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Former missing person found dead at age 40

A former missing girl has been found dead in Queensland, 24 years after she disappeared as a teenager. The body of Natasha Ryan, who was at the centre of one of Australia's most bizarre disappearances, was found on the Rockhampton Golf Course on Sunday, with police saying the circumstances of her death were not suspicious. The RACQ CapRescue chopper service had been searching for a reported missing person for several hours on Sunday when Ms Ryan's body was found, as statement from Queensland Police said emergency crews confirmed her death. “Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the sudden and non-suspicious death of a woman in Rockhampton,” it said. Ms Ryan first made headlines in 1998 when she was 14 years old, when she ran away from home to be with her 21-year-old boyfriend Scott Black. The teenager was presumed to have been murdered by serial killer and rapist Leonard John Fraser after the investigation into her disappearance turned up no leads. However, five years later after a tip off to police, she was found hiding in a cupboard at the home of Mr Black in central Queensland in 2003. She then became known nationwide as 'the girl in the cupboard'. In 2005, the pair stood trial on charges of falsely causing a police investigation, where Mr Black pleaded guilty to perjury for telling police he didn’t know where Ms Ryan was, and was jailed for 12 months. Ms Ryan was also found guilty of causing a false police investigation and fined $1,000. The couple later married and had four children. Image credits: 9News / 60 Minutes

Caring

Channel 10 newsreader admits to driving while four times over the legal limit

Natasha Exelby, a well-known journalist and former Channel 10 newsreader, recently found herself in the spotlight for an entirely different reason than her on-air mishap in 2017. On a fateful day last June, she was involved in a drink driving incident in Toorak, Melbourne. This incident marked a low point in her life, but it also sheds light on the profound impact of mental health struggles and the road to recovery. Exelby, 34, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court and made a candid admission: she had driven while suspended and under the influence of alcohol, registering a blood alcohol concentration of .220, over four times the legal limit. She narrowly escaped conviction but didn't escape the consequences of her actions. In her statement to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/journalist-natasha-exelby-busted-drink-driving-after-crashing-into-parked-car-while-four-times-over-legal-limit/news-story/f710cdbc849622fb4e298b61c049c1f3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a>, Exelby took full responsibility for her actions, citing her ongoing battle with major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. She courageously acknowledged her struggles and the role they played in her regrettable choices that day. "It's no secret that I've suffered from major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for many years," she said. "At the time of the incident, I was going through a very dark period with multiple medication changes. Never in my life did I think I would be capable of what happened but regardless of my mental health, my actions were shocking beyond words and I take full responsibility." Her journey towards this dark moment was marked by openness about her mental health. In September 2022, she appeared on Studio 10, where she revealed the depths of her internal battles. She discussed experiencing episodes of inexplicable crying, a common symptom of depression. This revelation was crucial in the context of R U OK? Day, emphasizing the importance of checking on the well-being of those around us. Natasha's admission serves as a stark reminder that mental health issues are every bit as valid as physical ailments. She compared her experience with depression to "drowning" and disclosed that she had been on medication and in therapy for major depression for years. Her message is clear: it's okay to seek help when battling these internal demons, and recovery is possible, even if it's a long and winding road. Exelby's struggle with mental health is by no means a recent development. She revealed that she had been dealing with major depression since the age of 15, highlighting the enduring nature of the condition. Her story is an inspiration for others who are going through similar challenges, proving that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels like the journey will never end. Before her battle with depression and her recent legal troubles, Exelby made headlines in 2017 for an <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/flashback/one-year-later-why-natasha-exelby-isnt-haunted-by-abc-blooper/news-story/24398919d522c0029e6d7963f165897d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on-air gaffe</a> during an ABC news broadcast. Despite the initial shock, she took the incident in stride, even finding humour in it and acknowledging the role that social media and celebrities like Russell Crowe played in making the video go viral. It was a moment of resilience and self-awareness that foreshadowed her future ability to face her own mental health struggles. Exelby's open honesty, her admission of her mistakes and her ongoing battle with mental health challenges is a reminder that anyone can face difficulties, regardless of their public persona. By sharing her experiences, Exelby is contributing to the ongoing conversation about mental health, helping to break down the stigma that often surrounds it. Images: Instagram

Legal

Woman charged after NT Chief Minister hit in the face with crepe

A 56-year-old woman is facing charges in connection with an alleged assault on Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, following an incident that occurred in her local electorate. The incident unfolded at Nightcliff Markets in Darwin at approximately 11:40am on Sunday September 24. According to law enforcement authorities, a member of the public reportedly thrust a crepe covered in cream into Fyles' face during the incident. Police confirmed on Monday morning September 25 that a 56-year-old woman has been charged with aggravated assault in relation to the incident. The accused has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 10. It has since come to light that Chief Minister Fyles is a regular visitor to the Nightcliff Markets, often attending on Sundays. Nightcliff Markets manager, Ross Dudgeon, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/northern-territory-news-chief-minister-natasha-fyles-allegedly-assaulted-at-nightcliff-markets/122ad004-153f-48e6-85d2-5cf66261dc0a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke highly of her to 9News</a>, describing her as approachable and friendly. Dudgeon recounted that one of the stallholders had witnessed the incident, stating, "I had a report from one of the stallholders that they saw a woman pour something over Natasha Fyles' head." He mentioned that the incident occurred shortly after Ms Fyles had participated in an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Bendigo Bank. Dudgeon emphasised the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the market, where Ms Fyles often enjoyed breakfast or a smoothie with her family on Sunday mornings. He has overseen the market for two decades, and said that it has always been community-oriented in nature. Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis was also present at the event with Ms Fyles but had departed before the alleged assault took place. Reacting to the incident, Mayor Vatskalis expressed his shock, describing it as "disgusting". He further remarked that, in his 30 years in Darwin, he had never witnessed anything of this nature. "I just saw the very confronting video and I think this is disgusting," he said. "I have never seen anything like that in Darwin in the 30 years I've been here." This incident follows a previous incident in May of this year, during which Ms Fyles was reportedly followed and harassed by anti-fracking protesters while participating in a running competition in Central Australia. Images: 9News / Tiktok

Legal

Who is Elon Musk's new Australian girlfriend?

Just months after his high profile split with Canadian singer Grimes, Elon Musk is rumoured to be dating Australian actress Natasha Bassett. According to <a href="https://hollywoodlife.com/2022/02/18/elon-musk-new-girlfriend-private-jet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hollywood Life</a>, the 50-year-old Tesla CEO and 29-year-old actress are in a "monogamous relationship". A source close to Musk told the publication, "They have been dating for several months and are in a monogamous relationship right now. They are very much into each other and have been spending a tremendous amount of time together.” Bassett was spotted leaving Elon Musk's private jet after it touched down in Los Angeles last week, spinning the dating rumour mill. The Sydney-born actress is due to star in Baz Luhrmann's upcoming biopic about Elvis Presley, portraying the singer's first girlfriend Dixie Locke, starring alongside Austin Butler, who will play the much-loved King of Rock and Roll. The highly-anticipated film is set to hit theatres in June. In September 2021, Elon Musk and Grimes publicly announced their split after three years together. The couple co-parent their son X Æ A-Xii Musk, who was born in May 2020. Image credits: Getty Images

Relationships

Unsung Heroes tells the real-life stories we may not usually hear

In an effort to get the stories of our many unsung heroes heard, a retirement village called NewDirection Care in Bellmere, Queensland, has launched the first issue of a new magazine which will feature resident’s real-life stories. Called Unsung Heroes, the magazine tells the stories of the village’s residents and is written by award-winning journalist Michael Sheather. Natasha Chadwick, CEO and founder of NewDirection Care, explained how she and her co-workers had heard so many amazing stories from residents that they wanted a format where they could tell these stories to a wider audience. “These stories reach out to us and draw us in because it is in these stories that we see the echoes of who we want to be,” said Chadwick. “It’s a privilege – by allowing us to gently pull back the curtain on these lives that matter, lives that show us all what it means to find a purpose, we find hope and we find love in what is an increasingly uncertain and complex world,” she added. Debut issue has 104-year-old WW2 veteran on the cover The debut issue features a photo of 104-year-old WW2 veteran Bill Bruce on the cover and in his story inside the magazine, he reveals his secrets for a long and happy life. We also get to hear the inspiring story of Jeanie Bell, who became one of Australia’s most accomplished indigenous linguists and academics and helped to preserve the indigenous languages of Australia. Another story features war veteran Alex McCabe who shares his fascinating experience living through some of history’s greatest moments. Then we hear about Trudi and David Stretton sharing the story of how they renewed their wedding vows. Chadwick says the magazine is in line with the philosophy of the NewDirection Care community, adding: “Everything we do stems from our values of individuality, community, relationships, respect and empathy. I am proud of our staff and in constant awe of the residents who live at our MicroTown in Bellmere, Queensland, so it’s a privilege to celebrate the rich fabric of our community which is evident in the pages of this magazine.” The Unsung Heroes magazine is available to download via <a href="https://issuu.com/robynfoyster/docs/newdirectioncarejuly2021">issuu</a>. Image: Courtesy of Unsung Heroes

Books

Natasha Beth Darcy found guilty of murder

NSW woman Natasha Beth Darcy has been found guilty of murdering her sheep farmer partner Mathew Dunbar. After sedating and gassing Dunbar, Darcy allegedly screamed at paramedics to perform CPR on him after declaring him dead. Darcy told authorities and first responders that he had killed himself, but after more than two days of deliberations, a NSW Supreme Court Jury found the 46-year-old woman guilty of murder. Dunbar was found dead on his bed in his property in the Northern Tablelands town of Walcha on August 2nd, 2017. The pair met on a dating site, but the Crown alleges that it didn't take long for Darcy to push Dunbar to change his will so that she would inherit his $3.5 million property. Prosecutor Brett Hatfield said that it didn't take long for Darcy to research ways to kill Dunbar, with numerous Google searches on topics including "how to commit murder", redback spiders and suicide. “He may have desperately wanted love and a family, but what did he get?” he said. “A cold and calculating person who was determined to kill him and inherit his wealth.” It was also revealed that Darcy's estranged husband, paramedic Colin Crossman, had a close call with death as she hit him on the head with a hammer in 2009 and days later, sedated him and burnt down their house as he slept. Referring to a $700,000 life insurance policy on his life, Hatfield said it showed Darcy had a “tendency to sedate and inflict serious harm on her domestic partners for financial gain”. However, Justice Julia Lonergan directed the jurors to put the idea of assisted suicide out of their minds as there was an absence of any evidence about such a scenario. Lonergan said that Hatfield "exploited" Dunbar's depression to kill him in a way that made it look like a suicide. Darcy was accused of sedating her partner using a Nutribullet to blend a cocktail of sedatives, before moving a gas tank in his room and gassing him in his bed. She told police of finding him unresponsive in his bed, saying “This is the hardest bit of all. I can’t get the image out of my head.” “It is killing me,” Darcy said. She will face a sentencing hearing on October 1. Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/politics/law-and-order/verdict-in-for-nsw-woman-accused-of-gassing-partner-to-death-in-bed-in-walcha--c-3115261" target="_blank">7NEWS</a>

Legal

5 minutes with author Natasha Lester

In 5 minutes with author, Over60 asks book writers about their literary habits and preferences. Next in this series is Natasha Lester, a writer and public speaker based in Perth. Her 2008 debut novel What Is Left Over, After won the T.A.G. Hungerford Award for Fiction, and her books The Paris Orphan (also known as The French Photographer) made the New York Times Best Seller list. Her latest novel, The Paris Secret, is out now. Over60 talked with Lester about historical fiction, Margaret Atwood’s humour, and writing while social distancing. Over60: How have you been doing with social distancing? Natasha Lester: As a writer, I’m used to working at home and not seeing too many people during the day so not much has changed! Although the house is much less calm and tranquil at the moment; my children’s schools have closed down because of the current situation we’re all facing, and my children are studying online. This means I’m constantly being pulled out of the 1940s and into the present whenever the kids need a hand. I don’t mind though – I’d rather they stay well and healthy. What is your best writing tip? Alternatively, what is the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? The best writing tip I received was when I returned to university to study creative writing and wrote my first book as part of a master’s degree. I had no idea how to write a book and I was convinced that I needed to have some kind of plan or outline, but I had neither, just a very vague idea of a character. My supervisor told me to just write whatever was in my head that day about the story, and to do that every day. To trust that the story would work itself out if I trusted myself enough to sit down and write. So I did and it worked! The worst writing advice is to write what you know. I was not alive doing the 1940s, I’ve never worked as a war correspondent, and I can’t sew; yet I’ve managed to write about all of those things by doing the research and by emotionally connecting to my characters. How did you start writing historical fiction? A bit by accident! I wrote a contemporary novel, but it just wasn’t working and I didn’t know how to fix it. So I threw it in the bin, moped for a bit and then sat down to re-read all of my favourite novels. I realised that most of them were historical novels and I wondered why I hadn’t been writing what I loved all along. So I started that very day with [my novel] A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald. What book(s) do you think is underrated? Amor Towles is now very well-known for A Gentleman in Moscow, but I also adored his first book, Rules of Civility. It’s definitely worth reading. What was the last book that made you laugh? This might sound strange, but Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments made me laugh. Atwood is so very witty, and her clever humour runs wild through the book as a nice counterpoint to the grim situation the women in the story are facing. When it comes to writing, do you plan ahead or go with the flow? I would love to be able to plan but I can’t! I’m so planned and organised in every area of my life except writing. I try to outline the plot of a book, but I have no ideas at all. Then I sit down to just write and the ideas come. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that my creativity thrives in chaos! How do you deal with writer’s block? With three kids and a full-time job as a writer that I cram into school hours, writer’s block is a luxury I can’t afford. If I ever get stuck on a scene, I go for a walk. Fresh air and active meditation are the best creativity helpers. Is there a cliché that you can’t help but love? The Paris Secret is the first time I’ve written a childhood friend romance. I loved exploring my characters’ friendship as kids, and how that changed as they became adults.

Books

The stars over 50 who stole the red carpet at the Oscars

Movies

Liam Neeson’s son pays touching tribute to his late mother Natasha Richardson

Liam Neeson’s son Micheál has chosen a touchingly beautiful way to pay tribute to his late mother, Natasha Richardson, nine years after her death. According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://pagesix.com/2018/10/22/liam-neesons-son-changes-last-name-to-richardson-to-honor-late-mother-natasha/" target="_blank">Page Six</a>, Micheál has legally changed his surname from Neeson to Richardson to ensure his mother’s legacy lives on forever. Known for her extensive acting career, Natasha passed away in 2009, aged 45, after a skiing accident was to blame for a traumatic brain injury. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821555/liamneeson.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5429367ecbc3465d975efd1a97ad9f9b" /> The couple’s sons, Micheál and Daniel, were 13 and 12 when their mother died unexpectedly. Fellow actress and Natasha’s mother, Vanessa Redgrave, told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/auhome/index.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> that Micheál’s intention was not to offend his father but to pay tribute to his mother. “That wasn’t because he wanted to avoid his father’s fame, which is enormous,” she said. “He wanted to hold his mother close to him – because she was a remarkable actress. Absolutely remarkable.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 337.16666666666663px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821556/gettyimages-83689249.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6bcea1a056d04051b986e8c5b3fa4836" /> Natasha Richardson with Micheál (left) and Daniel (right) An earlier interview dating back to 2015 with Micheál by the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rising-son-bcxqkr3j60c" target="_blank">Sunday Times</a> revealed that the now 23-year-old tried to hide his emotions as he “pushed it out". The built-up grief then led to unfortunate decisions that he now regrets. “Things just started going downhill. The people I was with, we were partying a lot. It was dark. I hit rock bottom,” he admitted. “Everybody said, ‘This kid has lost his mum, that’s where the problem comes from.’ And I was like, ‘No it isn’t, I just like to party.’ But looking back, I realise it was a delayed reaction.”

Movies

Friend of Brisbane mother who jumped from cruise ship speaks out

A close friend of the <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2018/04/brisbane-woman-deliberately-fell-off-cruise-police-say/">Brisbane mother who allegedly threw herself off a P&O cruise ship</a> has spoken out about the tragedy, saying she would have never wanted to hurt her family. Natasha Schofield, 47, is believed to have thrown herself off the top deck of the P&O Pacific Dawn while it was 150 nautical miles west of New Caledonia on Thursday afternoon. A search was called off on Friday morning. One of Schofield’s closest friends, Damon Smith, has spoken to the media about the tragic incident, saying, “hurting her family is the last thing she would have wanted”. “Tash would never intentionally hurt her husband or children, her family or friends - everything that has happened on that boat is the complete opposite to what she would ever want,” Mr Smith <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/" target="_blank">told Daily Mail</a>. “She must have arrived in a very dark and desperate place in her mind, very very quickly.” Mr Smith <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/" target="_blank">told Daily Mail</a> that Mrs Schofield’s husband had picked up a change in her behaviour in the 24 hours leading up to her alleged suicide. “[Her husband] said she didn't seem herself for just over a day but she assured him she was fine,” he said. “She has been there for me in various ways, starting from crashing my wedding party to caring for my children a thousand times. I trust her with my life. That generous girl I know only strives to help others and make life happier - she has made me a better person,” he said. Rescue crews were unable to find Mrs Schofield’s body and Queensland Police have issued a statement, confirming their belief that she took her own life. Queensland Police Inspector Rob Graham told reporters, “Her husband was standing right next to her when she went over. Her husband tried to grab on to her leg... but she fell.” The ship stopped just before dusk on Thursday, desperately searching for the woman overboard. But as a huge swell surrounded the boat about 8am on Friday, the search was reportedly called off on advice of marine experts. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9News%2Fvideos%2F1898302313550930%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> “It is with a very heavy heart that I need to let you know that we have been unable to locate our guest,” the ship's captain told his passengers. “'We are still in the area of the incident, and the weather conditions with the swell three to four metres high, as you can see outside... the strong wind made our search extremely challenging. “As a result we have now made the extremely difficult decision to continue our journey towards Brisbane.” Our thoughts are with Mrs Schofield’s family and friends. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636

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Former missing person found dead at age 40

Channel 10 newsreader admits to driving while four times over the legal limit

Woman charged after NT Chief Minister hit in the face with crepe

Who is Elon Musk's new Australian girlfriend?

Unsung Heroes tells the real-life stories we may not usually hear

Natasha Beth Darcy found guilty of murder

5 minutes with author Natasha Lester

The stars over 50 who stole the red carpet at the Oscars

Liam Neeson’s son pays touching tribute to his late mother Natasha Richardson

Friend of Brisbane mother who jumped from cruise ship speaks out

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