohio before Paul proposed in 2016. </p> <p dir="ltr">It was difficult for the loved up couple to explain to family and friends that their relationship was real.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My mum already knew who Paul was and, from the few times they have talked, they got along just fine,” Sydney told Jam Press.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But when I first told my mum that we were together, she was not happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The age gap really got to her and it stayed that way for about a year [until] eventually she came around.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney’s parents eventually grew to love Paul, with her mother visiting “all the time”. </p> <p dir="ltr">But it was rough on Paul’s youngest son who already “knew” Sydney who took the news the hardest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He didn’t agree with the relationship for a couple of years,” Sydney said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But now that we are married, he supports us being together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He comes over with his girlfriend and their three children every other weekend just to hang out.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sydney is hoping that her love story removes the stigma toward relationships with big age gaps. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said that Paul “is the best husband” and he treats her well. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News/Jam Press</em></p>

Relationships

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“This house is my special place”: Wendy Whiteley promises $100 million gift to NSW

<p dir="ltr">Wendy Whiteley has made an “extraordinary” cultural gift to NSW, promising to sell her Lavender Bay home and bequeath her collection of her late husband Brett Whiteley’s artworks to the Art Gallery of NSW.</p> <p dir="ltr">The collection is worth more than $100 million and will be among the largest single donations the gallery has received in its 151-year history according to director Michael Brand.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This gift is yet another example of what an outstanding citizen of our harbour city Wendy Whiteley is, and why she continues to be so admired and revered,” Brand <a href="https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/media-office/whiteley-bequest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Almost 2000 artworks spanning Whiteley’s career will be left jointly to the gallery and the Brett Whitely Foundation.</p> <p dir="ltr">As for Wendy’s home, which has lived in since 1969, it will not be preserved in public ownership.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 81-year-old has instead instructed that it be sold upon her death, with the proceeds going into a trust to secure the future of the collection and the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It doesn’t amke any sense to turn [the house] into another museum,” Wendy told <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/this-house-needs-a-family-again-wendy-whiteley-s-extraordinary-100-million-gift-to-nsw-20220615-p5atzy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>. “It would be almost impossible to run it as a museum, having knowledge of what it costs to do this kind of thing. This house needs a family again. It would be lovely to think of a creative family but it would be enough if they loved it, and lived in it.</p> <p dir="ltr">She told the publication that she hopes its future owners would “keep an eye on the garden” and hassle “whoever’s in charge” if it starts to fall into disrepair.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I imagine I’m going to be here until, you know, they take me out in a coffin. Long ago I gave up taking anything for granted, like health or longevity,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The house is my special place, along with the garden and the studio. All have expanded my opportunity to lead a creative life. That’s what I’d like for others through this bequest.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Wendy and Arkie Whiteley Bequest takes inspiration from the couple’s daughter, Arkie, who died just nine years after her father from cancer at the age of 37.</p> <p dir="ltr">After Arkie’s passing in 2001, Wendy became the sole custodian of the collection and solely responsible for maintaining her husband’s legacy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Certainly this is Brett’s legacy, but it is also mine and my daughter’s because we made it happen,” Wendy said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s home in Lavender Bay features some of Brett’s major works, including Archibald Prize-winning Self portrait in the studio 1976, his Sir John Prize-winning Interior with time past 1976, and The jacaranda tree (on Sydney Harbour) 1977.</p> <p dir="ltr">Its significance was recognised in 2018 when it, along with the setting and former studio, were state heritage listed.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2de9970e-7fff-474a-1226-96ec2f4f1454"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Art Gallery of NSW</em></p>

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Fleetwood Mac member loses his battle to cancer

<p>Famed Musician Brett Tuggle has lost his battle with cancer, aged 70.</p> <p>He was best known for being the keyboardist for Fleetwood Mac and a founding member of the David Lee Roth Band.</p> <p>Brett is survived by daughter Michelle and son Matt, who confirmed that their father died from complications related to cancer.</p> <p>"He was loved by his family so much," Matt shared. "His family was with him throughout the entire time of his illness. He was a lovely father. He gave me music in my life."</p> <p>Fellow musician and good friend Rick Springfield was one of the first to pay tribute on Twitter.</p> <p>*embed tweet</p> <p>Tuggle was a founding member of the David Lee Roth Band in the 1980s before he joined Fleetwood Mac in the '90s. He was with the band for two decades, after officially taking over Christine McVie's keyboard duties when she left in 1998.</p> <p>He later worked with Fleetwood Mac stars Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on their solo ventures, which caused conflict among the group and reportedly led to his exit.</p> <p>"I care about them all," he said. "They're all a big part of my life."</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Music

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Olympic legend delivers his own eulogy

<p>Mourners were brought to tears during the emotional funeral for Australian Olympic legend Dean Woods, who delivered his own eulogy. </p> <p>The track cyclist died in early March after a long battle with lung cancer at 55 years old. </p> <p>Knowing his fate, the sportsman and father decided to address his wife and children, along with the congregation at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, in a pre-recorded message while wearing the same suit he was to be buried in. </p> <p>His wife and three kids has not previously seen the video before it was shown at the funeral, resulting in emotional scenes for the family. </p> <p>"I'm well prepared, even though I'm in the box in front of you," he said.</p> <p>"This will be the suit I'll be put in the box in. (I've) even got the torch ... in there just in case it gets dark."</p> <p>"Now for me, to say to Meagan and the kids that I'm going out for a two hour ride, and not coming back - now that's a tragedy."</p> <p>Speaking to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&amp;dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fleader%2Falbury-wodonga%2Fdean-woods-olympic-legend-brings-audience-to-tears-with-selfread-eulogy%2Fnews-story%2F4bae63017940783605fe46082b383f9e&amp;memtype=anonymous&amp;mode=premium&amp;v21=dynamic-warm-control-score&amp;V21spcbehaviour=append" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a>, Dean's widow Meagan said her and her kids were "devastated".</p> <p>She said, "We're going home tomorrow and I think that's when the reality will hit. Especially for myself and the girls, because we have had such a wonderful distraction."</p> <p>"I think once we get back home and into the swing of things, the silence will be deafening."</p> <p>Dean's service began with footage of Woods and his teammates clinching gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and ended with a tribute from Meagan, his wife of 28 years. </p> <p><strong>Extract of Dean Woods' eulogy</strong></p> <p>"Hello ladies and gentlemen … it's a bit of a sad occasion.</p> <p>I've had a pretty extraordinary life, it's pretty hard for anyone to document that in a simple form, so the best person to do it is me.</p> <p>First of all, today is a sad day, but for me this is just my process with the whole cancer deal.</p> <p>It's not a tragedy, and I saw that for the reason I've spent so much time riding my bike throughout the world, had a lot of near misses, but never had any serious accidents.</p> <p>Now for me, to say to Meagan and the kids that I'm going out for a two hour ride, and not coming back – now that's a tragedy, because everything was fine.</p> <p>I've been fortunate enough, and I do say fortunate enough, to be able to have the time to put a few things in place, to get a few things sorted.</p> <p>Even though, two years ago when I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer … So the main issue was in the lungs.</p> <p>Which, when you consider someone who's spent 40 years with their lungs in their profession keeping you fit and healthy, it's just one of those things.</p> <p>But I've never once and never will say: 'Why me? Why me?'</p> <p>It's not who I am, and it's not the way to deal with it.</p> <p>It's like if I won 50 billion in the Lotto, would I be saying: 'Why me? Why me?'</p> <p>Absolutely not. So you take the goods with the bads. And that's what I've been able to do.</p> <p>I owe a massive amount of what I know to high performance sport.</p> <p>I've been fortunate enough to be able to put myself through many arduous situations.</p> <p>And you still have that commitment to keep going.</p> <p>There's never that moment you want to stop, even though it does creep in, but you know there's an end goal.</p> <p>And the end goal is to keep going and push through.</p> <p>So even from a young age I've been very fortunate to have those experiences which have served me really well in my two terms of cancer."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Dean Woods</em></p>

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Dean Stockwell, star of Quantum Leap and Blue Velvet, dies at 85

<p dir="ltr">Actor Dean Stockwell has passed away at the age of 85. According to a family spokesperson, Stockwell died of natural causes at home over the weekend, leaving behind a legacy that includes an early career as a child actor before quitting the industry at the age of 16, only to be drawn back into it in his 20s, where he would go on to star in films such as<span> </span><em>Quantum Leap, Blue Velvet, Dune,<span> </span></em>and<span> </span><em>Married to the Mob.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">His family said in a statement, "Dean spent a lifetime yo-yoing back and forth between fame and anonymity," his family said in a statement. Because of that, when he had a job, he was grateful. He never took the business for granted. He was a rebel, wildly talented and always a breath of fresh air."</p> <p dir="ltr">Stockwell, born to actor parents, grew up in North Hollywood, and started his career as a child actor during Hollywood’s Golden Age, making his Broadway debut in 1943 before being signed to a contract with MGM that saw him starring alongside Gregory Peck in<span> </span><em>The Valley of Decision<span> </span></em>and Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra in<span> </span><em>Anchors Aweigh,<span> </span></em>both when he was just nine years old. In 1947, at the age of 11, he starred alongside Peck once more in Elia Kazan’s<span> </span><em>Gentlemen’s Agreement,<span> </span></em>playing Peck’s son.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 1950s saw him move back and forth between film and the emerging medium of television, before taking a break in 1951 and not acting again until 1956. The late 50s, 60s, and 70s saw Stockwell primarily appearing in countless television shows such as<span> </span><em>Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dr Kildare, Bonanza,<span> </span></em>and<span> </span><em>Wagon Train</em>, although there were a few memorable forays into film, including a role in<span> </span><em>Psych Out<span> </span></em>alongside Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🎶 In Dreams 🎶 The late Dean Stockwell in David Lynch’s BLUE VELVET (1986) 💙🎙 <a href="https://t.co/H3wZmmyvMC">pic.twitter.com/H3wZmmyvMC</a></p> — Criterion Collection (@Criterion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Criterion/status/1458130558584774656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The 80s saw him star in some of his most memorable roles, such as Walt Henderson in<span> </span><em>Paris, Texas</em>, and Ben in David Lynch’s 1986 film<span> </span><em>Blue Velvet,<span> </span></em>after previously working with Lynch in his 1984 adaptation of<span> </span><em>Dune.<span> </span></em>For his role as Tony “the Tiger” Russo in the 1988 film<span> </span><em>Married to the Mob,<span> </span></em>Stockwell was nominated for an Oscar.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another memorable role of Stockwell’s was that of Admiral ‘Al’ Calavicci in the sci-fi series<span> </span><em>Quantum Leap,<span> </span></em>which ran for five seasons between 1989 and 1993 and for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards. Co-star Scott Bakula, who played Dr. Sam Beckett, said of Stockwell, “He became a dear friend and a mentor and we grew very close over the next five, very intense years… In spite of having a career that came and went several times during his seventy plus years in the business, he was always grateful and delighted to have the chance to keep working.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Jim Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images</em></p>

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He's real! Dolly Parton shares rare snap of reclusive husband

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The famed country songstress has shared a rare photo with her fans of her husband of 55 years, Carl Thomas Dean.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 75-year-old shared the snap on Instagram, in which Dean seems to be wearing a shirt that’s been digitally edited to include several pictures of her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Find you a partner who will support you like my Carl Dean does!” Parton captioned the sweet photo.</span></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/CVygjSrFInE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CVygjSrFInE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fans quickly shared their adoration for the image, with one writing, “Carl Dean is super handsome!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Hahaha the queen of photoshop! Y’all are adorable,” another commented, noting that is “may be the first time” they’ve seen a picture of Parton’s husband.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What a love story,” another added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Parton and Dean first met at a Nashville laundromat the day after she arrived in the city.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They married in 1966 and renewed their vows in 2016 in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Parton’s romantic photo also serves as a promotion of the Dolly Vintage Collage Tee, which is on sale for approximately $47 on her website.</span></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/CVlJ6wqFHTu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CVlJ6wqFHTu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The country star opened up about her rarely-seen husband last year while laughing off rumours that he was fictional.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A lot of people have thought that through the years, because he does not want to be in the spotlight at all,” Parton </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/dolly-parton-throwback-photo-husband-carl-dean/496e01f5-156c-4aad-81bd-ef562479523b" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">told</span></a> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Entertainment Tonight</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s just who he is. He’s like, a quiet, reserved person and he’s figured if he ever got out there in that, he’d never get a minute’s peace and he’s right about that.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked about how her marriage has lasted for so long, she said it was, “Because I stay gone”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And there’s a lot of truth in that — the fact that we’re not in each other’s faces all the time,” she explained. “But we do have a great respect and admiration for each other. We both have a great sense of humour. So, we have a lot of fun.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @dollyparton / Instagram</span></em></p>

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Dolly Parton recreates Playboy cover for husband’s birthday

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dolly Parton is celebrating her husband’s birthday with a recreation of one of her most iconic images.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 75-year-old shared a clip to her social media pages showing the country singer once again donning the black Playboy Bunny suit and ears as a birthday treat for her husband, Carl Dean.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Today is July 20th, it’s my husband Carl’s birthday and you’re probably wondering why I’m dressed like this … well it’s for my husband’s birthday,” she said in the video.</span></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/tv/CRkGwC3pd84/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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/tv/CRkGwC3pd84/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Remember some time back I said I was gonna pose on Playboy magazine when I’m 75? Well, I’m 75 and they don’t have a magazine anymore … but my husband always loved the original cover of Playboy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was trying to think of something to do to make him happy,” she added. “He still thinks I’m a hot chick after 57 years and I’m not gonna try to talk him out of that.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The star explained that she did “a little photoshoot in this little outfit” and recreated her infamous 1978 cover, before comparing her appearance then and now.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In the first one, I was kind of a little butterball in that one. Well, I’m a string cheese now,” she joked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But he’ll probably be thinking I’m cream cheese, I hope.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The video ends with Parton singing Happy Birthday to her husband while still in the bunny suit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Parton first said she wanted to do a second Playboy cover in 2020 when asked about her retirement plans by </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">60 Minutes</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Well, I don’t plan to retire. I just turned 74,” she answered. “I plan to be on the cover of Playboy magazine again.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">“See, I did Playboy magazine years ago. I thought it’d be such a hoot if they’ll go for it, I don’t know if they will,” she added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The songstress is still making music too, with her new single “Sent From Above” dropping on July 27.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Dolly Parton / Instagram</span></em></p>

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