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"Against human rights": Authorities remove child from mum in Byron

<p>An eight-month-old boy has been forcibly taken from his mother's arms in NSW after his family were believed to live in bushland near Byron Bay.</p> <p>The incident was caught on video and posted to social media.</p> <p>NSW Police officers and Family and Community Services can be seen speaking to the mother and begging them not to remove her child.</p> <p>“This is not right. This is my baby,” the topless mother is heard telling authorities.</p> <p>“This is against human rights. Don’t do this to him.”</p> <p>The mother is seen clutching to her child in the video.</p> <p>At one point, a police officer explains to the mother that he has concerns for the safety of the child.</p> <p>“It’s not going to end any differently at the moment so the best thing for you is to listen”, the police officer says.</p> <p>“I’ve got concerns for the safety of your baby."</p> <p>The mother continued to argue with authorities and asks a police officer to let go of her, which the officer refuses to do so.</p> <p>“I will not have you take my baby. I birthed this child. He will drink my milk,” the mother is heard saying.</p> <p>A fundraising page has been set up to support the family, with the child referred to as a "gumnut" baby. This is a reference to a book by May Gibbs about babies who live in the bush.</p> <p>“As Mothers, Fathers, Aunties, Uncles and Grandparents we can feel the trauma this separation is causing to our family,” a statement from the parents on the fundraiser says.</p> <p>“We eat &amp; live an Organic lifestyle and love spending our time in nature, swimming and having fun.”</p> <p>The parents cannot be identified and accuse the authorities of unlawful action and claim that they have not been informed of where the child is.</p> <p>“The money raised from this fund will go towards rescuing our son and bringing him home in our arms, where he belongs,” the parents said.</p> <p>The reason for the child's removal is currently unclear, with a spokesperson from the Department of Communities and Justice said that it "takes concerns about children's safety and wellbeing extremely seriously".</p> <p>“At times, however, the public’s concern is at odds with our statutory requirement to protect privacy,” the statement provided to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/dramatic-moment-cops-hold-back-nsw-mum-as-authorities-remove-her-eight-month-old-child-c-1995386" target="_blank"><em>7NEWS.com.au</em></a><span> </span>said.</p> <p>“As a result, DCJ cannot comment on individual child protection matters.”</p>

Family & Pets

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"Beautiful and caring": Dad pays tribute to autistic son

<div class="body_text "> <p>The father of an autistic teenager who was found dead after a two-day search in Victoria's Yarra Ranges has given a touching tribute to his son.</p> <p>William Wall, 14, went missing after he left his home to go for a walk and was tragically found dead around 34 hours later.</p> <p>William’s dad Shane Wall gave a touching tribute to his “beautiful and caring son” on Thursday morning via Facebook..</p> <p>“I wish I had better news regarding our beautiful and caring son and brother William Wall, unfortunately he is no longer with us,” Mr Wall wrote.</p> <p>“We don’t know how to begin to thank everyone who searched and supported us in the last 48 hours.</p> <p>“The list is endless. We are so fortunate to live in an amazing and supportive community.”</p> <p>Mr Wall told reporters that his son wanted to join the airforce, loved dogs and exercise and was energetic.</p> <p>“He loves exercise, 15 minutes to an hour, it’s not unheard of, he’s a decent-sized kid, very energetic, athletic,” Mr Wall said.</p> <p>“He’s a kid that sticks to himself, does all his school work, so this (his disappearance) is really out of the ordinary.”</p> <p>Friends and family are devastated and have passed on their condolences to the Wall family.</p> <p>“I’ve got no words, we are thinking of you all, and will treasure the memories of Wil as a little boy,” Maria Niksic posted.</p> <p>Tony Carden said Mr Wall was one of the “most dedicated dads” he knew.</p> <p>“My heart breaks for you and your family,” he said.</p> <p>“This is the cruellest blow to one of the most dedicated dads I know. Know that Will and you are loved by many.</p> <p>“I wish you and your family all the very best in drawing on your great strength to move forward.”</p> <p>Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews passed on his condolences at his daily media briefing.</p> <p>“On behalf of all Victorians I would like to send our love and support, our condolences and best wishes to the family of William Wall,” he said.</p> <p>This is a terrible tragedy and one that has touched every single Victorian.</p> <p>“To every member of William’s family we say how sad we are, we’re sharing your grief, your loss and any support that we can provide to you we stand ready to do that.”</p> <p><em>Photo credits: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/dad-shane-wall-pays-tribute-to-beautiful-and-caring-son-william/news-story/d6da6fbee2e700f734e671e7940e48d4" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">news.com.au</a></em></p> </div>

News

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Body believed to be Megan Gale’s brother found in bushland

<p>The body of Jason Gale has been found in a Perth bushland, about a week after the 49-year-old was reported missing.</p> <p>A body believed to be the brother of Australian supermodel Megan Gale was discovered near his discarded car in Karragullen on Tuesday, police said.</p> <p>Police are not treating his death as suspicious.</p> <p>Jason was reported missing from his home in the Perth suburb of Bibra Lake and was spotted last Tuesday buying petrol and water from a service station in Pingelly, almost 160 kms south-east of Perth.</p> <p>Family and friends told <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/missing-person/jason-gale-brother-of-supermodel-megan-gale-found-dead-in-dense-bushland-c-1182451">7News</a> </em>Jason regularly took solo trips but had been gone for longer than usual this time.</p> <p>Megan’s manager Lara Messenger released a statement on behalf of the family following the news, saying: “The Gale family thank everyone for their support especially Jason’s neighbours, close friends and work colleagues who have been assisting.”</p>

News

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Stepdad of missing autistic teenager heartbroken as he recounts family turmoil

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>The stepdad of William Callaghan has explained the heartbreak and turmoil his family was feeling after his stepson William was lost in dense bushland for several days.</p> <p>The autistic 14-year-old went missing on Monday afternoon during a walk with family, but was found on Wednesday.</p> <p>His stepdad, Nathan Ezard and mother Penny were in “autopilot” in the moments leading up to reuniting with William.</p> <p>“The time up there was excruciating,” Mr Ezard told Nine’s Today program on Friday.</p> <p>“For all of us who work with Will, who are part of Will's life, one of our biggest fears is that he will go missing on our watch. And it's excruciating.”</p> <p>“It's any dad's worst fear to lose a child in the bush or whatever like that. To have your kids in harms way is just horrible.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">William Callaghan's father has broken his silence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/tLxXQpkJCM">pic.twitter.com/tLxXQpkJCM</a></p> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1272258766491303938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Overwhelmed, Ezard recalled when the volunteer, Ben Gibbs, who found William saying that he looked like an angel.</p> <p>“And that is how Will looks,” a beaming Mr Ezard told the Today Show.</p> <p>“He is a little angel, he really is sent from heaven. He’s just beautiful.”</p> <p>As William is autistic and non-verbal, it added extra challenges in trying to find him, which involved hundreds of volunteers. PA systems were playing his favourite song, the Thomas the Tank Engine theme son as well as urging locals to cook bacon and onions to coax Will towards familiar smells.</p> <p>Ezard explained that raising Will came with “positives and negatives”.</p> <p>“While it's really difficult, it is just such a pleasure to be part of Will's life. So, yes, we struggle but it's more that we struggle for Will. It's just an honour to be part of his existence,” he said.</p> </div> </div> </div>

TV

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The first thing William asked for after being found alive

<div class="body_text "> <p>William Callaghan, 14, was lost in the harsh Victorian bushland for two freezing nights but has survived the incredibly 250km journey “relatively unscathed”.</p> <p>He is expected to leave hospital early this morning and was treated for a few cuts and abrasions in hospital after being found by a volunteer yesterday.</p> <p>He went missing on Monday afternoon after walking away from family members at Victoria’s Mount Disappointment.</p> <p>Incredibly, he managed to avoid hypothermia despite spending two nights in the freezing bushland.</p> <p>“Probably because he’s an active young man,” Dr Joanne Grindlay, the deputy director of Victoria’s Royal Children’s hospital, told the<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-10/boy-with-autism-william-callaghan-found-at-mount-disappointment/12335618" target="_blank"><span> </span>ABC</a>.</p> <p>“Children are often a lot more resilient than us adults.”</p> <p>Emergency registrar Dani Bersin told the<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/widespread-search-for-missing-autistic-boy-near-whittlesea/news-story/9739f8dd28ca8500b9736a2075531a2f" target="_blank"><span> </span>Herald Sun</a><span> </span>Will was “looking pretty good”.</p> <p>“It is quite incredible to survive the elements in the cold,” she said.</p> <p>“He has come up relatively unscathed, from the cold. It is a fantastic result.”</p> <p>Will’s mum, Penny Callaghan, revealed his first request after being reunited with his friends and family.</p> <p>He wanted McDonalds, which Penny explained “I think he wanted hot salty food”.</p> <p>She said that he communicated that he was “confused and scared”.</p> <p>“He keeps pressing the body, saying his body feels weird,” she said.</p> <p>“I can’t imagine what he’s been feeling and going through. I am just so relieved.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: The relieved mother of William Callaghan has just spoken to the media as he recovers in hospital. <a href="https://twitter.com/IzaStaskowski?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IzaStaskowski</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/SyVAuuUmYx">pic.twitter.com/SyVAuuUmYx</a></p> — Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1270854361737035777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Penny also thanked the community and volunteers for their efforts in helping find Will in the bushland.</p> <p>"More than anything thank you, everyone, I'm so grateful, you're all amazing. What an amazing community," she said.</p> <p>"I want to be with my boy. I couldn't believe it [when he was found], I can't imagine what he's been feeling and going through.</p> <p>"I'm just so grateful and so relieved, he's just a very special person.</p> <p>"All the people in his life just love him to bits."</p> </div>

News

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The sweet way Will Callaghan was finally found

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Spontaneous volunteer Ben Gibbs has described the moment he found a “really angelic” William Callaghan, ending a three-day search for the 14-year-old autistic child.</p> <p>Gibbs said he was singing when he came across a barefoot William just before noon on Wednesday.</p> <p>"I was just peacefully walking through the bush," he said.</p> <p>"I was singing because I thought maybe if he hears some noise [he might respond] but he's got autism so he's not going to respond to shouting and things like that."</p> <p>Gibbs lives in the area and knows the State park of Mount Disappointment well as he has been visiting the mountain since a child.</p> <p>There were fears that William would suffer from exposure as the temperatures plunged to around zero for both nights.</p> <p>"Exposure's a terrible thing, the cold, so I really felt for him," he said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">14-year-old William Callaghan is this morning safe and sound after spending 47 hours lost in the Victorian wilderness. <a href="https://twitter.com/IzaStaskowski?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IzaStaskowski</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/jUmMweO4nz">pic.twitter.com/jUmMweO4nz</a></p> — Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1270804012510654467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Gibbs started his search by coming from the bottom of the mountain.</p> <p>"There's quite a bit of single track that goes through there that I know quite well so I just sort of followed that up and went off track once I got near the top," he said.</p> <p>"I saw where the guys had tagged where they did some searching previously so I dropped in a bit deeper than that."</p> <p>"It wasn't too far down in there. From the track [he was about] 20 minutes in.</p> <p>"I was just wandering through the bush, and it was quite thick, so I was breaking my way through, and then he was just like about 15 metres from me just standing there, just really angelic."</p> <p>Gibbs said that Will looked in reasonable health and after seeing barefoot William, Gibbs offered him socks, a jacket and a hat and gave him some chocolate.</p> <p>Gibbs was aware that William liked Thomas the Tank Engine, so he spoke to him about some of the characters.</p> <p>"He didn't seem bothered by me," he said.</p> <p>"He was happy to get the chocolate," he said.</p> <p>"I just took my time."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Music

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“Amazing news!”: Autistic teenage boy found after two freezing nights in bushland

<div class="body_text "> <p>Autistic teenager William Callaghan has been found alive and well after going missing on Monday morning in thick Victorian bushland.</p> <p>He was found by one of 450 volunteers looking for him at Mount Disappointment, north of Melbourne.</p> <p>The non-verbal autistic 14-year-old was carried by his mother, Penny Callaghan, and her partner Nathan Ezard from the car to the paramedic station for treatment.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: William Callaghan has been taken to hospital by ambulance for a check up, while dozens of volunteers celebrate over their successful search for the missing autistic teenager. <a href="https://twitter.com/LanaMurphy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LanaMurphy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/g49gjxtnnF">pic.twitter.com/g49gjxtnnF</a></p> — Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1270570058255872001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Despite the excitement of the volunteers, they were told not to applaud when William arrived as it would overwhelm him.</p> <p>He was found by a bushwalker who spotted William standing and smiling in the bush.</p> <p>He was located just hours after his mother pleaded for those in the area to help find him.</p> <p>“We are desperately hoping he will be found today,” William’s mum Penny told media this morning.</p> <p>“He has an intellectual disability and, um, he’s very smart in his own way, you know? I’m feeling positive because he’s quite resilient. He is very skinny.</p> <p>“He doesn’t have much padding on him, but he eats all the time, he’s always on the move. He’s very active, so he’s quite fit.”</p> <p>The Victorian Police force were also thrilled by the news, as he had spent two nights in near-freezing conditions.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Amazing news!! Missing boy Will Callaghan has been located by a volunteer at Mount Disappointment. After two days missing in bushland, Will is set to be reunited with his family shortly.<br /><br />We would like to thank the community for their outpour of support. 🙌 🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/QoAaPQktlN">pic.twitter.com/QoAaPQktlN</a></p> — Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/VictoriaPolice/status/1270551916527996940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>“When you have someone out lost in the bush, we are fighting against time,” Search and Rescue Squad Senior Sergeant Greg Paul told reporters on Tuesday.</p> <p>“It can take a long time to find someone if they are lost in this terrain.</p> <p>“We all have limitations, this time of year especially. There is no sugar coating it, it is life-threateningly cold.”</p> <p>A volunteer told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/search-for-missing-teen-william-callaghan-continues-into-third-day/news-story/ec2593a80e0a336f3e83cefe0f3ba41d" target="_blank">news.com.au</a><span> </span>that there were scenes of “absolute jubilation” among those who saw Will after spending hours looking for him in the harsh Victorian bushland.</p> <p>“We just saw Will,” she said. “He looks in really good shape. He smiled at everyone as he was lifted out of the car.”</p> </div>

News

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Johanna Griggs shares terrifying video of bushfires raging near her home

<p>Better Homes &amp; Gardens host Johanna Griggs has shared a shocking video of bushfires raging near her home in Wollombi, NSW.</p> <p>Wollombi is in the Hunter Valley of NSW and has been impacted greatly by bushfires.</p> <p>According to the NSW Rural Fire Service, there are currently 110 fires burning across the state with 59 not being contained.</p> <p>Griggs shared the video on her Instagram, saying that it has been a “wild few weeks” for her and her family.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6FGuOZg4BM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6FGuOZg4BM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">For everyone who has been sending messages checking in on us, thank you; We are great. It’s been a wild few weeks. With fire fronts in 3 directions we prepped for the worst, but thankfully are the lucky ones this time around. The first video was from last Tuesday which was definitely the worst day up here for us. The rest of the time it’s been stinking hot and smoky as. Whilst conditions still aren’t great we feel more confident that we’ll be ok. Thanks to everyone who understood why we cancelled all our catch ups and stayed put ‘Just In Case’. We used our time well - with new firebreaks the whole way round the house paddock, 2 fire trailers ready, 6 watering stations (Huge thanks to @harry.ledwidge and #guyledwidge for dropping everything, flying in and helping us for 10 days! What Legends... and to @bradmarsland69 and @hoban_david who joined in the prep regularly in between work shifts. Thank you!!!) My OC tendencies had a ball working my way down my cleaning list! (I still have plenty to go) The veggie garden has produced and provided non stop. (Not included in the pics are the cabbages, carrots, broad beans, herbs and spinach - Also growing really well are eggplants, capsicum, chillis, bok Choy, pumpkins and sweet potatoes) Our bees haven’t fled the smoke, and have produced in abundance. We are so grateful to the @nswrfs and other emergency services for everything they have done, and continue to do. And we’re so sorry for everyone who has had a horrible time during this period. Our hearts break for you and for all the wildlife lost in these horrible fires. It’ll be a long hot summer for sure for all. We hope everyone stays safe...:) #hugginshill #growyourown #biofilta_urbanfarms #flowhive #hhvfs</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/johgriggs7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Johanna Griggs</a> (@johgriggs7) on Dec 14, 2019 at 8:32pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“With fire fronts in 3 directions we prepped for the worst, but thankfully are the lucky ones this time around,” she wrote.</p> <p>“The first video was from last Tuesday which was definitely the worst day up here for us. The rest of the time it’s been stinking hot and smoky as.”</p> <p>With a heatwave casted for this week, fans were anxious about her house being okay, but Griggs is confident that they’ll be fine.</p> <p>“Thanks to everyone who understood why we cancelled all our catch ups and stayed put ‘Just In Case’,” she said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5uPapQg09T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5uPapQg09T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Watching, Waiting. Totally Prepped and Calm. Thinking of all the @nswrfs personnel and what an amazing job they are doing in incredibly tough conditions. And thinking of everyone in Wollombi.... (That’s where the glow and smoke is coming from). Must be terrifying. Hoping everyone is safe...x #hugginshill</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/johgriggs7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Johanna Griggs</a> (@johgriggs7) on Dec 5, 2019 at 11:25pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Griggs also thanked the NSW RFS for their hard work, with over 2,200 personnel fighting the blazes across the state.</p> <p>“We are so grateful to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/nswrfs/" target="_blank">@nswrfs</a> and other emergency services for everything they have done, and continue to do. And we’re so sorry for everyone who has had a horrible time during this period. Our hearts break for you and for all the wildlife lost in these horrible fires. It’ll be a long hot summer for sure for all. We hope everyone stays safe.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Domestic Travel

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Catastrophic bushfires building across NSW and QLD destroy heritage-listed building

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As out of control bushfires continue to ravage the Australian landscape in NSW and Queensland, one Heritage-listed building has fallen victim to the upcoming fire season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The heritage-listed Binna Burra Lodge, which was built in 1933 in Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast has been “fully destroyed”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This fire has continued to show a mind of its own and early this morning it crept into the Binna Burra resort and there has been significant structural loss,” Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen told the </span><em><a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/a-mind-of-its-own-fire-rips-through-heritage-binna-burra-lodge-20190908-p52p3v.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brisbane Times</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Binna Burra Lodge chairman Steven Noakes fought back tears as he described the damage, the </span><em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-08/bushfire-destroys-binna-burra-lodge-gold-coast-hinterland/11489860"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABC</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reports.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s a dark day in the 86-year history of Binna Burra. Fires have destroyed much of the heritage building facilities and some of our more contemporary buildings also,” he said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2K8KxMAuSp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2K8KxMAuSp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Hi all, we’re amazed by the outpouring of support and all of the photos and memories you are all sharing with us. Please use our hashtag #standwithbinnaburralodge so we can see all of your amazing photos and memories. We are all heartbroken and we would love to be warmed by hearing your stories and seeing your photos.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/binnaburralodge/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> #Standwithbinnaburralodge</a> (@binnaburralodge) on Sep 8, 2019 at 5:49pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This was just one of the victims of the 51 bushfires that are tearing apart Queensland in what some are saying is the worst start to the fire season on record.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More than 100 fires are also burning in rural New South Wales, with residents revealing that their homes were destroyed in a matter of minutes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh told </span><em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/wild-bushfires-still-blazing-in-qld-and-nsw-communities/news-story/a0e700d1b425498c4e05ba4e85adafbb"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the blazes were the worst he’s ever seen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Firefighters stood side by side battling wind gusts of up to 90km/h,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything as bad as that.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Things aren’t looking good in NSW either, with the Rural Fire Service being concerned about two major fires in the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deputy Commissioner Rog Rogers said that the blaze near Bees Nest in Armidale and one on Long Gully Road, Drake near Tenterfield are of “major concern”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Armidale area is a huge area, it is more than 100km wide and is still burning actively, so it’s a major concern for us,” Rob said to </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/wild-bushfires-still-blazing-in-qld-and-nsw-communities/news-story/a0e700d1b425498c4e05ba4e85adafbb"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’re holding out for some spring rain, but it’s not looking good at all,” he said.</span></p> <p> </p>

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Late Australian Idol star was “lost” after her mum passed away

<p>Former Australian Idol star Kate Cook revealed in her <em>Australian Idol</em> audition that after her mum’s suicide, she felt “lost”.</p> <p>In her 2009 audition, she sang a tribute to her mother in the form of a song called<span> </span><em>Make You Stay</em>.</p> <p>“Two days before I turned 17 my younger sister and I found her,” Kate told judges Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson, Marcia Hines and Kyle Sandilands at the time.</p> <p>“She committed suicide, so it was pretty tough … I’ve had a long road to sort of find myself after being lost for a long time. So I sort found myself through strength and music.”</p> <p>After her success on <em>Australian Idol</em>, Cook carved out a country music career and went on to be quite successful. She told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.qt.com.au/news/music-refuses-to-let-kate-go/1951928/" target="_blank"><em>Queensland Times</em></a> in 2013:</p> <p>"Once you're out of the Australian Idol spotlight, you soon lose the support network of people who helped you during the show," she said.</p> <p>"It took a lot of hard work and help from my sister Paula - who managed me for two years - to keep my music career going.</p> <p>"But I'm extremely humbled by what<span> </span><em>Idol</em><span> </span>did for me and overwhelmed with how the country music industry has opened its arms to me."</p> <p>Cook then reminisced on why she wrote her music and what it meant to her. As she came from a country background, working on farms as well as abattoirs, she realised there was a hole in the Australian country music scene.</p> <p>"It made me realise that there are so many anthems for hardworking men out there; the chicks need one, too," she said.</p> <p>"As an artist I want to be as honest as I can be and hope to keep producing music and bringing it to audiences," she said.</p> <p>"Music has helped heal me during difficult times, so I hope that my music helps do the same for others."</p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/australian-idol-star-s-tragic-death-at-36">Cook's body was found in bushland</a> near her home in Lowood, Queensland earlier this week. She was 36.</p> <p>Were you a fan of Kate Cook’s music? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><em>If you are troubled by this article, experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">beyondblue.org.au.</a></em></p>

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