Search

Mother jailed after hiding her baby in a drawer for three years

A mother from Chester in northern England who concealed her baby daughter in a bed drawer for the first three years of her life has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for what authorities described as an extreme case of child neglect. The child, born in March 2020 in a bathtub, was kept secret from the outside world. She was unregistered, had never met another person besides her mother, and spent her formative years confined to a drawer under a bed. “The child had spent much of its life hidden in a bedroom at the address, even sleeping in a drawer under the bed,” police said in a statement. The neglect left the girl severely underdeveloped and malnourished, with untreated medical conditions, including a cleft palate. Authorities only discovered her plight in February 2023, when the mother’s partner heard unusual noises upstairs and found the malnourished child. Social workers and police arrived shortly after, uncovering a scene described as shocking and heartbreaking. A social worker testified in court about finding the child rocking back and forth in the drawer, adding that the mother showed no remorse and treated the situation with indifference. Investigations revealed the mother would occasionally feed the baby “milky Weetabix” with a syringe and change her nappy. “As time went on, the mother went to work and took her other children to school and left the child in the drawer, alone for hours on end,” the Crown Prosecution Service said. “The baby’s growth and physical and mental development was severely impacted by the lack of care, attention and food and the restrictions of a life spent in a drawer.” By the time she was rescued, the nearly three-year-old child could not crawl, walk or talk. Her physical and mental development was likened to that of a 10-month-old. She suffered from dehydration, swollen limbs and poor muscle tone, conditions attributed to the extreme neglect. The mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in October to four charges of child cruelty spanning the girl’s life until her rescue. During sentencing at Chester Crown Court, prosecutors detailed the grim life the child endured, noting that she had never celebrated a birthday, Christmas or seen daylight. “This child has never known the joy of a family celebration or simple acts of love,” said Senior Crown Prosecutor Rachel Worthington. The court also heard that the mother claimed she was in an abusive relationship with the child’s father and hid the pregnancy out of fear. Since being placed in care, the child has shown remarkable improvement but faces a long road ahead. She has started interacting with others and undergoing surgeries to address her cleft palate. Detective Constable Rachel Di Nicola expressed hope for the child’s future while condemning the mother’s actions. “The shocking neglect was on an indescribable scale and the suffering the child experienced will impact them for the rest of their life,” she said. “All those involved in the case have been left deeply shocked by what we uncovered, and we have all been amazed by the way the child has recovered since they were discovered, and we hope that this recovery continues.” Images: Chester Crown Court

Legal

Patti Newton's moving tribute three years on from Bert's death

It's been three years since entertainment legend Bert Newton passed away, and now his wife has delivered a touching tribute on the anniversary of his death. Patti Newton took to Instagram to share a montage of special moments she shared with her late husband during their time together. “I love you. I miss your smile and your kindness but most of all I miss you,” she wrote. “Three years gone but a wonderful life that will never be forgotten.” She shared a few photos of Bert celebrating birthdays, christmas and other milestones with his grandchildren, and fans took to the comments to share their own memories of Bert. “A beautiful life, a beautiful family. We all still remember and love Bert alongside you xxx,” one wrote. “Bert was, and always will be an icon in Australian entertainment Patti. He will live in the hearts of us who had the pleasure to be entertained by him for many years. Much love to you and the family today," another commented. “What an extraordinary life you both lived and loved.. now Bert is your guardian Angel still loving you from above xxx,” commented a third. “Patti we all miss him he was sunshine to me but nobody will ever miss him like you do…true love never dies, he is always with you,” wrote a fourth. “Thinking of you today Patti and I’m sending you big hugs 🤗 and love," another commented. Bert passed away on October 30, 2021 at the age of 83 after a long health battle. He was known for a variety of TV shows including The Bert Newton Show, Tonight with Bert Newton, The Don Lane Show and a few others. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

New $1m reward for cold case murder of three children

A new $1 million reward is being offered for information about each of the murders of three First Nations children around 34 years ago. Four-year-old Evelyn Greenup, Clinton Speedy-Duroux, 16, and Colleen Walker-Craig, 16, disappeared from Bowraville, a town in northern NSW over a five-month period from September 1990. Evelyn and Clinton's remains were found in nearby bushland, but Colleen's have never been found. The murders were initially investigated separately before being linked by the homicide squad. Now, after various appeals over the decades, NSW Police have issued a re-appeal for information into the murders, with a particular focus on locating the remains of Colleen. “A $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each of the children’s murder remains in place, as well as for information leading to the location and recovery of Colleen’s remains,” NSW Police said on Monday. Detectives are also going to be spending the week in Bowraville to speak to locals who may have information about the children's deaths. A man, who can't be named for legal reasons, was acquitted of Clinton's murder in 1994, and Evelyn's murder in 2006. The case was the subject of two police investigations, multiple trials, a coronial inquest, and a parliamentary inquiry. In 2018, the government tried to convince the NSW court of criminal appeal that there was fresh and compelling evidence – related to the disappearance of Colleen – in attempt to overturn the two acquittals and instead have a new single trial on three murder charges. However, the court refused to grant special leave to the NSW government to appeal against the decision. In 2019, hundreds protested in front of the gates of the Court of Appeal when a retrial was denied. Images: 7pm TV News NSW/ ABC News

Legal

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

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

“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

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

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

Real Estate

Marvel stuntman and his three kids killed in car crash

The world of cinema was struck by a tragic incident on Halloween night when Taraja Ramsess, a talented stuntman known for his work in Black Panther and The Avengers, lost his life in a horrifying car crash. What makes this loss even more heart-wrenching is that Taraja was not alone in the vehicle; three of his beloved children, including his newborn daughter, also lost their lives as a result of the tragic accident. Ramsess, at the age of 41, had already left an indelible mark in the film industry. Known for his stunt work in blockbuster hits like Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War, Taraja was a dedicated athlete and an exceptional stunt performer. His filmography included not only stunt roles but also numerous art department credits in films such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Fast & Furious 7. But beyond his professional achievements, Taraja was cherished as a dedicated family man and a loving father. His mother, Akili, described him as having a deep capacity for love and an unwavering commitment to his children. The pictures she shared on social media show Taraja beaming with pride while surrounded by his children, a testament to the love he had for them. Ava DuVernay, a renowned filmmaker, paid tribute to Taraja Ramsess as a "regal" figure who walked like a king. She spoke of his selflessness, always willing to say "yes" to the demands of his work, and how his enthusiasm inspired others. Taraja's cousin, Pharaoh Hardee, recalled his journey into the world of film, starting with a passion for music videos and eventually realising his artistic talents in the realm of cinema. Taraja was also known for his infectious enthusiasm and his deep pride in being cast in Black Panther. He was a person who cherished the moments of life and had an unquenchable passion for his work. In the wake of his untimely death, Taraja's cousin Pharaoh Hardee encouraged everyone to honour his memory by not taking life or loved ones for granted. These words serve as a poignant reminder to treasure the moments we have with our family and loved ones. In the face of this immense tragedy, the community has rallied to support Taraja Ramsess' family. A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ramsess" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign was launched to provide financial assistance, and it has already raised over $US80,000. "Taraja was a dedicated father, son and husband and a true philanthropist who was well known and loved by many," reads the tribute on the fundraising page. "He lived for his children. He paved the way and provided opportunities for so many people along the way." That outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and well-wishers is a testament to the impact that Taraja had on those around him. Images: Instagram

Caring

RECALL ALERT: Two popular Woolies cheeses spark listeria concerns

Woolworths stores nationwide are issuing a recall on two popular Camembert cheese brands due to potential listeria contamination. The recall specifically pertains to two 125g Camembert cheese products that have been identified as having potential microbial contamination, specifically Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products are the Unicorn Classic Camembert from Snowbrand Australia, trading under the name Unicorn Cheese, and Community Co's French Style Camembert. Both of these cheeses carry Best Before dates of November 8, 2023. These products were available for purchase not only at Woolworths stores in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania but also at other retail outlets, including Natures Best, V & C Food Distributors, and Bills Cheese and Yoghurts in New South Wales, as well as Our United Food Co in Queensland. Select independent stores, such as IGAs in Victoria and Queensland, also stocked these cheeses. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, their unborn babies, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued a statement warning, "Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly, and people with low immune systems." FSANZ advises any consumers who are concerned about their health in relation to these products to seek medical advice and return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund. The affected Camembert cheese products belong to Batch 123123E Est No 287. Consumers seeking more information can contact Snowbrand Australia (Unicorn Cheese) at 02 4423 1266. Images: FSANZ

Legal

Grieving family speaks after three siblings killed in light plane crash

The Nally family, who tragically lost four of their loved ones in a devastating plane crash, has broken their silence following the heart-wrenching incident. Peter Nally, aged 65, was piloting the light aircraft when the accident occurred, claiming the lives of not only himself but also his three cherished grandchildren: Raphael, 11; Evita, nine; and Philomena, six. The crash took place near Canberra around 2:50pm on Friday. In a brief statement released through the NSW Police, members of the Nally family expressed the profound grief they are currently enduring. Their statement read, "There are no words that can adequately convey the depth of sorrow our family is experiencing at this moment. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our extended family, friends, and the local community." "As we continue to grapple with this unimaginable loss, we kindly request that the media respect our need for privacy as we mourn and attempt to cope with this tragic event." Peter Nally, an experienced pilot hailing from Bunya, Queensland, had been flying his three beloved grandchildren back to his daughter Elyse's residence in Armidale, northern New South Wales, after a visit with family in Ainslie, a suburb of Canberra. The Cirrus SR22 light plane they were aboard lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after departing from Canberra Airport at 2:30pm. Disturbing audio recordings captured the desperate efforts of controllers attempting to establish contact with Mr Nally, to no avail. Within a matter of minutes, the aircraft crashed, igniting into flames upon impact at a rural property near Lake George in the New South Wales Tablelands. Tragically, everyone on board perished instantly, and the aircraft was obliterated. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene after receiving a report from a witness who had seen flames emanating from the wreckage. Although fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze, there was no chance of saving any lives. Investigations into the root cause of the catastrophic crash are currently ongoing, with preliminary reports indicating a potential failure of the plane's built-in parachute system. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) issued a statement on Saturday, stating, "In the coming days, investigators with expertise in aircraft operations and maintenance will carry out a range of evidence-gathering activities at the crash site." According to the ATSB, it may take up to eight weeks before a preliminary report detailing the incident is made available to the public. Image: Glenbrook Catholic Church St Finbar

Travel Trouble

Football star's tragic loss just three months after wedding

English football star Josh Vickers has shared the heartbreaking news that his wife Laura has passed away, just three months after their wedding. The Derby County goalkeeper, 27, took to Instagram on Sunday to share an emotional tribute to his late wife, with a bittersweet photo of the couple on their wedding day on June 1. "I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can't find the right words to say and don't know if I ever will," Vickers began his tribute. "On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer." "Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met. "Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories," he continued. "I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we met to the moment you peacefully passed. "I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day." He then thanked everyone who has supported him through the "incredibly difficult" time and praised his friends and family for being by his side. "I Love You Always & Forever 🤍" he concluded the heart-wrenching tribute to his wife. <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/CxkZoz6ICvo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxkZoz6ICvo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Josh Vickers (@joshuavickers)</a> </div> </blockquote> Friends and fans took to the comments to share their support for the grieving goalkeeper. Teammate and Derby forward Martyn Waghorn wrote: "We're all with you mate." "We’re all thinking of you, Josh," Arsenal's official Instagram page added. A few other team members and football players sent their love with a bunch of red heart emojis. "So very sorry to the loss of such a bright star - what a true inspiration she was , thinking of you, family and her friends ❤️" wrote one fan. "Thoughts are with you and with the family," wrote another. Although details of Laura's death and battle with cancer are not fully known, Vickers has previously shared how proud he was of his partner for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BztT57OHRus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergoing chemo</a> in 2019. "I'm so proud of you!!!! 8 chemo sessions done and stage 1 completed," he captioned the collage of photos including one of Laura graduating, and another of her undergoing treatment. "These last 6/7 months have been far from ideal, but with everything you have been through, you have continued to smile and inspire me every single day," he added. The Derby team have shared their support for their fellow teammate by holding his "Vickers 31" shirt during a match against Carlisle yesterday, after the goalkeeper was absent from the game for personal reasons. Image: Instagram

Caring

Autistic boy wins national golf title after only THREE games

In a heartwarming tale that's sure to make your day, a spirited 12-year-old schoolboy from a charming rural town nestled in the Bay of Plenty has ignited pure joy in New Zealand's golfing community – in a story that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face. Meet Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau, the newest sensation in the world of golf, hailing from the picturesque township of Tāneatua, a place so small it doesn't even have its own golf course. But that didn't deter this young prodigy as he set out to conquer the national Zespri AIMS Games held in the vibrant city of Tauranga. The Zespri AIMS Games is one of Australasia’s largest junior sporting events, held annually in Tauranga Moana. Celebrating diversity, the Games provides an opportunity for adolescents from all demographics and education contexts to compete in sporting competitions, to meet others from outside their normal peer group, and to learn and build on their social interaction skills. The Zespri AIMS Games is highly regarded by national education and sporting organisations and is considered a leader in its area. Now, here's the twist that's sure to make you leap with excitement: Bayleigh had played a grand total of just three rounds of golf in his entire life before this tournament! It's almost like a golfing fairytale in the making. Armed with borrowed clubs, a pair of basketball boots and a big beaming smile, our tee-master extraordinaire embarked on his golfing journey, leaving everyone in awe. You might wonder how a newcomer to the game fares in such a prestigious competition. Well, let us tell you, Bayleigh was given a scoring handicap to reflect his beginner status. And did he rise to the occasion! With booming drives and precision iron shots, he amassed a staggering 87 Stableford points over his three nine-hole rounds. A true underdog story. But Bayleigh's triumph doesn't stop there. Alongside his schoolmates Pedro Robinson and Lincoln Reritito, he clinched the team title, earning well-deserved glory for Tāneatua School. They faced off against students from schools all over New Zealand and came out on top. When asked about his love for golf, Bayleigh's face lit up with joy as he exclaimed, "The thing I love about golf is hitting my driver. I dreamed about coming here and finishing in first place. And I had a lot of fun." Thanks to the incredible support system behind this young golfing sensation, Bayleigh's journey to the top wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of his family, including his dad Hemi Tarau and Pare Teepa, his grandfather, and nan. Their pride in Bayleigh's accomplishments is immeasurable. What's even more inspiring is that Bayleigh has autism, and his journey has been one of transformation. From spending most of his time in class under his desk, not speaking, to becoming a golfing superstar, it's a testament to his determination and the incredible power of sports to boost confidence and bring joy. And here's another heartwarming twist – Bayleigh's path to golf was paved by his school's teacher-aide, Whetu Wiremu. He noticed Bayleigh's fascination with swinging a stick and decided to introduce him to golf. Wiremu's dedication and passion for the game not only changed Bayleigh's life but also the lives of other young students from Tāneatua School. For Wiremu, it's not just about golf but also about instilling life skills and values. He believes that golf, with its unique blend of competition and camaraderie, can offer these kids opportunities beyond their community, transcending boundaries and challenges. As for Bayleigh's future, he's setting his sights on competing in the Special Olympics. With a heart full of determination and a community that believes in him, there's no telling what incredible heights he'll reach. To that end, a <a href="https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/backing-bayleigh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Give A Little</a> fundraising account has been established to help support this inspiring youngster and help him on his way. In the end, Bayleigh's story reminds us all that joy, determination and unwavering support can overcome any obstacle. It's a testament to the power of dreams, the magic of sports, and the beauty of small communities coming together to celebrate their rising stars. Images: Jamie Troughton / Dscribe Media

Family & Pets

Shocking moment Glenn McGrath grabs three snakes with bare hands

Aussie Cricket legend Glenn McGrath has turned into a part time snake wrangler after having to remove three snakes from his rural Queensland property with his bare hands. McGrath found the carpet pythons slithering inside his home on Wednesday, and decided to share the footage of him removing the unwelcome guests in different locations in his house. One python was inside his pantry, another was in the living room and third was making its way across the hall. "After plenty of encouragement and support from my wife, all three Coastal Carpet Pythons that were in the house were safely released back into the bush," he captioned the video. In the video, his wife Sara screamed in absolute horror as he removed one of the snakes by grabbing its tail, carefully wrapping it around a mop, and taking it outside. "You're going to get bitten," she screamed. McGrath calmly reassured her that he had it all under control. <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/reel/Cw3aLO5yCV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw3aLO5yCV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11)</a> </div> </blockquote> Fortunately, the carpet pythons are a non-venomous breed, so there was no real threat to McGrath. However, many fans of the cricketer still applauded his bravery in the comments. "Haha good technique mate. Steve Irwin couldn't have done it any better," wrote one fan. "This is better than his 50 he scored against New Zealand," quipped another. "Keeping a good line and length between self and snake! Good work!" wrote a third. "This 🐍 knows he’s being handled by a CHAMP.. " commented a fourth. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Mother jailed after hiding her baby in a drawer for three years

Patti Newton's moving tribute three years on from Bert's death

New $1m reward for cold case murder of three children

Supreme Court Justice killed just three weeks after retiring

Three-time mayor's cause of death revealed

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

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

Three children dead after allegedly being forced into house fire

Princess Lilibet turns three

Firefighter praised for sweet interaction with three-year-old

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

Three-bedroom home on the market for unbelievably cheap price

Passengers stranded after three-year cruise abruptly cancelled

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

Marvel stuntman and his three kids killed in car crash

RECALL ALERT: Two popular Woolies cheeses spark listeria concerns

Grieving family speaks after three siblings killed in light plane crash

Football star's tragic loss just three months after wedding

Autistic boy wins national golf title after only THREE games

Shocking moment Glenn McGrath grabs three snakes with bare hands

Our Partners