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Supreme Court Justice killed just three weeks after retiring

Former South Australian Supreme Court Justice Malcolm Blue has tragically died, just three weeks after retiring. The 70-year-old had been looking forward to spending quality time with his friends and family after retiring, when he was involved in a tractor accident at a vineyard in Willunga South on Saturday morning. South Australian Police were called to the scene after the accident, where police said he died at the scene from his injuries. After his 13-year role as a Supreme Court judge where he earned the respect of politicians and legal professionals, Blue retired in August, as his family said he had been looking forward to spending more time with his family during his retirement. “We are devastated by Malcolm’s loss. He was a much-loved and loving father, partner and brother, and cherished his family,” his family said in a statement <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/justice-malcolm-blue-remembered-as-a-great-south-australian-after-death-in-farming-tragedy/news-story/49330193603000f8a0cbf7933b5b7eea?amp" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">to News Corp.</a> “Malcolm was always kind, funny, smart and wonderfully supportive for family, friends and legal colleagues. He was both gentle and brilliant and will be missed terribly." “Having achieved so much during a long and distinguished legal career, Malcolm was looking forward to spending more time with his family on the property." “Malcolm will be deeply missed by his partner Angela, daughters Charlotte, Victoria and Alex, three sisters, along with his extended family, many friends, and colleagues in the legal fraternity.” SA Premier Peter Malinauskas praised Blue’s service to the state at a press conference on Sunday. “Mr Blue was a great South Australian who served his community exceptionally well over a very long period of time,” Malinauskas said. “I’m sure that South Australia will appropriately honour him as someone who’s made a major contribution.” Chief Justice of South Australia Chris Kourakis said Blue’s death was felt across Australia’s judiciary and legal profession, saying, “Justice Blue was a pre-eminent intellect and jurist who selflessly devoted his energy to the work of the court and making justice more accessible to the people of South Australia.” Image credits: 7News

Caring

Three-time mayor's cause of death revealed

Rising Labor star Sarah Carter was found dead at her home on Tuesday, when she failed to meet her partner <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-new-details-emerge-after-three-time-mayor-found-dead-at-just-45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nikhil Roy</a> at the airport ahead of their Europe trip. She was treated by emergency services but could not be saved. Now a source close to Carter has told the Daily Mail that she is believed to have of a suspected brain aneurysm. “They suspect it’s an aneurysm ... we don’t know whether it was anything she had been aware of. It’s come as a complete shock," the source reportedly told the outlet. On Wednesday Carter's devastated mother Gaynor Morris spoke out about the tragedy for the first time in an interview with the Herald Sun. “She hadn’t made it to the airport to meet him for their holiday together,” she said. “He (Roy) went and checked on her and he literally found her dead.” Victoria police had previously confirmed that her death was not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner. Carter was a councillor for Maribyrnong Council in Melbourne's west, covering suburbs including Footscray, Yarraville, Tottenham and Maribyrnong itself. She was first elected to office in 2008 and was the first woman to have served three times as mayor of Maribyrnong. Image: Instagram

Caring

Tragic new details emerge after three-time mayor found dead at just 45

Three-time Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter was found dead at her home on Tuesday, Now, her devastated mother Gaynor Morris has broken her silence and revealed that Carter was due to fly to Europe with her partner, Nikki Roy, but never made it to the airport. “She hadn’t made it to the airport to meet him for their holiday together,” Morris told the Herald Sun. “He (Roy) went and checked on her and he literally found her dead. “No-one knows anything different unfortunately.” She was treated by emergency services at her home in Maribyrnong, Victoria at 3:45pm on Tuesday but unfortunately could not be saved. Her cause of death is not yet known but Victoria police has confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious. Carter's mother said that Roy was “absolutely heartbroken”. “I think she sets a great example for everybody and there’s a lot of people that will miss her. I am very proud,” she added. Carter was a councillor on Maribyrnong Council, in Melbourne’s west, which covers suburbs including Footscray, Yarraville and Tottenham as well as Maribyrnong. She was first elected to office in 2008 and was the first woman who served as mayor of Maribyrnong three times. Many believed that her political career could go beyond council boundaries. “Children’s champion, community leader, Labor through and through. The best of us,” Former Labor leader and current minister Bill Shorten said in a tribute to Carter. “My thoughts are with her family and loved ones in this difficult time.” Labor MP Tim Watts added that her “energy was limitless”. “She had an impact on so many people’s lives. “She gave so much of herself and wanted to give so much more. She’s been taken from us far too soon. “It’s a terrible loss to our community and our country”. Images: Instagram

Caring

Taylor Swift in shock after three young girls killed at dance class

Taylor Swift has released a shocked statement after a nine-year-old girl became the third young child to die following a stabbing rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK. The tragic incident unfolded in Southport on Monday during a dance workshop inspired by the popular singer, leaving three young girls dead and ten others injured. As the nine-year-old girl became the latest to succumb to injuries, she joined two other victims aged six and seven. They have been identified as Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. The perpetrator, a 17-year-old boy, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind this horrific attack, which left six children in critical condition. On Tuesday, Taylor Swift expressed her deep sorrow and shock over the incident in a statement posted on Instagram, saying she was “completely in shock” and was still taking in “the horror” of the event. “The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders,” she wrote “These were just little kids at a dance class. “I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.” Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy commended the bravery of two teachers who were injured while trying to protect the children. The community has responded with an outpouring of grief, leaving flowers and stuffed animals at a makeshift memorial near the scene. Eyewitnesses described chaotic and terrifying scenes as children, some covered in blood, fled the community centre known as the Hart Space. "They were in the road, running from the nursery," said local shop owner Bare Varathan, describing the severity of the injuries. The attacker, who was born in Cardiff, Wales, and had been living in a nearby village, has not yet been charged. Police have confirmed that they are not treating the incident as terror-related and are not seeking additional suspects. The attack has intensified concerns about knife crime in the UK, prompting calls for stricter regulations on bladed weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrendous and deeply shocking", while King Charles and Prince William expressed their condolences and sympathies. Images: Merseyside Police \ Instagram

Caring

Three children dead after allegedly being forced into house fire

Warning: This article contains disturbing content that readers may find distressing. Three children have tragically died in a house fire in Sydney's west, with police allegedly treating the incident as a domestic violence attack. At 1am on Sunday morning, neighbours raised the alarm after spotting the fire in a family home in the suburb of Lalor Park. Firefighters arrived on the scene in six minutes to battle what neighbours called an "intense" blaze. "The flames were shooting out the front window at 20 feet," Brett said. Two adults and seven young children were inside when the fire broke out, with neighbours saying they were awoken by screaming. 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. As rescue crews, emergency services and locals battled to extinguish the powerful flames and rescue those inside, father Dean Heasman was allegedly seen pushing the children back in. "We're alleging that 28-year-old man took direct actions to prevent the rescue of those young lives that were lost," NSW Police Homicide Squad Superintendent Danny Doherty said. "We will allege that this 28-year-old man's actions were directly the cause of the death of these three young people." "We've seen three young lives have just been taken away in the most tragic of circumstances, quite unimaginable how the family is coping with this." 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. Neighbours said the surviving children told them the man ordered them to stay inside the home as it burned, one of them claiming he tried to fight in a bid to save his siblings. "Dad tried to kill us," the child allegedly told rescuers. Residents claimed they saw the man attempting to drag the terrified children back inside, as they said he was shouting "leave me here to die". It's understood the man, who was arrested at the scene and remains in a coma with significant injuries, was not previously known to police and had no existing apprehended violence order against him. NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled the incident "horrifying and senseless" and offered the family support, as an investigation into the cause of the blaze begins. Image credits: Nine News

Legal

Princess Lilibet turns three

Princess Lilibet turned three on Tuesday without much fanfare, but according to <a href="https://people.com/meghan-markle-prince-harry-celebrate-princess-lilibet-3rd-birthday-party-montecito-home-8655331" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a>, the family have already celebrated her birthday in an intimate ceremony over the weekend. The magazine reported that Meghan and Harry held a small party for friends and family, at their home in Montecito, California. However, the Sussexes did not mark their daughter's official birthday publicly, and they did the same thing for her older brother Prince Archie's birthday on May 6. The royal family have also not released any official photographs of the young royals, with the last official image of Lilibet shared by her parents on her first birthday in June 2022. "In recent years and certainly since King Charles III's reign began in September 2022, we have only seen public messages from the royal family's social media accounts for working members of the royal family," royal correspondent Danielle Stacey previously told HELLO! "Such as the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal." The Sussexes have stopped sharing images of their children altogether, with fans only catching glimpses of them through grainy photos or snippets from the couple's Netflix docu-series Harry and Meghan. According to The Sun, Prince Harry has been adamant about protecting their children's privacy, and the two will not be feature in their parent's upcoming series with Netflix, with Harry planning to release a show about polo and Meghan planning to release a lifestyle show. "Harry and Meghan have not always agreed on how much they should expose their children to the media, but, in this case, Harry has clearly won," an insider told The Sun. The couple have also mentioned their desires to protect their children's privacy in their docu-series. "We've been really conscious of protecting our kids as best as we can," Harry said. Meghan added: "Protecting our kids as best as we can and also understanding the role that they play in this really historical family." Images: Netflix/ Misan Harriman/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Family & Pets

The sad state of Aussie ski resorts ahead of winter holiday season

Ski resorts in Australia have had to get creative ahead of the tourist-heavy ski season after a lack of snowfall, despite plunging temperatures. The ski season begins this year on the June long weekend, running alongside the King’s Birthday on June 8th. Despite expecting a huge influx of keen skiers, there has only been light flurries of snow so far, according to WeatherZone, which melt away quickly and don't settle on the ground for long. In order to accommodate the busy season, Thredbo has had to resort to using fake snow for people to ski on. Manufactured snow happens by combining pressurised air and water through a ‘snow gun’ that gets blasted out into the air. The most ideal time to create the fake snow is on clear nights with low humidity, as the higher the humidity the colder it needs to be to make the flurries. Several photos from ski.com.au's cameras have shown popular ski sites with a disappointing lack of snow, in scenes similar to last year's ski season. “No significant snowfalls are on the horizon for the mainland Australian ski resorts before the official King’s Birthday Long Weekend season opening,” Weatherzone reports. “Snow-making began on the weekend at several resorts and has continued into the working week in the cold dry, air in the wake of the cold front.” According to WeatherZone, high-pressure systems, which have brought constant rain to the east coast recently, have been blocking the snowfall. Image credits: Xinhua News Agency / Thredbo

Travel Trouble

Firefighter praised for sweet interaction with three-year-old

A cooking mishap for one Aussie family ended with a heartwarming moment shared between a firefighter and a young girl meeting her hero for the first time. Firefighters were called to a home at Blue Haven on the NSW Central Coast on Saturday, after a fire broke out on a kitchen stove top and spread to the range hood. They were quick to put out the blaze and just as they were about to leave, three-year-old Mia was too excited to meet her heroes that she couldn't let them leave just yet. "Once we got there and ascertained that there was no fire spread to the roof and other areas... their daughter decided to take me away into the room to see the new books she got," Doyalson Fire and Rescue Station Manager Dirk Ziekenheiner told Yahoo News. "Which I then obviously took the opportunity to read," he added. A picture of the sweet moment was shared on social media, with the firefighter sat on one of Mia's pink chairs and the three-year-old keenly listening to him read the story. Mia also impressed the firefighter with her own safety knowledge, as she shared her understanding of calling Triple-Zero in an emergency, how to escape a fire and the importance staying outside after evacuating. "Obviously her parents did really well and schools pass on the message, and you know that safety messages are key to surviving a house fire, especially these days," Ziekenheiner said. "If you don't know what to do, and you never plan for it, then you're probably behind the eight ball... this girl was amazing, she knew all those key messages which is really important." Aussies praised the firefighter in the comments of the post, with many of them commenting on how "cute" the moment was. Mia's father, James, also added that his daughter was very excited to meet her heroes despite the circumstances. "Mia watches a lot of children's TV shows which feature firefighters so she already knows they're heroes and they rescue people," James said. "Having now seen first-hand the great work they do, we'll continue to spread the word about fire safety and we encourage others to do the same. "Our family never thought we'd come this close to losing our home to fire, so the key is to not be complacent about the risks." Image: Fire and Rescue NSW / Facebook

Caring

Dreading footy season? You’re not alone – 20% of Australians are self-described sport haters

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-fujak-290599">Hunter Fujak</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heath-mcdonald-92440">Heath McDonald</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> With the winter AFL and NRL seasons about to start, Australia’s sporting calendar is once again transitioning from its quietest to busiest period. For many, the return of the AFL and NRL competitions is highly anticipated. But there is one group whose experience is very different: the approximately 20% of Australians who hate sport. We are currently conducting research to better understand why people feel this way about sport and what their experiences are like living in a nation where sport is so <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1329878x15616515">culturally central</a>. We have completed surveys with thousands of Australians and are now beginning to interview those who have described themselves as “sport haters”. <h2>Australia, a ‘sports mad’ nation</h2> Australia has long been described as a “<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14660970902955588">sports mad nation</a>”, a reasonable assertion given the Melbourne Cup attracted crowds of <a href="https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/2178266">more than 100,000 people</a> as far back as the 1880s. Australia’s sport passion is perhaps most evident today from the number of professional teams we support for a nation of 26 million people, one of the highest per capita <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Heath-Mcdonald/publication/326140082_Are_Sport_Consumers_Unique_Consumer_Behavior_Within_Crowded_Sport_Markets/links/5e9465fd92851c2f529c4322/Are-Sport-Consumers-Unique-Consumer-Behavior-Within-Crowded-Sport-Markets.pdf">concentrations</a> in the world. In addition to our four distinct football codes – Australian rules football, rugby league, rugby union and soccer – we have professional netball, basketball, cricket and tennis. In all, there are more than <a href="https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/kb/structure-of-australian-sport">130 professional sport teams in Australia</a> today (across both genders). Australia also hosts – and Australians attend – major sport events at a rate wildly disproportionate to the size of our population and economy. <a href="https://www.blackbookmotorsport.com/news/f1-australian-grand-prix-record-crowd-melbourne-albert-park/">Formula One</a>, the <a href="https://ausopen.com/articles/news/record-breaking-australian-open-ao-2024-numbers">Australian Open</a>, the <a href="https://nbl.com.au/news/nbl-sets-new-season-attendance-record">National Basketball League</a>, the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-attendance-records-tumble-as-fans-flock-back-to-footy-20230902-p5e1ib.html">National Rugby League</a> and <a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/64-of-aussie-population-watched-matildas-new-deakin-research-claims-797902">Matildas</a> have all recently broken attendance or television viewership records. <h2>Why people hate sport</h2> The ubiquity of sport in our culture, however, conceals the fact that a significant portion of people strongly and actively dislike sport. Recent <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14413523.2023.2233342">research</a> by one of the co-authors here (Heath McDonald) has begun to shine light on this cohort, dubbed “sport haters”. Sport haters account for approximately 20% of the Australian population, according to two surveys we have conducted of nearly 3,500 and more than 27,000 adults. Demographically, this group is significantly more likely to be female, younger and more affluent than other Australians. Their strong negative sentiments are reflected in the most common word associations <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14413523.2023.2233342">study participants</a> used to describe sport. In the case of AFL, these were: “boring”, “overpaid”, “stupid/dumb”, “rough”, “scandal” and “alcohol”. While the reasons for disliking sport vary from person to person, research shows there are some common themes. The first is in childhood, where negative experiences participating in sport or attending games or matches can lead to a life-long dislike of all sport. As one professed sport hater said in an <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/1zxfyt/guys_who_do_not_like_sports_can_you_explain_why/">online forum devoted to men who don’t like sport</a>: "My brother would force me to play soccer against my will all the time as children. I think that is where my resentment for physical sport comes from because the choice was taken away from me by my twat of a brother." Sport hatred can also derive from social exclusion or marginalisation. Sport has historically been a male-centric domain that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0277539587900525">celebrates</a> masculinity and can lead to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/taylor-swift-effect-sports-fandom-nfl/103486274">toxic behaviour</a>, which can exclude many women and some men. Sport has also had to overcome racism, perhaps most symbolically visible by AFL player Nicky Winmar’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-17/nicky-winmar-indigenous-afl-racism-anniversary/102222960">iconic protest</a> in 1993. In addition, individuals with a disability still face <a href="https://www.sportaus.gov.au/integrity_in_sport/inclusive-sport/understanding-our-diverse-audiences/people-with-disability#:%7E:text=People%20with%20disability%20receive%20the,than%20adults%20who%20don't.">barriers</a> that result in lower rates of sport participation. Here, the current <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/taylor-swift-effect-sports-fandom-nfl/103486274">Taylor Swift effect</a> is noteworthy. The singer’s attendance at National Football League games, including the Superbowl, resulted in huge spikes in television viewership. Through her association, Swift helped make the sport more <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096969892300317X#bib122">psychologically accessible</a> for many women and girls. The <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AvjrDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT125&dq=Contesting+national+Culture&ots=1_lQuBpKK7&sig=dMb-5s0PgpUumUTSFeEKZiNq0dg#v=onepage&q=Contesting%20national%20Culture&f=false">cultural dominance</a> of sport also fuels its detractors, with many critical of sport’s media saturation and its broader social and even political prioritisation. (The <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-16/macquarie-point-stadium-dominates-election-campaign-day-one/103473124">debate in Tasmania</a> over the controversial AFL stadium proposal is a good case in point.) From a media perspective, Australia’s particularly strict <a href="https://theconversation.com/regardless-of-the-rules-sport-is-fleeing-free-tv-for-pay-and-it-might-be-an-avalanche-154640">anti-siphoning</a> laws have ensured that sport remains front and centre on free-to-air television programming. Sport’s cultural dominance also fosters resentment for overshadowing people’s non-sporting passions and pursuits, as well as creating societal out-groups. Journalist Jo Chandler’s <a href="https://libraryedition.smedia.com.au/lib_a/Default.aspx#panel=document">2010</a> description of moving to Melbourne is no doubt shared by many: "In the workplace, to be unaligned is deeply isolating. Team tribalism infects meetings, especially when overseen by male chiefs. In shameful desperation, I’ve played along." In life, it’s fairly easy to avoid most products you might dislike. But given sport’s ubiquity, simply tuning out is sometimes not an option. <h2>The Anti-Football League, a club for haters</h2> In 1967, two Melbourne journalists, Keith Dunstan and Douglas Wilkie, launched an anti-sport club in response to this growing cultural dominance. In his founding address to the <a href="https://www.academia.edu/7584522/Football_is_a_Fever_Disease_Like_Recurrent_Malaria_and_Evidently_Incurable_Passion_Place_and_the_Emergence_of_an_Australian_Anti_Football_League">Anti-Football League</a>, Wilkie made clear who the club was for: "All of us who are tired of having football personalities, predictions and post mortems cluttering our newspapers, TV screens and attempts at alternative human converse – from beginning-of-morning prayers to the last trickle of bed time bathwater – should join at once." Membership quickly reached the thousands. Soon, a Sydney branch was launched, bringing national membership to a high of around 7,000. According to sport historian Matthew Klugman, members found joy in being “haters”. "…they wanted to find a shared meaning in their suffering, not to extinguish it, but to better enjoy it." This led to some curious rituals, with members ceremonially cremating footballs or burying them. An Anti-Football Day was also launched, taking place on the eve of the Victorian Football League Grand Final. The club would go on to experience periods of both prosperity and hiatus over the years, but has been dormant since <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/vale-keith-dunstan-gentle-footy-hater-cyclist-and-master-of-words-20130911-2tklh.html">Dunstan’s death</a> in 2013. With eight more years to go in Australia’s so-called “<a href="https://this.deakin.edu.au/career/golden-decade-of-sport-ahead-for-australia">golden decade of sport</a>”, which began with <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/womensbasketballworldcup/2022">2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney</a> and culminates with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, it may be time sport haters to start a new support group. If you consider yourself a sport hater, and are interested in contributing your experience to our ongoing research, please provide your contact information <a href="https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_a4CqHyqipjYj5SC">here</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/223733/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-fujak-290599">Hunter Fujak</a>, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heath-mcdonald-92440">Heath McDonald</a>, Dean of Economics, Finance and Marketing and Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dreading-footy-season-youre-not-alone-20-of-australians-are-self-described-sport-haters-223733">original article</a>.

Major Cruise line scraps entire season

Virgin Voyages has cancelled all of its sailings in Australia and New Zealand for the next year after they were left with "no choice" in the wake of escalating tensions in the Red Sea. The Resilient Lady ship will not return Down Under for its promised second sailing season next summer due to safety concerns following a series of strikes on container ships in the Red Sea. The cruise line revealed on Tuesday that a lengthier alternative return route around Africa was not viable for the company. "On the heels of these recent changes and based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months," a spokesperson from Virgin Voyages said. “This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel." “To say that we are disappointed to have come to this tough conclusion is an understatement. “These adjustments are happening now to minimise potential future disruption to our passengers’ holiday plans, knowing there is a high likelihood that changes would need to happen in the future.” The cancellations will impact customers with trips planned in late 2024 and early 2025 on repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia. Virgin Voyages have indicated that a return to Australian waters will remain a possibility, as they continue to look for available options. They also said that if the 2024/25 can go ahead, customers who had previously booked their holiday will be prioritised if they would like to re-book. Currently, impacted customers have the option to re-book a different trip or request a full refund. A few other cruise companies who operate seasonal sailings or world cruises through the Red Sea and Suez Canal have also had to cancel, reposition, or re-route their sailings. MSC have cancelled three repositioning sailings in April, while Cunard, Princess and Seabourn have re-routed their world cruises to avoid the Suez Canal. Image: Virgin Voyages

Cruising

Seasoned travellers share the most underwhelming tourist attractions

When it comes to travelling the world, there are always places and attractions that have been overhyped by those who travelled there before. While some places are known as hotspots for a reason, others can fail to deliver. Sharing some of their experiences, a group of travel writers have shared stories of the times they were left feeling deflated while travelling the world. Mona Lisa, Paris, France While most travellers who visit the world-famous Louvre museum in Paris are destined to join the hoards of people to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, others have dubbed her underwhelming. According to one travel writer at Stuff Travel, the small dimensions of da Vinci’s masterwork make it difficult to see. They wrote, “You either need to BYO ladder or be over six feet tall to even catch a glimpse over the hordes of tourists waving their cellphones.” “A security barrier also means that it's impossible to appreciate the finer details of the hyper-realistic work - which essentially defeats the point altogether.” They concluded by writing that despite being ‘the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world’, the Mona Lisa is also one of the world's biggest letdowns.” Playa del Carmen, Mexico Located in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, this vibrant tourist hotspot is a treat for the senses, or, as others have called it, an overstimulating nightmare. A combination of the blazing heat, suffocating humidity, loud clubs, and seemingly endless floods of tourists, this vibrant destination is not for the faint of heart. One seasoned traveller admitted that while some might find the holiday spot idyllic, for those searching for somewhere a bit less overstimulating, “head a little bit further south to Tulum”. That Wānaka Tree, New Zealand One of New Zealand's most popular tourist hotspots, especially on social media, is the picturesque Wānaka tree, located on the South Island. A travel writer made the trip to NZ with her sister to view the stunning landscape, but both women were left severely underwhelmed when they arrived. “From the carpark, over the bridge and down the trail to the lakeside to find That Wānaka Tree had not a single leaf. "Is that it?" my sister blurts out. I must agree, was that it?” the seasoned traveller wrote. “A true case of Instagram versus reality.” Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

“It turned to tragedy”: Three people dead after mass drowning

Three people have died and another is in critical condition after drowning at the popular Phillip Island beach in Victoria. Emergency response teams were quick on the scene on Wednesday afternoon after four people were unresponsive after being pulled from the water at the beach notorious for dangerous rips. The victims are a man in his 40s and two women in their 20s, while another woman in her 20s is fighting for her life after being airlifted to hospital. An eyewitness told 7News it was a “horrible” situation that unfolded. “The family was really upset,” the witness, Alex Tzatzimakis, said. “There seemed to be a group of 10 people who came here for a really nice day. Obviously it turned to tragedy.” She said that family members of the victims were crying and consoling each other, while beachgoers who pulled the bodies from the water attempted to perform CPR. One man could be heard wailing, <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/bass-coast/emergency-services-converge-on-forrest-caves-beach-phillip-island/news-story/1c8708162bf57f6f97c23e4306aedb2a">according to the Herald Sun</a>, “I told them not to go – I should have been there.” The incident is understood to have occurred at Forrest Caves, a popular tourist destination on Phillip Island known for its sea caves, but is also an unpatrolled beach known for its dangerous rips. Locals have reacted to the horrific drowning, with many admitting they would not ever attempt to swim in the hazardous waters. “It’s treacherous out there,” one person wrote on Facebook. “Definitely not a swimming beach. Only if you are a strong swimmer and understand rips.” “So, so sad,” a second wrote. “Great surfing beach but not a swimming beach.” A third said, “If the island is going to be pushed so hard as a tourist destination there will be more and more incidents.” Drownings around Australia have risen this summer, with many people flocking to less busy unpatrolled beaches to escape the summer heat. In the days before the fatal Phillip Island drowning, Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir told <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/tragic-summer-high-number-of-drowning-deaths-on-australian-beaches/video/a66cc0032dfe6482f9d7e023179de36c">Sky News Australia</a> the issue is “very concerning”. “We’ve had 33 drowning deaths around the country so far,” Mr Weir said. “And we’ve still got a month to go in summer, so it has been a tragic summer.” Image credits: 9News

Travel Trouble

4 strategies to keep you from overspending this holiday season

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/johanna-peetz-1494248">Johanna Peetz</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/carleton-university-900">Carleton University</a> The urge to spend money is present all year round, but during the gift-giving season, the temptation to splurge on loved ones can be particularly strong. For many, the desire to be generous during the holidays clashes with the need to conserve funds for essential expenses. This year, money is tighter than ever, with <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231121/dq231121a-eng.htm?indid=3665-1&indgeo=0">high prices for groceries, housing and entertainment</a> leaving shoppers with reduced funds as the holiday season descends upon us. A growing number of individuals are feeling the financial squeeze, with 40 per cent of Canadians <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/financial-stress-is-impacting-the-mental-health-of-canadians-survey-1.1933491">citing money as their main source of stress</a>. <a href="https://newsroom.bmo.com/2023-11-08-78-Per-Cent-of-Canadians-Plan-to-Cut-Back-on-Holiday-Spending,-but-a-Third-Will-Still-Give-Back-to-Charitable-Causes-BMO-Survey">Seventy-eight per cent of Canadians</a> plan on buying fewer gifts this holiday season and 37 per cent are worried they won’t be able to afford all the items on their holiday shopping lists. Given that <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.790434">pricier gifts are not necessarily more appreciated by the person receiving the gift</a>, what are some ways shoppers can resist the temptation of appealing, yet expensive, gift options that might strain their finances? As a social psychologist who studies personal spending, I think it is worthwhile to remind ourselves of self-control strategies that can help us manage financial decisions during the holiday season. <h2>Strategies for resisting temptation</h2> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691615623">Self-control is not just suppressing temptation</a>; it also involves setting yourself up for success by creating situations that make resisting temptations easier. 1. Avoid temptations Perhaps the most obvious strategy is to avoid shopping temptations. This may include steering clear of places — both physical and online — that are out of your budget range. While this is easier said than done during gift shopping, it’s an effective way to manage temptations: People who report having an easier time with self-control <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.031">tend to avoid rather than resist temptations</a>. 2. Make a budget If you haven’t sat down to make a holiday budget yet, it’s never too late to make one. Considering one-quarter of Canadians are <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10087745/canadian-holiday-spending-debt/">still paying off last year’s holiday debts</a>, being as fiscally responsible as possible is a wise choice this year. Setting spending limits ahead of time makes your financial goals clear and explicit. When setting budgets for gifts <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucad011">people tend to spend the entirety of the estimated amount (unlike budgets for personal purchases where they try to come in under the budget)</a>. It’s good to be realistic, rather than optimistic, when setting budgets. 3. Implementation intentions Anticipate any potential shopping temptations you are likely to encounter so you can develop strategies to resist them. One effective approach is <a href="https://kops.uni-konstanz.de/server/api/core/bitstreams/14cc2a36-5f01-4dc1-b9ca-f2d0ca0c8930/content">forming intentions</a> about how you will act once you encounter a temptation. For example, you might consider what you will do when you see a gadget your friend would enjoy when you have already bought them something and have reached the limit of your budget. Instead of purchasing it and exceeding your budget, you could write down the gadget for next year’s gift. 4. Write a list Finally, thinking ahead to the gifts you plan to buy and writing a shopping list rather than relying on being inspired in the store might help with sticking to a budget. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11747-019-00670-w">Consumers spend thousands each year on impulse purchases</a>. Writing shopping lists, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/cb.1812">even for online shopping</a>, can reduce overall spending and shopping regret. <h2>The best strategy is the one that works</h2> The holidays should be about joy, not financial stress. Maintaining self-control allows you to celebrate without compromising your financial well-being. There are of course many strategies beyond the four strategies listed here that can help create situations where resisting temptations is easier. The most effective strategies for maintaining financial self-control <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2021.104189">are the ones you are already using</a>, and the ones you find most effective. If you want to avoid giving in to shopping temptations, take a moment to think about the financial strategies you are already using and think about how you might use them in your holiday shopping. If you haven’t yet found a strategy that works for you, now is a great opportunity for you to try some out and see which ones are effective. Using strategies to manage the cost of holiday spending can prevent gift-giving from becoming a financial stressor in an already stressful time. Finally, while adhering to a budget is important, it shouldn’t be the sole or primary focus during holiday shopping. Keep in mind that the true spirit of the season is spending quality time with loved ones. The joy of the holidays doesn’t come from extravagant gifts, but from shared moments and meaningful connections.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/219380/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/johanna-peetz-1494248">Johanna Peetz</a>, Professor in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/carleton-university-900">Carleton University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-strategies-to-keep-you-from-overspending-this-holiday-season-219380">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Qantas' big move ahead of record-breaking holiday season

As the festive season approaches, Qantas is gearing up for its busiest Christmas holiday period in years. The airline has taken proactive measures to handle the anticipated surge in passenger numbers, with an additional boost to its international cabin crew. More than 8.5 million passengers are expected to fly on Qantas and Jetstar services in December and January, marking a significant increase from the previous year – and the most passengers since the 2019-20 festive season. To meet the demands of the busy holiday season, Qantas has expanded its international cabin crew team with the addition of 16 new faces. These recruits, having completed an eight-week intensive training program, are set to embark on their first flights just in time for the peak travel period. The new recruits will be contributing to flights destined for key international locations such as Japan (Narita), Hong Kong, and Singapore. Phil Capps, Qantas executive manager for product and service, emphasised the airline's commitment to investing in staff training across all departments, including ground staff and cabin crew. The significant recruitment efforts in 2023, with 991 new international cabin crew and 394 new domestic cabin crew, reflect Qantas's dedication to providing exceptional service during the holiday season and beyond. To ensure operational readiness, Qantas has brought forward maintenance on its aircraft, and up to 13 planes will be on standby as operational spares. The airline has also made a substantial boost to reserve staff to address unexpected sick leave situations. Over the past 12 months, almost 3,300 additional operational employees, including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, and airport customer service staff, have been recruited to enhance overall efficiency. As part of the preparations for the busy travel period, Qantas and Jetstar are urging travellers to check-in online for domestic flights, arrive ahead of schedule, and adhere to baggage limits. The airlines emphasised that bringing excess carry-on baggage could lead to delays and urged passengers to be respectful and patient during the holiday rush. Additionally, Qantas warned about potential delays and cancellations due to bad weather and air traffic control issues. Image: Qantas

Money & Banking

"Eviction season": Real estate slammed for callous Christmas email

A real estate agency has been forced to apologise after tenants were sent a callous email about paying their rent on time over the Christmas period. The email, which is believed to be sent by Professionals Taylor Lakes in Melbourne, referred to the festive period as "eviction season", and encouraged renters to make timely payments to ensure "your living arrangements are not jeopardised over this festive period". "Christmas is a fantastic time of year and also a very busy time," the email begins. "Christmas time is also known in property circles as 'eviction season' as so many people choose to use their rental payments for Christmas spending instead of ensuring that their family accommodation remains top priority over this period. "We see so many tenants fall behind in their rent and then get into the position where they are not able to catch up, as this is their biggest financial obligation." The agency said it didn't want to be tasked with the "unfortunate job" of having to remove and evict them from their homes over Christmas. "We find this action very unpleasant for everyone concerned and we all enjoy our Christmas much less because of it," it said. "We urge you to pay careful attention and ensure that throughout December and January, you pay your rent on time, every time!" The email was met with a wave of backlash online, with many calling the message "thoughtless" and "not professional". "This is just appalling," Anti-Poverty Network SA wrote on Facebook. Professionals chief executive Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said the email was brought to her attention on Wednesday morning, and offered an apology to the recipients. "The email was distributed to tenants directly from the Taylors Lakes office and the content was not endorsed by me or the Board of Professionals and does not represent our company's expectations of communication with our property renters," she said. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

4 tips to help your loved one with dementia enjoy the festive season

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nikki-anne-wilson-342631">Nikki-Anne Wilson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> The festive season is fast approaching, and if you’re organising celebrations with family or friends, you might be grappling with a seemingly endless to-do list. But as you make these plans, it’s important to consider how you can best include any friends or loved ones living with dementia. While no two people experience dementia in the exact same way, <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/what-is-dementia">dementia</a> often affects the way people process and respond to their environment. Too much stimulation – like a lot of noise and activity at a Christmas party – can be overwhelming and may cause confusion or agitation. Finding ways to create a <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/creating-a-calming-home-for-people-with-dementia#:%7E:text=The%20physical%20environment%20is%20important,in%20and%20enjoy%20everyday%20activities.">safe environment</a> at home for your loved one with dementia will help maximise the chances everyone has a good time. <h2>1. Plan ahead, but be flexible</h2> Planning celebrations can be overwhelming for everyone involved, and having excessive expectations can raise stress levels. Try to keep <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/information/about-you/i-am-a-carer-family-member-or-friend">expectations realistic</a> and in line with the current needs of your friend or loved one living with dementia. For example, people with dementia may experience <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/information/about-you/i-am-a-carer-family-member-or-friend/personal-care/eating">changes in their appetite</a> or food preferences, or difficulties chewing and swallowing. These changes might make some of the things on your festive menu unappetising or difficult to eat. Be guided by the needs and preferences of the person with dementia and keep options limited to one or two special foods if larger banquets are likely to be overwhelming. Things can change quickly for people living with dementia and their abilities will likely <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/what-is-dementia/progression-of-dementia#:%7E:text=A%20person%20with%20dementia's%20abilities,over%20a%20number%20of%20years.">vary from day to day</a>. Try to be flexible and have a backup plan in place. For special events, plan to record speeches or ceremonies to share when things are quieter. If you’re planning a large event, consider having a smaller gathering with your loved one with dementia and just a few special people. <h2>2. Stick to the familiar</h2> The sudden appearance of lots of decorations <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-TipsToAssistSocialEngagement03-TipsForHolidayCheer_english.pdf">may be overwhelming</a> for a person with dementia and trigger a negative sensory reaction or distress. Ensure decorations are safe and familiar and put them up slowly over a period of a few days. Try to also stick to familiar traditions and routines. <a href="https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan">Daily routines</a> are an important way of supporting people with dementia and sudden changes <a href="https://memory.ucsf.edu/caregiving-support/behavior-personality-changes#I-Investigate-Possible-Causes">may result in agitation and distress</a>. Stick to routine eating, bathing, and rest times where possible throughout the holiday period. For many people with dementia, long-term memories are less affected than <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/memory-loss">more recent memories</a>. Familiar family traditions can therefore be a good way to <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/national/support-and-services/carers/therapies-and-communication-approaches">reminisce</a>. Family keepsakes or <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/20110303-NSW-LifeHistoryBook.pdf">memory books</a> can also help connect with stories from past celebrations. <h2>3. Have a quiet space</h2> Try to have <a href="https://www.scie.org.uk/dementia/supporting-people-with-dementia/dementia-friendly-environments/noise.asp">a quiet place</a> where the person living with dementia can go if things become overwhelming. Designating a support person who can stay with them throughout the day and take them to a separate room or area away from the action can help to keep things calm. Having some familiar objects or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5432607/#:%7E:text=Passive%20music%20listening%20is%20reported,et%20al.%2C%202013">quiet music</a> in the space can be a good way to block out the noise of activities and reduce agitation. <h2>4. Make sure everyone has a part</h2> Everyone wants to feel a part of the activities on a special day, including people living with dementia. Ensuring everyone has a role to play may mean modifying tasks to suit the abilities of the person with dementia. For example, if you’re hosting an event at home, try to get your friend or relative with dementia involved in the kitchen by tossing the salad or helping to set the table. People with dementia are still the same person, even if their abilities have changed or they can no longer communicate their needs and feelings like they used to. It’s important to treat everyone with dignity and try to include your friends and loved ones with dementia in celebrations whenever possible. <h2>Sometimes, you can’t be together</h2> Despite the best laid plans, sometimes it won’t be possible to share in festive celebrations with your loved one living with dementia. More advanced dementia, <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/racf-latest-advice.aspx">aged care visitor restrictions</a> or even just distance can keep many of us apart from our loved ones. Be prepared for this separation to bring up your own feelings of <a href="https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/grief-loss-as-alzheimers-progresses">grief or sadness</a>. Look after your mental health as well as the person with dementia. Caring responsibilities still largely <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/resource/download/national-strategy-gender-equality-discussion-paper_0.pdf">fall to women</a> and it’s important to share the load. Where possible, the holidays can be a good time to think about giving primary carers a break to help them recharge for the year ahead. If you’re caring for someone with dementia and need support, <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/support">Dementia Australia</a> or <a href="https://www.carergateway.gov.au/about?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=10841470526&utm_adgroup=146956908840&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw9-6oBhBaEiwAHv1QvI1uJVJRppcDJtdgYNTDeObUk1tyrNUtLGBqpp3ytjb_khYkGExICBoC_5EQAvD_BwE">Carer Gateway</a> offer useful resources.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/214944/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nikki-anne-wilson-342631">Nikki-Anne Wilson</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-tips-to-help-your-loved-one-with-dementia-enjoy-the-festive-season-214944">original article</a>.

Caring

Three-bedroom home on the market for unbelievably cheap price

A three-bedroom home located on the border of Victoria and South Australia is up for sale for just $65,000. But there is a catch to future homeowners who want to experience the “quiet and cheap country living”, as they might need to be handy with a hammer. “If you’re a handyman and willing to put some elbow grease into it, then this one might be for you,” the listing read. The home itself is located on two plots of land measuring 2,100m2 in Serviceton, Victoria, and is only 16 minutes away from Bordertown, South Australia. “Being on two titles, you can utilise both or sell the vacant allotment as all the dwellings are on one,” the listing read. It also features a large lounge room with wood-fire heater, and a centrally located bathroom with a bath and vanity. There's plenty of room to cook in the massive kitchen, despite it needing a lot of work, it features a formal dining area that has a sliding servery window which connects to the lounge room. Outside, the future homeowner can find a large shed, rain water storage, and a gate that opens up to a park. “It went under contract ... an hour and a half (after it was listed),” Ray White agent Hayden Obst told 7News. The condition of its electrical, plumbing and appliances are unknown, but people are still expressing their interest. Despite this, many people from different parts of the country and a few investors are still calling the real estate agent, just in case the contract falls through. Images: 7News.com.au

Real Estate

Secret Santa pays off everyone's Christmas shopping at local Kmart

The festive season is all about spreading joy and love and one generous Aussie has gone above and beyond to make people's day so much better. A Secret Santa at a Victoria Gardens Kmart in inner-city Melbourne, covered the cost of items on lay-by for all of the customers at the local store, making some of them cry tears of joy. "We are overwhelmed by our customer's generosity at this time of year, and want to thank them for their act of kindness towards other members of our community," a Kmart spokeswoman said. "We are proud to call them one of our customers." The customer, who chose to remain anonymous, said that they simply wanted to contribute to something positive this holiday season. The shopper reportedly told retail staff that they "just wanted to do something nice for the community." The exact amount of the donation remains undisclosed, but they revealed that most of the items were Christmas gifts. Image: Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Money & Banking

Passengers stranded after three-year cruise abruptly cancelled

When Life At Sea <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/world-first-three-year-cruise-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> their world-first three-year voyage in early 2023, many were quick to jump at the opportunity to spend the next years of their life onboard. People from around the globe <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/meet-the-woman-preparing-to-spend-three-years-at-sea#xd_co_f=YTM5MzVmOGQtNTY4My00NWE1LThjNDctMTUxMjJlNjVhMWNj~" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold their homes</a> and belongings to fork out the hefty $180,000 price tag to spend 36 months travelling the world, with their once-in-a-lifetime voyage set to kick off in November. But now, as their departure date loomed, Life At Sea have left passengers stranded after abruptly cancelling the trip in its entirety. Life at Sea Cruises was scheduled to depart from Istanbul, Turkey on November 1st but departure was relocated and delayed twice to November 30th, before passengers were informed on November 17th the cruise was off, according to CNN. The news outlet reported that the ship that was destined to be the vessel of the three-year journey was bought by another company just one day before the voyage was cancelled. The owner of Life at Sea Cruises’ parent company Miray Cruises, then confirmed they couldn’t afford the ship because investors had pulled out “due to unrest in the Middle East” – but suggested they were working on getting another ship and a new departure date. The idea that the vessel would be replaced filled some travellers with hope they would still be embarking on their three-year adventure, before CEO of Miray Cruises was forced to clarify: “In case we weren’t clear, the Life at Sea cruise trip is cancelled.” Passengers were devastated by the news, with those who thought they had locked in the next three years of their lives telling CNN they felt “incredibly sad”, “angry” and “betrayed”. “I had the next three years of my life planned to live an extraordinary life, and now [I have] nothing,” said one cruiser. “I don’t think they will ever understand how much damage they’ve caused us,” said another. The more than $180,000 three-year trip had been celebrated by big cruising fans and called a “nightmare” and “claustrophobic” by critics across social media. The company’s website is still advertising the cruise as normal, with a countdown stating on Monday it was three hours “until we go for an adventure of a lifetime”. Image credits: Life At Sea

Travel Trouble

Inside Bec and Lleyton Hewitt's new $10-million dream home

Bec and Lleyton Hewitt have headed back to Sydney after stints in Melbourne and the Bahamas, with hopes that their new $10.3 million dream home in the semi-rural suburb of Glenhaven, will provide more stability. "I'm a Sydney girl, I love Sydney," said Bec, who swapped the busy inner city life for a more secluded one with her husband their three kids, Mia, 17, Cruz, 14, and Ava, 12. Their new home is close to Bec's family, and one of their neighbours is none other than Bec's former Home And Away co-star Lynne McGranger. Their six bedroom home comes with a host of features, including an inground swimming pool with a cabana, a tennis court, guest cottage and office. It also includes a space that will be used as a "boys room" for Lleyton and his son Cruz. The home sits on just over two hectares, and even features a secret room hidden in the loft, if they want to escape and have some peace and quiet. The couple's lavish purchase comes after they sold their Melbourne mansion in the ritzy suburb of Toorak for $16 million in 2021. They didn't require a mortgage for their new home. A local insider told Woman's Day that "the house is tucked away on a quiet, dead-end road in a sleepy suburb, which will give them a bit more privacy." Images: @threebirdsrenovations / Instagram

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Inside Bec and Lleyton Hewitt's new $10-million dream home

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