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Terri Irwin's candid admissions on parenting and becoming a grandmother

Terri Irwin has made a candid admission about her and Steve's unique parenting style, while revealing how much her granddaughter Grace is like her late husband. Chatting candidly to Today from inside Australia Zoo, Terri spoke about her daughter Bindi and son-in-law Chandler Powell, and how well they have taken to being parents. Bindi and Chandler welcomed baby girl Grace Warrior in 2021, with Terri sharing that the young girl is now the centre of their family. "It's so special to see Bindi and Chandler being such wonderful parents because they're so good at it," Terri said. "And I look at them and think, 'you know, you guys are so much better at this than Steve and I were - we'd be like, here's a stick and a rock kids, have fun', you know?" "And now everything in Grace's world is interactive and educational and they're just great with her." Terri said Grace is the perfect mix of both her mum and dad, and even though she never met him, Terri said there is also a hint of Steve in Grace's personality. "I remember talking to Steve's mother about what he was like when he was little and she said, 'if I couldn't find him, I'd just look up,'" Terri said. "And Grace is a bit like that, she loves everything like skateboards, playing ball, climbing a tree, she's a girl who will challenge boundaries but with wildlife, she's so careful and respectful." Image credits: The Today Show

Family & Pets

William Tyrrell's biological grandmother speaks out

William Tyrrell's biological grandmother has spoken out about the child's first disappearance, two years before he disappeared without a trace in 2014, and how she was the "mastermind" behind the plan. Natalie Collins, whose three-year-old grandson was last seen alive on 12th September 2014, said she orchestrated for William to be hidden away when a court ordered William to be taken from his parent's custody. “So I hid them,” Ms Collins told the second episode of <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/i-hid-him-william-tyrrells-biological-grandmother-speaks/news-story/49b7f2998daf1d13035a794622e9a463" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>’s investigative podcast into William's disappearance. “I hid them for three months after I knew (state government officials) were going to take William … I arranged it all.” When asked if that made her the mastermind of William’s first disappearance, which caused police to set up a dedicated strike force to find him, Ms Collins said “Yeah, that’s right”. “I should have taken him myself … Then no one would have been able to take him off me. That’s what I should have done,” she said. The court order for William to be removed from his biological parents' care came in 2012, when he was jut seven months old. The NSW government Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) had raised concerns about domestic violence and substance abuse between William's parents Brendan Collins and Karlie Tyrrell, the court heard. The court ordered for William to be taken by officials and placed into government care, but when the officers arrived to take William, he was gone. A police strike force, codenamed Duncraig, was set up to find William, with officers making repeated visits to various addresses over the coming weeks, without success. In 2012, William was ultimately found in the custody of Ms Collins and taken by authorities, who placed him with foster parents. Ms Collins said the government made the wrong decision to re-home William in 2012, and their actions directly led to William's 2014 disappearance. “These (FaCS) people didn’t do their job,” she said. “They failed to do their job properly." “Because this shouldn’t happen these days with foster care children. What it’s done to my family from day one has stuffed all of us up,” she continued. “I’ve got one son in rehab, I’ve got one in jail and my family has been stuffed up. I lost my son and I lost myself on the way.” The podcast also spoke to one of the officials who was present when William was first taken from his biological family, as the man claimed he constantly wonders if he made the right decision about William's care. “We take kids off … families all the time,” the man said, breaking down in tears. “You do it. It is part of the job. “The thing I get upset about is … we took William off Karlie to protect him. I can still see myself walking into that bloody unit … And there was William, on the floor." “And I just think … did we do the right thing? Would he still be alive? Maybe.” Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Great-grandmother celebrated her 93rd birthday by skydiving

A great-grandmother from the Gold Coast has proved that age is just a number, by celebrating her 93rd birthday by going skydiving. Betty Gregory first got a taste for the thrill of being in the sky when she was just 17 and working in England's Royal Air Force. She told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/queensland-great-grandmother-jumps-out-of-plane-to-celebrate-93rd-birthday/707b554c-f6e4-47a5-b63f-b05370bfaaad">Today</a>, "I was 17 and I was doing a photographic course where I had to go up in a plane to do some aerial photography training." "I had to crawl past the pilot's legs, where they'd taken a panel out of the nose and installed this camera on a framework and I could see all the little fields with animals and cars on little tiny roads and I thought it would be very nice to do a jump." After she landed safely on the ground, Betty tried to convince the pilot to take her back up and let her do a jump, but to no avail. She put the idea on the back burner, vowing to herself to do the skydive at some stage in the future. Fast forward a few decades, when Betty had settled on the Gold Coast and started a family, she began thinking of the skydive once more. "I saw them landing on Kirra Beach and I thought, 'Now there's an idea, I'll do that for my 80th birthday,'" she said. So she did, and she pledged to go again on her 85th birthday for her second skydive. "I was going to do another one at 90, but COVID-19 happened and everything was cancelled," she said. "Then, for my 91st birthday, my son came up from Victoria and I asked if he also wanted to jump, he said 'well, I suppose if you can do it at 91, mum, I can do it at 68.'" As Betty’s love for jumping out of planes grew, she decided not to wait until her 95th birthday to do it again. "The numbers of my age are getting quite high, so I thought maybe I won't leave it for 95, I'll do it at 93 instead," she said. Betty admitted she's even gotten friendly with the tandem jumper who lets her manoeuvre the parachute handles so she can spend a little bit longer sailing through the skies. "It's exhilarating, it really is - I really enjoy it," she said. Image credits: Today

Domestic Travel

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

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

Caring

Grandmother's plea after tragic fatal school excursion

A 13-year-old girl from New Zealand has tragically died after sustaining an “unsurvivable head injury” during a school excursion to an ice skating rink. Kymani was rushed from Alpine Ice Sports Centre to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday morning, after falling while skating with her classmates. Following her sudden death, the young girl's grandmother created an online <a href="https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ice-skating-school-trip-unexpected-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fundraiser</a>, where she explained, “Sadly while on a school excursion Kymani fell, sustaining an unsurvivable head injury.” “This is a parent’s worst nightmare — sending your child to school and to never return home,” Kymani’s family said. “Her parents, brothers, sisters and whanau are devastated. Kymani was a beautiful girl, only 13 years old." “As this is an unexpected tragedy, any funds would be gratefully appreciated and will go towards preparing for what comes next.” "Aroha nui Hiley-Hetaraka whanau (Much love to the Hiley-Hethara family)." The skating rink was closed on Tuesday, as spokesperson said the staff’s “thoughts are with the family at this time”. The Ministry of Education also released a statement, which read, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news and our thoughts are with the family and school community. Our traumatic incident team is available to support the school for as long as needed.” WorkSafe NZ is looking into the incident. Image credits: givealittle.co.nz

Caring

Dean Heasman's grandmother breaks silence after deadly house fire

The estranged and terminally-ill grandmother of the man allegedly responsible for lighting a house fire that killed three of his children has spoken out in the wake of the tragedy. In the early hours of Sunday morning, neighbours raised the alarm after spotting the fire in a family home in the suburb of Lalor Park, with firefighters arriving on the scene in six minutes to battle what neighbours called an "intense" <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/three-children-dead-after-allegedly-being-forced-into-house-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blaze</a>. Two boys aged three and six years old were given CPR on the street but could not be revived, and a 10-month-old baby girl was also found dead inside the home. The children's father, Dean Heasman, has since been arrested over the deaths of the children, with police treating the tragedy as a domestic violence attack. Now, Heasman's grandmother, 82-year-old Neryle Heasman, told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13610539/Lalor-Park-house-fire-dean-heasman.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> she knew her grandson Dean as "a nice child" but said she had been estranged from him in recent years. "I didn't have a lot to do with him since his father, my son also named Dean, passed away," she said. "On the odd occasion I saw him, I remember him being a nice child." Mrs Heasman, who is receiving home palliative care for terminal lung cancer and has six months to live, said she had not met her great-grandchildren. "I have kept up with his family through photos on Facebook," she said. But she was stunned to discover he was at the centre of the police investigation into the deadly fire, asking Daily Mail Australia, "Are you sure we're talking about the same Dean?" A 29-year-old woman, a nine-year-old girl, and three boys aged four, seven and 11 were also in the house during the blaze, but escaped and were rushed to Westmead hospital. Investigators are now trying to determine what caused the blaze, with reports claiming that Heasman threw a pillow on fire at his partner, which was partially responsible for starting the fire. Image credits: 7News / Daily Mail Australia

Legal

Grandmother in critical condition after stabbing

A grandmother is in hospital in a critical condition after she was stabbed multiple times in an alleged DV incident in Perth's east. Police were called to a home on Jessie Road in Gooseberry Hill just after 5pm on Wednesday after neighbours allegedly heard 60-year-old Paulette Mountford's screams. Nine News reported that her neighbours found her in the garden and were attempting to apply pressure to her neck and body before paramedics arrived. She was rushed to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and remains in a serious but stable condition. Christopher John Sullivan, 72, was taken into custody at the property before being charged with one count of attempt to unlawfully kill. Her alleged attacker reportedly barricaded himself inside the home before tactical response officers negotiated for him to leave. Mountford is a church volunteer who has helped support victims of domestic violence. In a statement, her daughters said: "We are devastated and utterly heartbroken that our dear mother has endured such a horrifying ordeal." "All we want is for our mother to overcome her injuries." They also thanked everyone who rushed to her aid and those who are continuing to care for her. “For such a kind-hearted person to suffer so deeply is hard for us to understand," they said. “All that we want at this time is for our mother to overcome her injuries, and we pray and hope that she gets better soon. “She is a strong woman and we know she will be using all her strength to get better.” Sullivan appeared before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder. He told the magistrate he intended to plead guilty but no official plea was entered, and the matter was stood down while he was provided legal advice. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. Image: Nine

Legal

"I was shaking": Grandmother targeted in horrifying carjacking

A Melbourne grandmother has been left "terribly shaken" after she was targeted in a carjacking in broad daylight. Fay Elisha, 76, had been doing her shopping in Malvern, in Melbourne's south-east, on Monday afternoon when she noticed an "agitated" man who was heckling a group of construction workers. When she got in her car to leave the shopping centre, the grandmother said she was startled when the man began to run towards her and yelled at her to get out of her car. “My eyes froze, my feet froze, I just stood there,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne-grandmother-caught-up-in-terrifying-carjacking-in-malvern--c-14663082" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “I just did as I was told, got out of the car, terribly shaken." “He got me by the T-shirt I was wearing, around the neck and just pulled me out because I wasn’t going fast enough.” The carjacker took off in Ms Elisha's Lexus, with witnesses capturing the moment the car rammed other cars on the street that were in the way. Shaken from the incident, Ms Elisha headed into her regular dentist surgery, which is across the road from where the incident occurred, where she was comforted by staff. “I was shaking inside the dental surgery,” she said. “They (the staff) really looked after me.” Police were able to track the carjacker's journey thanks to Ms Elisha's phone, which had been left in the car, which led officers just 2.5km down the road where the offender abandoned the car and tried to break into a home. Elisha said the ordeal was “horrible” and “frightening” but that she was thankful her grandchildren weren’t in the car at the time. “That would’ve been the worst-case scenario for me,” she said. “That would’ve been horrendous.” Image credits: 7News

Legal

"How could he do it to me?": Grandmother broken over grandson's alleged fraud

In a courtroom in Perth, emotions ran high as a heartbroken grandmother awaited a reunion with her grandson, Jack Endersby. But this wasn't a typical family gathering. It was a courtroom confrontation, where Lyn Newby hoped her grandson would look her in the eye and confront the pain he allegedly caused by defrauding her of more than $320,000. Endersby, a 24-year-old <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/perth-news-grandmother-lost-320000-after-investing-in-grandson-business-alleged-ponzi-scheme/e3ea6396-750c-452c-8e87-c0ef53d65ede" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused of orchestrating a Ponzi-style scheme</a> that allegedly swindled around $2 million from victims across Australia, faced the scrutiny of the law and the anguish of his own family. The accusations against him span from February 2021 to February 2024, a period during which he allegedly promised lucrative returns to investors, only to leave them empty-handed and disillusioned. For Newby, the betrayal cut deep. She had entrusted her grandson with a substantial sum, believing it to be an investment in his trading business, Codex Investments. His promises of monthly returns seemed enticing, but when the payments abruptly ceased, Newby's world shattered. "He has ruined our lives," she lamented. "How could he do it to me? I'm his grandmother." Endersby's arrest earlier this month marked a turning point in the unravelling of his alleged scheme. Facing 11 charges of fraud, he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court, where his family, including his mother, sought answers and reconciliation. However, Endersby remained aloof, ignoring their attempts at communication. In the lead-up to his court appearance, Newby expressed her desire for her grandson to acknowledge the pain he caused. "He will feel terrible when he sees me, and I want him to look me in the eye and know how much he's hurt me," she said, her anguish palpable. The allegations against Endersby paint a stark contrast to his earlier life. Once a telesales consultant and labourer, he purportedly transformed into a "self-taught investor" with a multimillion-dollar portfolio and a lifestyle of luxury. Flashy holidays, upscale accommodations and a Maserati adorned his newfound prosperity, allegedly funded by the deceitful machinations of a Ponzi scheme. As the details of Endersby's alleged deception emerged, more victims came forward, each recounting their own stories of financial loss and shattered trust. Michael Dawson, who invested in Endersby's business 18 months prior, described initial returns followed by a troubling silence. Others spoke of referral schemes that seemingly built trust but ultimately ensnared unsuspecting investors in a web of deceit. Amid the courtroom drama and legal proceedings, questions linger about the true extent of Endersby's alleged scheme and the lives it impacted. As he awaits his next court appearance on April 19, the echoes of broken trust and shattered dreams serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of financial fraud. Images: Nine News

Legal

Update on tragic stabbing of Queensland grandmother

Five teenage boys have now been charged over the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/grandmother-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-granddaughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatal stabbing</a> of Queensland grandmother Vyleen White. The 70-year-old was allegedly stabbed in the chest as she was returning to her car after grocery shopping with her young granddaughter at Redbank Plains Shopping Centre on Saturday evening. A 16-year-old boy has since been arrested at a unit complex in Bellbird Park shortly after 2.30pm on Monday. He has been charged with one count of murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and three counts of stealing. He is due to appear at Ipswich Children's Court on Tuesday. Two other 16-year-old boys from Goodna and Bellbird Park were also arrested not long after, and charged with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle. A 15-year-old boy was arrested at Redbank Plains and was also charged with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle, along with possessing tainted property. This comes just one day after another 15-year-old boy <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/teen-arrested-over-alleged-stabbing-of-grandmother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">handed himself in</a> to Ipswich Police Station, and was charged with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle. These arrests come after a major manhunt and public appeal for help in locating the alleged offenders, with Queensland police saying that the extensive investigation remains ongoing. Image: Nine News/ Facebook

Legal

Teen arrested over alleged stabbing of grandmother

A 15-year-old boy has handed himself in amid the investigation into the alleged murder of Vyleen White, who was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/grandmother-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-granddaughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatally stabbed</a> in front of her six-year-old granddaughter while on a grocery run in Ipswich. The boy, who was allegedly one of four males shown in CCTV footage released by police, has not been charged in relation to the 70-year-old’s death. Instead, he was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle for allegedly stealing the car used by the attackers to flee Redbank Plains Shopping Village on Saturday evening. The boy handed himself into Ipswich Police Station at around 9.30pm on Sunday, and is due to appear at Ipswich Children’s Court on Monday. The 2009 Hyundai Getz the boys used to escape was found in Springfield Lakes on Sunday morning and is being forensically examined. The other four males have not yet been found. White had just finished grocery shopping with her six-year-old granddaughter at Redbank Plains when she was stabbed in the chest in the centre’s underground carpark at about 6pm on Saturday. The young girl was unharmed but left traumatised after witnessing the violent incident, and was reportedly screaming and crying for help. White died at the scene a short time later, after attempts to revive her failed. While police are still looking for the other attackers, Detective Acting Superintendent Heath McQueen said one man was responsible for the alleged murder. “There is still one person involved in the attack,” he told a media conference on Sunday, and said that robbery was the motive. They are appealing for anyone who might have seen the car between 6pm and 7pm on Saturday to contact them. “It’s a cowardly crime like I’ve not seen in my time as a detective,” McQueen said. “This is a (alleged) murder of a 70-year-old grandmother in front of her six-year-old granddaughter. “Now is not the time to remain tight-lipped. Now is the time ... to provide us with the information we need to identify the offenders who are responsible for this (alleged) murder.” Image: Facebook/ Queensland Police

Legal

Grandmother fatally stabbed in front of granddaughter

On Saturday evening, the Town Square Redbank Plains underground carpark became the scene of a horrifying crime as Vyleen White, a 70-year-old grandmother, lost her life in a brutal stabbing, leaving the community in shock and mourning. The heart-wrenching incident occurred as White was returning to her car with her groceries and her six-year-old granddaughter. The young girl, traumatised by the violence she witnessed, ran up the escalator screaming and crying for help, as the assailants callously stole White's vehicle. Local resident and off-duty doctor Ademola Afolabi responded to the cries for help but tragically arrived too late. He recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “For a little girl to witness that is painful, she won’t forget that.” The shocking nature of this crime has prompted a major manhunt for the alleged perpetrators. Police have released CCTV footage showing four persons of interest, believed to be a mix of adult and juvenile males of African appearance, arriving at a house in the stolen vehicle before abandoning it at nearby Springfield Lakes. The investigation is still in its early stages, but it is suspected that the stabbing was a result of a robbery that escalated into a violent crime. White's daughter, Danice White, expressed the family's grief and frustration. “We want justice,” she said. “There should be a police beat at every shopping centre and a police presence, or even a guard dog on site in the police beat. If we can’t feel safe walking around, there’s a problem.” The tragic loss of Vyleen White, remembered as a thoughtful woman with a strong Christian faith, has left her family and friends devastated. Her daughter described her mother's compassion, saying, “She was always praying for people, that’s why I am still around.” As the community mourns the loss of a beloved grandmother, there is an urgent call for action. Queensland Premier Steven Miles has acknowledged the abhorrent nature of the crime and assured that the police are working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator. Images: Facebook / Queensland Police

Caring

Meet the grandmothers pushing boundaries with their New Year's resolutions

Each year, millions of people around the world decide it is their year to try new things and push boundaries. For many, these New Year's resolutions include getting fit and eating healthy, travelling, or saving money for a big purchase. But for these Aussie seniors, they are pushing their resolutions even further, taking part in activities that will keep them young. For Gold Coast great-grandmother Hilda Wren, she knew she wanted to make a change after she had never been on a plane before. So, naturally, she decided to make her first trip in a plane one to remember, by jumping out of the aircraft and skydiving over the coast. "I've done sort of kickboxing, tennis, dancing, everything and I thought skydiving would be something different," Hilda told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/rise-of-granfluencers-and-why-more-aussies-over-60-are-living-their-best-life/741432b9-4e3d-4831-a1c0-1134d66ac949" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a>. "The grandkids think I'm absolutely marvellous." The 90-year-old admitted her first skydive was a little nerve-wracking, but after going up in the plane and jumping out another two times, she admitted it gets easier each time. "If anybody wants to do something different, do it while you can," she said. "I mean, I'm 90 now, and I'm glad I've done it three times - if I could do it again, I would." Melbourne pensioners Carmen and Ginger took up interesting resolutions last year, and this year have decided to try out pole dancing. "Take the opportunity to embrace whatever you want to embrace, more of what you love," Carmen said. Image credits: Today

Retirement Life

"No empathy": Grandmother kicked off flight over unpaid fee

An outraged father has unleashed over Jetstar's decision to remove his mother-in-law and children from a flight over an unpaid fee. Father of three Jay Tee took to social media to slam the airline over their treatment of his family on their flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne. Tee's kids were being accompanied on the flight by their grandmother, who was informed she needed to pay a $35 fee to check in a bag. The woman forgot to pay the fee before boarding, on what was her second time ever on a plane. Tee was then contacted by the airline after his family had boarded and was told they would not be allowed to travel if the charge wasn’t paid for within 10 minutes. “They informed me I had 10 minutes to pay $35 or else they would be removed from the flight extra fees would accur (sic) for holding up the flight,” he said. “I hung up transferred funds and rang back within four minutes. Jetstar did not take payment and had removed my mother-in-law from the flight altogether leaving her and 3 kids stranded at Gold Coast airport no water no food.” The father slammed the airline for “disgusting service” that was “the worst I have ever been treated” by a company. “My anger is not with the payment for luggage, it is how my mother-in-law and three kids under 10 were treated.” The airline confirmed the family were removed from the flight, with a spokesperson saying the airline was trying to contact Mr Tee for more information. “We’re really sorry to hear about the customers’ experience and are reaching out to get a better understanding about what happened,” the spokesperson said. The airline went on to say they had no record of any payment being made, while also clarifying they asked the elderly woman to move to the service desk multiple times to pay the fee, but she didn't. Mr Tee says he was then forced to pay another $600 to book the group on the next flight to Melbourne with discount airline Bonza. The situation stirred up debate on social media, with some blaming the woman for the mishap. “I don’t understand how this is anybody but the mother in laws fault, She would have checked bags in then should have walked over and paid for the excess, not boarded the plane,” one person wrote. But others defended her, and the fact the charge was paid by Mr Tee. “Would have thought Jetstar could have helped in some way, but that sums up Jetstar’s customer service for you. No empathy what so ever.” Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Cancer survivor becomes world's strongest great-grandmother

An Australian great-grandmother has become a world-record holder for an impressive feat in the gym. Heather Maddern, 80, found a new love of weightlifting after she decided to hit the gym to regain strength after beating cancer three times. Now, she is officially the world's strongest great-grandmother. "I hold the Australian and world record for an 80-year-old lady. It's amazing," she told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/great-grandmother-strongest-powerlifting-world-records/ffe9aa0e-9fc9-40b5-b8ff-d8744b37de0c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. "I just absolutely love the life I am living and I put it all down to powerlifting." Maddern, who suffers from Parkinsons, lifted the record-breaking 80kgs in Brisbane at a powerlifting competition, saying she is "absolutely chuffed" to break the world record for her age group. Reflecting on the moment she broke the record, Maddern said, "I just put it [the bar] down and went through the crowd with a big smile on my face, I was absolutely chuffed." Before the great-grandmother discovered her love for lifting weights, she was barely able to walk up and down stairs due to extensive chemotherapy and radiation to treat her cancer, and decided to make a change. "I was very weak, my posture wasn't very good. I was extremely tired. I knew I had to do something to change it, otherwise it would keep getting worse and worse," she said. Her coach, Jill Cox, said, "We had to help Heather walk down the stairs to get into the gym. She is inspirational. what she can do, anybody can do." Heather's life has changed drastically since she regularly started going to the gym, and despite being 80 years old, she has never felt better. "My son six months ago thought I was totally crazy, now they are all so very proud of me," she said. "I just feel so fit. Mentally I feel clearer headed and happy all of the time." Image credits: A Current Affair

Body

"I'm home": Paramedics grant dying grandmother's final wish

Dedicated paramedics have made an emotional pit stop at the beach for a dying grandmother who wanted to see the ocean one last time. The ambos were transporting 94-year-old Shirl McHugh to the hospital when the grandmother asked to make a stop at Newcastle's Bar Beach: her favourite spot. Shirl told the paramedics she wanted to "feel the salt breeze one last time", as she had a feeling she wouldn't be leaving the hospital. When they stopped at the beach, the great-grandmother relaxed and told paramedic Brittaney Banks, "I'm home". Thankfully, Ms McHugh was able to bask in a beautifully fine day to take in the famous stretch of beach, which is busy with swimmers, surfers, lifesavers and families most days. Shirl, who was a respected member of her church as well as the wider community, died just 15 hours after her stop at the ocean. The NSW ambulance shared Shirl's story to their Instagram page, with paramedic Brittaney Banks recalling the emotional day. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyK0y_Ns8j5/?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/CyK0y_Ns8j5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by NSW Ambulance (@nswambulance)</a> </div> </blockquote> "When I opened the doors of the ambulance, Shirley said 'I'm home', and breathed a sigh of relaxation… it's one of those jobs I will remember forever," Brittaney said. Her granddaughter expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the ambulance crew for respecting the special request from the stylish great-grandmother known to many as 'Shirl the Pearl'. "Thank you ladies for fulfilling my Nan's final wish on her way home," Emma Brown wrote. "She had such a beautiful soul, it was really my pleasure," Ms Banks replied. "I am so glad we could bring her home." Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Australian grandmother confirmed dead in Hamas attacks

The first Australian victim in the devastating Hamas attacks in Israel has been confirmed as a Sydney-born grandmother. Galit Carbone, 66, was found outside her home in a small Israel community, 5km from the Gaza Strip, after being killed in a "senseless act of violence". The Carbone's, along with the Australian Jewish community, are "heartbroken" over her untimely death. Galit's cousin Julian Cappe and his wife Lisa, who live in Rose Bay, told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/ginette-carbone-named-as-first-australian-victim-in-brutal-israel-conflict/news-story/e0a24a32eb90c744f77d43afcb715d36" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a> that the family in Israel were in “a state of numb shock” as they tried to put the pieces together of her horrifying final moments. “Over the last few days they’ve just gone through all the ranges of emotion, from hearing what happened to thinking that she’s been a prisoner to hearing confirmation that she was killed,” he said. Mr Cappe said the family’s grief had been magnified by the brutal nature her death. “The idea that terrorists could walk into such a peaceful place and find an elderly, a 66 year old lady, and other elderly people and gun them down in cold blood. It’s just devastating to feel that such a thing could happen,” he said. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said she was “devastated” by the news. “This is heartbreaking news this morning for the family of (Ms Carbone), her community here in Australia … our hearts absolutely go out to her,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/video/news/terrorism/an-australian-victim-in-one-of-the-attacks-by-hamas-has-been-identified-bc-6338799487112?utm_campaign=share-icons&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=clipboard&tid=1696965898991" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “I’m devastated for the people who knew her, but also the broader Jewish Australian community." “We’ve got brothers and sisters of the Jewish religion around our country who are suffering greatly from what is a brutal, violent, abhorrent and completely unjustified act of terrorism against their country and their citizens. “What’s happened here is a senseless act of violence, that will get more violent, and the Australian government condemns it in the strongest possible terms.” After being born and raised in Sydney, Galit Carbone decided to relocate to raise her children, as she moved to Israel where she was working as a librarian. Image credits: Courtesy of the Carbone family

Caring

Grandmother shares update on three children orphaned in Christmas Day crash

Seven months on from the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/orphaned-children-leave-hospital-after-nightmare-christmas-day-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">horror car crash</a> that claimed the lives of two parents that left their three children stranded and orphaned, their grandmother has shared an update on how the kids are coping with the loss of their parents. On Christmas Day 2022, Jake Day, 28, and Cindy Braddock, 25, along with their three kids, Synthia, 5, Bevan, 2, and Charles, 1, were travelling on an isolated road in Western Australia when their Land Rover flipped. Jake and Cindy were killed instantly, leaving the three kids stranded in the wreckage for almost three days in 30 degree heat before they were found. Their grandmother, Jake's mother, has taken custody of the children, as has shared that they are all very aware of the devastating reality of the loss of their parents. Speaking with <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/kondinin-crash-update-three-children-orphaned-tradie-skills-materials-help-house-repair-western-australia/ffa8e77d-28b3-45c4-a22b-79973688b573" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a>, Ms Day said, "They all know everything, I think the fact of the way it all was, being there being in the car with mum and dad for those couple of days I think that's what maybe made it so real for them." "We have our bad days, we've had quite a few bad days, but that's OK you just keep on keeping on." Following the crash, young Synthia was given a bravery award for her actions after looking after her two young brothers in the hours and days after the crash that they were stranded. Ms Day went on to say that the three children were her "sunshine", and thanked the community for their support, who donated more than $100,000 for the family in the aftermath of the tragic incident. "(The money) bought a car, so I can get the kids around and there will be no more breaking down," said Ms Day. "And the house so they've got a roof over their head and they're settled and we can be in one spot forever for them." "No moving around anymore. This is their home town. Close to mum and dad. Where they should be." But the property the children are living in is in dire need of repair, with the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom ceilings all needing urgent attention. "I've never been one to ask for help, so it's hard for me to figure that one out - bathroom definitely needs a good going over, it's quite old," she said. Ms Day is looking for help with tradie skills and materials, saying, "The foundations are there - some love and care - it will all come out so wonderful." "It's all for the children, so they can have a nice easy life now." Seven months on from the crash, the house is still filled with tributes and flowers to their parents. "I'm hoping they're looking down, they're happy, they will be, so it will be all good," she said. Anyone able and willing to help the family is encouraged to reach out via the email helpthedaykids@gmail.com. Image credits: Nine News

Caring

“Slay while I decay”: 93-year-old grandmother’s hysterical funeral plans

A 93-year-old grandmother has taken the internet by storm after sharing a video she wants to be played at her funeral. Lillian Droniak from Connecticut — already a social media icon — with more than 10.1 million followers on her TikTok is known for posting very candid clips. She’s now revealed a series of events she’d like her family to put into action after she passes away. The clip, which has raked in more than 24 million views, shows Lillian talking to the camera as she lounges about in an armchair while wearing a pink t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan, “You’re not invited to my funeral”. The cheeky 93-year-old began, “Thank you for coming everyone. There's probably a lot of people here so have fun. “If you're crying, stop being a baby. Find a tissue and move on. Don't be sad, I lived a long time. “I slayed every day and now, I'm going to lay every day. I hope you slay while I decay.” The grandmother continued, “And Bertha better not be here. If she's here, kick her out right now. I'm going to haunt you Bertha. “And my ex George better leave. I know he's here, I'm going to haunt him too.” She concluded, “I hope everybody gets drunk after this. You better take a shot for me. Love you all.” <iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7243826555644808491&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40grandma_droniak%2Fvideo%2F7243826555644808491%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2Fe292006686a3487bb3da94441b230627_1686584808%3Fx-expires%3D1687507200%26x-signature%3DbI%252BPoMCv2yA5KqPQ10NN1r%252FaolM%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> She uploaded the clip paired with the caption, “Play this video at my funeral or I will haunt whoever is in charge thank you.” Social media users flocked to the comment section to have their say on her playful piece. One commented, “I hope Bertha and George show up just so they can be told to leave in front of everyone.” 'We can't slay while you decay,” another said. “Why am I crying?” a third added. Image credit: TikTok

Caring

Brave grandmother defends grandson from group of violent thieves

An elderly woman in Queensland has been injured while defending her grandson from a group of alleged teen thieves. The incident took place inside a carpark in a shopping centre, located in Maryborough, and the video has been shared around social media. Footage shows the group of youths opening the back of a red car and attacking the boy inside. They’re seen throwing punches and attempting to grab his legs. It is believed they were trying to steal the victim’s shoes. The woman, who is understood to be the boy's grandmother, attempted to intervene by trying to grab one of the attackers, placing herself between her grandson and the other boys. The woman in her 70s was injured and the group fled before the police could arrive. They are yet to be charged but police urge anyone with information to come forward. “This was obviously a concerning incident, where a number of youths approached a youth in the carpark who was there with his grandmother,” Maryborough Inspector Paul Algie said. Images: Instagram

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