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Major breakthrough over mother of three missing for two months

<p>Authorities have located a ute believed to belong to Tayla Spies, a Queensland mother of three who vanished more than two months ago.</p> <p>Spies, 29, was last seen on CCTV footage at a service station in Condamine on Sunday, February 2. She had spent the weekend with her partner in Dalby but failed to return home to Roma. Since her disappearance, she has not contacted any family or friends, heightening concerns for her safety.</p> <p>Police confirmed on Frida morning that they discovered Spies’ white Toyota Hilux in Noorindoo, approximately 40km north-east of Surat. Officers were alerted to the vehicle’s presence on a property along Yuleba-Sarat Road at about 3pm. A search of the vehicle revealed some of Spies’ belongings inside, though authorities have not disclosed specific details about the items found.</p> <p>Before its recovery, the ute was last seen on CCTV traveling down Surat’s main street at 11:10am on the day she went missing. This sighting remains a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have since resumed extensive searches in the area in hopes of finding further clues about her whereabouts.</p> <p>Spies is described as Caucasian, approximately 170cm tall, with a slim build, brown shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. She has the word "KARMA" tattooed across her chest. Her family and friends continue to plead for any information that might help locate her.</p> <p>Police and local search teams have been scouring the surrounding area, using drones, tracking dogs, and ground search crews to cover as much terrain as possible. Despite these efforts, there have been no confirmed sightings of Spies since she was last seen on CCTV in Condamine.</p> <p>Authorities urge anyone with information regarding her disappearance to come forward. Whether it be a small detail or a major lead, investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen Spies or her vehicle. Those with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or their nearest police station immediately.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p>

Legal

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Pete Evans announces major new high-profile venture

<p>Former <em>My Kitchen Rules</em> celebrity chef Pete Evans has landed a high-profile speaking engagement at the world’s largest Bitcoin convention, set to take place in Las Vegas this May.</p> <p>Evans, who was dropped from his hosting role on the popular Seven reality cooking show in 2020 due to his controversial views on Covid vaccines and masks, has since shifted his focus to cryptocurrency. On Monday, he took to Instagram to announce his upcoming appearance at Bitcoin Vegas, where he will discuss the intersection of long-term health and financial wealth.</p> <p>“I am honoured and excited to be speaking at Bitcoin Vegas in May on the marriage of long-term regenerative health and wealth for ALL,” Evans wrote in his post.</p> <p>Tickets for the event range from $500 to $3,000 USD, with attendees gaining access to speeches from influential figures, including US senators, tech billionaires and Evans himself.</p> <p>Evans’ latest venture follows a turbulent period in his career. In November 2020, he was engulfed in controversy after sharing a cartoon on Instagram that featured the Nazi-associated “black sun” symbol. Although Evans swiftly deleted the post and claimed he was unaware of its racist connotations, the backlash was equally swift. Major Australian retailers such as Target and Kmart severed ties with him, and brands like Baccarat followed suit.</p> <p>Speaking on the "Secrets of the Underworld" podcast in February, Evans described the fallout as a “coordinated attack”.</p> <p>“Within the space of 24 hours, the 15 business partners I was involved with all pretty much publicly denounced me,” he said. “For that to happen, it has to be a coordinated effort from some party. I don’t know who or what, but it wasn’t like, ‘Pete fked up,’ it was like, ‘Pete fked up, let’s put the attack dogs onto this.’”</p> <p>Evans has since said that the backlash was meant to deter others from questioning mainstream narratives surrounding vaccines and other issues. “This is what we can do to somebody, so be good boys and girls, just go along with the agenda, don’t stick your head up because we will financially destroy you,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Drivers warned of new fines ahead of major change to speeding cameras

<p>Transport officials in New South Wales are set to expand the use of average speed cameras beyond heavy vehicles to include all motorists. This initiative, which will take effect on May 1, is aimed at curbing the rising number of road fatalities across the state.</p> <p>Currently, average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point cameras, are used to only monitor heavy vehicles. However, cameras along two major highways – a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes, and the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – will soon track the speeds of all vehicles, according to Transport for NSW.</p> <p>These locations have been identified as high-risk crash zones. The implementation follows a steady rise in road fatalities across Australia in recent years, prompting authorities to take stronger measures against speeding.</p> <p>Unlike traditional speed cameras that capture speed at a single point, average speed cameras measure a vehicle's speed over a set distance. By recording the time a vehicle passes through two fixed points, authorities can determine whether the vehicle exceeded the legal speed limit along that stretch. This method discourages drivers from merely slowing down for fixed cameras before speeding up again.</p> <p>NSW imposes significant penalties for speeding, with fines varying based on the severity of the offence. Light vehicle drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, offenders risk a minimum six-month licence disqualification.</p> <p>To ease the transition, the new enforcement system will undergo a two-month trial period. From May 1 to June 30, motorists caught exceeding speed limits in the designated areas will receive warning letters rather than fines. However, starting July 1, full penalties, including fines and demerit points, will apply.</p> <p>Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) spoke recently about the need for more urgent measures to minimise road trauma. She has advocated for broader road safety initiatives, including speed cameras and reduced speed limits in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity.</p> <p>NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, also reinforced the importance of the initiative, citing global studies that show average speed cameras significantly reduce road injuries and fatalities. "We know that speed remains our biggest killer on the road, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade," he stated.</p> <p>The government aims to ensure motorists are well-informed about the changes. All affected locations will feature warning signs, and a community awareness campaign will support the transition.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Farewell, Your Majesty: Major change coming to Aussie fiver

<p>The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a new theme for the Aussie fiver, designed to honour the “enduring emotional, spiritual and physical connection of First Nations peoples to Country”. </p> <p>“This inspiring theme will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote,” said Michelle McPhee, RBA’s Assistant Governor of Business Services. The selection of this theme followed an extensive national campaign, receiving over 2,100 theme nominations from the public.</p> <p>For the first time since 1992, the $5 note will not feature the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had appeared on the denomination for more than 30 years. Breaking with tradition, the RBA confirmed that the redesigned note would not bear a portrait of any monarch, meaning King Charles will also be absent from the new design. However, the reverse side of the note will continue to depict the Australian Parliament building.</p> <p>Since the 1960s, the $5 banknote has undergone four major redesigns, with the most recent update in 2016. When Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait was first introduced in 1992, it replaced humanitarian Caroline Chisholm, a decision that was met with criticism at the time. The RBA defended its choice, citing Australia’s status as a constitutional monarchy and the tradition of including the reigning monarch on at least one banknote.</p> <p>The new banknote is expected to take several years to be designed, printed and circulated. The process of selecting an artist for the design is currently underway, with more details to be revealed in the coming months. The development of the note will also involve incorporating advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.</p> <p>While the new design is in progress, the existing $5 note will continue to be issued. Meanwhile, Australian coins, which are produced by the Royal Australian Mint, will maintain the tradition of featuring the monarch.</p> <p><em>Images: RBA</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Major inquiry launched into Northern Beaches Hospital following child's death

<p>A parliamentary inquiry into the Northern Beaches Hospital’s services will be launched following the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa.</p> <p>NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced on Friday that he has asked parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to investigate the safety and quality of care provided by the hospital.</p> <p>The inquiry will examine services dating back to the hospital’s opening in October 2018 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Joe Massa suffered a cardiac arrest at the hospital and died in September last year. His parents, Elouise and Danny Massa, claim Joe was incorrectly triaged and left waiting for hours, leading to brain damage.</p> <p>The grieving parents have urged the state government to review the hospital’s systems and protocols and take immediate action to upgrade its facilities.</p> <p>“We want change at that hospital so no other parent, no one of our family or friends, has to go through what we’ve gone through,” they said.</p> <p>The couple met with Minister Park, Premier Chris Minns, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce in February, when the parliamentary inquiry was discussed. On Friday, Park confirmed the inquiry would investigate accessibility issues that contributed to Joe’s death.</p> <p>“We made a commitment to Elouise and Danny to undertake the necessary reviews to understand how they and their son have been let down, as well as to learn what changes need to be made to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again,” Park stated.</p> <p>The inquiry will scrutinise past incidents at the hospital, including those subject to serious adverse event reviews (SAERs), assess the hospital’s responses, and determine whether necessary improvements were implemented. Additionally, it will examine patient and carer escalation systems, particularly the REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) protocol, which was found to be insufficiently accessible in Joe Massa’s case.</p> <p>The inquiry will also evaluate the hospital’s measures to prevent adverse events, as well as staff standards and capabilities. Park noted that a previous parliamentary inquiry in 2019 examined the hospital’s operations and management. The upcoming inquiry will specifically focus on patient safety and care quality while considering whether past recommendations have been acted upon.</p> <p>Public Accounts Committee chair Jason Yat-Sen Li expressed his commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation. “I understand the strong community interest in this matter, and I am confident the committee is well placed to undertake this important inquiry,” he said. “I am determined to get this inquiry underway as quickly as possible, but I also want to get it right. We will announce the opening of submissions as well as hearing dates in due course.”</p> <p>The NSW Health Services Union (HSU), which has raised concerns about the hospital’s operations since its opening in 2018, said the investigation is long overdue. “We have consistently seen evidence that Northern Beaches Hospital prioritises commercial interests over patient care,” said HSU secretary Gerard Hayes.</p> <p>“From renting out maternity wards to film crews while mothers struggle with understaffed services, to charging grieving families unnecessary fees to release their loved ones’ bodies – these practices reveal a disturbing pattern.</p> <p>“We hope this inquiry will finally address the systemic issues our members have been reporting for years and put patients before profits at Northern Beaches Hospital.” </p>

Caring

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Calls for major shops to ditch "toxic" product

<p>Common poisons sold at Bunnings, Mitre 10, Coles and Woolworths could potentially wipe out five species of carnivorous mammals.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972500467X" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:and a new study by Edith Cowan University;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="12" data-v9y="1">A new study by Edith Cowan University</a> has discovered the impact of these common rat poisons is more widespread than first thought, with predators also being impacted by the toxins as well as the pests.</p> <p>“This is the first documentation of pretty substantial rodenticide exposure in our entire suite of top marsupial carnivores in Australia,” researcher and adjunct lecturer Dr Michael Lohr told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for-bunnings-mitre-10-coles-and-woolworths-to-ditch-toxic-product-going-to-kill-everything-063045604.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a>.</p> <p>“Tasmanian devils and quolls are potentially being exposed at rates that could have a substantial impact on the trajectory of their populations going forward, and not in a good way.”</p> <p>The use of second-generation rat baits is currently under review by a government regulator – the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), with Dr Lohr urging retailers to take them off shelves. </p> <p>"I think it's really important for Australia at this point to try to catch up to the rest of the developed world," he said. "Action is needed on this and the world has already agreed on that."</p> <p>The use and sale of these pesticides are heavily restricted in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom, but are freely available in Australia.</p> <p>More than 7,000 people have signed a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/help-wildlife-and-pets-poisoned-dying-in-agony-bunnings-stop-selling-sgar-rat-baits" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Change.org petition;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="20" data-v9y="1">Change.org petition</a> calling for supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ditch these "highly toxic" rat baits which it said can kill pets and native animals.</p> <p>Veteran wildlife advocate Cat Coake told <em>Yahoo</em> retailers have a duty to stop non-targeted poisons, as she said, "Otherwise they're going to kill everything."</p> <p>In a statement, Bunnings noted that it's not the only major retailer in Australia selling second-generation rodenticides.</p> <p>"Like many retailers, we offer a range of rodent control products, including anticoagulant rodenticides and non-poisonous alternatives, to provide choice for customers on the best solution to their specific rodent problem," it said.</p> <p>Bunnings also said it's complying with government regulations on the sale of these poisons. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Home & Garden

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John Farnham's son shares major health update

<p>John Farnham's son James has shared a major update on his father's health condition, as he prepares to become a grandfather. </p> <p>The Aussie singer, 75, is recovering from 12-hour surgery for throat cancer, with doctors removing a tumour from his mouth and reconstructing his jaw in August 2022.</p> <p>He has since received an “all clear" as his cancer remains in remission. </p> <p>Speaking candidly to Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington on <em>Sunrise</em>, James updated viewers on his father's condition. </p> <p>“He’s doing great, he’s doing really well, walking around, kicking goals .... annoying mum,” James said with a laugh.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">FARNHAM FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENT 🎤 James Farnham on his dad’s health, an exciting family announcement and the incredible Logies tribute.</p> <p>WATCH SUNRISE FOR MORE | <a href="https://twitter.com/7plus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7plus</a> ☀️ <a href="https://t.co/pY48wTiLNU">pic.twitter.com/pY48wTiLNU</a></p> <p>— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1886532531001884967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>James, who is expecting his first child later this year with his partner Tessa, also revealed that Farnham has decided what he wants his first grandchild to call him.</p> <p>“We’re all really excited, another little Farnham on the way,” James said.</p> <p>“I can’t wait to take him up to the farm and get dad to teach him everything he taught me.”</p> <p>He then revealed that his famous father wants to be called “Pa” when the baby is born.</p> <p>James went on to share details about Cancer Research Giving Day, as since their father’s diagnosis, James and his brother, Rob, have supported cancer awareness and fundraising events including Daffodil Day</p> <p>“Given the fact that dad went through a brutal cancer, we were asked by Daffodil Day to be ambassadors — we jumped at the chance,” Rob told <em>Sunrise</em> last August.</p> <p>“It’s such an amazing opportunity to push that forward. And the things that they do for fundraising and research, it helps recovery process, helps families, helps the people who have the cancer."</p> <p>“Cancer is one of those things that doesn’t just affect the person going through it, it affects everyone else around them.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Sunrise </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Kyle Sandilands reveals major health diagnosis live on air

<p>Kyle Sandilands has shared his shocking health diagnosis live on air, telling his listeners he is due to undergo emergency brain surgery. </p> <p>The radio shock jock shared the news on Monday morning, saying he would be stepping back from the KIIS FM hosting role to look after his health and recover from the major operation. </p> <p>“On Friday, I was told by my medical team, which sounds like I’m already very sick - to have a medical team - that I have a brain aneurysm and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,” Sandilands told listeners.</p> <p>“If you just tuned in to us after all these years, lap it up. And if you’re in Melbourne ... you’re coming to the party too late. You may get your wish. I may be dead.”</p> <p>After being away on Friday, Sandilands shared that he received his diagnosis after a difficult period of difficult headaches. </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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFlTXUwo5w6/?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/DFlTXUwo5w6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"It's not a blockage. It's like, imagine your blood vessel is the garden hose, and the garden hose is weak and it blisters out like a big bubble, you know, like a puncture in it. (It's) like a bike tyre with a big bubble - that bubble's the aneurysm, so it's not blocked," he explained.</p> <p>"It's expanded and if it bursts, (I will become) either a vegetable, in the wheelchair, or dead instantly"</p> <p>Sandilands expects to take eight weeks off from his hit show, <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show,</em> to recover. </p> <p>“My wife, every time I look at her, her eyes well up with tears. She is already counting down the days.”</p> <p>“The facts are a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go,” he said.</p> <p>Sandilands then used his condition as a warning to others, saying, "If anyone is having persistent headaches or any of those recurring issues, get a brain scan. It could save your life."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Major changes coming to paracetamol packaging

<p>A major change to the way Aussies access paracetamol will be enforced from February 1st in an attempt to curb the number of overdoses. </p> <p>In May 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced a suite of changes to the sale of paracetamol to reduce the risk of liver damage and intentional overdoses.</p> <p>The changes include a reduction in the size of paracetamol packages sold outside pharmacies from 20 capsules or tablets to 16.</p> <p>Paracetamol is also required to be in blister packaging for general sale, and the TGA has encouraged retailers to only sell one pack at a time.</p> <p>The new changes also impact medications that contain paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicines. </p> <p>Under the new regulations, paracetamol packs with more than 50 tablets will need to be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist.</p> <p>However, residents in Queensland and Western Australia will need to consult a pharmacist if they want to buy more than 16 tablets of paracetamol at a time, </p> <p>The changes are set to take effect on Saturday February 1st, at which time it will be illegal to sell paracetamol packs of more than 16 tablets in supermarkets, convenience stores or petrol stations. </p> <p>The new rules have been announced to combat a rise in hospitalisations as a result of paracetamol overdoses and liver injuries. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Legal

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Qantas announces major change

<p>Qantas has announced that it will change the design of its uniform for the first time in over a decade, marking the end of an era for the navy red, and fuchsia colour-scheme crew have sported since 2013. </p> <p>The airline said it will begin to overhaul the old uniform over the next two years, as they look for a new Australian designer to take it to the "next era". </p> <p>They will also take into account the opinions from all all 17,500 employees who wear the uniform. </p> <p>“We have ambitious plans for the future and transforming the way we reflect the brand is critical to that,” Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson said in a statement.</p> <p>“Our uniform represents the Qantas spirit all over the world. With a vast and growing international and domestic network, a historic fleet renewal program underway and the final frontier of global aviation just around the corner it’s time to define a new look for our people that reflects where we are heading.</p> <p>“While the uniform style may have changed, what hasn’t changed is the pride our people have in wearing it, which is why we are putting them at the core of the design process,” she added. </p> <p>“Our people have loved wearing the current design, which was created by Martin Grant in 2013, and I want to thank him for his partnership over the course of the last decade.”</p> <p>Past designers of the uniform also include Peter Morrissey, Yves Saint Laurent, George Gross and Harry Who, and Emilio Pucci, with the new designer set to be announced in the coming months. </p> <p><em>Image: hameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

International Travel

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Kate Middleton shares major health update

<p>Kate Middleton has attended her first solo engagement since 2023 to visit nurses who cared for her during her cancer treatment, and has shared a positive update about her health. </p> <p>The 43-year-old royal, who finished her chemotherapy last September, wanted to “show her gratitude” to the team of health professionals based at the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London.</p> <p>The Princess of Wales spend over an hour at the dedicated cancer treatment facility, engaging in emotional conversations with patients who were facing cancer battles of their own. </p> <p>Catherine later posted a photo of her interacting with a patient and discussing the outing to the hospital, while revealing for the first time that her own cancer is in remission. </p> <p>"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," the post read. </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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE0XDdGtCC2/?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/DE0XDdGtCC2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."</p> <p>"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal."</p> <p>She concluded the post by sharing her wishes for 2025, adding, "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."</p> <p>While at the hospital, Kate admitted to the patients that she’d had a “really, really tough” time, according to reports from <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/32789130/princess-kate-emotional-solo-visit-hospital-cancer-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em>.</p> <p>“The treatments are so different and so varied, it impacts families differently,” she said to a patient. </p> <p>A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the publication, “The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.” </p> <p>The Palace also announced on Tuesday that Kate would be joining her husband, Prince William, in becoming a Patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.</p> <p>Kate’s poignant visit came exactly one year after she was admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery, during which doctors discovered “cancer had been present”, as the princess revealed in March 2024.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Chris Jackson-Getty/POOL supplied by Splash News</em></p>

Caring

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"Out of touch": Property ad sparks major debate

<p>A property advertisement has sparked a major debate online after its controversial tagline went viral for the wrong reasons. </p> <p>The billboard in Perth’s western suburbs is on a popular train line and was posted online by a woman who described it as “sick and twisted” in the comment section.</p> <p>The ad for property advisory firm WhiteFox that boasts the company has been making “homes more expensive since 2017”, which struck a wrong chord with online audiences.</p> <p>“Maybe not the message to be gloating about in the middle of a housing crisis”, the woman wrote.</p> <p>The clip has amassed more than 200,000 views and sparked a massive conversation online and people were divided on if it was a tone deaf message or simply good marketing.</p> <p>One person who saw nothing wrong with the advert said, “If you’re selling, you want to get the most for your home”.</p> <p>Another replied to that comment and said that it “comes off so bad” and that the language should have been changed to add value instead of making “homes more expensive”. </p> <p>Others claimed the advertisement was “out of touch”, with one person saying they were “outraged” by the billboard, while another said they were “shocked” to see this advertisement, and someone else called it “insane”.</p> <p>“The only people upset at this are not the target audience because they can’t afford a house, including me,” one claimed.</p> <p>The CEO of the property agency was quick to respond to the backlash, telling <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/buying/comes-off-bad-property-advertisement-sparks-debate/news-story/520e41178f5b4c5d011c44e10785d79c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> that it is the company's job to get the best price for their clients selling their homes. </p> <p>“Think about it, if you are selling your house, would you like to sell it for below market value? I don’t think so. You want it to be as expensive as possible, right?”, he said. </p> <p>Mr Fox said the real issue is the cost-of-living crisis, which is making life so “hard” for Australians who are getting hit hard by rising prices from groceries to interest rates. </p> <p>“So, if you’re a home seller and you see this billboard, it’s actually exactly what you want,” he argued.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Legal

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Karl Stefanovic's missing daughter sparks major police search

<p>Karl Stefanovic's four-year-old daughter has been found after she went missing for one stressful hour from his Sunshine Beach home. </p> <p>On Wednesday afternoon, Stefanovic was spotted chatting with police officers outside his Noosa residence, after young Harper was nowhere to be seen. </p> <p>She was missing for over an hour with all family members frantically looking in the surrounding beach and bushland, with local Surf Life Savers also assisting in the search.</p> <p>According to the <em>Daily Mail</em>, Stefanovic even got on his Vespa scooter and darted around town searching for Harper and asking locals if they had seen her. </p> <p>“Harper went missing for a short time and we feared the absolute worst because no one could find her,” Stefanovic told The <em><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/police-helicopter-called-in-after-karl-stefanovics-daughter-vanishes/news-story/c57007a819e9fadc15bb8e121b46ea41" target="_self" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="c57007a819e9fadc15bb8e121b46ea41" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev">Daily Telegraph</a></em>.</p> <p>“I called the police because she couldn’t be found inside or around the house and our priority is her safety.”</p> <p>However Harper was found inside Stefanovic’s house, “curled up asleep underneath a chair where no one could possibly have hidden,” he said.</p> <p>Stefanovic thanked Noosa Heads police and the local community for their swift efforts in locating Harper.</p> <p>“We are so grateful for the support we received from Noosa Heads police department and the community around us. They all handled our distress and the outcome incredibly professionally.”</p> <p>While the situation “resolved itself quickly”, Stefanovic told the publication it had been his “worst nightmare”.</p> <p>As for the four year-old, whose only worry was if she would be in trouble with Santa just seven sleeps from Christmas Day, Stefanovic said, “(We’ve) have promised Harper Santa won’t find out. But somehow I think he knows.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Former Nine CEO's new major role

<p>Former Nine Entertainment chief executive Hugh Marks has been appointed the new managing director of the ABC. </p> <p>Marks, who was the chief executive of Nine Entertainment from 2015 to 2020 will replace the ABC's current managing director, David Anderson,  who resigned from the position a year after being re-appointed for a second five-year term.</p> <p>Following an “extensive” domestic and international search for a replacement, the ABC board voted unanimously for Marks to take on the role, with  ABC chair Kim Williams describing Marks as "an unusually good fit" for the national broadcaster.</p> <p>He added that Marks’ experience was “critical” for the broadcaster’s future.</p> <p>Marks said he was "energised" about leading the ABC. </p> <p>"All Australians, when they want to know the truth, or the facts, or at least the different perspectives on an issue so that they're informed, know that they can come to the ABC and trust that it's that place that they're going to get [that]," he said.</p> <p>When asked about his top priorities, he said: "We should just focus [on]: What is it that we can do well? How can we do it well?"</p> <p> "Focusing on those things and making choices to prioritise on the things that you can do well, I think, is a discussion we're all going to have to have."</p> <p><em>Image: ABC</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Sydney stages major comeback in World's Best Cities ranking

<p>Sydney has staged a major comeback in the annual ranking of the World's Best Cities, rising 25 places since last year's list. </p> <p>Each year, research firm Resonance compile their list of the best cities in the world, with London coming out in the top spot for 2024 for the 10th time. </p> <p>New York replaced Paris in second place on a top-10 list dominated by European cities, but the most impressive change to the rankings came from Sydney.</p> <p>Sydney leapfrogged Melbourne in the rankings, and jumped from 35th to 10th place in just one year.</p> <p>Melbourne, which was the top-ranked Australian city last year in 31st place, also improved its position to 25th, while Perth at 83rd and Brisbane in 90th rounded out the Aussie cities. </p> <p>The World’s Best Cities rankings combines core statistics from over 400 global cities based on both resident and visitor perception indicators, rankings from trusted sources, and user-generated ratings and reviews.</p> <p>Check out the top 10 list of the World's Best Cities below. </p> <p>10. Sydney, Australia </p> <p>9. Berlin, Germany </p> <p>8. Barcelona, Spain</p> <p>7. Madrid, Spain</p> <p>6. Rome, Italy</p> <p>5. Singapore</p> <p>4. Tokyo, Japan</p> <p>3. Paris, France</p> <p>2. New York, USA</p> <p>1. London, England</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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Queen Camilla shares major health update

<p>Queen Camilla has shared details of her health diagnosis, after she was forced to pull out of several key engagements in the last few weeks. </p> <p>During the Qatari royal visit in London, she revealed that her recent chest infection was actually a form of pneumonia.</p> <p>The royal had to miss out on the outdoor events of the state visit as she is suffering from post-viral fatigue. </p> <p>It is understood that her condition was viral, not bacterial, and while she doesn't have pneumonia anymore, doctors have encouraged her to rest and take more time to recover from the fatigue. </p> <p>A royal source told<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/32081690/queen-camilla-illness-royal-engagements/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em> The Sun</em></a>, "Some days the Queen is on really good form. It's just one of those things. She has lost the coughing but the lingering side of it is bouts of extreme tiredness.</p> <p>"There has to be a degree of flex in the Queen's diary at the moment."</p> <p>The Queen contracted the infection after her and the King’s royal tour of Australia and Samoa in October, and as a result had to pull out of a series of high-profile engagements including Remembrance Day commemorations and the Royal Variety Performance.</p> <p>She also had to cancel  her appearance at the Palace’s reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, hosted by her husband, King Charles, and the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. </p> <p>There was some concern late last month after the royal abruptly cancelled her planned appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, but she has since returned to her duties in a reduced capacity. </p> <p>“Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Rod Stewart's major career announcement

<p>Rod Stewart has made a major career announcement. </p> <p>The legendary rocker has revealed that he's stepping away from "large-scale" tours, as he embraces a new chapter of his life. </p> <p>Stewart took to Instagram to share his career update, announcing that while he has "no desire to retire" he plans to step away from the large-scale tours to do more intimate shows. </p> <p>“This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire,” he wrote in the post. </p> <p>“I love what I do, and I do what I love. I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79.</p> <p>“I’d like to move onto a Great American Songbook, Swing Fever tour the year after next – smaller venues and more intimacy. But then again, I may not…”</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/DCmryDup2QC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCmryDup2QC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Many of his fans were supportive of his decision to take it slow and do more intimate shows. </p> <p>“You do you Rod – you have been entertaining us for decades – you deserve all the best things in life,” one wrote.</p> <p>“Love you always I love your music forever and ever. You are the rock legend, the best. If you love what you do, don’t stop doing it.”</p> <p>“Do whatever suits you Rod, only you know your limits. You will always be the best,” commented another.</p> <p>“Wishing you the best no matter what you do," wrote a third. </p> <p>The rocker has previously hinted in an interview with the <em>Daily Record</em> that he would be taking a break from touring, in 2022 when he said that he wanted "to do something new". </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Music

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"If it's not broken, don't fix it": Majority of Australians favour current flag

<p>The majority of Australians want to keep the current design of the national flag, according to a survey by Roy Morgan. </p> <p>The survey asked 1312 Australians whether they thought Australia should have a new design for the national flag, and a majority (61 per cent) said they wanted to keep the current flag featuring the Union Jack, Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star. </p> <p>While many Australians believe that, "If it's not broken don't fix it" according to the survey, the majority support for the current national flag has gone down 5 per cent since 2010. </p> <p>One of the other reasons why respondents backed the current national flag was because of the historical importance and heritage of the flag. </p> <p>"Our ANZACS fought and died under this flag," one respondent to the survey said.</p> <p>Other reasons why people wanted to keep the flag the same include scepticism about alternative flags and concerns about costs of changing the designs. </p> <p>For those who wanted to change the flag, Roy Morgan said there was strong support for removing the Union Jack from the flag because of its colonial symbolism.</p> <p>"Colonial ties to the UK are an embarrassment," one respondent said.</p> <p>"We are no longer part of the empire," another wrote.</p> <p>Australians were also asked if they thought Australia should keep the Monarchy, with 57 per cent saying we should keep it, three per cent less than in 2022. </p> <p>When asked if we should become a republic, 43 per cent agreed, up three per cent since 2022. </p> <p>"Australians are even more attached to the National Flag than the Constitutional Monarchy," Roy Morgan Chief Executive Michele Levine said.</p> <p>"The results of this Roy Morgan SMS Poll on attitudes towards the current Australian National Flag and whether it should be re-designed show a clear split along political lines with the Coalition on one side, the Greens on the other side, and ALP supporters straddling the centre line with large segments advocating for a change and almost as many wanting to retain the current design," she added. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Legal

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Major driver's licence change for Victorian drivers

<p>A major drivers licence change has been implemented in Victoria. </p> <p>Up to 800,000 learner and provisional drivers in the state will soon have electronic access to their licence in a bid to make  "it easier for them to go about their lives". </p> <p>They join the 1.2 million motorists in the state who already have the capability to access their licence digitally, a feature that was only introduced in Victoria in May this year. </p> <p>While the digital licences are optional, the state government said that feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.</p> <p>Like other digital licences, it features a highly secure, timed QR code" that can be scanned by businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.</p> <p>Victoria Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the initiative aims to simplify life for young drivers in the state. </p> <p>"We’ve seen more than 1.2 million Victorians access their licence on their phones since we launched this technology in May, and I’m sure we’ll continue to see a strong take up from our younger drivers," she said. </p> <p>The licences can also be updated in real-time if there are changes to conditions, personal information or if a licence has been cancelled or suspended. </p> <p>The state government is also working with venues to ensure licences are compatible with major scanning technology making it easier for both customers and venues across Victoria.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Chris Hemsworth's new tourism ad triggers major backlash

<p>Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky have come under fire after appearing in a major tourism campaign for Abu Dhabi. </p> <p>The Aussie actor and his Spanish model wife feature both feature in the production, that shows them having an intense day on-set of a fake action movie.</p> <p>While both dangling from the side of a building between takes, the duo claim they could “use a vacation about now”, before the ad showcases the best Abu Dhabi has to offer. </p> <p>With their three children in tow, Hemsworth and Pataky are shown enjoying various tourist attractions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, including open-top car rides in the desert, surfing, relaxing massages and trips to the city’s National Aquarium and theme park.</p> <p>The video was posted by the official Abu Dhabi Instagram account, and quickly racked up thousands of comments from keen travellers saying the video had convinced them to book a holiday in the UAE. </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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_XZUvJO8g/?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/DB_XZUvJO8g/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Experience Abu Dhabi (@visitabudhabi)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, many commenters weren't quite as happy, as hundreds of fans questioned why Hemsworth, who has an estimated net worth of $225 million, would opt to promote a tourist destination that is notorious for restricted human rights.</p> <p>“Is he running out of money?” one person questioned, while another added, “Just got to ignore all the human rights abuses."</p> <p>“Not much of a vacation if you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community,” a third wrote.</p> <p>“A country without women’s rights and workers’ rights. An amazing thing to promote with your huge celebrity,” a fourth added.</p> <p>Abu Dhabi has a long and chequered history when it comes to human rights, with archaic laws inhibiting women’s rights, restricted freedom of speech and the continued criminalisation of homosexuality.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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