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"Police have done nothing": William Tyrrell's foster mother speaks out

William Tyrrell's foster mother has issued a rare statement, slamming the police investigation into the disappearance of the toddler. In her first public comments in two years, the woman - who cannot be identified - has been insistent on denying any involvement in William's disappearance despite being at the centre of a dedicated Strike Force team. She claimed police had “gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media” as they built a case against her, since she was publicly outed as the current person of interest for Strike Force Rosann detectives in 2021. As <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/done-nothing-william-tyrrells-foster-mother-issues-statement/news-story/0503f8940a3bad2bb2648c38bc44e288" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> continue their investigative podcast into William's disappearance and the subsequent investigation, the foster mother has slammed the authorities for the way they have handled the high-profile case. She said, “I believe that if the police had properly investigated this case, instead of persecuting me, they may well have found the person responsible for William’s disappearance.” She went on to reiterate she believes the three-year-old was taken from her mother’s yard in Kendall in September of 2014 and that she has “no idea who took William, or what happened to him”. “For the past five years, the police have done nothing to try to discover who took William, and what has happened to him," she said. “Instead, they have concentrated all their efforts on trying to build a case that I was in some way to blame for his death, and the disposal of his precious little body." “They have gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media.” She went on to say she loved William “as much as any mother could love her child … if not more”. She said, “It did not matter one bit that he was not connected to us biologically. William made my life complete; I loved him fiercely. I just loved being his ‘mummy’.” “Never ever for a moment did I regret becoming a foster mother”, she said, adding the family was “and still are … connected as one”. “It’s challenging to have hope and build plans for the future when our hearts remain shattered and in pieces,” she said. “All I can hope for is that some person who knows something comes forward.” Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Hunter Valley bus driver finally speaks out over horror crash

The man who was behind the wheel of the deadly Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023 has finally taken the stand, saying he is deeply sorry for the hurt he has caused the victims and their families. Brett Button, 59, was transporting wedding guests from the reception ceremony at the Wandin Valley Estate back to Singleton when the bus flipped, causing the deaths of 10 people and injuring 25 others. After pleading guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, Button appeared before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hunter-valley-crash-survivor-s-demands-of-killer-bus-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">victim statements</a> from survivors and family members of those who were killed. On Wednesday, Button finally broke his silence on the fatal crash, issuing an emotional apology to all those impacted by the devastating crash. "I've tried to figure out the words to say I'm sorry, but how do you say you're sorry for such a horrible tragic event that has ruined the lives of hundreds of people," he told the court. <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> "I can't forgive myself. I can't believe I caused this, I never meant to cause it and every single person that died and was injured and everyone involved in this, I truly wish it never happened and I could apologise where people actually believe me." </div> "I live with this every day and I hate myself. I've caused parents to have to bury their children, which has been my biggest nightmare all my life, and now I've done it to so many families." "I'm sorry to everyone involved, including the police and everyone, my family — I've shamed everyone." Button also shared with the court that he had been taking the opioid tramadol since 1994, and admitted on the day of the crash, he had taken “in excess” of his prescribed dose of painkillers. When asked by his barrister Paul Rosser KC if he felt he was addicted, Button said he was "certainly dependent", adding that a pain specialist warned Button one year before the crash that he was at risk of addiction. When further questioned, Mr Button said he had no perception on that night the drug had impaired his driving. "I take responsibility for the death and injuries, it was no way purposeful and I wasn't negligent," he told the court. "I didn't do it deliberately." Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents. Judge Roy Ellis will consider 40 victim impact statements as part of his sentencing. Image credits: 7News

Legal

Royals issue heartfelt statement after Bondi attack

The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a heartfelt message to the victims and survivors of the deadly <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stabbing attack</a> at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. William and Kate took to Instagram to share the statement, after six people were killed and 12 others injured following the violent attack. "We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today," the royals wrote on Saturday. "Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others." Tributes have also poured in for the other victims, who were tragically killed in the attack. Dawn Singleton, 25, was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/i-am-so-heartbroken-tributes-flow-for-bride-to-be-stabbing-victim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning her wedding </a>at the time of the stabbing, and was shopping for make-up before she was tragically killed by Joel Cauchi. “Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech, but instead I sit here sobbing,” her friend Jade O’Connor wrote on Facebook. “This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life — I’m so heartbroken and (I) can’t believe this reality.” Ashlee Good, 38, died protecting her baby girl from Cauchi, after passing her injured 9-month-old to bystanders. Her family have said that they were "reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more". Faraz Tahir, 30, a security guard working at the shopping centre, reportedly started his first day shift at the centre on the day that he was murdered. “It’s very tragic news — this is something which you don’t expect at all,” his friend Adnan Qadir told Sunrise. “It is hard for me to fathom he was with me 72 hours before the tragedy and then we lost him in such circumstances.” “He was a great guy — he keeps other people’s interests ahead of his own. “Had a lot of ambition for his future ... Just settling into his new country. “He was looking forward to a stable career, to make a family up here. It is just sad how it all ended up," Qadir said. Images: Getty/ Instagram

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“I hate him for what he did to my mummy”: Tragic statement from daughter of slain 23-year-old

Queenslander Gabrielle "Gabbie" Marshall, 23, moved to Tasmania to build a new life and hoped to be reunited with her daughter in the future. Her killer, Colin William Drake, 37, lived on the same street just 230m away, and would later on stab her in a frenzied attack while she slept on the floor of her friend’s house in the coastal town of Ulverstone. Although Drake had no clear motive for the attack on June 14, 2021, he had been arrested and appeared in the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Wednesday after pleading guilty to murder. The Crown prosecutor Linda Mason SC, said that Gabbie suffered 17 stab wounds to her neck, arms and hands, in a desperate act to defend herself. In heartbreaking turn of events, Gabbie's parents Heidi and Rick Marshall paid tribute to their young daughter in court. “I saw two men approaching (our house) in suits. I knew they were detectives,” Heidi recalled the moment she found out about her daughter's death. “I instantly knew something had happened to Gabrielle and my heart just broke.” Heidi said that Gabbie felt the safest in Tasmania, after getting out of a bad relationship and would call her parents every night to tell them she loved them. “Before her death she was the happiest she had ever been,” Gabbie's dad said. “Just like that she was gone,” Heidi said. “You never think anything like this would happen to your family.” Gabbie's daughter, who was six at the time, was playing on the deck when the detectives arrived and overheard the conversation. She "still sleeps with one of Gabbie’s jumpers,” Heidi said. Gabbie's daughter, who continues to live with her grandparents, has written a heart-wrenching statement which was also read in court. “When I hug my mummy’s jumper at night I get to talk to her,” the statement read. “(She) won’t be there to see me finish school. I hate him very much for what he did to my mummy.” The court was told that Drake, who is set to be sentenced in December, has a mild intellectual disability and a low IQ, sitting at the bottom 0.4 per cent of the population. The Crown prosecutor said that there were several possible motives including sexual jealousy, desire, or that he entered the house to steal something. She added that this is due to the sexualised comments he had made about women he saw while walking with his carer a few weeks prior. He had no connection with Gabbie or her friend. Defence lawyer Greg Barns SC said Drake had indicated to his legal advisers that he had remorse, and maintained that he went to the house to get cigarettes. Images: 7News

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Brittany Higgins' powerful message of solidarity to Bruce Lehrmann's alleged victim

Brittany Higgins has shared a powerful statement of solidarity to Bruce Lehrmann's alleged victim. Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been charged with two counts of rape, relating to an incident alleged to have occurred in Queensland in October 2021. Lehrmann was only <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/bruce-lehrmann-revealed-as-high-profile-figure-accused-of-rape-in-queensland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently named</a> as the "high-profile figure" accused of the crime, after a judge made the decision to reject his suppression order, which kept his name out of the press and not related to the incident. Once Lehrmann was named as the defendant in the sexual assault case, Brittany Higgins was quick to share a passionate message to his alleged victim. Taking to Instagram stories, Brittany wrote, "When I first found out about the alleged sexual assault my heart broke for you." "To know that this has allegedly taken place while he was out on bail in 2021 is devastating." "I note the fact you've decided to come forward despite seeing the horrific championing of this individual in the media all year." "I am so, so sorry this allegedly happened to you". After Brittany's post garnered widespread attention, Lehrmann was quick to point out a crucial mistake in her statement. Mr Lehrmann was not on any kind of bail in the lead-up to his aborted trial in October 2022, as he was only on bail after the mistrial in relation to the Queensland matter. Lehrmann told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12684925/Brittany-Higgins-message-Bruce-Lehrmann-Toowoomba.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>, "I'd just note if Ms Higgins is going to try and kibosh the human right of a fair trial again and also further defame me, at least get your facts right before you post." Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Details of Erin Patterson's police statement around fatal mushroom meal revealed

The woman who prepared a mushroom meal that is believed to have caused the deaths of three individuals has finally disclosed her full account of the events that transpired. According to a written statement submitted to Victoria Police on Friday August 11 – and exclusively <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-14/mushroom-poisoning-leongatha-erin-patterson-police-statement/102725876" target="_blank" rel="noopener">obtained by the ABC</a> – Erin Patterson has provided a comprehensive narrative of the incidents leading up to and following the fatal meal. "I am now wanting to clear up the record because I have become extremely stressed and overwhelmed by the deaths of my loved ones," Ms Patterson said in her statement. "I am hoping this statement might help in some way. I believe if people understood the background more, they would not be so quick to rush to judgement. I am now devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness suffered by my loved ones. I really want to repeat that I had absolutely no reason to hurt these people whom I loved." The tragic incident occurred in Leongatha, a town southeast of Melbourne, where Ms. Patterson's mother and father-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, lost their lives after consuming lunch at Ms. Patterson's residence on July 29. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, was left in critical condition. The circumstances surrounding the incident have led to speculation within the South Gippsland community, with heightened curiosity as police have been tight-lipped about their ongoing investigation. Authorities have mentioned that the victims displayed symptoms consistent with the consumption of death cap mushrooms. Although Ms. Patterson was initially treated as a suspect, investigators have maintained an open-minded approach to the case. In her statement, Ms. Patterson expressed regret for following the advice to give a "no comment" interview to the police in the immediate aftermath of the deaths. She admitted that she now wishes she had answered some questions, given the nightmare that has unfolded since. The police interview left Ms. Patterson feeling terrified and anxious. She recounted that on the day of the incident, she prepared a beef wellington meal for herself and her elderly guests. Contrary to earlier reports, Ms. Patterson clarified that her children had actually gone to the movies before lunch and were not present during the meal. According to her statement, she served the meal and allowed her guests to select their own plates. She then had a serving of beef wellington herself. The mushrooms used in the dish were a mixture of button mushrooms from a major supermarket chain and dried mushrooms purchased months earlier from an Asian grocery store in Melbourne. Ms. Patterson disclosed that her children consumed the leftovers the next evening. Notably, they do not like mushrooms, so she had removed the mushrooms from their portions. She revealed that she had also suffered from severe stomach pains and diarrhoea after the lunch, leading her to be hospitalised as well. She was administered a liver protective drug via a saline drip and was transferred to Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne. As her guests fell ill, the Department of Health contacted Ms. Patterson to inquire about the possible cause of the adverse reactions. She provided samples of the leftover meal for examination by hospital toxicologists. She also mentioned sharing information about where she purchased the mushrooms but was unable to pinpoint the specific shop in Melbourne. Addressing media reports about the seizure of a food dehydrator at a local tip, Ms. Patterson admitted that she had initially lied to investigators about disposing of the dehydrator. She stated that she panicked due to concerns about her children's custody and discarded it. In her statement, she acknowledged caring for her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, after he suffered a severe stomach illness unrelated to the current incident. She reluctantly nursed him after his hospital discharge and informed him that she did not wish to reconcile. She clarified that Simon had initially intended to attend the fatal lunch but had informed her of his absence prior to the event. Ms. Patterson expressed deep affection and respect for her parents-in-law and highlighted their positive influence on her children. She offered her willingness to assist the police further, including the possibility of a re-interview. The police investigation into the deaths remains ongoing, and Ms. Patterson has indicated her readiness to cooperate. Images: Facebook / A Current Affair

Legal

Family horrified by police statement on tasering of Clare Nowland

The family of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who tragically passed away after being tasered at an aged care home in regional NSW, have been shown distressing new details of the incident that were revealed in a police officer's court briefing. Senior Constable Kristian White, who served in the NSW Police Force for 12 years, was charged in connection with the tasering incident that resulted in the injury of Nowland at the Yallambee Lodge aged care home in Cooma in May. He has been suspended from duty since the incident and faces charges of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault. According to the police statement of facts, White allegedly made the statement, "See you are going to get tasered," to Nowland after activating a warning arc, which demonstrated the electrical arc produced by the device. He purportedly then followed this with the words, "Clare stop." At the time, Nowland was holding a knife and was positioned approximately two metres away from another officer. White then allegedly uttered, "Stop just... na bugger it," before deploying the taser. As a result, Nowland, still clutching her walking frame, fell backwards and hit her head forcefully on the wooden floor. Upon being taken to Cooma Hospital, it was discovered that Nowland had suffered an inoperable brain bleed, which ultimately led to her passing. The standard operating procedures of the NSW Police explicitly state that the taser should not be used against elderly or disabled individuals unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Following a bail hearing at the Supreme Court, the family of Nowland received a copy of the police facts sheet, which was subsequently released to the public. They have requested privacy and space as they process the provided information, as expressed by their solicitor, Sam Tierney, who described the facts alleged against White as "extremely confronting and shocking". As part of the conditions set during Tuesday's bail hearing, White is required to maintain good behaviour, attend court as directed, and refrain from contacting Nowland's family or prosecution witnesses, except through legal representation. These conditions were not contested by White or his legal team. No plea has been entered for any of the charges against White, and the case is scheduled to be heard again at Cooma Local Court on September 6. Images: NSW Police

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Damning first draft of Clare Nowland statement found

New documents have brought forth allegations that the NSW police force removed key elements in their initial statement regarding the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/clare-nowland-dies-officer-charged">The mother-of-eight passed away</a> in Cooma Hospital on May 24, one week after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/furious-response-to-95-yr-old-woman-tasered-by-police">she was tasered by a police officer</a> at her Yallambee Lodge aged care facility. Nowland had reportedly been approaching law enforcement with her walking frame and a steak knife when she was tasered, before she fell backwards and fractured her skull. In the wake of the incident, Police Commissioner Karen Webb reportedly approved a 71-word press release - one that made no mention of the knife, the taser, or even Nowland’s movements. “A critical incident investigation has been launched after an elderly woman sustained injuries during an interaction with police at an aged care facility in the state’s south today,” it read. “The 95-year-old woman was taken to Cooma District Hospital, where her condition is being monitored. A critical incident team will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. That investigation will be subject to independent review. “No further details are available at this time.” However, ‘new’ documents - obtained by the Australian Associated Press under Freedom of Information laws - have revealed that there was another draft, 100 words longer than the released statement, that mentions those key aspects of the case. According to the Sydney Morning Herald - who obtained the internal emails regarding the statement - that draft had been sent to NSW Police Executive Director of Public Affairs Elizabeth Deegan for review, but had been cut by more than half mere hours later, leading the SMH to run with the headline "<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/top-nsw-cops-covered-up-tasering-of-clare-nowland-20230621-p5di67.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top NSW cops covered up Tasering of Clare Nowland</a>". The original 171-word document made mention of the reports that a Yallambee Lodge resident had a knife, and noted that two officers had arrived to find a woman “still armed … in a small room”. “Police and paramedics attempted to speak to the woman; however, all instructions were ignored,” it continued. “When she stood up and moved towards officers, a taser was deployed by a constable.” It explained that the woman had received treatment from paramedics at the scene, leaving room for information on her condition. It even mentioned that the officer who had deployed the taser was under review. Commissioner Webb defended the decision to edit their original draft while speaking to 2GB’s Ben Fordham, denying that the police force had hidden anything when she told him that “early in the investigation it was necessary for us to make sure that the family were aware of what the circumstances were. “Mrs Nowland has a large family and we didn’t want that family to hear on the radio on TV what had happened to their mum, and so we had to be a bit sensitive to that, and when we were able to talk about it we did.” She added that it was “a very sensitive matter”, and that it was an “unusual” circumstance with everyone seeking answers, but that “it’s appropriate we think about and respect that family, and certainly they deserve that. “It was important that the family were informed of the situation in a factual manner before we went public on it - I think that’s very necessary and I’m sure that family appreciates that now.” Images: 9News / Nine

Legal

Bus tragedy newlyweds break silence

The bride and groom at the centre of the Hunter Valley bus tragedy that killed 10 people have broken their silence on the devastating incident. Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell issued a statement on June 19, a week from the crash at the end of their wedding day. “While we appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the community, we ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve,” Edsell and Gaffney said. “Our primary focus at this time is processing this tragedy, and supporting our family and friends.” The newlyweds speaking out came soon after the groom’s father, John Gaffney called for an urgent overhaul of bus safety “so something positive can come out of this tragedy”. “50 years ago the fitting and wearing of seat belts became compulsory in Australia for all occupants of motor cars saving countless lives since,” John Gaffney wrote on LinkedIn. “Whilst my wife and I can't do this on our own we believe ultimately everyone who rides a bus should have access to a seatbelt and be compelled by laws to wear them,” he continued. “It was a glorious occasion until news of the bus crash with ten people losing their lives came within a few hours that has shattered many lives. “If you can assist by lobbying your federal, state and members (about seatbelts) that would be appreciated.” Carolyn Gaffney took to Facebook, posting to the father of one crash survivor, writing, “we both have our sons for which we are truly thankful”. The appeal was for donations to a GoFundMe by the Warrandyte Cricket Club to support <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/more-than-we-can-bear-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">families and victims</a> who still face a long recovery ahead. Image credit: Facebook/LinkedIn

Caring

“We will lean on each other”: Singleton Roosters open up on their devastating loss

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article may contain the name and image of a person who has died. Singleton Roosters AFC, a regional football club rocked by the Hunter Valley wedding bus tragedy, has released a heartbreaking statement on their devastating losses. 10 people passed away in the devastating crash, with seven of them members of, or close to, the club - Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Tori Cowburn, Andrew and Lynan Scott, and Nadene and Kyah McBride. “The Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club has been devastated by the tragic bus incident in the Hunter Valley,” the club’s president Dylan Hixon said from their home ground at Rose Point Park. “Our community has experienced unfathomable heartache, distress, and sadness, after a number of people closely connected to the club were on board and either injured or killed.” He went on to share that their “first priority and focus is on supporting the families, friends, and those from our wider club community who have been affected by this unspeakable tragedy. “We thank every person and organisation that has offered support and condolences to our club and the families affected, not only within our town and AFL community but also for those associated with the wedding party.” And as the 4261 residents of the town mourned their loss, he called for “the privacy of our community to be respected”, noting that “our club has been formed out of great people and the relationships fostered within it, and we will lean on each other through this incredibly difficult time, with the memory of everyone that has been lost at the forefront of our thoughts.” The same statement was shared to the club’s social media, where supporters and well-meaning readers showered the post with their love and sympathies, with many opting to share heart emojis in the team’s colours in remembrance for those they’d lost. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02Kx9jra6awxLn7uyP7Psj9S14AV8Ufd747JPk1SCpjmmqweBL1HfvQBWgLet5s8Lrl%26id%3D100057365271717&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="278" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The club and its supporters had already taken steps towards helping the families impacted by the tragedy, having raised $121,159 with a now-closed GoFundMe. The assistance wasn’t to stop there though, with Singleton Roosters AFC now directing any potential donors to the <a href="https://donations.rawcs.com.au/78-2022-23">Hunter Valley (NSW) Bus Tragedy Fund</a>, where a further $611,00 - and counting - has been raised for “relief and support to survivors, victims, and their immediate families from the events of the fatal bus accident”. Images: Facebook

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Father of truck driver arrested for horror school bus crash speaks out

The truck driver who crashed into a bus, causing it to roll over with school children inside on May 16, is “very distressed” over the incident, his father revealed. "He's going to take a while to get over this,” renowned horse trainer Robert Gleeson told A Current Affair of his truck driver son Jamie Gleeson. "He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and unfortunately there was a bus there as well," Robert said. Police reported 49-year-old Jamie was driving dangerously when he rear-ended the bus carrying 45 students from Exford Primary School, leaving some with amputated limbs. Jamie is a father of two boys aged 17 and 18. He’s been driving trucks for 20 years and was just minutes away from home when he told police he saw the “sun flicker” through the trees before the crash. The court hearing on May 18 heard Jamie has no criminal history and that initial test results ruled out him being drunk or on drugs. He remained on the scene and called triple zero. "He got out and helped take the kids out of the bus," Robert said. "Jamie's nature is a very soft person. He cares about people very much and that was his natural reaction.” Jamie’s family said he’s been a respected volunteer at the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for about 15 years and during that time, he has witnessed all kinds of incidents just like the tragic crash. His father said the horror incident is not something that will go away for Jamie overnight, and all they can do as a family is give him support as things “take their course”. "He'll have to live with it for the rest of his life but hopefully these kids in the bus and the families can repair," Robert said. Robert said his son is heartbroken and unable to speak publicly due to the court case. "He's very distraught. He's more distressed about the fact there's children involved and families involved," Robert said. "It's one of those distressing things that's happened and we can't undo that and unfortunately a lot of people will be affected by this with their children.” Jamie is one of two drivers for trucking company L&J Cartage. He has been prohibited from driving trucks while on bail. The bus driver involved in the crash has now returned home. "It'll take him some time to work through and we'll support him," Christian's Buses director Campbell Christian said. Robert said his family are thinking of everyone involved. "Our heart goes out to the families of these children," he said. "Fortunately there's no fatalities in this accident and if there had been, it would have been a much worse scenario than what we have now." Image credit: A Current Affair

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Groom’s tragic update after bride killed on wedding day

A US man whose bride died on their wedding day after an alleged drunk driver rear-ended their golf cart is recovering at home and planning his wife’s funeral, his family revealed. Aric Hutchinson, from South Carolina, suffered severe injuries, leaving him with bleeding in his brain, two broken legs, facial fractures and a broken vertebrae in his back, according to a post on GoFundMe, written by his mother, Annette Hutchinson. The 36-year-old and his new wife, Samantha Miller, 34, had just left their wedding reception when the accused drunk driver Jamie Komoroski crashed her car into the golf cart the newlyweds were riding on. Ms Miller sadly died instantly. Two family members on the same golf cart suffered injuries. Ms Hutchinson shared that her son is now “physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife. Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family”. “We are missing Sam more than anything. She instantly fit into our family from the first day Aric and Sam met. She was everything to my son and changed him for the better,” she continued. “She could light up a room with her presence and had an ease about her. They shared many hopes and dreams for their future, including children and building a house. “What started as the happiest day for Aric and Sam ended with a tragedy … our hearts are broken along with the Millers’.” Ms Komoroski has been jailed without bond, and charged with three counts of driving under the influence causing death and reckless vehicular homicide. Authorities claimed the 25-year-old was driving at 104km/h in a 40km/h zone and reportedly only hit the breaks of her Toyota Camry right before the crash. Ms Komoroski told police she had consumed a tequila shot and one beer an hour prior, but refused to take a field sobriety test following the collision. A blood test was later conducted at a hospital, the results of which have not been released. In a statement to Fox News, Ms Komoroski's lawyers urged the public not to “rush to judgement”. Ms Miller’s mother Lisa revealed her heartbreaking final exchange with her beloved daughter. Speaking to WCIV, Lisa Miller said that “on the beginning of the golf car ride, [Samantha] said, ‘I wish this night could go on forever.’” “[It was] the best night of her life,” she added. Ms Miller said she was unaware of “what the distraction was” that caused the accident, but Ms Komoroski “literally ran into my daughter going 65 miles an hour”. “Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart and so she basically just whammed into my child.” The bride’s sister, Mandi Jenkins, told WCIV, “That person made a careless mistake. And it’s not a mistake. It is a life-changing event,” “I never thought it would happen to us and to my beautiful sister, your beautiful daughter and all the 150 people that were there.” Image credit: Instagram/GoFundMe

Caring

“I'm alive!”: Former TV star emerges to refute claims

A former Bride and Prejudice star has spoken out against claims that she died, revealing her social media accounts were hacked spreading misinformation. It was reported on social media that Dannii Erskine had passed away in a horrific car crash in Melbourne on April 29. “Yes I have been in hospital but (I’m) very much alive”, she reportedly said. Erskine added that her family had “disowned her” following the death drama. The 28-year-old appeared on the Channel 7 show Bride and Prejudice in 2019 with her then-finance, Denton Ansley. A person claiming to be her sister told the So Dramatic! Podcast, hosted by entertainment journalist Megan Pustetto, that Erskine’s car was T-boned while returning home from the shops in North Melbourne. “Dee" said Errskine had sustained fatal injuries when her skull was crushed upon impact with her airbag and later died in hospital. There also appeared to be a post written by her family on her Instagram page, saying “REST IN PEACE Dannii Erskine. 1995-2023”. The page was taken down shortly after. However, there were rumours that Erskine might <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/she-s-alive-claims-over-tv-star-s-death-thrown-into-question" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still be alive</a>. In the wake of the claims, Erskine has released a statement to So Dramatic! “On the 29th of April, 2023, my Instagram account was hacked,” she said. “I spoke to the police over the phone and they’re going to look into it … I also reported it to Google.” Erskine claimed a notification on her phone said it has been logged into from a location in Geelong the day prior to her apparent death. She lives in the Mornington Peninsula. She insisted her sister Dee “never emailed” the podcast, rather it was “sent from someone who hacked my account”. “I have no idea who emailed So Dramatic! and to be honest I don’t really care.” Erskine revealed she had been in a car accident but that was in September 2022. She said she had been in hospital “all week” for an ankle reconstruction and doctors said she should focus on her recovery. “I haven’t had time to deal with this”. The former reality TV star claimed she was “advised not to comment” on the rumours, however, didn’t reveal who had advised her not to immediately state she was still alive. Pustetto said she has seen several messages from family members regarding the supposed death. Erskine said in her statement that her family was unimpressed by the ordeal. “I spoke to my family who (have) now completely disowned me. They advised to try (and) focus on my upcoming surgery. “It has put a lot of stress on my family and has caused severe issues for my sister.” Following the announcement, tributes flowed in for Erskine with her family writing emotional comments on her Instagram page. “28/04 took Dannii’s life to a speeding driver – An awful accident [sic],” one family member wrote. “We appreciate and respect wishes we have received as a family.” “Rest well Dans,” another post read. Image credit: Instagram

News

"Crossed a line": Bell Shakespeare's blistering response to negative review

Australian theatre company, Bell Shakespeare, has publicly issued a blistering response to a theatre critic’s “cruel and unfair” review. The Age critic Cameron Woodhead gave the theatre company’s current production of Macbeth a two star rating - and he singled out the lead actor, Hazem Shammas’ performance of Macbeth. In his review, Woodhead claimed that Shammas “belongs in the Richard III ward of Monty Python’s Hospital for Over-Acting”. He said that the Logie-winning actor’s portrayal of Macbeth was “so cartoonish” and “unhinged” and that he was “stalked by the inappropriate silhouette of the clown”. The 500-word review mostly nitpicked at Shammas’ performance, commenting on how he should reign in his “vein-popping excess” and “trust in the words” of Shakespeare, as if he knew what Shakespeare would’ve wanted. The review was published online on April 27 and a week later Bell Shakespeare launched their blistering response on social media. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBellShakespeareCo%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0359Wr76jN92ZX4DCPbSRNjn3557HSHfGARRtr8nqhUCTQFH19yy65fS2hTjCoRADKl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="478" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The statement began with the theatre company explaining that they are open to criticism and understand that sometimes there will be “creative differences”. “The Age’s theatre critic, Cameron Woodhead, didn’t like our current production of Macbeth (May 1 edition). That’s his prerogative; many critics have provided favourable reviews of this production and Macbeth means many things to many people. One of the joys of seeing Shakespeare’s works is to debate them afterwards. “This time though, we must call out conduct which, in our view, was cruel and unfair,” they wrote in their statement posted on Facebook. “Cameron’s targeting of the lead actor Hazem Shammas was, in our view, belittling and contemptuous,” they added, citing Woodhead’s harsh comments. “Whilst Cameron may have issues with the production, we do not consider a response should ever be draped in language like this. In our view, no actor deserves to be dismissed so personally in a theatre review”. They added that Shammas’ personal life and Palestinian background allowed him to resonate with the fact that “Macbeth is driven by something that finally breaks him,” as that story was his “dad’s story in terms of coming to this land and then pursuing his dreams at all costs, in terms of the costs to himself and breaking the hearts of the ones he left behind.” “Actors don’t have a voice when critics write negative things about them. It has long been thus. However, the stage is their workplace. And they are entitled to a safe space at work just as much as anyone,” they wrote, defending Shammas. They ended the statement saying that Woodhead had “crossed a line”. Many fans have applauded the company for standing up for their star, while others justified Woodhead’s criticism. “Cameron Woodhead gave one of my novels a bruisingly rude review a few years ago. I think he enjoys unleashing the poison pen occasionally. I have finally managed to laugh about it, but it took me years,” commented one person. “What a great response and wonderful example of integrity from Bell Shakespeare!” commented another person “Good on you for calling this out. We can be critical without being cruel, and given the tough times we’re in, we can all employ a little more respect and kindness,” wrote a third. Image: Bell Shakespeare

Art

Maddy McCann's parents' heart-wrenching post on 16-year anniversary

Madeleine McCann's parents have released an emotional statement on the 16-year anniversary of when their daughter was abducted. Kate and Gerry McCann shared that they are still hoping for a breakthrough in the search for their daughter, who would now be 19 years old. Maddie vanished from her family’s holiday apartment in Portugal in May 2007 at the age of three and has not been seen since. The grieving parents shared that even after 16 difficult years, they struggle to put their heartbreak into words. Writing on the official Find Madeleine Instagram Page, Kate and Gerry posted an emotional poem called The Contradiction by Clare Pollard before thanking people for their support. <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/p/Crwok6gLHau/?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/Crwok6gLHau/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Official Find Madeleine Campaign (@officialfindmadeleine)</a> </div> </blockquote> “The police investigation continues, and we await a breakthrough.” the post read. “Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction." “Still missing …… still very much missed." “It is hard to find the words to convey how we feel.” They added that the poem The Contradiction “resonates strongly with us”. The heart-wrenching poem reads, “You are not here, I’m not myself, but still I talk to you like this." “I cannot hold you, yet I do: please let me hold you in my head and where you are now, hold me too." After posting the poem, the couple wrote, “Thank you to everyone for your support – it really helps.” The post was flooded was comments of support, with one person writing, "We are so many who are with you, and who hope with all our hearts that she will be reunited with you. Please let this year be the year you'll get the answers you need." Another put it simply, "I hope she finds her way home to you." Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Ambulance report contradicts Daniel Andrews’ car crash statement

A newly discovered ambulance report has contradicted Daniel Andrews’ statement about a 2013 car accident on the Mornington Peninsula that almost killed a teenager. The Victorian premier was being driven by his wife Catherine in their family Ford Territory when it collided with a bike being ridden by 15-year-old Ryan Meuleman. The incident occurred near the Melbourne Rd and Ridley St intersection in Blairgowrie around 1:30pm on January 7, 2013. Meuleman suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs, internal bleeding and was left with just 10 per cent of his spleen. He was in The Royal Children’s Hospital for 11 days. Mrs Andrews wasn’t breathalysed following the accident, and the teen wasn’t given a chance to give a statement to police. Mr Andrews and his wife have held up their claims that Mueleman was at fault as the premier told reporters in 2017 that the teen was “moving at speed” when he “absolutely T-boned the car”. However, a document obtained by the Herald Sun, put together by Ambulance Victoria paramedics who were present at the scene, challenges the couple’s claims that they came to a “complete stop” and “turned right from a stationary position” moments before the collision. The “Patient Care Report” reads, 15YO on bike. Struck on L side by car travelling 40 to 60kmh … PT onto bonnet, then onto windscreen which cracked on impact … thrown onto roadway.” The document has only now been uncovered as Mr Mueleman, now 25, has escalated legal action. Speaking to the Herald Sun, barrister Daryl Dealehr said, “The serious injuries to the left side of Ryan’s body and the observations made by the ambulance officers who attended the crash are completely inconsistent with the claims to police made by Mr Andrews and his wife that their vehicle was travelling at a low speed,” “The evidence appears completely at odds with what Daniel and Catherine Andrews have been claiming since the collision.” The outlet reported in late 2022, before the November state election, that Meuleman had contacted lawyers to re-examine the accident and the circumstances surrounding the investigation and legal settlement that followed. The ambulance report was not in the files that were originally handed over by law firm Slater & Gordon. According to the Herald Sun, The Meuelemans are seeking pre-trial discovery against the law firm and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in an attempt to uncover any further “missing” documents. After the accident, Mueleman was paid $80,000 by the TAC, though his family have raised “concerns” over the proceedings. The teen’s parents insist they never engaged Slater & Gordon, a Labor-aligned law firm, to represent their son while the firm refuses to reveal what led to its involvement. “I hadn’t seen this report until a week ago,” Mueleman told the Herald Sun. “The lawyers never showed it to me. They just told me to agree to the deal and kind of, you know, shut up. I was 15 years old, mate. I was a kid. Seriously, I was 15. I am pretty blown away to be honest. I just wish I had it to show everyone 10 years ago. It would have changed everything. People would have known that they hit me, not the other way around.” In 2017, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission examined the police response to the crash, including failing to use a breathalyser after the crash. Mr Andrews and his wife were not formally interviewed until nearly a month after the incident. In November 2017, uncovered police photographs obtained by the saw the extent of damage to the vehicle. In his signed statement on February 2013, the Premier said, “We had turned right from a stationary position into Ridley St. Moments after we turned, a cyclist collided heavily with the side of our vehicle … the cyclist was travelling at speed and hit our car at a perfect right angle very heavily. I want to make it clear — the cyclist hit our vehicle.” In the statement, Mrs Andrews said, “I turned from Melbourne Rd after coming to a complete stop … just after we turned into Ridley St our car was struck heavily on the front driver’s side by a cyclist who it seems was attempting to cross Ridley St at speed from the bike path.” In a press conference in November, shortly after Mr Mueleman's new claims were revealed, Mr Andrew rejected several questions from reporters. “I’ve got nothing further to say,” he said. A spokesperson for the Premier said that the matter had been "dealt with" by Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos at a press conference that morning. “This is over a decade old,” Mr Dimopoulos told reporters. “The most appropriate authorities have investigated this thoroughly and have made no adverse findings. Beyond that, the Premier himself has answered questions on this almost as many times as he’s answered questions on Covid. This has been thoroughly examined and I really don’t have any more to say.” Image credit: Getty

News

Dalai Lama forced to apologise following bizarre footage of him and young boy

The Dalai Lama has apologised following the controversy surrounding him kissing a young Indian boy on the lips and asking him to “suck” his tongue. The exchange, which occurred at an event for India’s M3M Foundation in March 2023, has since gone viral on social media, with the spiritual leader’s office releasing a statement to address the situation. On behalf of the Dalai Lama, the statement reads he “wishes to apologise to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused”. “His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras,” the statement said, also saying he “regrets” the interaction. The leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Tenzin Gyatso, was hosting students and members of the foundation at his temple in Dharamshala, India, where he lives in exile. In the footage, the boy is seen approaching the microphone before asking, “Can I hug you?” His Holiness then responds, “OK, come” and ushers the boy onto the stage. The 87-year-old then motions to his cheeks and tells the child “first here” and the boy gives him a hug and a kiss. He holds the boy’s arm and turns to him, saying “then I think fine here also”, pointing to his lips. The Dalai Lama proceeded to grab the boy’s chin and kiss him on the mouth as the audience laughed. “And suck my tongue,” he tells the boy, sticking out his tongue. The two press their foreheads together and the boy pokes out his tongue briefly before stepping away as the spiritual leader gives him a playful slap on the chest and laughs. He can then be seen offering the boy spiritual advice, telling him to “look [to] those good human beings who create peace, happiness” and not “not follow those human beings who always kill other people”. The clip sparked outrage in India, with some describing the footage as “creepy” and “disgusting”, while his supporters insisted he was just “joking around”, local media reports. The clip has also gained a lot of traction on Spanish-language social media. “This video is scandalous,” Colombian journalist Vicky Dávila shared on Twitter. “The Dalai Lama kisses a boy who approaches him on the mouth. The attendees applaud and laugh instead of condemning this aberration.” In March, the official Twitter account for the Central Tibetan Administration shared a snippet of the second half of the interaction. Tibet.net wrote, “During his meeting with students and members of M3M Foundation at courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama advised a young Indian boy to look up to a good human being who always work for cultivating peace and happiness in the world,” The Dalai Lama made headlines back in 2019 following a sexism controversy after he said that if his successor were a woman, “she should be more attractive”. Following the sexism scandal, his office was forced to issue an apology, explaining that his “off-the-cuff remarks, which might be amusing in one cultural context, lose their humour in translation when brought into another”. In 2018 he made waves online after a remark he made on a trip to Sweden, suggesting that refugees should return to their homes and help rebuild their countries because “Europe belongs to Europeans.” Image credit: Twitter

News

"Chris is at rock bottom": Chris Smith releases statement after Christmas party furore

Chris Smith has apologised for his actions towards female colleagues at a work Christmas party, after <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/chris-smith-suspended-after-christmas-party-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allegations emerged</a> he acted inappropriately towards staff. The Sky News and 2GB host released a statement apologising for how he behaved, and revealed he has checked himself into a mental health facility. He blamed alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder for his actions: the same excuse the veteran broadcaster used when he was called out for inappropriate conduct at a 2GB Christmas party 13 years ago. Following the allegations of misconduct at this year's Sky News Christmas Party, Smith was suspended by Sky and 2GB, and his nutritionist wife Susie Burrell was seen walking out of their family home. In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Smith apologised for his behaviour and said the incidents at the party did not reflect his behaviour at work. "I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas party," Smith said. "I apologise profusely to the women I upset. That's not the man I am at work, ever, as they will all attest. They have been so supportive to me and do not deserve such drunken treatment." Smith blamed the incident on bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction, saying, "I have a recurring problem with alcohol... it sends me manic." "I am in a facility receiving professional help to deal conclusively with my abuse of alcohol and solve this once and for all, without qualification… it can and will be done," he said. "I am also terribly upset about humiliating myself with people I respect and admire. I have been blessed to call them close colleagues." "I pride myself on my professionalism and work ethic but I have dropped the ball and embarrassed many people including those I love most - my family. I am very sorry." Image credits: Instagram

News

Toni Collette forced to edit statement announcing divorce

Toni Collette has edited her statement announcing her divorce from husband David Galafassi after explosive images of him kissing another woman surfaced. The Aussie actress, 50, took to Instagram to confirm that she and husband Galafassi, 44, have broken up after photos emerged of him making out with another woman. However, just a few days later, Collette was forced to edit her statement to explain that she and Galafassi had been separated for a “substantial period”. Her new statement reads: “After a substantial period of separation, it is with grace and gratitude that we announce we are divorcing. “We’re united in our decision and part with continuing respect and care for each other. “Our kids are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to thrive as a family, albeit a different shape. <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/Cl3-GTgBYtF/?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/Cl3-GTgBYtF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by TONI COLLETTE (@toni_collette_official)</a> </div> </blockquote> “We’re thankful for the space and love you grant us as we evolve and move through this transition peacefully. “Big thanks.” Collette’s shock statement came less than 24 hours after the paparazzi images were published in the Daily Mail. The pair share two children together, aged 14 and 11, and split their time between Australia and the United States. They first met back in 2002 at the launch of Galafassi’s band Gelbison's debut album Metal Detector in Sydney. They ran into each other again a few days later and Collette said “he was the first person I saw when I walked in the door”. “He kissed me on the cheek and I just kind of melted. I planned to stay for ten minutes… I was there for 12 hours. It was a good day,” she said at the time. Images: Getty

Relationships

Julie Bishop discusses the power of fashion in a male-dominated government

After a long career in law and politics, Julie Bishop is no stranger to being a woman in a male-dominated workplace. Throughout her time in parliament, Julie was told by "an older white male" within her party to dress more like a Minister for Aging should, to "drop the corporate look" in favour of "cardigans", and was mockingly dubbed the Minister for Fashion while Foreign Minister. "I had forged a career in law at a time when there were very few women in senior ranks and so I was accustomed to being in a very male dominated profession, so I didn't ever see my career through a gender lens," Bishop tells <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/julie-bishop-interview-breaking-barriers-australian-fashion-diplomacy-politics-of-dress-exclusive/cfb790bf-e447-48d3-bb73-a1a22c6c531d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a> in London. "It was the norm to me, but over time, I did find the different standard, somewhat frustrating, but I knew why that happened because all the conventions and protocols and attitudes in parliament were established at a time when there were no women in parliament and it takes a long time to change people's attitudes." As Julie forged her own way through the walls of Parliament House and demanded respect from her male colleagues, she found a way to harness her love of fashion to make a political statement. Following in the footsteps of Madeleine Albright, the first female US Secretary of State – a woman Bishop says she "admired enormously" – she tried her hand at "brooch diplomacy" for a while "but I found that the use of colour was even more powerful". Bishop began to help drive the fashion industry contributing approximately $13 billion to the Australian economy at the time, with the invaluable help of Vogue Australia editor Edwina McCann. "I have come to accept that there are different standards applied to female politicians as opposed to male politicians but I use that, I think, to the advantage of Australia," she tells 9Honey. "I was representing Australia overseas. So I deliberately chose Australian fashions that were notable and appropriate to send a message that necessarily meant that there would be media focus on my clothes, so I could hardly complain about it. "But there were times when my promotion of Australian fashion was the subject of criticism. I believe that came about because of ignorance." "My critics ridiculed me by calling me the Minister for Fashion [but] little did they realise that I absolutely revelled in that and wore it as a badge of honour." "I felt vindicated every time a young designer said to me, 'Julie, when you wear one of my outfits on the world stage, I've made it. Suddenly the orders come in. Suddenly, people want to know me.' That was my vindication." Image credits: 9Honey

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