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Former Home and Away star's joyful baby news

Former Home and Away stars Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell are expecting their first child together. The Australian actress and her co-star turned husband confirmed the happy news on Instagram. The 37-year-old actress made her little baby bump debut at the Adelaide Film Festival and shared a picture of herself on the red carpet looking stunning in a form-fitting pink dress. “VERY excited to share baby Mitchell and @kangarooislandmovie coming sooooooooon! Thanks @adlfilmfest for having us and everyone who came to support us🙏🤍,” she wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. The mum-to-be rested one of her hands on top of the baby bump as she proudly smiled for the cameras. The actress was at the festival for the premiere of her new film Kangaroo Island on the event's closing night. Her husband commented on the post with a series of heart-eyed emojis. Breeds' co-stars and fellow actors were quick to congratulate the couple in the comments. “Congratulations Bec and Luke! Very exciting news,” Home and Away star Lynne McGranger said. “Ahhhhh amazing you guys! This is the best news!” former Home and Away actress Jessica McNamee added. “Congrats!!!!!” A Perfect Pairing actor Adam Demos said. The couple first met on the set of Home and Away in 2009 and quickly became a fan-favourite off-screen relationship. Breeds played Ruby Buckton on the soap between 2008 and 2012, while Mitchell played Romeo Smith between 2009 and 2013. The couple tied the knot in January 2013 and went to live and work in the US for years before returning to Australia. Images: Instagram/ Seven

Relationships

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

Police have revealed the body of a Queensland grandmother has been found 800km from home in bushland near a main tourist area. Wendy Hansen, 63, was last seen at an ATM in her hometown Monto - about 170km west of Bundaberg, Queensland - on February 29 this year. She was reported missing when she didn't return home, with police finding CCTV footage of her driving 400km south on Queensland's main highway on February 29. Queensland Police continued their public push for information in the months that followed, but on Thursday, NSW police revealed that they found her body half buried in bushland near Jordan Esplanade in Coffs Harbour on June 18. NSW homicide detectives are now looking for her vehicle, a silver 2007 two-door Mitsubishi Pajero with Queensland registration plates 645TCZ. In a statement on Thursday, NSW detectives appealed to the public for help with finding her car. "As investigations continue detectives are appealing to the public for any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," they said. "Detectives are specifically interested in the location of Wendy’s car which has not yet been located and are urging anyone with dashcam vision of the car to contact police immediately." Images: NSW Police

Caring

Beloved Star Trek and Marvel star passes away at age 49

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a talented actor and beloved individual, Kenneth Mitchell, who passed away at the age of 49 after bravely battling ALS for five years. Mitchell, recognised for his roles in notable productions such as Star Trek: Discovery and Captain Marvel, leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the screen. In a heartfelt statement shared through X and Instagram, Mitchell's family announced his passing, remembering him as a cherished father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend. “With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” his family wrote. “Ken was widely known as an actor in many films and television shows. He’s portrayed an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, a superhero’s dad, and four unique Star Trekkers. “For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment. “He lived by the principles that each day is a gift and that we never walk alone. His life is a shining example of how full one can be when you live with love, compassion, humour, inclusion, and community.” <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/C3wkUg9tOmj/?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/C3wkUg9tOmj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kenneth Mitchell (@mr_kenneth_mitchell)</a> </div> </blockquote> Mitchell's journey with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, began in 2018 when he received the diagnosis. Despite the challenges it presented, he faced his condition with courage and resilience. By 2019, Mitchell had transitioned to using a wheelchair, and in 2020, he chose to share his health struggles publicly, shedding light on the realities of living with ALS. In an interview he gave during that time, Mitchell expressed the profound impact of his diagnosis on both himself and his wife, emphasising the strength they found in facing adversity together. He spoke of the initial shock and uncertainty surrounding his condition, highlighting the process of grieving and adjusting to a new reality marked by unknown challenges. For fans of Star Trek, Mitchell's portrayal of Klingon characters Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik, and Aurellio in Star Trek: Discovery resonated deeply, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor. Additionally, his voice acting contributions to Star Trek: Lower Decks further solidified his place within the cherished franchise. The outpouring of tributes from the Star Trek community, as well as from his colleagues and fans worldwide, speaks volumes about Mitchell's impact both on and off the screen. A statement from StarTrek.com conveys condolences to Mitchell's family, friends, and loved ones, underscoring the profound loss felt by all who were touched by his work. Mitchell is survived by his wife Susan May Pratt and their two children, and has requested any gifts be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children. Images: Instagram

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Popular TV host diagnosed with same condition as Bruce Willis

Popular American TV host Wendy Williams has shared her diagnosis after being plagued by "hurtful rumours". The 59-year-old's medical team announced in a lengthy statement that she has been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia: the same conditions actor Bruce Willis is battling. The news comes after Williams' family confirmed she had checked in to a facility to treat cognitive issues. “Questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions,” her medical team said. They said Williams' symptoms first began in 2023, and was diagnosed with the neurological conditions just weeks later after undergoing a series of tests. Her team said both conditions have “already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life”. “Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine,” they said. “Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.” Williams chose to share the news to “advocate for understanding” and to “raise awareness” for the difficult conditions. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioural changes but have not yet received a diagnosis,” her team said. “There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need." “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humour and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed." “She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.” The TV presenter has previously been open with her medical battle with Graves’ disease and lymphedema, as well as other significant challenges related to her health. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

"What a life I’ve had": Author announces own death after years of battling dementia

Wendy Mitchell has died aged 68 after documenting her brave battle with dementia. The author from Walkington, East Yorkshire, became the best-selling writer after she was diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia and Alzheimer's in July 2014. She shared her philosophical outlook on living with the condition in her acclaimed 2018 memoir Somebody I Used To Know and in her 2022 book What I Wish I Knew About Dementia. In an <a href="https://whichmeamitoday.wordpress.com/2024/02/22/my-final-hug-in-a-mug/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">open letter</a> shared online, the author announced her death and revealed that she had refused to eat or drink towards the end of her battle. "If you’re reading this, it means this has probably been posted by my daughters as I’ve sadly died," she began. "Sorry to break the news to you this way, but if I hadn’t, my inbox would eventually have been full of emails asking if I’m OK, which would have been hard for my daughters to answer… "In the end I died simply by deciding not to eat or drink any more," she wrote. She added that the last cup of tea she had, her "final hug in a mug" was "the hardest thing to let go of". "Dementia is a cruel disease that plays tricks on your very existence. I’ve always been a glass half full person, trying to turn the negatives of life around and creating positives, because that’s how I cope." Mitchell said that the language used by doctors can "make or break" how someone copes with dementia, and instead of saying there's "nothing they can do" it is better to tell them they will have to "adapt to a new way of living". "Well I suppose dementia was the ultimate challenge. Yes, dementia is a bummer, but oh what a life I’ve had playing games with this adversary of mine to try and stay one step ahead," she wrote in her final blog post. She also said that she had always been resilient, which has helped her cope with whatever life throws in her way. Mitchell has been an advocate for assisted dying in the UK, and said that "the only legal choice we shouldn’t have in life is when to be born; for everything else, we, as humans, should have a choice; a choice of how we live and a choice of how we die." She added that the way she died was an active choice as she doesn't want "to be an inpatient in a hospital, or a resident in a Care Home," as "it’s just not the place I want to end my years." "My girls have always been the two most important people in my life. I didn’t take this decision lightly, without countless conversations. They were the hardest conversations I’ve ever had to put them through. "This was all MY CHOICE, my decision. So please respect my daughters' privacy, as they didn’t choose the life I chose, of standing up to and speaking out against dementia." She then thanked everyone for their support and left with a touching final message. "So, enjoy this knowing that dementia didn’t play the winning card – I did." Images: Daily Mail

Caring

"The time's right": Neil Mitchell signs off

After 34 years on the air, 3AW radio veteran Neil Mitchell is signing off. Neil Mitchell has been a staple of Australian radio for decades, growing a reputation for being fair, decent, honest and sometimes "a bit grumpy". A Current Affair's Ally Langdon joined the 3AW veteran to reflect on a stellar career that earned him a legion of loyal listeners. "I've always wanted to be a journalist from about age 14," he told Langdon. "But not for a moment did I think that I would end up doing something such as I have, editing a newspaper and doing this." His passion as a radio presenter lies in the "real people" who call in each morning, saying, "You can go from a person laughing and telling you jokes and carrying on to great stories." "And then a couple of calls later there's somebody in tears that you need to help. It is real people." "I regularly shed tears on air ... And if we can make a difference, I shed tears again because we've had success." Over his decades on air, Mitchell clashed with many Aussie politicians, sharing how he took it upon himself to be a spokesperson for everyday Australians. "They've established a system where they don't have to be accountable," he said. "And [if] anybody attempts to make them accountable ... they resented it. Accountability is disappearing I'm afraid." While he is stepping back from his flagship show, he has assured listeners he isn't signing off forever. "I'll still be here. I'll be doing podcasts and all sorts of things. I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be an interesting change." "I'm going to miss it, stepping away. But the time's right." Image credits: Nine

Music

"I still can't fathom it": Wendy Harmer names and shames inappropriate guest

Wendy Harmer has named and shamed the high-profile comedian who would regularly expose his genitals to her during an ongoing radio prank. Recalling the X-rated moments in her new memoir Lies My Mirror Told Me, the 68-year-old broadcasting veteran revealed that her former 2Day FM co-host, comedian Jamie Dunn would consistently expose himself as a joke. Harmer recalled how she never found the joke amusing nor sexual in nature, writing, "I suspect Jamie was a bit of a naturist." "I still can't fathom why he would do it as a gag on radio," she said, later confirming that she saw Dunn's penis "more times" than she "cared to remember". Harmer recalled the "joke" in detail, while her former co-host, Paul Holmes, also shared his experience in the memoir, saying he never understood the reasoning behind the bizarre prank. Holmes wrote, "He'd drop his dacks, exposing his penis, raise his hands in the air and strike a pose." When approached by the Sydney Morning Herald for comment, Dunn, who was best known for voicing and operating the children's puppet Agro, admitted to exposing himself "once or twice" as a "harmless joke". In her memoir, Harmer went on to detail the early days of her career in the male-dominated media industry, and shared how she very quickly learned to stand up for herself. “I was a kid, I soon developed a more assertive attitude ... Many men I have worked with have said I’m a bit scary, they’re usually the ones who got second billing,” Harmer told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Certainly, I would not like my daughter to have gone through some of the things I went through in the workplace.” Image credits: Getty Images

Books

Radio veteran steps down after 34 years on the air

Radio veteran Neil Mitchell has announced he will be stepping back from hosting his 3AW Mornings show after 34 years on the air. Mitchell shared the news to his dedicated listeners on Friday morning in an emotional statement. “Apart from my family, radio has been my life and my love. I will miss enormously the energy, excitement, and occasional whack that the audience dishes out to me daily,” he said. “But it is time, after 34 years of 4am starts, peddling flat out is getting a little hard.” In his statement, Mitchell said he will stay on with 3AW and Nine in a new role, including hosting his successful new podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why. “I will still appear on 3AW as an analyst, will do a weekly podcast, and hope to continue writing and TV work as well,” he continued. “And, don’t celebrate yet Daniel Andrews, I am here until December. Thanks to all for the superb support over the years." In a follow-up statement, Mitchell assured listeners he will stay true to himself and his beliefs in his new roles. “I have been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years,” he wrote. “It is a tough decision to step away from the daily program. It is the best job I have ever had. But I promise I will continue my philosophy and attitude through this new role. It is one I have crafted carefully with the approval of 3AW and Nine management because I want to continue to have an impact and continue to work for the audience as the media landscape changes.” Mitchell has been a key player at 3AW since beginning his radio career with the station in 1987, where he started working part-time on weekends and as a morning fill-in host for former broadcaster Derryn Hinch. From there, he got his big break hosting the Drive show before moving to the Mornings slot, where he has been ever since. Mitchell has won several awards during his time as a radio journalist, while also devoting his time to helping those less fortunate, and helping to raise over $10 million for charities and causes close to his heart. Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, thanked Mitchell for his service in his career. “Thirty four years hosting Mornings on 3AW is a record that’s likely never to be beaten. Neil has been at the top of his game and the top of ratings for nearly all of that time. It’s an incredible run. We’d have loved him to stay on, but Neil is adamant it’s time.” Image credits: 3AW

News

"Forever cherish the memories": Hunter Valley groom speaks

Mitchell Gaffney, the groom who lost 10 friends in the Hunter Valley bus crash incident, has spoken out for the first time. The newlywed spoke at his friend Zachary Bray’s funeral in Sydney, three weeks after the devastating collision. The 29-year-old was remembered as a loveable larrikin and an adored brother and son, who had survived a battle with bowel cancer and was dedicated to raising awareness to the disease. Gaffney and Bray met playing football and became friends off the field. “Although you’ll never get the chance to put the jumper on again, you’ll always be there by our side,” Gaffney said. Bray was known as Labrador or Lab to his footy mates, with the affectionate nickname speaking to his gentle character. “They’re pretty smart dogs,” Gaffney said. “They’re extremely loveable but no matter what they do, they do it with that big goofy smile." “That was the first impression he made and it still holds true.” Gaffney said Bray was the ultimate team player, who “had the ability to make everyone feel included”. “We will forever cherish the memories that we are lucky enough to hold together.” Bray’s family and friends including his girlfriend Georgie Copeland, came together to honour Bray in the emotional ceremony. “My heart hurts,” Copeland said. “I can’t deny it.” “But I know that it hurts deeply because it was deeply real.” Bray’s mother Jacqui Varasdi also spoke at the funeral, and said being his mother was her “greatest achievement”. <div> “And to see you here, laying in this box, just doesn’t make any sense.” Many of the guests will gather again next week to honour the lives of Nadene and Kyah McBride, who were also killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash. Image credits: 7News </div>

Caring

Former X-Factor star charged with murder of baby

Mitchell David Callaway, a former X-Factor contestant who appeared alongside Johnny Ruffo in the show’s 2011 season, has been charged with murder for the death of a nine-month-old girl in 2018. Emergency services had been called out over reports of an unresponsive baby girl in the Central West, and despite the best efforts of medical professionals and transport to Coonabarabran Hospital, she passed away. Callaway was arrested on June 8 - five years after her death - at a house in Bowraville, New South Wales. That same day, the 37-year-old faced Macksville Local Court, and was refused bail with instruction to attend court again the following week. The arrest was the culmination of a five year investigation under Strike Force King, after police officials received new information and executed a crime scene warrant at another property - actions which eventually led them to Callaway’s door. And now, the young girl’s mother has spoken out on social media about his arrest, and the devastating loss of her baby. “After almost five years to the day, an arrest has finally been made,” she wrote. “All the years of pain, suffering and grief and following my mother’s intuition. She spoke of how there was still a “long road ahead” in getting justice for her daughter, with court proceedings still to occur, but that it was good to see “the beginning of justice” in the wake of her heartbreak. “She has been the reason I have continued to fight, live and have made it this far,” she added. “Not a day goes by that I do not miss you and wish you were here. “This doesn’t bring you back but it does bring you some peace and the justice you deserve. Forever my little girl. Mummy loves you, xx”. Additional online tributes - from the time of her passing - described her as a “precious daughter”, and someone who was also an “adored and loved great-granddaughter, granddaughter, niece, and cousin”. A funeral was held for the girl, where more heartfelt words were shared, and her loved ones came together in a flurry of bright colour to “celebrate the first birthday she never got to have.” “She was the definition of perfect,” an obituary for her declared. “She was the happiest, smiliest, cheekiest baby who melted the hearts of everyone that met her.” Images: NSW Police

News

"Obnoxious": Wendy Harmer names and shames worst ever guest

Wendy Harmer has named and shamed the celebrity that left her feeling "very unimpressed" during a combative interview. The former 2DayFM and ABC Radio Sydney host has interviewed famous faces from all over the world during her decades-long career, but one US celebrity apparently treated her "like trash" when they met. Spilling her secrets on on the latest episode of The Matty Johns Podcast, Harmer admitted that late megastar Meatloaf was the "biggest a**hole" she came across. “Oh my god, what an obnoxious person he was,” she told him. “He came in to co-host the show one day on 2DayFM. He just treated me like trash, talked over the top of me, didn’t look at me … I just found him incredibly rude." “I was very unimpressed with Meatloaf.” Harmer also shared a funny anecdote about meeting and interviewing Jennifer Lopez while she was in Australia for a press junket. Harmer described how they spoke with her make-up artist first, who was gushing over her “fabulous” boss, telling them, “You know, she has a real natural look to her make-up, we don’t have to do too much because she’s such a natural beauty.” But once Lopez came out for the interview to commence, Harmer said there was a moment where the make-up artist sort of “slapped her face”. "And poof, a whole cloud of white powder... She looked like a skunk with two raisins for eyes, I swear to God,” the broadcaster joked. “It was like her facial features had been taken away and put in the witness protection program.” Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Top politicians not so calculated after all

New South Wales Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and her counterpart in the opposition, Prue Car, were put to the test while appearing live on 2GB. The two were chatting to radio host Ben Fordham after a pre-election debate when he presented them with a challenge: a problem from the Year 7 NAPLAN test’s Numeracy section. NAPLAN tests typically consist of multiple choice questions and ones where students must write their answers in the spaces provided. While calculators are permitted outside of the short non-calculator sections, they were far from the hands of Sarah and Prue as Ben sprung his test upon them. Ben opened by explaining to the two that they had to solve the question without the use of the handy devices, and that they had room to show their working, just as any Year 7 would when faced with the same test. “Pears cost $4 per kilogram,” Ben explained, reading from the question posed to the ministers, “Ben buys 4.15 kilograms of pears. How much does Ben pay for the pears?” The two wasted no time in putting pen to paper and getting started, with Ben chuckling that they were “busily working away.” Prue finished working first, cradling her chin in her hand as Ben asked if she wanted to hand in her sheet, before he explained to Sarah when to fill in her answer. “Just like the students do,” he said, “this is a test environment. Your Year 7 students in New South Wales have got to face these questions.” “You’ve outdone yourself with this today, Ben,” Prue remarked, while Sarah continued her calculations. After roughly one minute, both sheets were in Ben’s hands, and he was ready to announce the results. Prue, despite finishing first, got her answer wrong. Upon hearing the news, the minister burst into laughter, with an amused Sarah piping up that she “might be too, Prue.” Ben went on to repeat the question, and shared Prue’s answer of $4.15. “The minister Sarah Mitchell,” he continued, “has got this one right!” The correct answer to the problem? $16.60. “Can I just say, English was my strong suit,” Prue declared in light of her defeat. And to the great amusement of both Prue and Ben, Sarah announced, “so was mine, Prue!” Images: 2GB

News

Body of missing Gold Coast mum found

The search for Gold Coast mum Wendy Sleeman has drawn to a devastating close after her body was found in a car boot. The 61-year-old had been missing since Tuesday, after she vanished just moments after calling police from her home to report a break-in. Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith told reporters on Thursday night that a body was found in the blue Honda Jazz police had been searching for in a garage at a unit block in the inner-northern Brisbane suburb of Windsor. “It would appear that we’ve located the body of Wendy Sleeman,” Superintendent Smith said. “Whilst it’s yet to be formally identified, it certainly appears to be her.” Wendy's son, Slade Murdok, 30, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in connection with her death. He was remanded in custody after appearing in court in Brisbane on charges of unlawful stalking, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The frantic search for Wendy began after police attended her home following her phone call to find pools of blood. She called police after noticing signs of forced entry, saying to police on the phone, “It doesn’t look like there’s anyone here”. But 30 minutes later when police arrived on the scene, the 61-year-old was nowhere to be found. “It’s a very sad time for the family. Obviously they’ve been advised. On the other side I suppose it gives them some closure as to where she is,” Superintendent Smith said. “It’s a tragic scene, a tragic circumstance.” Image credits: Facebook

News

With the strokes of a guitar solo, Joni Mitchell showed us how our female music elders are super punks

The iconic Joni Mitchell’s recent surprise performance at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxiluPSmAF8&feature=youtu.be">2022 Newport Folk Festival</a> prompted a world-wide outpouring of love and respect. This was her first musical performance since suffering from a brain aneurysm in 2015 that left her unable to walk and talk. Last year, she spoke of having <a href="https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/joni-mitchell-addresses-health-issues-in-rare-speech-at-2021-kennedy-center-honors-3112447">polio as a child</a> as “a rehearsal for the rest of my life”. The tributes for Mitchell celebrated her triumph from illness to recovery, but they also paid homage to Mitchell’s career that has pivoted on protest. Mitchell is largely associated with folk scenes of the 60s and 70s. She has produced a prolific body of work, advocating for social change. As a committed activist she has spoken against environmental degradation, war, LGBTQI+ discrimination, and most recently, removed <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/29/22907696/joni-mitchell-spotify-joe-rogan-podcast-misinformation-covid-19">her music catalogue</a> from Spotify in a protest against anti-vaccine propaganda. Now, with the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7wOdpxGctc">strokes of a guitar solo</a> she repositioned herself from folk hero to punk provocateur, defying the “permissible” ways older women “should” behave. In commanding public space and using one of the most traditionally masculinised expressions of popular music practice, she directly challenged the sorts of expectations many people have around gendered norms, particularly what women in their elder years look and sound like. <h2>Not everyone gets to age on stage</h2> Some of the most persistent social restrictions placed on women and gender diverse musicians are in relation to age. Ongoing expectations of older women are to be passive, quiet and very much in the background. They are rarely asked, or expected, to “take up space” in the same ways their male counterparts do. Whereas men step through phases of youthful experimentation into established music legends, there are tiresome obstacles for female and gender diverse people to do the same. And while exceptions are often exceptional, they are not plentiful. It’s not just age. Women have long been sidelined when it comes to acknowledging their skills on the electric guitar. Much like Mitchell. The electric guitar has been an important part of rock and punk genres. There is a symbiotic relationship between how these genres – and the instrumentation that defines them – have unwittingly become gendered. The electric guitar solo in particular has come to be associated with machismo: fast, loud, expert, brave. If you like to imagine a world where women don’t exist, google “best guitar solos ever”. A recent <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/04/02/opinion/grammys-rock-guitar-solo.html">New York Times article</a> suggested things are starting to change. Citing guitarists like Taja Cheek and Adrianne Lenker, the Times suggested the guitar solo has shifted from a macho institution into a display of vulnerability, a moment (perhaps many) of connectivity. Mitchell’s performance sits somewhere in this domain. For the hundreds of thousands of women and gender diverse guitarists world-wide, myself included, the electric guitar and the genres it is entwined with offer a cool, optional extra: to test the cultural norms of gender with other markers of identity like class, culture, sexuality and age, to blur ideas of what we should and shouldn’t do. <h2>Australian women to the front</h2> Australian women and gender diverse rock and punk musicians are often subject to a double act of erasure – missing from localised histories, and also from broader canons of contemporary music, which often remain persistently rooted in the traditions of the UK and the US. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55669013-my-rock-n-roll-friend">Tracey Thorn’s brilliant biography</a> of the Go-Between’s drummer Lindy Morrison is a love lettered homage that steps out the complex local, emotional, personal and structural ways that Australian women and gender diverse people are often omitted from cultural spaces. “We are patronised and then we vanish,” writes Thorn. The work of women and gender diverse artists is often compared to the glossy pedestal of the male creative genius. In this light, we don’t play right, we don’t look right, we don’t sound right. And then, somehow, we don’t age right. Other reasons are far more mundane. Women contribute around <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/blog/economics-blog/2019/Value-unpaid-work-care.html">13 hours more unpaid work</a> than men each week. Carrying plates overflowing with generous gifts of labour, the maintenance of a music practice – a largely underpaid endeavour – is often the first to fall by the wayside. Add to the mix ingrained social networks of knowledge sharing, and the dominance of men making decisions higher up the chain, and it is easy to see how women and gender diverse musicians stay submerged as men rise to the limited real estate of music elders. The problem isn’t so much about starting up. It’s about finding the time to keep up. <h2>Our female and gender diverse music elders</h2> There are so many Australian female and gender diverse music elders. Some are visible, but many ripple beneath the surface. Regardless of genre, in maintaining decades-long practice, they are the super punks whose legacy can be heard in venues across the country. The challenge now is to support the current crop of excellent musicians beyond the flushes of youth so that we have a more sustainable, textured and diverse Australian music culture. One where Mitchell’s defiance of expectations represents the status quo of how older women should and can be. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/with-the-strokes-of-a-guitar-solo-joni-mitchell-showed-us-how-our-female-music-elders-are-super-punks-188075" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Music

“This house is my special place”: Wendy Whiteley promises $100 million gift to NSW

Wendy Whiteley has made an “extraordinary” cultural gift to NSW, promising to sell her Lavender Bay home and bequeath her collection of her late husband Brett Whiteley’s artworks to the Art Gallery of NSW. The collection is worth more than $100 million and will be among the largest single donations the gallery has received in its 151-year history according to director Michael Brand. “This gift is yet another example of what an outstanding citizen of our harbour city Wendy Whiteley is, and why she continues to be so admired and revered,” Brand <a href="https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/media-office/whiteley-bequest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. Almost 2000 artworks spanning Whiteley’s career will be left jointly to the gallery and the Brett Whitely Foundation. As for Wendy’s home, which has lived in since 1969, it will not be preserved in public ownership. The 81-year-old has instead instructed that it be sold upon her death, with the proceeds going into a trust to secure the future of the collection and the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills. “It doesn’t amke any sense to turn [the house] into another museum,” Wendy told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/this-house-needs-a-family-again-wendy-whiteley-s-extraordinary-100-million-gift-to-nsw-20220615-p5atzy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a>. “It would be almost impossible to run it as a museum, having knowledge of what it costs to do this kind of thing. This house needs a family again. It would be lovely to think of a creative family but it would be enough if they loved it, and lived in it. She told the publication that she hopes its future owners would “keep an eye on the garden” and hassle “whoever’s in charge” if it starts to fall into disrepair. “I imagine I’m going to be here until, you know, they take me out in a coffin. Long ago I gave up taking anything for granted, like health or longevity,” she said. “The house is my special place, along with the garden and the studio. All have expanded my opportunity to lead a creative life. That’s what I’d like for others through this bequest.” The Wendy and Arkie Whiteley Bequest takes inspiration from the couple’s daughter, Arkie, who died just nine years after her father from cancer at the age of 37. After Arkie’s passing in 2001, Wendy became the sole custodian of the collection and solely responsible for maintaining her husband’s legacy. “Certainly this is Brett’s legacy, but it is also mine and my daughter’s because we made it happen,” Wendy said. The couple’s home in Lavender Bay features some of Brett’s major works, including Archibald Prize-winning Self portrait in the studio 1976, his Sir John Prize-winning Interior with time past 1976, and The jacaranda tree (on Sydney Harbour) 1977. Its significance was recognised in 2018 when it, along with the setting and former studio, were state heritage listed. Image: Art Gallery of NSW

Real Estate

Scott Morrison's nephew faces new charges

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s nephew has been charged with a number of crimes. Builder, Mitchell Cole, is facing charges for allegedly committing 20 offences, with many claiming he worked on their homes unlicensed and without insurance. In a 2019 segment, A Current Affair revealed that customers had been irritated by the builder who had bragged about his politician-uncle to gain more business. They alleged he took off with their money and left their homes a mess and incomplete. Fay Voyiatsis revealed to the Channel 9 program that she had paid Mr Cole $56,000 to undergo a balcony extension, pergola and some retaining walls. However, she says it became clear he never intended to finish the job. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841601/scomo-nephew-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ec0f2cc7bb734162b82d95823e9cb381" /> "He was just trying to get as much money out of us and walk away," she claimed. Father of two James McCall also had his own experience with the politician’s nephew, claiming he paid Mr Cole $23,000 to tile his pool and erect some fencing. However, the small amount of work he did was riddled with issues which Mr Cole claimed would cost another $15,000 to fix. Couple, Vanessa Corsar and Peter Flanagan, also allege they gave Mr Cole $26,000 for an extension on their house, but later found out that allegedly Mr Cole didn't even hold a building licence. A Current Affair revealed Mr Cole was well known to fair trading and had been convicted six times. He had also been fined more than $60,000 for carrying out work without a licence. He allegedly continued his operation and changed his business name multiple times. The Prime Minister made it clear he did not have much contact with his nephew but found the information about Mr Cole “deeply concerning”. Mr Cole faces court next week. Image: Channel 9

Legal

Home and Away star sells Sydney apartment

US-based expatriate actress Rebecca Breeds has sold her investment apartment home in Sydney, securing $810,000 for the Narrabeen property. The Australian actress appears to have done well for herself living in Los Angeles as she is set to appear in the series Clarice. She originally bought the lakeside apartment for $490,000 in 2009 and moved to the US seven years ago with her husband, Luke Mitchell. The pair met in 2009 when Mitchell, who originally was on Neighbours, made his way on to the Summer-Based soapie Home and Away. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839294/home-and-away.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5deab8f9bd60450584d2695f48bc8ca5" /> He starred as Romeo Smith while breeds played Ruby Buckton. Since moving to the US, Breeds has secured roles in Pretty Little Liars and The Originals. Clarice is the Silence of the Lambs reboot with Breeds reprising Jodie Foster’s Oscar-winning role. The lakeside Goodwin St property sold just before the northern beaches cluster lockdown and had been making income for Breeds as a rental property. Breeds and Mitchell still share their three-bedroom Cronulla apartment, which they rent out after purchasing for $1,425,000 back in 2017.

Real Estate

Simply the worst? Backlash over error-riddled and "divisive" NRL ad

South Sydney NRL player Latrell Mitchell has made a dig at Karl Stefanovic after he criticised the star’s role in the NRL’s controversial new campaign. The new advertisement campaign which was revealed on Monday, unveiled a throwback to Tina Turner’s iconic hit Simply The Best. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thirty years on, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRL</a> is still simply the best. See the revival of Tina Turner's famous 1990 campaign, featuring some of the biggest moments in footy from the past three decades 🏉 <a href="https://t.co/2wU39u6sMk">pic.twitter.com/2wU39u6sMk</a> — Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) <a href="https://twitter.com/telegraph_sport/status/1234387970259652608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2020</a></blockquote> However, what originally was made to bring attention to the NRL and pay homage to a number of prominent, remarkable figures has been labelled as too “politically correct”. The critics slammed the ad which featured a shot of Latrell Mitchell draped in an Aboriginal flag, singer Macklemore’s famous performance from 2017 where he made a tribute for same-sex marriage and a famous kiss between Karina Brown and Vanessa Foliaki after the partners played against each other in a State of Origin match. Today host Karl Stefanovic was among some of those who slammed the advertisement and singled out the NRL player who wore an aboriginal flag. He insisted the move did not promote inclusion for the game. “How do you unite the game when you have a picture of Latrell Mitchell on his own with the Aboriginal flag around him?” Stefanovic said on Tuesday. “That’s not unifying, that’s divisive. “It’s putting him on his own. “Rugby league is about indigenous (people) and everyone else coming together for the sport, not putting anyone on their own.” <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/B8K2ppfg7UH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=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="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/B8K2ppfg7UH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by L a t r e l l M i t c h e l l™ (@iam_lm01)</a> on Feb 4, 2020 at 7:09pm PST </div> </blockquote> Mitchell was quick to share some of the comments on his personal Instagram account. “This ad shows (Charnze) Nicoll-Klokstad by himself, shows (Tyson) Frizell by himself. Yet Karl picks out Latrell standing by himself with the Aboriginal flag as ‘divisive’,” read one post that Mitchell shared. “Once again blackfullas can’t be proud of our culture without a whiter person’s approval. “Once again people must shut up and play footy, so that we can avoid offending the racists of our country.”

“Kids are like dogs:” Pauline Hanson compares raising children to “training pets”

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has shared some outlandish opinions by comparing raising children to training animals. The politician told The Today Show on Monday there are similarities with disciplining your children and pets. Ms Hanson also said reports suggesting parents should “train” their babies as a dog was not so far off from the truth. “Kids are like dogs... you actually look after them, treat them well, give them that love and care and attention,” she said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “Kids are like dogs, if you actually look after them, treat them well, give them that love and care and attention. The problem today is parents aren’t allowed to discipline their kids. We are losing respect, they lose respect for authorities.” <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineHansonOz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulineHansonOz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/DboCmqm5OP">pic.twitter.com/DboCmqm5OP</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1163195148760518656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote> The outlandish comments amused the morning show host Georgie Gardner, who said she was reluctant to end the segment. “Pauline, I loathe to interrupt because I'm scared I'm going to get in trouble but we have to go now,” she said. “Its been enlightening and everyone is awake across the country and terrified of you.” A controversial new British television show has caused a stir for it’s hosts, behaviourist Jo-Rosie, sharing her own parenting tips. She said she would be applying the same techniques as she would to train an animal with a three-year-old toddler. Ms Hanson said the “technique” gets results, and would use the same methods on her own children. “I would give them a clip over the ear if they didn't do what they were told. I had to control five of them and they had to do what they were told... and my grandkids get it too,” she shared. Radio host Neil Mitchell, another panelist sitting in on the controversial segment, sat shocked by Hanson’s admission to hitting her children. “You can't hit dogs, let alone children,” he said. The politician argued children need strong discipline. “The problem today is parents aren't allowed to discipline their kids. We are losing respect, they lose respect for authorities,” she said.

Family & Pets

NRL to investigate racial abuse against Latrell Mitchell

The NRL is set to investigate a racist slur made against Latrell Mitchell after the Sydney Roosters star called out the abuse on his Instagram account. On Sunday, Mitchell posted a screenshot of a Facebook comment from the offender who claimed that “I would laugh my guts up” if the Roosters centre broke his neck. Mitchell wrote on the post: “It’s just a game of footy. There is not need for comments like this. “S**t like this is disappointing. 2019 an nothing is changing.” Speaking to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/latrell-s-father-in-tears-over-abuse-as-roosters-star-heads-home-20190812-p52gc8.html" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a>, Mitchell’s father Matt said he became “emotional” when he saw the comment. “When my wife showed me the comments on Sunday night I got emotional about it,” he said. “I was probably more angry than anything. That’s such an old-school mentality. Australia is multicultural now. There’s no need for it.” NRL’s chief executive officer Todd Greenberg said the racist comments directed at Mitchell are “disgusting and have no place in our game”. The NRL Integrity Unit are set to ban the offender from all future games. “Racism must be called out in all its forms because the standard you walk past is the standard you accept. I commend Latrell for doing just that,” Greenberg said. “There is no place for any sort of abuse on social media towards our players or their families.” Numerous players and NRL figures shared Mitchell’s post in support, including fellow Indigenous footballers Wade Graham and Joel Thompson. Rugby League Players’ Association boss Ian Prendergast also backed Mitchell’s callout. “We encourage our players to have a voice in terms of telling their stories or about themselves and helping promote the interests of the game generally,” Prendergast said. “But I think they’ve also got a strong voice in calling out behaviour they think is unacceptable. It can help better protect their fellow players as we've seen in recent times. “Hopefully we see a trend in towards this type of behaviour that is completely unacceptable being called out as well.” Mitchell’s incident is the latest case of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-12/latrell-mitchell-nrl-launches-investigation-into-racist-abuse/11405960" target="_blank">online abuse against Indigenous sport stars</a>, with AFL players Allen Christensen, Patrick Ryder and Liam Ryan being among those who have been targeted this year.

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With the strokes of a guitar solo, Joni Mitchell showed us how our female music elders are super punks

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Simply the worst? Backlash over error-riddled and "divisive" NRL ad

“Kids are like dogs:” Pauline Hanson compares raising children to “training pets”

NRL to investigate racial abuse against Latrell Mitchell

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