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"Divinely gifted" Mamma Mia star passes away aged 40

<p>Broadway luminary Chris Peluso, renowned for his roles in acclaimed productions like <em>Mamma Mia!</em> and <em>Wicked</em>, has passed away at the age of 40.</p> <p>In the period preceding his demise, Peluso reportedly grappled with Schizoaffective disorder, a mental health condition characterised by hallucinations and a fusion of symptoms from both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.</p> <p>The University of Michigan paid homage to Peluso on their musical theatre department's webpage, confirming the sorrowful news, given his previous attendance as a student. Linda Goodrich, interim chair, conveyed: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">"The Michigan Musical Theatre family is heartbroken as we announce the passing of our dear family member/alum, the loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted Chris Peluso." </span></p> <p>Goodrich added: "Chris appeared on Broadway in <em>Mamma Mia!</em>, <em>Assasins</em>, <em>Lestat</em>, <em>The Glorious Ones</em> and <em>Beautiful</em>, played Fiyero on tour in <em>Wicked</em> and starred in London in <em>Miss Saigon</em> and <em>Showboat</em>. Our hearts go out to his family."</p> <p>He leaves behind his wife Jessica Gomes and their two children.</p> <p>In the preceding year, friends of Peluso established a GoFundMe page, detailing his inability to perform due to his mental health struggles and battle with Schizoaffective disorder.</p> <p>They beseeched fans to contribute towards his medical expenses in the United States. The page noted that "in recent months, the paranoia has consumed him to the extent that he is unable to work any job and has had to leave his wife and young child and return to America to seek treatment." </p> <p>"Chris has no health care insurance in the US and was recently hospitalised for about two weeks. Currently, he is seeking treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation centre."</p> <p>"In his own words, 'Hopefully this helps bring some awareness to how so many suffer from mental illness in silence. You never know what someone may be going through. Be kind to each other.'"</p> <p>In a November update shared on the same page, Peluso extended his gratitude to fans for their "incredible generosity" and donations, sharing that he was "doing well".</p> <p>"Hi guys! Thanks so much again for your incredible generosity! I'm very pleased to say that I completed the in-patient treatment facility in Tennessee and have been stable and doing well," he said. </p> <p>"The new medication I'm on works well to keep my symptoms in check and has minimal side effects. I'm able to hold down a job again and even began taping some auditions."</p> <p>He added: "It's going to be a lifelong process of going to therapy and working with doctors but I'm so much better than I was before treatment. It really means the world to me to have such incredible support from you all. None of this progress would have been possible without you."</p> <p>A sum of USD $25,000 was raised on behalf of the now-departed star.</p> <p><em>Images: Instgram</em></p>

Caring

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Mamma Mia! 3 receives confident update from producer

<p dir="ltr">Mamma Mia! Here we go again!</p> <p dir="ltr">Judy Craymer, the creator and producer of the beloved musical comedies, has revealed there could be a third instalment. </p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with Deadline, discussing the<em> Mamma Mia! I have a Dream</em> talent show on ITV, Craymer shared a confident <em>Mamma Mia! 3</em> update.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It’s in its earliest stages... I don’t want to over-egg it, but I know there’s a trilogy there. There is a story there, and I do think Meryl should come back — and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Craymer’s comments come after a long line of remarks made about a possible third movie, with her saying in 2020 that it was always "meant to be a trilogy." </p> <p dir="ltr">Even though the producer said it's in the early stages of development, it’s unclear when there will be an official announcement from Universal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Familiar faces Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Lily James, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan have all expressed interest in returning to reprise their respective roles. </p> <p dir="ltr">Craymer also revealed in her interview that she has come up with a way to bring back all the franchise’s favourite characters, including the iconic Meryl Streep. </p> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">Bringing back every member of the franchise’s massive ensemble cast might be why the third instalment has made little progress in recent years, but Craymer remains confident that the next instalment will go ahead.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-235424ae-7fff-7d35-6b4e-a1a42085a6b1">Image credit: Getty/Instagram</span></em><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #0e101a; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>

Movies

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We need to talk about monkeypox without shame and blame

<p>The recent global outbreak of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/monkeypox-mpx">monkeypox</a> largely among <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/26/1113713684/monkeypox-stigma-gay-community">men who have sex with men</a> has raised concerns homophobia will undermine effective prevention efforts. There are also fears the disease will fuel homophobic stigma and discrimination.</p> <p>Even the name monkeypox <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-in-a-name-why-giving-monkeypox-a-new-one-is-a-good-idea-185307">is stigmatising</a> due to long-held <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/08/01/1113908154/critics-say-monkeypox-is-a-racist-name-but-its-not-going-away-anytime-soon">racist appropriation of the term monkey</a> and the false implication the virus is transmitted by monkeys.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-covid-19-media-briefing--14-june-2022">World Health Organization</a> has said the name needs to change, but has not agreed on or announced a new one. Currently, <a href="https://www.aconhealth.org.au/monkeypox">advocates for the LGBTQA+ community</a> are using the term MPX, the term I will use here.</p> <p>MPX is, of course, not the first infectious disease to affect men who have sex with men. So there are things we must learn and things we must not repeat from the public health response to HIV.</p> <h2>Lessons from HIV</h2> <p>When HIV emerged among communities of gay and bisexual men in the 1980s, fear and uncertainty about the cause and nature of the virus led to <a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-the-history-of-hiv-aids-in-australia-how-activism-changed-the-image-of-an-illness-4052">vilification of gay and bisexual men</a>.</p> <p>HIV was initially named “<a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdfplus/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306348">gay-related immune deficiency</a>” or GRID and there was speculation it was caused by men’s excessive sex or drug use (specifically use of <a href="https://theconversation.com/weekly-dose-amyl-started-as-a-poison-antidote-now-a-common-party-drug-64610">amyl nitrate</a>).</p> <p>As well as sparking calls for a crackdown on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQA+ communities, the view gay and bisexual men were to blame for HIV obstructed effective public health responses.</p> <p>Famously, in the United States, then President Ronald Reagan <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/lgbtq-history-month-early-days-america-s-aids-crisis-n919701">made no public mention of HIV or AIDS</a> until more than 12,000 American citizens had died, and HIV had spread widely into many communities.</p> <p>Although today, globally, <a href="https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet">HIV affects more women</a> than men, it is still difficult to disentangle <a href="https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2012/august/20120828punitivelaws">HIV-related stigma from homophobia</a> or stigma against other affected populations, including injecting drug users or sex workers.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/charlie-sheen-and-ten-million-dollars-worth-of-hiv-stigma-50909">Stigma creates barriers</a> to HIV prevention as people are reluctant to talk about HIV or <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6156-4">seek testing</a> for fear of being associated with stigmatised groups. It also perpetuates a fundamental lack of empathy for people living with HIV.</p> <p>For these reasons, it’s important we don’t approach MPX in these terms.</p> <h2>A new approach?</h2> <p>There are <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-21/monkeypox-government-response-we-can-do-better">some reports</a> of MPX being used to justify homophobic sentiment or actions. However, a crucial difference between this disease and HIV is <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/blaming-gay-men-for-monkeypox-will-harm-everyone/">the world has learned</a> from HIV.</p> <p>There is now better understanding of the insidious ways <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(20)30127-3/fulltext">stigma and discrimination undermine public health</a>. HIV also taught us to be cautious about the potential for public health messaging to contribute to stigma, especially when an illness is associated with <a href="https://www.nihr.ac.uk/blog/the-perfect-storm-how-covid-19-public-health-messages-may-not-serve-ethnic-minority-communities/30257">marginalised cultural or racial groups</a>.</p> <p>Health policy makers have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/23/un-denounces-homophobic-and-racist-reporting-on-monkeypox-spread">fast to condemn</a> stigmatising media reporting of MPX. Meanwhile the community-based HIV sector has mobilised existing infrastructure and experience to support <a href="https://www.acon.org.au/">advocacy and MPX education</a> for men who have sex with men.</p> <p>Importantly, we now have better knowledge about the effectiveness of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31210141/">sex-positive approaches</a> to preventing HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2019.1593787">Such approaches</a> affirm the pleasures and benefits of sex, aim to build open dialogue about safe sex and ensure people can seek testing without fear of judgement or backlash.</p> <h2>The impact of sexual moralising</h2> <p>We have learned lessons from HIV. However, MPX has exposed the ways sexual moralising is ever-present in public health, undermining sex-positive health promotion.</p> <p>Observers of early media responses to MPX note efforts to avoid stigmatising gay and bisexual men have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/23/monkeypox-outbreak-public-information-virus-homophobia">led to obtuse and confusing reporting</a> about the ways in which the disease, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-monkeypox-spread-an-epidemiologist-explains-why-it-isnt-an-sti-and-what-counts-as-close-contact-188130">although not classified as an STI</a>, can be spread through close physical contact and why gay and bisexual men may be at risk of exposure.</p> <p> </p> <p>Reporting has been deliberately vague because there is very limited cultural space for speaking about group sex, casual sex or sex with multiple partners without these practices, and people involved, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/opinion/monkeypox-communication.html">being shamed</a>.</p> <p>Despite increasing acceptance of sexual diversity, people’s <a href="https://www.ippf.org/sites/default/files/2016-10/Putting%20Sexuality%20back%20into%20Comprehensive%20Sexuality%20Education_0.pdf">right to engage in pleasurable sex</a> outside a married, monogamous relationship is rarely affirmed. Young women, for example, are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8296320/">shamed</a> for having “too many” sexual partners, while calls for comprehensive, <a href="https://theconversation.com/sex-ed-needs-to-talk-about-pleasure-and-fun-safe-sex-depends-on-it-and-condom-use-rises-176572">pleasure-based sex education</a> are controversial.</p> <p>While the world has come a long way toward acceptance of same-sex marriage, homophobia often drives condemnation of gay and bisexual men’s sexual cultures.</p> <p>This is most visible in relation to public health. For example, when pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) first became available to prevent HIV, public funding for it <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566537">was critiqued</a> by some on the grounds this amounted to subsidising gay and bisexual men’s <a href="https://blogs.bmj.com/medical-ethics/2016/10/08/sex-and-other-sins-public-morality-public-health-and-funding-prep/">promiscuity</a>.</p> <p>When considered through the lens of public health, casual sex is <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-9566.2012.01475.x">often equated with irresponsibility</a>. People’s right to seek sex and intimacy can also be devalued or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6951379/">seen as irrelevant</a>.</p> <p>We know, however, <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/11-02-2022-redefining-sexual-health-for-benefits-throughout-life">acknowledging the significance</a> of sexual identities and sexual connection in people’s lives is the best way to engage communities in sexual health promotion.</p> <h2>A sex-positive approach</h2> <p>As current vaccine supplies for MPX are limited in many jurisdictions, including Australia, <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-secures-450-000-new-monkeypox-vaccines-what-are-they-and-who-can-have-them-187691">priority access is being given</a> to high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners.</p> <p>Given men are being asked to disclose their sexual practices to obtain a vaccine, assurance of non-stigmatising health care will be essential for this program to be successful.</p> <p>A sex-positive approach to MPX prevention will also support more open conversations so people can gain a better handle on risk and prevention, no matter who they are.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/188295/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-power-4215">Jennifer Power</a>, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-need-to-talk-about-monkeypox-without-shame-and-blame-188295">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Zoo condemned as “cruel” for video of monkey smoking a cigarette

<p dir="ltr">A Chinese zoo has been condemned as cruel and exploitative online after a video of a small monkey smoking a cigarette went viral. Hengshui Wildlife Park, in the province of Hebei, responded to critics, claiming the video was part of an anti-smoking campaign.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video, which had been uploaded to the zoo’s official social media accounts last week before being deleted, shows the monkey sitting on a bench dressed in a purple onesie. It can be seen puffing on the cigarette before the cigarette is removed by a woman.</p> <p dir="ltr">The monkey, blinking repeatedly, rubs its eye, seemingly because of the smoke, before falling backwards.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has been criticised widely online after being shared to social media and subsequently being picked up by Chinese media outlets. Critics condemned the video as “sick” and called for action to be taken against the zoo.<br /><br />PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/cruel-monkey-forced-to-smoke-cigarette-sparks-outrage-083651115.html" target="_blank">Yahoo News Australia</a><span> </span>that it was disturbing to see an incident like this framed as entertaining, saying, "How cruel to force a baby monkey to smoke for human amusement. Gradually, zoos are learning that spectacles like monkey performances, elephant rides, and photo ops with tiger cubs are inappropriate and exploitative."</p> <p dir="ltr">An employee at the zoo told Red Star News that even though the cigarette was lit, the monkey did not inhale any of the smoke, and was simply posing for a video designed to highlight the issues associated with smoking.</p> <p dir="ltr">Broadcaster CCTV said that zoos should be setting an example of how to treat animals, and questioned how effective it was to use a monkey to influence human habits.</p> <p dir="ltr">The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation has commenced an investigation, with deputy secretary general Ma Yong calling the incident “unreasonable” and stating that it was most likely illegal. He added that the zoo would be under close scrutiny following the incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">Roughly 28% of the Chinese population, or 316 million people, smoke, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: The Paper</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Roving gangs of bored monkeys raid homes

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the floods of tourists that usually flock to Bali unable to holiday on the resort island, its hungry resident monkeys have taken to raiding villagers’ homes in search of food and entertainment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Villagers in Sangeh say grey macaques have been coming to their homes from the nearby Sangeh Monkey Forest, spending their time hanging out on roofs and waiting for the right time to snatch a snack.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With concerns that the monkeys may turn wild or lead a full-on assault on the village, residents have been taking food, including fruit and peanuts, to the forest.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We are afraid that the hungry monkeys will turn wild and vicious,” villager Saskara Gustu Alit said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 600 macaques live in the sanctuary that surrounds the famous Pura Bukit Sari temple.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Normally, the protected area is a popular spot for local residents shooting wedding photos, as well as international holidaymakers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prior to the pandemic, over 6,000 visitors typically came to the forest each month, but these numbers have dropped drastically to about 500 people, as Indonesia banned all foreign travelers from entering Bali in July.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sanctuary has also been closed to local residents, meaning the monkeys have had no visitors at all.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843827/gettyimages-1135018189.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ec2eada32b94480fa0759c0eaf95153a" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Operations manager Made Mohon said that the closure has also meant that the sanctuary is running low on money to buy food for the monkeys.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donations from villagers have made a difference, but they are also donating less and less as they feel the economic sting, he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This prolonged pandemic is beyond our expectations,” Made Mohon said. “Food for monkeys has become a problem.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The monkeys’ daily diet of 200 kg of cassava, their staple food, and 10kg of bananas costs about 850,000 rupiah ($80) a day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though macaques are omnivores and can eat a range of jungle animals and plants, the monkeys living in the sanctuary have developed a preference for other things, thanks to their contact with humans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Often the monkeys will wander into the village and sit on roofs, causing mischief by removing and dropping roof tiles or making off with religious offerings placed outside by villagers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A few days ago I attended a traditional ceremony at a temple near the Sangeh forest,” Gustu Alit said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When I parked my car and took out two plastic bags containing food and flowers as offerings, two monkeys suddenly appeared and grabbed it all and ran into the forest very fast.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since the monkeys usually have visitors to interact with - whether they’re jumping on shoulders, stealing sunglasses, or pulling at clothes - Gustu Alit believes boredom, not just hunger, is driving the monkeys.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s why I have urged villagers to come to the forest to play with the monkeys and offer them food,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think they need to interact with humans as often as possible so that they do not go wild.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></span></p>

International Travel

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Nine top Aussie camp sites - with a view

<p>While it may be off our radar right now, travelling around Australia will be back soon and who doesn't want to fall asleep under a blanket of stars and wake to some of the best views in the country? So, take a look here at our top nine Aussie camp sites.</p> <p>Australia really is the lucky country. Every state and territory is home to a diverse range of rich scenic grandeur an it’s ready to inspire us. The great thing about camping is it gives you the best seat in the house to enjoy the wonder of it all. Here you’ll find our picks of the top 9 camping and caravanning campsites with a view.</p> <p><strong>Alpaca Magic Stud, Sutton, NSW</strong></p> <p>Canberrans, this one is for you. While this campsite is technically located just across the ACT border in NSW, it’s only a 30-minute drive from the Canberra CBD. And you’ll be warmly welcomed by fields of alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and miniature cattle studs.</p> <p>The site is suitable for self-sufficient campers – which means BYO water, toilet and shower amenities – who leave no trace.</p> <p><strong>Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia, WA</strong></p> <p>Monkey Mia is one of those rare places in Australia where dolphin visitation is daily, rather than seasonal, and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers a human-dolphin interaction program for free. This absolute beachfront camping resort is in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Spend your day’s snorkelling or boating in crystal clear waters, partaking in a camel ride or an Aboriginal Cultural Walk.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2efd197bd5834a0ca654e11ac447b830" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843586/monkey-mia-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2efd197bd5834a0ca654e11ac447b830" /></p> <p><strong>First Sun Caravan Park, Byron Bay, NSW</strong></p> <p>Cape Byron is the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland, and <a href="https://www.firstsunholidaypark.com.au/">First Sun Caravan Park</a> reaps the benefits of its plum position on the foreshore of Byron Bay’s main beach. Let’s just say you’re guaranteed to be the first to witness the sun each day.</p> <p>For the most part, guests are also treated to unobstructed views of the ocean with sites located right alongside the beach. Yet, you’re also within strolling distance to all the major attractions.</p> <p><strong>Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT</strong></p> <p>With its remote desert location, deep cultural significance and spectacular natural beauty, <a href="https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/ayers-rock-campground">Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park</a> is home to one of Australia’s most unforgettable attractions – and, without a doubt, offers one of the best campsite views in the world.</p> <p>Due to Uluru’s cultural importance to the local Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people, the closest you can camp is 15 kilometres away in Yulara at the Ayers Rock Campground. But don’t worry, it isn’t called The Rock for no reason, you will still be treated to jaw-dropping views from this distance.</p> <p>In addition to its grassy campsites, you’ll also have access to a swimming pool and it’s a great place to base yourself to explore the park’s numerous walking tracks, rockpools and Aboriginal rock art sites. It’s worth allowing a couple of days to explore and observe the changing moods of the Rock.</p> <p><strong>Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Flinders Ranges, SA</strong></p> <p>The rugged mountains which rise above grassy plains to form <a href="https://www.australiantraveller.com/sa/outback-sa/flinders-ranges/">the Flinders Ranges</a> are more than 600 million years old. The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that tell the tale of how this area was created have been passed down between generations for more than 40,000 years.</p> <p>In the northern part of this epic location, you’ll find <a href="https://www.arkaroola.com.au/caravan-camping">Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.</a> Its campsites deliver some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain views and offer numerous eco-tourism-accredited guided tours.</p> <p>Whether you love birdwatching, bushwalking, geology, wildlife spotting or 4WD adventures, this wilderness sanctuary offers a multitude of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. They even have three fully equipped observatories, so you can get an even closer look at the incalculable number of stars at night.</p> <p>Pitch a tent among 600 million-year-old relics.</p> <p><strong>Lucky Bay National Park, WA</strong></p> <p>Gone are the days of paying top dollar to sit around an overcrowded resort because yes - your own personal paradise awaits you at Lucky Bay.</p> <p>You’ll find Lucky Bay just past Esperance in WA’s far south, and the campsites, which are situated almost on top of the sand, couldn’t offer more luxurious views: lush, turquoise waters lapping at gloriously white sand, a dramatic framing of rocky outcrops and beach-going kangaroos lazing about in the sunshine (yes, really).</p> <p>Swim, fish or opt for a bushwalk on one of the many trails that wind through the park past freshwater pools and a dazzling blanket of wildflowers (if you happen to be there in spring). </p> <p><strong>Green Patch, Jervis Bay, NSW</strong></p> <p>The campsites at <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/camping/green-patch/">Green Patch</a> book out months in advance, so you do need to book ahead. You’ll find Green Patch tucked away in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. The lucky few who get in early can expect white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and kangaroos bounding in the distance.</p> <p>The neighbouring beaches are perfect for swimming and sun-worshipping, while nearby bushwalking trails deliver several shaded picnic spots to sit and enjoy a meal with a view.</p> <p>Bathrooms, hot showers and water are all in ready supply, as are barbecues and wood fireplaces – so bring plenty of supplies for a barbie under the stars and a night-time bonfire. And don’t forget the wine.</p> <p><strong>Jan Juc Caravan Park, Great Ocean Road, Vic</strong></p> <p>Considered to be one of the world’s most <a href="https://www.australiantraveller.com/vic/great-ocean-road/the-best-itinerary-for-driving-the-great-ocean-road-in-three-days/">scenic coastal drives</a>, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road gives you the opportunity to see the iconic 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforests and misty waterfalls.</p> <p>The natural beauty of this area draws visitors from far and wide. To truly drink in the stunning scenery, pitch a tent at the <a href="https://www.janjucpark.com.au/">Jan Juc Caravan Park</a>. And if you also want to check out the world-famous Bells Beach surf break, the park is as close as you can sleep to the action. There are barbecues, powered and unpowered campsites and cabins available.</p> <p><strong>Freycinet National Park, Tas</strong></p> <p>It’s no secret that <a href="https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/freycinet-national-park">Freycinet National Park</a> is home to some of Tasmania’s most incredible camping spots, which may explain why you have to enter a ballot system to camp during peak times (Easter and Christmas).</p> <p>Pitch a tent here to wake to breathtaking ocean views. Your days will be spent exploring the beautiful bays: Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Wineglass Bay – with the panoramic views of wondrous Wineglass Bay the main drawcard for visitors.</p> <p>The views on offer at Alpaca Magic Stud are essentially in the name – fields upon fields of peacefully grazing animals. But if the view alone isn’t enough to entice you, book into one of the many workshops on offer: Conversations with Cows, Breakfast with the Alpacas &amp; Llamas, Needle Felt workshops, Fleece Spinning workshops, and the very popular Llama Walking Experience.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Domestic Travel

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Friends monkey trainer calls out David Schwimmer “despicable” behaviour

<p>David Schwimmer was not a big fan of Marcel the Monkey, labelling it the “worst thing” that happened during the filming of <em>Friends</em>.</p> <p>When on the reunion, the star admitted he did not enjoy filming scenes with the monkey, as he often “messed up” filming.</p> <p>“Here is my problem: The monkey, obviously, was trained. It had to hit its mark and do its thing right at the perfect time,” Schwimmer said during the reunion.</p> <p>“What inevitably began to happen was we would all have choreographed bits kind of timed out, and it would get messed up, because the monkey didn’t do its job right. So we would have to reset, we’d have to go again, because the monkey didn’t get it right.</p> <p>“It was time for Marcel to f**k off.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842335/friends-monkeu-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d32e56fbc3284465ad4048f38b68f18f" /></p> <p><em>Image: Friends screengrab</em></p> <p>Marcel’s trainer, Mike Morris, has called out Schwimmer for his “despicable” words.</p> <p>Morris told The Sun that the two monkeys who portrayed Marcel only had a problem with Schwimmer but the other cast members.</p> <p>“I didn’t watch the reunion interview but I heard from others what Schwimmer said. I just don’t agree with it, if anything he threw off their timing if we want to be truthful,” Morris said.</p> <p>“Schwimmer was fine with the monkeys for the first couple of episodes and happy to be there, but people would laugh at the monkey and I think he got jealous because it wasn’t him getting the laughs.</p> <p>“He seemed to get a little bitter about them being there after that, and of course the monkeys didn’t like working with him after he turned on them.</p> <p>“It made it harder to do the work. A five-camera show is hard to work on with animals anyway so if you have an actor that’s not very helpful, it makes it even worse.</p> <p>“My colleague who also worked on the show says that people would laugh at the monkey and throw Schwimmer off. He’s not the kind of actor who can improvise.”</p> <p>Morris went on to say Schwimmer only despised working with the monkeys, as he was not talented enough to ad lib.</p> <p>“I think a good actor can play off an animal,” Morris said.</p> <p>“We did a shot with Seinfeld and he played off the monkey and went with what the monkey was doing.</p> <p>“I think David had a little problem with that, he was very regimented and had to do what the script said.</p> <p>“I think he had a problem improvising with the monkey.”</p> <p>A capuchin named Katie was one of the two adorable monkeys to play Marcel, and she is still working in the film business.</p> <p>Sadly, the other monkey, known as Monkey, died of cancer in August of 2020.</p> <p>“Schwimmer was talking ill of the dead when he made those comments,” Morris said.</p> <p>“I find it despicable for him to still be speaking ill of her.”</p> <p>The reunion special wasn’t the first time Schwimmer has spoken of his experience with the monkeys.</p> <p>Morris admitted he will never watchthe ’90s sitcom due to Schwimmer claiming the monkeys threw poop and tried to bite him.</p> <p>“I have refused to (watch <em>Friends</em>) ever since he did an interview after the animals got written out of the show and he said they tried to bite him and throw poop at him,” Morris said.</p> <p>“They didn’t do any of that. None of it is true, when I was there none of that ever happened.”</p> <p>Morris said Katie doesn’t hold any bad blood toward Schwimmer despite his comments.</p> <p>“Katie can’t speak for herself so that’s why I’m talking out for her,” Morris said.</p> <p>“The monkeys definitely wouldn’t hold a grudge against David, if Katie had to work with him again tomorrow she would do it no problem.</p> <p>“I know he holds a grudge against the monkeys but they definitely don’t hold one against him.</p> <p>“They’re just good-natured animals and probably don’t even remember him.”</p>

Movies

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Bec and Lleyton Hewitt’s kids are growing up fast

<p>Celebrity offspring are not too often in the public eye, and for many years this included the three children of Australian power couple Lleyton and Bec Hewitt.</p> <p>However, the three little tykes we used to see running around during their dad’s high-profile tennis matches are not so little anymore, and each are paving their own path to greatness just like their parents did.</p> <p>Here is what the brilliant Hewitt kids are up to now.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840854/road-rule-fine-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d170b35de69a4dee975665fe3ca84025" /></p> <p><strong>Mia</strong></p> <p>Mia is a spitting image of her tennis star dad, but it seems like the 15-year-old has taken after her mother and wants to pursue a career in fashion and modelling.</p> <p>Back in Bec’s heyday, it was normal to see the Aussie starlet gracing our TV screens, and it seems like Mia is not far behind her mother as she aims to take over runways across the globe.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840853/road-rule-fine-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/77dbade69b5840e5994269080c73c22d" /></p> <p>The eldest child of Bec and Lleyton is a fashion icon in her own right, with her mum labelling Mia as her fashion muse.</p> <p>"Happy Birthday to my style icon! @miarebeccaofficial," the proud mum wrote an Instagram post last year. "15 today!"</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzbk_PkpatZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/Bzbk_PkpatZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bec Hewitt (@bechewitt23)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Cruz</strong></p> <p>While Mia wants to dominate the fashion industry, Cruz has his sights set on being just like dad.</p> <p>The promising young 12-year-old came on the radar for his sporting abilities when he won the Under 12s Australian Claycourt Championships title for 2021.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNhDCnqpXzr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CNhDCnqpXzr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt89)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Cruz also took part in the Australian Open playoffs back in December, where Lleyton watched from the sidelines.</p> <p>"Hopefully, he gets a chance to play in this great event [the Australian Open] if he wants to," Lleyton said during the Australian Open earlier this year.</p> <p><strong>Ava</strong></p> <p>The youngest of the Hewitt sure does pack a punch judging by her Instagram page where she can often be seen dancing, acting, modelling, or showing off her gymnastic skills to her 11.7k followers.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8S_pVKhTNQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/B8S_pVKhTNQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ava Hewitt (@avasydneyofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 10-year-old even competed at the Victorian Championships back in 2018.</p>

Family & Pets

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Royal baby: Zara Tindall expecting third child!

<p><span>In happy news, Zara Tindall is pregnant with her third child.</span><br /><br /><span>The royal’s husband Mike Tindall, 42, announced the wonderful news on a podcast he hosts, <em>The Good, The Bad &amp; The Rugby.</em></span><br /><br /><span>Her Majesty and Prince Philip are both “delighted” by the announcement.</span><br /><br /><span>Mike said: “It’s been a good week for me, had a little scan last week. Third Tindall on its way.”</span><br /><br /><span>He revealed that while he is thankful for his two gorgeous girls, Mia Grace, 6, and Lena Elizabeth, 2 – he would love nothing more than to welcome a baby boy into the world.</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839160/zara-tindall-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2bef1ba258544fac8d50458d1300ebd0" /></p> <p><em>Mia Tindall, 6</em></p> <p><span>He said: “I’d like a boy this time, I’ve got two girls, I would like a boy.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ll love it whether a boy or a girl, but please be a boy.”</span><br /><br /><span>The former rugby star also joked he is keen to name his next child after COVID-19: “We’re not sure what to do … Covi or Covina … I don’t know where to go with names.”</span><br /><br /><span>The couple have previously opened up about their torment at suffering two miscarriages.</span><br /><br /><span>Mike said: “Z is very good, always careful because of things that have happened in the past, and really looking forward to it.”</span><br /><br /><span>The baby is the second royal tot due to make an appearance in 2021.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839161/zara-tindall-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ba0aac3508a04199921bf1e698118189" /></p> <p><em>Lena Tindall, 2</em><br /><br /><span>The Queen and Prince Philip currently have seven great-grandkids.</span><br /><br /><span>A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are aware and delighted.”</span><br /><br /><span>Zara spoke about her miscarriage in the past, admitting: “you don’t talk about it because it’s too raw”.</span><br /><br /><span>She added: “But as with everything, time’s a great healer.”</span><br /><br /><span>Zara and Mike lost a baby in December 2016 after announcing the pregnancy just a month before.</span><br /><br /><span>She later suffered another miscarriage before her daughter Lena was born in June 2018.</span><br /><br /><span>“I had to go through having the baby because it was so far along. I then had another miscarriage really early on,” she said in an interview in<em> The Sunday Times.</em></span></p>

Family & Pets

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"You look like sisters": Bec Hewitt’s 13-year-old daughter is all grown up!

<p>Bec Hewitt and her eldest daughter Mia with tennis champ husband Lleyton Hewitt attended the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, alongside the world’s most fashionable celebrities.</p> <p>When Bec posted a sweet photo of herself and Mia attending the event, many people were shocked as the 13-year-old looks completely different to how the public remembers her.</p> <p>The daughter of Bec and Lleyton is now definitely all grown up.</p> <p>Bec shared the photo via Instagram where Mia was wearing a stylish black dress over a sheer polka dot blouse, while Bec looked lovely in a floral dress and choker necklace.</p> <p>Fans lost their mind upon seeing the younger Hewitt.</p> <p>"Wow, you look like sisters! Gorgeous," wrote one.</p> <p>Another said: "OMG!!!! Mia is so grown up! She is nearly taller than you! You both look absolutely stunning! Gorgeous."</p> <p>Aussie songstress Delta Goodrem agreed, commenting, "OMG so beautiful, and so grown up."</p> <p>Bec has previously opened up on her close relationship with Mia, as she penned a sweet post for her daughter's 13th birthday.</p> <p>“I'm a real believer that our kids are here to teach us as much as we teach them,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I am always learning from Mia! How to be patient, how to be positive and how to be a better person. [Mia] is wise beyond her years! Such a kind, gentle, intelligent, calm yet bubbly person to be around!”</p> <p>Bec and Lleyton have two other children along with Mia – son Cruz, 10, and youngest daughter Ava, 8.</p> <div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see what Mia Hewitt looks like now. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Art

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Lleyton and Bec Hewitt’s kids don't look like this anymore – so grown up!

<p>The Hewitt children are growing up fast and look so much like their superstar parents.</p> <p>Bec and Lleyton Hewitt have been in the spotlight for years, Bec known for her role on Home and Away before she left the hit show over 13 years ago to support her husband’s career and the three children they share – Mia, Cruz and Ava Hewitt.</p> <p>But before the extravagant marriage to her famous tennis husband almost 14 years ago, Bec was regarded as one of the most famous faces in Australia – releasing an album and out-dancing Pauline Hanson on the first season of Dancing With The Stars.</p> <p>Lleyton, before retiring in 2016, had an 18-year career of professional tennis, earning over 30 career titles – and easily becoming a beloved sports figure by Australians.</p> <p>The two met at a charity tennis tournament in 1999, and the actress turned TV presenter for Helloworld says their relationship was a crazy experience for them both.</p> <p>“It was such a whirlwind, which I think was part of the reason why we ended up with such a lot of attention – because it was after only six weeks that we got engaged,” Bec explained to Stellar Magazine last year.</p> <p>Since the tennis star’s retirement, we have not seen much of the Hewitt kids, and they have grown up a lot since then.</p> <p>Mia, who is the oldest of the bunch, is 13 years old now, and deemed by her mother in a sweet Instagram post as a “kind, gentle, intelligent, calm yet bubbly person to be around… I am always learning from Mia.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvoJRjHyQy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvoJRjHyQy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">This beautiful soul has spent 13 years on this Earth! I’m so grateful to have her in my life everyday! I’m a real believer that our kids are here to teach us as much as we teach them! I am always learning from Mia! How to be patient, how to be positive and how to be a better person. She is beyond her years! Such a kind, gentle, intelligent, calm yet bubbly person to be around! Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter and friend! Enjoy your teenage years! #mia #13</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/bechewitt23/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Bec Hewitt</a> (@bechewitt23) on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:29pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>The middle child and only boy in the Hewitt clan is 10-year-old Cruz, who recently had a hit of tennis against the former World no.1 Rafael Nadal, which he shared to his official Instagram account.</p> <p>The Lleyton look-alike can be seen often hitting the racket against 19-year-old Alex De Minaur, who is fast becoming an Aussie favourite on the tennis court, and who is a mentor to Cruz.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqpOZxzhcdf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqpOZxzhcdf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Soaking it all up with my big brother of tennis @alexdeminaur #NewkMedalist2018 #WellDoneChamp 🥇</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/cruzhewitt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Cruz Hewitt 🇦🇺</a> (@cruzhewitt) on Nov 26, 2018 at 4:49am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>The youngest, 8-year-old daughter Ava, can usually be seen on her mother’s Instagram, practising and competing in Gymnastics – a natural superstar at the flexible sport.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpEcU0-nQW3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpEcU0-nQW3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">#avasydney #ash #gymnastics</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/bechewitt23/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Bec Hewitt</a> (@bechewitt23) on Oct 18, 2018 at 2:27am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

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Brave girl who tried to steal Kate Middleton’s flowers dies

<p>A nine year-old-girl, who captured hearts around the world after she attempted to steal flowers from Kate Middleton, has died after battling a rare disease.</p> <p>Mia Murchison passed away on August 17 after fighting incurable Batten disease since the age of three, which took her eyesight and her ability to walk and talk.</p> <p>In April 2014, the Duchess of Cambridge met the brave young girl at a children’s hospice in Sydney.</p> <p>Mia “tried to steal” flowers Kate had been given at Bear Cottage in the Sydney suburb of Manly, much to the amusement of the Duchess.</p> <p>Kate, who was visiting the hospice with her husband Prince William, then let the young girl know that she could keep the flowers.</p> <p>When Mia said the word “baby”, Kate reportedly replied: “Yes, I have a baby, baby George."</p> <p>Mia, who was born in Ireland but relocated to New South Wales with her family, suffered from CLN2 disease, which is a part of the group of disorders collectively known as Batten disease, reported the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk"><strong><em><u>Mirror.</u></em></strong></a></p> <p>Mia’s family have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the condition and shared their daughter’s heartbreaking passing on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bounce4batten/"><strong style="font-style: inherit;"><u>Bounce4Batten</u></strong></a> Facebook page.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkshXrF_W3/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 33.33333333333333% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkshXrF_W3/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Mia died this morning at home in our arms, as we hoped. So incredibly sad and beautiful. So very loved and adored. ✨</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/bounce4batten/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank"> Peta Murchison</a> (@bounce4batten) on Aug 17, 2018 at 1:30am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Mia died this morning at home in our arms. So incredibly sad and beautiful. So very loved and adored,” it said on the page.</p> <p>Peta later wrote: "Yesterday was the saddest and most beautiful day for our family. Mia’s casket had a simple wooden nameplate that we will keep forever.</p> <p>"I never thought you could like a casket but hers was so beautiful covered in flowers and so very Mia. I loved it.</p> <p>"I was never going to be ready for this goodbye but it was heavenly and more beautiful than I ever could have imagined."</p> <p>Batten disease is a fatal disorder of the nervous system which typically begins in childhood and is incurable.</p> <p>Those diagnosed with Batten disease may suffer from blindness, personality and behavioural changes, seizures, intellectual decline, loss of speech, dementia and motor problems.</p> <p>Mia’s family have set up a <a href="https://uk.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-mia-murchison"><strong><u>GoFundMe</u></strong></a> page to support the principle charities that “played an integral role in Mia’s joyful life”.</p> <p>The page has already raised over $38,000 to support Riding for Disabled Association of Australia, Bear Cottage, Guide Dogs Australia and Batten Disease Support and Research Association. </p>

Caring

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Bec Hewitt announces exciting project with her daughter Mia

<p>Bec Hewitt has announced an exciting joint gig with her 12-year-old daughter Mia.</p> <p>The 34-year-old former Home and Away star revealed she and her eldest daughter are the new ambassadors for Palmolive Naturals hair care.</p> <p>In a series of snaps shared on Instagram, the mother-daughter duo showed off their matching blonde locks.</p> <p>"We're so excited to finally be able to announce that Mia and I are the new Ambassadors for Palmolive Naturals Haircare! We had so much fun working together on this campaign. So proud of my girl! #palmoliveanz," Bec announced.</p> <p><img width="426" height="631" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818849/bec_426x631.jpg" alt="Bec" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="418" height="416" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818850/2_418x416.jpg" alt="2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="408" height="405" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818851/3_408x405.jpg" alt="3" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Bec has three children Mia, 12, Ava, seven, and Cruz, nine, with her tennis star husband Lleyton Hewitt.</p> <p>During a previous interview on The Project, Lleyton revealed Mia would love to become an actress just like her mum.</p> <p>"My daughter is already following in my wife's footsteps," he said.</p> <p>"She's the actress and entertainer. She wants to be in all the drama programs already."</p>

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“Mamma Mia!” sequel confirmed

<p> A <em>Mamma Mia!</em> sequel has been announced and it will hit cinemas next year in July.</p> <p>The 2008 original film followed the story of a struggling hotelier in the Greek islands who was planning her daughter Sophie’s wedding.</p> <p>Without her mother knowing, Sophie was preparing for wedding but inviting three men from her mother’s past in the hope of discovering who her father was so he could walk her down the aisle.</p> <p>The musical combined humour, emotion and ABBA for a film that was enjoyed by mothers and daughters around the world.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">IT'S OFFICIAL MAMMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN in cinemas JULY 2018<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HereWeGoAgain?src=hash">#HereWeGoAgain</a></p> — MAMMA MIA! (@MammaMiaMusical) <a href="https://twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical/status/865840812432777217">May 20, 2017</a></blockquote> <p><em>Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again</em> will have Meryl Streep, Julie Walter, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Copper all returning to star in the film.</p> <p>The film will be set in the same location as the original, the Greek island of Kalokairi.</p> <p>The sequel will feature ABBA songs that didn’t feature in the original musical.</p> <p>English film director, Oliver Parker, is writing and directing this anticipated sequel. Parker was in charge of the screenplay for the 2011 film <em>The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel</em> and its 2015 sequel.</p> <p><em>Mamma Mia!</em> was released in cinemas in July 2008 and it made more than $600 million (USD) at the box office.</p> <p>Until this year’s <em>Beauty and The Beast</em> was released, it held the record for the biggest musical ever made.</p>

Movies

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New version of cult 80s show Monkey Magic returns to TV

<p>If you watched TV at all during the 80s, chances are you’re familiar with the English-dubbed Japanese cult TV series <em>Monkey</em> (more commonly known as <em>Monkey Magic</em> after its catchy theme song). If it was a favourite of yours, we’ve got good news – Monkey is making a comeback.</p> <p>Netflix will team up with ABC and TVNZ to create a “big budget fantasy drama,” titled <em>The Legend of Monkey</em>, consisting of 10 half-hour-long episodes inspired by 16th century Chinese story, <em>Journey to the West</em>, which follows three fallen gods (Monkey, Pigsy and Lion) as they attempt to “bring an end to a demonic reign of chaos and restore balance to their world”.</p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35623/image__498x245.jpg" alt="monkey magic" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“The mythical tale of the Monkey King is a story that continues to captivate global audiences,” said head of children’s TV at the ABC, Michael Carrington. “Our production partner See-Saw Films [<em>The King’s Speech</em>, <em>Lion</em>] is bringing <em>The Legend of Monkey</em> to life through incredible locations and sets, an acclaimed production team and an exciting diverse young cast. We can't wait for fans to see this new series that features the heroes they love and we are just as excited to introduce this reimagined magical and exciting world to a whole new generation of viewers.”</p> <p>Among the Aussie and Kiwi cast members are Chai Hansen, Luciane Buchanan, Josh Thomson and Emilie Cocquerel. It will premiere on the ABC, TVNZ and Netflix globally next year.</p>

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