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The Block stars slam Scott Cam's "very distasteful" comments

The Block's longtime host Scott Cam has come under fire after he criticised this year's cast for being "less resilient" than previous years. After almost 14 years on the show, the TV personality gave his honest answer when asked how he thinks the contestants have changed since 2010. “The contestants are less resilient than they were 20 years ago, 15 years ago,” he told news.com.au. “There’s more expectation of it getting easier, but it’s not. It gets harder… And people aren’t ready for how hard it is.” His comments didn't sit well with this year's cast, with Paige and Jesse telling Yahoo Lifestyle that they thought Scott's remarks were "very distasteful". “A lot of people didn't like what Scott said. A lot of people did not like that,” Paige shared. “I think that was very distasteful.” The couple were first pair to ever quit the show mid filming. “It’s different now. We’re 20 years through and the show's changed,” Jesse added. “We probably don't do as much building as 15, 20 years ago, because you can't. You have consultations every single day.” The WA-based team added that contestants were made to “run around to sponsors 10 hours a day, with this year's Phillip Island location making it difficult to attend the consultations and getaways in Melbourne. “This year was a lot of driving, like you’re on the road for eight to 10 hours a day,” Jesse continued. “That’s a big part of The Block this year, and a lot of people don't actually realise that.” Paige and Jesse also revealed that viewers don't see the full story play out on TV. “They’re creating a storyline which we know about,” Jesse said. Images: Channel Nine

Shaynna Blaze breaks her silence on feud with Scott Cam

Shaynna Blaze has finally addressed the allegations of a long-running feud with Scott Cam on the set of The Block. For several years, there have been rumours that the judge and the host of the renovation show were butting heads on set, resulting in a seemingly permanent rift between them. However, chatting to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12489611/The-Blocks-Shaynna-Blaze-FINALLY-addresses-long-running-feud-Scott-Cam-thinks-nasty-comments.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> at Channel Nine's 2024 Upfronts event on Wednesday, the 60-year-old interior designer denied there was ongoing beef between the two. "Oh God, no, there's nothing going on between me and Scotty," she explained. "There's no bad blood. People just make stuff up. It happens every year..." When questioned about why such rumours about a feud had surfaced, Blaze suspected it might just be a tactic to keep the audience hooked, stirring the pot to give the ratings a nudge northward. Shaynna was then asked what she thought about Scott taking a subtle swipe at her during a recent radio interview, she explained it's "all a bit of fun" and she hasn't taken any passing comments personally. Blaze's clarification of the rumours comes just weeks after an anonymous source claimed she was at her wits end with Cam's unnecessary remarks. "He's turning the set into a pressure cooker, making things a lot more strained than they need to be," a source told Daily Mail Australia in August. "She is really getting sick of his pointless comments. They've all got a job to do and these comments are just making things more awkward and tense than it has to be." Scotty infamously called Shaynna a b***h on national television back in 2017 after what he perceived as "unfair scoring" on the renovation show, in what many believed to be the start of their so-called feud. Image credits: Nine

Scott Cam to host new show as Nine reveals 2024 line-up

Nine has unveiled its lineup of TV programs for the remainder of 2023 and on into 2024 at its annual Upfronts event – with several standouts sure to grab viewers' attention. While confirming new seasons for popular shows like The Block, LEGO Masters and Travel Guides, that news served as the backdrop for one of the world's most significant sporting events: the 2024 Olympic Games. Nine boasts exclusive broadcasting rights for both the Olympics and Paralympics, and in 2024, Australia will say "bonjour" to Paris as Wide World of Sports brings the most innovative and captivating Olympics experience to the country. The festivities will commence with the Opening Ceremony on July 26, followed by the Paralympics on August 28. Nine's extensive coverage will encompass 32 sports and 329 events, featuring Australia's most respected athletic talents as commentators and experts. In addition to the exciting 2024 programming, there's a wealth of captivating entertainment still in store for the remainder of this year. Upcoming highlights include My Mum Your Dad and Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, as well as festive Christmas specials and thrilling new dramas to close out the year. Here's a sneak peek at what to expect: Still to come in 2023: Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars: A brand-new series where Aussies aspiring to turn their culinary dreams into reality will compete for a chance to secure mentorship and a $250,000 investment from Gordon Ramsay and Australian business mogul Janine Allis. Contestants will pitch their innovative food and drink ideas to win a spot on the show and battle through high-pressure challenges to prove their business acumen. My Mum Your Dad: In Season 2, Kate Langbroek assists a new group of single parents in their quest for love. This time, the adult children take charge of their parents' dating lives with their blessings, leading to cringeworthy and amusing dating moments. Romance, drama, and truth bombs ensue as the parents and offspring navigate the path to the ultimate test – the Blessing Ceremony. Love Island Australia: Hosted by Sophie Monk, Season 5 returns to Mallorca with new singles looking for love. Islanders must form and maintain couples to secure their place in the Villa, even when new contestants arrive to stir up trouble. Risky challenges, date nights, and plenty of drama promise an unforgettable season. Australia's Most Identical: This two-part special features 100 sets of twins competing in tests and challenges to determine the nation's most identical pair. Hosted by The Block's Scott Cam and Dr. Jana Pittman, the show delves into the nature versus nurture debate with the help of twin experts and challenges set by Dr. Xand and Dr. Chris van Tulleken. The Hundred with Andy Lee: Christmas: Returning in December, this show features Andy Lee and 100 everyday Aussies sharing their thoughts on the festive season. Panellists include Sophie Monk, Rhys Nicholson, Kate Langbroek, and a special seasonal guest. Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: A new series, narrated by the investigators themselves, focuses on one case per episode. It provides unprecedented insights into the investigations, including interviews with detectives, families, journalists, and authors who have closely followed these cases. Million Dollar Murders: Hosted by retired Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, this series explores unsolved murders in Australia, offering a one-million-dollar reward for information leading to a conviction. Wallace interviews detectives, witnesses, and family members to shed light on these chilling mysteries. Christmas with Delta: Delta Goodrem returns to host a festive night of musical magic featuring Australian and international entertainment stars. New in 2024: Tracy Grimshaw's Return: Tracy Grimshaw returns to Channel 9 in 2024, with details about her new project yet to be revealed. Tipping Point Australia: Hosted by Aussie sporting legend Todd Woodbridge, this Australian version of the popular international quiz show invites contestants to answer general knowledge questions to win counters, which they can use on a coin pusher arcade-style machine. With mystery prizes and a jaw-dropping jackpot at stake, it's a test of wits and luck. Human Error: Inspired by real events, this drama series follows Detective Holly O'Rourke and her homicide team as they investigate a murder case that threatens to jeopardize her career, family, and faith in justice. As they dig deeper, they uncover a criminal conspiracy that will change their lives forever. Blood On The Tracks - The Platform Killer: Detective Kate Fletcher investigates a suspicious train commuter's death, uncovering links to other 'accidental' deaths on the rail network. Pressure mounts as she tries to solve the case while potentially becoming the killer's target herself. Do You Want To Live Forever?: Dr. Nick Coatsworth guides six Aussies on a journey to explore the possibilities of reversing aging, ending disease, and extending human lifespans. The series delves into scientific breakthroughs and examines the secrets of living younger longer. Beyond The Dream: This documentary series captures the untold stories behind some of the greatest Olympic and Paralympic moments, offering unprecedented access to the athletes' journeys and achievements. Jeopardy! Australia: Australia gets its own version of the iconic quiz show, hosted by Stephen Fry. Contestants must respond in the form of a question to accumulate cash prizes, making it a test of general knowledge and quick thinking. The Garden Hustle: Hosted by Lisa McCune and garden landscaper Dave Franklin, this gardening makeover program showcases everyday homeowners and renters as they transform their outdoor spaces into garden oases. The series offers practical gardening tips and heartwarming stories. Listing Melbourne: Six elite real estate agents navigate Melbourne's property market while balancing their personal lives. The show provides a glimpse into the glamorous real estate market in Melbourne. Budget Battlers: Norm and Jess from "The Block" take on incredible renovations for unsung heroes, demonstrating how viewers can renovate their homes on a budget. Nine's upcoming lineup promises a diverse range of entertainment, from thrilling dramas and heartwarming documentaries to exciting game shows and captivating reality programs. Viewers can look forward to a year filled with engaging and memorable television experiences. Images: Getty / Nine

Is Scott Cam leaving The Block?

Channel Nine has responded to rumours that Scott Cam is quitting his hosting gig with the long-running renovation series The Block. Rumours emerged of Scott's retirement after an insider said producers were “scrambling” to find a way to honour the veteran television presenter, ahead of his apparent shock departure from the show. The insider told <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/the-block-2023-channel-nine-hit-back-at-scott-cam-hosting-rumours-051247651.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGFpbHltYWlsLmNvLnVrLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEEcIDfvSNLFVcG2S_fr7RFSWk9sPsyIyYw0V1saAY0iOGLDr_ZXRpRi0hWX3pMLWTHdUQ3GnD40d3VeY-PxiHsf7-XZX2VppZvXASmpnh1jH45oejdbfy13rQ8LcvNSShES_9pCnU2G4rqlHCyFUtpzPQY6YgOSQ3LrHQuL0jsd" target="_self">Yahoo! Lifestyle</a> it is believed Cam isn’t signing any more contracts after his current one terminates, which was said to end prior to the 20th season, at the end of this year. “We want to celebrate while we have Scotty on contract and that may very well mean getting our skates on now,” the insider told the platform. Another claim made by the publication was that a big reunion special would air before the 20th season of the show, “featuring the most iconic teams from the past”. Yahoo! Lifestyle alleged that phone calls to memorable stars were already underway, saying, “We are looking at the contestants that made the most amount of noise and those who are still remembered all these years later.” However, when these claims were posed to The Block’s publicist, a spokesperson denied them, stating, “The report is not true”. Cam, who has hosted The Block since 2010, has said in the past working on the show is “never a drag” and was thrilled to be kicking off another season this year. “This series is guaranteed to be a deadset blockbuster,” he said late last week. “Our five new teams from across the country are all fired up to make their home states proud.” Image credits: Getty Images

“They’re ripping kids off”: Scott Cam slams cabbies

Block host Scott Cam has lashed out at NSW taxi drivers for “ripping off” passengers by refusing to turn the meter on. Cam spoke to Ben Fordham about the issue on 2GB on Monday, saying he wasn’t aware of the issue until he jumped in a taxi with his wife on Friday. The presenter said he doesn’t often take taxis and that the driver informed him that the trip to the requested address would cost $45. When he asked the driver to turn on the meter instead, he was met with refusal. “We got out with a few choice words and we walked up the road and got an Uber for $27 to the same address,” Cam said. He added that his biggest concern was for his children and that he didn’t want his daughter to be forced to pay the price set by the driver or be “exposed” while waiting for an Uber to come home on a night out, as an example. “We’ve got to stamp this out, mate,” he said. “They’re ripping kids off. They’re ripping people off. You and I can afford to get a cab but, you know, kids can’t, trying to get home late at night and that’s what worries me.” After speaking to others about his experience, Cam discovered the issue was “rife” and one that his daughter had also experienced. “My daughter said to me ‘that happens in every cab ride,’” he said. Fordham shared a similar experience he had where a taxi driver refused to turn on the meter, before reading out other complaints he had received from listeners. “I’ve had the same issue with taxis. $40 after the races from Randwick to Coogee. We didn’t realise the meter wasn’t on until we got to Coogee,” one said. “We were asked to pay $100 from Olympic Park to Parramatta after the NRL grand final,” said another. One of the show’s producers said he paid $30 for a 2.6km trip on Sunday night after the driver refused to turn the meter on. Unlike Uber and other ride share service fares, which can be higher in different areas or after major events as a result of dynamic pricing, taxi drivers are required to use the meter during a rank and hail trip and cannot negotiate or demand a fare that is different - with the exception of applicable tolls. If drivers fail to use the meter, they could be hit with a $300 fine. In a statement shared with the show, the NSW Taxi Council said it had raised the complaint with the Point to Point Transport Commission Regulator, which has “the power to fine and prosecute drivers”. “It is unacceptable and need to work with the regulator to stop this,” the statement said. “In Rank & Hail, it is illegal for drivers to refuse a fare and they need to run the meter.” In a recent media release, the Point to Point Transport Commission said its compliance team had been out on the streets to deter this behaviour, with Commissioner Anthony Wing saying the team had been “at a number of major events in Sydney and throughout NSW” to help ”deter illegal and unsafe driver behaviour at these locations”. “My compliance team of Authorised Officers continue to have a visible presence at targeted locations throughout NSW. Since the start of October, they have inspected more than 600 vehicles (taxis, hire car and rideshare)” Mr Wing said. The safety of drivers and passengers will always be my absolute priority and any instance where drivers are not following the law is unacceptable. As we go into the festive period we will be continuing to be out in force.” Images: @scottycamofficial (Instagram) / Getty Images

Travel Trouble

What will happen to Scott Cam’s house on The Block?

In a season of firsts, the 18th season of the The Block saw host Scott Cam get in on the action with a renovation project of his own - and it turns out a lucky family could live there. The looming season finale and auction has prompted speculation as to what will happen to Cam’s homestead, an 1866 historic weatherboard house that hasn’t been lived in for 25 years. According to <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/2022/11/11173852/the-block-scott-cam-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Refinery29</a>, the home isn’t actually owned by the Gold Logie winner, but rather by Channel 9. While the network won’t be selling the house at the same time as the auctions for the contestants’ homes on November 6, it will likely be sold at a later date. In a recent episode of The Block’s official podcast, Cam told co-host Shelley Craft that he built the home for “some other lucky family” to own. “Something I need to point out – which my wife has asked me to point out – is that we don’t own that house. That is not our house,” he said. “Everybody is saying to my wife, ‘Are you going to move there? When are you going to sell it?’ "We have to explain to everyone that it belongs to the network – I just built it as my house. "I would love to live there, but my family is based in Sydney. I built it for some other lucky family to live in." With its future sales date tightly under wraps, there is the possibility it could be used as a side hustle for the network, with Craft saying she had already fielded an enquiry from a local woman asking to use the house to take her wedding photos, which the producers agreed to, per <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/scott-cam-reveals-truth-about-house-hes-built-on-the-block-this-season/news-story/d66821787fd3db7963816264bef0d518" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. Cam’s project is located in the same lot as the contestants’ homes in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, about 40 minutes from Melbourne. After the renovations, the home now boasts a master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite, three guest bedrooms, two guest ensuites, a main bathroom, a kitchen, living room and dining room, a kitchenette and study, a powder room, and mudroom/laundry. The property also includes a shed with its own ‘man cave’, as well as a media room and work from home space, a pool, and a 3D-printed cabana. With the contestants’ 500-square-metre homes heading to auction with price guides between $4 million and $4.4 million, who’s to say how much Scott’s home will fetch when (and if) it hits the market. Images: @scottycamofficial (Instagram) / Nine

Real Estate

The Block’s Scott Cam issues public apology

Two contestants on The Block have received a rare apology, delivered by host Scott Cam on behalf of the show amid claims of “unfair” treatment. Sunday night’s episode of the show saw contestants Omar and Oz fuming as they were the only team unable to present their work-from-home space. After the show’s builder ran out of time to finish the roof on the team’s shed due to bad weather, the duo questioned why their shed was left until last - something which they say has happened repeatedly during the season. “We’re the only contestants on The Block that doesn’t have a roof on their shed at the moment,” Omar said. “It does feel like we haven’t had the right end of the deal on this Block at all. We’re still trying to produce rooms, and it’s finally come to a stage where we’re being told ‘You’re not going to get the room [finished]. “It’s not fair, that’s for sure.” While foremen Keith and Dan had apologised to the team and offered them the option to get help from their brothers - who were onsite for a family visit - to paint the space to make up for their lack of a roof, Omaz and Oz politely refused. The pair predicted that the first-of-its-kind Block offer would just lead to complaints from the other teams who didn’t receive the same allowance. As a result, the shed was left with tarps up and water damage by the time judging came around, ruining Omar and Oz’s chances of winning this week. Ahead of the judging, Cam addressed the pair’s complaints and apologised. :On a personal note, I want to apologise to Omar and Oz on behalf of The Block. What with the rain we’ve had over the last month, we were unable to finish your shed – and therefore, you were unable to finish your room. So for that, we say sorry,” he told them. The host said he had also instructed the judges to evaluate the room as if it was finished, before revealing that there had been some changes to the judging panel. Judges Neale Whittaker and Shaynna Blaze were absent from Sunday’s episode after they both contracted Covid. As the one remaining judge, Darren Palmer was joined by former Block winners Alisa and Lysandra. Despite setbacks beyond their control, Omar and Oz claimed third place for their shed, with Tom and Sarah-Jane earning their fifth win for theirs, which included a home office, wine tasting area and home entertainment room. The episode ended on a high note for all the contestants, who received the good news that they would be getting a new $90,000 budget to complete the landscaping on their sprawling blocks. Images: Nine

Real Estate

Nick "Honey Badger" Cummins welcomes "little badger cub"

Former Bachelor and rugby star Nick Cummins AKA the “Honey Badger” has welcomed a baby with girlfriend Alexandra George. In a heart-warming post shared to Instagram, Cummins shared a cute photo of him kissing his partner as she cradled the newborn. “What an amazing life experience, so much love for my mob,” he wrote. <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/CjXkl_2LSbD/?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/CjXkl_2LSbD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Honey Badger (@nickbadger)</a> </div> </blockquote> Celebrities wished them well in the comments, with swimmer Shayna Jack writing “Congratulations to you both! Amazing news.” The couple are yet to make a public comment regarding the baby's name or gender. Earlier this year, Cummins shared an intimate Instagram post in which he announced that he and Ms George were expecting a “little badger cub”. The "Honey Badger" and girlfriend Alexandra have been public with their relationship since March 2021, after having secretly dated since June 2020. It has been rumoured they spent lockdown together on the NSW mid-north coast.

Family & Pets

Scott Cam reveals simple secret behind his happy marriage

Scott Cam has revealed that the secret behind his 30-year marriage is a simple one: being nice to each other. The host of The Block, who has been married to Ann, a school teacher, for 30 years, told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/scott-cam-you-have-to-work-hard-at-a-marriage-20220824-p5bcfa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a> about his family life and the formula behind his happy marriage. “You have to work hard at a marriage. Just be nice to each other, then no one is unhappy,” he told the publication. He also revealed that whenever he’s in Sydney, he likes to treat his family by cooking breakfast for everyone - and has a sophisticated menu prepared. “I’ve got menus: crêpes, omelettes, baked eggs and beans in the oven,” he said. Cam also opened up about how it was love at first sight when he met Ann in 1989, when he was travelling the country as a carpenter and she was teaching. “Ann was very beautiful, but I also could see she was nice. That night, I told Mum I'd met the girl I was going to marry,” the 59-year-old said. “I'd like to say I had a romantic story about my marriage proposal, but we were living together, and I said I'd like to get married, and Ann agreed.” The couple now shares three adult children, 26-year-old Charlie, and twins Sarah and Bill, 23. In a recent interview with Woman’s Day, Cam described Ann as a “great mum” who takes care of him too. “She looks after me and has done since the day I met her. I think [she] looks after me too well when I'm home,” he said. “I was away from her for a couple of months while I was in Melbourne, so I had to fend for myself. I didn't have all those little nice things in the cupboard like cakes and biscuits. “I can't see any part of my life without her. We're joined - that's what the secret is. I think you need that feeling to have a successful marriage.” Image: @scottycamofficial (Instagram)

Relationships

Scotty Cam joins in on Block challenge

In a series first, Scotty Cam will be both hosting and taking part in The Block, having been tasked with renovating a 154-year-old country retreat. Season 18 of The Block will see Cam tackle a “weatherboard House” built in 1866 by Scottish immigrant Joseph McGeorge. But, the 59-year-old had a headstart on this season’s contestants, starting to make over the home - which has been desolate for 25 years and left “falling to bits” - three months before the contestants. As the teams work on their houses each week, Cam will continue to renovate his property and even be included in the room reveals. So far, Cam has completed three rooms, including a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, though the exterior of the property is covered in scaffolding and the exterior walls, roof and verandah have been ripped apart. The formerly drab and aged bedroom has been given a modern country vibe, with navy blue panelling on the walls and a bed frame panelled with rattan. Cam continued the navy theme into the bathroom, transforming the grimy room with its pink sink and sky blue tiles into a spacious area with a grey tiled splashback, more navy wood panelling, a free-standing bath and a spacious shower separated by a glass screen. As for the kitchenette, the dirt-filled room still had remains of old kitchen utensils on the tables and a barren oven cavity which was transformed in a modern space with navy furniture and decor, beige wall panelling, timber floorboards, under-cabinet lighting, a bar fridge under the new bench, and new cabinetry. It was revealed that Cam would be picking up renovating tools during the show last year, and his progress comes amid stellar ratings following the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/don-t-waste-my-time-elle-ferguson-and-joel-patfull-face-heat-on-the-block" target="_blank" rel="noopener">controversial departure of Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull</a>. The engaged couple left after being on-set for just two days, after Patfull’s mother was hospitalised following a fall, though Cam <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/scott-cam-speaks-from-the-heart-about-block-stars-abrupt-exit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">described their behaviour</a> as “p*** poor” and “un-Australian”. Images: Nine

Real Estate

“Don’t waste my time”: Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull face heat on The Block

Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull have been the subject of savage comments during their incredibly short stint on the newest season of The Block, with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/scott-cam-speaks-from-the-heart-about-block-stars-abrupt-exit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">even Scott Cam making his feelings known</a> about the pair. The influencer and former AFL star left the show’s Gisbourne set after just two days amid reports they flew to Adelaide to care for Patfull’s mother after a fall. Though they appeared ready to take on the challenges ahead during the show’s first episode, one fellow contestant had plenty of criticism. Sarah-Jane, who is competing with her husband Tom, said she recognised Ferguson “straight away”. “She’s already famous, she’s got 600,000 followers on Instagram, she’s got s**tloads of money, why are they here?” she fumed to producers. In a pre-show interview, the mother-of-one had plenty to say about influencers such as Ferguson. “Social influencers … Some I respect obviously,” she began. “Some make a huge career out of it! Look at your Kim Kardashians and your Rozalia Russians and people like that … Bec Judd! Good on them. But people who just go on shows to (boost their) social media, I don’t have time for that s**t. Like, don’t waste my time.” <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/CgdGlB1op2b/?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/CgdGlB1op2b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Block (@theblock)</a> </div> </blockquote> Block host Scott Cam also shared his thoughts on the pair through veiled digs in voiceovers throughout episode one. In one, he described Ferguson as a “self-confessed global influencer and beauty entrepreneur”, referring to the couple as “Bondi babes” in another instance. Cam’s comments in the episode come after he suggested in several interviews that Ferguson and Patfull left the show within 48 hours of arriving because they weren’t up to the challenge, and not because of Patfull’s mother’s ill-health. The reality show host has sledged the pair for leaving so soon, calling it “p*ss poor” and “unAustralian” behaviour, telling <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/elle-ferguson-and-joel-patfull-savaged-by-block-contestant-sarah-jane-in-episode-one/news-story/cb130fbed0572e46a989774816309bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> in the lead-up to the premiere that they left in the middle of the night with “no explanation”. “They didn’t give us a reason why they were leaving. They never mentioned anything to us about visiting their sick mother,” Scott said. His shock at their exit has also featured in promos for episode two. The first episode also saw Ferguson appearing to find some aspects of the competition difficult, admitting that “it was a little intimidating” walking into the building site of House Three. “It was a demolition site, and when I say demolition site, you couldn’t see the ground,” she said. After the first night, she told producers: “I did think someone was going to come and maybe say here’s a heater … but no … it was fresh.” Image: Nine

Scott Cam "speaks from the heart" about Block stars' abrupt exit

When two Block stars exited the show within 48 hours, passionate host Scott Cam was left reeling. He called Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull’s actions as “p*** poor” and “unAustralian” who reportedly left to look after Joel’s mum who suffered a nasty fall. However, Scott was left unsure as to why the influencer and former AFL star left abruptly when the show accommodated them to look after Joel’s mother Trish who reportedly was being treated for possible bleeding of the brain, a broken coccyx and a fractured wrist. “They didn’t give us a reason why they were leaving. They never mentioned anything to us about visiting their sick mother,” Scott told<a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/scott-cam-reveals-what-really-happened-with-joel-patfull-and-elle-ferguson-on-the-block/news-story/85fae2f902d7629a24e47d339b64497c" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> news.com.au.</a> “In fact, we flew them to Adelaide before The Block started for a week, and put them up in a hotel so they could see (Joel’s mother), and they came back and said everything’s fine.” Scott explained that even though they were visiting Joel’s mother the week prior, their disappearance “in the middle of the night” was done without warning and with no mention of the sick mum. “They never spoke to us, they just left in the middle of the night…I still don’t know why they left,” Scott continued. “They never mentioned their sick mother in the 48 hours before they left, or after they left. The executive producer spoke to them (after they left) and they didn’t mention their sick mother then either.” Scott doesn’t want to come across as heartless and said “family comes first” but had Elle and Joel been truthful they would have stopped the production of The Block until they came back. He explained that it is something that has occurred in the past when a team had to go back and visit family and The Block “temporarily stopped” shooting. At the time of their exit, Elle posted a caption to Instagram that read: “Wherever you are in the world. Whatever you are doing. Family always comes first”. When the pair left the show, Scott was fuming because after just 48 hours on the show, they were forced to reshoot promos. “45,000 people applied to be on The Block and win life-changing money. These guys got on and they just couldn’t handle the pace after 48 hours … Which to me is a bit unAustralian! Have a go! It’s p*ss poor,” he previously said. “Obviously I wish Joel and Elle success in the future. It’s just that they created a fair bit of chaos for us here in the first 48 hours. “The show … we put a lot of time and money into the start of our show and then we had to rejig the whole thing … the whole promos had to be re-shot. “It just was a lot of angst on our part when they just departed the way they did. “When I say those words, that’s just Scott Cam speaking from the heart.” The Block Tree Change hits the screens on Sunday, August 7 at 7pm on Channel 9. Images: Channel 9

Real Estate

Shocking footage shows brutal baseball attack on police officer

Body-cam footage of a baseball bat attack on two Victorian police officers has emerged in court, with one of the officers telling the court he would have died if not for his partner’s intervention. The video shows an altercation between officers Rowan Baldham and William Ringin, a teenage boy, and Warrnambool man Steven Cleary in October last year. Baldham and Ringin can be seen questioning the teen about why he wasn’t wearing a mask amid Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions, when Cleary pulls over and emerges from his car with a baseball bat. Cleary then yells at the boy to “pick up your bags and go” and tells police to “get your hands off him”. The situation escalates when the teenager allegedly reaches for Ringin’s gun, while Cleary begins hitting Baldham with the bat several times before Ringin manages to wrestle it from Cleary’s hands. The 21-year-old officer then hits Cleary with the bat before he is eventually capsicum sprayed and tasered by both officers. After Cleary is cuffed and taken away in another police vehicle, the body-cam footage shows Baldham sitting on the curb with blood streaming down the side of his head. Appearing in court on Wednesday, Cleary pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including affray, causing injury intentionally, and assaulting an emergency worker on duty, per <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/crime-melbourne/shock-moment-police-officer-is-bashed-with-a-baseball-bat-during-confrontation-over-masks-c-7587408" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. Both officers were also present, with an emotional Baldham breaking down when he saw the shocking footage again. “Hearing the sound I made when I’m hit is the worst bit for me,” he said. “I didn’t know I was capable of making such a sound.” He told the court he was “convinced” he would have died if his partner hadn’t stepped in to help. “I am convinced that without his intervention – I would have been beaten to death,” he said. Cleary, who is due to be sentenced on Friday, suffered from a delusional mental illness which he wasn’t being treated for, according to his lawyer, and at the time of the incident believed in Covid conspiracy theories. The two officers had planned to serve in the police for life, but are considering leaving following the incident. Images: 7News

Legal

Wondering when The Block will return? So are we

This year, host Scott Cam and the latest crop of Blockheads will be leaving the city behind and making a tree change in regional Victoria.While there’s still lots to be revealed about what’s in store for The Block 2022, here’s what there is to know so far about the new season.Where is The Block 2022?The next Block will be in Gisborne, Victoria. After renovating houses and a hostel in various locations around metro Melbourne and Sydney, the popular reno series is going country - to the picturesque Macedon Ranges. Contestants will have plenty of land to play with.Their task is to create luxury rural escapes on the rumoured 79-acre site, which is said to have been carved into seven 10-acre lots and has a creek running through it.When is it being filmed?While the filming date hasn’t officially been confirmed, the application form stipulated that contestants would need to be available to start filming in late February 2022, for 10-12 weeks.It is understood the Omicron outbreak delayed the start of production on this year's series.Weatherboard homes and construction equipment have been spotted on site in Gisborne, so stayed tuned for more details.Who are the contestants?The next Block contestants are yet to be announced. Based on previous seasons and recent reports, we’re expecting seven teams, usually one from each state.Another twist for The Block Gisborne is that Scott Cam will be completing one of the home renovations himself.When will the auction be this year?The official date of The Block 2022 auctions hasn’t been released. But judging by previous years, it looks likely they will be held around November.When does The Block air on TV?Based on last year, we think The Block 2022 will start in August. Sit tight for that all-important premiere date.Image: Channel Nine

Real Estate

"Smile for the camera!": Man caught trashing Bunnings van

A vandal has been caught red-handed interfering with the windscreen wiper of a parked Bunnings vehicle over the weekend. The act was caught on the car’s dashboard camera on Sunday, and shared to the Facebook page Dash Cam Owners Australia on Tuesday. The video shows a man approach the car from the passenger side before starting to tamper with the wiper, bending it back onto itself and then twisting it around. The man was dressed in a brown New York Yankees cap, grey shirt, blue board shorts and thongs. He then left the scene, walking in the opposite direction. The incident took place while the car was parked on Victoria Avenue in the Sydney suburb of Concord West. The video garnered over 70,000 views in less than four hours, as well as hundreds of comments. Many commenters were happy the culprit was caught, with one person writing, “Smile for the camera you angry little man! I hope he’s been identified,” while another wondered what prompted the attack, asking, “Makes you wonder why people actually do this. Crazy. I wonder if he is known to the dashcam owner? Seems like it’s revenge for something possibly?” Others wondered whether it was part of a vendetta against the hardware store, with someone suggesting, “Vandalism to a Bunnings van? Probably worked for Mitre10,” while another wondered if the man wasn’t just hungry, writing, “Hangry for a Bunnings snag! Maybe they should do a snag van like Mr Whippy.” Another commenter pointed out that the attack wasn’t particularly effective, writing, “If you’re gonna be a vandal, at least be an intelligent one and do that to the driver’s side wiper. All he achieved there is made it ever so slightly more difficult to see out the extreme left of the windscreen, and some minor inconvenience by needing to replace it.” Image: Dash Cam Owners Australia

Travel Trouble

Australia Zoo welcomes two red panda cubs

Australia Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two red panda cubs, the first to be born at the Queensland-based facility run by the Irwin family. Announcing their birth on social media, the zoo posted, “Our Australia Zoo family has gotten a little bigger - Introducing our 2 red panda cubs! These two adorable fluff balls are enjoying lots of snuggles from their mama. This is a first for us and a proud moment to be giving this critically endangered species a helping hand.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaZoo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaZoo</a> family has gotten a little bigger - Introducing our 2 red panda cubs❤️ These two adorable fluff balls are enjoying lots of snuggles from their mama. This is a first for us and a proud moment to be giving this critically endangered species a helping hand. <a href="https://t.co/sK1w9WKb8I">pic.twitter.com/sK1w9WKb8I</a> — Australia Zoo (@AustraliaZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustraliaZoo/status/1481593303347138562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote> Red pandas are native to the high-altitude forests of Nepal, Burma, and China, and they usually give birth in early winter. They are considered endangered, largely as a result of habitat destruction and poaching. The zoo has also recently welcomed three cassowary chicks, and one of them, Fergo, has already become good friends with Bindi Irwin’s daughter, Grace. Irwin posted a photo on Instagram of the adorable pair last month, writing, “Two cute chickies! Meet Grace’s new best friend, Fergo, the cassowary chick. They absolutely love each other! We are so proud of our breeding program to protect this endangered species.” <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/CXrfhLVvt1c/?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> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXrfhLVvt1c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a> </div> </blockquote> Irwin also celebrated the arrival of the red panda cubs, posting several photos of them with their mum on Instagram, and writing, “Welcoming the two sweetest bundles of fluff to our family. We are incredibly proud to be part of a breeding program for this critically endangered species.” <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/CYq1lQtBz_5/?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> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYq1lQtBz_5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a> </div> </blockquote> Image: Twitter

Family & Pets

Taronga’s five new lion cubs make their public debut

Taronga Zoo’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/lion-cubs" target="_blank">new lion cubs</a> have made their public debut and are now accepting visitors to their harbourside home in Mosman. The five cubs, three females, named Malika, Zuri, and Ayanna, and two males, named Khari and Luzuko, were born to experienced mum Maya and first-time dad Ato on August 12, which also happened to be dad’s fourth birthday. <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FcNMiveGs600%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DcNMiveGs600&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FcNMiveGs600%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="450" height="253" scrolling="no" title="YouTube embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> Once the cubs turned 12 weeks old, they were ready to be introduced to their new home, under the watchful eye of mum Maya, of course. It has been over 18 years since lion cubs were born at Taronga Zoo, and this litter marks the first time there has been an entire pride in the zoo’s African Savannah. The cubs’ names are all Swahili, chosen by zoo supporters because of the lion’s African roots. Malika means ‘like a queen’, Zuri ‘beautiful’, and Ayanna ‘beautiful flower’, while Khari means ‘like a king’ and Luzuko, chosen by Taronga’s carnivore keepers, means ‘glory’. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We're brimming with pride to announce the public debut of five beautiful lion cubs! 🐾🦁 The cubs who are now 12-weeks-old have taken their first steps into their new home under the watchful 👁️ of mum Maya! To find out more or to book tickets check out <a href="https://t.co/sC6cg9rIna">https://t.co/sC6cg9rIna</a> <a href="https://t.co/eKqEcH0Lh7">pic.twitter.com/eKqEcH0Lh7</a> — Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/tarongazoo/status/1456079093787729920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Mum and the cubs will have access to their exhibit from 10 am to 2 pm each day, and dad will be in the exhibit from 2 pm onwards. The zoo explains that just like any newborns, the cubs have “bursts of activity followed by napping and cuddling”, so their limited access to the exhibit reflects this; the family needs private time for very important napping and bonding time! This is the third litter for Maya, who was moved to Taronga from the zoo’s sister zoo in Dubbo last year, where she had lived since moving from a South African zoo in 2014. Carnivore unit supervisor Louise Ginman said that the cubs are growing at a rapid rate, currently weighing between 11 and 13kg each, and they’re already developing their own unique personalities. “Our guests are going to be in for a real treat every time they come to visit and see the cubs - with so many milestones on the horizon, no two visits will be the same,” Ms Ginman said. Image: Rick Stevens/Taronga Zoo, Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Family & Pets

Dash cam shows dramatic arrest of Cleo's alleged abductor

The dramatic moment a man from Western Australia was arrested over allegedly kidnapping Cleo Smith has been captured on a taxi dash cam. Terence Darrell Kelly was arrested on Tuesday night, roughly one hour before detectives found Cleo locked inside a Carnarvon home. CCTV and dash cam footage from a nearby taxi has shown the moment the 36-year-old man was pulled over by police, before being pinned to the ground and arrested. In a statement released late on Thursday, police said Mr Kelly had been <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/i-m-coming-for-you-suspect-charged-in-cleo-s-alleged-abduction" target="_blank">charged with “various offences”</a>, including one count of forcibly taking a child under the age of 16. Terence was pulled over by police just 4km from the house Cleo was later discovered in. “The cops were chasing that car initially and they were all surrounding that car on the side of the curb and we saw one of the detectives on top of the guy, pinning him down,” a witness told <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/wa/dashcam-shows-dramatic-moment-cleo-smiths-alleged-abductor-terence-darrell-kelly-was-arrested-by-wa-police-c-4439685" target="_blank">7NEWS</a> of the arrest. When questioned about the missing 4-year-old, Terence told police he had no idea what they were talking about. Police moved quickly when Terence was identified as a suspect on Tuesday night, and found Cleo alive and well moments later. Cleo had been missing for 18 days, after she was allegedly taken from her family's tent at the Blowholes campsite near Carnarvon. Homicide detective Cameron Blaine, who was among Cleo’s rescuers, said she appeared to be holding up well. Image credits: Facebook / 7News

News

New baby lion cubs! And you can watch them live

For the first time in 18 years, Taronga Zoo has five new African lion cubs and you can watch them live on the zoo’s cub cam for a small charge. Sydney's Taronga Zoo hasn't been humming with crowds over the past three months, given it's been closed due to Sydney’s ongoing lockdown. But there’s a lot more activity and there’ll be a few roars from the lion enclosure from now on. It was about a month ago on August 12 when the zoo first welcomed the five African lion cubs — three females and two males — a quintet of cuteness. These little balls of fluff were born to experienced mum, Maya, and first-time dad, Ato, and they've grown from weighing around 1.5 kilograms at birth to hitting the scales at between five and six kilograms now. <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b2adcb784c574162ac621ac73145584a" /><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844172/african-lion-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b2adcb784c574162ac621ac73145584a" /> Watch the cubs grow on the zoo’s 24/7 live-stream As they've been growing, Taronga's staff have been keeping an eye on them via the zoo's CCTV cameras. And, if that sounds like a great way to spend your own day, you can now join them via a new 24/7 live-stream. Taronga already lets you fill your time staring at capybaras, seals, meerkats, otters, Sumatran tigers, lions and elephants, all without leaving your home, thanks to <a rel="noopener" href="https://concreteplayground.com/brisbane/travel-leisure/leisure/taronga-tv-returns" target="_blank">its online TV channel</a>. All those animals are all well and good. They're great, and they're very easy to spend too much time staring at, actually. But, because we all grew up watching The Lion King, many of us have an extra fondness for lion cubs. Small donation is required for the live-stream Previously, the zoo's live-stream TV channel was free but now you'll need to make a tax-deductible donation of $7 to access the all-day camera footage – but you can donate more if you like. Your payment will help support Taronga, its ongoing research and conservation programs, and its work to save African lions. But the good thing is, there's your background viewing sorted. Popping the stream on in the background while you work from home can be a good idea. Sometimes, the animals you’re trying to watch aren't in view. And be warned – African lion cubs do like to sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day. Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo started their online streams in 2020, and they're back now for obvious reasons. Taronga is also releasing regular videos across its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, and they load keeper talks and other clips online regularly. To subscribe to Taronga Zoo's cub cam, head to <a rel="noopener" href="https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/lion-cub-cam" target="_blank">the zoo's website</a>. To check out <a rel="noopener" href="https://taronga.org.au/taronga-tv" target="_blank">Taronga TV</a>, head to <a rel="noopener" href="https://taronga.org.au/taronga-tv" target="_blank">the channel's website</a> — or keep an eye on its videos on its <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/tarongazoo/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tarongazoo/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TarongaSydney/" target="_blank">YouTube</a> pages. Image: Taronga TV

Family & Pets

Scott Cam reveals what he really thinks of cheating penalty

The latest cheating scandal has rocked The Block, and for the first time ever - Scott Cam has handed down a major punishment for the cheating contestants. Scott Cam punished Tanya and Vito and Josh and Luke who had a photo of the production schedule in their possession, by deducting two points from last week’s scores from judges. "We deducted those points, I mean I thought that punishment wasn't harsh enough," Cam told 9Entertainment. "But we couldn't make it so those people had no chance of winning The Block, because that would make the whole thing void, if it was just between three teams." <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843632/scott-cam-tanya-fitzy-wippa-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2bb51176059444159afaeb70aeea13d4" /> The TV host said he wanted to make the game even again. "If we gave them a too-harsh punishment, that would hamstring them too much, so we needed to start again and make the game fair, so we could actually have a series and have a show," he explained. While talking to contestants, he told them he was asked if he would give a penalty to the two teams for cheating. "I thought long and hard about this and I've come to a decision. I will be deducting two points from each of your scores tonight, effectively ruling you out of this week's room," he said. "This will also give the others a head start on the Domain leader board to choose the auction order at the end of the series." Josh and Luke were prepared for whatever punishment was handed to them, but neither the brothers, nor Tanya and Vito were on track to win half basement week. "I think that the auction order is really important, so deducting those points, it made it almost impossible for them to win the Domain Super Power," Scott explained. "I think that was pretty fair, that's going to hamstring them at the end of the series." Not everyone agreed that the points were fair. "Yeah look, I think the penalty for stealing the photo and cheating is appropriate," Mitch said. However, Ronnie said: "I think it's flat-out bulls---, two points is not enough. All their points should have been stripped and all money should have been given back." Kirsty and Jesse were the only team looking at the end game with the penalty. "Two points doesn't sound like a lot," Kirsty said. "But when it comes to the end of this competition and you've got the Domain Leaderboard, you know, when you look at last year's results and how close most couples come within each other. “I think those two points, they're gonna be all the difference." Kirsty and Jesse ended up taking the win.

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