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Aussie actress in catastrophic bus crash offered $16 voucher as compensation

<p>An Aussie tourist left injured and stranded after a fatal bus crash in southern Italy has claimed the travel company only offered her a meal voucher for the inconvenience.</p> <p>Australian actress Sinead Curry, who has starred in TV shows like The Haunting of Nancy Drew and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, said that nine hours following the crash, the European bus company offered her a $16 meal voucher for her troubles.</p> <p>Curry and partner Salma Salah, both from Sydney, boarded the FlixBus in the city of Bari on June 3 for the long journey to the Northern city of Bologna with a transfer to Rome.</p> <p>However, two hours into the trip Curry said the “bus hit something”.</p> <p>“We were all asleep, it went airborne and spun around a bunch of times,” she said in a TikTok video posted the following day, showing her in hospital wearing a neck brace.</p> <p>Curry told followers the bus was “flung around like in a blender” before it landed down by an embankment, which she claimed was “on the other side of the road”.</p> <p>“Several cars then hit the bus moving the bus closer and closer to the side of the road,” Curry explained in her video.</p> <p>Italian and German media reported the bus crash occurred near the town of Avellino, approximately 50km east of the southwest city of Naples.</p> <p>Five cars were caught up in the accident and local emergency services were quoted as saying the “lifeless body of a man was found” along with 14 people sustaining injuries.</p> <p>Curry said there were 38 people on the bus, including another Aussie woman called “Caity”, who suffered a broken collarbone.</p> <p>After Curry was discharged from the hospital, fearing her nose was broken but was assured it was not, she made another video emphasising how she felt abandoned by the bus company.</p> <p>“FlixBus none of your numbers are working,” an emotional Curry urged.</p> <p>“They ring out and they hang up on us. We cannot get any information from FlixBus, we cannot get our luggage back.</p> <p>“They offered us by text a 10 euro ($16) meal replacement voucher for the inconvenience.</p> <p>“There are a bunch of people here who nearly died we don't have any information.”</p> <p>Curry later claimed FlixBus even blocked her on social media.</p> <p>“We just want some information and some help,” she explained, complaining that she was still waiting on her luggage to be returned.</p> <p>FlixBus issued a statement claiming “a support line and email” was provided to all passengers and their families following the incident.</p> <p>"Outbound calls were made to passengers who had registered their mobile numbers, and emails were sent to passengers with instructions,” the bus company said.</p> <p>“At all times, the safety of its passengers and drivers is of highest priority to FlixBus.”</p> <p>Two days following the incident Curry received her luggage and was in Rome after an emergency shuttle had been deployed for stranded passengers.</p> <p>However, she said that as they arrived in Rome, passengers were finding “shrapnel” from the crash in their bodies and she had gotten a piece out of herself.</p> <p>On June 5 Curry took to TikTok again, saying she and her partner were grateful to be “safe and in Rome”.</p> <p>Although safe, she did note that they were heading to the hospital to get checked again as she was suffering from “very severe headaches” and had intense pain in her jaw.</p> <p>Curry then thanked the “heroes” in Italian fire and rescue, who she said took her and her partner in and gave them pasta, crackers, water and a change of clothes.</p> <p>She said FlixBus had rung her twice at a later date to tell the couple to keep receipts for a full refund.</p> <p>Curry jetted to Europe for her dream holiday but given the incident, she and her partner are dumping their Italian plans to recuperate in Rome.</p> <p>“We are so grateful to be alive please hold your loved ones close,” she said.</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

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Win a share of $35,000 in renovation vouchers while adding value to your home

<p>A <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simple renovation</a> is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. And from August till November, <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LJ Hooker</a> are helping you out, giving you the chance to win a <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$5,000 renovation voucher</a> out of a pool of $35,000. Whether it's a small bathroom renovation, sprucing your kitchen with new benchtops, or brushing up multiple rooms via a new paint job, it’s <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a small investment</a> that can <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pay off substantially</a>. To help you figure out what your home needs, book an appraisal with them <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>It is a good idea to add value to your home before selling. Making small improvements will give your property a fresh, new look and increase your chances of getting the best return.</p> <p>Adding value to your home does not have to involve breaking the bank with expensive renovations. You can easily <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boost your property’s value</a> on a budget with some simple yet effective DIY hacks that will increase the likelihood of selling your home.</p> <p><strong>The rooms that add value to your home</strong></p> <p>When you are looking to add value to your home on a budget, you want to make improvements that will create maximum impact with minimum investment. Think about small updates that can increase the functionality of the room. Home improvement does not need to mean spending a lot.</p> <p>Here are the rooms that, when done right, can add great value to your home:</p> <h3><strong>Revive your kitchen</strong></h3> <p>People spend a lot of time in their kitchens. The classic go-to room, your kitchen should be one of the first rooms to focus on <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improving prior to selling</a>. You do not need a full-on makeover.</p> <p>Start with updating the floor if needed (vinyl is a great cost-effective option that looks great and will not break the bank) and give old cabinet doors a facelift with new paint and fixtures. Countertops can be revamped with laminate benchtops - the most cost-effective material.</p> <p>Another point of focus should be your splashback. Scrub to remove any grime or consider stick-on tiles that can be placed over the top of your old splashback for an instant, budget-friendly upgrade.</p> <h3>Maximise space in bedrooms</h3> <p>Have a ‘spare room’ that is primarily used for storage or as a study space? Consider converting it into an extra bedroom. Doing so will add value to your home and attract more buyers.</p> <p>With your existing bedrooms, consider giving them a repaint and adding extra storage options such as installing a built-in robe or extra shelving. Make bedrooms ready for staging by adding plush finishes such as comfy bed throws, cushions, shaggy rugs and fresh flowers.</p> <h3>Make your living room liveable</h3> <p>The family living room should be a space of comfort and function. Open up the space by neutralising the wall colours and letting in maximum light with the use of added lighting such as floor lamps or by swapping out heavy curtains for light-coloured shutters.</p> <p>Turn awkward nooks into usable spaces for storage and consider investing in smart home technology with smart lights, a smart thermostat and adding a smart device to your TV for easy voice-command operation.</p> <p><strong>Add value to your property on a budget</strong></p> <p>There are many things that you can do to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get the most value when selling your home</a>. If you are planning on selling soon and want the best return on your investment, then the key is to spend money in the right places.</p> <p>Even on a budget, there is still a fair bit you can do to your home to have it <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ready for appraisal</a>. You do not need to spend a dramatic amount of money, especially if done right. Here are our top ways to instantly add value to your property:</p> <h3>A fresh coat of paint</h3> <p>Re-painting a room makes it seem brand new and refreshes the complete look of your home’s interior. It is also a good way to add light to a room, particularly if you choose neutral colours such as whites and creams. This creates an overall brightness and airiness to your home, making it more inviting.</p> <h3>Curb appeal</h3> <p>First impressions count! Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see. Boosting its curb appeal is therefore a quick yet effective way to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">add value to your property</a>. You can do this by mowing lawns, pressure washing the exterior walls and driveway, fixing broken fence pailings, adding outdoor lighting to your entranceway and planting new plants.</p> <h3>New flooring</h3> <p>Floors have a big impact on the perceived value of your home. If your floors are in generally good condition, you can help increase their value and appearance by simply steam cleaning to remove old built-up dirt and stains, replenishing timber floorboards with new lacquer or a wax finish or hiring a buffer to buff and polish.</p> <p>If your flooring is old and outdated, it is possible to install a new floor without having to sacrifice too much of your savings.</p> <h3>Add space and cleanliness</h3> <p>You want to make the best first impression when selling your home. Do this by getting rid of any rubbish and clutter and by giving your home a deep clean to remove any mould, dirt and deodorise furniture.</p> <p>By removing clutter and giving your home a deep clean, you are making your home fresh and inviting for potential buyers. Some quick ways to create a more open living space include:</p> <ul> <li>Removing excess furniture</li> <li>Clearing table tops</li> <li>Keeping knick-knacks and collectibles to a minimum</li> <li>Storing unwanted or unused items in under-bed storage boxes</li> <li>Invest in space-saving options such as stackable boxes, furniture that doubles as storage, and vertical hangers or shelves.</li> </ul> <h3>Update old fittings & fixtures</h3> <p>Giving old doors, cabinet doors and drawers a facelift with new handles is an instant upgrade that will add value to your home. Replacing old light fittings and light switch face plates is another way to add value without much effort or money.</p> <h3>Create inviting spaces</h3> <p>Improving the key rooms in your home can contribute to the overall <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worth of your property</a>. If your home’s interior is in good condition and indoor spaces are usable, then you are likely to get a higher market price when it comes time to sell. You can prepare your home for staging by focusing on the main liveable spaces of your home such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room.</p> <p><strong>A key summary of adding value to your home</strong></p> <p>If you are on a budget and want to add value to your home, you should look at the below options:</p> <ol> <li>Transform your home with a coat of paint</li> <li>Create some street appeal by sprucing up your front yard and home exterior</li> <li>Install new floors or polish old ones</li> <li>Get rid of clutter and put personal items in storage</li> <li>Update fittings & fixtures on cabinetry, lights and doors</li> <li>Stage key rooms to improve appearance and function</li> </ol> <p><strong>Let us help show the value of your property</strong></p> <p>If you are ready to sell your home and wondering how to add value to your property to maximise your return, then give the above budget-friendly tips a go. You do not have to spend a lot of time or money to improve your home. Remember, the key is to make your home beautiful and functional. If you do not enjoy using your home while you are living in it, then how will potential buyers?!</p> <p>Voted Australia’s number one real estate brand, a little help from the team at LJ Hooker can be invaluable when it comes to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling a home</a>. Book a <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">property appraisal</a> today to get your home market-ready.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://go.linkby.com/TBDJBQJE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LJ Hooker.</a></em></p>

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$250 million in accommodation vouchers for all NSW residents

<p>Adults in New South Wales are able to apply for accommodation vouchers to go towards their next intrastate holiday. </p> <p>From Monday February 21st, NSW residents can apply for one of the $50 vouchers to use on holiday, in order to help boost the state's financial Covid recovery.</p> <p>The new vouchers are part of a $250 million government scheme to help NSW residents explore their own state's destinations, all while helping local tourism businesses. </p> <p>“The Stay NSW voucher is a fantastic incentive for NSW residents to get out and explore the incredible cultural and natural wonders of their home state or even experience what it’s like to be a tourist in Sydney with a staycation in one of the world’s great CBDs,” Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said.</p> <p>“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our accommodation providers, who have experienced consecutive years of hardship with natural disasters and the pandemic."</p> <p>“This initiative will provide a much-needed boost to the sector as we continue on our roadmap to recovery.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">1️⃣ Are you 18 years or above?<br />2️⃣ Do you live in NSW?</p> <p>When you log in online or open your ServiceNSW app this morning - you may be eligible to claim a $50 Stay NSW voucher - to help support accommodation providers in NSW impacted by COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/WyS50HTZE0">pic.twitter.com/WyS50HTZE0</a></p> <p>— Victor Dominello MP (@VictorDominello) <a href="https://twitter.com/VictorDominello/status/1495536895484469255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>While residents are able to apply for the vouchers now, they will be rolled out in a staggered approach, with all residents having access by March 3rd. </p> <p>Unlike the Dine and Discover vouchers, accommodation vouchers can be used with family and friends. </p> <p>“People can pool the $50 Stay NSW Vouchers with relatives or mates, with no redemption limit,” Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said.</p> <p>The vouchers will be valid for use in New South Wales until October 9th.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Woolies shoppers warn of major $250 voucher scam

<p>Woolworths customers are being warned to avoid a major scam email that can be easy to fall for.</p> <p>The email has made its way into the inboxes of many unsuspecting customers and appears to have the supermarket’s branding to inform customers that they have the opportunity to receive a $250 Woolies gift card for just $1.</p> <p>Customers are told the voucher will be delivered through mail in just three days, as long as a first name, last name, postcode, and credit card details are provided.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841474/woolies-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5c5ffdb3eb4e43209ae93bfc78741f96" /></p> <p>The phishing scam is just one of the latest that have been dropped into the inboxes of naïve, unsuspecting shoppers.</p> <p>Website criminals use highly sophisticated scams that trick customers into giving out personal information.</p> <p>Woolworths told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/woolworths-shoppers-warned-over-250-voucher-scam-003535085.html"><em>Yahoo News Australia</em></a> the emails that claim to be offering the $250 voucher is not an authorised message from the supermarket.</p> <p>"As always, we encourage our customers to be vigilant of online and text phishing scams, which seek to imitate well-known brands to collect personal information," a spokesperson said in a statement.</p> <p>"We never ask customers for their personal or banking details in unsolicited communications."</p>

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Government prepared to hand out restaurant vouchers to families

<p>The NSW government may hand out restaurant vouchers to families in a bid to boost the economy. </p> <p><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/coronavirus-mealticket-plan-to-get-economy-cooking/news-story/9806e3f5f422b7a4e188d7bd8b8a1e1f" target="_blank">The Australian</a> </em>first reported the scheme, claiming it would be a part of the state’s budget plan.</p> <p>Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is reportedly considering the plan and a decision will be made in the coming weeks.</p> <p>The proposal is set to cost about $500 million and vouchers would only be given to residents older than 18.</p> <p>Families will receive the full voucher amount and single person households will receive $50.</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><em>2GB’s<span> </span></em>Ben Fordham, Gladys Berejiklian said she could not confirm or deny whether the voucher scheme will go ahead.</p> <p>“We are still putting finishing touches on the budget,” she said on Friday morning.</p> <p>“But I want (people) to be assured of one thing … we get how tough it is for a lot of people at the moment.</p> <p>“We’re hoping to take care of everybody who’s going through those difficult times,” the Premier added in reference to the NSW budget.</p> <p>The measure has reportedly already been signed off by the government’s Expenditure Review Committee, which is chaired by Mr Perrottet.</p> <p>However the decision is yet to be put to cabinet, the publication reported.</p> <p>The state’s COVID-19 budget will be handed down on November 17.</p>

Food & Wine

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Eagle-eyed Coles shopper spots little detail on roast chicken voucher

<p>An eagle-eyed Coles shopper has pointed out a virtually unknown fact about the supermarket's popular hot roast chicken vouchers.</p> <p>The vouchers allow customers to collect a voucher for a free hot chicken if none are currently available in store.</p> <p>The voucher states that it must be used within seven days of the date it was issued and isn't valid at Coles Express or via Coles Online.</p> <p><img id="__mcenew" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838390/coles-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b1719d449cbf4c70a5c717aeaa75d18d" /></p> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>However, the shopper pointed out that it's important to check the sticker advertising the promise on the hot chicken display at their local Coles.</p> <p>The sticker tells customers the times the voucher is valid between and they're different at every store.</p> <p>This dedicated shopper went to different Coles to prove their point.</p> <p>At one supermarket, the sign states: “If you’ve missed out on a Coles hot roast chicken between 9 am to 8pm, your next one is FREE.”</p> <p>At another Coles, the sign indicates that the promise is only available between “11 until close”.</p> <p>The shopper warned other customers to be aware of the differences before asking for the free voucher.</p> <p>“Just make sure you check the sticker on the display before asking for a free voucher,” said the shopper.</p> <p>“If you’re there before or after the times that are indicated then you aren’t eligible for a free hot chook.”</p> <p><em>Photo credit: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/food/coles-shopper-spots-little-known-detail-on-free-hot-roast-chicken-voucher-c-1428230" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">7News</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

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The "golden ticket" from Coles that will land you a FREE hot roast chicken

<p>Coles are now handing out a special “golden ticket” that allows customers to collect a free hot roast chicken at their local Coles.</p> <p>If you arrive at your closest Coles store to discover there are no more $9 hot roast chickens available, you can ask the Coles Deli for the “Coles Hot Roast Chicken voucher”, which is part of the new promise offered by the supermarket giant.</p> <p>The store has offered a new promise, which was relaunched in March, that is the “Coles Hot Roast Chicken Promise”.</p> <p>Once you have claimed your voucher from the Coles Deli, it’s redeemable for seven days and allows you receive a free cooked hot roast chicken the next time you present the voucher in store.</p> <p>A Coles spokesman told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7055823/The-secret-piece-paper-land-FREE-cooked-chickens-Coles.html" target="_blank"><em>The Daily Mail</em></a> about the deal:</p> <p>“We know customers love to get their hands on our delicious hot roast chickens, so for customers who aren't able to purchase one at the time they want within the period specified in-store, we can provide them with a voucher for a free hot roast chicken,” a spokesman for Coles said.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7827158/39674696_10155702953103201_4071134139066089472_o-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1c347b9a7f2840918065620305d09096" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>What the voucher looks like</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo credit: Markdown Addicts Australia</em></p> <p>Fans of Coles discovered the hack last year, although it only applied to certain stores. However, Coles has now made the "golden ticket" voucher available nationwide.</p> <p><em>The Daily Mail</em> has reached out to Woolworths to discover whether or not they have a similar free hot roast chicken promise to their customers, but no word as of yet as to whether they do.</p> <p>However, you are able to score deals at both Coles and Woolworths if you keep your receipt and are thorough in checking it.</p> <p>Customers are entitled to a free product if the item scans at a higher price than what it was ticketed at on the shelf or on the packaging.</p> <p>However, the onus is on shoppers to challenge the scanned price directly with management to get their product for free.</p> <p>Woolworths explained to <em>FEMAIL</em> that they abide by the Scanning Code of Practice.</p> <p>“Woolworths is a signatory to the Scanning Code of Practice,” the spokesperson explained.</p> <p>“Under the Code, our customers are entitled to receive an item free of charge if the scanned price of an item is greater than the shelf price displayed.</p> <p>“The only exceptions under the Code are products with a shelf price greater than $50, as well as tobacco and liquor products. These products will be adjusted to reflect the shelf price.”</p> <p>Coles supermarkets have a similar policy under “’Our Promise on Price Scanning" to "ensure confidence in the pricing accuracy at our registers”.</p>

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