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"Every parent's nightmare": Families of poisoned teens share update

<p>The families of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones have shared a heartbreaking update as the teenagers continue to fight for their lives after being <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/two-aussie-teens-poisoned-in-laos-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poisoned</a> in Laos. </p> <p>While travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year, the Melbourne 19 year olds consumed what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos.</p> <p>The young women were found barely alive in their hotel room and were rushed to a hospital in the neighbouring country of Thailand, where they remain on life support. </p> <p>Holly’s dad Shaun Bowles fronted the media on Wednesday in Bangkok where he confirmed his daughter remained in the ICU in a critical condition, where the family are spending as much time as possible by her bedside. </p> <p>“Right now our daughter remains in the intensive care unit in a critical condition. She’s on life support,” Shaun said.</p> <p>“We’d just like to thank everyone from back home for all the support and love that we’re receiving but we’d also like for people to appreciate right now we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly.”</p> <p>Bianca's family also released a statement saying there was no update on her condition, but confirmed that she remains on life support. </p> <p>"Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia," the statement from the family reads.</p> <p>"This is every parent's nightmare and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through. We hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible."</p> <p>Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of "vodka" while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane.</p> <p>They were among a large group of international travellers who fell victim to what is feared to be a mass poisoning which has already killed two other people. </p> <p><em><strong>Editor's note: Police in Thailand confirmed the death of Bianca Jones on Thursday afternoon. Holly Bowles is understood to still be in hospital.</strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Men charged after remains found following teen's disappearance

<p>Two men have been charged over the disappearance of 19-year-old Isla Bell, after human remains were discovered by police. </p> <p>The teenager was last seen leaving her home in Brunswick, in Melbourne’s inner-north, on October 6th at about 6pm, prompting a widespread police investigation. </p> <p>On Tuesday, authorities made the grim discovery of human remains in Dandenong, south-east Melbourne, after 46 days of searching for the 19-year-old.</p> <p>Missing persons squad detectives arrested three men on Tuesday after executing search warrants at two properties in Bentleigh East and Mulgrave.</p> <p>A 53-year-old St Kilda man has been since been charged with murder, while a 57-year-old Hampton man has been charged with assist offender (murder).</p> <p>A 63-year-old Mulgrave man was released pending further inquiries.</p> <p>After Isla went missing, her friends and family launched an online campaign to find her as they posted daily pleas for information. </p> <p>“There has been no activity on her bank account. No activity on her social media. Her phone has not pinged to any towers,” they posted in an update to the Help Us Find Isla Bell Facebook page on Sunday.</p> <p>“It’s hard not to think the worst given the situation and the concerning circumstances in which she disappeared.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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Two Aussie teens poisoned in Laos identified

<p>Two Australian teenagers who are fighting for their lives in a hospital in Thailand have been identified. </p> <p>While travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year, Melbourne teens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, consumed what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos.</p> <p>The young women were found barely alive in their hotel room and were rushed to a hospital in the neighbouring country of Thailand, where they remain on life support. </p> <p>Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of "vodka" while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane.</p> <p>They were among a large group of international travellers who fell victim to what is feared to be a mass poisoning which has already killed two other people. </p> <p>Ms Jones’ family has expressed disbelief in what has happened to their daughter, describing her as their "angel" as they rushed to be at her bedside. </p> <p>"Our beautiful Bianca was on a dream getaway with her best friend Holly," they told the <em><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/two-melbourne-girls-on-life-support-in-bangkok-after-ethanol-poisoning-in-laos/news-story/6194b29655744b3f1bceeab2980c8e83" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">Herald Sun</a></em>.</p> <p>"They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them, travelling through Asia. We are here by Bianca’s bedside praying for her."</p> <p>"She's just an absolute star. She's a bundle of joy. To know her is to love her," the cafe manager told <em><a title="The Age" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fears-for-absolute-star-as-teens-fight-for-life-in-thailand-after-alcohol-poisoning-20241119-p5krpb.html" target="" rel="">The Age</a></em>.</p> <p>"We're just praying for the family. She's just a loyal, caring sweet person. We value her so much as a friend as well as a colleague."</p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/laos-methanol-poisoning-melbourne-teens-suspected-methanol-poisoning-identified/b5721fe5-e323-4807-8790-e9d070b51194" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a></em> with a statement on Wednesday, with a spokesperson saying they were "providing consular assistance" to two Australians and their families in Thailand.</p> <p>"Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time," a spokesperson said.</p> <p>"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Major driver's licence change for Victorian drivers

<p>A major drivers licence change has been implemented in Victoria. </p> <p>Up to 800,000 learner and provisional drivers in the state will soon have electronic access to their licence in a bid to make  "it easier for them to go about their lives". </p> <p>They join the 1.2 million motorists in the state who already have the capability to access their licence digitally, a feature that was only introduced in Victoria in May this year. </p> <p>While the digital licences are optional, the state government said that feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.</p> <p>Like other digital licences, it features a highly secure, timed QR code" that can be scanned by businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.</p> <p>Victoria Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the initiative aims to simplify life for young drivers in the state. </p> <p>"We’ve seen more than 1.2 million Victorians access their licence on their phones since we launched this technology in May, and I’m sure we’ll continue to see a strong take up from our younger drivers," she said. </p> <p>The licences can also be updated in real-time if there are changes to conditions, personal information or if a licence has been cancelled or suspended. </p> <p>The state government is also working with venues to ensure licences are compatible with major scanning technology making it easier for both customers and venues across Victoria.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Driver fined $544 for little known road act

<p>A Mercedes driver has copped a massive fine after illegally transporting a ladder in the back of his car. </p> <p>The motorist thought he snagged a bargain on Gumtree, buying a ladder from someone who lived only a few streets away. </p> <p>But when he went to take the ladder home after placing it in the backseat of his car, the ladder was protruding almost one metre out the window. </p> <p>Highway Patrol officers in Sydney's west stopped the driver who said, "I picked it up from someone on Gumtree, I’m just going down the road".</p> <p>He was $544 and lost three demerit points by the roadside, with the short distance of travel between his purchase location and destination meaning nothing to police due to the dangerous nature of the act.</p> <p>The driver claims he "didn't know" it was an offence to drive with a protruding load, despite every state and territory handed an on-the-spot fine if any items stick out of a moving vehicle.</p> <p>"Due to the danger posed to other road users as well as the driver himself, he was issued with an infringement," NSW Police said, explaining that the driver was able to disassemble the ladder and store it "more suitably" in the car before taking off again.</p> <p>In NSW, the fine for driving with a protruding load will set a motorist back $349. Across the country, fines fall between $200 to $400 for drivers of light vehicles, however, those in heavy vehicles can pay thousands.</p> <p>Protruding loads can alter the weight distribution of a car and make it unstable and unsafe to drive, reducing a driver's control, while also posing a risk of hitting others on the road, pedestrians or cyclists.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Teen found not guilty of murdering Brisbane mum

<p>A teenager has been found not guilty of murdering Brisbane mother Emma Lovell, with her heart-broken widow shedding tears at the verdict. </p> <p>The now 18-year-old faced trial on the allegation that he had seen a knife in his co-offender's hand and knew he was armed when the pair broke into the Lovell home on Boxing Day in 2022.</p> <p>The main offender fatally stabbed Emma and hurt her husband Lee in the struggle that followed.</p> <p>With the case largely dependant on crucial split-second CCTV, Justice Michael Copley ruled he could not "be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused knew the other teen was in possession of the knife".</p> <p>The teenager was found not guilty of Ms Lovell's murder or manslaughter and also acquitted of unlawful wounding, but was found guilty of burglary and assault in company.</p> <p>Outside the court, Lee Lovell became emotional as he told reporters, "I'm not feeling too great at the moment - the verdict was a joke. I don't feel justified for Emma one bit."</p> <p>"You try and do the best you can for her and I don't feel I've been able to do that."</p> <p>Mr Lovell said legislation needed to be changed in order for victims and their families to have justice. </p> <p>"You are a part of killing someone and you get a burglary charge. What does that say for anyone going forward," he said.</p> <p>"We are the ones with a life sentence now."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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Family heartbroken after school removes teen's memorial site

<p>Charlotte O'Brien, 12, sadly <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/mother-s-heartbreaking-farewell-at-bullied-daughter-s-funeral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">took her own life</a> on September 9 after experiencing relentless bullying at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, Sydney. </p> <p>Following the young schoolgirl's tragic death, her heartbroken family set up a memorial for her on a tree near the school. Her aunt Melinda Rodgers explained it was the only way they could bid farewell to the teen. </p> <p>“It was something we wanted to do for Charlotte because we didn’t get the opportunity to say goodbye,” she told <em>Nine News</em>.</p> <p>“It was our special way of giving her something to say you mattered and we miss you.”</p> <p>The memorial was set up over the weekend, with a small plaque put in place and flowers which began piling up as others started to pay tribute to the 12-year-old. </p> <p>On Monday afternoon, the memorial site had been removed. The family first realised this when they saw Charlotte's grandfather, who had previously left flowers at the site, “wandering aimlessly up and down the street … trying to find the memorial site to lay his flowers”</p> <p>“Words cannot express how devastated we were,” Rodgers said, after finding out the memorial site had been removed. </p> <p>Paulina Skerman the principal of the school, confirmed they had removed the memorial “because of concerns that were raised about the impact this could have on young people”. </p> <p>She explained that  the school was “with Charlotte’s family to find a permanent and loving way to remember Charlotte” and promised the 12-year-old would “not be forgotten”.</p> <p>Despite the school's explanation, Charlotte's father Mat, said he was “running out of words” to describe his feelings about the situation. </p> <p>“From the school’s perspective, If I was given advice to remove those things, I wouldn’t have touched them,” he said, adding it would be a "positive step" for the school to put up a permanent memorial to his daughter. </p> <p>Her parents had previously opened up about how disappointed they were in the school for reportedly showing "no empathy" during their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/parents-disappointed-by-principal-s-response-to-daughter-s-suicide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20-minute meeting</a> with the principal, following Charlotte's death. </p> <p>“We arrived there and met with the principal. When I shared the feedback, she wasn’t interested in receiving that. The feedback was interrupted. It was discounted. It was disagreed with," Mat said at the time.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone.</span></em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lifeline: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">13 11 14</span>, <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: 0.2s ease-in-out;" href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au </a></em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;"><em>Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or <a href="http://kidshelpline.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kidshelpline.com.au</a></em></span></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; background-color: #ffffff;"> </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">SANE Support line and Forums: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">1800 187 263,</span> <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: 0.2s ease-in-out;" href="https://saneforums.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saneforums.org</a></em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Headspace: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">1800 650 890,</span> <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: 0.2s ease-in-out;" href="https://headspace.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headspace.org.au</a></em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Beyond Blue: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">1300 224 635</span>, <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: 0.2s ease-in-out;" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/beyondblue.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au </a></em></p> <p> </p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Aussie drivers warned over commonly ignored road rule

<p>Aussie drivers are being reminded to follow simple road rules and etiquette when driving on a highway, with one often ignored rule costing drivers hundreds. </p> <p>Police are fining drivers caught driving in the right lane on a highway without overtaking anyone.</p> <p>A Victorian man was fined $198 and two demerit points over the weekend "after travelling 3km in the right-hand lane and passing no one,” Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches told the <em>Geelong Advertiser.</em></p> <p>Penalties also apply in other states and territories, including NSW where the penalty can be as much as $410.</p> <p>Victoria Police told <em>Yahoo News Australia </em>that this wasn't part of a crackdown, as they are always monitoring roads to ensure drivers are following the road rules. </p> <p>"Police are out and about every day, making sure people are following the road rules. Road safety is a priority for police, and we will continue to focus our efforts on ensuring those using the roads are safe," a spokesperson said.</p> <p>According to VicRoads, when travelling on a multi-lane road with a speed limit of over 80km/h, drivers must keep out of the right lane unless they are overtaking, turning right or if all lanes are congested.</p> <p>In NSW a P-plater was caught "disobeying" this rule and copped a $410 fine. </p> <p>Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal said some drivers get of easy, with penalties actually reaching $2,200. </p> <p>"On a road where there is a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not drive in the right lane, unless you're overtaking," he said.</p> <p>Although unlikely, "you can incur a fine of up to $2,200 for disobeying this rule," he added.</p> <p>NSW Police also reminded drivers in August against ignoring "keep left signs unless overtaking" as travelling in the right lane has resulted in "an increase in collisions involving drivers overtaking other vehicles".</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police Highway Patrol</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"No consideration": Tough new penalties introduced for "thoughtless" drivers

<p>One Australian state is set to introduce a new law to enforce harsher penalties on "thoughtless" drivers who endanger the lives of children.</p> <p>South Australian independent Frank Pangallo has proposed legislation that would see prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to $5,000 for drivers found guilty of aggravated driving offences while children under 16 are present.</p> <p>“Like most people in the community, I am deeply alarmed at the number of thoughtless people who have no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car and drive like a moron while there are kids in the car,” Mr Pangallo <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/independent-mlc-frank-pangallo-to-introduce-bill-would-impose-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-caught-speeding-drink-driving-with-children-in-the-car/news-story/343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">told </a><em><a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/independent-mlc-frank-pangallo-to-introduce-bill-would-impose-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-caught-speeding-drink-driving-with-children-in-the-car/news-story/343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">the Advertiser</a></em>.</p> <p>“Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but far more critically, the lives of innocent children in the vehicle."</p> <p>“I have spoken to a number of senior police who are astounded by the stupidity of these drivers who have absolutely no consideration for the dangers they are placing those children in.”</p> <p>Pangallo was prompted to urge the reforms after the state saw two horror crashes over the past weeks that have involved children. </p> <p>In one accident, an eight-year-old child was pulled from the wreckage of a vehicle and was lucky to survive, with the 40-year-old driver allegedly returning a positive breath test.</p> <p>“I would describe that driver as being an irresponsible moron,” Mr Pangallo said of the crash. “I hope they throw the book at that driver.”</p> <p>In another recent incident, a woman - who was pulled over for using her mobile phone while driving - allegedly blew six times the legal blood alcohol limit with two children under 16 years old in her car. </p> <p>South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas offered his support for tougher laws in a press conference, saying, “I think it is perfectly reasonable for the law to discriminate between offenders who have children in the car or not. I think that’s a reasonable principle.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

Legal

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The surprising unknown road rule that is costing drivers

<p dir="ltr">A woman has issued a warning to Aussie drivers after being threatened with a hefty fine for a common car decoration. </p> <p dir="ltr">Janelle McEvoy, a young woman from Perth, took to TikTok to recall the moment she learned that she could be facing a fine for having an air freshener hanging from her car’s rear view mirror. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I randomly got breath tested on the way to an event this morning and the police officer told me when I get home I need to remove this hanging from my car to avoid the $100 fine and the demerit point,” she said in her TikTok video, which has since had nearly 2 million views. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Doesn’t everyone have one of these hanging from their car? Where is it supposed to go?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Thousands of people flocked to the comments on the video to share their surprise over the obscure road rule, with one person writing, “The way my jaw dropped when you showed what it was cause I bought the exact same thing not too long ago.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another added, “That’s crazy, I have like four air fresheners and two crystal chains hanging from my car.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The rule, which varies between states, can carry fines and possibly the loss of demerit points, if a police officer deems that the driver’s vision is obstructed from whatever is hanging from the mirror.</p> <p dir="ltr">In NSW, drivers without a clear view of the road can be fined $410 fine and have three demerit points issued.</p> <p dir="ltr">In other Aussie states, the fine for obstructed vision can range between $100 and $361. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Kate Middleton helps teen with cancer fulfill "bucket list" dream

<p>Kate Middleton has taken another step back to public duties after inviting a teenage girl with a rare form of cancer to Windsor Castle. </p> <p>The Prince and Princess of Wales invited 16-year-old Liz, a budding photographer from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to Windsor Castle after the teen was told by doctors earlier this year that she only had between six months and three years to live. </p> <p>“A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today,” the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote in a social media post shared on Wednesday, with a photo of Kate hugging the teenager.</p> <p>“A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAoPPEMNX6F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAoPPEMNX6F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Liz had a photography bucket list "to create a lifetime of memories" after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January. The cancer has no form of standard treatment. </p> <p>She first took up photography in Year 6 after saving up to buy her first camera. </p> <p>Liz was given the opportunity to take photos of cyclist Mark Cavendish and ex-footballer Ally McCoist's investiture ceremony, after Prince William heard about her through his  patronage of London Air Ambulance Charity.</p> <p>A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “Following the investiture both the Prince and Princess of Wales met Liz privately with her family to hear about her day and journey."</p> <p>Liz said she was "over the moon" after meeting the couple at the castle.</p> <p>“Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience,” she recalled on social media. </p> <p>The event is a rare appearance for the Princess who has been out of the public eye for most of the year following her own cancer diagnosis earlier this year.</p> <p>While the meeting is not being treated as an official engagement for the Prince and Princess, it was their first joint appearance this year. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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"It's just not OK": Parking inspectors under fire for fining innocent drivers

<p>Melbourne drivers are being hit with parking fines despite not doing anything wrong, raising questions about the legitimacy of the infringement notices. </p> <p>Emma Hodgkinson from Essendon told<em> 9News</em> that she was fined for supposedly overstaying in a two-hour parking zone. </p> <p>"I was furious, it's just not OK" she told the publication. </p> <p>Hodkinson had only left her house 40 minutes prior to the time stamp on the fine, and used CCTV footage from her home to prove it. </p> <p>"When I saw the timecode on the footage and I compared it to the time on the ticket I realised I hadn't done anything wrong and it was their mistake," she said.</p> <p>Many other drivers have had similar experiences, with one man from Richmond saying he received a $99 penalty earlier this month, despite having almost an hour left on his Pay Stay app. </p> <p>Another driver was fined by Stonnington Council who said he had parked for more than two hours even though he'd only been there for about 20 minutes. </p> <p>In most of these examples, many other cars in the same area had also been fined. </p> <p>"I was able to prove I was innocent but how are [the other drivers] going to be able to prove that?" Hodgkinson said.</p> <p>Council Watch representative Dean Hurlston said the reason why innocent drivers are being fined could be because council parking inspectors have to hit their quotas. </p> <p>"We know the job of a parking inspector is well paid for good reason," he told <em>9News</em>.</p> <p>"They definitely have quotas. Councils need money, they're cash strapped. This is a way to gouge and raise revenue."</p> <p>If you've been unfairly fined, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible, including photos and screenshots. </p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

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Charges dropped over crash that killed five people

<p>The elderly driver who was charged after his car crashed into a pub in Victoria, resulting in the deaths of two children and three adults, will walk free after charges against him were dropped. </p> <p>William Herbert Swale, 66, had all charges dismissed after a magistrate ruled the evidence against him was “so weak”.</p> <p>Mr Swale's lawyers successfully argued his actions were not voluntary because he was in a state of severe hypoglycaemia, as he is an insulin-dependent diabetic. </p> <p>The devastating crash occurred on November 5th 2023, when Mr Swale's car sped down a hill before crashing into an outdoor dining area outside The Royal Daylesford Hotel.</p> <p>Pratibha Sharma, her husband Jatin Chugh, and her daughter Anvi were enjoying the last of the weekend at the pub when Mr Swale's BMW crashed through the pub. </p> <p>Sharma and Chugh <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/entire-town-in-mourning-as-daylesford-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the scene, while nine-year-old Anvi was flown to hospital but did not survive her injuries and was later pronounced dead. </p> <p>The family were joined by their friends, Vivek Bhatia, 38, his wife, and their two kids at the pub. </p> <p>Vivek and his 11-year-old son Vihaan were both killed in the crash, while the 36-year-old woman, and a second son, aged six, were taken to hospital for their injuries and survived. </p> <p>Initially rushed to hospital after the crash, Mr Swale was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/major-update-in-daylesford-crash-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged</a> with 14 offences following a month-long police investigation.</p> <p>Prosecutors alleged that as a type-1 diabetic of 30 years, Mr Swale should've known not to be driving while in a state of hypoglycaemia, alleging gross negligence.</p> <p>After a three-day hearing, Magistrate Guillaume Bailin determined the evidence against Mr Swale was so flawed it should not be sent to a higher court for a jury trial, and instead dismissed all charges. </p> <p>“It is reasonably possible the accused was suffering a severe hypoglycemic event; the result of which means his actions in driving from 5.36pm onwards were not voluntary,” Magistrate Bailin said. “The evidence is so weak that the prospects of convictions are minimal."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News / Magistrates' Court of Victoria</em></p> <p> </p>

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Neighbour's "petty" act against "obnoxious" driver

<p>A Sydney resident has detailed her "petty" move against her neighbour after becoming fed up with his "obnoxious" parking.</p> <p>Venting about her neighbour online, the Manly resident claimed the man's "over loud, oversized vehicle permanently sticks out from his property, partially blocking footpath". </p> <p>While he was parked in his own driveway, blocking the footpath is illegal and can attract a $283 fine, sometimes more in other council areas across the country. </p> <p>"This noise-polluting monstrosity should be banned, or at least parked on the street (preferably not ours)," she said, attaching a picture of a large ute with its tray sticking out on the footpath. </p> <p>In an attempt to put an end to the "grubby" behaviour, the resident said she reported her neighbour to the Northern Beaches council. </p> <p>The council website states: "residents must not park in or across a driveway (even your own)," to ensure pedestrian safety and access.</p> <p>"Ensure your car is within the front boundary of the property or parked safely in the street."</p> <p>The council told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em> that after the incident was reported via Snap, Snap, Solve, the driver was fined.</p> <p>Officers have reportedly been proactively patrolling the area since, and found no repeated instances. </p> <p>However, the woman was shocked to see  see the driver's "pride and joy still there" in the driveway. </p> <p>"Today I received an email from council saying the matter has been resolved. Do council not care or is this an insufficient crime for any action to be taken?" she asked other residents on Facebook. </p> <p>Her post has divided residents, while most people agreed with her, others told her to mind her business. </p> <p>"I’m surprised he doesn’t get booked as he is blocking the footpath for prams and wheelchairs," one person said.</p> <p>"That’s kind of dangerous. Plus disabled or kids on bikes could slam into it," another added. </p> <p>"Car park is sh*te but it doesn’t seem like it’s affecting you. Take a deep breath and stop working yourself up over things that really don’t matter," someone else argued. </p> <p>"You sound like one of those neighbours that sticks their noses into other people's business," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock/ Facebook</em></p>

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Bogus "rule" sees bus driver block Dad and daughter

<p>A father from Sydney's inner west and his toddler have been denied entry onto a bus after a confrontation with the driver over an alleged "rule" about travelling with children.</p> <p>Graham Cooke and his daughter Katie had been commuting on the 370 bus from their home in Newtown to Katie's childcare every day for a year, until one morning when the pair were confronted with a problem. </p> <p>When trying to board the bus as normal, Graham recalled to <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/dad-refused-entry-on-public-bus-after-driver-enforces-little-known-child-rule-031938462.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a></em> that the bus driver "aggressively" asked the dad how old his daughter was. </p> <p>When he explained that she was two-and-a-half, the dad claims the driver told him it was against the rules to have a toddler ride the bus without being in a stroller, and refused to let them onboard. </p> <p>"He immediately goes, 'no', puts his hand up, and he's like, 'you need to get off the bus. Children under three need to be in a stroller'." Cooke explained to Yahoo News.</p> <p>"He kept kind of yelling 'you need to get off the bus, I'm not driving the bus with a two-and-a-half-year-old held in your arms'," Graham said, while he tried to explain to the driver that he's done it "every day".</p> <p>Cooke then quickly looked up if such a rule existed on Transport NSW, eventually finding no evidence that young Katie had to be in a stroller to board the bus. </p> <p>When he tried to once again confront the driver to let them on, the driver responded that Cooke was holding everybody on the bus up.</p> <p>"I'm entitled to get the bus with my toddler, I'm just trying to get to work," Cooke said. After the standoff, the dad and his daughter had no choice but to get off the bus and wait for the next one, where they had no issues getting on board.</p> <p>"It was a really unpleasant experience," he said, recalling how his daughter, who ordinarily loves getting the bus, was left "upset" and cuddling into her dad.</p> <p>"She loves saying hello to bus drivers. She tends to, kind of charm everybody around pretty, pretty lovely experience," he said.</p> <p>"It upset me, because I just wanted to get to work and to be rejected on public transport in such a way. So it was a very unpleasant start to the day, and he was very aggressive and dogmatic about his view."</p> <p>After contacting Transport for NSW, the authority apologised for the incident, as a spokesperson said passengers travelling on buses with young children and prams have the choice to seat children in their care on a seat next to them, on their lap or to have them strapped into a pram where there is space on board for it to be parked safely.</p> <p>"All of our accessible buses have specific areas for prams and wheelchairs near the front of the bus, which will allow children to remain in the pram while on board if required," they said. "In that case, the front of the pram must be facing towards the back of the bus and be in firm contact with the panel, or bar behind it.</p> <p>"You'll need to fold your pram or stroller and store it in the luggage rack if there is not enough space on board the bus to safely park the pram, or if the driver asks you to.</p> <p>"In that case, you’ll need to seat the children in your care with you as it is not safe to stand and carry a child while a bus is moving."</p> <p>Responding to the statement, Cooke said, "It looks like it's completely not a rule. Parents should be able to bring their kids to daycare. A lot of daycares don't allow you to bring a stroller and leave it there."</p> <p>While the dad admits that most bus drivers are "lovely", he wants to send a message to other parents that they should know their rights travelling around on public transport.</p> <p>"It's difficult enough getting around in NSW with a toddler," he said. "It makes having a child and exploring the city pretty difficult. If you're in this situation, know your rights and that you can't be kicked off a bus just because you don't have a stroller, if you're happy enough carrying or holding your toddler."</p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)</em></p>

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"Drivers deserve better": Huge win for motorists over parking fines

<p>In a move to stop unsuspecting drivers being hit with unfair parking fines, NSW councils will soon be banned from issuing a fine without a physical ticket. </p> <p>Finance Minister Courtney Houssos will legislate to effectively ban ticketless parking fines after council raked in $155 million in sneaky fines last year.</p> <p>Ms Houssos will introduce legislation later in September, which will require parking rangers to attach an “on-the-spot notification” to a car which gets a fine either in the form of a sticker or a traditional parking ticket.</p> <p>Ticketless parking fines were first introduced under former Premier Gladys Berejiklian in 2020, with councils issuing a whopping 822,310 ticketless parking fines last financial year, up almost 50 per cent from the year before.</p> <p>Ms Houssos said forcing councils to leave a note telling drivers they had been fined, rather than waiting for a fine to come ion the mail weeks later, was a victory for common sense.</p> <p>"No one ever likes to get a parking fine, but the idea you only find out about a fine weeks later doesn’t pass the common sense test,” she said.</p> <p>“Frustration among drivers and community members about the ticketless parking system is high – and that’s fair enough. The ticketless parking fine system was introduced by the previous government without regard for the impact on drivers and families,” she said.</p> <p>NSW Premier Chris Minns also backed the move, saying, “Drivers deserve better than the current system."</p> <p>In certain limited circumstances, rangers will be able to issue a fine without leaving a ticket, but only if they install new-warning signs, which could include areas where there is no phone reception, like national parks, or in timed enclosed car parks.</p> <p>NRMA Spokesman Peter Khoury said the government’s changes will rebuild public confidence, saying, “Ticketless parking fines removed transparency and made it almost impossible for motorists to contest their fine if they felt they had a legitimate case.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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Hunter Valley bus driver learns his fate

<p>The judge has handed down his sentence to Hunter Valley bus driver Brett Button, who was behind the wheel of one of Australia's deadliest crashes that killed 10 people and injured 25 others. </p> <p>After a three-day hearing, Button, 59, was sentenced before Judge Roy Ellis at Newcastle District Court on Wednesday afternoon to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years beginning May 8th.</p> <p>He will be eligible for release on parole on May 7th, 2048.</p> <p>When the judge read his sentence, gasps were heard within the courtroom from survivors of the crash, while many victims' families broke down in tears. </p> <p>In sentencing, Judge Ellis said Button was under the influence of the opioid-based painkiller tramadol and had “abandoned his responsibility” to his 35 passengers at the time of the crash.</p> <p>“Words cannot adequately express the pain, anger, and sadness that permeated the first two days of these proceedings as victim impact statement after victim impact statement was read by and for absolutely distraught, depressed, and devastated family members of the deceased and survivors," Judge Ellis said.</p> <p>Judge Ellis said that in his 50 years in the justice system he had never “dealt with, seen, or even read about a case that involved anywhere near the same extent of extraordinary devastation”.</p> <p>“Surviving passengers described the trauma of their injuries and scenes of the crash, with unwanted memory of the carnage still present and easily triggered,” Judge Ellis told the court.</p> <p>Outside the courtroom after the sentence had been handed down, Leoni Bowey, who lost her sister Nadene McBride and niece Kyah McBride in the crash, said the family was surprised by the result but she didn’t “think there was ever an end to this”.</p> <p>“I don’t think closure ever happens,” she said.</p> <p>“Listening to the stories, I realised many of the victims that were on the bus that night are all living with trauma, depression, and anxiety - all things that will be with us for the rest of our lives."</p> <p>“I was having an anxiety attack because it was taking so long to get the numbers, and I had no idea what it all meant... but I will say I didn’t think we would get that sentence. I am really surprised.”</p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

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Hunter Valley bus driver finally speaks out over horror crash

<p>The man who was behind the wheel of the deadly Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023 has finally taken the stand, saying he is deeply sorry for the hurt he has caused the victims and their families. </p> <p>Brett Button, 59, was transporting wedding guests from the reception ceremony at the Wandin Valley Estate back to Singleton when the bus flipped, causing the deaths of 10 people and injuring 25 others. </p> <p>After pleading guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, Button appeared before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hunter-valley-crash-survivor-s-demands-of-killer-bus-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">victim statements</a> from survivors and family members of those who were killed.  </p> <p>On Wednesday, Button finally broke his silence on the fatal crash, issuing an emotional apology to all those impacted by the devastating crash.</p> <p>"I've tried to figure out the words to say I'm sorry, but how do you say you're sorry for such a horrible tragic event that has ruined the lives of hundreds of people," he told the court.</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"I can't forgive myself. I can't believe I caused this, I never meant to cause it and every single person that died and was injured and everyone involved in this, I truly wish it never happened and I could apologise where people actually believe me."</p> </div> <p>"I live with this every day and I hate myself. I've caused parents to have to bury their children, which has been my biggest nightmare all my life, and now I've done it to so many families."</p> <p>"I'm sorry to everyone involved, including the police and everyone, my family — I've shamed everyone."</p> <p>Button also shared with the court that he had been taking the opioid tramadol since 1994, and admitted on the day of the crash, he had taken “in excess” of his prescribed dose of painkillers.</p> <p>When asked by his barrister Paul Rosser KC if he felt he was addicted, Button said he was "certainly dependent", adding that a pain specialist warned Button one year before the crash that he was at risk of addiction. </p> <p>When further questioned, Mr Button said he had no perception on that night the drug had impaired his driving.</p> <p>"I take responsibility for the death and injuries, it was no way purposeful and I wasn't negligent," he told the court. "I didn't do it deliberately."</p> <p>Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents.</p> <p>Judge Roy Ellis will consider 40 victim impact statements as part of his sentencing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

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Hunter Valley crash survivor's demands of killer bus driver

<p>A man who survived the devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley in June 2023 that claimed the lives of 10 people has confronted the man who was behind the wheel with an emotional victim statement in court. </p> <p>On that fateful day, Brett Button was transporting wedding guests to the reception venue when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta, with the crash claiming the lives of 10 people and injuring another 25 passengers. </p> <p>As a result, Button, 59, has pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, appearing before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional victim statements from survivors and family members of those who were killed.  </p> <p>Taking the stand to deliver his impact statement following a day and a half of hearings, one survivor demanded Button look at him before telling him he'd trapped him in a “bus of hell”. </p> <p>“My friends didn’t deserve to die, the others didn’t deserve to die,” he said.</p> <p>“The families here don’t deserve to be here. My future has been destroyed because of your actions. I can no longer be the person I was. The intergenerational trauma you have caused is enormous.”</p> <p>Earlier on Tuesday, Steve Symons, whose son Kane died in the crash, fought back tears to tell Button about how his son had seized on a “second chance” after a childhood injury only to have it “cruelly” robbed from him.</p> <p>“Kane’s death has shattered our lives. It has left an unrepairable void. He was a vibrant and ambitious young man who had been given a rare second chance at life,” Mr Symons told the court.</p> <p>“He lived with an acute awareness of just how precious life is and embraced every moment of it. To lose him now after he was given that second chance at life is both cruel and unjust.”</p> <p>Zachary Bray was also given a “second chance” after a battle with stage-3 bowel cancer, as his mother, Jackie, said he “always chose the right path” in another emotional statement. </p> <p>“In many ways, Zac was the perfect child if there ever was one. He just wanted to please and did so his entire life, making his family, friends and colleagues proud in everything he did,” she said.</p> <p>“He and his friends did what they were told to do: have a plan B. They trusted the bus driver would get them home safely, but my son who did everything right still didn’t make it home."</p> <p>“Zac got a death sentence, and his family and friends got a life sentence.”</p> <p>At least 35 people are expected to provide witness impact statements to the court during a marathon three-day sentence hearing that began on Monday morning before Judge Roy Ellis, who is expected to hand down his sentence to Button on Wednesday. </p> <p>Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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"You are ruining my life": Driver's plea to parking ranger

<p>A desperate motorist has left a note for suspecting parking rangers to beg for leniency over fines. </p> <p>A photo of the note, that quickly went viral, shows the driver asking to not receive any more tickets after already being slapped with three in one week. </p> <p>The note explains the driver's difficult situation, as he asked the rangers to have mercy. </p> <p>"Please stop giving me tickets," the note read. "I already have three this week. I am obviously broke already."</p> <p>"I have ordered my new sticker. It's in the mail. I can't make it get here faster. Have some mercy, you are ruining my life."</p> <p>The note insinuates the other parking fines may have been written up because of an expired registration or damaged licence plate.</p> <p>After the photo of the note went viral, many were shocked that the parking officer wrote up several tickets in the same week. </p> <p>"Usually you wouldn't get the second and third as there's a grace period to go to traffic court to show you did the paperwork to drop the first ticket," one person said.</p> <p>Another driver revealed a similar plight, saying, "I ordered my tags in the mail and it took 34 days to get here."</p> <p>But others weren't as understanding, as one person sarcastically commented, "If only people had an entire year to plan ahead to know when their tags would expire ... oh, wait."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock </em></p>

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