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Quirky grandfather shocks Today hosts with unusual funeral plans

Michael 'Skip' Field has decided he doesn't want his family crying for him at an ordinary funeral when he dies. Instead, the quirky Queensland grandfather wants a celebration for his final send off and wants his family to remember him in a very unique way. Skip shared his funeral plans with Today hosts Sarah and Alex, who were perplexed by Skip's plans for his final send-off. "I've been to a lot of funerals over the years, I'm an old fart and I never enjoyed any of them," Skip said. "So come the time I turn toes up, they're going to cart me off to the crematorium for a big barbecue, where I'll be the guest of honour, then when the heat dies down, they're going to put me in a little shoe box and give my young son a ring," he said. "He'll come and pick me up and I'm an avid cowboy shooter, we load our own ammunition and one of the things that happens to cowboys when they pass on is they have a cowboy salute where you get a big, long line and everybody fires a shotgun, bang, bang, bang, bang, and have a salute." "Well, I'm going to get my ashes mixed into the shotgun shells and donate the shotgun shells to the range and they can shoot me off down the range." "Plus all the smoke that comes out at the end of the barrel is a bit blue, but being a Queenslander, I've got a bit of maroon chalk that's going to go in with the ashes, so when they come out at the end of the barrel it's going to be a maroon tinge on it," he said. Today hosts Sarah and Alex were gob-smacked by the idea of Skip donating his ash-filled bullets to the local firing range, but that's not all he has planned. "The other thing is a friend of mine's got a cannon and we're going to shoot part of the ashes out of the cannon at Pleasant Range near Dalby," he said. "Then the kids don't need a big, morbid ceremony, so they're going to have a party here at my house and I bought this thing called the 'loved one launcher' that is like a giant party popper, you put your ashes in and it'll shoot you 75 yards into the air with confetti and streamers and all that - Yeehaw! It's going to be great." Skip said the whole process cost less than getting a casket for the ground and it would be the last big thing he gets a say in. Image credits: Today

Retirement Life

From lettuce fields to opera stages – the brilliant journey of Helen Sherman

How does a young girl growing up on a lettuce farm in rural New South Wales, surrounded by the quiet rustle of leaves and the hum of daily farm life, go on to become such a powerful voice on the operatic scene? This is the unlikely beginning of Helen Sherman, the Australian-British mezzo-soprano who has taken the world of opera by storm. Sherman’s musical journey began at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where her extraordinary voice started to attract attention. It wasn't long before her ambition led her to the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in the UK. There, she honed her craft, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would see her representing Australia at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition and the Francisco Viñas International Singing Competition. Sherman's rise to operatic fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Her versatility and talent have seen her perform a wide range of roles across the globe. Recent highlights include Flora in La traviata at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier and Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro with Opera North. Her portrayal of Tamiri in Farnace with Pinchgut Opera and Dorabella in Così fan tutte at Teatru Manoel in Malta further cemented her reputation as a mezzo-soprano of extraordinary range and depth. One of Sherman’s standout performances was her interpretation of the title role in Carmen with the State Opera South Australia. Her embodiment of Carmen’s fiery spirit and complex emotions captivated audiences and critics alike. Equally compelling was her portrayal of Giulio Cesare with Bury Court Opera, a role that showcased her ability to navigate the demanding vocal and dramatic challenges of baroque opera. In 2024, Sherman’s calendar is as busy as ever, as she will be singing Dorabella in Così fan tutte and Mistress of the Novices in Suor Angelica for Opera Australia, roles that promise to highlight her versatility and emotional depth. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Over60 was lucky enough to be able to interview Sherman in the lead-up to her Sydney performances of <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/il-trittico-sydney/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Il Trittico</a> and <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/cosi-fan-tutte-sydney/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Così fan tutte</a>: O60: How did you become an opera singer after growing up on a lettuce farm in rural NSW? “It was quite a journey. My father was an incredible piano accordionist (think Flight of the Bumblebee, Malagueña etc). In the 1970s his teaching studio in Bathurst peaked at about 40 accordion students, which I think is quite remarkable. After his father died, Dad stepped back from his teaching to take over the family farm, though he still plays to this day. “My mother is a music lover, and wanted her children to have the opportunity to explore creative outlets that she wasn't fortunate enough to explore in her youth, so my brother, sister and I all had lessons in piano accordion, piano, dancing, drama and singing. We were fortunate to live in a town that had many thriving arts organisations, such as the Dolly McKinnon School of Dance, Bathurst Eisteddfod Society and Mitchell Conservatorium of Music. “Bathurst's Carillon Theatrical Society (for which my dad's cousin, the late, great, Carole Eastment, was choreographer) afforded us the opportunity to be part of full-scale classic musical productions. I was also fortunate to attend MacKillop College, a local Catholic high school of humble proportions, that had a very passionate and resourceful music teacher, Mr David Eyles. Thanks to him, students like me were able to star in wittily re-written and orchestrated G&S productions. With such a plethora of opportunities at my feet, my love of the stage was pretty much pre-determined. “Upon graduating high school, aged seventeen, I moved to Sydney to take up a place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where I completed a Bachelor of Music and a post graduate diploma in opera. At this stage, I wasn't really in love with opera, that came later, when I found myself covering third novice in OA's 2007 production of Suor Angelica. “During the last studio run of the show, mere metres away from me, star soprano Cheryl Barker was singing the final solo notes of the title role: ‘Madonna! Madonna! Salva me! Salva me!’, tears streaming down her face, and the most incredible voice soaring out; I had chills all over my body and in my soul, and I have loved opera ever since.” O60: You were based in London for years; how did you find the opera world overseas versus in Australia – in both your studies and performing? “I guess the main differences are that the UK scene is a bigger one with more companies and more music schools; a more international one, that students and professionals from around the world flock to, and one with – historically – more financial backing and patronage. However, the scene in the UK has suffered dramatically in the last few years, particularly with the effects of Brexit compounded by COVID, cost-of-living crisis and embarrassingly ignorant cuts made by the Arts Council. “Generally, abroad, there are many more opportunities for musicians, but many, many more musicians competing for them. It is an awe-inspiring thing to meet and work with musical idols like Roger Vignols, Julius Drake, Yvonne Kenny etcetera, to sing a piece of music in the venue in which it premiered or was composed for; to tread the same cobblestones that the likes of Mozart and Handel trod and to delight in the discovery that the shoes or trousers you're wearing in a production bear the name of the likes of Dame Sarah Connolly.” “However, I would say that there is plenty of exciting stuff going on in Australia and an optimism and openness in the Australian people, which is impactful on our industry and its creative output. “More needs to be done in our country to insure all children are given creative learning outlets for the benefit of their development, their communities and for the future of our industry.” O60: Why did you return to Sydney and how are you enjoying it? Any future plans to head back overseas? “After a health scare in 2022 that forced me to cancel all my work, my husband received a job offer to relocate to Sydney. It felt like the universe was opening a door for us, so we gladly walked through it, and onto a flight to Sydney in mid 2023. I have felt welcomed (back!) with open arms both personally and professionally and I have no imminent plans to return abroad, at this stage.” O60: You’ve appeared in many staged productions as well as concerts. What do you like about these two types of performances? “Concert performances are a chance to home in on the music and the words without worrying about physical action. Staged productions afford the performer the luxury of inhabiting and exploring a character, physically, right down to their shoes and petticoats. Both are wonderful ways of working and some works naturally lend themselves to one or the other – though, I think for opera, context is key, and can be a challenge to properly manufacture on the concert platform.” O60: Tell us about your two characters and how do you prepare for performing two roles in different operas in the same season? “I've been playing the role of Mistress of Novices in Suor Angelica and am currently preparing the role of Dorabella in Così fan Tutte. One is a senior nun and the other an excitable teenage girl, so they are rather disparate. “The big challenge is in the early days of learning and memorising the role. Once you have a grasp of the music, the libretto and who you are, it's about showing up and reacting to your world. Preparing disparate roles concurrently can be a vocal challenge, since tessitura and vocal gesture have a big impact on how one might approach a score. I like to keep in touch, daily, with technical exercises that encourage economy and flexibility in my voice, especially when I'm working on contrasting roles. Thankfully, the human voice is a very sensitive instrument and responds intuitively to intention and emotion, so developing the character arc and subtext helps a lot with that. O60: What should audiences be watching and/or listening out for Il Trittico versus in Così fan tutte? “There's so much to enjoy so let it wash over you in broad, beautiful, very human brushstrokes!! Or, if you love little details, in Il Trittico see if you can spot which singers appear in all three operas and watch out for Frugola's bag of strange objects in Il Tabarro. You'll learn a lot from the body language and small glances between characters in the world of Suor Angelica, and in Gianni Schicchi, well, I am told there is a very interesting door stop! “In Così fan Tutte, listen out for the way Mozart creates subtext for his characters; tiny details, like Dorabella needing to sing a third higher than Fiordiligi (because she is the competitive younger sister!) when emotionally fraught in some of their act one recitatives! Mozart is a genius of musical detail!” O60: Do you have any dream roles you’re yet to perform? “There are too many to list, but I adore the role of Octavian in der Rosenkavalier by Strauss (a role I have sung, but would love to revisit) and I would love to sing Ariodante by Händel.” --- <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px;">Click here for more information on <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/il-trittico-sydney/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Il Trittico</a> and <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/cosi-fan-tutte-sydney/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Così fan tutte</a>.

Music

Tragic update on man buried alive on Bribie Island

Vibrant and energetic 25-year-old Josh Taylor, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-man-who-was-buried-alive-breaks-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who found himself buried</a> in the sandy depths of Bribie Island, Queensland, has succumbed to the severe injuries sustained during the tragic incident. After five days of battling for his life, Josh's family made the agonising decision to switch off his life support. Josh's untimely demise stemmed from a seemingly innocent gathering on Bribie Island, where he and his friends were digging a sand pit to cook a pig in the traditional Maori style of hangi. Witnesses recalled the horrifying moment when Josh, while standing on a chair, lost his footing, and the sand beneath him gave way. He stumbled backwards into the deep hole, disappearing from view. It took a team of 15 people to pull him out. An off-duty paramedic and loyal friends resorted to using ropes tied to Josh's feet, pulling him free from the suffocating grip of the sand, but despite their valiant efforts, Josh had already endured significant injuries during the ordeal. As they pulled him from the hole, the force of the rescue exacerbated his injuries, leaving him without a pulse for a gut-wrenching 45 minutes. The nightmare unfolded before the eyes of Josh's family, who were also on the scene. Josh's father, Peter, was among those frantically digging to free his son. In their grief, following the decision to switch off Josh's life support, the Taylor family expressed gratitude for the compassionate efforts of those who helped to pull him from the sand, attempted to revive him at the scene, and provided care at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. “Without these people, Josh would not have had the opportunity to recover or give our family and friends these last precious days with him to say goodbye,” the Taylor family said in a statement. “He fought as hard as he could and is the most courageous person we will ever know. "Unfortunately, the injuries he received were too severe for him to overcome. We will somehow find a way to move on from this terrible tragedy. “He was the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for. We love you Josh and will miss you every minute of every day. Goodbye mate until we see each other again.” Images: Facebook / 7News

Caring

Princess Diana’s twin nieces' major announcement

Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer have announced that Australia’s most prestigious race wear event, Fashions on the Field will go global for the first time ever. The competition will be open to international fashion-lovers as they will be accepting digital entries, with a new category allowing them to compete for the Best Dressed and Best Suited awards. The international winners will then be flown to Flemington during Cup Week to experience the glitz and glam of the races, and compete in person during the live final against Australian state and territory finalists on Thursday November 9. Princess Diana's twin nieces championed the prospects of international entries to the prestigious event and worked together with the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy to make it a reality. "Racewear fashion really is its own fashion category and I know there will be some amazing international entries for the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition," Lady Eliza said. "It was great to discover some wonderful Australian labels at our Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field shoot in London and I can't wait to see the style and creativity of entrants this year," Lady Amelia added. Victoria Race Club Chairman Neil Wilson also shared his excitement for opening up the event to internationals. "Fashion is a universally appreciated expression of people's individual style and we look forward to racing enthusiasts across the globe showcasing their unique take on race wear on track at Flemington or virtually, which will include the new international competition for the first time," he said. Image: Victoria Racing Club

Beauty & Style

The Block winners reveal adorable new baby’s name

Elyse Knowles and Josh Barker have welcomed their second child - an adorable baby boy. The couple took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the exciting news in a sweet video of their newborn son, and unveiled the sweet meaning behind the tot's name. "Zaii Barker 🤍 To love and protect. 18th May 🐚," the couple captioned the video. The parents are clearly in awe of their baby boy, as they used the song 'Eyes on You' by Ed Patrick in their announcement video. <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/Csfz4H8g2s2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csfz4H8g2s2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elyse Knowles (@elyse.knowles)</a> </div> </blockquote> The Block 2017 winners’ friends, family and fans shared their love in the comments. "The cutest little squish going around," Elyse's sister Tahlea Knowles wrote. "Congratulations ❤️ Zaii you're perfect! Enjoy this special time! So happy for you all!” commented their friend Lana Wilinson. "Well done mama! And the name is heaven. Xx," commented Lisa Wilkinson with a bunch of red heart emojis. Zaii’s birth comes two years after the couple welcomed their first-born son, Sunny. The couple announced their pregnancy earlier this year, with Elyse revealing that she was halfway through her second pregnancy. "Very, very grateful for baby number 2. Half way until Sunny is a big brother," she captioned the post. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

"So proud": Blue Wiggle's daughter joins the cast

The daughter of Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has shared she has joined the children's entertainment group as a dancer. Lucia Field, 17, made the announcement on her TikTok account, as she shared a throwback picture of her and her famous dad with Dorothy the Dinosaur. She wrote, "I never would've believed you if 16 years ago you told me I'd be here." She then shared a photo of her in a blue skivvy dancing in front of the giant Wiggles logo. The video, which was posted on the offical Wiggles account, was flooded with comments of people cheering on the new dance member. <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 610px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7132666717473344769&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40thewiggles%2Fvideo%2F7132666717473344769%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26lang%3Den&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Anthony also commented, saying he was "so proud" of his daughter. Lucia graduated from high school in December last year, with her excited father sharing a photo to Instagram of them together at her formal. In addition to Lucia, Anthony is father to daughter Marie, 16, and son Antonio, 14, whom he shares with his wife of 18 years, Michaela Patisteas. Anthony joined The Wiggles in 1979 alongside retired members Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt. The trio were replaced by 'Yellow Wiggle' Emma Watkins, who left the group in October last year, 'Purple Wiggle' Lachlan Gillespie and 'Red Wiggle' Simon Pryce. Image credits: TikTok

Family & Pets

Life support of 12-year-old turned off after devastating accident

The parents of 12-year-old Josh Field have made the heart-breaking decision to switch off their son's life support, after he was left fighting for his life following a devastating accident. They said their "Joshy" would be remembered as a "hero", as the young boy would live on through donating his organs to help others live. Josh suffered catastrophic head injuries when he fell from an unfinished home at a construction site in Maddington, Western Australia, on Monday. The 12-year-old was with his cousins and little brother, who looked on as he fell from a wall and was struck on the head by a metal beam. He was rushed to Perth Children's Hospital with critical injuries and has remained on life support until his family made the difficult decision to say goodbye. “Words can’t even explain it, he’s so much more than anyone can imagine,” older sister Charnte told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/wa/life-support-to-be-switched-off-for-josh-field-12-after-tragic-maddington-construction-site-fall--c-6761586" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “Even though we’ve lost him, he’s still here, he will still live on." “He’s a hero, he’s donating his heart, his lungs, his kidneys to save others.” Joshy’s older brother Jady said it was hard for it to sink in, adding the family felt “broken”. “It still feels like I’m dreaming,” he told 7News “We’ve lost the most exciting, happy person in our life... he helped us." His family have said that Joshy was a "beautiful soul" who was taken too early by the devastating accident. The family have set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jyrte-joshuas-funeral?utm_source=facebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> account to help cover Joshy's funeral costs. Image credits: 7News

Caring

Budget winners, losers and one key absence

On Tuesday night, the Morrison government shared their 2022 Federal Budget, with Aussies everywhere hoping for general living costs to be addressed. With the government feeling the pressure to help everyday Australians with the burden of living costs and soaring fuel prices, the main takeaway from the budget came in the form of a one-off payment to low income earners at tax time. For those earning under $126,000 a year, a one-off payment of $420 will be delivered in your tax return. Over the last two years, this payment was previously $1,080, with the payment designed to help being slashed by over half. In terms of petrol costs, the government has assured motorists that the price of fuel will drop in two weeks after slashing the fuel excise – the main tax on petrol – in half. Currently paid at 44.2 cents per litre, the fuel excise will be cut in half from midnight tonight to 22.1 cents per litre, saving motorists next time they go to fill up. The government has also pledged a one-off payment of $250 to eligible pensioners and and welfare recipients to help with living costs, which is expected to be paid in April. The budget also outlined $156.5 million in assistance to Ukraine, to help the nation fight an unsanctioned invasion by Russia, with at least $500,000 to help resettle Ukrainian refugees in Australia. While the Morrison government has previously committed to net zero emissions by 2050, there was nothing in the budget to dictate how this plan would be put into action. The budget bottom line will see future generations paying back Australia’s debt for decades to come, as net debt will reach $714.9 billion by June 2023 and is still growing. Despite all the promises from the budget, experts say there is one key missing element, as wage growth is tipped to increase by only half a percent despite major increases in living costs. The Opposition overnight criticised the government over failing to address the issue of Australian wages, calling it a “big challenge and big risk in the economy”. In a post on Twitter, Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said “what this Budget represents is again after almost a decade in office, they want a second decade, but with falling wages and with a trillion dollars of debt, with nothing to show for it”. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

What Aussie's want (and can expect) from the Federal Budget

As the government prepares to announce the 2022 Federal Budget, everyday Aussies are hoping that soaring fuel prices, the surging cost of living and support for small businesses will be addressed. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is set to announce the Government's new fiscal policies on Tuesday, just weeks ahead of the expected election, which is rumoured to be held in May. Tax cuts are likely on the table for the budget, which include slashing the 44 cents-a-litre fuel duty by up to 20 cents and slashing beer duty by 30 cents, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison also hinting at one-off cash handouts for low income earners. More than 2.3 million small businesses nationwide are expected to receive $1.85 billion in cash support after spending the last two years struggling to stay afloat from the pandemic. Welfare and pension payments are also expected to be increased, with childcare subsides expected to be revamped. Cash injections are also on the cards for the defence and construction industries, while family, domestic and sexual violence prevention organisations should also see a boost in vital funding. The government's big picture According to Frydenberg, the budget deficit is forecast to be about $70 billion. The nation's debt continues to trend towards $1 trillion, but the government ensures this number is stabilising. The unemployment rate will settle at 4 percent, which Frydenberg claims is the equal-lowest mark in 48 years. Professor of Economics at UNSW Richard Holden said the economy was in better shape than had been expected, which could lead to more government spending. “So one way that [the treasurer] can frame it is, well, we did better and we have this spare money lying around, we’ll give some of that back,” Professor Holden said. The impact on everyday Aussies With a steep increase in fuel and living prices, most Australians are worried about how the budget will affect their own spending. 7News has earlier reported that the federal government is considering a one-off payment, in the range of $200 to $400, to address cost-of-living issues. It is expected that Australians earning under a certain amount per year will be offered the payment. “So every household, every income earner under a certain level of income will get some sort of direct payment. You know, a few hundred dollars or something like that." To put this figure into perspective, it is currently costing Australians approximately $100 minimum to fill their petrol tanks. There is also a growing likelihood that the low- and middle-income tax offset (LMITO), which sees taxpayers earning under $126,000 receive up to $1080 in their tax return, will not be extended. Tax cuts In addition to the whispers of the LMITO not being extended, it is expected the government will not bring forward stage-three tax cuts for Australia's uber wealthy. These changes mean that the highest earners in the country would be eligible for up to $9,000 come tax time, while low income earners would be left with very little. “I think that we should have a very close look at the tax system and the offsets that are available,” Chief Economist at the Australia Institute Richard Denniss said. “There’s no doubt that over the past decade, the shape of tax cuts that have been introduced have been for people who are higher-income earners disproportionately than lower-income earners.” Labor's rebuttal Last week, shadow Treasure Jim Chalmers told the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that an Albanese government would deliver a "proper" budget in 2022 if elected to correct the “decade of rorts and waste” delivered by the Morrison government. Vowing to avoid drastic change that pits people against each other, Mr Albanese plans to outline ways to increase prosperity with a $15 billion reconstruction fund, more spending on training and a climate policy he says can create jobs. He has also previously cited previous Labor prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating and their economic strategies when creating the shadow budget. Albanese's initial promises to the Australian public include drastic action on climate change, more tax cuts for the wealthy and more money in the pockets of everyday Aussies, and a huge boost in education funding. The budget is expected to be delivered on Tuesday night. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Rebel Wilson teases "playing the field" amid relationship rumours

Rebel Wilson has shared a cheeky post with her Instagram followers amid new romance rumours between the actress and tennis star Matt Reid. The 41-year-old shared a series of snaps from the Los Angeles Rams NFL game in California on Tuesday, and she captioned the pics, "I don't normally 'play the field' buuuut yesterday was different.""The biggest congratulations to [Rams] for making it to the Super Bowl! I'm such a proud ambassador!"<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;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/CZZzqyDJIXb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="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="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="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="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;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"> </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"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="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><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/CZZzqyDJIXb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)</a></div></blockquote>Rebel has been rumoured to be dating the 31-year-old Australian tennis star after the pair were seen enjoying a romantic lunch in Sydney on Christmas Eve last year. Rebel and Matt also attended the AACTA Awards together in December 2021, where Rebel was presenting an award. In January 2022, Rebel was spotted with her friend and tennis WAG Brittany Hockley, as the two women watched Matt Reid's tennis game in Sydney.While the actress has yet to confirm the romance, Rebel did hint at having a crush over the Christmas period, writing on social media, "I wish you were wrapped up under my Christmas bush right now."Image credits: Getty Images

Relationships

The Block star’s worrying revelation

Block contestant Josh Packham has revealed he has tested positive for COVID-19 after a trip to Melbourne. In a video posted to Instagram, the reality star urged the many people he encountered during his trip to get tested immediately. Packham, who competed on the most recent season of The Block with his twin brother Luke, had travelled from Sydney to Melbourne last week to watch Luke compete in a celebrity boxing match. In the video, Packham said it was “no surprise” he’d been diagnosed with COVID-19 following the trip, saying, “I just got my results back and no surprises guys, I’m positive. Obviously it sucks that I’m not spending Christmas with family and friends, but I do have my roommate isolating with me, so we’re doing it together.” <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/CXu4rWQLiAs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CXu4rWQLiAs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Josh Packham (@packham_pear)</a> </div> </blockquote> He said that he wasn’t feeling too sick, just dealing with a “bit of a cough, bit of a head cold”, and was hoping to be freed from isolation by New Years. He went on to encourage anyone he interacted with in Melbourne to get tested, saying, “Obviously, I came in contact with a lot of friends while I was in Melbourne. So if you’re watching this, probably go get tested immediately, guys. Don’t muck around with it. There was obviously a lot of people when I was in Melbourne coming up to say hi, which is completely fine – but yeah, you should probably go get tested straight away, if you’re watching this. “If you do want to spend Christmas with your family, it’s probably best to keep your distance from people you’re not really close with, and keep that close circle as small as possible. Chances are you will catch it, because it’s running rampant through Sydney and Melbourne right now. If you want to spend Chrissy with your family, just do the right thing.” Numerous reality stars competed at the event alongside Luke, including The Bachelorette stars Ciarran Stott and Shannon Karaka, Married at First Sight contestant Sam Carraro, and Love Island’s Todd Elton. The event previously made headlines because of an ugly spat Carraro got into with fellow MAFS stars Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson. Rawson was reportedly injured after stepping in to diffuse tensions between Ruthven and Carraro, whose on-air grudge has evidently spilled over into real life. Josh and brother Luke were two of The Block’s most controversial contestants due to their involvement in the cheating scandal that unfolded; despite that, they finished second, netting $530,000 for their renovation. Image: Instagram

News

Designer home comes with its OWN footy field

A designer homestead in the middle of the Western Australian bush has been <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-wa-muckenburra-700170614?cid=content-article:buyers:featured-property" target="_blank">listed</a> for sale, and its expansive 100-acre surroundings comes with its own private football oval. The home, with its “contemporary industrial meets country resort” aesthetic, took its creator five years to construct. “The purpose-built property is a model of the perfect country retreat dreamed up by its owner, who is an architect and university lecturer,” Nick French, of Dethridge Groves Real Estate, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/designer-bush-homestead-on-100-acres-just-outside-perth-comes-with-own-afl-oval/" target="_blank">said</a>. “It’s seamless and all the spaces are huge, which gives a very relaxed flow, and it all sits within a pristine bush setting with no other houses in view.” Along with its three bedrooms and bathrooms, the home boasts oversized entertaining spaces, a library and study, and a courtyard garden and plunge pool belonging to the master suite. The property also comes with a two-storey bunkhouse with two full-sized bedrooms of its own. Despite being only an hour from the city, the property has an isolated feel. “The 100 acres of ever-changing natural bush land has many, many species of flowering natives - including some rare orchids,” Mr French said. Though the natural beauty surrounding the home is a huge bonus, the highlight of the outdoor spaces has to be the quarter-sized AFL oval, along with its own seating for spectators “to take in all the fun”. “There’s also a huge rear entertaining patio with built-in barbeque area and woodfired pizza oven,” Mr French said. With a solar energy system and water tanks capable of storing 90,000 litres, he added that the home also has a 10-star energy rating. “The owners have moved to new employment positions in Victoria and had to sell up both their main home and this holiday home,” Mr French said. “It might not be the place you immediately think of when buying a holiday home or a weekender, but it’s only an hour drive from Perth but is completely secluded on its own huge land holding of diverse, native bushland. “The local town is utterly delightful with a number of historic buildings.” The home is open for inspections by appointment, and Mr French said he is welcoming offers starting at $1.7 million. Images: Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Blue Wiggle's stunning gesture for late veteran's family

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has donated all his latest album's royalties to the family of a war veteran who passed away from cancer at age 30. Afghanistan veteran Brendan Nikolajew <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-update-from-wife-of-terminally-ill-veteran" target="_blank">died</a> on July 29 this year after fighting testicular cancer on-and-off for the past three years. A few weeks prior, the Blue Wiggle <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/veteran-with-terminal-cancer-speechless-after-blue-wiggle-s-kind-act" target="_blank">promised</a> to donate the royalties from the group’s latest album, Lullabies With Love, and has lived up to his word. After giving Mr Nikolajew all of his songwriting credits, the royalties will now go to his wife Leah, and their two young children. “I took my name off all the songwriting and put Brendan’s name instead, and gave him all the royalties and credits,” the musician <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-16/blue-wiggle-donates-aria-nominated-album-to-veterans-family/100620444" target="_blank">said</a>. He said Mr Nikolajew found the situation to be quite amusing. “We had a good laugh about this, because it’s nominated for an ARIA award, so if we win the ARIA that ARIA is going straight to Leah and the family, and we’ll get Brendan’s name engraved on it,” Field explained. “It would be fantastic — I mean, he’s got so many medals from his service and now he might end up with an ARIA too. “He was hoping to still be around for the ARIAs. He was going to take his daughter and son.” Field, a fellow Army veteran, became acquainted with Mr Nikolajew two and half years ago, and described him as “one in a million”. “He’s one of those people you are very lucky to meet in your life,” the 58-year-old said. “I learnt so much from that young man. He taught me how to live and boy, did he teach me how to die.” Just before Mr Nikolajew passed away, Field said the pair spoke about the loss of his niece. “Brendan lost his niece in the lead-up to his death and we had a good talk about it,” Field recalled. “I said to Brendan, ‘What’s going to happen when you pass over?’ “He said, ‘I’m going straight to my little niece’ — that’s the sort of man he was and I know he would be there now, looking after her.” Mr Nikolajew’s status as an ARIA award winner is yet to be determined, with the winners to be announced on November 24. Images: @anthony_wiggle / @brendans.cancer.fight (Instagram)

Music

The best fashion on the Melbourne Cup field

As lockdown restrictions finally ease in Victoria, thousands of eager racing fans flocked to the Flemington racecourse for the annual Melbourne Cup. There was a sea of bright coloured frocks, as everyone took the opportunity to dress up their springtime best. Among those attending the race that stops the nation was songstress and former judge on The Voice Delta Goodrem. Delta wore a show-stopping strapless green jumpsuit, adored with a giant pink bow on her hip and pink hat to match. Delta spoke with <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10154643/Delta-Goodrem-Jessica-Rowe-tease-glamorous-outfits-ahead-Melbourne-Cup.html">Daily Mail Australia</a>, as she said she was just thrilled to be out of the house again. “And I guess that's a gift to us to know that it's been so tough for all of us these last couple of years, and hopefully this marks a really exciting comeback for all of us.” Also dressing up for the big race were Studio 10 hosts Sarah Harris and Angela Bishop, as Sarah made a bold statement in a one-shoulder red dress with a matching geometric headpiece. Angela Bishop donned a pastel floral dress, with a stand-out gold headpiece to complete the look. Michelle Payne, who became the first and only female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, wore a backless turquoise dress, with a tinsel-inspired headdress. Former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers was also in attendance, as her pastel yellow dress and bright red accessories made the perfect spring statement. As James McDonald won the race with his horse Verry Elleegant, all the spectators cheered and roared, some over their winning bets and some to be out in the Victorian sunshine with a glass of bubbly once more. Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Beauty & Style

Josh Cavallo becomes Australia's first openly gay footballer

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has become the first openly gay male footballer in Australia during his active years on the field. The 21-year-old Socceroo made the announcement on his social media on Wednesday, saying, "I am proud to publicly announce I am gay," in an emotional statement. By coming out as the first openly gay male athlete to play in the A-League competition, Josh said he wants to help create a safe space for others to come out. Other active and openly gay males playing professional football elsewhere in the world include Collin Martin, who plays for San Diego Loyal in the second tier of football in the USA, as well as Phuti Lekoloane, who plays in South Africa’s third tier. <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/CVg4B1PBanS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CVg4B1PBanS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by J O S H C A V A L L O (@joshua.cavallo)</a> </div> </blockquote> In his emotional statement, Josh recognised he may be subject to negativity and homophobia following his announcement, but he hoped his decision would inspire other male athletes in the closet to come out and “show that everyone is welcome in the game of football”. Josh wrote, “It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out,” he said. “I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest." “For the people that know me personally, you’ll know I’m a private person. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed. Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality. “Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before." “In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career." “I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community." Josh has received an outpouring of love from his football club, Adelaide United, as they shared a video of Cavallo on their Twitter account called "Josh's Truth". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Josh's Truth <a href="https://t.co/NKSEP2kVWV">pic.twitter.com/NKSEP2kVWV</a> — Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited/status/1453173351396958208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> Pride Football Australia also shared messages of support, as they said "everyone deserves to be themselves." Many other Aussie sporting personalities commented on Josh's post, calling him an "inspiration", and commenting on his bravery. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Everyone deserves to be themselves. Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdelaideUnited</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/aleaguemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ALeagueMen</a> player <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshuaCavallo</a> on your bravery to come out to the world. Everyone at Pride Football Australia is right behind you. <a href="https://t.co/is9mSSA2MO">pic.twitter.com/is9mSSA2MO</a> — Pride Football Australia (@PrideFootballOz) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrideFootballOz/status/1453173651197415424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> Image credits: Instagram @joshua.cavallo

News

Block team hits bottom after “pigsty” home reveal

Two contestants on The Block have received one of the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/the-block-2021-episode-45-reveal-josh-and-luke-receive-one-of-the-lowest-scores-in-block-history/news-story/feeb7bba580b988ce54579390bbdea80" target="_blank">lowest scores</a> in the show’s history, after their messy and cramped spaces were revealed. Despite having to complete the garage, study, and wine cellar, twins Josh and Luke received a total score of 8, and didn’t take the judges’ criticisms well. “It’s completely awkward and weird space. We’re really pissed off,” Josh said on the show. “I have nothing to say to them,” Luke added. “It’s completely disrespectful and they can go and get f****d.” Though the judges approved of the pair’s garage door, which had pedestrian access inside, and their wallpaper, they noted that the space seemed basic and unfinished. <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/CVZ-KmYs_Yn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CVZ-KmYs_Yn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Block (@theblock)</a> </div> </blockquote> When they reached the lounge room, the judges shared their disgust. “Where is the bloody respect?” Judge Neale Whittaker yelled while throwing his hands in the air. The space included a mattress balanced on top of a lounge suite, rolls of toilet paper and dirty tools on chairs, and pieces of insulation piled next to furniture. The judges were also concerned the state of the room would damage the house, with dust covering everything and boxes and dirty dishes everywhere. “What message is this sending out? It’s saying: ‘we don’t give a flying …” Neale trailed off. <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/CVSEduOAZYY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CVSEduOAZYY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Block (@theblock)</a> </div> </blockquote> Though Neale was the most vocal with his criticisms, judge Darren Palmer also had something to say. “This is inexcusable. It is a pigsty.” The judges were also critical of the unfinished ensuite that was attached to the lounge room/study. “That bathroom needs to go. It’s a planning disaster,” Darren said. In the basement, the judges found a carpeted wine bar, minus plumbing or a fridge and more dust covering everything. “Nothing functions. It’s all useless.” Neale said. “If Neale wants to complete four areas in a week, I will give him a brush and see how he goes,” Josh countered. “He can come and paint. I’d love to watch him paint,” Luke added. “And until then, he can shut up.” The pair also took to social media to share their feelings and shed some light on what happened behind the scenes. “Another rinsing this week,” Josh wrote on Instagram. “Contrary to what was shown, Luke and I were up till 5am doing as much as possible to present the rooms for judging.” He also promised that things would be looking up for the pair in the next challenge. “As for the remainder of the home which had nothing to do with the judges, get ready for the facelift of the century. We will also be transforming the study this week into a big bedroom! “Another massive week from our team with the finish line now in sight. Can’t wait to share everything we achieve over the coming week 😁.” <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845053/josh-luke1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a7517f89ca9341a68cd9a78c43f1d260" /> Image: @luke.packham / Instagram Luke added more to the story on his own social media page, writing: “We worked really hard this week and came up short, unfortunately the editing team like to show us sleeping instead of showing us going to bed at 5am after working all night.” <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845054/josh-luke2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5f198ac7c4e64655bbb5274af673e021" /> Image: @luke.packham / Instagram The brothers shared what the lounge/study area looked like after it was completed, with soft carpet, plush footstools, a pool table and a popcorn machine. Ronnie and Georgie ended up claiming victory in the huge Garage, Study and Wine Cellar Week challenge with a score of 27. Image: @packham_pear / Instagram

Real Estate

"Cold and brutal": Karl grills treasurer over scrapping of disaster payments

Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic has criticised the federal government over its plan to scale back, and eventually scrap, COVID-19 disaster payments. It was announced on Tuesday that the government will begin winding down the payments, which give $750 a week to people who have lost at least 20 hours of work, and $450 a week to those who have lost between eight and 20 hours, as each state and territory reaches their 70 and 80 per cent vaccination targets. Per the changes, once a state or territory reaches 70 per cent fully vaccinated, people will have to reapply each week for the payment, instead of it being automatically renewed. At 80 per cent, the payment will be phased out entirely within two weeks. For states and territories like NSW or the ACT, which are <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyBriggs/status/1442700206420549636/photo/1">estimated</a> to reach 80% fully vaccinated by October 18th and 21st respectively, this change means the scrapping of the payment is imminent. Talking to treasurer Josh Frydenberg on the Today Show on Wednesday morning, co-host Karl Stefanovic called the decision “cold and brutal”, telling Frydenberg, “I get that you can’t keep it going and going but many industries won’t be back to normal at 70 or 80 per cent – you have the arts, nightclub, hospitality and tourism, especially in Far North Queensland … to cut them off is kind of cold and brutal, isn’t it?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “We can't continue with these emergency payments indefinitely.” The Federal Government will announce today that COVID disaster payments will be wound back as each state hits the 80 per cent double-dosed vaccination target. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/jHMFvZtDSH">pic.twitter.com/jHMFvZtDSH</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1442976255402340363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2021</a></blockquote> In response, Frydenberg outlined the government’s partnership with the Queensland Government to support Queensland businesses, concluding that, “It’s those sorts of direct economic payments that complement what we’ve been doing at higher, broader level with the Covid disaster payment and other economic support.” Frydenberg failed to address how the federal government would provide support to those who have lost work as a result of COVID-19 and are not able to find replacement work in between now and the looming deadline. Many anti-poverty advocates and welfare campaigners expressed concern about the phasing out of the payments online, including the Antipoverty Centre, who tweeted, “They’re making a huge gamble with our lives, betting that jobs will magically return overnight.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The government has started the poverty clock ticking. They’re making a huge gamble with our lives, betting that jobs will magically return overnight. All that will come of this is more people in poverty and more lives destroyed. The disaster payment living up to its name. <a href="https://t.co/LtwzgMXotU">https://t.co/LtwzgMXotU</a> — The Antipoverty Centre (@antipovertycent) <a href="https://twitter.com/antipovertycent/status/1442856771341664264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2021</a></blockquote> Image: TODAY Show/Nine

Money & Banking

“Sh*ts me up the wall!” Scott Cam’s furious ramble over cheating scandal

The Block host Scott Cam has spoken up about the cheating scandal that has plagued the show, complaining that he has been “scrambling to save” the program. While having a chat with Fitzy and Wippa on Nova on Wednesday morning, Cam unleashed when questioned about the controversy. Several contestants admitted to viewing and sharing a photo of the show’s secret production schedule. Having access to the schedule earlier than other contestants gives an unfair advantage, as it would allow them to plan their rooms weeks in advance. “I love The Block and I don’t love anyone messing with it, and that’s messing with it. This is a competition to win $100,000 plus more – up to $900,000 is the record. People have left their homes, their kids, in an attempt to make some life-changing money,” the TV host said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843609/the-block-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/51f46743ad8c44cda2bbcb9b5898b95d" /> Left to Right: Kirsty and Jessy, Josh and Luke, Tanya and Vito on The Block. “[Contestants] Kirsty and Jesse, the country singing duo – these guys are battlers and this is a really big moment for them. “And to have someone cheat and get an advantage, to me is un-Australian, no good and it’s got to be weeded out.” Twins Josh and Luke were the first to be called out for cheating, and later they demanded couple Tanya and Vito come forward as well. Tanya went on to claim the photo had been sent to her “anonymously” by an ex-tradie on The Block. “We’ve never seen anything like it on The Block before,” he said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843610/the-block-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b2833f1e475f4daba088064e408d73ab" /> Tanya and Luke. Image: The Block The radio hosts also played Cam an audio clip of Josh and Luke’s interview on Tuesday. It revealed the twins had accused Cam of “going easy” on other contestants who also had knowledge of the photo. The twins went on to say Cam allowed them to “get away with it”. Cam also refuted the twins’ claim that they’d done anything wrong. “Those boys are absolutely kidding themselves,” Cam said of Josh and Luke’s remarks. “I am scrambling to save this series, that’s what I’m doing, because people at home will be going ‘this whole thing is not fair, this whole thing is a joke’. “So I’m scrambling to save my show because of what they have done.” “And if he’s referring to Ronnie and Georgia, you’ve got to be joking. Tanya and Vito had the photo, the boys had the photo, they knew all along what the schedule was. “The ball was in their court, certainly not mine and for them to say that that sh*ts me up the wall.” Meanwhile, Tanya, who is at the centre of the cheating scandal, told news.com.au that she believes the entire controversy had been a “set up.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843608/the-block-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2a58281d055842748465bb9495971675" /> Tanya and Vito. Image: The Block The contestant says the production schedule had been placed in an easily accessible area, which could perhaps have been purposeful in an effort to tempt contestants. “Obviously the photo did end up in my possession, but it was actually in a really obvious spot,” she said. “Most of us came by [the schedule] because it was right by the toilet, it was right there on a massive board. “It was right there in front of us, so I felt very singled out, like I was the only one who saw it but plenty of others used the toilet that day. “It felt almost like it could have been set up.”

News

Ronnie and Georgia let loose on The Block: “Biggest cheating scandal in TV history”

Fellow contestants on The Block, Ronnie and Georgia, have let loose on Josh and Luke. The twin brothers, who previously made a splash on Love Island, have become embroiled in the “biggest cheating scandal in TV history” after they were accused on Sunday’s episode. The controversial boys have made themselves a reputation of bending the rules on The Block, including leaving their tradies to paint while they went partying and even having Luke’s fiance to help style their master bedroom and wardrobe. The brothers scooped up the win for week three, and gained praise for their risky design which saw them build on the designated garage space. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843548/the-block-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/96889c31c5af43f1bdd4ca29c542b9c0" /> George and Ronnie came fourth place, and were quick to call the boys out for allegedly cheating. “I guess it helps to cheat,” Ronnie said in a post-judging interview. The long-time couple delivered a master bedroom with lofted ceilings and impeccable finishes, earning Neill Whittaker to dub it the “best room in Block history”. However the couple lost points with their walk-in wardrobe as it was not quite completed. The pair struggled to hide their fury after being beaten by the rookie twin brothers, with Ronnie claiming the boys had a secret advantage that helped them win. “It’s amazing that you know exactly the full schedule of what rooms are coming up, they know when the challenge days are coming up … so I guess it helps to cheat. That’s great, beautiful,” Ronnie said sarcastically as Georgia begged, “Don’t go there.” The producer asked: “Do you think they’ve found out some way,” to which Ronnie responded: “They’ve known from day one.” “So you really think the boys have found out?,” the producer went on to press. “Mate, I don’t f**ing really think, I know for a fact,” the reality star shot back in a furious reply. The new episode is set to air on Monday night and it will be jam packed with drama. A wild confrontation between Mitch, Mark, Luke and Josh was also shown in the promo video. “You disgusting ignorant young piece of filth,” Mitch is seen yelling in the promo. “Rude, rich, snob,” Josh fired back.

The Wiggles’ Anthony Fields drops bombshell revelation

Anthony Field has been the Blue Wiggle for over 30 years, but a bombshell revelation may have us all watching his performances with a closer eye. The star children’s performer admitted he has been miming the whole time. The Wiggles was co-founded in 1991, and Field remains the lost standing member of the original group. However, despite his decades of experience, the star revealed he doesn’t sing like his co-stars Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce and Emma Watkins. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843503/wiggle-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8bccf6ef391a4b529f117ff5c3105f81" /> “I never sing. For years, I’ve mimed,” he told Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa. “Believe it or not, I mimed Simon’s (baritone-style) voice for years. “I have this low voice and people would ask me to sing in public and they’d be very disappointed.” Field, who is also known for his guitar skills, joked his admission was like the Milli Vanilli 1989 scandal when the RnB duo was caught lip-syncing after a technical glitch during a live show. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843504/wiggle-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f01272e7122c49fba28df5b3475f6ac6" /> Field came on the show after the announcement that four new members - Tsehay Hawkins, Evie Ferris, John Pearce, and Kelly Hamilton - would be joining the group. The expanded line-up was announced on Sunday for a new YouTube exclusive - Fruit Salad TV. “Fruit Salad TV seeks to inspire a diverse audience with its gender balanced and diverse cast,” the group said. “The Wiggles aim to motivate the child viewer to sing, dance and be active participants in the story of the day.” <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/CS2qb0INHez/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS2qb0INHez/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Wiggles (@thewiggles)</a> </div> </blockquote> The new members will don the same coloured skivvies as the other members of the band. Kelly will wear yellow, John is in purple, Tsehay dresses in red and Evie is in blue.

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