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"A true fighter": Tragic loss to Australian media

<p>Trailblazing journalist and editor Judith Whelan has passed away at the age of 63. </p> <p>The ABC confirmed Whelan's death, saying she died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer.</p> <p>ABC managing director David Anderson was among the first to pay tribute to the “loved and respected” Whelan, confirming her death. </p> <p>“We have lost a great friend and journalism has lost a true fighter,” <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/statements-and-responses/judith-whelan-announcement/104027286?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he said in a statement</a> released by the public broadcaster.</p> <p>“Judith always had the instincts that made her such a formidable journalist. She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her."</p> <p>“A valued mentor to younger journalists, Judith nurtured while leading by example. Judith was tough but caring and wanted those around her to succeed. Young reporters knew Judith would champion their work if the story needed to be told.”</p> <p><em>Sydney Morning Herald</em> editor Bevan Shields said Whelan will always remain a beloved part of their team.</p> <p>“Judith was a wonderful editor, colleague and friend. She was at the Herald for more than three decades and remains part of our DNA. We are heartbroken by her death,” he told the <em>Herald</em>.</p> <p>“She had a finely tuned news radar but also revelled in journalism that could entertain and inform readers. She was a natural leader and a beautiful person. Our thoughts are with Chris, Sophia and Patrick.”</p> <p>Whelan first joined the ABC in 2016, where she was first appointed Director of Regional and Local News before taking the role of ABC editorial director in 2022.</p> <p>Prior to her work at the public broadcaster, Whelan worked for several other publications, including<em> Sydney Morning Herald</em>, where she also served as news director and editor of its weekend edition.</p> <p>The talented media executive was one of just three female editors in the SMH’s history.</p> <p>Well respected in her field, Whelan’s career also saw her stationed in both the Pacific and Europe as a foreign correspondent, and she was also nominated for a Walkley Award for her news and feature writing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC</em></p>

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Hall of Fame fighter hospitalised after saving elderly parents from fire

<p>In the heart of Ohio, a story of heroism and sacrifice has emerged from the flames of a devastating house fire.</p> <p>Mark Coleman, a revered figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), found himself in the midst of a harrowing ordeal, where his actions transcended the octagon to demonstrate unparalleled bravery and love for family.</p> <p>On a fateful Tuesday morning, as the dawn painted the sky over Fremont, Ohio, tragedy struck the Coleman household. Details of the fire initially emerged through local news outlets, shrouded in anonymity. However, it wasn't long before the truth surfaced – it was Mark Coleman, the UFC legend, who had selflessly rushed into the inferno to rescue his elderly parents from imminent danger.</p> <p>Reports indicated that Coleman, aged 59, wasted no time in the face of adversity. With unwavering determination, he courageously carried both of his parents, Dan and Connie Foos Coleman, to safety, braving the engulfing flames that threatened to consume their home. Yet, his valour knew no bounds as he plunged back into the fiery abyss, driven by an instinctive urge to save another beloved member of the family – their loyal dog, Hammer.</p> <p>Tragically, despite his desperate efforts, the canine companion did not survive the blaze. Coleman's daughter, Kenzie, revealed on social media that Hammer's persistent barking had roused her father from slumber, ultimately saving his life. This heartbreaking loss added another layer of sorrow to an already traumatic event.</p> <p>As news of Coleman's heroic act spread, an outpouring of support and prayers flooded social media platforms. His second daughter Morgan, in an emotional Instagram post, recounted her father's selfless deeds and pleaded for continued prayers during this trying time. To the Coleman family, Mark wasn't just a UFC pioneer; he was a beacon of strength and resilience, a cherished father and a beloved friend.</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/C4bQHaopteq/?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/C4bQHaopteq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Morgan Coleman (@mocoleman18)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Mark Coleman's legacy in the world of MMA is undeniable. Dubbed "The Godfather of Ground-and-Pound", he etched his name in the annals of UFC history as the organisation's inaugural heavyweight champion in 1997. His contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2008, solidifying his status as a true icon.</p> <p>However, beyond the glitz and glory of the octagon, Coleman's journey has been marked by personal struggles and triumphs. In 2020, he battled a heart attack, a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity. A year later, he confronted his demons, seeking rehabilitation for alcoholism, and emerged stronger, embracing a healthier lifestyle.</p> <p>Author Jonathan Snowden, who shared a close bond with Coleman and was poised to document his remarkable life story, offered a glimpse into the aftermath of the fire. Through poignant images capturing the devastation, Snowden provided a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the ordeal. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what's left of the house Mark Coleman and his family were in last night. </p> <p>Mark's dog Hammer woke him up to a house in flames. He saved both his parents and is fighting for his life. <a href="https://t.co/hicYhv7SDm">pic.twitter.com/hicYhv7SDm</a></p> <p>— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/1767637195555299781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Images: Instagram / Twitter (X)</em></p>

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"What a FIGHTER!": Susan Boyle reveals secret health scare during comeback

<p>Singing sensation Susan Boyle surprised her fans with an unexpected appearance on<em> Britain’s Got Talent </em>for the competition’s extravagant final. </p> <p>Boyle, who had previously appeared on the show herself in 2009, took to the stage with the cast of the West End’s <em>Les Miserables</em> for a performance of the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ - the same one she auditioned with when she was a competitor. </p> <p>And fans were treated to one more song, with the ensemble joining Boyle for a rendition of ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ too. </p> <p>Once the crowd’s delighted applause had quietened, Britain’s Got Talent hosts Ant and Dec approached Boyle, gushing over her as they welcomed her back to the stage. </p> <p>“It is so lovely to see you,” Dec declared. “It’s hard to believe you appeared on this show in 2009 - fourteen years ago. How does it feel to be back at <em>BGT</em>?” </p> <p>“It feels great,” Susan told him, to further cheering from the audience. </p> <p>She went on to share that the whole affair was “extra special” to her, before revealing that “last April there, I suffered a minor stroke.”</p> <p>The theatre was quiet, everyone taken by surprise, before Boyle announced that she’d “fought like crazy to get back on stage, and I have done it.”</p> <p>As Dec shared that they were “thrilled” to hear of her triumphant return, cheers rang out once again, and applause echoed throughout the room in celebration of Boyle. </p> <p>When judge Simon Cowell - who was present for Boyle’s audition as well - was asked how it felt to see her back on the stage, he noted that it was “unbelievable”. </p> <p>“Susan, we owe you so much,” he said, “and I knew you weren't well, but if anyone was going to come back, you were going to come back, because we wouldn't be the same without you. You are amazing."</p> <p>And when clips from her performance, and following reveal, made it online, fans wasted no time in sharing their love and support for the singer. </p> <p>“Huge huge respect for Susan Boyle,” one wrote. “Post stroke and absolutely smashing it on BGT tonight! Incredible!”</p> <p>“Good for her! Great to see her back!” another said. “Never ever be defined by an illness or disability. Never.”</p> <p>“Aww! Susan Boyle is an absolute superstar in every sense of the word, so humble,” one gushed. “It’s so good to see her back with her microphone!”</p> <p>And as someone else put it, “bless Susan Boyle, she spent her entire life not realising her full potential as a West End singer, to then go on to be one of the biggest stars to come out of #BGT. Her performance tonight had passion; she has real HEART and her having a stroke last year - what a FIGHTER!”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">⭐ STAGEY SMILE OF THE DAY ⭐</p> <p>Here's Lucie Jones &amp; Susan Boyle performing "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Misérables, for the BGT grand final 🇫🇷 ✨ X x x <a href="https://t.co/nmIB5eo29c">pic.twitter.com/nmIB5eo29c</a></p> <p>— Theatre Fan (@ShaunTossell) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaunTossell/status/1665467122053443586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

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Rebel fighters share eerie footage of abducted Kiwi pilot

<p>Rebel fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region have released terrifying footage of Captain Philip Mehrtens, who they kidnapped last week. </p> <p>The New Zealand pilot touched down in Paro village on February 7th to pick up 15 construction workers who had been building a health centre in the remote Papua province.</p> <p>The rebel group set fire to the Susi Air plane and released all five passengers on board the flight, but held onto Mehrtens as a hostage. </p> <p>The group have said they will be holding Mehrtens until Indonesia recognises Papua’s independence.</p> <p>In a series of videos, released to The Associated Press, a man understood to be Mehrtens is surrounded by rebels holding rifles, spears, and bows and arrows. </p> <p>“Indonesia must recognise Papua is independent,” he says in one, seemingly under duress. </p> <p>“I took him hostage for Papua independence, not for food or drinks,” Rebel leader Egianus Kogoya says in another one of the videos. </p> <p>“He will be safe with me as long as Indonesia does not use its arms, either from the air or on the ground.”</p> <p>Indonesian officials are believed to be making efforts to secure the Kiwi pilot’s release.</p> <p>The West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB), who are responsible for Mehrtens' abduction, has also issued a warning to Australia. </p> <p>“This pilot is a citizen of New Zealand,” a statement from Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the TPNPB armed wing, said last week. </p> <p>“TPNPB considers New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, America, Europe, all are responsible. The US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand has supported the Indonesian government, trained The Indonesian National Police, supplied weapons to kill us West Papuans from 1963 to today. They must be held accountable.”</p> <p>Violence in the region has seen a sharp increase over the last year, with dozens of rebels, security forces, and civilians killed in the name of demanding indolence from Indonesia. </p> <p><em>Image credits: The West Papuan National Liberation Army</em></p>

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Foo Fighters deliver emotional tribute to late drummer Taylor Hawkins

<p dir="ltr">The Foo Fighters have delivered an emotional tribute to the band’s late drummer, Taylor Hawkins, at a fundraiser concert in London. </p> <p dir="ltr">The American rock band were joined by a series of music icons to honour Hawkins, who died of a drug overdose at age 50 in March 2022 while on tour with the band in Colombia.</p> <p dir="ltr">An emotional performance came from Hawkins’ 16-year-old son Shane, who took to his father’s drum kit to perform the Foo Fighters song <em>My Hero</em> in honour of his dad. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2KnD7sfpoA" width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">As well as the tear-jerking performance from the young musician, frontman Dave Grohl also had the crowd in pieces with a stripped back version of the song <em>Times Like These</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Playing with no instrumental backing, Grohl broke down in tears as he performed the 2002 track in honour of his friend, with the crowd cheering him on in support.</p> <p dir="ltr">Grohl then launched into an emphatic performance as the band played their hits <em>The </em><em>Pretender</em> and <em>Everlong</em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A stone would be moved to tears by Dave Grohl breaking down, then being urged on by the roar of the crowd, at the start of Times Like These during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaylorHawkins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaylorHawkins</a> tribute concert. <a href="https://t.co/LLBTuRimi0">pic.twitter.com/LLBTuRimi0</a></p> <p>— Kevin (@caoimhinof) <a href="https://twitter.com/caoimhinof/status/1566158409325592579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The performance also featured Guns N' Roses drummer Josh Freese,  Blink-182's Travis Barker, Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Beatles' Paul McCartney, AC/DC's Brian Johnson, Nirvana's Krist Novoselic, Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and Nile Rogers also joined the impressive lineup of musical stars. </p> <p dir="ltr">The performance was held at London's Wembley Stadium, with the proceeds going towards charities Music Support and MusiCares. </p> <p dir="ltr">A second tribute concert is scheduled for Los Angeles at the end of September. </p> <p dir="ltr">The announcement of Taylor’s untimely death came just hours before the band was due to take the stage at a music festival in Bogota. </p> <p dir="ltr">He is survived by his wife Alice, and children Shane, Anabelle and Everleigh.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c7be902-7fff-9689-c125-8ac4b8a73dda"></span></p>

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Lowest act: Thieves steal gear to pose as firefighters and beg for fake donations

<p>A NSW fire station has warned residents to keep an eye out as thieves stole firefighter gear from the station and could be posing as fireys to get donations from unaware locals.</p> <p>Wyong Fire Station, on the Central Coast of NSW, was broken into on Saturday night and alerted locals to what had been stolen in a Facebook post.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffrnsw505%2Fposts%2F1990863537726068&amp;width=500" width="500" height="745" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>Yellow fire helmets, bushfire jackets and gloves, ID cards, goggles, shirts and trousers as well as white flash hoods resembling balaclavas were stolen.</p> <p>“All of these items are clearly marked or branded with FRNSW logos and some of these will have firefighters names on them,” the post read.</p> <p>The post ended by saying that FRNSW “do not door knock or go around asking for monetary donations or discounts”.</p> <p>Hundreds have since commented on the post, condemning the thieves’ actions.</p> <p>“What is wrong with these people?” one woman said.</p> <p>“This is just the lowest act,” another person said.</p> <p>“This is horrible, hard to believe that someone could be this low or do something like this. Hope they find the grub!” another wrote.</p> <p>A man commented saying that they saw a ‘solo door knocker’ when driving.</p> <p>“Saw a ‘solo door knocker’ in Gorokan, Dudley St about an hour ago when driving. Was a man, dressed in RFS and holding a bucket.</p> <p>“I have notified the station, maybe keep an eye out if in Gorokan.”</p>

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WWII fighter pilot honoured on 99th birthday

<p>A World War II fighter pilot has been honoured for her services in a special presentation for her 99th birthday. A vintage aircraft flew over Boeing Field in Seattle just for Dorothy Olsen's special celebrations. </p> <p>Olsen was one of around 1,000 female pilots during the war. She flew 22 different types of fighter planes from the factories to U.S. Army Air Force bases from 1943 to 1945. After Olsen delivered the planes, male pilots would fly them to war destinations.</p> <p>"I've been lucky," Olsen told KING, admitting that back in the day she loved buzzing planes fast and low to the ground.</p> <p>"Who pays attention to the rules when you're a fighter pilot?"</p> <p>The aircrafts are in Seattle for a military re-enactment of the route planes took during World War II.</p> <p><img width="437" height="328" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/071cfdf03cec0b3dd501a00ff1e1e988ccdd4bc3/r=x513&amp;c=680x510/http/cdn.tegna-tv.com/-mm-/71b05bce1d9323dfad18bd3b684cdd86ae883871/c=101-0-698-449/local/-/media/2015/07/11/NWGroup/KING/635722455252665812-dorothy-olsen1.jpg" alt="Dorothy Olsen was one of about 1,000 female pilots" class="gallery-photo horizontal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="436" height="327" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/071cfdf03cec0b3dd501a00ff1e1e988ccdd4bc3/r=x513&amp;c=680x510/http/cdn.tegna-tv.com/-mm-/71b05bce1d9323dfad18bd3b684cdd86ae883871/c=101-0-698-449/local/-/media/2015/07/11/NWGroup/KING/635722455253133827-dorothy-olsen5.jpg" alt="Dorothy Olsen was honored by a fly by for her 99th" class="gallery-photo horizontal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="432" height="324" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/071cfdf03cec0b3dd501a00ff1e1e988ccdd4bc3/r=x513&amp;c=680x510/http/cdn.tegna-tv.com/-mm-/71b05bce1d9323dfad18bd3b684cdd86ae883871/c=101-0-698-449/local/-/media/2015/07/11/NWGroup/KING/635722455250325737-dorothy-olsen2.jpg" alt="Dorothy Olsen was honored by a fly by for her 99th" class="gallery-photo horizontal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/vegan-surgeon-diet/">100-year-old surgeon credits veganism for long life</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/emus-react-to-cat-toy/">This mob of emus had the most incredible reaction to a cat toy</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/letter-from-doggie-heaven/">3-year-old boy receives letter from beagle in “doggie heaven” thanks to kind postman</a></strong></em></span></p>

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