Search

Kiwi pilot freed after being held hostage for 592 days

After 592 days in <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/rebel-fighters-share-eerie-footage-of-abducted-kiwi-pilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">captivity</a>, a New Zealand pilot is finally going home. Phillip Mehrtens was taken hostage in Indonesia by a West Papua rebel group in February 2023 when he was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air. The pilot was kidnapped by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) insurgent group at Papua’s Nduga airport on February 7th 2023, and spent over a year and a half in captivity. On Saturday, the 38-year-old was collected by police and military forces from a village in Nduga district before being given medical and psychological checks. He was then flown to the Papuan city of Timika before jetting to the capital Jakarta where he was handed over to New Zealand’s ambassador. “Today I have been freed,” Mehrtens told reporters. “I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family." “Thank you to everybody who helped me today so I can get out safely in a healthy condition.” New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters earlier said Mehrtens was “safe and well” and had been able to speak with his family, saying, “This news must be an enormous relief for his friends and loved ones." Mehrtens' long-anticipated release came after intense negotiation efforts between Wellington and Jakarta, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo saying that Jakarta had secured Mehrtens’ freedom through negotiation, not force. “We prioritised the safety of the pilot who was held hostage. It took a long process and I appreciate the authorities,” he told reporters. The rebels had demanded that the Indonesian government recognise Papuan independence in return for his freedom, as Mehrtens' kidnapping was part of a long-term, often brutally violent conflict between the Indonesian government and West Papua’s Indigenous people. Image credits: The West Papuan National Liberation Army / Handout

Travel Trouble

Nine-year-old Hamas hostage believed dead is reunited with her father

Dozens of hostages are recovering after being freed from their captors, after a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect. Almost eight weeks of violence came to a halt as the truce began, with Hamas so far releasing 41 hostages in the first two days of the truce. Among those who were freed by the radical Palestinian group was nine-year-old Emily Hand, who's father thought <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/death-was-a-blessing-why-father-was-glad-to-hear-his-daughter-was-killed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she was dead</a>. When Emily was at a sleepover on October 7th, the neighbourhood was bombed and her father Thomas, was told his daughter had died. Now, Thomas and Emily have been reunited, with their emotional reunion just one of many as families across Israel saw the return of their loved ones. Also released by Hamas was four-year-old Abigail Edan, an American-Israeli dual citizen who was abducted by Hamas almost eight weeks ago. US President Joe Biden commented on Abigail's release, saying she has been through "the unthinkable", as the four-year-old saw her mother get killed, before her father was also killed as he tried to shield her from the bombings. Biden said Abigail is receiving love, care and “the supportive services she needs” and adding he hoped “this is not the end of the temporary truce”. “What she endured was unthinkable. She has been through a terrible trauma,” he said. All 41 hostages released by Hamas from captivity in Gaza are stable, according to local medical professionals. The <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/11/24/israel-hamas-truce-comes-into-effect-how-it-could-now-unfold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">truce</a> between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday morning, marking the end of seven weeks of constant fighting since the bombing of southern Israel on October 7th. The four-day pause is expected to see the exchange of 150 Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israeli jails for 50 women and children hostages held by Hamas. Israeli officials, while adamant that the truce is not an end to the war, have also agreed to pause fighting for an additional day for every further 10 captives freed by Hamas. Image credits: CNN

Caring

Cricket legend Greg Chappell's dire situation sparks rally of support

Australian cricket has seen its fair share of legends, but few have left a mark as indelible as Greg Chappell. The former Australian cricket captain, who graced the pitch during the 1970s and early 80s, has fallen upon challenging times, leaving his friends, teammates and fans deeply concerned about his well-being. At the time of writing, the cricketing community has rallied to support him in a bid to provide the assistance he so desperately needs. Chappell, a figure synonymous with the sport, recently organised a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/gc-tribute-lunch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page </a>with the ambitious goal of raising $250,000. The campaign has garnered almost $90,000 in donations, with a substantial contribution of $25,000 from high-profile businessman and cricket enthusiast, Greg Boorer. This heartwarming response signifies the deep respect and admiration that people have for the cricketing icon. Chappell's plight came to the forefront when a testimonial lunch was held in his honour at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Monday. The GoFundMe initiative was launched after it became apparent that arranging donation facilities at the event would be logistically challenging. The driving force behind the lunch, businessman and close friend Peter Maloney, expressed his concerns for Chappell's well-being, stating, "Greg is a very proud man. He's doing it tougher than what he says." It is worth noting that Greg Chappell is also the face of the Chappell Foundation, which has raised an impressive $1 million this year for homeless youths. However, Maloney emphasised that Chappell has never taken a cent out of the foundation, despite being entitled to do so. This selflessness exemplifies Chappell's commitment to making a positive impact on society, even during his personal hardships. During the 1970s and '80s, Chappell was a cricketing sensation, sharing the field with other greats like Dennis Lillee, Rod Marsh and Jeff Thomson. As a member of the illustrious Chappell family, which includes brothers Ian and Trevor, he is part of a dynasty that holds a revered place in Australia's rich sporting history. However, unlike many of today's athletes, Chappell's era did not offer the financial rewards that modern sports stars enjoy. Even after retiring, he chose to maintain a low profile and never fully embraced the spotlight of full-time commentary roles or media engagements. Instead, Chappell worked behind the scenes on cricket boards, undertook selector roles, and had a brief stint as a coach for the Indian cricket team. Chappell, displaying his characteristic humility, stated, "I'm not on the bones of my arse. I certainly don't want it to sound like we're in desperate straits, because we're not... but we're not living in luxury either. I think most people assume that because we played cricket, we are all living in the lap of luxury. While I'm certainly not crying poor, we're not reaping in the benefits that today's players are." The initiative to organise the testimonial lunch for Chappell came from Peter Maloney, who recognised his friend's health issues and financial difficulties. Maloney's suggestion that Chappell deserved a testimonial dinner finally saw the light of day after a heartfelt conversation with Greg and his wife. The outpouring of support for the Australian cricketing legend on the GoFundMe platform is nothing short of heartwarming. People from all walks of life have come forward to express their admiration and appreciation for Chappell's contributions to the sport and society: "Greg Chappell is a cricket great, an inspiration for all aspiring players. He certainly deserves our support, in whatever small way we can," wrote one supporter. "Dear Greg, What a phenomenal cricketer you were! It is still a treat to watch your batting videos on YouTube. Wishing you all the best..." wrote another. "You're a true Australian sporting legend. I remember doing a school project on you back in high school. Enjoy your retirement Greg, you deserve it," wrote a third. It's evident that Greg Chappell holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans and Australians alike. As he faces his current challenges, the cricketing community is rallying together to ensure that this iconic figure receives the support he needs during this difficult phase of his life. It's a reminder of the enduring impact and admiration he has garnered throughout his remarkable career. Image: GoFundMe

Retirement Income

The top 11 situations to always haggle for a lower price

Mortgage rates Buying a new home is probably the biggest purchase you will make over the course of your life, so every last penny you can save is worth it. “Borrowers should shop their business around to many banks/lenders to see what rates are available,” says mortgage broker Ade Labinjo. “Then use the rates obtained to pit the banks against each other for the purpose of either matching or driving down the rates they were quoted.” Labinjo says that by getting at least one extra quote rate, the average borrower could save up to $1,500. Never settle for the initial quote rate that the bank offers you – haggle for a better price because chances are, they’re not giving you their absolute best offer upfront. Flea markets, farmers markets, garage sales At flea markets, farmers markets, and garage sales the sellers typically set their own price. If you know how to haggle, this is a great opportunity to get a really good deal. Also, see if buying in bulk or large quantities can get you a price reduction. Hotel rooms Hotels want their rooms filled, so it never hurts to haggle with the people at the front desk for a better price or room upgrades. “Hotels have to pay a commission to booking websites, and pass on some of that as a benefit to the user,” says Saurabh Jindal, founder of Talk Travel. If you find that the price is the same on the booking website and the hotel’s website, ask the hotel for a room with a better view or more amenities. “Hotels have rooms allocated to various booking platforms and may give you a better option which has not yet been sold.” Memberships Memberships always come along with extra fees. It might be a renewal fee, startup fee, or a maintenance fee if it’s your gym membership. Ask if they can waive some of the fees or threaten to cancel and go somewhere else. They want to keep making money off of you and might just give you a discount. Lease renewal If you’re considering re-signing your lease, know that it is most likely more expensive for the landlord to prepare your apartment for a new tenant than to lease to you for another year. If you’ve had a good relationship with your landlord, try to negotiate in a deal before you re-sign. If the landlord is going to increase your rent, ask if you can increase it by less or not at all. If you consistently pay rent on time, are a respectful neighbour, and take good care of your apartment they may keep your rent from increasing. It’s important to remember who your lease is with though, says Julie Ramhold, Consumer Expert at DealNews.com. If your apartment is owned by a management company, they probably won’t offer any wiggle room. But, if you’re renting from a single landlord or owner, try negotiating for a lower price. Online selling platforms People who post items for sale online are typically moving or looking to get rid of unwanted items. Use that to your advantage and ask for a lower price – the worst they can say is no. You could also offer to come and pick it up quickly if they give you a better deal. Internet and phone bill As annoying as your internet and phone provider may be, they don’t want to lose you as a customer. “If you’re signing up or looking to renew, sometimes you can get a lower rate by telling a rep what the competitor is offering and saying it works better with your budget,” says Ramhold. A lot of cable companies give you a promotional price for your first year, make sure to call right before the price goes up for your second year. The competitors will most likely offer better prices for new customers and that can work in your advantage and possibly get you a better deal with your current provider. Insurance rates Just like internet providers, insurance companies don’t want you to switch to a different provider. “Use your customer loyalty to your advantage and try to talk to the right person on the phone,” says Kelan Kline a personal finance expert and co-founder of The Savvy Couple. “Tell them the service you are receiving is not good enough for the price.” They might offer you a discount to keep you. Home services If you’re renovating your kitchen or getting some landscaping done, make sure to shop around and get a few different quotes first. Use those quotes to negotiate with the contractor you want to work with. Also, you may be able to haggle for a better price if you offer to pay upfront in cash or schedule a contractor during the winter months when business is typically slower. Jewellery “You should know that the markup on diamond jewellery is anywhere from 50 to 200 per cent and more,” says Chhavi Agarwal, a personal finance expert. There is always room for haggling. Agarwal suggests politely making a counteroffer. You’d be surprised the changes they are willing to make to the bill. If they refuse to come down in price, try to haggle the labour charges. Returned items Never miss an opportunity to haggle for a better price on items that have been returned to stores. Stores will typically mark returned items that have been slightly used or have a ding with a price reduction, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for more off. They know that items that have already been opened aren’t as appealing to customers and they want to get them sold. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/money/11-times-you-should-always-haggle-for-a-better-price?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Money & Banking

Kochie breaks silence on Lindt Café siege terror

David ‘Kochie’ Koch spared no emotion as he spoke for the first time about how he was tracked down and whisked to safety by police on the day of the Lindt Café siege. The veteran TV presenter reflected on the crippling ordeal during an interview with M’s Rush Hour with Leisel Jones, Liam and Dobbo, which was secured by news.com.au. “I’ve never talked about it,” Koch revealed when asked about the devastating events of December 15, 2014. “It had a massive impact on both Nat (Natalie Barr) and I. “The bloke involved in that (Man Haron Monis) was on our security watch list because he’d tried to get to me a few times,” Koch told the Triple M hosts. Six years before the siege, Monis had approached Koch and other Sunrise presenters as they chatted with fans outside the Martin Place studios. Monis was unhappy with a segment that had aired on the show and he allegedly accused the hosts of being “terrorists” before he was taken away by security. On the morning of the siege, Koch left the Channel 7 studios after Sunrise was over and went to a gym three blocks away. He was working out with a friend when the news of the hostage situation first broke. “I remember I got a call … (saying) ‘can I come to (the gym’s) reception,’” Koch shared. On the other end of the phone was the police, who were concerned that the TV presenter could be one of Monis’ targets. According to Koch, the police told him, “We’re coming to pick you up, take you home, you stay there until we tell you.’” Koch said the events that unfolded “had a massive impact” on him and led him to take his security much more seriously. “I have a car that I haven’t driven since because the police said it’s too distinctive,” he said. During the interview, Rush Hour co-host and Olympic gold medallist Leisel Jones revealed she was very closely caught up in the terror attack, which claimed the lives of café manager Tori Johnson and lawyer Katrina Dawson. “I was actually supposed to be in the Lindt Cafe,” Jones, who was working at the nearby Westpac building at time, shared. “(But) I didn’t want hot chocolate, I chose coffee.” Image credit: Getty / Instagram

Rebel fighters share eerie footage of abducted Kiwi pilot

Rebel fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region have released terrifying footage of Captain Philip Mehrtens, who they kidnapped last week. 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. 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. The group have said they will be holding Mehrtens until Indonesia recognises Papua’s independence. 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. “Indonesia must recognise Papua is independent,” he says in one, seemingly under duress. “I took him hostage for Papua independence, not for food or drinks,” Rebel leader Egianus Kogoya says in another one of the videos. “He will be safe with me as long as Indonesia does not use its arms, either from the air or on the ground.” Indonesian officials are believed to be making efforts to secure the Kiwi pilot’s release. The West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB), who are responsible for Mehrtens' abduction, has also issued a warning to Australia. “This pilot is a citizen of New Zealand,” a statement from Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the TPNPB armed wing, said last week. “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.” 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. Image credits: The West Papuan National Liberation Army

News

“We can’t leave”: Russians accused of holding hospital staff and patients “hostage”

Officials of Ukraine’s besieged city Mariupol <a href="https://www.news.com.au/world/russia-ukraine-war-updates-mariupol-hospital-staff-patients-taken-hostage/news-story/290f75e5198aed84789d7d8d27c3bc67" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have claimed</a> that 400 hospital staff and patients have been taken as “hostages” by Russian forces. “We received information that the Russian army captured our biggest hospital,” Sergei Orlov, Mariupol’s deputy mayor, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60757133" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the BBC</a>. Pavlo Kirilenko, the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, took to Facebook to share an account from a hospital employee who managed to communicate with authorities. “Russian occupiers in Mariupol took doctors and patients hostage,” Mr Kirilenko <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pavlokyrylenko.donoda/posts/506102444405648" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>. “One of the hospital employees had time to pass this news. “‘It is impossible to get out of the hospital. There is heavy shooting, we sit in the basement. Vehicles have not been able to drive to the hospital for two days. “‘The Russians forced 400 people from neighbouring houses to come to our hospital. We can’t leave’.” Mr Kirilenko added that the hospital had been “practically destroyed” by the Russian forces, but that staff have continued to work and treat patients in the basement. “I appeal to international human rights organisations to respond to these vicious violations of the norms and customs of war, to these blatant crimes against humanity,” he said. “Russia and every citizen involved in crimes in Ukraine must be punished!” Mr Kirilenko said the hospital holding the “hostages” was the same one that was damaged by a strike last week, as Mariupol continued to suffer constant shelling. Russian troops have surrounded the city for nearly two weeks, with gas, running water and electricity cut off to the estimated 350,000 residents trapped there. The local council said about 2,000 cars left the city on Tuesday, with 2,000 others waiting to leave. However, as food and medical supplies dwindle, no aid has been allowed in. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Zoom class captures terrifying moment student was held hostage

An online Zoom class captured the terrifying moment a young woman was held hostage in a home invasion. The scary ordeal took place during a live English lesson that was being broadcast during Zoom due to the strict coronavirus restrictions placed on citizens in the State of Durango, northwest of Mexico City. The horrifying footage showed Ariana Sofia Hernandez Aldama on the left hand side of her screen with her hands tied and her face covered. Throughout the video Ms Aldama remains motionless so as not to egg on the intruder. Her fellow classmates watched on as the man moved silently in the background wearing a baseball hat. The man lowers the camera so his movements can no longer be recorded. The suspect then allegedly stole a set of keys from inside Ms Aldama’s home and used them to steal a car. A number of the girl’s horrified classmates contacted emergency services to report the crime but by the time anyone arrived at Ms Aldama’s house, the attacker had already fled in the stolen vehicle. While Ms Aldama was physically unharmed, there is no doubt she will be haunted forever by the incident and has undergone counselling to help recover from the invasion. The Durango Prosecutor's Office reported the alleged perpetrator has been identified, and they are working to find his whereabouts. The authorities also maintained that the vehicle stolen by the assailant has already been recovered.

Legal

Freed Taliban hostage Timothy Weeks returns to Australia

Australian teacher Timothy Weeks has returned home to Australia after being held captive by the Taliban for more than three years. 50-year-old Weeks landed in Sydney on Thursday night after his release was secured as a part of a prisoner swap negotiated between the Taliban and the US, Australian and Afghan governments. According to the ABC, the swap was aimed at restarting talks to end Afghanistan’s 18-year war and allow the US troops to withdraw from the country. Weeks and his 63-year-old American colleague Kevin King were freed on November 20 in exchange for three members of the Taliban. He flew home after spending days at a US military base in Germany receiving medical care. “I am very pleased to confirm that Tim has returned to Australia and very much welcome his return,” Foreign Minister Marise Payne told <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/australian-timothy-weeks-lands-in-australia-after-three-years-in-taliban-captivity/ar-BBXu8Kd">AM</a>. “It has been an extraordinarily long three years for him and for his family.” Weeks and King were abducted at gunpoint in August 2016 outside the American University in Kabul, Afghanistan where they both worked as English teachers. In one of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/29/freed-taliban-prisoner-timothy-weeks-returns-to-australia" target="_blank">the two videos released the following year</a>, King and Weeks pleaded with the Australian and US governments to negotiate with the Taliban to secure their release by June 2017. The Weeks family released a statement asking for privacy following his release. “Our family is overjoyed that Tim has been released after more than three years in captivity,” the statement said. “We thank our friends and extended family for their love and support over the past three years during this very difficult time. “While we understand the intense public interest in Tim’s release, we do not want to comment further. We ask that the media respect both our and Tim’s privacy. It is important that Tim now be given the time and space to start to come to terms with his experience.”

News

“Do you see any problem with that situation?”: Leigh Sales grills Scott Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has weighed in on the controversy surrounding rugby player Israel Folau and his fight against Rugby Australia. He spoke about his thoughts on the matter on ABC’s 7:30 program last night. Morrison spoke about the religious freedom bill that was being put forward by the Liberal Party this year and host Leigh Sales asked about his thoughts on the matter. Morrison tried his best to dodge the question, but Sales was persistent on the topic. “If a public figure said, for example, that Jews are going to hell, they would be rightly and roundly condemned for that,” Sales said. “But if a public figure says gays are going to hell, it can be defended as religious freedom. Do you see any problem with that situation?” But Mr Morrison said he would not let the debate around anti-discrimination legislation be “derailed” by “extremes of examples” like Sales had put forward. “Well, again, I mean, the issue is making sure you get the balance right in the legislation, which respects the same principle of anti-discrimination as applies to many other cases,” Morrison replied. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> .<a href="https://twitter.com/leighsales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leighsales</a> interviews Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a> about tax cuts, religious freedom, China and leadership. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abc730?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abc730</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/hOVXoBSKn0">pic.twitter.com/hOVXoBSKn0</a> — abc730 (@abc730) <a href="https://twitter.com/abc730/status/1145639025211895810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 July 2019</a></blockquote> He continued: “We already have anti-discrimination legislation which deals with these sensitivities in other areas, and that will apply also to religious faith. “And what I would hope is that we can have a sensible and adult debate about this one – not one that is drawn to extremes of examples or things like that to try and derail debates, but one that actually keeps people together and honours the key principle. “I mean, religious freedom is a core pillar of our society. And it’s not unreasonable. And I think there are many millions of Australians who would like to see that protected, and I intend to follow through on that commitment.” Sales then asked the Prime Minister directly about the Folau case. “Under the changes you introduce, would you like to see somebody like Israel Folau be able to make the remark he made and be safe from being sacked?” Sales asked. Morrison was brief with his reply. “I think it’s important, ultimately, that employers have reasonable expectations of their employees, and that they don’t impinge on their areas of private practice and private belief or private activity,” Mr Morrison said. “And there’s a balance that has to be struck in that, and our courts will always ultimately decide this based on the legislation that’s presented.” He then explained why bringing in a religious discrimination act would be a good thing. “We’re looking at a religious Discrimination Act which I think will provide more protections for people because of their religious faith and belief in the same way that people of whatever gender they have or sexuality or what nationality or ethnic background or the colour of their skin — they shouldn’t be discriminated against also,” he said.

News

Kind stranger saves kangaroo from sticky situation

A brave passer-by has rescued a kangaroo after it was caught in a very compromising position. The roo was caught hanging upside down inside a cattle grate in the Flinders Ranges on a frosty morning. A man stumbled upon the trapped marsupial and helped pry it out of the grate. “These guys have a kick on ‘em like a bit of a horse,” the rescuer said, calling out “I hope you have a good life!” as the roo hopped away. Video: nevertobereleased / YouTube Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/07/clever-invention-lets-carer-feed-multiple-joeys-at-once/">Clever invention lets carer feed multiple joeys at once</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/perth-zoo-celebrates-birth-of-endangered-kangaroo/">Perth Zoo celebrates birth of endangered kangaroo</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/05/6-incredible-places-to-spot-kangaroos-in-australia/">6 incredible places to spot kangaroos in Australia</a>

News

How to comfort your friend in any situation

Life is unpredictable. But we’ve all worked that out by now, right? Just when it seems things are going your way, something comes along to shake you up. And while it’s hard enough dealing with hard times yourself, it can be utterly crushing to see a loved one go through the same. Thankfully, there are always things you can do to show your support, and be supported in return. Let’s take a look at how you can help comfort a friend through any tough situation. 1. Job loss We all dream of retirement, but sadly for some retirement isn’t an option – it’s forced. Losing a job in your 60s can be extremely difficult to come to terms with, as it can be extremely difficult to try and find a new one. Your friend may find themselves without a steady income stream, which can put their entire life on hold. So, how can you help? Become your friend’s on-call job hunter. If you’re more technologically savvy than them, log on to job seeker websites and set up alerts for any work that might be of interest. Encourage them to improve their skillset and even recommend classes – there are hundreds of free online courses available, and your local community may even offer affordable adult education. 2. Illness This is a tough one. If your friend is diagnosed with a serious (or even not-so-serious) illness, while you can be tempted to try and empathise with them, try not to talk about yourself too much. Saying something like, “Oh, I had that a few years ago and I was fine. You’ll be fine,” isn’t going to be of much help. The best thing you can do is lend an ear, be a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes all you feel like doing when you’re sick is venting all your problems. For more practical assistance, why not offer to drive them to the doctor? If it’s a serious illness, it’s likely to be playing on their mind constantly, so taking one less stress away will definitely help. 3. Marriage troubles First thing’s first: don’t take sides. Of course, this is a lot easier said than done, but experts believe you should only ever be a sounding board when it comes to other people’s relationship matters – even if your friend asks if you think they should stay with their partner or not. In this situation, there’s not much that you alone can do to help, aside from being a good listener and providing general support. What you can do, however, is suggest a counsellor. Often having an outsider to mediate these issues is the best course of action. 4. Death Everyone who’s dealt with loss before knows that it’s a process. Don’t expect your friend to be their chipper old self just days after losing a loved one, and don’t expect them to be overly talkative, either. Of course, everyone grieves in their own way, but a good place to start is to recognise the death. Send a bunch of flowers or a nice card expressing your sympathy and wait until they contact you. It may be that they simply want some time alone to grieve. As long as you make sure they know you’re there when they’re ready to talk, they’ll feel supported. In the months and years following the death, try and encourage your friend to remember the good times, rather than the sad ending. How do you like to show your appreciation for your friends? Tell us in the comment section below. Related links: <a href="/health/caring/2016/05/ageing-tips-for-singles/">Navigating the path of ageing as a single</a> <a href="/health/caring/2016/05/caring-for-someone-with-depression/">How to care for someone with depression</a> <a href="/health/caring/2016/05/you-shouldnt-feel-guilty-prioritising-yourself/">Why you shouldn’t feel guilty for prioritising yourself</a>

Caring

Worrying new report reveals Australia’s dire health situation

The Australian Health Policy Collaboration has just released its 2016 Australia’s Health Tracker report and its findings will astound you. Using health targets and indicators from a number of Australia’s most prominent health researchers, the report tracks the nation’s progress towards the World Health Organisation’s 2025 health improvement targets. The results? We’re not even close. The report found that half of Australians suffer from a chronic disease, a third of which is entirely preventable. Heart disease, cancer and diabetes are currently the leading cause of death in the country, and to meet WHO’s targets by 2025, we must aim to reduce the instance of these conditions by 25 per cent. This may be difficult, given that the report also found that almost half of Australia’s adults (and a whopping 91.5 per cent of young people) are not meeting the recommended levels of physical activity. Obesity is a huge problem in Australia, which with a 27.9 per cent obesity rate ranks as one of the most obese nations in the world. Along with inactivity, high cholesterol levels, salt and sugar intake, high blood pressure and diabetes are just some of the risk factors for which Australia is tracking far behind target. Fortunately, the report also found that alcohol consumption and smoking are both down, and we are well on our way to meeting the target for bowel cancer screenings. To learn more about the report, <a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/AHPC/pdfs/australias-health-tracker.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>. Tell us in the comments below, what do you think can be done to encourage Australians to live healthier lives? Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/06/australia-overuse-of-antibiotics-is-increasing-superbug-threat/">Australia’s overuse of antibiotics increasing “superbug” threat</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/aldi-liquor-too-cheap-to-sell-and-may-cause-health-problems/">Aldi’s liquor too cheap to sell and may cause health problems</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/05/australians-not-meeting-dietary-recommendations/">Majority of Australians are not meeting dietary recommendations</a>

News

Hostage drama at London’s Leicester Square

A hostage situation is unfolding in an Italian restaurant at London’s Leicester Square. Police were called out to Bella Italia restaurant at around 8.50pm (local time) after it was revealed that a man wielding a knife had taken a woman hostage inside. Reports also suggest two other people are inside the restaurant. Police have sealed off surrounding streets. The incident is not believed to be related to terror. UPDATE: The London Metropolitan Police Force has posted the following information on its Twitter page: “The incident at a restaurant in Irving Street has now been resolved and a man has been detained by police. No reported injuries.” Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/02/adorable-joey-is-desperate-for-food/">This adorable joey is desperate for food</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/baby-monkey-casual-bath-sink/">Baby monkey has casual bath in sink</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/squirrel-family-cat-wrestle-roof/">Sassy squirrel and family cat wrestle on roof</a>

News

Great conversation starters for any situation

Small talk can be difficult for some people, yet it can mean the difference between a great night out and an awkward night sitting in the corner. Being able to break the ice with people you don’t know at a party or work event is a great skill to have. It can lead to new friendships and great connections with people that you may have otherwise missed out on. Try these suggested questions to get the ball rolling. Often people like to be asked questions about themselves, and once they get talking they feel more comfortable with you as well. Where are you from? This can be a great way to find some common ground, especially if you know someone from the same area or have visited the town yourself. Are you a cat or dog person? Pet owners tend to be pet lovers, so get them talking about their furry friends to get the conversation flowing. What would be your ideal job? You could even suggest that they answer with time or money being no issue – you might find out they want to be an astronaut. Have you lived anywhere overseas? This can really open up a discussion, as many people have great stories about their travels. Have you been to any good restaurants lately? This can be a great one as it can be fun to find out about new places to dine. What's the best movie you’ve seen this year? This really gives you an insight into their personality. You might find yourself a sci-fi fan to go and see the next Star Wars with. Have you got any recommendations for a new TV series to get into? A nice open ended question like this will help even a shy person to start talking. Have you seen anyone in concert lately? This is a great one for a group conversation as it is open enough for anyone to answer. Do you have anything fun planned this weekend? Talking about future plans makes people feel comfortable. Share your plans too. What’s the best place for a good pizza around here do you think? People love sharing local tips and advice, and you might find out about a good place to eat too. I like your dress, where’s that from? People love to be complimented and it can take the conversation in a new direction about fashion or shopping. Who sings this song? Talking about music can be an easy way to open up discussions with someone next to you at a bar. Where did you have your best holiday? Remembering something nice like this makes people feel happy and they will most likely want to share a few stories. Did you hear about what’s happening with that celebrity (pick something funny from the news)? It’s good to avoid politics and religion, but having a laugh with someone about something you’ve seen on the news can get a dialogue happening. This is a great bar, have you been here before? Sure it’s a bit generic, but sometimes starting the chat is the hardest part. Have you ever met a celebrity? This is one that people love to boast about, so will get them talking right away. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/01/1950s-tips-for-being-good-wife/">How to be a good wife according to a 1950s book</a> <a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/01/words-about-love-that-dont-have-english-equivalent/">12 words about love that don’t have an English equivalent</a> <a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2015/12/famous-quotes-about-marriage/">13 famous quotes about marriage</a>

Relationships

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Kiwi pilot freed after being held hostage for 592 days

Nine-year-old Hamas hostage believed dead is reunited with her father

Cricket legend Greg Chappell's dire situation sparks rally of support

The top 11 situations to always haggle for a lower price

Kochie breaks silence on Lindt Café siege terror

Rebel fighters share eerie footage of abducted Kiwi pilot

“We can’t leave”: Russians accused of holding hospital staff and patients “hostage”

Zoom class captures terrifying moment student was held hostage

Freed Taliban hostage Timothy Weeks returns to Australia

“Do you see any problem with that situation?”: Leigh Sales grills Scott Morrison

Kind stranger saves kangaroo from sticky situation

How to comfort your friend in any situation

Worrying new report reveals Australia’s dire health situation

Hostage drama at London’s Leicester Square

Great conversation starters for any situation

Our Partners