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Aussie locals call for tourist ban on popular island

<p>Residents in Western Australia are urging the government to put a ban on tourists travelling to a popular island near Perth to help protect a dwindling little penguin population.</p> <p>Penguin Island is located about 53km south of Perth and is home to 114 little penguins, a decline in the bird’s population by 94 per cent since 2007.</p> <p>Save Rockingham’s Little Penguins activist Dawn Jecks said while climate change has made an impact on the dwindling number of penguins in the area, over tourism has also affected the penguins' habitat.</p> <p>“It’s essentially open slather in terms of visitors accessing the areas where the penguins try to cool off,” she said.</p> <p>“There’s nowhere on the beach they can go where they’re not going to be hounded, touched or picked up by visitors."</p> <p>Ms Jecks said about 25 per cent of little penguin deaths occurred by boat strikes with the area seeing an increase of watercraft in recent years.</p> <p>"They need to close down the island for a few years to let the population recover,” she said.</p> <p>Ms Jecks is one of many campaigning for the government to ban recreational boating and tourism on the island, saying it would be shameful if authorities did not act to save the little penguins in an area where the creatures were part of the city of Rockingham’s cultural identity.</p> <p>“How stupid is it going to look when we have Penguin Rd, penguins on the entry sign to Rockingham, penguins on the city’s coat of arms and penguins on the kid’s school jumpers but no penguins,” she said.</p> <p>A WA government spokesman said Penguin Island was an iconic part of WA, and the government was committed to supporting its penguin population.</p> <p>“The health and wellbeing of the penguins will always be the state government’s top priority when it comes to planning for the island," the spokesman said. </p> <p>“Tourism, however, also plays an important role on the island by educating visitors about the penguins and promoting enjoyment of our State’s natural environment.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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True meaning behind common Aussie road sign

<p>Thousands of drivers past this Australian road sign every day - but very few know what it means. </p> <p>A confused motorist took to Reddit to share an image of the road sign they spotted on the Northern Territory's Stuart Highway, which featured a picture of a hand. </p> <p>He and and his travel companion assumed the sign meant there was a spot to wash your hands or windows nearby, however they were both wrong. </p> <p>The sign, which was part of a larger rest area sign, indicates there is Aboriginal artwork in the area. </p> <p>"According to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia), published in 'Road Sign Guidelines' issued 28/03/2023, it means 'Aboriginal Attractions'," one person commented </p> <p>"Yep, usually rock art or some other Aboriginal site," said another.</p> <p>It is often seen in national parks and is the same symbol used nationally. </p> <p>People shared their own hilarious assumptions with one writing: "Warning, jazz hands in 2km", while another commented: "Beware of swarming ants".</p> <p>"Love that it's for indigenous art, but my first thought was a warning to tourists to not put bare skin on the bitumen," another commented. </p> <p>Others admitted they never paid any particular attention to the sign. </p> <p>"Oh I've never seen this before! And think it's great. Honestly my brain went to kids craft area for some reason but why would a random regional picnic stop have a kids craft area," one wrote. </p> <p>"I genuinely thought someone had just spray painted the sign with their hand on it. i have never seen this," another commented. </p> <p>A third person added their own hilarious interpretation saying: "This is so cool, have never seen one of these before. I have to admit my first thought was 'car scene in the titanic' though."</p> <p><em>Image: Reddit/ Google</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Aussie drivers urged to cash in on $140 million in unclaimed funds

<p>The NSW government has urged Sydney motorists to access its toll road relief scheme, with $140 million left unclaimed since the cost-of-living support measure was introduced last year. </p> <p>Drivers who spend more than $60 in tolls weekly can claim the excess back under the "toll cap" introduced by the Minns government to help highly-tolled residents in Western Sydney. </p> <p>On Monday, Roads Minister John Graham said that while $75 million had already been paid to motorists, there's still $140 million yet to be claimed. </p> <p>“I want to remind motorists to get on to the Service NSW website and claim what they are entitled to in relief,” Graham said in a statement.</p> <p>Around 720,000 drivers are eligible for a slice of the payments. </p> <p>Over the past year, more than 276,000 claims were paid since the scheme was introduced, with an average claim of $277, according to the government. </p> <p>There were 115 suburbs where the average claim was $300 or more, including Parramatta, Lidcombe, Schofields, Westmead, Toongabbie, Merrylands and Auburn.</p> <p>“We know people are doing it tough and the toll cap is making it just that little bit fairer for drivers that heavily rely on the toll roads,” Graham said. </p> <p>He also added that reform talks with private toll road companies are still ongoing. </p> <p>In December, the government struck an in-principle deal with Transurban, a toll road operator, for a network-wide pricing system in attempt to ease the impact of toll payments on motorists. </p> <p>“The NSW government is progressing with toll reform to make tolls fairer overall,” Graham said on Monday. </p> <p><em>Image: Rose Marinelli / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Aussie Olympic swimmer ties the knot

<p>Stephanie Rice has officially tied the knot with her partner Mark Lassey following a whirlwind 10-month romance. </p> <p>The former Olympic swimmer shared a few wedding photos from the couple's classy outdoor ceremony at the Sandalford Wines vineyard in Perth over the weekend.</p> <p>Rice quoted a bible verse and shared adorable snaps of her and Lassey in the vineyard, with the bride rocking a classic, strapless dress that had a long flowing train and the groom dressed in a white tuxedo jacket with a bold black bow tie.</p> <p>“Surrounded by our closest family and friends, those who have loved, supported, and guided us on our journey, all came together to celebrate our love and the beginning of forever together,” she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“As we step into this new chapter as husband and wife, where two become one, our hearts are so full. The day was everything we dreamed it would be—overflowing with love, joy, and the tangible presence of God. It felt like heaven touched earth.</p> <p>“Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoIZ13BFWH/?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/DEoIZ13BFWH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by STEPHANIE RICE (@itsstephrice)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Not long after sharing photos from their vineyard wedding ceremony, the former Olympic swimmer shared that the couple held a second wedding at a rooftop venue in Perth. </p> <p>“Because one night wasn’t enough,” Rice shared on Instagram, with photos of the couple in their second wedding ensemble. </p> <p>“We had the most amazing night celebrating our marriage and farewell with our favourite people, on the most amazing rooftop, in this beautiful city, under the presence of God.</p> <p>“Thank you to all our family and friends who flew from across the world to make these the most memorable days of our lives.</p> <p>“And to all of our @kingdomcity family who prayed, encouraged and honoured our love story. You all mean so much to us and made these two days so special. We love you.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqx9gPhcIw/?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/DEqx9gPhcIw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by STEPHANIE RICE (@itsstephrice)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans and guests from the wedding were quick to compliment the couple's stunning looks with Rice donning a satin halter-neck gown and Lassey in a classic beige suit. </p> <p>“Night 2 was awesome - God didn’t just show up He poured in. What a send of," wrote one of the wedding attendees. </p> <p> “I CANNOT deal with these photos!!! Wow!! What a couple. What a night. What a love story," another wrote. </p> <p>The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating.</p> <p>Lassey is a pastor at the Kingdom City church and  is a father to three sons - Tyler, Joel and Luke - from a previous relationship.</p> <p>The couple have been in a long-distance relationship with Lassey being based in Perth and Steph in Dubai, before he popped the question. In another update shared to Instagram, Rice revealed the couple have now both relocated to Dubai and are looking forward to celebrating the new chapter together. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Famed Aussie cartoonist Michael Leunig dies

<p>Acclaimed Australian cartoonist and writer Michael Leunig has died at the age of 79. </p> <p>His family confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing that he spent his last moments on Thursday, “surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers”. </p> <p>“The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing — yet Mr. Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,” a post on his official Instagram account said.</p> <p>“Michael Leunig passed away peacefully today, in the early hours of December 19, 2024."</p> <p>“During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers — accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDwH8t7z50q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDwH8t7z50q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Leunig (@leunigstudio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Throughout his stellar career, his artwork featured in the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em> and <em>The Age</em>, before he was controversially stood down from <em>The Age</em> in September after 55 years with the publication after some of his cartoons were thought to be too politically sensitive.</p> <p>Cartoonist for <em>The Australian</em> newspaper John Spooner told <em>ABC Radio Melbourne</em> the loss of Leunig felt "pretty huge", adding that working alongside Leunig at The Age in the mid 80s was "a riot of fun". </p> <p>"Leunig was a leader in the sense that he was an experimenter in graphic possibilities in newspapers, you know, like a half page full colour political or social cartoon," Spooner said.</p> <p>"A lot of the people who love <em>The Age </em>don't realise the depth of his contribution to the idea of The Age, which was essentially pluralistic, in other words, both sides of an argument got a run."</p> <p><em>Herald Sun</em> cartoonist Mark Knight also paid tribute to Leunig, saying, “It is a great loss, he was referred to as a national treasure and he was.”</p> <p>“As a kid I would buy his books – the famous Penguin Leunig was my great introduction to cartoons. I owe him a debt of gratitude. He had controversies with his cartoons, but I think he is bigger and more profound than cancel culture.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Two Aussies cop $35,000 fine for "illegal" enterprise

<p>A pair of Aussies have copped a $35,000 fine for illegally collecting masses of firewood for a black market enterprise. </p> <p>The duo were caught during a targeted patrol inside a national park in Victoria, where fallen timber is supposed to be left as wildlife habitat. </p> <p>They fled after they were approached by officers, according to Parks Victoria, but had left behind evidence of their illegal enterprise. </p> <p>Officers found records that identified the 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman in their abandoned Commodore, as well as their sales record and social media accounts promoting their black market business. </p> <p>The pair were convicted of six charges at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on November 22, with the man fined $20,000 and the woman $15,000 for cutting, removing and selling firewood in the Lower Goulburn National Park in May, 2023.</p> <p>The couple faced additional charges for damaging wildlife habitat. </p> <p>On Wednesday, Parks Victoria issued a warning to the public to not fall for firewood scams and illegal wood sellers after almost 10,000 trees had been illegally felled across 462 hectares of public land last year.</p> <p>"The illegal cut and take of firewood from national parks and protected public land is theft," Andrew Dean, a Parks Victoria Senior Enforcement Officer, said in a statement. </p> <p>"Theft damages and destroys wildlife habitat and robs Victorians of the natural places they love to visit. Magistrate Zebrowski's verdict sends a strong and clear message: firewood theft will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions.</p> <p>"We encourage consumers to use common sense when purchasing firewood. Any time a deal is too good to be true, it probably is."</p> <p>Fallen logs are important and a key habitat for Australian wildlife including the  marbled gecko, brown treecreeper and Peron’s tree frog. </p> <p><em>Images:  Parks Victoria</em></p>

Legal

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Queen Mary's special Aussie Christmas tribute

<p>Queen Mary has revealed her special tribute to her Australia heritage on her family Christmas tree inside the Danish royal residence. </p> <p>The large tree is lavishly decorated with colourful baubles and upon closer inspection, several of them have an extra special connection to the King and Queen.</p> <p>One ornament that has pride of place on the tree is a glass kangaroo, representing Australia where Mary was born in 1972. </p> <p>The royal couple have been using the same ornament for years, as it was first seen on King Frederik and Queen Mary's Christmas tree in a video they shared in 2017.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuIvJ6s5hX/?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/DDuIvJ6s5hX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Another personal ornament is that of British rockstar David Bowie as his iconic Ziggy Stardust character.</p> <p>King Frederik has long been a fan of the musician and in 1987, he and his brother Prince Joachim were photographed meeting Bowie backstage at a show in Hamburg.</p> <p>King Frederik and Queen Mary's Christmas display also included an Ib Laursen Christmas Goat decoration, made from straw.</p> <p>The inclusion of the Christmas goat is popular throughout Scandinavia and is believed to date back to the ancient Viking custom of sacrificing goats at the winter solstice to ensure a good year ahead.</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Danish Royal Family - Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Beloved Aussie author dies at age 74

<p>Beloved Australian author John Marsden has died at the age of 74. </p> <p>The best-selling writer published more than 40 books throughout his distinguished career, including the acclaimed <em>Tomorrow</em> series, which chronicled a fictional invasion and occupation of Australia.</p> <p>The young adult series has been described as “the best series for Australian teens of all time”, selling millions of copies and sparking a successful movie and TV series.</p> <p>Businessman Simon Holmes Court led the tributes to Mr Marsden in a touching post on X (formerly Twitter).</p> <p>“He was one of the standout teachers through my schooling — in many ways similar to the character of John Keating in <em>Dead Poets Society</em>,” Mr Holmes a Court wrote.</p> <p>“His 1st book So Much to Tell You was based on my year group — many identifiable characters. A gift to our year! Complex man, but I’m so glad to have crossed paths.”</p> <p>Marsden won many major awards for children's and adult fiction, and in 2006 received the Lloyd O'Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing.</p> <p>Following the news of his death, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Marsden "wanted young Australians to read more and his writing made that happen".</p> <p>"Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian, he wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people's character," Mr Albanese wrote on social media.</p> <p>"John's work will live long in our national memory."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Vegemite weighs in on long-lasting Aussie debate

<p>An American expat has reignited the age-old debate that has been plaguing Aussies for decades: how much Vegemite is the right amount?</p> <p>Taking to Reddit, the American shared a picture of their Vegemite toast, showing off a hefty smear of the salty spread. </p> <p>“I’m American, how’s my Vegemite amount?” he asked, likely unaware of the storm he was about to unleash within the Australian Reddit community.</p> <p>“I love salty and savoury stuff, so Vegemite is right up my alley,” he added.</p> <p>His bold approach earned a mix of reactions, with some praising the man, saying things like, “You could apply for citizenship with this coverage,” while others joked, “That’s pro-Aussie level spread.” </p> <p>Another commenter declared, “You’re not American anymore.”</p> <p>However, not everyone was impressed with his efforts, with some claiming he had applied far too much for a beginner Vegemite consumer. </p> <p>“Unless you’ve done it before, that is WAY too much for a newbie,” one remarked. </p> <p>Another added, “I’m a born and bred Vegemite fanatic, and that’s fine by me, but I don’t think most people would handle half that.”</p> <p>One commenter went as far as to say, “Slightly closer to serial killer amount than ordinary Aussie,” while another simply stated, “That would make me gag.”</p> <p>With the true blue debate well and truly reignited, Vegemite themselves weighed in on the topic, with The Head of Spreads at Bega sharing their opinion on the American's display of dedication. </p> <p>“For a first timer, this ratio of Vegemite to bread might be quite intense,” Mary Stafford told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/expat-sparks-national-outrage-after-sharing-criminal-vegemite-toast/news-story/e061b746981cc11cbebf35ef494e0d7e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>. </p> <p>“We recommend starting with a small amount and gradually building up, but we totally understand – it’s hard for people who don’t eat Vegemite to pick up a jar and know what to do with it. There’s so many people missing out on the unmistakeable joy, simply because they haven’t been introduced to it properly … yet.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Reddit / Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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One Aussie state confirms January 26th parade won't be returning

<p>The Victorian government has confirmed that the Australia Day parade in Melbourne won't be returning in 2025, after it was cancelled four years ago. </p> <p>The government has still planned a host of activities for January 26th, such as the annual 21-gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance and RAAF flyover, as well as a flag-raising ceremony at Government House. </p> <p>“The Victorian Government supports a range of Australia Day events that celebrate what makes our state and nation special,” A Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesperson told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/melbournes-annual-australia-day-parade-wont-be-returning/news-story/9df69f965ca39fb981127be6bdfd66b1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“The program for Australia Day 2025 provides a range of free and accessible events for Victorian families.”</p> <p>However, there are no plans to reinstate the Australia Day parade, as a Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesman told the <em><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/allan-govt-confirms-melbournes-annual-australia-day-parade-is-officially-dead/news-story/682907cebfba8276dc17c78271c900e9" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="682907cebfba8276dc17c78271c900e9" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">Herald Sun</a></em>: “We also recognise that January 26 means different things to different people.</p> <p>“On this day, we encourage conversation and reflection on the different meanings of the day for all Victorians.”</p> <p>Ngarra Murray, Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, agreed with the decision to cut the Melbourne parade.</p> <p>“The Aboriginal community has a range of views on January 26, but whichever way you look at it, it’s a day of mourning for a lot of our people,” Ms Murray told the <em>Herald Sun</em>. “So it’s not a date to celebrate.”</p> <p>While many Victorian councils are at odds on whether to celebrate Australia Day or not, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the decision to hold events on January 26th should come from the state. </p> <p>“It is important to note that Australia Day is a national day proclaimed by the federal government, and the decision on which date to observe it is not one for local councils to make,” he said.</p> <p>“Australia Day is a day when we should be reflecting on and celebrating everything that is great and good about this country.”</p> <p>The Australia Day parade in Melbourne was first cancelled in 2020, with then premier Dan Andrews citing Covid-19 concerns as the reason.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Legal

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Aussies slam "horrendous" passport quality

<p>An Australian traveller has expressed his frustration over the persistent curling issue of the world's most expensive passport. </p> <p>The citizen slammed the "horrendous" quality of the R Series travel document on social media. </p> <p>“My mind is blown. Our passport is the most expensive in the world and the quality of them is horrendous,” they said with a photo of their passport curling at the edges. </p> <p>“I got this passport a month or two ago for my current trip and every time it’s not in a sleeve for more than an hour, this happens,” they said.</p> <p>“No, it’s never gotten wet, or (had) any weather damage. This is just how it is. I know Malaysia’s humidity is bad but no way it’s this bad.”</p> <p>The traveller, who asked to remain anonymous, told 7News that the photo was taken after the $398 passport had been sitting in a temperature-controlled room set to 18C for eight hours.</p> <p>“I’d had no issues with the old one. The old passport looks newer than this one, which is the most ridiculous part of it,” they said.</p> <p>They added that the passport “fixes itself less and less and less” after each time it folds, and was unacceptable considering the cost. </p> <p>The post triggered a wave of responses, with many sharing their own experiences. </p> <p>“Mine has lived under a heavy book ever since I got it because of this,” one person said.</p> <p>Another claimed their passport curling “inside the envelope it arrived in”.</p> <p>A third said it was only a “matter of time” before an Australian traveller is “stranded” because their passport is refused.</p> <p>One person claimed theirs “already has several loose pages”, with another traveller saying their son's passport was “holding on by the merest thread” even though he has not used it yet.</p> <p>The Australian Passport Office explained that the curling does not invalidate the document. </p> <p>“You may notice a slight curling on the cover of your R Series passport. This occasionally occurs due to changes in humidity,” the office said.</p> <p>“It’s not a manufacturing defect and doesn’t affect the validity of your passport.</p> <p>“Keeping your passport tightly secured will help prevent this curling.</p> <p>“For example, you can use an envelope or passport holder to store and protect your passport between use.”</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com/ </em><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Reddit</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Aussies warned of 22 destinations to avoid in 2025

<p>Smartraveller has revealed their list of 22 destinations for Australian travellers to avoid in 2025 due to a range of ongoing safety concerns. </p> <p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smartraveller</a> keeps an updated record of travel advisories for countries around the world based on information from embassies, high commissions, consulates, the Australian intelligence community and the National Threat Assessment Centre in ASIO.</p> <p>From this extensive data, each country is given an "overall advice" level for travellers, which ranges from "Exercise normal safety precautions" in the safest locations to "Do not travel" for the destinations where the safety of Aussie travellers is most at-risk.</p> <p>As many start to formulate their 2025 travel plans, Smartraveller has 22 destinations listed as "Do not travel" due to ongoing safety issues, from the threat of terrorism and violent crime, to strict laws and "uncertain security situations".</p> <p>In Europe, three destinations made the list: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. </p> <p>These destinations have been flagged due to the "volatile security environment" caused by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which has threatened to impact Belarus.</p> <p>Three Asian nations are also listed as "Do not travel": Afghanistan, North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), and Myanmar.</p> <p>Only two destinations from the Americas are listed as "Do not travel": Haiti and Venezuela - both due to overall security risks, while the Middle East has five countries in the list of places to avoid for Aussies: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria.</p> <p>The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has caused tensions across several nations in the Middle East and Aussie travellers are warned not to travel to any of these locations for their own safety.</p> <p>Africa is the continent with the most countries listed as "Do not travel" by Smartraveller, with nine destinations currently flagged: Burkina Faso, Somalia, Libya, South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali and Niger.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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Aussie Olympic champion announces engagement

<p>Olympic swimmer Cameron McEvoy has shared the happy news of his engagement to his long-term partner Madeline Bone. </p> <p>The gold medal winner posted a loved-up snap on Instagram, with Madeline showing off her stunning diamond ring. </p> <p>"I've achieved some pretty big things this year but I think I just achieved my greatest one 💍," McEvoy sweetly wrote in his caption after the proposal.</p> <p>"What a way to end 2024 ❤️," he added.</p> <p>Madeline also shared a close up of her engagement ring, revealing it features two different stones and smaller diamonds on the band, captioning her post, "You and me <3." </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDWt3cIPMjf/?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/DDWt3cIPMjf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by CAMERON MCEVOY (@cam_mcevoy)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The posts were flooded with comments of well wishes and congratulations from fellow athletes and fans alike, with Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus commented underneath: "WHOOO!! Congrats beautiful people!"</p> <p>Swimmer Emma McKeon added, "Congratulations <3 <3 <3," while swimming great Michael Klim added: "Congrats great man!"</p> <p>It is unclear when the couple first started dating, but they first went public with their relationship in 2021. </p> <p>Following the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bone shared a heartwarming tribute to the swimming champion, after his success at the competition, saying he is "her champion".</p> <p>"If you know Cam, or know any of his story, you would know what this moment means," she wrote.</p> <p>"Cam's unrelenting self belief that he could do this, regardless of the uncertainty that he has faced over the years, is beyond inspiring. Always humble, always kind, always my champion… Now an Olympic champion 🥇🥹😭❤️🇦🇺."</p> <p>McEvoy, who hails from the Gold Coast, has competed for Australia in four Olympic Games; London, Rio, Tokyo and Paris, recently taking home a gold medal for Australia for the 50m freestyle in Paris. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Aussies reminded to look out for this lifesaving roadside marker

<p>Aussie drivers are being reminded about a little-known roadside marker that could save your life. </p> <p>As the holiday season approaches, drivers have been reminded of the purpose of the small green circles that appear on roadside reflector poles. </p> <p>"With the holiday period fast approaching, I wanted to remind residents about green reflectors," federal MP Colin Boyce wrote over the weekend. </p> <p>"You may have noticed some green reflectors on guide posts beside the road on some highways. These indicate that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up soon so you can indicate your intentions early and be prepared," he said.</p> <p>The number of dots indicate the distance between you and the place you can pull over. Three dots mean that drivers are approximately 500 metres from a safe place to pull over, two means you're 250 metres away and one green circle appears just before the area. </p> <p>"The idea is from road safety advocate and B double truck driver Rod Hannifey, alerting drivers that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up," the Queensland MP added.</p> <p>"While the idea was originally intended for long haul truck drivers all road users can use them."</p> <p>Many Aussies have shared their enthusiasm for the highway initiative, and how important it was for caravan and motorhome drivers especially. </p> <p>"A lot more people need to know about this. Especially people with caravans," one woman commented.</p> <p>"Would love this all over Australia! There's nothing worse than driving at night with a screaming baby in the back who wants a feed and not knowing if it's a safe place to pull over," another said.</p> <p>Others have shared that they hadn't noticed the markings or realise what it meant. </p> <p>"Have asked a few people recently if they knew what these reflectors stood for, and not one knew. Explanation followed. Should be a compulsory question asked of caravaners," one local wrote.</p> <p>"One of the world's best kept secrets! Thanks," another said.</p> <p><em>Images: Truck Friendly/ Yahoo</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Tips

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"My favourite person": NRL star announces engagement

<p>Penrith Panthers star Liam Martin has shared the exciting news of his engagement to his partner Chelsea Leary. </p> <p>The 27-year-old NRL player took to Instagram to reveal the news, sharing pictures of himself and his new fiancée smiling and showing off her diamond ring while at a secluded beach.</p> <p>"My favourite person 🤍," Martin captioned his post, receiving messages of congratulations from his fellow sports stars and fans.</p> <p>"Yes Martini," NRL star and Sydney Roosters player Angus Crichton commented, while fellow Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary added: "Congrats guys <3."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDOwtcbT1G3/?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/DDOwtcbT1G3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Liam Martin (@marto_97)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first went public with their relationship in 2019 when they attended the Merv Cartwright Medal together, sharing photos of them dressed up for the event. </p> <p>"Merv Cartwright Medal with his stunner," Martin wrote at the time.</p> <p>The sports star, who hails from Temora in NSW, and made his NRL debut back in 2019.</p> <p>He also plays for the Australian national rugby league team, the Kangaroos and has played for NSW in the State of Origin.</p> <p>After making his debut in the NRL for the Panthers, he wrote in one Instagram post, "Such a surreal moment it was making my NRL debut on Saturday night."</p> <p>"Incredibly proud to be panther no. 584 and couldn't think of a better bunch of blokes to play alongside. Certainly not the result we wanted but want to say a massive thank you to all the fans, family and friends for the messages."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Aussies reveal their opinion on a "good" salary

<p>A financial content creator has asked everyday Aussies to share their thoughts on what they consider to be a "good" salary in 2024. </p> <p>Hannah took to TikTok and posed the question, “What is a number that if you slapped it on your salary you would be like ‘I am happy with this, I don’t mind if it never goes up again. This is a good salary’?”</p> <p>“Because I think everybody’s opinion is different in this, I know mine certainly was. Somebody told me the other day that their good salary was $270,000, I would say that is extreme for me, but that’s just my personal opinion.”</p> <p>Her question sparked an influx of comments with many varying responses, with people's answers ranging from $80,000 up to a whopping $500,000 as a good salary for Aussies in 2024.</p> <p>One commenter said they would be “happy” with $80,000 to $90,000, while another agreed they would be “comfortable” with $80,000 but would consider $120,000 a “good” salary.</p> <p>Many others said that they would be happy in the $110,000 to $130,000 range, but there were conditions, such as not having to manage people and not having any HECS debt.</p> <p>“I’m currently on $110k-$120k and honestly I struggle to have any fun money while having savings, good super and investments which is why I want more! So my preference would be $250k,” one person said.</p> <p>Some said their answer depended on whether or not children were in the mix, as one person said their “ideal amount” would be $180,000, but that increased to $220,000 with kids.</p> <p>According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statics, the average yearly salary - calculated by dividing total earnings by the total number of people - has now hit $103,812.</p> <p>The median salary - or the “middle” earnings figure - for full time workers is $88,920.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Aussie grandmother found guilty of importing drugs into Japan

<p>Australian grandmother Donna Nelson has been found guilty of importing two kilograms of methamphetamine into Japan, despite her claims that she was the victim of an online scam.</p> <p>The 58-year-old was convicted of the crime by a panel of three professional judges and six members of the public in a decision delivered in Chiba, Tokyo on Wednesday. </p> <p>She has been sentenced to six years in jail, with the 430 days she has already served to be deducted from her time behind bars and she was also fined $10,400.</p> <p>Nelson and her team have two weeks to launch their likely appeal. </p> <p>“I believe this is a very unreasonable decision. We need to talk with Donna but we will fight until the end, until she gets freedom,” her lawyer Rie Nishida said outside the court.</p> <p>“She’s devastated but she’s a strong woman so we will discuss and prepare for the next fight.”</p> <p>Nelson, a prominent Indigenous leader, has maintained her innocence and told the court last month she had no idea the drugs had been hidden in her luggage by a man she thought was her boyfriend. </p> <p>She picked up the travel bag during a three-stop in Laos and claimed she had been tricked into believing it was a sample case he needed for his fashion business in Japan. </p> <p>Nelson started her online romance in 2020, and after several failed attempts to meet in person, her love interest bought her a flight ticket to Japan, which included the Laos stop where an acquaintance of his delivered the bag. </p> <p>She was supposed to meet up with the man in Japan but he never showed, according to prosecutors.</p> <p>Nelson was arrested at Tokyo's Narita Airport in January 2023, and later charged with violating the stimulants control and customs laws.</p> <p>Prosecutors acknowledged the case is linked to a romance scam but accused Nelson of smuggling the drugs, claiming she knew the contents of the suitcase. </p> <p>Nelson's daughters hoped the years of messages between Nelson and the romance scammer would show the court she had no idea about the meth, but the court ruled that she ignored too many red flags about the man she had met online and she should've been suspicious enough to not carry the suitcase for him. </p> <p>The judges said they accepted she was deceived and sympathised with her, so she received a lighter sentence than others given for the same offence. </p> <p>Prosecutors in Japan had initially asked for her to be thrown in jail for 20 years and fined $31,000 if found guilty. </p> <p>Outside court, Nelson's daughter Kristal Hilaire said six years in a Japanese prison away from home and family was in no way a “lenient” sentence.</p> <p>Her loved ones have also launched a GoFundMe to “free our mum and bring her home, where (she) belongs”.</p> <p>They stated that their “beloved” mother “was duped by her partner into carrying a bag into Japan which contained drugs”.</p> <p>“Our Mum had no knowledge of this, and we maintain that she is a victim of a crime and not a criminal,” they continued.</p> <p><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

Legal

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Gogglebox stars outraged after fan favourite family axed

<p>Stars of <em>Gogglebox</em> have rallied around the Silbery family after they shared the news that they have been let go from the program. </p> <p>Isabelle announced the shock news that she, her mum Kerry, and her daughter Ruby would not be back for the revamped version of <em>Gogglebox Australia</em> in 2025, sparking outrage from fellow castmates and fans alike. </p> <p>Isabelle announced on Friday that the family would not be back after nine long years on the series, saying they were not "included" in its "new form", with Isabelle calling it the end of an era. </p> <p>"It’s with a very heavy heart to announce that Mum, Ruby and I will not be returning to <em>Gogglebox</em> in 2025 🥺💔 Foxtel have decided not to renew our beloved show and although the show will continue on Channel 10, the three of us have not been included in its new form," she wrote.</p> <p>Isabelle, her mum Kerry and her grandmother Emmie first appeared on the show in 2016, before Isabelle's daughter Ruby replaced Emmie as the great-grandmother's health deteriorated. </p> <p>Isabelle continues, "9 years ago, I saw an opportunity to showcase real women’s voices across multi-generations. Baby Ruby filling in for Emmie in recent seasons made it feel full circle. It has been an absolute pleasure sharing our lounge rooms with you all and cannot thank you enough for the love and support. It might be the end of an era but it’s also an opportunity for new exciting beginnings…"</p> <p>Former <em>Gogglebox</em> duo Yvie Jones and Angie Kent rallied around the Silbery family in the comments, with Yvie saying she didn't understand the decision at all, and Angie saying the family left "impossible" shoes to fill.</p> <p>"This is sad and wrong. Just the comments on here show how loved you are. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t understand this at all," Yvie said.</p> <p>"Well, you know what? It’s their loss because you three have been nothing but incredible and it’s going to be almost impossible to fill those shoes! I think they’ve dropped the ball here. But what do myself and thousands of other avid TV watchers know, huh 🤷‍♀," Angie added.</p> <p><em>Gogglebox</em> fans have also been left disappointed by the news, sending love to the family. "I'm so sad to read this. You guys are amazing. You’ll be missed," one person commented.</p> <p>"Well, that just sucks. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching the three generations of your family on the show over the years," another said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Foxtel - Gogglebox</em></p>

TV

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Lawyer warns Aussies over $30,000 fine for pigeon-feeding

<p>While feeding a pigeon a piece of bread seems like a harmless act, in two Australian states it could cost you a staggering $30,000 in fines. </p> <p>It is not uncommon for local councils in Western Australia or South Australia to issue infringements for feeding pigeons, with Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh warning Aussies of the potential fine "when a complaint is made — quite often neighbours will take videos and photos of the number of pigeons and the person feeding them."</p> <p>If the behaviour is repeated, local council may even issue a court attendance notice, Singh told <em>Yahoo News</em>. </p> <p>The lawyer explained that the SA legislation "was enacted to protect communities from local nuisance" and prevent littering. </p> <p>"There is an emphasis by the South Australian parliament on protecting property values and this legislation is one of the tools they can use to prevent behaviour that can negatively affect this," he said.</p> <p>While the fine isn't as high in the WA, the offence can cost an incredible $20,000. </p> <p>Feeding pigeons poses health risks, as pigeons can carry diseases that may be transmitted to humans and other animals such as respiratory infections and parasites.</p> <p>The act also encourages larger congregations of birds, increasing the risk of diseases spreading, and the overpopulation of pigeons can disrupt local ecosystems as they compete with native bird species for resources. </p> <p>Not only that, large flocks of pigeons can create a public nuisance by causing noise, dirt, and property damage, particularly through their corrosive droppings, which can damage buildings and infrastructure.</p> <p>"It's definitely one of Australia's strangest laws, and one that while it may be annoying for other people passing by or trying to relax, it's not something people think they can get in trouble with the law for," Singh said.</p> <p><em>Image: Reddit</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Beloved Aussie musician dies days after revealing cancer diagnosis

<p>Australian musician Richard Andrew has tragically died at the age of 58, just seven days after announcing he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. </p> <p>Andrew, who has long been a fixture of the Melbourne music scene, passed away on October 30th, with his grieving wife confirming his death on a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-nikki-through-tragedy-honouring-richards-legacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page. </p> <p>Andrew's wife, Nicolette Powell, is now faced with mourning the sudden loss of her husband while caring for her mother, who is grappling with a terminal brain tumour.</p> <p>"Nicolette's beloved husband, Richard, a well-known and iconic figure in Melbourne's music scene, recently passed away suddenly from cancer," the GoFundMe page's tribute to Andrew began.</p> <p>"Richard was a talented musician who left his mark in bands like Underground Lovers, Crow and Black Cab as well as his own band Registered Nurse and more recently his solo project RJ Andrew."</p> <p>"He was also the founder of Pharmacy Records. He poured his heart and soul into his music, and his legacy will be felt across Melbourne's music community for years to come."</p> <p>Just one week before his untimely death, Andrew revealed to his fans he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in a social media message shared alongside a photo from his wedding to Powell.</p> <p>"After my last unsuccessful attempt to jump 17 double decker buses – A) this may go someway towards explaining being in a wheelchair and, B) the fact I'm getting married to the beautiful Nicolette Powell, in this photo," he wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>"Alas, although the marriage is definitely true and based on love, the double decker bus is, sadly, not quite the truth. Instead, a few month ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer, which has been a billy cart ride down s**t street, for the last little while."</p> <p>Andrew then went on to issue a public farewell to his fans and loved ones.</p> <p>"I am completely reconciled to whatever the future is, however, that future is probably quite limited and I'm in the process of preparing to pop this mortal coil and return to the trees, as it were," he wrote.</p> <p> </p> <p>"I cannot overstate enough what an honour and a privilege it has been to know you all over the last 58 years, and to have lived the most incredible, incredible life."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / GoFundMe</em></p>

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