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"Google it ya lazy mongrels”: Hollywood star's powerful post on Voice Referendum

<p>Hollywood superstar Jason Momoa has divided his 17 million followers after endorsing the Yes campaign for the upcoming Voice referendum. </p> <p>The <em>Aquaman</em> actor, 44, who is of Indigenous Polynesian descent, took to Instagram to repost a  viral ‘Yes vote’ video that was released on Thursday, and features Indigenous musician and writer Adam Briggs and comedians Jenna Owen and Vic Zerbst. </p> <p>"The post read: “#yes23 is a referendum taking place in Australia on October 14. The aim is to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people a Voice in parliament so they can weigh in on issues that affect their lives.</p> <p>“Simple as that. How do I know this? I googled it. But many Australians are confused or freaked out about what it means. </p> <p>"Don’t be! It’s a good thing! Just do good things! Also Google it ya lazy mongrels.”</p> <p>He also added  “VOTE YES to THE VOICE on OCT 14.”</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/reel/Cx9zZMDOkZg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx9zZMDOkZg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Momoa's stance divided his followers, with some claiming that he had no right to weigh in on Australian politics, despite his indigenous heritage.</p> <p>“Stay out of Australian politics mate, do your thing in America and that, but putting your 5 cents in terms on the Yes or No vote is not with you,” wrote angry follower. </p> <p>“Celebrity puppets sharing government propaganda campaigns. The world continues to get weirder,” another added. </p> <p>However, many praised the star for using his platform and lending his voice to the Yes campaign. </p> <p>“Thanks for sharing this. It is a big deal here and causing a lot of controversy and misinformation,” one fan commented. </p> <p>“Thank you and Taika for the solidarity. The lead up to the referendum has been really rough on our communities and it’s actually really nice to get some encouragement from our Indigenous brothers from across the seas,” another added. </p> <p>“I can’t even begin to thank you for sharing this. I will not read any more of the comments,” a third commented. </p> <p>“Thank you for adding your voice to the thousands across Australia who will be voting yes. Every voice counts,” added a fourth. </p> <p>The video itself is a three-minute skit-style clip where Briggs talks to two ignorant women - who had casual biases echoing the No campaign - about the upcoming Voice referendum.</p> <p>He kindly calls them out for their lack of information, with their excuse being that they haven't “had heaps of time” because of "life".</p> <p>“Have you got your phone? Let’s see what you do have time for,” Briggs asks in the clip and as he opens up their search history, and jokingly says: “‘Did Aaron leave Love Island 13 because he had gonorrhoea?’ Big questions." </p> <p>He then googles the proposal and finds a basic explainer in seconds. </p> <p>“The Voice referendum means we are voting to have a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice who may make representations to parliament on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.</p> <p>"The Voice will give independent advice to parliament and will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of communities. That advice then goes to parliament who continues to hold the ultimate power for legislative change," they said. </p> <p>“OK, well, that is quite clear, I’d just vote yes to that?” the woman adds. “How did you find that? You went on Google, and it’s, the first result? OK, well you need to tell people about that Google thing.”</p> <p>The clip ends with a message that says: "Vote Yes to that referendum thing."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Getty: </em><em>Mike Marsland/WireImage </em></p>

Legal

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Ted Lasso star ordered to pay massive child support sum

<p>Jason Sudeikis has been ordered to pay ex Olivia Wilde an enormous sum of child support, as a bitter two-year custody battle draws to a close. </p> <p>According to new court filings obtained by <em><a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/09/25/jason-sudeikis-and-olivia-wilde-settle-custody-battle-actor-to-pay-27500-per-month/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a></em>, the<em> Ted Lasso</em> star has allegedly agreed to pay his ex $27,500 ($A42,800) per month in child support for their two kids, Otis, 9, and Daisy, 6. </p> <p>The hefty settlement has been based on Sudeikis' reported 2023 income of $10.5 million ($A16.3 million) and Wilde’s estimated income of $500,000 ($A778,000).</p> <p>“The parties agree that child support for the minor children in the amount of $27,500 per month is sufficient to maintain the needs of the minor children considering Jason’s station in life … is consistent with each child’s best interest, and application of the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate in this case,” the court papers reportedly state.</p> <p>The legal proceedings began two years ago, and took a dramatic turn in 2022 when Wilde, who was promoting her new movie <em>Don't Worry Darling</em> at the time, was served legal papers while on stage delivering a speech at CinemaCon. </p> <p>At the time, a source told <em><a href="https://pagesix.com/2022/04/29/olivia-wilde-mortified-after-being-served-with-legal-papers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a></em> that Wilde was mortified over the brazen act. </p> <p>“It seemed unthinkable to her, and it took a moment to set in, but as mortifying as it was, she did not want to give a reaction,” the insider explained.</p> <p>Since then, things have improved for the couple, as they were both seen putting on a united front at Otis' soccer game in LA. </p> <p>Wilde and Sudeikis started dating in November 2011 and got engaged in January 2013. They welcomed their two kids before separating in November 2020.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Country music star's "racist" song divides audience

<p>A popular country music star has been forced to defend his new song and accompanying music video, after many condemned the track for being racist. </p> <p>Jason Aldean's song, titled <em>Try That in a Small Town</em>, soared to number one on the country music charts in the US, before been pulled by Country Music Television after claims it promoted gun violence, vigilantism and lynching: a form of execution frequently committed against African-Americans.</p> <p>The singer, who is known for his conservative views, defended the song, saying it was about, “the feeling of community that I had growing up in where we took care of our neighbours, regardless of difference of background or beliefs”.</p> <p>He also slammed the furore against the song, saying saying the accusations against the track that it is “pro lynching” are “not only meritless but dangerous”.</p> <p>Singer Sheryl Crow called out Aldean posting on Twitter, “There’s nothing small town or American about promoting violence,” and called the song “lame” for its controversial themes. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Jason_Aldean?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jason_Aldean</a> I’m from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence.There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting.</p> <p>This is not American or small town-like. It’s just lame <a href="https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr">https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr</a></p> <p>— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherylCrow/status/1681485292425867264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The music video for the song prompted a new wave of backlash, as it was filmed outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, which is a site that African American man was lynched. </p> <p>A writer for entertainment industry magazine <em><a title="variety.com" href="https://variety.com/2023/music/opinion/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-worst-country-song-video-column-1235673177/">Variety</a></em> said it was “the most contemptible country song of the decade” which traded on the “implicit moral superiority of having a limited number of neighbours”.</p> <p>“For Aldean, it’s about how tiny burgs are under the imminent threat of attack from lawless urban marauders who will have to be kept at bay by any means necessary – meaning, pretty explicitly, vigilantism,” wrote its music critic Chris William.</p> <p>He went on to say the video was “dangerous” because it “conflates the act of protesting with violent crime”.</p> <p>In the wake of the criticism, Aldean hit back on his social media accounts, saying people had gone "too far" with their interpretation of the song. </p> <p>He wrote on Twitter, “There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it – and there isn’t a single clip that isn’t real news footage – and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music – this one goes too far.”</p> <p>“My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from. And I know that a lot of us in this country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy, where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night, but the desire for it to – that’s what the song is about.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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"He was on top of the world": Family of Aussie who died on Mount Everest break silence

<p>The family of an Australian man who died while climbing Mount Everest have spoken out.</p> <p>Jason Bernard Kennison, 40, conquered Everest’s summit before falling sick during his descent and dying on May 19, his family said in a statement.</p> <p>“It is with absolute broken hearts that our dearly beloved brother, son, cousin, friend passed away Friday 19th climbing Mt Everest,” the post read.</p> <p>Grief-stricken loved ones have paid tribute to Kennison, describing him as “full of life”.</p> <p>“He would put his mind to something, set a goal and achieve it,” his family said.</p> <p>“Whether that be playing footy as a kid, winning motocross races, working around the world in the mining industry and in high-risk environments.</p> <p>“He wanted to raise awareness and money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, wanting to help others who had similar struggles to himself.</p> <p>“We are so proud of his achievements and we take great solace in knowing he made it to the summit. The highest place on this earth.”</p> <p>Jason’s mother Gillian Kennison said her son was “so determined and so full of life”.</p> <p>“He was amazing ... an amazing son, an amazing brother and uncle,” she told reporters.</p> <p>“And he was on top of the world ... literally on top of the world”.</p> <p>The Kennison family revealed Jason had made it to the top of the mountain and was in good spirits.</p> <p>“He had his photo taken on top of the summit,” they said.</p> <p>“He was proud of himself, however, during the descent, he suddenly fell ill and that’s when he passed away.”</p> <p>The family went on to say that their son went through all the proper training he could to prepare to reach the Everest summit.</p> <p>“We would like to send our greatest love and thanks to Nepal where he had Sherpas go above and beyond to help try to bring him home,” they said.</p> <p>“We are worlds apart but united through our love for Jason. His family are heartbroken and he will be forever missed.”</p> <p>Kennison was climbing to raise money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA).</p> <p>Rather than flowers, his family has asked others to support Kennison’s fundraising page.</p> <p>In a crippling blow, Kennison’s family has been told it’s too dangerous to retrieve his body.</p> <p>Local media reports his remains are still in the mountain’s balcony area.</p> <p>Expedition company Asian Trekking helped Kennison organise the trip, and managing director Dawa Steven Sherpa said two guides accompanied the Aussie when he became unresponsive.</p> <p>“They ran out of oxygen and bringing supplement bottles from Camp IV couldn’t be possible due to excessive winds,” Sherpa told AFP.</p> <p>“It was high wind and bad weather that prevented them (from) going back to bring him down. He died at the Balcony area.”</p> <p>Kennison, a diesel mechanic who was living in Perth, was involved in a horrific car crash when he was 22 years old.</p> <p>He said he spiralled into depression after being told he would no longer be able to work as a mechanic given multiple broken bones and a spinal cord injury.</p> <p>After years of rehabilitation, Kennison learnt to walk again and was able to go back to work.</p> <p>However, about four years ago, he returned to rehab due to nerve damage in his spine.</p> <p>“A personal goal for me is that fulfilment. To put together all my experiences and just be the person I know I can with integrity and live with all my beliefs and values and just accept that I have had injuries, but I’m still OK.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Neighbours icons reunite

<p>Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan are planning a small-screen reunion.</p> <p>The Neighbours icons are reuniting for a special episode of the hit BBC sitcom <em>Ghosts</em> as part of this year’s comic relief fundraiser.</p> <p>It’s been 37 years since the pair first starred as Charlene and Scott on Neighbours, and they will take on new roles in the one-off special of <em>Ghosts</em>.</p> <p>Kylie and Jason, who were previously romantically involved, have already shot the episode, according to The Sun, with the show set to air on Friday, March 17.</p> <p>The episode of <em>Ghosts</em>, which portrays a group of spirits haunting a country house, will reportedly include nods to their pop career, including their 1988 duet <em>Especially For You</em>.</p> <p>A TV insider told<em> The Sun</em>, “Getting Kylie and Jason back together is a real coup, and the results are hilarious.”</p> <p>“The episode is really tongue in cheek and they crack gags about their history and music.</p> <p>“It was all kept hush-hush on set to keep the secret that they were both reuniting for the show.”</p> <p>The pair also appeared on screen together in 2022 in what was thought to be the end of an era, the final episode of <em>Neighbours</em>.</p> <p>Jason and Kylie appeared in a brief cameo in the last episode of the soap, which has since been renewed for a new run starting 2023.</p> <p>Kylie parted ways with <em>Neighbours</em> in June 1988, having become the first person to win four Logie Awards in one year and the youngest ever recipient of a Gold Logie.</p> <p>She furthered her career and became a pop sensation, selling more than 80 million albums worldwide.</p> <p>Jason left Neighbours in 1989 and, like Kylie, pursued a pop career. Although he wasn’t as successful as his on-screen love, he had a string of hits, including <em>Too Many Broken Hearts </em>and <em>Sealed With A Kiss</em>.</p> <p>The two stars dated from 1986 to 1989.</p> <p>They were so popular at the time that they recorded the Christmas Number 1 single Especially For You.</p> <p>In 2016, Jason told Mirror, “It was an extremely painful parting of the ways and, without a doubt, I took a long time to recover from it. Years, definitely.”</p> <p>Kylie then went on to date the late INXS frontman, Michael Hutchence. She is now romantically involved with British CQ’s Creative Director Paul Solomons, and Jason is married to Angela Malloch.</p> <p>Comic Relief airs on BBC on March 17.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

TV

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King Charles and Camilla make young boy’s dream of meeting them come true

<p dir="ltr">King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla have made a young boy’s dreams come true after he reached out with a letter.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jason Tweedie-Long, 5, from York, wrote a letter to the royals letting them know that he’s worried he won’t be able to see them due to his vision impairment.</p> <p dir="ltr">The letter was sent to York Council and forwarded to Buckingham Palace before the King and the Queen Consort decided on making young Jason’s day.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were in the English city to unveil the first statue of the King’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II since her death in September.</p> <p dir="ltr">Soon after, it was arranged for Jason to meet the Royals who held his hand and posed for a photo the extremely happy fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you to @RoyalFamily for their special meeting with young resident Jason who is visually impaired. He was thrilled to meet the King and Queen Consort today whilst they visited York,” the council tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">During his speech when unveiling the late monarch’s statue, the King explained that it was intended for the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, but will remain in her memory.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalFamily</a> for their special meeting with young resident Jason who is visually impaired. He was thrilled to meet the King and Queen Consort today whilst they visited York. <a href="https://t.co/Vx8nol1mrH">pic.twitter.com/Vx8nol1mrH</a></p> <p>— City of York Council (@CityofYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofYork/status/1590323338756300800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“When this statue was first planned five years ago, during a reign of unprecedented duration and achievement, it was intended as a celebration of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee,” the King said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now, as we have witnessed, with great sadness, the passing of that reign, it is unveiled in her memory, as a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The creation of this statue is also, if I may say so, a tribute to the support, affection and prayers that the community of this cathedral, and of this great city, always gave the late Queen, and all for which she stood in the life of the nation and the Commonwealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The late Queen was always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life. Now, her image will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square, for centuries to come - a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Caring

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Let's do the Time Warp again! Jason Donovan to star in Rocky Horror

<p>Jason Donovan is returning to Australia to don the iconic fishnets, corset and platform heels of Dr Frank N Furter in a 50th anniversary production of <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em>. </p> <p>It's not the first time the Neighbours actor has played the character, previously transforming into the cult classic for the 25th anniversary of <em>Rocky Horror</em> back in 1998.</p> <p>The role was originally brought to life on screen by Tim Curry in the <em>Rocky Horror Picture Show</em> in 1975, after finding years of success on the West End as a broadway show. </p> <p>Now reprising the role, Donovan told <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/jason-donovan-returning-to-australia-to-star-in-the-rocky-horror-show--c-8565500" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sunrise</em></a> he is excited to lose himself in the chaotic world once again. </p> <p>“You’ve really got to come out of yourself, quite extroverted in a way, and there’s a bit of naughtiness and cheekiness in this character,” Donovan told Edwina Bartholomew.</p> <p>“But what really drives me to this role is the music and the fantasy of the story - it appeals to that cheeky side in all of us, and, as an actor, that’s an interesting place to start, with a great character and some great songs.”</p> <p>“Theatre has been incredibly good to me as well and that’s why something like Rocky is really a great moment, to be able to bring Rocky back to Australia and celebrate my craft and what I’ve learnt, at the age I am, to Australian audiences is something I’m very excited about, so look out Sydney here I come.”</p> <p>In June this year, he was asked to perform at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert - an honour that holds even greater significance now.</p> <p>“I was in Australia when I was rung by Andrew Lloyd Webber, he left a message and said ‘I don’t know where you are, but give me a call’ ... and I rang him back and he said ‘would you be up for performing at the Jubilee?’ and I said ‘sure’."</p> <p>“I didn’t understand the gravity of what the concert meant - and that moment meant ... it’s certainly, in my career, one of the biggest things I’ve been involved with.”</p> <p>The new Australian production of <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em> will open at <a href="https://rockyhorror.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Theatre Royal Sydney</a> in February 2023, also starring Myf Warhurst as The Narrator.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Film Publicity Archives</em></p>

Music

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Garden fixes after heavy rain

<p><em><strong>Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his advice for tending to the garden after heavy rain.</strong></em></p> <p>When it comes to the garden and heavy rain, you need to be prepared. Where does water sit? What gets washed away? How are your drains working or failing? All things you can repair and get working for the future success of your garden.</p> <p>The heavy rain has saturated our soil, and strong winds have toppled over trees all week, but long-term, the saturated soil can hurt all plants in the garden. When the soil is water-logged the root system can drown from lack of oxygen. The first thing I would do is rake some mulch away allowing for some evaporation, either with a garden fork or even something like a cricket stump. Make some holes to allow air in and for the water to fill and again evaporate.</p> <p>Snails and slugs are opportunists and thrive and reproduce when times are good – they love the rain and the wet conditions afterwards. To control them I like to use a take-away container with a splash of beer in it. Placed level with the garden bed the snails go in and never leave.</p> <p>If your garden was flooded don’t be too quick to think the water’s gone down and everything’s fine. If they’re in the garden, avoid eating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach. They may have been contaminated by the flood water. Fruit trees such as citrus should be fine within a short period of time.</p> <p>Now that it has stopped raining it’s never too late to clean the gutters. Overflowing gutters can damage gardens and undermine the footings of your house. When you’re up a ladder either doing the gutters or any other job in the garden I recommend you have a second person with you, an extra set of hands to hold the ladder, spot problems and just pass you tools. It makes the process a lot safer and quicker.</p> <p>Look out for mould, moss and mildew that might grow on shady, damp paths over the next few weeks. A blast with a pressure washer will be a quick fix and a lot more enjoyable than slipping A over Z. A weak solution of vinegar and water will kill mould and mildew if you don’t have a pressure washer.</p> <p>Look for branches that may have been damaged but are still hanging in the tree. They will become more obvious as the foliage browns off and dies. Cleaning up the tear and damage will give the tree a better chance of recovery.</p> <p>If you have a watering system, override it and turn it off for a couple of weeks. The last thing the garden needs is a drink. If your pots were full of water remove the saucers and allow them to drain.</p> <p>It’s a hard time to garden after heavy rain, but let’s be thankful for it and hope we can enjoy the long-term benefits of having moisture deep down in our soil.</p> <p><em>Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home & Garden

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First snaps as Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan reunite!

<p dir="ltr">Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan have reunited once again as they begin to film their final scenes for <em>Neighbours</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The singer shared adorable photos of the pair embracing and smiling on Ramsay St as the show sadly comes to an end. </p> <p dir="ltr">The couple will once again hit our screens for a final time in the Australian soap as Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Now we're back together," Minogue captioned the post in reference to the show’s theme song. </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/Cf3HOmdq6MB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3HOmdq6MB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Donovan shared the same images to his Instagram but included the Ramsay St sign that was signed by him and Minogue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So good to be back with this absolute legend @kylieminogue Scott and Charlene final scenes @neighbours AU 2022,” his caption read. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to reports, Minogue and Donovan will appear in a "fairy-tale" ending for their characters, over three decades after their iconic wedding episode.</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/Cf3HKG7tcYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3HKG7tcYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Donovan (@jdonofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Charlene and Scott's wedding was one of Australian television's most-watched moments in history, with two million Australians and 20 million UK viewers tuning in to watch the pair tie the knot.</p> <p dir="ltr">After 37 years on air, <em>Neighbours </em>announced that the show is coming to an end after Channel 5, the British production company that aired the show in the UK since 2008, announced it won’t do so anymore.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The team thanked their loyal fans and promised to end the show on an “incredible high”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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“Several of these floods happened on your watch”: Nat Barr slams Liberal Party deputy leader

<p dir="ltr"><em>Sunrise</em> host Natalie Barr has called out Liberal MP Sussan Ley for claiming the Labor government was too slow in their handling of the NSW floods. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Liberal Party deputy leader appeared alongside Labor's Minister for Education Jason Clare on <em>Sunrise</em> on Friday July 8 who were discussing raising the walls of Warragamba Dam to stop future flooding. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Barr got the ball rolling, asking Ms Ley why nothing was done when her government was in power. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Sussan what do you think? Because several of these floods happened on your watch and nothing seemed to go ahead did it?” she asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s heartbreaking to hear from those people who are so affected when they feel yet another flood event,” Ms Ley began before she was cut off by Ms Barr.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hang on Sussan, the first flood, the big one, was in March last year, then we had March this year, April this year, with all due respect, what did your government do?” Ms Barr questioned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We worked closely and started a planning process at federal environment level that I was actually involved with. At the moment, the issue is with the NSW Government but a lot of work has been done by the Commonwealth,” Ms Ley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now, this incoming government seems to not know how to pick up that work and continue with it. And that’s my point, at least start with the right minister. It’s waiting there and it needs [NSW]..., but at least start in the right area of the government to get this ball running.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nat, I think Sussan’s got a short memory here. Go back to the start of the year, we had a tinny army that rescued people,” Mr Clare said of Morrison’s Government response to the March floods. </p> <p dir="ltr">“People had to hire their own helicopters because rescue services weren't on the way.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were proactive. We got helicopters ready and soldiers ready before we were even asked.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Ley however then questioned why the government took too long to announce relief payments for the affected areas. </p> <p dir="ltr">“On Monday I raised the issue that payments that could have been made in hours were taking days,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The floods were on the weekend. It wasn't until Thursday that a signature on a paper was made, coincidentally when the Prime Minister came back from overseas.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Barr snapped at Ms Ley saying: “Well, it may have been a couple of days but it's burnt into our memory that people had to go rescue themselves and their communities.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The residents in the 23 LGAs affected by the severe storms and flooding since June 27, are eligible for disaster relief payments funded by the NSW government and the Commonwealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The LGAs include Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

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Charlise Mutten's alleged killer facing fresh charges

<p dir="ltr">The man accused of murdering nine-year-old schoolgirl Charlise Mutten earlier this year has been hit with new charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jason Stein was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/man-charged-with-murder-of-missing-9-year-old" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with the murder of his fiancé’s daughter</a> in January, after the little girl’s body was discovered in a barrel near the Colo River, about an hour from the Blue Mountains where she had disappeared from.</p> <p dir="ltr">After his arrest, police conducted a search in the bushland near Mt Wilson - the area where Charlise was last seen - and found two firearms and ammunition, which was seized and forensically examined.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police then visited Silverwater prison and arrested the 31-year-old, charging him with two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, two for possessing an unauthorised firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence or permit, and aggravated break and enter in company.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Stein has also been charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material for unrelated matters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, investigations continue under Strike Force Buena, which was established to investigate Charlise’s disappearance.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-259bd494-7fff-0883-bf00-4c95a624fa30"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 9News / Twitter</em></p>

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Aquaman in hot water after disrespecting artworks

<p dir="ltr">Jason Mamoa has landed himself in hot water after taking photos inside Apostolic Palace.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Aquaman</em> star shared several photographs of himself and others inside the Palace on Instagram with the caption: I LOVE YOU ITALY what a beautiful start to our day off enjoying ROMA.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 42-year-old however was called out by fans who claimed he was given special treatment by being allowed to take photos.</p> <p dir="ltr">Photographs are banned inside the Apostolic Palace because the flash from cameras can harm and destroy the beautiful artworks. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Omg of course they let you take pictures (I thought it wasn’t allowed for preservation purposes),” someone commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You cannot touch any of our masterpieces!!!” another exclaimed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We, regular people, are not allowed to film inside the Sistine Chapel,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We can’t take pics but ofc  celebrities can. Nothing against Jason (I adore him) but it’s not fair,” someone else commented.</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/CdVJaeLOv4y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdVJaeLOv4y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I thought it was forbidden to take pictures at the Sistine Chapel. It WAS two weeks ago, when we visited. So disrespectful,” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Wow! You got a private viewing of the Vatican AND you were allowed to take pictures?!” another pointed out.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mamoa has since issued a video in which he apologised for disrespecting the historic artwork and culture. He however has not removed the photos off Instagram. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I just also wanted to say, if you ever felt that I disrespected your culture, it wasn’t my intention,” Momoa said in the video shared by <a href="https://www.justjared.com/2022/05/14/jason-momoa-apologizes-to-fans-offended-by-his-sistine-chapel-visit-exclusive-video/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Just Jared</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I came here when I was 19 or 20 to experience the Sistine Chapel. I’ve always wanted to and now that I can, I gave a wonderful donation to bring my friends and crew because we only had a couple days off to experience these places.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And then I found people wanted to take pictures with me, which is very odd, during a trip to the Vatican with all this wonder and they want to take pictures with me, which I don’t get, but regardless, I did.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was very respectful and I asked for permission from what I thought, would be okay. I would never want to do anything to disrespect someone’s culture. If I did, I apologise. It was not my intention. I paid to have that private moment and gave a nice donation to the church. I love you. I’m sorry if I offended you.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan return to Neighbours

<p>Kylie Minogue is set to reunite with her ex and former on-screen lover, Jason Donovan, for the upcoming Neighbours grand finale.</p> <p>Minogue will make a return to the popular series 34 years after she left the show to pursue a singing career. Reportedly she and Donovan have already filmed scenes together.</p> <p>Minogue, aged 53, teased her return to the beloved soap on Instagram with her character's name on the Neighbours script – Charlene Mitchell. Donovan then posted the same image and tagged Minogue in his post.</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/Cc_lPC5vhuA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc_lPC5vhuA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She recently moved back to Australia after living in London for 30 years.</p> <p>According to reports, Minogue and Donovan will appear in a "fairy-tale" ending for their characters, over three decades after their iconic wedding episode.</p> <p>Charlene and Scott's wedding was one of Australian television's most-watched moments in history, with two million Australians and 20 million UK viewers tuning in to watch the pair tie the knot.</p> <p>Fans of Neighbours were given the devastating news the long-running show would finally come to an end this summer, after nearly 37 years on the air.</p> <p>"We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June," a message from the broadcaster read.</p> <p>"To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."</p> <p><em>Image: Network 10</em></p>

News

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Megan Gale breaks silence on brother Jason’s death

<p>Megan Gale has broken her silence on the death of her brother Jason, taking to Instagram to reveal the past months have been “the hardest” of her life.</p> <p>Jason Gale, 49, was reported missing on Friday July 17.</p> <p>On July 21 his body was found in bushland south-east of Perth.</p> <p>Mr Gale is said to have been traumatised after witnessing the death of his colleague Robert Cunico in 2018.</p> <p>On Monday evening, Megan Gale posted a 12-minute video to her Instagram followers, describing the “shock” loss.</p> <p>“Well it’s been a while,” Gale wrote in the post.</p> <p>“I thought I’d jump on and have a bit of a chat. It’s been probably the hardest couple of months of my life and I honestly have had no desire to post anything.</p> <p>“Even this felt foreign to me.</p> <p>“What I’ve been through in recent times certainly wasn’t the most positive of experiences to document and I most certainly couldn’t fathom the thought of turning my circumstances into content.</p> <p>“That just seemed so very wrong.</p> <p>“To everyone who has messaged me in regards to my brother and asked if I’m ok, thank you from the bottom of my heart.</p> <p>“I am fine. Not amazing but doing ok. And so thankful for so much.”</p> <p>She went on to describe the difficult decision to leave her partner, Shaun Hampson, and their two children in Melbourne to attend her brother’s funeral in Perth.</p> <p>During her hotel quarantine in Perth, she says she broke down.</p> <p>“The only way I could get through it was to not think about what happened with my brother to block it out, pretend it hadn’t happened,” Gale said.</p> <p>“Twice I broke about two minutes each time, but I just shifted focus ... I couldn’t allow myself to grieve and sink into that deep sadness in there.”</p> <p>She said that she is still “working through” Jason’s death and is finding it difficult to be in public during this time.</p> <p>“I guess being a public person, meant it was everywhere which comes with the territory, unfortunately,” she says.</p> <p>“I had a very short period of time to make the decision (about the funeral).</p> <p>“But I also wanted to be in Perth to support my mum and my brother and the rest of my family and play a part in sending my brother off and putting him to rest.”</p> <p>Gale also thanked Hampson for looking after their children River and Rosie.</p> <p>“I couldn’t ask for a better or more supportive partner — or human to get me through this,” she said.</p>

Caring

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Kylie Minogue shares blast from the past

<p>Australian pop legend Kylie Minogue has shared a number of nostalgic photos of her and old cast flame Jason Donovan, to mark his birthday.</p> <p>Minogue only just celebrated her birthday last week, but that didn’t stop her from sending her former on-screen and off-screen boyfriend on<span> </span>Neighbours, well wishes for his big day.</p> <p>The pop singer and Donovan were Australia’s most popular couple on Ramsay Street when they played Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson in the Australian soap in the late 1980s.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA4xKHMA3cU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CA4xKHMA3cU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)</a> on Jun 1, 2020 at 2:12am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Of course, they also shared a special connection in real life too.</p> <p>"What amazing times!", Minogue wrote as she shared the throwback photographs to celebrate Donovan’s 52nd birthday.</p> <p>Fans were excited to take the trip down memory lane, with more than 34,000 people liking Minogue's post.</p> <p>"The original IT couple," one Instagram user said.</p> <p>"Suddenly you're seeing me...just the way I am" another person wrote, quoting Angry Anderson's<span> </span>Suddenly, the song played during Scott and Charlene's wedding day episode.</p> <p>In 2018, the pair reunited during a gig at Hyde Park, when Donovan legendarily joined Minogue on stage to perform<span> </span>Especially For You.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvnBJ8AutI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvnBJ8AutI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Birthday DONE!!! I raise my glass to love and to all of you!!! 🌸🥰🍷🍉💖 Thank you once again for your birthday wishes. 😘😘😘</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieminogue/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Kylie Minogue</a> (@kylieminogue) on May 28, 2020 at 12:50pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The singer also turned 52 just a few days before her old flame and to mark the momentous occasion, she opened her own wine label.</p> <p>The star said that despite the wine launch, she would be having a quiet birthday.</p> <p>"I'll be at home and no doubt spend some time talking with family and friends," she said.</p> <p>"I'll most definitely be having a glass (or two) of rose to celebrate and have so much gratitude for my birthday, my family and my friends."</p>

Relationships

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Keeping up with Hodgie

<p><span>Better Home and Gardens landscaper Charlie Albone is now in possession of a $2.35 million property in the sunny coastal Sydney suburb of Maroubra.</span><br /><br /><span>The 39-year-old seems to want to take on a new challenge this year and he sure is in for one with his latest purchase - red-brick semi home, which is a classic fixer upper.</span><br /><br /><span>Both the TV personality and his interior designer wife Juliet Love are both avid renovators and love leaving their own personal touch on homes, including their Ourimbah acreage retreat, which they purchased in 2012 for $840,000, according to Domain.</span><br /><br /><span>The couple also showed off their exquisitely styled home back in 2017, with a soft white palette matched with friendly metals and different textures which Juliet explained to Home Beautiful.</span><br /><br /><span>See their latest property and the couple’s seaside home here.</span></p>

Real Estate

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Jason Hodges from Better Homes and Gardens is selling up – and his house is amazing

<p>Fans were devastated when Jason Hodges was<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/i-just-didn-t-see-it-coming-jason-hodges-on-why-his-better-homes-axing-was-a-mistake" target="_blank">axed from</a><span> </span><em>Better Homes and Gardens</em><span> </span>after sixteen years on the show. The man himself confirmed that he just “didn’t see it coming”, he is focusing on the future and plans on taking it easy.</p> <p>Hodgie is now selling his amazing North Ryde property that is heritage listed with a price guide of $1.9 million.</p> <p>The well-loved four-bedroom home has undergone an amazing transformation which is believed to be a labour of love for Hodgie and his partner, Lisa, a horticulturalist.</p> <p>The home is set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens with hedging, lawns, retaining walls, stepping stones and topiary trees. There’s a plunge pool behind a glass fence, water features, hardwood decking, a fixed barbecue and a pizza oven tucked away in the corner of the jaw-dropping garden.</p> <p>“Everyone who has inspected the house has stood on the driveway looking back at the house and commented on how stunning it is,” said agent John McManus.</p> <p>“It just feels like something you would expect to find in the Southern Highlands. When you arrive at the property, it is like you are visiting family in the country.”</p> <p>That comment is especially fitting as Hodgie himself has planned on taking things a lot easier since his departure from the show.</p> <p>“I need to change my lifestyle. The hustle and bustle of Sydney - the tolls, the parking, the units going up…” he trails off.</p> <p>“Berry is heaven, it’s green and lush with rolling hills and the people are even better than the landscape. The sense of community is amazing,” he adds.</p> <p>Hodges has won medals at the Chelsea Flower show and Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show for his work.</p> <p>The couple have two children and have retained many period features inside the home, including exposed brick work, pressed tin ceilings, timber flooring and working fireplaces.</p> <p>The couple renovated the house in 2014, but a new kitchen was added last year.</p> <p>One of Mr McManus’ favourite areas is the main bathroom with freestanding tub, an open shower and a decorative original fireplace.</p> <p>“It is just stunning, to me, he has really thought about keeping the character of the home but also creating something special,” he said.</p> <p>“You could be sitting in the bath on a Friday afternoon with a glass of champagne and the candles going, it is just delightful.”</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see the stunning home and garden.</p> <p><em>Photo credits:<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/former-better-homes-and-gardens-landscaper-jason-hodges-to-sell-his-north-ryde-home/" target="_blank">realestate.com.au</a></em></p>

Real Estate

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“I just didn’t see it coming”: Jason Hodges on why his Better Homes axing was a mistake

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Beloved landscaping expert Jason Hodges from Better Homes and Gardens was “absolutely gutted” after learning that he would be axed from the show he called home for 16 years in December 2019.</p> <p>At the time, the Sydney father-of-two made little public comment but has since emerged after the Christmas and New Year break to speak about being cut from the show.</p> <p>“I just didn’t see it coming,” he said to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-and-gardens-host-jason-hodges-on-shock-axing-234311555.html" target="_blank">Yahoo Lifestyle</a></em>.</p> <p>“I know it’s television and I know people lose their jobs, I know shows finish, but I just didn’t see it coming,” he adds.</p> <p>Affectionately known as “Hodgie” by fans and co-hosts on the show, he is still coming to terms with losing his job.</p> <p>“I thought I was doing the best that I could. I was personable, I wasn’t a diva. I helped set up in the morning and pack down in the afternoon. I was just one of the boys, not a ‘presenter’,” he says.</p> <p>“I just felt like ‘the good guy comes last’ kind of thing,” he adds.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6UnkIFjeTQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6UnkIFjeTQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jason Hodges (@jasonhodgesandco)</a> on Dec 20, 2019 at 9:07pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Hodges feels like his axing from the show was due to attempts refresh the existing audience of the show.</p> <p>“I think that television networks don’t do the market research that they should and especially in this decision… [the Channel Seven execs are] trying to attract a younger audience that doesn’t exist [because] your average 25-year-old doesn’t watch <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em>,” he says.</p> <p>“[Seven execs] invested 20 years in me and then got rid of me. I think they live in a television bubble where they think that ‘shiny’ replaces ‘authentic’,” he adds.</p> <p>The man replacing Hodges is British-accented Charlie Albone of<span> </span><em>Selling Houses Australia</em>. However, he has no ill feelings towards his replacement and looks back on his time on the show fondly.</p> <p>“I had twenty fantastic years and losing my job is dead set one minute of a lifetime. I have nothing but the best memories of the people I was with and the things I got to see and I will never ever let that go,” he says.</p> <p>“But losing my job, it hurt me because I loved my job and I was doing it to the best of my ability and it was a kick in the guts but that’s not going to change my opinion of the people I worked with or what I managed to achieve,” he adds.</p> <p>Despite doing “more grandiose things”, Hodges says that the most rewarding part of his job was doing makeovers for “nice people”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B44OXX5jzg7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B44OXX5jzg7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jason Hodges (@jasonhodgesandco)</a> on Nov 14, 2019 at 11:57pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“There are more grandiose things I’ve done. I’ve won gold at the Melbourne Garden Show six times and I’ve got to go to Chelsea [Flower Show in London] and compete with the best in the world but it was honestly doing makeovers for nice people that was the most rewarding,” he says.</p> <p>Hodges has also encountered an outpouring of support from fans who are devastated by him leaving the show.</p> <p>“People have walked up to me in Bunnings crying [and I’m] getting personal, handwritten letters. It makes feel loved but disappointed that it’s been taken away,” he says.</p> <p>“The support that’s been shown [to me] over the past couple of weeks, it’s always been there and you just don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone,” he adds.</p> <p>As for what he's doing next? Hodges plans on taking it easy. </p> <p>“I need to change my lifestyle. The hustle and bustle of Sydney - the tolls, the parking, the units going up…” he trails off.</p> <p>“Berry is heaven, it’s green and lush with rolling hills and the people are even better than the landscape. The sense of community is amazing,” he adds.</p> <p>“My dream job would be a ‘real’ version of [Foxtel program] <em>River Cottage Australia</em> where we’d get bees and chickens and I try to raise pigs and show the success and failure of it all,” he explained.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"><span class="like-bar-component"></span> <div class="watched-bookmark-container"></div> </div> </div> </div>

TV

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Better Homes confirms shock new cast replacement

<p>Seven Program <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> has confirmed Charlie Albone will officially replace Jason Hodges on the beloved long-running program in 2020.</p> <p>After a 16-year stint on the show, Hodges’ replacement caused shockwaves, and was considered a surprising move given the pair’s rumoured rivalry.</p> <p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/parting-of-the-way-s-hush-quietly-quits-fashion-foray-20191212-p53jab.html" target="_blank"><em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em> </a>reported Hodges was “gutted” by being let go, a move made by the new Seven boss Andrew Backwell.</p> <p>Replacement Charlie Albone became a familiar when he appeared on Foxtel's Selling Houses Australia.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ABVvOFec9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ABVvOFec9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Charlie Albone (@charlie_albone)</a> on Jan 31, 2020 at 2:11pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>He will also be joined by Melissa King as a replacement gardening expert.</p> <p>“It’s a real honour to be asked to be part of such an amazing team,” Charlie told <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bhg.com.au/charlie-albone-joins-better-homes-and-gardens" target="_blank">the series’ online site.</a></p> <p>“I will be sharing lots of new and interesting ideas for your garden that will inspire and push boundaries, as well as advice on how to make your outdoor living the best it can be.”</p> <p>Charlie further promised viewers would be able to get an intimate look into the presenter’s life.</p> <p>“You’ll also get to meet my family, and I’ll be giving you a look around my country garden,” he said.</p> <p>The news comes after fellow castmates shared their devastation over news of Hodge’s axing.</p> <p>Johanna Griggs shared the farwell episode on her Instagram page, as “one of the hardest shoots we’ve ever had to do”.</p> <p>“(Change is) unfortunately a reality that comes with the business we are in. But that doesn’t make it any easier,” she wrote in the emotional post.</p> <p>“We’ve had a shoot with some new faces who’ll be joining the team next year. And I can honestly say they are absolutely lovely and really excited to be part of the show,” she wrote.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6TfSzLg9B1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6TfSzLg9B1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Johanna Griggs AM (@johgriggs7)</a> on Dec 20, 2019 at 10:36am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The full lineup has been confirmed as including host Johanna Griggs, alongside Adam Dovile (DIY), Charlie Albone (Landscaping), Dr Harry Cooper (Vet), Graham Ross (Gardening), Tara Dennis (Decorating &amp; Design), “Fast Ed” Halmagyi (Chef), Karen Martini (Chef), Pete Colquhoun (Architect), Sam Wood (Health &amp; Fitness), Melissa King (Gardening) and James Tobin (Tech &amp; Motoring).</p> <p><em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> 2020 premieres February 7th at 7 pm.</p>

Home & Garden

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TV star “absolutely gutted” after Better Homes and Gardens axing

<p><em>Better Homes &amp;</em><span> </span>Gardens landscaper Jason Hodges is “absolutely gutted” after being let go from the beloved TV show.</p> <p>Jason had been a fundamental part of the show for the last 15 years, however next season’s landscaping segment will instead see a familiar face many viewers may recognise.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtU7TzJBIR7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtU7TzJBIR7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jason Hodges (@jasonhodgesbhg)</a> on Jan 31, 2019 at 9:12pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Charlie Albone, who has been deemed as Hodges’ “rival”, previously co-hosted<span> </span><em>Selling Houses Australia.</em></p> <p>Charlie will be joined on the show by garden expert and TV presenter Melissa King, with horticulturalist Graham Ross remaining on the show. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6H2GKqFXMk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6H2GKqFXMk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Charlie Albone (@charlie_albone)</a> on Dec 15, 2019 at 10:04pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Johanna Griggs is also set to be back on the show in 2020.  </p> <p>“To be honest, I am absolutely gutted,’’ Hodges admitted to<span> </span><em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/parting-of-the-way-s-hush-quietly-quits-fashion-foray-20191212-p53jab.html">The Sunday Morning Herald</a> </em>about leaving the Channel 7 program.</p> <p>‘‘I think of myself as being the luckiest guy in the world, to have had the best job in the world and work with the best team there is ...</p> <p>“I’d be lying if I said I was not upset but as people in this business know, that’s how it goes.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrRva5Mnw6N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrRva5Mnw6N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Karen Martini (@karen_martini)</a> on Dec 11, 2018 at 10:27pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>A spokesperson for the hit lifestyle show says they are bidding a “fond farewell” to the beloved landscaper.</p> <p>“Jason joined Better Homes and Gardens in 2005 and has been transforming outdoor spaces and providing expert advice to viewers ever since,” the spokesperson said in a statement to <em><a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/jason-hodges-dropped-from-better-homes-and-gardens-after-15-years-610501">Mumbrella. </a></em></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B44OXX5jzg7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B44OXX5jzg7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jason Hodges (@jasonhodgesbhg)</a> on Nov 14, 2019 at 11:57pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Career highlights include his medal-winning garden designs at both the Chelsea Flower Show in London and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Jason will now turn his focus to his farming business, Buxus Balls of Berry, and other ventures.”</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/parting-of-the-way-s-hush-quietly-quits-fashion-foray-20191212-p53jab.html">The Sydney Morning Herald</a></em><span> </span>reported the tight-knit crew are rattled by Hodges’ departure, with host Johanna Griggs believed to be particularly struck by the news.</p> <p>Jason Hodges’ last episode on Better Homes and Gardens will be airing December 21.</p>

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