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Parents demand action after five-year-old son brutally attacked with golf club

William Brooks-Chiplin was playing in the front yard of his friend’s house in Tamworth, NSW on Thursday, when he was allegedly attacked with a golf club by another child. The five-year-old's face was extremely swollen and he was left dizzy and unable to move his jaw. “The people who came out and saw it thought he was gone. He didn’t make a sound, and he wasn’t moving,” his father, Kayleb Brooks, said. “My thought was he was going to die. No kid should ever experience that,” his mother, Marrisa Tisdell, added. His parents also said the young boy “is having nightmares, waking up and screaming in his sleep”. William is required to return to hospital for further scans to determine whether he has any hairline fractures or issues with his eyesight. NSW Police said they identified the 10-year-old accused of hitting William, and he had been given a warning under the Young Offenders Act, designed to provide an alternative process to court proceedings for children accused of crimes. For children aged between 10 and 14 years, the act is design in such way because, “a child cannot be held criminally responsible for their conduct because they don’t understand right or wrong”, according to Hugo Law Group’s Linday Stankovic. However, William's parents are calling for the government to change the age of criminal responsibility following the incident. “The kid pretty much just got a caution,” William's mum said. “(It’s) is unfair, because in the meantime he is suffering and nothing is being done about it,” his dad added. However, things aren't that simple as there are other concerns about the implication. Earlier this month, the Australian Human Rights Commissioner wrote to the NT government urging it to not lower the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10-years-old. “The younger a child comes into contact with the criminal justice system, the more likely they will go on to commit more serious and violent crimes," National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said. “Lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 10 years will not make communities safer, it will only see rates of child offending increase. “These are primary school age children, and harsh, punitive responses are not the answer. “ A recent report also found that more than three-quarters of children had mental health needs or cognitive disability, and 47 per cent had multiple diagnosed cognitive disabilities. Image: 7News

Legal

E-scooter hit and run victim embraced by Magpies club

In a heartwarming display of community and sportsmanship, the Collingwood AFL club has come together to support a cherished fan, 81-year-old Jessie Hatch, after a distressing e-scooter incident following the Collingwood-Carlton game two weeks ago. Jessie, a lifelong devotee of the Magpies, was leaving the Melbourne Cricket Ground when she was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/such-a-cowardly-thing-police-hunt-after-e-scooter-hit-and-run-on-81-year-old-woman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">struck by an e-scooter</a> in what she described from the hospital afterwards as "such a cowardly thing". In a touching twist, it was a member of the rival Carlton cheer squad who first rushed to her aid. Reflecting on the incident, Jessie <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/great-grandmother-embraced-by-beloved-magpies-after-ugly-escooter-incident/73445ba6-69f0-4954-8984-cc3109e3de30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recounted to 9News</a>, "Apparently I passed out and they couldn't get a pulse or a heartbeat and I came around finally with someone screaming my name and telling me to wake up and also my son was so distressed." Jessie's son, Greg, expressed his confidence in his mother’s resilience. "She was born in Carlton - she won't admit that - but she was raised in Collingwood . . . So they build them a bit different when they're raised in Collingwood. Tougher than any of us." Despite her injuries, Jessie’s spirit remains unbroken. Dressed proudly in her Magpies jumper, she recently attended a training session where she was warmly welcomed and embraced by the players. The club’s support has been a balm for Jessie. "This is just amazing," she beamed. True to her unwavering dedication, she declared, "I'm going to the game on Saturday. That won't keep me away." In an inspiring gesture of goodwill, Jessie also plans to set aside traditional rivalries to visit Princes Park and thank the Blues fan who helped her. Meanwhile, police have alleged that the e-scooter rider intentionally knocked Jessie down. To that end, a 46-year-old man remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 22. Images: Nine News | Seven News

Caring

Pink denied entry to Sydney hotspot

Global superstar Pink, known for her chart-topping hits and gravity-defying aerial stunts, faced an unexpected hurdle during her recent visit to a Sydney hotspot. Reports have emerged detailing how the 44-year-old singer, with her entourage of eight, was turned away at the door of the Manly Skiff Club on Monday evening, sending waves of disbelief through the entertainment world. Eyewitness Mark Eymes recounted the cringe-worthy encounter to <a href="https://manlyobserver.com.au/surf-and-turf-how-manly-snubbed-both-pnk-and-a-kardashian-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Manly Observer</a>, highlighting Pink's valiant yet futile attempts to gain entry. "I overheard her saying that she had a booking, but when they asked her to provide her ID, she said she didn’t have any on her," Eymes disclosed, echoing the sentiments of many who witnessed the debacle unfold. Despite Pink's earnest explanation that she had already secured her booking with a deposit, the club's staunch adherence to the Registered Clubs Act 1976, mandating the presentation of identification for temporary membership, left the pop icon out in the cold harbour breeze. "Next thing, I saw Pink and her group walking away. They just turfed her out," Eymes recounted, painting a picture of celebrity rejection that would make even the most stoic of us cringe. In a valiant effort to come to Pink's rescue, Eymes, akin to a knight in a polo shirt, attempted to summon the Skiff Club directors and floor manager to rectify the situation. Alas, his efforts were in vain, as Pink and her posse were unceremoniously ushered away, leaving behind a cloud of disappointment and a faint echo of "Get the Party Started". However, amid the chaos and the flustered apologies from the Skiff Club's Secretary Manager, Matt Hazell, Pink maintained her composure, displaying a level of grace and decorum belying her superstar status. Witnesses attested that not once did she resort to diva antics, despite the palpable sting of rejection. "Not once did she throw her weight around. She was really pleasant despite being a little upset that she couldn’t come in," Eymes reported. As Pink continues her Summer Carnival stadium tour, captivating audiences with her electrifying performances and trademark aerial acrobatics, one can't help but wonder if this unfortunate incident will serve as inspiration for her next chart-topping hit. Will we soon find ourselves belting out lyrics about the perils of forgetting one's ID at the club? Only time will tell. Images: Instagram / Manly Skiff Club

Travel Trouble

“I’ll quit”: Steve Price’s fairway feud with Dan Andrews

Steve Price, the Sky News shock jock and host of The Project, has threatened a full-scale membership mutiny of his hallowed Portsea Golf Club, turning Victoria's Mornington Peninsula into the stage for a golf-centric feud that looks set to make more divots than a toddler with a sand wedge. Price has vowed to unleash the ultimate golf club warfare if former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews dares to follow through on his ambition to become a member of his beloved club. Price declared on Sky News Australia that if Andrews is welcomed into the exclusive golfing enclave, he would take his membership and tear it into more pieces than a scorecard after a disastrous round. “This is the premier who stopped us playing golf for two years during Covid,” Price exclaimed in much the same way one would (1 wood? too much) if Andrews personally walked up and confiscated his seven-iron. “No way should that man come into the golf club.” Former pro golfer Mark Allen joined the chorus of disapproval, claiming that other golf clubs along the Mornington Peninsula were contemplating a similar blockade against Andrews. The uproar stems from the dark days of Covid when golfers in certain parts of the Mornington Peninsula were banned from fairways and greens, as well as a specific restriction that allowed certain parts of the peninsula to carry on playing, while others areas were banned altogether. Andrews, in his role as the "lockdown czar", earned the ire of golf enthusiasts who found solace only on the "wrong" side of the bay. “Remember one side of the peninsula they were able to play and get around, the other side of the peninsula, they were not allowed to play,” explained Allen. In a stunning display of commitment to the cause, golf clubs were allowed to reopen in September 2021, but toilets remained off-limits, prompting golf enthusiasts to question whether they were being punked by an elaborate Candid Camera-style golf course edition. Andrews, who recently announced his retirement from politics, now plans to spend more time with his family and on the golf course. However, the threat of being ostracised from the Peninsula's golfing elite looms large, like a shadow on the putting green. As the turf wars intensify, it's clear that the Mornington Peninsula is not just a geographical location; it's a battlefield, where the clash of golfing ideologies may rival the intensity of a Ryder Cup final day. Will Andrews dare to follow through on his membership application, knowing the potential fallout? Will Price stick to his membership-ripping threat, or will he ultimately decide that a day on the green is more important than a political greenhorn? In this gripping saga of fairways and fracas, the only certainty is that the Mornington Peninsula has become ground zero for a golfing soap opera that will have enthusiasts on the edge of their golf carts, eagerly awaiting the next putt-plot twist. Images: Sky News

Travel Trouble

Beloved Bondi Surf Club lifesaver dies at just 54

A close-knit Bondi Beach community is coming to terms with the unexpected death of Louise Santos, who was a devoted mother, a surf lifesaver, and an acclaimed athlete. Santos tragically passed away during a family vacation in France at just 54 years old, leaving behind her husband, Stuart, and her young son, Josh, to grapple with the sudden loss. The impact of this loss is also felt by the Bondi Surf Club, where she devoted over twenty years of her life as a longstanding employee and volunteer. “The entire club stands in profound shock, grappling with the void left by Louise’s passing," Brent Jackson, President of the Bondi Surf Club said in a statement. “She recently became our newest Life member," he added. “Our deepest sympathies and support are extended to her beloved husband, Stuart, and her son, Josh, who is also an active Nipper. “Our thoughts are with them as they navigate this unfathomable loss.” Jackson also paid tribute to Santos' unwavering dedication to their club. “For those who had the privilege of attending our last Annual General Meeting, you understand the pivotal role Louise quietly played within our club for decades," he shared. “Her commitment knew no bounds, and she continued to champion our cause diligently, currently serving as the Registrar and meticulously planning the upcoming season for our surf sports team. “Personally, I will deeply miss Louise’s straightforward, pragmatic approach and her resolute ‘can-do’ attitude that inspired us all. “Louise’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and the profound impact she had on our club’s journey,” he concluded. Santos was a a gifted athlete winning over 40 medals in Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving competitions. She also became the first female individual Australian gold medallist in the Ironwoman category for ages 35 to 39 in 2005. In 2018 she secured a second-place finish in her age group at the Coolangatta Gold Long Course endurance event. Santos had only just celebrated her 54th birthday ten days prior to the tragedy, although her cause of death remains undisclosed. Former Director of Lifesaving at Bondi Surf Club Damon Somerfield, also paid tribute to Santos in a post shared on Facebook. “As you go through life, there are people around you who inspire you the most, to make a difference, to become a better person. She was a friend, an incredible support to us as new parents, and one of the best clubmates you could ask for," he wrote. “To become the first female life member of the oldest Surf Lifesaving Club was one of hers and our proudest moments as club mates. “As we move forward and come to terms with this terrible news, we will celebrate all that you stood for, Louise, and for all you have done for those who loved you.” In a heartwarming display on Wednesday morning, the Bondi Surf Club members held a gathering to lower the flag together and light a candle in her memory. The board section also held a minute's silence on the beach to mark her passing before catching some waves together. Image: Facebook

Caring

Free tickets to The Miracle Club for Over60 readers!

Join us for a special advance preview of The Miracle Club! Starring Academy Award winners Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, Academy Award nominee Laura Linney, and rising talent Agnes O'Casey, The Miracle Club is a heartwarming, hilarious film that celebrates the power of friendship, love and laughter. "The stories of these women reminds us that we are only as strong as the friends and family who stand by us,” says Jarod Neece, Senior Programmer at the Tribeca Film Festival. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gp3ZFdklPCk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The film is set in Ballyfermot, Ireland, 1960. A hard-knocks community in outer Dublin that marches to its own beat, rooted in traditions of loyalty, faith and togetherness. There's just one tantalising dream for the women of Ballyfermot to taste freedom and escape the gauntlet of domestic life: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. And with a little benevolent interference from their cheeky and rebellious priest, close friends Lily, Eileen, Dolly and Sheila are the 'lucky' few to win this ticket of a lifetime at their riotous local raffle night. As a special offer to Over60 Readers, <a href="https://www.weticketit.com/showfilmfirstau/booking/Event/detail/JRD10963" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simply click the link to RSVP</a> and download your free double pass to the film. But hurry – seats are limited, so it really is first in, best dressed. Enjoy! <a href="https://www.weticketit.com/showfilmfirstau/booking/Event/detail/JRD10963" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/MiracleClub_HERO.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></a>

Movies

How to start your own book club

Starting a book club is easy – all you need is to love reading. Here’s how to get yours off to a flying start. Finding Fellow Readers Ask around your existing personal networks, including neighbours, friends, social media, or a community noticeboard. Once you mention you want to start a club, you’ll be surprised how many people may want to come along. Ask at your local bookshop and library for ideas – many run regular reading groups and can point you in the right direction for good books. Identify what common interests you and your group have and use these to help draw like-minded people. Once you start looking, you’ll find book clubs for men or women, seniors, sci-fi lovers, teenagers or cookery buffs. The Time, the Place Once you have a group, agree on how often you want to meet – typically clubs meet monthly, though the time-poor may want to make it bi-monthly. For many clubs, meeting at home works best as you don’t have to get dressed up, and noisy public venues can make talking hard. If members bring a plate of food or a bottle, it takes the pressure off the host. But try rotating your meeting location as this will help to stimulate fresh thoughts. Idea Tailor your venue according to the book’s subject matter. The Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman was discussed over fish’n’chips by one club, while The Red Tent by Anita Diamant was chewed over at a Middle Eastern restaurant. Size Matters According to Christine Callen, a book club veteran of 15 years, you need a minimum number of people per meeting to make it interesting. “Seven is the magic number – fewer and there’s not enough for healthy debate,” she says. “You can have ten people in the club – not everyone will be able to make it every time – seven provides enough opinions.” Choosing the Books If you’re the club instigator, it’s easier if you pick the first book. Seek out book reviews in good magazines and newspapers and at bookshops. The flavour of the books you choose will be largely dictated by the personalities attending – you might like to have a wide range of genres from sci-fi to romance to travel epics. Or stick to one genre, such as history books. Decide on a strategy and a time frame – say five to 12 books across the year – then review how everything appeals to the majority. Take turns to come up with a list of four or five titles, then circulate the list via email shortly after your last discussion. Members can then vote on their preferred next book and meeting time. The member scheduled to host the next meeting coordinates the responses to decide the title and date most voted for. Starting Discussion Callen recommends beginning by asking all members to briefly give their opinion on the book. “Everyone arrives and has a drink to loosen up,” she explains. “Then we take it in turns to go around the room and each give the book a mark out of ten, saying in a few sentences what we liked or disliked about it. This gives everyone a chance to speak early in the night and stops one person dominating the conversation from the start.” Tip There is no one way to interpret a book. In fact, differing opinions are good. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/How-to-Start-Your-Own-Book-Club">Reader’s Digest</a>. Images: Getty

Books

7 hot things to do this winter

The best thing about winter in Australia is that in most parts of the country the weather doesn’t stop you from spending time outside. While swims at the beach might be out, there are still many things you can do out in the fresh winter air. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites. 1. Christmas in July picnic While people may think picnics are a summer-only activity, when it’s a sunny winter's day there is nowhere better to be than outdoors. As long as you suitably rug up, a picnic in your local park with family and friends is the perfect way to spend the day. With July coming up why don’t you get your family and or friends together and throw a Christmas in July party. It’s even an appropriate time get out the Christmas jumpers – something we cannot do on December 25th in this country. 2. A trip to the zoo Visiting the zoo is a great day out for all, young and old. Many zoos across the country put on special shows and activities during the school holidays (think June/July), so this is a great time to think about taking younger family members or the grandkids. 3. Wine and cheese tasting Whether you want to head out to some wineries for the day or have your own wine and cheese tasting soiree at home, winter is the perfect time to kick back with a lovely glass of red and a platter of cheeses. While Australia has many amazing wineries that everyone should try, we also love the idea of holding a wine tasting party. You can assign one type of wine to each of your guests and even theme the day (wines from one country or each person brings a wine from where they grew up) to make it more fun. 4. Walk in a national park We are so blessed with beautiful national parks in Australia, and many of them have lots of walking trails ranging from easy to more strenuous. While rainy, snowy or extremely windy days won’t be ideal for heading out for a walk, the crisp winter air combined with the sun offers the perfect conditions for a long walk. Just don’t forget a raincoat, some water and your mobile phone in case you need them. 5. A day trip to a remote pub Life is all about experiences and they say that those who mix things up, are generally happier people. So quick, get out of town for the day. Research small towns nearby and look for a lovely pub to go for a nice lunch at. You might even want to make a special playlist of old songs to make the car journey extra fun. 6. Have a bake off with your friends It is winter, so there are bound to be some rainy or snowy days. On these days when you’re restricted to indoor activities, why not invite the grandkids, family or friends over and have a mini bake-off. Competition aside, at the end of the bake-off you’ll have some warm treats to enjoy with a nice cuppa. 7. Start a winter book club There’s no better time to start a book club than during winter. Not only is winter the perfect time to curl up on the couch with a blanket and catch up on reading, it is also a time when you’ll be more inclined to spend time indoors by the fire or heater. Why not turn your extra time spent reading into a book club? It gives you an excuse to catch up and spend hours on end chatting with friends – even if the conversation veers away from the book. Images: Getty

Retirement Life

Are you sure your life cover's the best?

Life insurance protects your loved ones and your way of life - but it’s not supposed to be a ‘set and forget’ exercise. If it’s been more than five years since you’ve reviewed your life cover, there’s a good chance you’re likely paying too much in premiums, especially if: <ul> <li>You’ve paid off your home loan, or your repayments are substantially lower than they once were.</li> <li>Your children have moved out of your family home.</li> <li>You’ve stopped smoking</li> <li>You’ve downsized your home.</li> <li>You’ve retired, or plan to do so in the near future.</li> </ul> All of the above scenarios can make a difference to the level of life cover you need - and the premium you’re currently paying. It’s worth a phone call to find out where you might find some savings. Income protection cover, for example, isn’t applicable once you’ve retired - so make sure you’re not paying for it. Going over the required paperwork can seem daunting, and life insurance policies can be confusing - that’s why <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/life-oversixty/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=life&utm_content=nativearticle&category=life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OverSixty works with Compare Club</a> to make this process as easy as possible. Compare Club have been helping Aussies save money - and make sense of - insurance policies since 2010. They look at policies from Australia's leading life insurers#. Their expert life cover brokers don’t leave you to work it all out on your own. They ask questions, listen, and help complete your paperwork. Talk to one of our experts about your life cover today. <h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; line-height: 1.2; color: #212529; font-size: 1.5rem; background-color: #ffffff;">Call 1300 863 204 now, or <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/life-oversixty/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=life&utm_content=nativearticle&category=life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> to save today!</h4> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">The information contained in this guide is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. As such, it is important that you consider the appropriateness of any advice and the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) before proceeding. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">#Compare Club compares selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market.

Caring

Getting life cover can mean a 15% rebate for you

We all have loved ones who rely on us. Life insurance offers security, but so many of us are doing it tough at the moment that another outgoing seems scary. <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/life-oversixty/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=life&utm_content=nativearticle&category=life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OverSixty is partnering with Compare Club</a> to find ways you can still protect your family, without breaking your retirement budget. For example: Did you know you’re able to split your life insurance so some of it’s paid in your super fund? It’s true! Accessing your life cover like this gives you a way to: <ul> <li>Keep your out-of-pocket expenses low.</li> <li>Access discounted premiums: your 15% rebate makes dollars and good sense.</li> <li>Afford better cover with more benefits for you - and your family.</li> </ul> <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/life-oversixty/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=life&utm_content=nativearticle&category=life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compare Club’s life cover experts</a> have this knowledge at their fingertips. They’re experts who have been helping Aussies save money on insurance policies since 2010. You don’t need to puzzle it all out on your own either. Compare Club’s brokers match policies to people’s real-life circumstances - and handle your paperwork. Compare Club looks at policies from Australia's leading life insurers#, so talk to an expert today about your future, and your family. <h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; line-height: 1.2; color: #212529; font-size: 1.5rem; background-color: #ffffff;">Call 1300 863 204 now, or <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/life-oversixty/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=life&utm_content=nativearticle&category=life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> to save today!</h4> The information contained in this guide is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. As such, it is important that you consider the appropriateness of any advice and the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) before proceeding. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions. #Compare Club compares selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market.

Money & Banking

The craziest things you can do on a cruise ship

Onboard entertainment on cruise ships is no longer limited to shuffleboard and conga lines. These days you can do just about anything on the high seas. Here are five of the craziest activities Fly over the ocean If the view from the deck isn’t enough for you, why not hang out over the side of the ship almost 100 metres above the waves? The new Quantum of the Seas has a unique London Eye-style glass pod that is attached to a mechanical arm and swings passengers out over the ocean for unbeatable panoramic views. Learn to surf Thankfully we aren’t suggesting that you try the waves over the side of the ship. A number of Royal Caribbean ships have a specially designed wave pool where passengers can learn to surf or boogie board. 130,000 litres of water per minute creates a current strong enough to stand up in and the trampoline-style walls mean you won’t hurt yourself when you wipe out. Climb the crows nest This is not one for the faint hearted. Onboard Star Clippers small sailing ships, brave guests can climb all the way to the top of the mast, over 21 metres above the deck. If you want to experience a little of the sailing life closer to sea level, you can also take basic sailing lessons and help the crew unfurl the sails. Zip line Walking across the deck is so 2005. Two Royal Caribbean ships have huge zip lines that shoot passengers across the centre of the ship, suspended nine decks in the air. You’ll feel the sea breeze in your hair and the views are great – if you can bring yourself to open your eyes. Sky dive from the ground up Typically skydiving is a top down affair, but you can now experience the same feeling taking off from land (or sea). The Ripcord by iFLY has a cushion of air that pushes a person upwards inside a huge glass tube and the air rushing past at over 150 kilometres an hour gives the sensation that you are really flying. This is another one that you’ll only find on new megaliner Quantum of the Seas. Images: Getty

Cruising

Conversation starters for solo travellers

We all know of stranger danger but when you’re a solo traveller the ability to talk to strangers (safely, though) is one of the most important skills to have under your belt. Chatting with strangers will not only add to your travel experience but it might even lead to life-long friendships. Here are a few conversation starters to keep up your sleeve. A note on safety: Don’t be afraid to tell people you are a solo traveller. People are often more keen to chat and talk to those travelling alone, however it’s important to exercise caution. Look for clues to see if the person can be trusted and stay in public places. When eating out, sit at a communal table or at the bar. Chat to people sitting next to you. If they are a local, you can ask them about the restaurant and any local recommendations. If they are a fellow traveller, ask them where they’re from and how their trip is going. Ask someone to take your photo. Be mindful of the fact there are some scammers targeting tourist destinations to steal cameras so use your judgement but this is an easy and natural way to strike up a conversation. A family or a group of tourist can usually be trusted and counted on to take your Start with the sight you’re getting photographed. Comment on a tourist destination. If you’re wandering around a museum/gallery/popular site, keep a look out for other solo travellers. Keep it simple and introduce yourself, following up questions about how their enjoying where you both are. Be aware that not everyone wants to chat but most solo travellers have an open mind and want to meet new people. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

What does your health fund know about living costs? Because health cover premiums are on the rise this year too!

Have you noticed more scary headlines about ballooning inflation and climbing interest rates out there lately? While the media love their dramatic headlines, there’s more truth than usual in their scary stats. It’s no secret that a lot of us are feeling squeezed financially at the moment. The cost of living has shot up in recent months - from interest rates, to groceries, and new energy and fuel price hikes, it’s getting harder to make ends meet. Health cover is no exception. In fact, in 2023, health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 2.9%... …but did you know that your fund can put your premium up by a lot more than that? It’s true. Don't be fooled by any ‘average’ messaging. An ‘average increase’ is just that - an average. Your premium may be going up by a lot more. OverSixty has partnered with Compare Club, Australia’s most trusted team of health insurance experts,* who spend every day talking to Aussie families – and they’ve recently shared with us two examples: 1. Kevin's policy has gone up by 20% in 2 years - that’s a LOT more than the current rate of inflation it’s being blamed on. 2. Cassie's family combined cover policy is going up by 13.67% or $33.60 a month - that’s over $400 a year on top of her current premium. We know how much households are hurting right now, so Compare Club talked to us about three smart ways to keep your health insurance premiums in check - without compromising your cover: 1. Downsize your policy - only pay for what you need: Are you on a top tier policy you’re not fully using? You might find you can get a Silver Plus or Bronze Plus tier policy with a lower premium, and stay covered for what you need. 2. Split policies - health funds’ best kept secret: If you and your partner have different health needs, splitting your cover across two different policies - or even two different funds - could save your family several hundred dollars in annual premiums. 3. Pay in advance - before your premium rises: You may have noticed that a lot of health funds have delayed their premium increase this year. If yours is one of these, and you can afford to pay your full annual premium before the date of increase, you’ll lock in a full year’s worth of savings for yourself. Know your options: “Health funds are a competitive bunch, so you don’t have to take what your fund dishes out. If you've not reviewed your health cover recently, you could be paying an average of $785^ more than you need.” – Compare Club CEO, Andrew Davis. OverSixty has partnered with Compare Club’s experts who have saved over 136,500 customers an average of $300 on health cover premiums over the last five years^. We’re quite sure you have better things to do with your money than overpaying for health cover. Compare Club have been helping Aussies switch and save on health cover since 2010#, so get in touch and see how much their experts could save you. <h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; line-height: 1.2; color: #212529; font-size: 1.5rem; background-color: #ffffff;">Call 1300 863 204 now, or visit <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/over60/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=nativearticle&category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compare.oversixty.com.au</a> to save today!</h4> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">*Based on Trustpilot reviews, correct as of 04/01/23 ^Savings based on 136,746 customers between 1 Jan 2018 - 23 December 2022. #Compare Club compares selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market.

Caring

Would you be happy to lose over $1,300 a year?

OverSixty has partnered with Compare Club to stop this happening! There’s nothing worse than paying for something that you aren’t using! It means you’re missing out on good value - and cost savings! This is exactly what happens to a lot of us with our health insurance extras though! According to Senior Health Insurance Adviser at Compare Club Eli Boroda: “Australians leave $1,300 of their extras to go to waste each year^. Every day I have the same conversation with people who suddenly realise they’re paying top dollar for a policy with generous annual limits on dental, physio, chiro, and more, that they’ll never come close to using. The health funds love these guys - they’re like gym members who join but stop going after a month.” In order to help you save, <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/over60/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=nativearticle&category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OverSixty has partnered with Compare Club</a>, one of Australia’s most trusted teams of health insurance experts*. They review health funds and their policies every year - and their data shows that a lot of Aussies leave around $1,300 of health fund extras going to waste each year. That's a lot of money to leave unspent - especially with your health insurance premiums on the rise! Use them, or lose them… Did you know that extras for health fund benefits don’t roll over? That’s right - if you don’t use them across your calendar year, you’re just giving your health fund your money for free. For example: Most Aussies can access up to $1,050 of dental rebates, but only claim around $238, meaning they’ve missed out on $812 worth of treatments or check-ups**. In 2023, that’s way too much money to leave behind, so here are our top 5 expert tips to maximising your extras: <ol> <li>Keep your receipts: most health insurers let you claim in the following year for treatments that you paid for in this year, so you can still claim those rebates.</li> <li>Many health funds make it easy to check what benefits you’ve got remaining either online or via an app. Get in the habit of checking your benefits on the first or last day each month. Book in those appointments you need. </li> <li>Are there a range of extras on your policy you just can’t seem to use up? This is the BIGGEST sign your policy isn’t a great fit for you. Consider switching to cover that delivers benefits you’ll actually use.</li> <li>Check what percent benefit your fund gives you for the extras you use regularly - like dental, optical, and physio. Policies that offer 100% cover for services you use most are where you’ll make the most savings - and don’t forget to claim!</li> <li>Last but not least, <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/over60/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=nativearticle&category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">talk to one of our expert brokers</a> – they’ll help you audit your cover so it actually meets your needs, without costing the earth.</li> </ol> There’s no point paying hundreds of dollars for big annual extras limits if you never use them up. In fact, it means you’re losing money! If you’re wondering about better value cover for yourself or your family, talk to an expert broker about what's on offer right now. <h4>Call 1300 863 204 now, or visit <a href="https://lp.compareclub.com.au/over60/?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=nativearticle&category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compare.oversixty.com.au</a> to save today!</h4> ^<a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/personal-finance/millions-of-australians-have-just-12-days-left-to-claim-1300-c-9209596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australians missing out on $1,300</a> *Based on Trustpilot reviews, correct as of 04/01/23 **<a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/personal-finance/millions-of-australians-have-just-12-days-left-to-claim-1300-c-9209596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australians not claiming full dental rebates.</a>

Money & Banking

No Pokies, no problems: The bowling club that never looked back

Petersham Bowling Club was heading towards poverty, when the board’s decision to remove all of their pokies in 2007 changed their business for the better. Club president George Catsi said that the shift from pokies, a staple of many NSW bowling clubs, to live entertainment and other events has generated them more profit than the slots ever did, with a 700 per cent increase in turnover. “I came at it from a position of, this is a valuable space that’s here, the club owns the land. They could have developed it,” he told news.com.au. “So I suppose we came in on a platform of engagement, and we were feeling that the club wasn’t engaging with its community.” Over the last calendar week alone, the club has hosted trivia, life drawing, poetry, two music gigs, Pinot and Picasso, a community radio show, and Sunday bowls. “You’ve got to create a place that people go. This place is such a great vibe, and it’s got such interesting things going. People will fight for that,” Catsi said. “This is what clubs should be – they should be hubs. My problem with a lot of other clubs is that they forgot that.” Catsi said that they took over the bowling club because it was struggling, and recognised that the pokies weren’t “saving them” or a “guaranteed lifeline”, as they still needed to get people through to the club. He also said that clubs relying on the slot machines for income are “doomed” because they are not open to welcoming and accommodating to the wider communities. “Is it lazy income now? Yes, it is. Absolutely. Because it’s just embedded as part of your income stream, and you don’t want to let go of it,” Catsi said. “It’s also governments … they’re also addicted to the gambling money.” Pokies are going to be one of the major issues for the upcoming NSW election on March 25. Both parties have vowed to make considerable changes, but neither are going to remove the slots completely. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Breakfast Club star finally joins the baby club

Actor Anthony Hall and his wife, Lucia Oskerova, have shared the delightful news that they are expecting their first child together. In a statement to People, the 54-year-old actor, best known for his roles in Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, opened up about how 34-year-old Lucia broke the news - a far cry from his The Breakfast Club character Brian Johnson’s stubborn “it's personal business. It's my personal, private business.” "Lucia and I were at home,” he explained. “She surprised me by revealing that she was pregnant with an at-home pregnancy test. We were kissing, hugging, and thanking God. We immediately started dancing and laughing in our bathroom to celebrate the good news.” Anthony went on to add that the couple will be having a boy, and that they already have a name for the little one picked out - “Michael Anthony the II”. Anthony’s full name is Michael Anthony Hall, but he changed it as many celebrities do upon joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1976. Of their upcoming dive into parenthood this summer, he gushed, "my wife and I are feeling so blessed, excited and filled with joy in anticipation of our son being born this summer.” Lucia took to Instagram to share their exciting news, with a post that also wished their fans a happy Valentine’s Day, tagging it “#babynews” and “#firsttimeparents”. “Congratulations!” Wrote Boardwalk Empire actor Chris Caldovino, to the thanks of both expectant parents. “I’ve been waiting FOREVER for the announcement of my new baby buddy! Love, love, love!” Declared one loved one, to whom Lucia responded that “it was starting to get hard to keep it a secret.” <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/Cop_osxSaGM/?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/Cop_osxSaGM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lucia Oskerova (@luciaoskerova)</a> </div> </blockquote> Anthony had nothing but praise for his wife when asked about her pregnancy experience, telling People she’s been a “champ throughout”. "She's tending to every important detail as a proud, expectant mother-to-be,” he explained. “She is now six and half months along. "As a new father-to-be, I've been taking care of family business and making sure we all eat well, with a healthy diet of good foods — plenty of greens, vegetables, fresh fruit, and protein-rich food. Lucia makes great smoothies for us. And we are all getting good sleep each night." Anthony, as character Brian Johnson, once announced that he was “in the math club, uh, the Latin, and the physics club”. Whether or not Anthony himself has ever added any of these to his resume as well, he’ll soon be a lifetime member of The Baby Club. Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Literary travels – destinations made famous by your favourite writers

Great writers have the ability to make a destination jump off the page. Here are five places made famous by great writers where you can step into the pages of your favourite book. Myanmar During the 1920s and 30s Burma (as it was called then) was a hub for the most famous writers in the world. George Orwell, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham all lived here and the capital Yangon (Rangoon) was a buzzing party town and the most beautiful capital in the British Empire. Much has changed in modern day Myanmar, but travellers can still spend the night in the famous Strand hotel where Kipling used to write or travel up the Ayeyarwady River stopping at the small towns that Orwell made famous in Burmese Days. Bali In 2006 Elizabeth Gilbert chronicled the breakdown of her marriage and her own recovery in the novel Eat Pray Love. After stints in Italy (eating) and India (praying), Gilbert set up camp in Ubud in the lush green hills of Bali to find a balance of the two – and ultimately found love. The book and subsequent film have brought a huge influx of travellers to Ubud, but it is still a quiet region of rice paddies, ancient Hindu temples and roadside stalls – though there is now a healthy dose of art galleries, small bars and boutiques added to the mix. Check into a villa and let the soul soothing begin. St Petersburg St Petersburg has been the inspiration for novelists from Russian greats like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky through to The Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons. During the city’s famed white nights (a period from May to July where the sun barely sets and the city experiences near constant daylight) you can practically see Anna Karenina dashing through the streets in her finest. Russia is also home to more literary museums than any other country in the world and in St Petersburg you can visit the Dostoevsky museum in the apartment where he wrote The Brothers Karamazov or the National Pushkin Museum dedicated to Russia’s favourite poet. Dublin Dublin is one of only six UNESCO Literary Cities in the world, which is not surprising when you consider it’s the birthplace of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and WB Yeats. Joyce’s Ulysses follows a day in the life of three Dubliners and fans can now take a self-guided walking tour around the city visiting the places mentioned in the book (there’s even a virtual tour online if you’re more of an armchair traveller). Visit the Dublin Writers Museum to learn about the city’s great literary history or head to Trinity College to see the legendary Book of Kells, an illuminated gospel manuscript dating from 800AD. Cuba To think of Cuba is to think of Ernest Hemingway; sitting at a bar, mojito in hand, cigar clamped firmly between his teeth. Papa, as he was known, lived in Cuba for more than 20 years and it was the setting for his last major fiction book, the Pulitzer Prize winning The Old Man and the Sea. The small fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway used to dock his boat, was the inspiration for the book and the old man is said to be based on Cojimar local Gregorio Fuentes. The village is largely unchanged, with narrow streets and a picturesque seafront – though expect to find a few tour buses stopped for photos by the bust of Hemingway. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

The world’s best cities for solo travellers

Solo travel can be daunting, but it’s also exciting to forge out on your own and explore somewhere that you’ve always wanted to see. Keep in mind there are a few extra criteria to be aware of when travelling on your own. These cities are safe, easy to get around and have more than enough to keep you entertained. Dublin The Irish are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. You can almost guarantee that if you’re sitting alone enjoying a Guinness, it won’t be long before someone comes to talk to you. The city is also easy to get around with a compact centre, an extensive public bus system and the efficient DART train running along the coast of the Irish Sea if you want to explore further afield. Amsterdam Safety is always a concern for solo travellers and Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. It’s also home to some of the world’s most famous museums – like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum – so you’ll have no trouble filling your days. The city is best explored by bicycle and is, like the rest of the Netherlands, virtually flat. Auckland New Zealand’s largest city is a great place to sample two of its most famous exports; wine and adventure. Waiheke Island is a short ferry ride away and a hop on/hop off bus service operates between the island’s numerous wineries. Back in the city you can take a spin around the harbour in a jet boat (be prepared to get wet) or take a more sedate spin on one of the ferries. The Kiwis are also unfailingly helpful and polite – you’ll never be lost for long. Tokyo If you feel uncomfortable dining alone, then the Japanese capital could be for you. Choose any of the sushi train style restaurants throughout the city and you’ll be too busy choosing from the delectable dishes parading in front of you that you won’t have time to feel awkward. Tokyo is also incredibly easy to get around, clean, safe, friendly and endlessly fascinating. Vancouver Vancouver is one of the world’s most livable cities and it’s just as good for a visit. You can explore the city on foot, on a bike or using the clean and safe Skyrail network. The city is famous for it’s food and wine and you can eat at a top restaurant or stop at the food trucks downtown. Don’t miss the famous Granville Island Public Market to sample the best produce from the region. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Pubs and clubs – your friendly neighbourhood money-laundering service, thanks to 86,640 pokies

Billions of dollars in proceeds of crime are being funnelled through clubs and pubs in New South Wales, <a href="https://www.crimecommission.nsw.gov.au/final-islington-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to</a> the NSW Crime Commission. Predictably, the industry is claiming it’s not an issue and solutions are too difficult. Laundering money through a local club or hotel involves loading cash into one of the state’s <a href="https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/resources/gaming-machine-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener">86,640 poker machines</a>, then cashing out and claiming the money as winnings. This is not a preferred method for most organised criminals, the crime commission says. Sophisticated criminals have other methods. But it is still a sizeable proportion of the estimated $20 billion in criminal proceeds laundered in NSW each year. In Queensland, you can put only $100 into a poker machine at one time. In Victoria the limit is $1,000. In NSW, newer machines allow $5,000, and older machines up to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/14/nsw-poker-machine-laws-may-increase-risk-of-money-laundering-says-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$10,000</a>. For supposedly harmless suburban fun it’s hard to understand why such sums are allowed. The findings of the NSW Crime Commission’s <a href="https://www.crimecommission.nsw.gov.au/final-islington-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inquiry into money laundering via clubs and hotels</a> follow scandalous money-laundering revelations from casino inquiries in <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-suitable-where-to-now-for-james-packer-and-crowns-other-casinos-154938" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NSW</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/illegal-dishonest-unethical-and-exploitative-but-crown-resorts-keeps-its-melbourne-casino-licence-170625" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria</a>, Western Australia and Queensland. Those inquiries found Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment allowed hundreds of millions of dollars to pass through their casinos, in contravention of anti-money-laundering regulations. Both companies were found not fit to hold their licences. Crown has been fined <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-30/crown-casino-fined-80-million-dollars-china-union-pay/101111660" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$80 million</a> in Victoria. Star has been fined <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-16/star-casino-set-to-be-fined-100-million/101541354" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100 million</a> in NSW, and had its licence suspended. Both have been required to undergo extensive “renewal”. They have agreed to adopt cashless gaming to better protect against money laundering. It’s therefore unsurprising the NSW Crime Commission’s principal recommendation is to introduce a cashless system for all electronic gaming machines in NSW. Also unsurprising is that the industry is focused on why it shouldn’t. <h2>Cashless gambling recommended</h2> The NSW Crime Commission’s report recommends a cashless gambling system for pubs and clubs the same as for casinos – consistent with the identification requirements of Australia’s <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00243" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act</a>. Electronic gaming cards would record amounts loaded and withdrawn, times, turnover, and losses/wins. The maximum amount of cash able to be loaded on to a player’s account in a single day would be $1,000. Josh Landis, the chief executive of ClubsNSW (which represents most of the state’s 1,200 licensed clubs) <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/programs/breakfast/breakfast/14090002" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has said</a> that such technology has not been trialled, and was uncosted and unproven. But Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment are implementing such systems. Similar systems have been operating successfully in Norway <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-571970219/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 2009</a>, and in Sweden <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/pre-commitment-systems-electronic-gambling-machines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 2013</a>. Victoria has already implemented a card-based <a href="https://www.yourplay.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">precommitment system</a>, incorporating most necessary characteristics. Every poker machine in the state is linked to this system. Its flaw is that it is voluntary, allowing those who wish to clean dirty money, or avoid a limit, <a href="https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/safer-communities/gambling/evaluation-of-yourplay-final-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to simply opt out</a>. <h2>It’s not just about money laundering</h2> Money laundering isn’t the only reason to introduce cashless gaming systems. On any day in NSW, <a href="https://www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/881279/NSW-Gambling-Survey-2019-report-FINAL-AMENDED-Mar-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hundreds of thousands of people</a> are experiencing significant gambling harm, mostly using poker machines. Many hundreds of thousands more – <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14459795.2017.1331252" target="_blank" rel="noopener">partners, children, employers</a> – are also harmed as a consequence. A pre-commitment system incorporating all the features of the NSW Crime Commission’s cashless model would stop money laundering and also help those struggling to control their gambling. For those who want to stop it would provide a truly effective gambling self-exclusion system. The Tasmanian government <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-16/tasmania-pokies-gambling-limits-reform-explained/101446788" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has promised to implement</a> a statewide system by 2024. <h2>A matter of political commitment</h2> The real test here isn’t technology. It’s political will. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has expressed concern at the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/premier-says-pokies-taxing-on-the-misery-of-others-vows-to-do-better-20221002-p5bmjz.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exploitation of vulnerable people</a> via gambling. Opposition leader Chris Minns has <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/nsw/coalition-labor-set-to-be-wedged-on-cashless-gaming-card-as-crossbench-pushes-for-reform-20221027-p5bteh.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said the crime commission’s report is concerning</a> but will not commit to a cashless card. ClubsNSW and the Australian Hotels Association are two of Australia’s most powerful lobby groups. According to an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-23/how-gambling-industrys-biggest-political-donors-influence-votes/100592068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC investigation</a>, they have doled out about a third of $40 million in political donations disclosed by gambling-related organisations over the past two decades. Since 2010, ClubsNSW has signed <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-million-dollar-men-who-run-the-clubs-industry-20221011-p5bowp.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">memorandums of understanding</a> with incoming governments to protect its members interests. In the first six months of 2022 (the <a href="https://nswgov.sharepoint.com/sites/GamingMachineReports/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most recent data</a> available), people in NSW lost $4 billion using pokies – $2.4 billion in clubs, $1.6 billion in pubs. This is 23% more than the same period in 2019, before pandemic restrictions. Yet according to the Australian Hotels Association, the industry is on “<a href="https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/why-a-pokie-crackdown-will-have-pub-owners-nervous-20221026-p5bt48" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on its knees</a>” and being told to introduce “an unproven, untested, un-costed and unnecessary cashless system”. In NSW, gambling operators are not permitted to donate to state political campaigns. But ClubsNSW (and its member clubs) can because they are “<a href="https://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/Funding-and-disclosure/Political-donations/Unlawful-political-donations/Prohibited-donors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not for profit</a>”. If this continues, political parties will be open to the allegation that they, like clubs, are benefiting from the proceeds of crime. Pokie operators have billions of reasons to assert this is no big deal. Politicians should take a different view. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/pubs-and-clubs-your-friendly-neighbourhood-money-laundering-service-thanks-to-86-640-pokies-193312" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

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Be prepared: There’s a premium increase coming

Health insurance premiums are going up every year and in 2022, are rising at an average of 2.70%*. Although 2.70%* might not seem a lot, <a href="https://compareclub.com.au/health-insurance/quote/cover-type-location/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=article&utm_term=getaquote&utm_category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compare Club</a>'s data suggests that Australian couples aged 65 could see an average increase in premiums ranging from at least $155^, depending on your policy. So how do you keep your health insurance affordable while still making sure you’re covered for everything you need? It’s simple: compare with <a href="https://compareclub.com.au/health-insurance/quote/cover-type-location/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=article&utm_term=getaquote&utm_category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compare Club</a> today and if you get a better deal, switch to a better value policy in minutes. How much does loyalty to your health insurer cost you? Staying loyal to the same health fund could really cost you, especially if you’ve put switching policies at the bottom of your to-do list. Compare Club's experts have crunched the numbers for you, and if you haven’t changed your cover in the last five years, premiums on average have gone up by 15.56%^. If that number isn’t shocking enough, Compare Club's internal data shows that if you’ve got a couples policy, you’ve paid, on average, around $794^^^ more for the same cover. It’s easy to get a better deal with the help of Compare Club's experts It’s easier than you think to miss the letter from your health insurer and end up paying hundreds of dollars more. Compare Club’s CEO Andrew Davis says that there’s some demographics who are sometimes hit harder than others: “We’ve found that older Australians are especially vulnerable to falling victim to the common health insurance traps like staying on an outdated policy, being talked into a higher level of cover, and fund loyalty incentives.” Fortunately, thousands of Australians have seen significant savings in their pocket once they’ve spoken to Compare Club's experts#. Over the last 5 years, Compare Club has saved their customers an average of $320** on their annual health insurance cost when they switched policies through them. So what are you waiting for? Make sure you’re saving on your health cover today and speak to <a href="https://compareclub.com.au/health-insurance/quote/cover-type-location/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=article&utm_term=getaquote&utm_category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compare Club</a>'s experts now. This article is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions. *<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health.gov.au</a>, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/12/average-annual-price-changes-in-private-health-insurance-premiums-list-of-historical-premium-price-changes-by-insurer-for-2022_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">List of historical premium price changes by insurer - 1997 to 2022</a>, accessed 30th August, 2021. **Based on 111,658 policies sold Jan 2017 - Nov 2021 ^2.70% premium increase applied to the average premium of policies purchased through Health Insurance Comparison by singles and couples aged 65+ years in 2021 ^^^5 years of average premium increases applied to the average premium of policies purchased through Health Insurance Comparison by couples in 2018. #Compare Club compares selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://compareclub.com.au/health-insurance/quote/cover-type-location/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=raterise&utm_content=article&utm_term=getaquote&utm_category=health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compare Club</a>.

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