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Virgin Australia passenger denied travel over tiny passport detail

Renee Reader, 30, flew to Melbourne from the Gold Coast on Monday and had her passport checked several times by Virgin Australia staff. It wasn't until she was in the final boarding queue to Bali when staff spotted one tiny detail in her passport. "I got through security and customs. It wasn't until I was actually boarding the flight and I handed over my boarding pass and passport that the staff weren't sure about my passport," she told Yahoo News Australia. Staff then started taking photos of her passport and she was asked to step aside. When asked what the issue was, she was told there was a "yellow stain" on her passport identification page. It wasn't long before she received the "heartbreaking" news, with staff telling her: "You're not going to Bali." Although she tried to plead her case, airline staff stood firm on their decision, and said Renee would need to be escorted out of the airport by security. "I said, 'I don't think that's quite necessary. I'm not a criminal — It's a passport with a watermark on it'," she recalled, but was she was escorted anyways. While the airline paid for Renee's flight back to the Gold Coast, and acknowledged that they should've flagged the passport damage earlier into her journey, she still lost the money for her return flight tickets to Bali which cost around $200. "My message to everyone is to triple-check your passport and make sure that it is in immaculate condition, because they are getting a lot stricter, and I would never want this to happen to anyone else," she said. "I've travelled all over Europe, I've been to Bali with it [the mark] twice... I was in Bali just in July... it was absolutely heartbreaking," she said. A Virgin Australia spokesperson told Yahoo News that staff are required to flag any passport issues to prevent passengers from being refused entry at their intended destination. "When a guest presents for check-in for an international flight, Virgin Australia team members are required to ensure they have the necessary travel documentation and that the documents are in suitable condition," the spokesperson said. Image: TikTok/ Yahoo News

Travel Trouble

Private island off Queensland coast up for sale

A private island in northern Queensland is up for sale for $15million. Timana Island, also known as Thorpe Island, boasts 15 hectares of rainforest, a private beach and a beach shack. The island located off Mission Beach between Cairns and Townsville is one of the few private freehold islands in Australia, that is in "pristine" condition. "It's sort of beyond words, but you're sitting there listening to the waves, lapping up the orchestra of birds and the smells of the blossoming rainforest," Steve Wiltshire from Mission Beach Real Estate told Today. He added that fruit trees were growing wild on the island and could be "gardened" up. "And then it rises steeply up to a hillock, and it's covered in dense rainforest," he said. While the beach shack is currently uninhabitable, he added that is has a strong foundation for those interested in renovating it and turning it into something special. "There's an old shack there that is in need of a lot of attention - but strong bones, as we say in the industry." Images: Today

Domestic Travel

Husband charged after wife’s tragic golf cart death on Hamilton Island

A husband charged with the death of his wife has shared her chilling last words before she tragically died in a golf cart crash on their honeymoon. Robbie Awad, 32, and his new wife Marina Hanna, 29, were honeymooning in Queensland's Hamilton Island just 10 days after their wedding in June 2022, when the golf cart they were travelling in tipped over. Ms Hana died at the scene after doing into cardiac arrest. Ms Awad, who was driving the golf cart when it crashed and walked away uninjured, has pleaded guilty to three charges including not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving. Appearing in court on Thursday for the first day of his hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving without due care and attention causing death. Taking to the witness stand, Mr Awad said the couple had decided to leave the resort to get something to eat before the crash. “We were leaving Qualia [resort] in the buggy, I was driving, I drove toward the exit of Qualia, I waited for the [gates] to open. We drove out of the gates at 5 or 4 km/h,” he said. The 32-year-old told the court that at the time of the crash, he was using his phone to follow directions, even though his wife warned him not to look at his phone while driving. “I was looking for directions on how to travel to the marina.” “My wife said, ‘Get off your phone’. I said, ‘What is the worst that could happen? No worries,’ and I put the phone in my pocket.’” Mr Awad said the couple decided to travel back to their resort after noting that the golf cart wasn't working properly, as it started to slow down when it began travelling up a hill. “I would estimate it was travelling less than walking speed. A very slow walk,” he said. “’By the time I got to the top of the hill, it was barely moving.” “[Once I got to the intersection] I could see it was very steep and I couldn’t see around the bend. I looked straight and saw there were no cars, the buggy was moving one metre every two seconds, so I drove the buggy into the flattest part.” He claimed the buggy accelerated unexpectedly, as he was making the U-turn. “As I was accelerating, I was moving the steering wheel, but because the buggy wasn’t moving, I ended up doing full turns, then I heard ‘vrrrroom’ and the buggy accelerated very quickly,” he said. “I started to have the thought, ‘Oh, the buggy might tip over,’ but by the time I could have finished the thought, it had already tipped over.” Mr Awad’s defence lawyer argued the “tragic accident” was caused by an issue with the battery in the golf buggy. “It fell over and killed his poor wife and he was devastated — and still is,” he said. Image credits: Facebook

Legal

Tiny reason for huge commitment: Grandad to run from Perth to Sydney

John Harb admits he’s never been much of a runner. But that’s about to change, when the 62-year-old grandad and yoga enthusiast runs from Perth to Sydney for his granddaughter Luna. Little Luna came into the world three months early at Sydney's Royal Hospital for Women, in February, and at just 500 grams, she was the same weight as a tub of butter. The experience left John in awe, not only of his baby granddaughter, but of the magic that happens in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the hospital. “To watch Luna over the past three months, and witness her strength and her fighting spirit has been incredible,” said John. “Seeing my daughter Michelle and her husband Nick, and all the other parents and premature babies in the ward going through such a difficult time but being so well supported by the doctors and nurses made me want to do something to help,” he said. “When I discovered 80 percent of the equipment in the unit, including the equipment that kept Luna alive, was purchased through donations, I wanted to do something big.” Taking inspiration from Nedd Brockman, John has decided to run across the country with the goal of raising one-million-dollars to support the NICU. Currently training by running 15 kilometres a day, John has sourced advice from a range of experts including Brockman himself, who made a special visit to the NICU after hearing of John’s plans. He plans to commence his run at Cottesloe Beach on 1 October and arrive at The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick in early December. Royal Hospital for Women Foundation General Manager Elise Jennings said John’s commitment will allow the hospital to purchase more lifesaving equipment on their wish list, like a new ultrasound machine for high risk pregnancies. “I have come to know John through the time he spent in the NICU supporting Michelle and Luna and I know how passionate he is about making a difference for those who come after Luna and we are incredibly grateful to John for his commitment. Running from Perth to Sydney is a huge undertaking, especially for a grandfather in his 60s with no previous long distance running experience, but if anyone can do it, he can.” “We are thrilled that John is announcing his run as part of our major annual fundraiser, Heart for Her, in recognition not only of the extraordinary care received by Michelle and Luna, but for all of the babies and families who come through our doors.” “For three decades now, The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation has funded the best medical equipment, innovative research, people and programs but we rely on the generosity of our donors to do this.” Donations can be made <a title="https://www.royalwomen.org.au/fundraisers/johnharb" href="https://www.royalwomen.org.au/fundraisers/johnharb" data-outlook-id="eed61181-8705-430d-a478-3f5f14e8b008">https://www.royalwomen.org.au/fundraisers/johnharb</a> Image credits: Supplied

Family & Pets

Flight attendant reveals why planes have tiny holes in their windows

Have you ever wondered why there are tiny holes at the bottom of a plane window? Flight attendant Henny Lim has revealed the reason why they are there, and why it is such an important feature on planes. The tiny hole, otherwise known as a “bleed hole” serves as a major safety function to help balance the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air. “If you’ve ever sat in the window seat on a flight, you’ve probably noticed the tiny hole at the bottom of the window,” she said. This is because cabin windows on commercial planes are usually made up of three layers of glass and acrylic to keep them strong and insulated. The bleed hole allows for a controlled flow of air between the layers, equalising the pressure and reducing stress on the window panes. It also helps prevent condensation as the temperature changes at higher altitudes, allowing a small amount of dry air to flow between the three layers, which keeps the windows clear. “It also has another purpose, which is to release moisture and stop frost or condensation from blocking your view,” Lim added. Lim has grown a following on social media for sharing insider tips and knowledge on planes and flying, including why flight attendants sit on their hands during take-off and landing. Images: TikTok

Travel Tips

Tourist fined after posting this one photo on social media

A man has been fined after flouting the rules to get the perfect photo with a quokka at Rottnest Island. The tourist was visiting the popular nature reserve, off the coast of Western Australia, when he was tracked down by authorities after posting a photo of him holding the marsupial on Instagram, despite signs saying not to touch the vulnerable animals. "Feeding and touching quokkas is not permitted for the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals," A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson told Perth Now. The unnamed tourist copped a $200 fine and an infringement was issued over the weekend, but the spokesperson said he was not evicted from the island. The Rottnest Island website also clearly states the rules against touching the furry animals. "It’s important, for their safety and yours, that you don’t touch the quokkas," the website read. Tourists are also warned that touching the marsupials can make them sick, spread disease and cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent. Samuel Cornell, a research fellow from UNSW, told Yahoo News Australia that these rules exist for a reason. "The rules are there usually to protect people's own safety, first and foremost. And then secondly, of course, we enact rules to protect the environment," Cornell said. "They are still wild animals, but because they're plastered all over social media and people are used to seeing pretty pictures with them, I think people then have this interpretation of them that they're just some fluffy, safe creature that you can just go up to and pick up." Cornell added that tourists flouting the rules is not just an issue in Rottnest Island, but "a problem across Australia," including popular tourists destinations like K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), Babinda boulders, and Wedding Cake Rock in Sydney. "Some people do just ignore rules or signs because they think they know better or they really want a photo in a certain place," he explained. "But there are a subset of people that will claim 'oh, I didn't actually see the sign or I wasn't really aware'". Images: PerthNow/ Getty

Travel Trouble

Tiny ancient Christmas tree sells for thousands

One of the world's first mass-produced Christmas trees has sold at auction for a whopping 56 times higher than its original purchase price. The tree was first bought in 1920 for just six pence, and was snapped up at the auction in England by an anonymous buyer for £3,400, or $6,433 AUD. The tree was described by the auctioneer as “the humblest Christmas tree in the world”, measuring just 79cm in height, boasting 25 branches, 12 berries and six mini candle holders. The tree sits in a small, red-painted wooden base with a simple decorative emblem. The Christmas tree was first bought by the family of eight-year-old Dorothy Grant in 1920, with Dorothy using it as her tree until she passed away at the age of 101. The tree is believed to have been bought from Woolworths, with Grant decorating the tree as a child with cotton wool to mimic snow, given that baubles were considered a luxury at the time. After Grant's passing in 2014, the charming tree was passed down to her daughter Shirley Hall, who was "parting with the tree now to honour her mother's memory and to ensure it survives as a humble reminder of 1920s life". It was expected to sell for between £60 and £80 (between $110 and $150 AUD) but was bought for the astonishing price of £3,411 when it went under the hammer at Hansons auctioneers on Friday. Charles Hanson, the owner of Hansons and a regular guest on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt said, “This is one of the earliest Christmas trees of its type we have seen. The humblest Christmas tree in the world has a new home and we’re delighted for both buyer and seller … I think it’s down to the power of nostalgia. Dorothy’s story resonated with people.” He added, “As simple as it was, Dorothy loved that tree. It became a staple part of family celebrations for decades. The fact that it brought such joy to Dorothy is humbling in itself. It reminds us that extravagance and excess are not required to capture the spirit of Christmas. For Dorothy it was enough to have a tree." “Some of the first artificial Christmas trees utilised machinery which had been designed to manufacture toilet brushes. The waste-not, want-not generations of old are still teaching us an important lesson about valuing the simple things and not replacing objects just for the sake of it." Image credits: Hansons Auctioneers

Money & Banking

Liam Neeson filming new movie in tiny Aussie town

The quaint, gorgeous historic Victorian town of Walhalla is gearing up for its moment in the cinematic spotlight as it gets set to become the backdrop for Liam Neeson's upcoming blockbuster sequel, Ice Road 2: Road To The Sky. Yes, apparently, the road to the sky involves a detour through rural Australia. Residents of Walhalla received a letter announcing the impending movie magic, and it's safe to say they're experiencing a mixture of excitement and confusion akin to trying to follow the plot of a Christopher Nolan epic. According to reports, the filmmakers are turning Walhalla into a bona fide Nepalese village. The town's Star Hotel and surrounding areas are getting a makeover to mimic Kodari, Nepal. Now, if you're wondering where Walhalla is on the map, don't worry, you're not alone. Even the residents seem a bit perplexed, with one local commenting online, "Interesting that this is going ahead at the height of our tourist season." Because, naturally, when you think tourist hotspots, you think Walhalla. But fear not, dear residents, for the filmmakers have assured everyone that after their Himalayan escapade, Walhalla will return to its original heritage colours. It's like the town is getting a cinematic spa day, complete with a paint job. Filming is set to take place at two main locations: the intersection of Main Rd and Right Hand Branch Rd and the top of Churchill Rd above the Fire Station Museum. And oh boy, get ready for some action, because the letter states, "During the filming period, there will be stunts involving large vehicles, special effects and prop gun use." Walhalla, known for its scenic beauty and historic charm, is about to witness the fusion of Hollywood glitz and Nepalese grit. Of course, not everyone is on board with this Hollywood invasion. One local expressed concern about the impact on other businesses in town, suggesting, "This would have been much better slotted into the quiet time in August." Clearly, they're not buying into the idea that summer is the best time for a Nepalese makeover. But fear not, skeptics! Another resident pointed out that the influx of up to 200 crew members per day will be a boon for local shops. "What a great thing for the area," they declared. And who can argue with that logic? Imagine the crew swarming the pub, devouring schnitties and downing pints of Carlton lager. This could be the most Aussie-Nepalese fusion experience since Vegemite momos. As the charming town of Walhalla braces itself for the coming storm of movie magic, we can't help but wonder: Will Liam Neeson's next iconic line be, "I will find you, even if I have to navigate the treacherous roads of rural Australia"? Buckle up, Walhalla, because the road to the sky might just be a detour through down under. Images: Visit Victoria / Netflix

Movies

Tiny chihuahua saves 90-year-old woman with heroic act

In the world of unlikely heroes, step aside Batman, move over Superman, because Minnie the Chihuahua cross is here to steal the spotlight. This petite pooch from Kingston, in the South Australia's southeast, has recently been showered with praise for her unexpected, life-saving antics. Picture this: Minnie, a little dog with a heart as big as her bark, not particularly keen on hugs, found herself in a situation that required more than just a wag of her tail. On that fateful Friday, December 1, Minnie noticed that her 90-year-old owner, Joyce Gibbs, was in a bit of a pickle – struggling to catch a breath. Now, most dogs might just tilt their heads in confusion (you can picture it) or fetch a chew toy, but not Minnie. Untrained in any form of medical assistance, Minnie decided to take matters into her own paws. Whether by sheer luck or by innate instinct, the canine prodigy leaped onto Joyce’s lap and – brace yourselves – pressed the medical alert device hanging around her neck. Yes, you heard that right; she hit the SOS button, sending out a message that would make any emergency service scramble into action. Lyn Gibbs, Joyce’s daughter, expressed her astonishment, “Minnie never jumps up in that chair when mum is in it..." she <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/chihuahua-praised-for-saving-90-year-old-south-australian-owner-struggling-to-breathe-c-12821344" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7News</a>. "Minnie knew she needed help, so she jumped up, trying to help her.” A stroke of genius? An incredibly lucky accident? Either way, Minnie became the the hero of the moment, saving the day like a furry little Avenger. As Joyce found herself in the hospital grappling with Rhinovirus, Minnie continued to be her unwavering companion. Doctors predicted a three-week recovery period, but after only four days, Joyce was back home, thanks to the vigilant care of her four-legged saviour. Lyn couldn’t help but gush about Minnie’s dedication, “Minnie’s been so good from the day I got her... she’s the best dog... she doesn’t leave her side.” Move over Florence Nightingale; we’ve got Minnie, the dedicated dog nurse, taking care of business. This heartwarming tale isn’t just about Minnie’s heroics; it’s a reminder of the importance of those pesky but life-saving medical alert devices. As Lyn says: “The medical alert is just so important for old people... a lot of them won’t wear them. They put them on the cupboard or on the table, but you really need them at all times, especially in the shower.” So, take heed: wear your devices and maybe, just maybe, you'll have a four-legged hero by your side, ready to leap into action when you least expect it. In a world where a Chihuahua can be the difference between a close call and catastrophe, we salute you, Minnie, for proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Images: 7News

Caring

Tragic update on man buried alive on Bribie Island

Vibrant and energetic 25-year-old Josh Taylor, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-man-who-was-buried-alive-breaks-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who found himself buried</a> in the sandy depths of Bribie Island, Queensland, has succumbed to the severe injuries sustained during the tragic incident. After five days of battling for his life, Josh's family made the agonising decision to switch off his life support. Josh's untimely demise stemmed from a seemingly innocent gathering on Bribie Island, where he and his friends were digging a sand pit to cook a pig in the traditional Maori style of hangi. Witnesses recalled the horrifying moment when Josh, while standing on a chair, lost his footing, and the sand beneath him gave way. He stumbled backwards into the deep hole, disappearing from view. It took a team of 15 people to pull him out. An off-duty paramedic and loyal friends resorted to using ropes tied to Josh's feet, pulling him free from the suffocating grip of the sand, but despite their valiant efforts, Josh had already endured significant injuries during the ordeal. As they pulled him from the hole, the force of the rescue exacerbated his injuries, leaving him without a pulse for a gut-wrenching 45 minutes. The nightmare unfolded before the eyes of Josh's family, who were also on the scene. Josh's father, Peter, was among those frantically digging to free his son. In their grief, following the decision to switch off Josh's life support, the Taylor family expressed gratitude for the compassionate efforts of those who helped to pull him from the sand, attempted to revive him at the scene, and provided care at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. “Without these people, Josh would not have had the opportunity to recover or give our family and friends these last precious days with him to say goodbye,” the Taylor family said in a statement. “He fought as hard as he could and is the most courageous person we will ever know. "Unfortunately, the injuries he received were too severe for him to overcome. We will somehow find a way to move on from this terrible tragedy. “He was the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for. We love you Josh and will miss you every minute of every day. Goodbye mate until we see each other again.” Images: Facebook / 7News

Caring

"She saw it and dodged it": Incredible scenes as tree plunges through seat in Schoolies crash

In a harrowing incident on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, a group of teenage girls narrowly escaped a potentially tragic accident during their Schoolies celebration. The friends were exploring the picturesque island off the Queensland coast when a tree crashed through the windscreen of their car, plunging right through the headrest of the passenger seat. Miraculously, all occupants emerged unscathed from this near-miss, thanks to a combination of quick reflexes and the timely intervention of volunteers from the Fraser Coast Red Frogs. As the teens ventured through the island's terrain, their joyous celebration took a terrifying turn when a massive tree limb plummeted onto their vehicle. The impact shattered the glass directly in front of the passenger seat, creating a scene of devastation that could have resulted in serious injuries – or worse. Astonishingly, one of the girls was seated in the passenger seat at the time, and her quick thinking and agility allowed her to dodge the falling debris, narrowly avoiding a potentially life-threatening situation. Tim Winnington, the Fraser Coast Red Frogs coordinator, described the fortuitous nature of the escape, saying, "There was a girl actually sitting in the passenger seat. She saw it and dodged it. They were so lucky not to get injured." The Red Frogs, a charity organisation that provides support and education at events like Schoolies and music festivals, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the incident, with volunteers from the organisation waiting with the shaken teenagers until help arrived. Madhill Motor Group, the generous donor of the ute used by the Red Frogs team, highlighted the gravity of the situation with photos shared on Facebook to demonstrate just how close the call was. The teenagers, treated for shock by paramedics, were fortunate to walk away physically unharmed, a fact not lost on them or their friends. In the aftermath of the incident, a friend of the girls expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Red Frogs for their swift and effective response. “They were all so lucky to walk away with no one being injured, and very lucky the Red Frogs were on scene so quickly and helped them so much, getting them a room to stay, driving their car for them, cleaning up all the glass and calming them all down in this traumatic experience,” they wrote. “We are all extremely grateful that you were there.” Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Tiny house, big dreams: How to take a trip and give back at the same time

When it comes to getting away over the summer, there is no one size-fits-all option to accommodate everyone’s unique needs. Some of us may prefer an off-the-grid adventure to the bush to reconnect with nature, while others just can’t pass up an opportunity to lay on the beach and frolic in the ocean. But if there’s one thing every holiday goer can agree on, it's the absolute need to relax. Luckily, <a href="https://reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reflections Holiday & Caravan Parks</a> has something for everyone this summer. From blissful camping and caravanning sites to luxurious tiny homes and creature-comfort cabin accommodation, Reflections is proud to be New South Wales’ largest holiday park operator, showing 2 million visitors a year the magic of the outside. You can feel good about your stay with Reflections, as the company is the first and only holiday park group in Australia that is certified as a <a href="https://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/what-is-a-social-enterprise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social enterprise</a>. That means the profits from the parks go back into the Crown land nature reserves the company manages to protect and nurture the land, for their lasting preservation and the community’s enjoyment while also giving back to local areas. A holiday here is essentially giving back to the local environment and community. I was lucky enough to be invited for a trip away with Reflections, and stayed in a charming Tiny House at the Jimmy’s Beach park in Hawk’s Nest on the mid-coast of NSW. Despite bringing the dreary Sydney rain with me up the coast, my stay with Reflections was nothing short of a dream. The tiny house provided all the comforts we needed on an overcast weekend, with the cosy atmosphere providing the perfect place to fully unwind from busy city life. Despite being, by name, a tiny house, the one bedroom home provided everything we needed, including a comfy bed, spacious shower, a large lounge and TV, as well as everything you could need to cook your own meals. A spacious deck was also most welcome, giving you the chance to sit in the sun and take in the picturesque nature around you, while spotting the best of Australia's wildlife. As the sun came out, we were able to indulge in all that Reflections had to offer, including bush walks, trips to the beach and even a dip in the pool. The sense of community in Reflections holiday parks is palpable, as making friends and meeting new people is encouraged and fostered, with a welcoming environment making it easy to hear the life stories of others as you cross paths in communal areas. The holiday parks are also perfect for families, with playgrounds available for the little ones, and even an ice cream truck making the rounds while playing Waltzing Matilda to signal the arrival of delicious treats. So, when booking your summer trips away, whether you’re after a quiet beach stay, a family-friendly destination, or an exploration off the beaten track, a stay at a Reflections Holiday Park is sure to leave you refreshed, reconnected, and ready for whatever comes your way. Image credits: Supplied

Domestic Travel

“You look like Nicolas Cage!”: Tiny Busselton store shocked by megastar’s visit

Busselton, Western Australia - It's not every day that you walk into your local neighbourhood store and encounter a Hollywood A-lister browsing the snack aisle. Yet, that's precisely what happened to shop owner Annie Liban in her small Asian grocery store in Busselton, when none other than Nicolas Cage strolled through her doors. Cage, known for his eclectic roles and memorable performances, is rumoured to be filming his latest movie, The Surfer, in the scenic Western Australian region. The film apparently revolves around his character's return to his hometown and his unexpected feud with a local gang of surfers. A picturesque backdrop indeed for a film about beach drama, but it seems even Nic Cage needs to restock the fridge occasionally. The rumour mill had been buzzing with whispers of Cage's impending visit for a while now, but these tidbits of information didn't reach Ms Liban until the actor himself, in all his enigmatic glory, was casually perusing her store shelves one sunny afternoon. "I said, 'oh, he looks like Nicolas Cage,' but I was like, 'what's he doing in this store?'" Ms Liban recalled with astonishment <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-17/nicolas-cage-sighted-in-busselton-filming-the-surfer-movie/102986390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the ABC</a>. "Why is he grabbing some eggs and kimchi? We couldn't stop staring." It seems that even Ms Liban's eagle-eyed staff had a hard time recognising the star at first, but eventually, curiosity got the better of them, and they mustered up the courage to ask the million-dollar question: "Who are you?" Ms Liban described the uncanny clues that finally cracked the Cage case. "There were some clues … he was wearing boots in hot weather and a jacket, wearing some Prada sunglasses and the voice as well," she said. "And then when he picked up the oranges in front of the shop we said to him 'we only accept cash' and he said 'I only have US dollars.'" "We said, 'oh you do look like Nicolas Cage' and he said, 'I am.'" It appears that Busselton's small Asian grocery store unexpectedly became a portal to Hollywood for a brief moment. The Surfer is expected to feature local surfers from WA's South West and will be shot in the stunning locales of Margaret River and Yallingup. A call-out for the movie even went to high school students a while back, seeking youngsters with the right amount of "attitude" to star in the film. Ms Liban, a fan of Nicolas Cage from her days growing up in the Philippines, is eagerly looking forward to the movie. "We love Nicolas Cage, so I'm excited to see what he's doing here in Australia," she said with a smile. City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley shared his enthusiasm for the unexpected Hollywood cameo in the region. "[These types of productions] have a significant economic impact on the area. Accommodation and costs for a crew of this magnitude, with 100 people here for a month, inject a substantial amount of money into the local economy," he explained. While Busselton has seen its fair share of Australian film productions like Drift with Sam Worthington and the karting-themed Go!, having Hollywood come to town adds a new layer of excitement. "I think this movie clearly has star power to bring someone like Nicolas Cage on board," Mr Henley mused. "It's a higher magnitude than some of the Australian-made films with smaller budgets and distributions. I might just bump into him while he's out exploring the region and having some fun." So if you're in the area, keep your eyes peeled as you stroll the aisles of your local grocery store – you never know when you might bump into a world-famous actor picking up some oranges and kimchi. Cage, with his eclectic filmography, truly knows how to keep us all on the edge of our seats, even when he's just shopping for groceries. Images: Facebook

Domestic Travel

64-year-old man saved after crafting SOS symbol on remote island

A sailor who found himself stranded on a remote island in the Bahamas due to his boat's mechanical issues has been successfully rescued after ingeniously attracting the attention of a passing plane. Recent aerial imagery provided by the US Coast Guard depicts the remarkable tale of a 64-year-old individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, crafting the letters "SOS" on the sandy expanse of the beach to signify his distress. The sailor's vessel had encountered mechanical failure during its voyage through the enchanting Bahamas archipelago, leaving him marooned for an arduous three-day stretch on Cay Sal Island. Prompted by the sighting of distress flares originating from a disabled sailboat, a vigilant coast guard aircraft sprang into action. Supplies including nourishment, water, and a radio for communication were air-dropped to establish a lifeline with the stranded sailor. Through this communication, he shared the details of his challenging ordeal. A coast guard ship was dispatched to retrieve the man, who remarkably remained in good health despite his trials. Cay Sal Island, an isolated landmass nestled within the Straits of Florida north of Cuba and west of the Bahamas, continues to stand as an uninhabited segment within the Bimini district of the Bahamas. Dev Craig, an officer within the coast guard, expressed a sense of pride in the team's accomplishment, stating, "We’re proud to have saved this man’s life. This case serves as a perfect example of why you must have the proper safety equipment on your vessel. Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome." Images: US Coast Guard

Travel Trouble

5 things to enjoy on Kangaroo Island

There’s plenty to love in this South Australian gem. Here are just five things you can enjoy on a visit to Kangaroo Island. 1. Eat, drink and be merry Kangaroo Island might only be tiny, but it’s absolutely stuffed with gourmet food and top notch wine. Take the Kangaroo Island Farm Gate and Cellar Door Trail to discover farm gates, artisan producers, wineries and breweries. Don’t miss unique Ligurian honey, fresh oysters and marron, chocolate lavender fudge, sheep’s milk cheese and rich olive oil. 2. Walk with the animals As the name suggests, you’ll find lots of kangaroos on Kangaroo Island – western greys to be precise. But that’s just the beginning. Walk among a colony of around 1,000 Australian sea lions (one of the rarest species in the world) at Seal Bay. Little penguins will start waddling along the shore from April and glossy black cockatoos will be nesting above. Look out for shy echidnas, sleepy koalas and the tiny rabbit-sized Tamar wallaby. 3. Head out onto the water As soon as you arrive on Kangaroo Island, you’re going to want to get right off it again and back out into the water. Take an ocean safari to spot seals, sea lions and dolphins – you can even jump off and snorkel among them. Fishing charters will head out into the deeper waters off the coast in search of King George whiting, snapper, trevally, tuna and more. If you’re a surfer, you’ll fall in love with the uncrowded breaks of the island’s five main surf spots. There’s something for all levels of experience. 4. Get your heart racing There are a lot of adventure to be had on Kangaroo Island. Jump on a quad bike to explore inaccessible parts of the island, climb the dunes of the Little Sahara for some sandboarding or explore incredible natural underground formations with a canyoning and caving expedition. For something a little more sedate, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails winding through the island. 5. Indulge in a luxury lodge One of the most luxurious hotels in Australia (and in the world) is tucked away on the southwestern shore of the island atop dramatic ocean cliffs. Southern Ocean Lodge has just 21 rooms with lavish interiors, bespoke furniture and sweeping views. The restaurant serves up exceptional ‘paddock to plate’ cuisine and the award-winning spa will have you floating on a cloud. Image credit: Instagram / Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Disturbing footage of dingo attacks revealed

Disturbing footage of dingo attacks have been released by rangers following multiple attacks in a popular camping spot that occurred just weeks apart. Tourists have been warned to be wary of the wild animals after shocking footage emerged of a tourist being nipped while sunbathing. The video comes just weeks before a 10-year-old boy was attacked and dragged underwater by a dingo at K’gari Island – formerly known as Fraser Island – on June 16. The boy sustained puncture wounds to his shoulder and bruises to his collarbone because of the accident, which happened in front of a popular camping spot on the island. “The boy’s 12-year-old-sister who was nearby reacted quickly and ran to assist him,” Assistant principal ranger Danielle Mansfield said. “The family treated the boy for puncture wounds to his shoulder and arms and scratches and bruises on his collarbone and arm.” Mansfield also said that rangers were closely monitoring the dingo responsible for the attack, which had blood splatters across its face and paws following the attack, although there are currently no plans to euthanise it. Two months ago, a similar attack occurred where a primary school-aged girl was<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/child-hospitalised-from-dingo-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> hospitalised following a dingo attack</a> while swimming. The girl suffered bites to her head and fingers after the dingo attempted to drag her underwater. Rangers have also released dashcam footage of another dingo chasing a young boy and an adult male, in an area close to where the 10-year-old boy was attacked, just two weeks before the unfortunate incident. The dingo was euthanised for “poor behaviour”. This comes a few weeks after another dingo was euthanised following a string of attacks, including a sunbathing tourist, a seven-year-old boy and a 42-year-old woman. Dingoes are native to K’gari Island, but a few of them fail to show any wariness towards people, and are increasingly brazen as a result of people deliberately or unintentionally feeding them, rangers said. “We have increased patrols in the region to monitor the wongari’s (dingo’s) behaviour and pass on dingo-safe messaging to campers and visitors,” Mansfield said. “These animals are capable of inflicting serious harm, and they have bitten children and adults, and some are quite brazen and are not fleeing when yelled at or when someone brandishes a stick.” “People think it won’t happen to them, but it can happen to anyone and that’s why rangers are providing dingo-safe information to as many people as possible,” she added. “We don’t want any incidents on K’gari, and people must understand that dingoes are wild animals and should never be fed or interacted with.” Images: Queensland Department of Environment and Science / News.com.au

Travel Trouble

$35,000 home comes with a catch

Etsy is an online marketplace best known for its handmade trinkets and creative wares, but now, the site has decided to broaden its horizons and try its hand at selling houses too. A new listing from the ‘store’ Modular Home Direct is offering eager homeowners and passionate crafters the chance to own a 432-square-foot tiny house for just $35,306.09 ($22,896 USD). However, the property comes with a catch: its loving owner must construct it by themselves. The listing’s description declares it to be a “beautiful modern low cost home” that comes with “doors, windows, insulated wall panels, flooring, baseboard trims, drywall, insulated roof, plumbing and electrical hook ups”. Furniture, however, was not included. According to the American real-estate company Zillow, the home’s asking price of $22,896 USD is less than one tenth of the average cost of a home in the United States (~$346,270 USD). The flatpack property is manufactured by Modular Home Direct, the same company behind the listing, and features all the key necessities in a tiny home as well as a few bonuses - a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, loft, and even front and rear porches. And for anyone looking to take on the challenge - though the offering is limited to the United States due to shipping logistics - there are a few things to consider. For as well as the base construction, the home will also require the installation of electricity and plumbing. According to the Daily Mail, the US-based property site Home Advisor has estimated that these costs would see potential owners forking out anywhere between $550 to $2,3000 USD on just the property’s electrical wiring, while plumbing could start at around $360 and could reach up to $2,000. Modular Home Direct aren’t the first to try and capitalise on the growing tiny house movement, as people all over the world seek alternative housing options as real estate prices continue to soar. And while some online weren’t thrilled with the idea, others were onboard, though most seemed to agree that the price was too good to be true, and likely would increase as more costs came to light. “The cost of materials in a house is much less than the ground it sits on,” a Daily Mail reader said. “By the time you buy the land, go through the permitting process, bring utilities in.. the cost gets closer to an established home.” “They have an interesting website, if you're handy it could be a diy project. My brother in law has a diy log cabin, family pitched in to build it, it's very nice,” one shared. “I think my husband and I could build this. We both know electrical and plumbing... only bump would be the heat pump”. “You have to buy the land, buy the house, put the house together (or pay someone to put it together), and pay someone to hook up the electricity and water. You'd probably have to pay for building permits and inspections,” someone said, before noting that “so once you've done all that, it would probably be easier just to buy a move-in ready house.” And as another wrote, “like everything else meant to be affordable, it will soon cost $109K when it catches on.” Images: Etsy

Real Estate

Living large in a tiny home!

Property stylist and new tiny homeowner Justine Wilson has shared her top tips and tricks for making the most of a tiny space, all without sacrificing an inch of style. Director of Vault Interiors, Justine Wilson has just moved for the 19th time and also made a dramatic tree change from a large four bedroom, three living room inner city terrace to a studio sized 40-foot container home in the country. The self-confessed maximalist who loves to decorate shares her top tips on how to get the most impact and function, while also overcoming the limitations of small living spaces without compromising on style. Justine says, “As an interior designer and stylist, I love to decorate and change things up each season, so this move has certainly been the most challenging! However, I feel that I can prove that with a well thought out design you really can achieve the life and home you want, no matter what the size. “There are so many benefits to going tiny such as financial, less maintenance and thus more life. Plus, it encourages living outside which is great for your physical and mental health. I promise it’s life-changing and worth the cull of everything you don’t really need!” said Justine. Tip 1: Go vertical: Justine has collected many trinkets and book mementos from her travels and loves to display them. She suggests the best way to display these in a small space is to use as much of the vertical space in your home as you can. In her tiny home she has used multiple Ikea bookshelves that allow for ample display, especially as books and clusters of items can be stacked for maximum impact. The trick is to group like items together, such as a group of candles, or crystals, and try to alternate larger items like sculptures and vases in between. Tip 2: Dual function furniture: The container home is only 2.3m wide and about 12m long - so it really is tiny, and every inch counts! To get the most functional out of the home, but still have it feel styled and cosy all furniture items need to serve a purpose. Justine has custom-made a kitchen island so there was an additional workspace for meal prepping, but it also has shelves that mean she can display her cookbooks, bowls and collection of platters. She has storage ottomans that work as both a seating area but also store excess linen. The bed also has storage underneath, and in a tiny home using wall hooks is a great way to tidy up bags and coats. Tip 3: It’s all about scale: Ensure each furniture item is low profile and compact. Most importantly, make sure you measure all items before purchasing to ensure everything fits snuggly and no areas are wasted. If you make smart furniture choices you will be able to fit in a small living area, a bedroom and a kitchen, all in one open room and keep it functional. Also, by selecting mainly white furniture it has meant the overall space feels light and airy and open. Tip 4: Consider a colour scheme overall: In this Tiny home, Justine has chosen a monochromatic look with whites, greys, blacks and some pops of wood to warm it up. The way to make it feel less cluttered is to opt for tonal items, so try to group the same colours together with your personal displays and if you can stick to one general colour accent overall for linen and cushions and main décor - the home will feel more cohesive. Justine installed white vinyl flooring and painted the ceiling white, and used many mirrors, which all help enhance the feeling of space and reflect the light. Tip 5: Make use of outdoor living: This tiny home is truly liveable as it has an attached decking area that doubles Justine’s living space and is fairly all weather. This is crucial for entertaining, something Justine didn’t want to give up! So, she has a large outdoor dining table, an outdoor lounge area and also an outdoor fire pit area that is fantastic for cooler months. You can also consider extending your internal space by creating external zones also with decks, pavers or pergolas. “Also, remember you don’t have to sacrifice creature comforts to go tiny. My new home was cleverly designed and built by a good friend of mine who is also a designer, and it has all the mod cons such as a washer dryer, air con and a dishwasher. It truly is possible to go tiny!” said Justine. For more styling tips go to: <a href="https://www.vaultinteriors.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.vaultinteriors.com.au</a> Images: Vault Interiors [supplied]

Home Hints & Tips

"I'd ban their whole operation": Tiny sticker highlights huge crisis

From advertisements to artwork there’s no escaping stickers on street poles, but one that was spotted in Melbourne has made waves, calling out a glaring issue that is impacting so many Australians. The sticker in question was stuck to a traffic light in Melbourne and appears to take aim at homeowners who are worsening the national housing crisis by listing their properties as short-term Airbnb stays rather than long-term rentals. The sticker, shared to social media reads, “You wouldn’t open an Airbnb in a housing crisis” a spoof of the mid-2000s ‘Piracy. It’s a crime.’ public service announcement that was played before movies. Images of the sticker have been shared across a number of social media platforms, with many people quick to praise the “genius” DIY PSA and requesting copies to stick around their suburbs on lockboxes in their own apartment complexes. While some found the funny side of the message, others were more critical of the sticker calling out landlords and Airbnb. “You wouldn’t incentivise opening an Airbnb by making it less onerous and more profitable than renting out your property,” someone said. “Course they would,” another responded. “The ‘f**k you, got mine’ mindset is getting stronger.” “If I had my way I’d ban their [Airbnb] whole operation overnight.” The issue of short-term holiday letting and the growth of Airbnb across the country is that it's eating up potential long-term rentals, which is a The calls come amid the rental crisis in Victoria, with vacancy rates reaching a record low of 0.8 per cent in Melbourne in April 2023, which is one of the better rates recorded across Australia as new rental listings dropped by 18.9 per cent. The only capital city to have rental vacancy above one per cent is Canberra, at 1.6 per cent. While Adelaide holds the tightest rental market with a mere 0.3 per cent vacancy. Perth is close behind at 0.4 per cent. Sydney’s new listings fell by 17 per cent in April 2023 and 5.1 per cent in the past year while Melbourne dropped by 20.8 per cent in the span of a month, and 17.9 per cent in the past year, according to PropTrack. The NSW government introduced regulations to limit the time a property could be on the market to 180 days a year. The Victorian Greens have called on the Andrew’s government to strip it to 90 days. A similar, “tourism tax” has been introduced to cities overseas, where a small payment is added to the guest’s bill in certain tourism hot spots each night in a big to funnel money back into local communities’ infrastructure. Airbnb told The Age that a statewide tourism levy was the preferred way to regulate the industry as it is more consistent than a council-by-council approach. “We believe tourism levies are a fair and sustainable way to raise revenue for local communities, especially in areas of high tourism, as they broaden the revenue base without imposing an additional burden on local ratepayers or businesses,” Airbnb Australia and New Zealand’s head of public policy Michael Crosby told the outlet. Speaking to news.com.au, Airbnb's country manager for Australia and New Zealand Susan Wheeldon said the platform had proposed a series of measures to “help build stronger communities, foster sustainable tourism growth, and equip governments across Australia with tools to help address important issues, such as housing affordability and amenity”. It included a statewide registration scheme to document new listings, introducing consistent Codes of Conduct for guests, hosts, and communities, as well as support for government reviews of eviction protections. “Airbnb is keen to work together with a broad range of stakeholders and help play a part in helping to provide meaningful solutions and tackle the issue of housing supply and affordability,” Wheeldon said. “While short term rentals generally comprise a tiny proportion of the overall property market, we’re keen to keep finding ways that we can make a positive contribution to this important issue.” Image credit: Reddit

Real Estate

Reality TV star welcomes identical twin girls

Reality TV star Dani Dyer has welcomed two baby girls with her partner, footballer Jarrod Bowen. The Love Island UK winner, who won the show in 2018 with her ex-partner Jack Fincham in 2018, shared the happy news on her Instagram on Thursday. Dani didn't reveal the identical twin girls' names, but confirmed the date of their birth, May 22nd, in the caption. Dani is already mum to Santiago, two, who she shares with with ex Sammy Kimmence. Her Love Island UK co-stars were quick to send their congratulations, with season one winner Cara De La Hoyde writing, "Congratulations Dan they are beautiful ❤️." "Congratulations to your beautiful family ❤️," Zara McDermott added, while season four winner Molly-Mae Hague added, "Congratulations beautiful 😭😭😭." Dani is the daughter of English actor and presenter Danny Dyer, who's well known for his role in British soap EastEnders. Dani shared the news of her pregnancy with a sweet announcement post, showing her son Santiago holding a letter board with the ultrasound pictures of her new babies. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnpWIihrD1x/?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/CnpWIihrD1x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ♡ Dani Dyer ♡ (@danidyerxx)</a> </div> </blockquote> "We have been keeping a little secret... Our little TWINS!" she wrote. "So excited to meet our babies and watch Santi be the best big brother.. The biggest surprise of our lives but feeling SO blessed.. our family is getting a lot bigger and we can’t wait." Just weeks after announcing the pregnancy, Dani confirmed the gender of their babies in another Instagram post. "A lot of you have been asking on the gender of our babies and we are so excited to share with you all that we are having identical twin girls. Half way our little darlings." Image credits: Instagram

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