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Radio royalty “Uncle Doug” Mulray passes away

Radio legend Doug Mulray has passed away at age 71. One of Mulray's close friends, commentator Peter Switzer confirmed he died as a result of liver cancer. In December 2022, he was admitted to hospital, but at the time the cause was unknown before it was revealed it was for a “chronic illness”. Ben Fordham disclosed that Mulray “hadn’t been well for a while” and spent the night in intensive care on March 20, 2023. Born on December 1, 1951, earning himself the nickname “Uncle Doug” nationwide, he began his career at 2AD in Armidale before heading over south to stations Gosford and Melbourne. Mulray became an influential voice for Australian radio, rising to notoriety with Mulray & The Man in the 70s on 3AW Melbourne. From there he made his way to ABC’s Double J and then Triple J, where he spent the majority of his career before calling it quits in 1999. The radio pioneer was the face of Channel Nine’s Australia’s Naughtiest Home Videos, which debuted in 1992. There was only one episode that was stripped off air after 34 minutes, something Fordham refers to as “infamous”. "During Episode 1, Kerry Packer was sitting at home watching the show, and he thought what he was seeing was atrocious, so 34 minutes into Episode 1, he called Channel 9 and said, 'Get this crap off air'," Fordham told listeners on 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live! Mulray was inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2019, but in recent years he was known to keep a low profile. Entertainment reporter Peter Ford referred to Mulray as an “absolute legend” of Australian radio and was a “great communicator” back when FM radio was in its early days. "He was adored, he was outrageous, he was witty," Ford said, noting his "clever" humour that "wasn't just shock value or outrage.” Fordham emphasised how, when he was asked how he managed to remain on-air for so long, Mulray expressed his love of radio and a “whole lot of adrenaline”. "He was one of a kind, he was outrageous, he was politically incorrect, he was Doug Mulray," Fordham said. Fordham went on to say that whenever his salary grew, he’d hire more writers and staff rather than raking it all in himself. "If there's a radio station in heaven, they better get the dump button ready, because Doug Mulray is coming," he said. Image credit: Instagram

News

The retirement of Roger Federer is the abdication of tennis royalty

This is a time of endings. In the midst of the all-consuming <a href="https://theconversation.com/media-coverage-of-queen-elizabeths-death-began-well-but-quickly-descended-into-farce-190645" target="_blank" rel="noopener">media spectacle</a> surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II, “tennis royalty” in the form of Roger Federer <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-15/roger-federer-announces-retirement-from-tennis/101446316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired</a> in the same week and in the same city that she is laid to rest. When the career of a sporting celebrity concludes, it is widely represented as if they have died, in what journalists call “sports obituaries”. The person in question is usually still alive and will probably go on to be successful in the business, media and/or charity sectors. But the experience of watching them perform live at the stadium or on screen immediately mutates into nostalgic reflection. So, what can be said about the sporting life of “Roger”, one the few people often known solely by their given name? <h2>The final curtain</h2> When the institution of sport emerged during the late industrial revolution in the 19th century, it changed, as Allen Guttmann famously put it, “<a href="http://cup.columbia.edu/book/from-ritual-to-record/9780231133418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">from ritual to record</a>”. It became all about the numbers and the score. By this measure, Federer’s sporting record is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/roger-federers-records-milestones-2022-09-15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formidable</a> – world men’s number one for the best part of six years, 20 Grand Slam singles titles (including six Australian Opens), the only player to win at least ten titles on clay, grass and hard court surfaces, and sundry other tennis achievements. Of course, it has not all gone smoothly. The body that was his finely tuned instrument on the tennis court increasingly failed him, although the steely determination of the champion never wavered. Until, facing one last hurrah but probably playing on one leg, he chose to lower the curtain at the event that he co-created. Named after his tennis hero, the <a href="https://lavercup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laver Cup</a> is a testament to Federer’s unusually intense immersion in tennis history and, ultimately, his own place within it. Federer, who arrived as a <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Master/2N79DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=federer+biography&printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teenage firebrand</a>, admires not just the impressive tennis record but also the demeanour of <a href="https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/rod-laver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rod Laver</a>. An elegant and courteous stylist who was instrumental in the professionalisation of tennis in the 1960s, he has been a significant role model for Federer. Laver is not just acknowledged as a superlative tennis player, but widely respected and admired. In emulating him, Federer generally behaved well on and off court, although unlike Laver, he sometimes wept with frustration or joy. In the pure aesthetics of tennis, Federer arguably eclipsed the master. No cold-eyed counting of tournament wins can capture the beauty of his backhand, the flourish of his forehand. <h2>King Roger and the big three</h2> In the early days of his career, the Swiss-South African Federer could have gone the way of Australian <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-the-ash-barty-and-special-k-tennis-triumphs-say-about-australia-and-the-buttoned-up-sport-industry-175993" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nick Kyrgios</a>, who is more than a decade younger. Both supremely talented and combustible, Federer and Kyrgios went in different directions. Federer became “<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/king-roger-c6xpgkd8t?region=global" target="_blank" rel="noopener">King Roger</a>”, as he was anointed by the august Times of London in 2018 – a player who trained hard, curbed his temper, and won Wimbledon at the age of 21. Kyrgios, by contrast, emerged as “<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10964325/Wimbledon-2022-Stars-slam-Nasty-Nick-Kyrgios-SPAT-direction-abusive-fan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nasty Nick</a>”, attracting media and spectator interest as much for his confrontational on-court antics as his sometimes sublime tennis. Even if Kyrgios begins to win Grand Slams while continuing to <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/07/05/people-cant-look-away-from-nick-kyrgios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fascinate younger tennis</a> fans, it is unimaginable he will come close to Federer’s elevated place in the pantheon. Federer’s place in tennis history has been enhanced in part by his membership of the “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/feb/01/obsession-with-big-three-nadal-djokovic-federer-ruined-tennis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Three</a>” alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – or the “Big Four” if Andy Murray is included. With more than 60 Grand Slams between them, the three rivals dominated men’s tennis, supplying the kind of “golden age” narrative so beloved of terminally sentimental sport fans. Now, with Nadal also prone to injury and Djokovic sacrificing tournaments by refusing to be <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-59890943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinated</a> against COVID, Federer’s retirement signals the end of this era. The departure of “<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/08/28/all-hail-queen-serena-williams-on-the-verge-of-future-triumphs-in-new-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queen Serena Williams</a>” from the women’s game and the youth of the singles winners in the 2022 US Open is further evidence that the wheel has, perhaps mercifully, turned in favour of renewal. But longevity is a major aspect of Federer’s status. He has been at or near the top of tennis for most of the 21st century. Just as most people have only known one Queen of England, young and middle-aged tennis fans have had the comforting certainty of King Roger plying his trade on the world tennis circuit. Unlike constitutional monarchies, though, those of the sporting world are produced by performance, not heredity. The new tennis regime is yet to take shape. <h2>Astonishing athleticism</h2> I only saw Roger Federer in the flesh once. It was two decades ago in London’s shiny <a href="https://www.nike.com/retail/s/niketown-london" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NikeTown</a>, and young Roger – an up-and-coming professional contracted to Nike – was playing an exhibition game with oversized tennis balls and undersized racquets. My initial cynicism was overwhelmed by the astonishing athleticism on display. I thought he’d do well then, but had no idea I was witnessing the rise of the House of Roger. Federer, we are told, may return to such spaces to play post-retirement exhibition games. The <a href="https://rogerfedererfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roger Federer Foundation</a>, dedicated to alleviating child poverty through education, could use the money. But before the next phase of King Roger’s life there must be the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Media_Events/MxzQnVZhQE0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=live+events+broadcasting&printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ceremonial media moment</a> of his appearance in the O2 arena in London, this week’s global capital of farewell ceremonies. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-retirement-of-roger-federer-is-the-abdication-of-tennis-royalty-190832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Getty

Retirement Life

Australia is one of few countries that doesn’t pay session musicians ongoing royalties. Our music industry suffers as a result

Most of the music we listen to is made by session musicians. These guns for hire are experts in their field, much sought after and often bring a unique sound – that extra thing that helps to make the recording what it is. Whether we’re at home or in our cars, at the gym, the shops, a cafe or a pub, recorded performances form the soundtrack to our lives. This soundtrack includes music made by hired freelance instrumentalists and singers whose contributions are vital to the appeal and quality of those recordings. While we get to enjoy the end product seemingly free of charge, all music that is broadcast or communicated to a listener is licensed by the owner of that recording and a fee is paid for that licence. Collection agencies such as <a href="https://www.ppca.com.au/music-licensing/">PPCA</a> collect these licences and disperse royalties to the rights holders of the registered recordings. <h2>Does Australia value musicians?</h2> Historically, Australian session musicians have had no economic claim to their recorded performances beyond a basic session fee – an unregulated fee that in real terms, has been going backwards for decades. While many other countries support the rights of performers to ongoing royalties, Australia is one of a handful of developed economies that does not. This has denied our musicians access to important income streams at home and abroad, placed a limit on our trade with other countries and positioned us as an outlier. We are seen as a country that does not value musicians the way they are valued elsewhere in the world, a perception that needs to change if we want to provide some incentive for the next generation to keep making music. So, how did it get to this? In 1996 the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) drafted the <a href="https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/text/295578">WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty</a>, which granted performers economic rights for their recorded performances and “equitable remuneration” when these performances were monetised. Since then, free trade agreements, such as the one between Australia and the United States in 2004, have required that parties sign up to the treaty, which our government did in 2007. Unfortunately, then Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer <a href="https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/notifications/wppt/treaty_wppt_67.html">deliberately excluded Article 15.1</a> from the agreement, leaving Australian musicians without the same rights as those enjoyed by musicians in other parts of the world. For example, in the UK, US, most of Europe, as well as Mexico, Brazil, Canada and Japan, performers are assigned a percentage of the licence revenue. According to Peter Thoms, board member of the UK collection agency PPL "[…] in the UK, PPL royalties are split 50/50 with the labels and performers. A featured artist, who will be contracted to the label, gets a bigger performer share but session players also share in this revenue. Players who have been active on many recordings receive significant amounts annually. This helps make session playing as a vocation more viable and is a fair recognition of their contribution." However, when the same recordings are then broadcast in Australia, these musicians are not entitled to any performance royalties. This has led to countries like the UK reciprocating our approach and no longer paying session musicians or artists on Australian recordings when they are broadcast in the UK. <h2>The Australian musician brain drain</h2> The extra twist is that Australian artists with international appeal are now frequently recording outside Australia to enable them to qualify for European royalties, which are paid on a <a href="https://www.ppluk.com/international-collections/international-agreements/">qualifying territory</a> basis. As Australia is no longer a qualifying territory there is motivation for Australian artists to record in the UK and elsewhere to ensure they can claim equitable remuneration in the big overseas markets. The WIPO Treaty aimed to “provide adequate solutions to the questions raised by economic, social, cultural and technological developments”, all of which have evolved enormously since 1996. If Australia is to keep up with these changes, it must stop lagging behind and adopt Article 15.1. This has the potential to increase productivity in the recording economy, including revenue derived from export, and expand a sector that is currently heavily reliant on live music. Increasing passive income streams would also help to grow and sustain the careers of young musicians and support performers through future crises. <h2>What can we do to fix this problem?</h2> The current <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-australia-fta-chapter-15-intellectual-property/chapter-15-intellectual-property-web-version">free trade agreement</a> between Australia and the UK provides us with a political opening for this conversation. The agreement calls for a discussion about measures to ensure “adequate” remuneration for performers and producers of recordings. If we truly value our musicians, adequate must be equitable. All performers, classical and contemporary, as well as record producers should be having this conversation right now, engaging with other stakeholders and raising awareness. If the Australian government and recording industry will acknowledge the prevailing conditions for musicians globally and adopt the principle of equitable remuneration, we can begin rebuilding the structures that support payments to performers at home and overseas. By valuing our musicians more we will add value to the sector, with better economic regulation and new systems connecting all Australian musicians to the larger markets. So next time you hear music playing, think of the session musicians and producers whose skills helped to make that song a hit - the drummer on X, the trombone player on Y, or the vocalist on that annoying advertisement that’s been running for 20 years – and ask someone close by, why is it that Australian musicians are denied equitable remuneration that exists in so many other parts of the world? Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-is-one-of-few-countries-that-doesnt-pay-session-musicians-ongoing-royalties-our-music-industry-suffers-as-a-result-185022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Music

A regal tour like no other: New Zealand locations with a nod to royalty

From Queen streets and Queen’s parks to the entire town of Queenstown (which was named after Queen Victoria), there are a host of spots named after New Zealand’s head of state that deserve a look-see on your next visit. It isn’t just the Queen who has a Kiwi namesake either, with Albert Town, near Wānaka, named after Queen Victoria’s husband and the town of Alexandra being named after her daughter-in-law. But many of these date all the way back to the Victorian era and places named after the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, are more select. According to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/queens-birthday-new-zealand-locations-with-a-nod-to-royalty/R7YE2WY5GEJYJEBGTY56HWMTAM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>, this list of royally-inspired locations has dwindled to make way for new developments and because of natural disasters. Of those that remain, here’s a list of spots well-worth visiting. Parks galore Queen Elizabeth has been the inspiration for two parks that should be on your royal travel bucket list: one in Masterton and the other on the Kāpiti Coast. Stretching over 638 hectares, Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kāpiti Coast was opened by the monarch during her first royal visit, months after her coronation in 1953. It boasts a vast expanse of beaches, dunes, wetland and farmland, includes a large holiday park and an ancient pā site (a Māori hill fort). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/qeii-park.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Queen Elizabeth Park features beaches, wetlands, and more, spread across 638 hectares. Image: Greater Wellington Regional Council Masterton’s Queen Elizabeth Park, on the other hand, was founded during Queen Victoria’s reign and later renamed. The park is known as one of the best and most child-friendly parks in the country, with a castle-like playground, flying fox, BMX track, steam-powered miniature train and pedal-boat rides on the lake. It also includes a deer enclosure accessed by a swing bridge across the Waipoua River. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/qeii-park2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Masterton’s park boasts one of the country’s most child-friendly parks, and even houses an deer enclosure.Image: Destination Wairarapa Recreation and sports After Christchurch’s Queen Elizabeth II park - built to host the 1974 Commonwealth Games - had its stadium and pool complex damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the Taiora QEII Recreation and Sports Centre was built in its stead. The big draw for the park is its aquatic centre, with its hydroslide for big kids and its play pool for tiny swimmers, and its spa, sauna and steam room. Image: Destination Wairarapa / Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Cricket legend Rod Marsh farewelled by sporting royalty

The sporting world has farewelled cricketing legend Rod Marsh at a private funeral at Adelaide Oval. This follows the talented wicketkeeper's death from a heart attack. Marsh, aged 74, was rushed to hospital after he had suffered a massive heart attack while visiting Bundaberg in Queensland for a cricket charity event before passing away on the 4th of March. Fellow cricketing legend Dennis Lillee spoke about his former teammate during the ceremony for the first time since Marsh's death. 'I still can't believe our mate, and mate to many, is not around anymore,' Lillee began. 'It's taken me days to be able to write my thoughts down on his amazing bloke. I don't want to talk about his cricket ability, that's been very well documented. 'It's the person Rod Marsh that I love.' Lillee was joined on the during the service by teammates John Inverarity and Bruce Laird, who all shared memories of Marsh and paid their respects. The renowned bowler started his speech by recalling a significant memory he shared with Marsh during their cricket-playing days where the pair drank a soft drink and beer respectively. He later added: 'People often ask me if I missed playing - my answer was no, I don't, but I do miss my teammates of 14, 15 years. 'Again, I miss my mate, and will keep remembering the good times. He was a one off, let's all celebrate a life well lived.' Marsh's funeral saw more than 800 people in attendance, with cricket icons including Allan Border, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Shane Watson, and Glenn McGrath were spotted in attendance. TV personality and former first-class cricketer James Brayshaw hosted the service. He opened the ceremony by speaking about the cricketer's life, family and career. 'We are here to celebrate, to respect the passing of a great man,' he stated. Graham often choked up during his speech as he paid tribute to his brother. 'I always remember my brother Rod for his devotion, loyalty, love for his family and friends.' Following on from his brother's speech, fellow wicketkeeping great Adam Gilchrist narrated a mini-documentary on Marsh's life that played out for attendees on the projector screen at the funeral. Rod Marsh's oldest son Paul eventually took to the stage to speak about his father. 'Words could never do justice to how much respect, gratitude, and appreciation I have for what Rod did for me and taught me about cricket and, more importantly, about life,' he said. 'It's been an incredibly tough and emotional few weeks for our family, but as we got today's celebration of Dad's life, the two overriding emotions I have for him are pride and gratitude.' Paul Marsh later said: 'I'm incredibly grateful for the example he set for all of us to learn from. He was a fantastic father and grandfather, and Mum could not wish for a better husband.' He then thanked the cricket community, his father's former teammates and close friends for their support and kind words during the difficult time. The crimson-coloured coffin was decorated with flowers on top. Framed pictures of the cricketer and the teams he played with were placed on the stand behind the coffin. Marsh's cricket shirt and blazer with the number 7 emblazoned on the back were spotted off to the side next to a candle with the Cricket Australia logo, while a Fremantle Dockers scarf - the AFL team he barracked for - hung off a marble column in the background. The family also thanked staff at Bundaberg Hospital, the Australian Cricketers' Association and Queensland Bulls Masters officials for keeping him alive. Marsh's death coincided with Australia's first Test against Pakistan. Players wore black armbands in the legend's honour. Images: Getty

News

Why Bruce Springsteen decided to sell his music rights

In one of the biggest music rights acquisition deals, Bruce Springsteen has sold his entire music catalogue to Sony Music Entertainment for a reported $500 million. The deal included both the Boss’ recording and publishing assets, leaving many asking why the deal was brokered in the first place. With many musicians opting to sell their song rights for a hefty price, there are many factors that make catalogue sales an appealing option. The money For Bruce Springsteen, the money involved in the sale is one aspect that is difficult to turn down. Especially when the $500 million pay cheque is reportedly 30 times the annual royalty payments received by the 20-time Grammy winner. With many selling their music rights for a huge once-off compensation payment, the selling price is often a lot higher than their annual income from royalties, record sales, or touring. Estate planning The Boss’ sale could also be a way to future-proof his inheritance. Physical assets such as cash and property are much easier to pass on to a nominated heir than a complex basket of music rights that span several decades. Others have been entangled in lengthy legal battles for music rights of a deceased artist, namely James Brown and Sonny Bono, with music estates being the hottest commodity for some to fight over. Tax planning As outlined by <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2021/12/20/bruce-springsteen-tells-irs-whos-boss-in-500m-sony-sale-taxed-as-capital-gain/?sh=7ec15b6c68e3">Forbes</a>, Springsteen’s sale could have been associated with potential tax benefits. In layman's terms, the federal capital gain tax rate in the US is currently at 20%, but runs the risk of being hiked to 43.4% for those who earn more than $1 million in a proposal by The White House. Because of this and other possible tax jumps, as well as the fact that royalties are already taxed as “ordinary income”, Springsteen will receive more money in his pocket after one huge pay out, rather than opt to cash in his royalties annually. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Bjorn from ABBA sets out to fix $900 million problem

ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus has launched a campaign to fix the over $900 million problem in the music industry. The project has been called Credits Due, and aims to ensure all musicians and songwriters are correctly identified when a song is recorded. This proper confirmation allows royalty payments to be accurately distributed within the competitive music industry. This incomplete and missing data has resulted in roughly $900 million left unallocated globally each year. "It happens frequently," Ulvaeus told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58643787">BBC</a>. "Which means that streaming services don't know who to pay." The new scheme will also ensure that music fans can see the correct credits for everyone who worked on their favourite songs, from the writers and producers to the session musicians and engineers. "We want to get back to that experience we had when we opened a double-sleeved LP and listened to the songs while reading the liner notes," Ulvaeus explained. "I think that's a very valuable experience that young listeners today are missing." The scheme will be able collate a more extensive catalogue for everyone involved in a track, as engineers and producers alike will be linked to "clickable in the digital liner notes". "Every new person that walks into the recording studio will be registered," Ulvaeus said. "So, even in a symphony orchestra, every member will be clickable." After launching the idea in London at the Ivor Novello Awards, which recognises the contribution of songwriters in the music industry, there was widespread support. "I think it's really important because there's lots of people behind the scenes that don't get the credit they deserve," said singer Emeli Sande. "You've got musicians that have practised and refined their art for their whole lives - so yeah, I'm very happy to support Bjorn." British songwriter MNEK, who has written for pop stars around the world, agreed with the campaign, saying, "I think it highlights that more that goes into making music, than just being a pop star." Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Tennis royalty: What Ash Barty said to William and Kate

Ash Barty is now officially tennis royalty after beating Karolina Pliskova and taking her first Wimbledon singles title. Barty has become the second Australian woman to take the crown in 41 years, following behind Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Kate Middleton presented Barty with her trophy, and later spoke with the Aussie star alongside Prince William. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842374/ash-barty-royal-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/62621ff12cb9407d889c28c163c2f643" /> Barty joined the British pair upstairs in the Wimbledon clubhouse and spent the rest of the afternoon mindlessly chatting with Middleton, who asked her if she’d spoken to her family the night before she stepped onto Centre Court. “Yeah I called my niece and nephew and they were so excited,” Barty explained to Middleton. “I know they’re up watching now.” Middleton praised Barty for her success, mentioning how difficult it would have been to be restricted by the “intense” life of being stuck in a biosecure bubble. The tennis star, alongside the rest of the players, we’re all severely limited with their movements in London and on tour in general. When asked how it felt to play in front of fans and a packed out stadium, Barty admitted it was “the best feeling.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842372/ash-barty-royal-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/965bb0aaffc4448db23f398f89a648bd" /> Australia's Ashleigh Barty holds The Venus Rosewater Dish after winning the Ladies Singles Final during The Championships 2021 “When we walked here, they (the fans) were just incredible.” William said: “You didn’t look like you had any nerves today at all.” “Oh no, I did (have nerves),” she responded, chuckling. “I tried to just hit it out. “I love playing here ... it brings out the very best in me.” Middleton added: “I met a little fangirl downstairs, she was so sweet. So you’re inspiring the next generation.” Barty also got to meet tennis legends Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova before she rejoined her team in the corridor. The star broke down in tears again when her boyfriend Garry Kissick wrapped his arms around her. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842375/ash-barty-royal-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a2f1a10daa734b7f9c4ce3398cf865f5" /> Barty said her triumph was nothing short of a “miracle”, admitting to reporters post-match that her team had kept a secret from her about the extent of the injury she suffered before the French Open. It was a hip complaint experts predicted would keep Barty out for two months but she rose to the occasion, despite pulling out from Roland Garros weeks earlier. “Being able to play here at Wimbledon was nothing short of a miracle,” Barty said. “They kept a lot of cards close to their chest. It just proved how much we were against the odds. “To be playing pain-free through this event was incredible. Certainly now chatting to them it looked a lot less likely than I felt. It’s been an incredible month.” Images: Getty

News

JK Rowling unveils new book and will donate all royalties

JK Rowling has unveiled a new children’s book, which she is releasing in chapters each weekday for children to enjoy during these “strange, unsettling times”. The author announced the news on Twitter, saying the upcoming book – titled The Ickabog – is not a spin-off of her best-selling Harry Potter series. Rowling said she wrote “most of the first draft” more than 10 years ago, while she was still writing the Harry Potter books. “A few weeks ago at dinner, I tentatively mooted the idea of getting The Ickabog down from the attic and publishing it for free, for children in lockdown,” Rowling said in a statement on Tuesday. “Over the last few weeks I’ve done a bit of rewriting and I’ve decided to publish The Ickabog for free online, so children on lockdown, or even those back at school during these strange, unsettling times, can read it or have it read to them.” Chapters of The Ickabog are being published every weekday until July 10 on <a href="https://theickabog.com/">The Ickabog website</a>. Rowling also invited young readers to draw illustrations for the story in an official competition being run by Scholastic. Winners will see their artwork in the book, which will be published in print, eBook and audiobook in November. “Creativity, inventiveness and effort are the most important things: we aren’t necessarily looking for the most technical skill!” she said. Rowling is pledging all author royalties from the book to “projects and organisations helping the groups most impacted by COVID-19”, she wrote on Twitter.

Books

Rise to royalty: Swedish Sofia’s journey from risque star to beloved princess

Before she became Princess Sofia of Sweden, she was Sofia Hellqvist. Born in December 1984, she began making a name for herself while studying in Sweden’s capital, Stockholm. The royal started out as a glamour model and partook in risque photoshoots. One of her most outlandish was one she posed for at the age of 20 for a Swedish men’s magazine, Slitz, where she wore a boa constrictor as her own form of clothing. In 2004 she was crowned Miss Slitz 2004. The recognition from the bold cover earnt her a spot on a popular reality television show, Paradise Hotel, in 2005. The show required a group of single people to stay in a luxury tropical resort and compete to find their perfect match. The royal would not find the one for her until 2009, however, when she met her future husband, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, at a busy nightclub. They both described their first meeting as “love at first sight”. Having studied accounting, global ethics and various other courses focussing on children’s rights, Princess Sofia received encouragement from her royal boyfriend to focus on more charitable endeavours. In 2010, she established the Sofia Hellqvist Project Playground, which supports underprivileged children in South Africa. When the news of their intimate relationship became public, critics thought the couple were not a good match. Princess Sofia said in an interview in 2018 the transition from local celebrity to royal an incredibly difficult feat. "I was met with an enormous hate storm, from people who had opinions about as a person, about my relationship. "I was surprised and it definitely affected me. I didn't understand that people had such need to express how badly they felt about me. It was very tough. "I don't regret anything. All these experiences have made me the person I am. I wouldn't have made those choices today." In 2014, the couple announced their engagement and it seems Prince Carl was head over heels with his soon-to-be-fiance. "I don't think I knew the magic of love before I met Sofia," Prince Carl said in their joint engagement interview. "But ever since I met her, I've seen how love can change a person." Princess Sofia said: "The first thing I noticed about Carl Philip was that he seemed very humble. "When I got to know him, I saw that he was incredibly natural, very intelligent and very humble." The duo married inside the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace of Stockholm on June 13, 2015. Other royals from all over the world were there to witness the nuptials including Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, along with others from the UK, Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands, Greece, Norway and Germany. The couple welcomed their first child, Prince Alexander, in April 2016, and then later on, Prince Gabriel in August 2017. Scroll through the gallery above to see Princess Sophia’s life in pictures.

Beauty & Style

Wimbledon royalty: Ladies of the palace step out in three glamorous outfits

Duchess Kate and Meghan may have been taking part in a playdate with their offspring at the polo, but they weren’t the only set of Windsors to catch people’s attention. The same day, three members of the royal family attended Wimbledon day nine: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Zara Tindall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. And despite not being seated together, the three still managed to put on a show on their own. Camilla, who is known to be a fan of the sport, opted for a white dress, perfect for the summer season. She paired the outfit with Ray Ban sunglasses and a chic set of pearls. She started off the day by attending a private lunch in the members dining room before she made her way to the royal box where she got the best view of the match. Meanwhile, Sophie looked picture perfect in a midi-length, blue dress which featured a floral design and a cinched in waist. The dress was designed by none other than Peter Pilotto, the man behind Princess Eugenie’s wedding dress, which she wore in October last year. She wore her hair in a casual ponytail, keeping her hair off her face to help her concentrate on the events unfolding in front of her. Finally, also making an appearance was the Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall, who attended the tournament with her husband Mike. Wearing a sophisticated blue and white striped number, Zara paired the floaty outfit with a set of sunglasses. She styled her blonde bob with loose waves, looking on trend. The couple confused spectators as they chose not to sit in the royal box, but it is assumed they were guests of Rolex, which is why they sat in the stands on centre court. Scroll through the gallery above to see the fashionable royals at Wimbledon.

Beauty & Style

This lush bush cottage was once home to rock royalty

Resorts, hotels, even motels (occasionally) have their place on certain holidays. But if you want your next trip to be something that’s really memorable, it’s worth seeking out lodgings that are a little different. <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1796816?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_jimihendrix" target="_blank">Today’s Airbnb</a> is exactly that. A gorgeous, secluded Hawaiian Island hideaway that was once home to rock and roll royalty. Recently renovated, this beautiful, quaint cottage on the Hawaiian island of Maui looks like something out of a postcard, with a cedar-lined interior that smells delightful as you walk in. A spacious bathroom, large, custom-built shower, and high cathedral ceilings all combine to create a lovely atmosphere. In terms of a location, for a stay at this corner of the world you really couldn’t do any better. Even though you’re staying on a private, gated property, you’re only 10 minutes from the beach, and two minutes from restaurants and shops. And that’s not all. As you get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night you’ll be treading in the footsteps of rock and roll royalty. This property was home to legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, who stayed during 1970 when filming Rainbow Bridge. For more information, or to book this property <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1796816?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_jimihendrix" target="_blank">click here</a>. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a>

Accommodation

Live like royalty in this historic French château

If you’ve ever wanted to live like royalty, now is your chance! Built in the 18th century, this delightful <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/203201?/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_nolwenn" target="_blank">French château</a>, located in the heart of Brittanny, is a listed historical monument that comes full of charm and character. Enjoy the historic dining and living rooms, which come furnished with beautiful antiques and art. Scroll through the gallery above to see inside the castle and <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/203201?/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_nolwenn" target="_blank">click here</a> to find out more information. Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further,<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"> head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/03/airbnb-vintage-home-berlin/%20">11 vintage photos of kitschy Berlin flat</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/03/make-extra-cash-with-airbnb/%20">How to make extra cash with Airbnb</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/03/couple-airbnb-travel-world-retirement/">Retirees around the world travel with Airbnb</a>

Accommodation

Live like royalty in this Irish castle

Anyone who’s been to Ireland would agree the countryside is truly something to behold. So imagine if you had a gorgeous medieval castle as your vantage point. With Airbnb you don’t need to imagine because you can <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/658697/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_irishcastle" target="_blank">stay at this very castle</a>! For a weekend, week, or even longer you can live like royalty in this beautiful medieval castle, built in the 1400s but refurbished in the last decade. The castle has been restored to its original state with traditional local stone, limestone, as well as oak beams. But the castle also has modern conveniences such as solar water heating and all the amenities you need to be comfortable. This lovingly-restored Airbnb provides a <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/658697/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_irishcastle" target="_blank">real Irish castle experience</a>. Scroll through the gallery above and tell us, what would you like about staying here? To book your own stay in this Irish castle with Airbnb, simply <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/658697/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_irishcastle" target="_blank">click here</a>. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/this-castle-gatehouse-has-been-converted-into-a-holiday-cottage/">This Castle Gatehouse has been converted into a holiday cottage</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/colourful-reversible-destiny-loft-on-airbnb/">You can rent this crazy and colourful loft on Airbnb</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/03/retro-airbnb-camper-texas/">Inside amazing retro camper you can stay in</a>

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Rise to royalty: Swedish Sofia’s journey from risque star to beloved princess

Wimbledon royalty: Ladies of the palace step out in three glamorous outfits

This lush bush cottage was once home to rock royalty

Live like royalty in this historic French château

Live like royalty in this Irish castle

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