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Tim Tam Jatz: How an April Fool's joke became a real product line

<p>Snack enthusiasts have been left both bewildered and ecstatic as Arnott’s has announced the release of the long-awaited Tim Tam Jatz – a fusion biscuit that promises to revolutionise the sweet and salty game. What started as a mere April Fool’s prank has now escalated into a reality stranger than fiction.</p> <p>For years, brands like Arnott’s and Macca’s have toyed with our taste buds, teasing us with tantalising new product announcements on April 1st, only to dash our hopes with the cold reality of jest. But Arnott’s, oh Arnott’s, they decided to take it one step further.</p> <p>Last year, amid the chaos of April Fool’s 2023, they dropped the bombshell: Tim Tam Jatz was on its way. The internet erupted in a cacophony of disbelief and desire. Comments flooded in, ranging from desperate pleas to joyous declarations of snack nirvana.</p> <p>Fast forward to the present, and Arnott’s has delivered the unthinkable. The Tim Tam Jatz is no longer a figment of our collective imagination but a tangible delight that will soon grace the shelves of Coles, bringing joy to snack enthusiasts everywhere. Combining the decadent chocolatey goodness of a Tim Tam with the unmistakable crunch of a salty Jatz cracker, this biscuit is poised to redefine the very essence of snack time.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fBOF1veqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fBOF1veqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Arnott's Biscuits (@arnottsbiscuits)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Rebecca Chan, the mastermind behind this stroke of genius and Tim Tam’s marketing manager, expressed her delight at bringing this unconventional creation to life. “We love getting behind an April Fool’s prank, and dreaming up new ways to tap into Australia’s love of Tim Tam,” she wrote.</p> <p>“But following the overwhelming number of comments and requests, we knew we had to bring Tim Tam inspired by Jatz to the shelf and make it available for every Aussie to enjoy.</p> <p>"We can’t wait to share the latest Tim Tam creation, where consumers can expect something a little bit sweet, and a little bit salty in every bite.”</p> <p>The announcement sent shockwaves across social media, with food bloggers and snack enthusiasts alike losing their collective minds over the prospect of this culinary marvel. </p> <p>As word spread like wildfire, social media erupted in a frenzy of anticipation. “My sister is obsessed with Tim Tams and Jatz, so she will love this,” proclaimed one user, already envisioning the delight on their sibling’s face. “OMG I need it immediately,” cried another, echoing the sentiments of snack lovers everywhere.</p> <p>But amidst the jubilation, there were voices of caution. “Ooh, I will be trying, but I seem to only ever buy a new Tim Tam once and then run straight back to my beloved double coat,” confessed a hesitant fan, torn between loyalty and curiosity.</p> <p>Only time will tell if Tim Tam Jatz will live up to the hype, but one thing is for certain: Arnott’s has unleashed a culinary juggernaut that is sure to leave a lasting impression on snack history. So brace yourselves; the sweet and salty revolution is upon us, and there’s no turning back.</p> <p><em>Image: Arnott's</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Puzzles April 2023 Answers

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Free OverSixty Newspaper is regularly with Crosswords, Sudokus, Word Finders and more for your entertainment and to keep that grey matter limbered up.</span></p> <p>So! Without further ado, here are the solutions to <a href="https://over60newspapers.azurewebsites.net/OverSixty_April_2023_Digital/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all of the puzzles from the April 2023 issue</a> of the FREE OverSixty Newspaper. Enjoy!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Crosswise Answers:</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/04/Crosswise_solution_april2023.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1276" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Sudoko Answers:</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/04/Sudoku_solution_april2023.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1245" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Before and After Answer:</strong></p> <p>MOUTH [ PIECE ] MEAL</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Word Finder Answers:</strong></p> <p>We found all of these words below in this issue's Word Finder. Did you find any more? Let us know via <a href="mailto:newspaper@oversixty.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">newspaper@oversixty.com.au</a></p> <ol> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">EIGHT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ERG</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FOE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FOES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FOR</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FORE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FORESIGHT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FORT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FORTH</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FREIGHT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FRIES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FRIGHT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FRO</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FROTH</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">GIRT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">FIRTH</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">GRIEF</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">GROT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HIE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HIRE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HIRES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HIS</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HOE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HOER</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HOERS</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HOES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HORSE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">HOT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">IRE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">IRES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ORE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ORES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ORGIES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ORT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">REF</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">RHO</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">RIG</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">RIGHT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">RISE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ROE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ROES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ROT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ROTH</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">SERF</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">SIGH</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">SIGHT</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">SIR</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">SIRE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">THIEF</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">THIS</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">THOR</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">THRO</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">THROE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">THROES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TOE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TOES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TOR</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TORE</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TORES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TORI</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TORIES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TORS</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TORSI</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TREF</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TRIES</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">TRIG</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>Word Pyramid Answer:</strong></p> <p>For this puzzle you were given a number of clues. The first answer had two letters, the second three letters, the third four – and so on. Each answer consisted of the same letters as the previous one with the addition of one letter.</p> <p><strong>SOLUTION:<br /></strong><strong>French article (LE)<br /></strong><strong>Falsehood (LIE)<br /></strong><strong>Reside (LIVE)<br /></strong><strong>Large organ (LIVER)<br /></strong><strong>Splinter (SLIVER)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Word Circles Answer:</strong></p> <p>We asked you to unscramble the letters in each circle to produce two words that are opposite in meaning to each other.</p> <p><strong>SOLUTION: EQUALITY, IMPARITY</strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Mind

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"That was flawless": Sunrise host falls for hilarious April Fools prank

<p dir="ltr"><em>Sunrise </em>host Monique Wright got tricked by co-host Matt Doran’s elaborate April Fools’ Day prank on Saturday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wright was convinced that she had scored an exclusive interview with US President Barack Obama, when in fact she was interviewing an impersonator called Reggie.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Mr Obama, what an absolute thrill to have you in the country,” she gushed “Gosh we love you here, and it was fantastic to have you on our programme.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you so much, safe travels home,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">To make the prank believable, the <em>Sunrise </em>team had intentionally distorted Wright’s screen so that she couldn’t recognise who she was speaking with over Zoom.</p> <p dir="ltr">Doran waited until after the interview to reveal the truth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just before we let you go, perhaps it might be an opportune time just to let Mon know that we’re actually speaking to Reggie from LA who is the top Obama impersonator in the world,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“G’day Reggie! That was flawless.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Wright was left fuming and blamed her gullibility on bad technology.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Reggie, they’ve actually used a monitor which looks very strange, I can’t see you properly,” she said, to which Doran joked that it wasn’t a valid excuse.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then acknowledged the “extraordinary” acting abilities of the <em>Sunrise</em> team and exclaimed: “I hate you, I was so excited!”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I ran down to get changed with two minutes' notice, so I would like to apologise to Chrissy the producer who saw me in my underwear,” she said, revealing how excited she was for the interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hate all of you but I mostly hate you!” she jokingly said to Doran.</p> <p dir="ltr">Doran then tried to make her feel better by saying that anyone would’ve fallen for the same prank.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You were given no notice, Reggie was so convincing,” he said, adding that he was terrified of what Wright might do to get him back.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wright then joked that he should be terrified after throwing everyone into a frenzy and getting the “whole building” involved in his elaborate prank.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Watch this space, stay comfortable Matt,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Channel Seven</em></p>

TV

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Neighbours reveals which stars are moving back to Ramsay Street

<p>New details have emerged over which <em>Neighbours</em> cast members will be returning to Ramsay St when the series launches on Amazon’s FreeVee late 2023. </p> <p>The show - axed after 27 years on air - will benefit from the presence of a few fan favourite faces, with Annie Jones, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Georgie Stone, and Tim Kano reprising their roles as Jane Harries, Terese Willis, Mackenzie Hargreaves, and Leo Tanaka respectively. </p> <p>And for those hoping to see Ramsay St’s iconic faces in the mix again, have no fear, Ian Smith will be returning at Harold Bishop. He will, however, only be returning as a guest, along with April Rose Pengilly (the actress behind Chloe Brennan), and Melissa Bell (Lucy Robinson). </p> <p>The announcement is not the first to delight fans of the long-running soap, with the likes of Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) already having confirmed their commitment to the revival. </p> <p>Georgie Stone took to Instagram to share the news of her return, along with a series of snaps with her fellow cast members. </p> <p>“Ramsay Street here we come… (again!),” she captioned the image, noting her excitement and that fans should “stay tuned”.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNEXARrsfH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNEXARrsfH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgie Stone (@georgiestone)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans were thrilled with the news, and showered Georgie with their enthusiasm in the comments - a few, however, were miffed that they’d been through an entire finale only to have to pick it all back up again. </p> <p>“Fantastic to see the familiar favourites all coming back!” gushed one fan. “Can't wait for <em>Neighbours</em> to start back again! Honestly, I barely watch TV anymore without my daily fix of Neighbours.”</p> <p>“Yes, can't wait for watch <em>Neighbours </em>again,” echoed one. </p> <p>“Cannot wait to have you back on our screens,” wrote another.</p> <p>And in a comment that appeared to speak for the masses, one declared “love that you guys are all back!” </p> <p>The news was also shared to Neighbours’ official twitter account, with a special video from the cast members to commemorate the announcement. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're so excited to announce that Annie Jones, Georgie Stone, Rebekah Elmaloglou and Tim Kano will be reprising their roles in the new episodes of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Neighbours?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Neighbours</a> later this year! 🎉✨ Plus we will have special guest appearances by Ian Smith, April Rose Pengilly &amp; Melissa Bell! <a href="https://t.co/6ZLKkmKJWE">pic.twitter.com/6ZLKkmKJWE</a></p> <p>— Neighbours (@neighbours) <a href="https://twitter.com/neighbours/status/1630529084013834240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Neighbours</em>’ producers have announced that the series will not be jumping around with its timeline, instead picking up where the finale left off. </p> <p>The series is set to go into production in the next few months, with new episodes likely in the spring - Australians will be able to catch the first-run episodes on Channel 10, and one week later on Amazon Prime Video. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Parachutes and underwater roller coasters: Did you fall for these pranks?

<p dir="ltr">Companies have made a tradition of making bogus, out-of-this-world announcements on April Fools Day - and even days before it they really want to get the jump on people - and travel companies are no exception.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-79aac467-7fff-1897-d967-1c98a3f53d1e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">This year, Destination Gold Coast got in on the festivities with their announcement of the world’s first underwater rollercoaster.</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDestinationGoldCoast%2Fposts%2F5393004644043691&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="757" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">The tourism company revealed that the ride would be 40 metres tall, standing 20 metres above the water at full take, and would take riders on a 1-kilometre underwater journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though plenty were fooled by their joke, their posting of the announcement on March 31 saw them become the butt of plenty of other jokes, including some from their competitors.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Maybe don’t leave the work experience kid in charge of social media, shame, would have been funny … tomorrow!” Brisbane travel agency Premium Flyer commented on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Someone better look at a calendar … 31 days in March people,” another commenter wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cf4dfa94-7fff-3727-a11e-8ffefc018818"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, <a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/april-fools-day-2022-round-up-here-we-go-again-731149" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Webjet New Zealand</a> announced the launch of a new seating option for passengers involving parachutes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/20220224-WJNZ-BRAND-April-Fools-Day-header-banner-711-x-400.2-002-1.jpg" alt="" width="711" height="400" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Webjet NZ</em></p> <p dir="ltr">But, when you go to the <a href="https://www.webjet.co.nz/travel/outdoor-adventure/skydive-seats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> to find out more, a pop-up appears with the message, “April Fools!”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We asked legal and they said we’d have a lawsuit on our hands if we pushed people out of planes,” the pop-up continues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you’re not too upset with us and are still looking for cheap domestic flights, you can search and compare the best deals online.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-68f4bcc8-7fff-4df5-d8ee-aea4469ad7a8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Webjet NZ / Destination Gold Coast (Facebook) </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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P&O Cruises Australia Cancels More Sailings Until April 2022

<p><em>Image: Cruise Passenger </em></p> <p>P&amp;O Cruises Australia has cancelled further cruises until mid-April 2022.</p> <p>The extension of the government’s cruise ban in Australia marks two years since the line has sailed Down Under. Cruises departing from March 3 till April 16, 2022 from Sydney and Brisbane will be cancelled and this also marks the 23rd cruise cancellation announcement since the pandemic.</p> <p>President of <span>P&amp;O</span> Cruises Australia Sture Myrmell said that during this entire period guests had displayed incredible patience and loyalty to <span>P&amp;O</span> and cruising.</p> <p>“However, as we approach the two-year mark in our rolling pause in operations, it is understandable that our guests will be very disappointed and frustrated that there is still no agreed restart plan for cruising in Australia,” Mr Myrmell said.</p> <p>“Federal and state governments are yet to outline their requirements for restart despite the nation’s high vaccination rate, the cruise industry’s comprehensive health protocols, vaccination policies for guests and crew and the successful resumption of cruising in other international markets.</p> <p>“Our loyal guests, travel agents and many suppliers whose businesses depend on cruising along with thousands of jobs are simply looking for certainty so that they can plan for the future. Reaching this two-year anniversary is discouraging for so many of them.”</p> <p>Late last week, the Federal Government extended Australia’s cruise ban by another two months.</p> <p>“After an absence of two years, it will take us several months and significant cost to manage the complex logistics necessary to return a ship to service before sailing back to Australian waters,” Mr Myrmell said.</p> <p>“This includes engaging our crew and re-training them to meet new operating protocols when they are known as well as re-stocking the ship with local fresh produce and refreshing onboard guest service operations that have also been on-hold for such a long time.</p> <p>“It is a big task and we need to understand the operating environment before we begin the process of returning. To date, no government authority, federal or state, has provided feedback on the industry’s proposed operational guidelines to enable an informed decision on bringing our ships back to Australia.”</p> <p> </p>

Cruising

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April Fools pranks amid COVID crisis could face hefty penalties

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>America is in serious trouble as coronavirus continues to ravage the country. The death toll for the country has skyrocketed past China’s official count with 3,500 deaths and counting.</p> <p>US President Donald Trump has urged people to continue to follow social-distancing measures through April to prevent the virus from spreading.</p> <p>"Every one of us has a role to play in winning this war. Every citizen, family and business can make the difference in stopping the virus," the president said, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/death-toll-york-state-passes-1000-live-updates-200329234257896.html" target="_blank">Al Jazeera</a></em>.</p> <p>"This is our shared patriotic duty. Challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days and this is a very vital 30 days," Trump told reporters at the White House.</p> <p>The US currently has over 159,000 confirmed infections, which is more than any country in the world.</p> <p>Around the world, Italy has reported that the infection rate appears to have levelled off and new cases could start to decline, as 11,591 people have died from the virus already. The total number of infections has surged past 100,000 with a shocking 4,050 new cases reported.</p> <p>Spain is also on lockdown after surpassing China in the number of cases and quickly approaching Italy when it comes to the number of deaths. A record number of 849 people died on Tuesday, which brings the death toll to 8,189 while 85,000 people haves tested positive for the virus.</p> <p>"We say to our community not to keep looking at the figures and what's going on," said Australian expat Mandy Keillor to the<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-01/spains-coronavirus-reality-is-grim-how-did-it-start-there/12103590" target="_blank">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p>"But you can't help it, because you have to be aware of what's happening."</p> <p>Spain have introduced tough new lockdown rules in the country as all non-essential workers are banned from travelling to work. People are only allowed to go outside to get food, visit a chemist or walk a pet as well as carry documentation explaining the outing.</p> <p>Worldwide, the total number of infections since the beginning of the outbreak have reached more than 775,000. Roughly, 160,000 people have recovered globally while nearly 37,000 have died.</p> <p>Worldwide from Thailand to India, countries have told people not to make April Fools’ Day pranks related to coronavirus, with some countries threatening jail time for spreading misinformation.<br />Tech giant Google, which is famous for its annual spoofs, has cancelled the tradition because of the pandemic which has killed about 40,000 people worldwide.<br />Thailand said on Tuesday that April Fools’ Day jokes about the virus could be punished under a law carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison.<br />“It’s against the law to fake having COVID-19 this April Fools’ Day,” the government said on Twitter.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">People around the world are suffering from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> outbreak, and that's reason enough why people should be more considerate and not use this as a prank or a joke. <a href="https://t.co/DvF5A1WOv6">pic.twitter.com/DvF5A1WOv6</a></p> — PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) <a href="https://twitter.com/prdthailand/status/1244917499361034240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen took to Facebook to tell people not to prank about the virus. </p> <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/tsaiingwen/photos/a.390960786064/10156580820386065/?type=3&amp;theater" data-width="auto"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"> <p>大家都說4/1是愚人節，我想提前介紹 #愚人節好運貓貓，歡迎一起分享喔！ 　　 更重要的是，愚人節這天，忍不住的人可以發揮幽默，但切記...</p> Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tsaiingwen/">蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tsaiingwen/photos/a.390960786064/10156580820386065/?type=3">Tuesday, March 31, 2020</a></blockquote> </div> <p>She introduced her followers to Good Luck Cat, but quickly explained that article 63 of the prevention of infectious diseases act, saying that spreading rumours or false information about epidemics could result in up to three years in jail and/or a fine of up to NT$3 million ($A162,800).</p> </div> </div> </div>

News

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Calls mount for health insurers to suspend April price hikes

<p>Calls have mounted for private health insurers to cancel premium increases scheduled for April 1 amidst economic pressure from the new coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>Consumer advocate CHOICE said health funds should relieve customers from more financial burden by freezing the increases.</p> <p>The demand came as non-urgent elective surgeries such as hip replacements and cataract surgery were postponed indefinitely by the government.</p> <p>“If people can’t use the normal services that would allow them to claim on their private health insurance, then insurers’ costs will be going down,” said CHOICE CEO Alan Kirkland.</p> <p>He said health fund premiums have gone up by 61 per cent over the past decade. “Their justification is that the amount they pay out to cover your treatment is going up. But that doesn’t hold up this year. We don’t think people should be paying full price when they won't be able to access a full service,” he said.</p> <p>“There is no way they can justify increasing premiums in this context. Health funds should scrap their April 1 premium increases.”</p> <p>The first fund in Australia to commit to axe premium rises is Perth-based HBF, which was due to implement a 1.98 per cent increase.</p> <p>HBF’s CEO John Van Der Wielen said many of its one million members were affected by “extraordinary” financial circumstances.</p> <p>“Now more than ever access to the best healthcare is more important than ever,” he said. “We want to do everything we can to keep health insurance affordable for our members.”</p> <p>Other major health funds are yet to follow suit in cancelling the premium increases. The average increase across the industry this year is <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/privatehealth-average-premium-round">2.92 per cent</a>.</p> <p>Medibank and AHM announced a support package of more than $50 million on Thursday, allowing customers to suspend their policy or access reliefs on their premiums. Members would also receive benefits for coronavirus-related chest, heart, lung and kidney hospital admissions.</p> <p>Bupa also announced an assistance package of more than $50 million to help customers experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. The insurer also confirmed all members with any hospital policy would be covered for COVID-19 related claims.</p> <p>GMHBA and HCF have also introduced financial hardship measures, encouraging customers who are struggling to pay premiums to reach out to discuss their options.</p>

Retirement Income

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April fools? Harry and Meghan’s last day in office announced

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lives as working members of Britain’s royal family will end on March 31, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed Wednesday.</p> <p>Harry and Meghan’s office at Buckingham Palace will be closed starting April 1, with the pair set to be represented through their UK charity team going forward.</p> <p><span>The two will continue on as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and retain their titles: The Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and the Baron and Baroness Kilkeel. They will no longer represent Her Majesty or receive public funds for royal engagements.</span></p> <p>The terms of Harry and Meghan’s separation from the royal family is due for review in one year, <a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/prince-harry-meghan-confirm-day-working-members-britains-69072813">the spokesperson said</a>.</p> <p>“As there is no precedent for this new model of working and eventual financial independence, the Royal Family and the Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties.”</p> <p>Harry and Meghan’s use of the word royal, as featured in their Sussex Royal branding, is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/queen-steps-in-and-orders-prince-harry-and-meghan-to-drop-royal-sussex-brand">under review</a>. Any changes will be announced alongside the launch of the couple’s foundation, the spokesperson said.</p> <p>The nonprofit is said to retain the couple’s charitable goals to focus on causes including “the Commonwealth, community, youth empowerment and mental health, collectively”.</p> <p>The couple is set to reside in Canada but “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/19/harry-and-meghan-to-split-from-royal-family-on-31-march">will be in the United Kingdom regularly</a>”, sources said.</p> <p>They are expected to have their last official appearance as working royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9 with the Queen and other senior members of the monarchy.</p>

International Travel

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Can you recognise who this famous TV star is?

<p>A well known Hollywood star who is usually instantly recognisable by his facial hair has decided to shave it off.</p> <p>Dr Phil is an American television personality and psychologist on the show Dr Phil – made famous by his good friend Oprah Winfrey. The expert is well known for the facial hair he sports during his show and after 36 years, he decided to shave his moustache off.</p> <p>He shared a photo on Instagram with his 602K followers, with the caption saying, “Well, I did it.”</p> <p>There is also a video posted of him putting shaving cream on his moustache, with the next snap showing Dr Phil holding a razor very close to his face.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvuJaa-BHs_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvuJaa-BHs_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Well... I did it.</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/drphil/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Dr. Phil</a> (@drphil) on Apr 1, 2019 at 10:19am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Naturally, fans of the daytime TV star were attached to his moustache and went into meltdown.</p> <p>One fan commented: “No! I refuse to believe it. The world is ending!”</p> <p>Another fan was much more succinct, asking, “Whyyyyy”?</p> <p>The post quickly gained 7.5K comments in less than 12 hours.</p> <p>Luckily for fans of the star, it was all a prank. As the photo was posted on April Fool’s Day, or April 1st, some fans had cottoned on but others took the post at face value.</p> <p>It was only until Dr Phil posted another Instagram post saying “APRIL PHILS!” that fans had realised it was a joke.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvu3VEABZAP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvu3VEABZAP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">APRIL PHILS! 😏😂</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/drphil/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Dr. Phil</a> (@drphil) on Apr 1, 2019 at 5:05pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In the video, Dr Phil explains that he would never shave off his moustache.</p> <p>“April Fools! You didn’t really think I would do it, right? I’d look like an aardvark if I took this off.”</p> <p>Did you believe that Dr Phil had shaved off his moustache in the photo above? Let us know in the comments.</p>

TV

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The major changes you need to know about starting from April 1

<p>Starting today, Aussies can expect a number of changes on their toll and private health insurance bills.</p> <p>Healthcare will cost more for consumers as private insurance rates increase by an average of 3.25 per cent. Rebates are also dropping between 0.1 and 0.5 per cent from last year’s rates, translating to a rise of <a href="https://theconversation.com/premiums-up-rebates-down-and-a-new-tiered-system-what-the-private-health-insurance-changes-mean-114086">$1 per fortnight</a> in premiums.</p> <p>Insurance holders are being urged to find out how the changes will affect their cover. “These changes are big, and no one really knows the true impact on the overall [health insurance] market until after April 1,” said Choice spokesman Jonathan Brown in March.</p> <p>Laura Crowden, a spokeswoman from the insurance comparison service iSelect, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://finance.nine.com.au/2019/03/27/14/20/private-health-insurance-2019-news-australia-families-pensioners-single" target="_blank"><em>9Finance</em></a> that customers should have heard from their insurers about how their policy and prices are changing.</p> <p>“The 3.25 per cent increase is an average only, so yours might be different,” she said.</p> <p>Road tolls will also be more expensive for drivers in Sydney. Starting Monday, the Eastern Distributor will cost $7.61 for a car and $15.22 for a truck.</p> <p>Drivers on the Cross City Tunnel will need to fork out $5.77, while those using the M2 could pay up to $7.52.</p> <p>“That is a burden, so for some families in Western Sydney now up to 20 per cent of their weekly budget goes to transport costs,” NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury told <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/changes-hitting-us-april-1-071509742.html" target="_blank"><em>Yahoo7</em></a>.</p> <p>Will these new increases affect you? Tell us in the comments below. </p>

Retirement Income

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“Warmest start to April on record”

<p>Despite entering our second month of Autumn, the heat is not passing us by any time soon.</p> <p>On Tuesday, Sky News Meteorologist Tom Saunders said we could be experiencing “the warmest start to April on record”.</p> <p>Next weekend, Sydney will peak at 30C and Melbourne will experience temperatures of up to 25C. Today, Perth will peak at 32C, which is far warmer than the 25C April average.</p> <p>In Queensland, despite Cyclone Iris bringing heavy rains and winds, temperatures are above average.</p> <p>Even though the recent weather in various Australian cities has felt like summer, the fine days are set to continue across the country.</p> <p>“It was a glorious long weekend that felt more like summer rather than autumn,” said <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_5762489292001" target="_parent">Mr Saunders on Sky News</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>“Maximum temperatures in central NSW were 10 degrees above average. Sydney Airport on Monday hit 33C and that was just 3 degrees off the all-time April record.</p> <p>“Based on forecast for the coming week, it looks like it will be the warmest start to April on record across much of Australia.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="496" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7817064/2_496x280.jpg" alt="2 (67)"/></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Image credit: The Bureau of Meteorology </em></p> <p>“In Sydney, the first nine days of April will more than likely have an average maximum of 27.1C, when the average for April is 22.5C so that’s 5C above average.”</p> <p>Mr Saunders attributes the summer-like weather to high pressure.</p> <p>“High pressure will dominate the week and these systems will keep the skies clear and more importantly will keep the cold fronts well south of Australia,” Mr Saunders said.</p> <p>“[Cold fronts] usually bring colder air from the Southern Ocean this time of year and that sees a drop in temperatures across south eastern Australia into the teens.</p> <p>“But without any significant cold fronts, temperatures will remain well above average.”</p> <p>The Bureau of Meteorology released its April to June climate outlook last week. The report suggested that now the La Nina system has petered out in the Pacific Ocean, Australia will encounter warmer conditions.</p> <p>Wetter than average conditions will only be encountered in the far north and extreme south east, such as the eastern coast of Tasmania.</p> <p>Temperatures that are warmer than average are expected across Tasmania, Victoria, in parts of NSW, South Australia and the south of Western Australia.</p> <p>Those in central and northern Queensland can expect a milder autumn.</p>

Domestic Travel

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April the giraffe gives birth

<p>After 15 long months and a highly-publicised pregnancy, April from New York’s Animal Adventure Park has given birth to her fourth calf.</p> <p>New York Animal Adventure park had set up a live-stream video of April’s pregnancy and 1.2 million viewers were tuned in to watch the labour unfold.</p> <p>Within an hour of being born, the healthy 129-pound calf was up and standing at 5’9. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdPKC4wpog0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Giraffes go through labour upright which means that the newborn calf had roughly a six-foot drop to the floor when it was born.</p> <p>Animal Adventure Park owner Jordan Patch warned viewers on social media when staff realised there were signs of imminent birth on Saturday.</p> <p>He said “"It's happening! We are in labour 100% Cancel your plans, it's time to have a baby!"</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAnimalAdventurePark%2Fvideos%2F960527900716756%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=400" width="400" height="400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>Jordan later said in a press release, "His entrance into the world was unnerving to even those of us who have witnessed animal births previously.”</p> <p>April’s labour started at around 7:45 am, the park went live at 8am and then the birth happened at 9:50am.</p> <p>The newborn calf hasn’t been named yet but the Animal Adventure Park has created an <a href="http://nameaprilscalf.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">online vote</span></strong></a> to name him. Votes are $1 US and the funds will go to the Giraffe Conservation Fund and Ava’s Little Heroes which is a foundation that supports families of children who are suffering from complex illnesses.</p>

News

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5 new release books you can’t miss this month

<p>Ready for a fresh batch of great books to read this month? From a fantastic cookbook to a chilling thriller, no matter what your literary taste, there’s something new for you.</p> <p><strong>1. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-little-breton-bistro-nina-george%2Fprod9780349142227.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Little Breton Bistro</span></em></a> by Nina George</strong></p> <p>From the author of the international bestseller <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-little-paris-bookshop-nina-george%2Fprod9780349140377.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Little Paris Bookshop</span></strong></em></a> comes yet another delightfully colourful novel set in France. Marianne Messman, an unhappily married woman, is saved from drowning by a homeless man, decides to reinvent her life, moving to the tiny port town of Kerdruc in Brittany. There, she encounters a number of eccentric characters, falling in love once more, and must decide what her future holds – comfort and familiarity with her husband, or excitement and the unknown.</p> <p><strong>2. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-end-of-the-day-claire-north%2Fprod9780356507354.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The End of the Day</span></em></a> by Claire North</strong></p> <p>Charlie doesn’t have your ordinary desk job. But, sooner or later, you will meet him. Everyone will. In a hospital, on a battlefield, at the scene of a car crash… Because before death comes to take you, you’ll get a visit from Charlie. Sometimes he’s sent as a courtesy, sometimes as a warning – but he never knows which. If you like unconventional, thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful writing, this book could be a new favourite.</p> <p><strong>3. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fjulie-goodwin-s-essential-cookbook-julie-goodwin%2Fprod9780733637117.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Essential Cookbook</span></em></a> by Julie Goodwin</strong></p> <p>Australia’s original <em>Masterchef</em> is back with over 300 of her go-to recipes, from making the perfect omelette and roasting chicken like a pro to preparing quick-fix salads and family favourite desserts like Victoria sponge cake. No matter how much or how little you have in your fridge or pantry, Julie has a food solution to everything.</p> <p><strong>4. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-lucky-one-caroline-overington%2Fprod9780732299767.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Lucky One</span></em></a> by Caroline Overington</strong></p> <p>Fans of bestselling page-turner <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-one-who-got-away-caroline-overington%2Fprod9780732299750.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The One Who Got Away</strong></em></span></a>, you’re in luck. Caroline Overington is back with yet another gripping psychological thriller, and it sounds just as un-put-down-able as the last. When billionaire developers purchase a 150-year-old castle, they uncover something unsettling – skeleton after skeleton… and not all of them are old. It’s down to detectives to track down the castle’s previous owners and solve the mystery once and for all.</p> <p><strong>5. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-shadow-land-elizabeth-kostova%2Fprod9781925498486.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Shadow Land</span></em></a> by Elizabeth Kostova</strong></p> <p>After the tragic death of her beloved brother, Alexandra decides to travel to Bulgaria in an effort to outrun her grief. However, when a baggage mix-up leaves her holding an urn filled with ashes, she is forced to confront her pain. As she sets out in search of the urn’s owners, its significance becomes increasingly clear, with the truth behind it lying at the very heart of this beautiful, dark and mysterious country.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, what books are you looking forward to this month?</p>

Books

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10 best events around Australia in April

<p>Australia comes alive in April! From the Melbourne Food &amp; Wine Festival to Byron Bay Bluesfest there’s plenty to see and do. Here we look at 10 of the best things to add to your to-do list.</p> <p><strong>March 31 to April 9</strong></p> <p><strong>Melbourne Food &amp; Wine Festival, VIC</strong></p> <p>Melbourne is known as a great foodie destination and this festival celebrates the very best it has to offer. This year marks the 25th anniversary and the program is full of tastings, long lunches, masterclasses, markets, laneway parties, tours and, of course, lots and lots of eating.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34885/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (161)"/></p> <p><strong>April 3</strong></p> <p><strong>Banff Mountain Film Festival, QLD</strong></p> <p>This iconic event starts in the Canadian ski town of Banff each November and then begins a tour around the world. The Brisbane show features a two-and-a-half-hour compilation of the best mountain climbing, adventure and exploration-themed films shown at the festival, packed with jaw dropping scenery and spine tingling stunts.</p> <p><strong>April 3 to 9</strong></p> <p><strong>Sail Port Stephens, NSW</strong></p> <p>Held in the beautiful waters of the Port Stephens Marine Park, this fun, family-friendly regatta is fast becoming one of the largest in the country. As well as plenty of action on the water, there’s a jam-packed social and entertainment calendar on offer at the regatta hub, d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay.</p> <p><strong>April 7 to 9</strong></p> <p><strong>Ultimate Women’s Weekend Expo, VIC</strong></p> <p>This travelling expo will be in Albury-Wodonga in April, bringing a great range of lifestyle and wellbeing exhibitors to town. It’s also a fantastic social enterprise, supporting small businesses run by women and donating profits to local domestic violence groups.</p> <p><strong>April 8</strong></p> <p><strong>Albany Wine and Food Festival, WA</strong></p> <p>Part of the larger Taste Great Southern food festival, the town of Albany on the southernmost tip of the state will be holding its own gourmet day out. Entry includes a souvenir wine glass, complimentary tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and live music.</p> <p><strong>April 10 to 16</strong></p> <p><strong>Alice Springs Heritage Festival, NT</strong></p> <p>Celebrate the rich past of Australia’s Red Centre capital. Historic institutions like the Old Hartley Street School, National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame and Alice Springs Telegraph Station will be hosting special events that give visitors a taste of the way things were.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34884/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (160)"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock/Jason Benz Bennee</em></p> <p><strong>April 13 to 17</strong></p> <p><strong>Byron Bay Bluesfest, NSW</strong></p> <p>It’s the coolest contemporary music festival in the country and it’s held in the coolest beach town, Byron Bay. This year, you can catch the legendary Patti Smith in her last ever Australian show, plus Neil Finn, Jimmy Buffet, Zac Brown Band, Santana and heaps more.</p> <p><strong>April 19 to 23</strong></p> <p><strong>Barossa Vintage Festival, SA</strong></p> <p>The most famous wine region in the country will be celebrating the end of the vintage with more than 90 events across five days. There will be exclusive wine auctions, long lunches, music festivals, black tie dinners, cocktail parties, masterclasses and special family events. It’s only on once every two years, so not to be missed.</p> <p><strong>April 21 to 23</strong></p> <p><strong>Gold Coast Superhero Weekend, QLD</strong></p> <p>Get ready to geek out! This is a great event for the young and young at heart, with film screenings, character parades, meet and greets, immersive experiences, live music and plenty of cool merchandise to buy. Dressing up isn’t required but highly encouraged.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34886/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (162)"/></p> <p><strong>April 21 to 23</strong></p> <p><strong>Fresh Hop Beer Festival, TAS</strong></p> <p>Over 60 per cent of Australia’s hops are grown in Tasmania and the harvest kicks off in March. Ones they are off the bines (not vines) 25 craft breweries gather together to create new beers using the fresh hops and celebrate in the laneways of Launceston. You won’t be able to taste these beers anywhere else!</p> <p>Are you headed to any of these events? What’s your favourite thing to do in Australia in April?</p>

International Travel

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10 best destinations for holidaymakers in April

<p>From Cape Town to Paris and everywhere in between, here are the best destinations to visit in April.</p> <p><strong>1. Paris, France</strong></p> <p>As the song goes, “I love Paris in the springtime”. The City of Love is delightful in April – the trees are beginning to blossom in the Tuileries, evenings are long and golden, and the Seine sparkles in the sunshine. Walk the streets hand in hand alongside all the other Parisians emerging from the depths of winter.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34860/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (157)"/></p> <p><strong>2. Texas, USA</strong></p> <p>Yeehah! April is a great time to visit the Lone Star State. Summers can be seriously hot, but in spring the weather is gorgeous, skies are blue and a great calendar of festivals and events is just kicking off. It’s also a great time for walking holidays in the high Texan desert – you can even sleep under the stars.</p> <p><strong>3. Copenhagen, Denmark</strong></p> <p>Scandinavia is notoriously expensive, but for a brief period in April Copenhagen actually becomes relatively cheap. It’s the tail end of spring, so weather is still brisk, but the city is beginning to come alive again and the Tivoli Gardens will reopen for the season.</p> <p><strong>4. Mexico City, Mexico</strong></p> <p>Take advantage of the warm, dry weather that precedes the wet summer and head to Mexico City in April. Most travellers skip the capital and head straight for the beaches, but Mexico City is a fascinating destination in its own right with a rich history, incredible architecture and a buzzing food scene.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34861/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (158)"/></p> <p><strong>5. Chengdu, China</strong></p> <p>One word – pandas. The city of Chengdu, in China’s Sichuan province, is emerging as a tourist hotspot for its food, arts and culture, but pandas are the real draw here and you can visit the prestigious Chengdu Research Base. There are some fantastic hotels opening up too and the weather is perfect in April.</p> <p><strong>6. Lima, Peru</strong></p> <p>You won’t find a better month to visit the Peruvian capital. Days are warm, nights are mild and, because it’s the first month of the off-season, hotels are cheap. Lima is one of the world’s great food cities, so you’ll want to spend a lot of your time eating. Don’t miss dinner at the incomparable Astrid y Gaston.</p> <p><strong>7. Namibia</strong></p> <p>You don’t ever really need to worry about rain in Namibia (it’s dry for 300+ days a year), but temperatures can be scorching, so April is a great time for a desert safari. The Etosha National Game Park is packed full of wildlife and the Skeleton Coast is captivating. You can’t help but be mesmerised by Namibia.</p> <p><strong>8. Los Angeles, USA</strong></p> <p>LA’s sweet spot for visiting runs from March to May, so April is a no brainer. The weather is warm, the air is (relatively) free from smog and the crowds aren’t yet oppressive. You’ll also find some great deals on hotels, leaving you more money in your pocket for a trip to Rodeo Drive or one of the excellent outlet malls.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34862/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (159)"/> </p> <p><strong>9. Sri Lanka</strong></p> <p>Sri Lanka is fast emerging as Asia’s hottest new destination, offering an incredible mix of beaches, nature, history, culture and food. It has a complicated double monsoon system, so in April you’ll want to head for the east coast. This is the less-touristed side of the country, so expect hardly any crowds, pristine rainforest, unspoilt coastline and charming villages.</p> <p><strong>10. Cape Town, South Africa</strong></p> <p>April is still a little chilly for a beach break in Cape Town, but if you are looking for hiking, wine tours and galleries, then it’s just about perfect. The exciting new The Silos hotel has just opened too, a magical new space on the V&amp;A Waterfront that is like nothing else in the city.</p> <p>Have you been to any of these destinations? Do you have any recommendations?</p>

International Travel

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10 best places in Australia to visit in April

<p>Australia is packed with destinations that really shine in April, so why not treat yourself with a holiday. Here's where you should be heading to this month.</p> <p><strong>1. Uluru, NT</strong></p> <p>The scorching summer temps are finally starting to drop in the Red Centre, so it’s a great time to head for Uluru. The Rock and the nearby Olgas are stunning under clear blue skies. One tip – there will still be plenty of flies, so you might want to invest in a fly-net for your hat.</p> <p><strong>2. Palm Cove, QLD</strong></p> <p>April is peak school holiday time, so many of Queensland’s best beach towns will be chock full of families. Palm Cove is tiny and geared more towards adults than neighbouring Port Douglas, so it’s a much better option this time of year. Enjoy the hot weather, sunny skies, sparkling ocean and laid back way of life.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34854/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (155)"/></p> <p><strong>3. Yamba, NSW</strong></p> <p>Some people are calling Yamba the new Byron Bay – but we won’t say that because we want to keep this little gem a secret. It's one of the prettiest towns in the country, sitting just north of Coffs Harbour at the mouth of the Clarence River. Hopefully the school holiday crowd are still in the dark.</p> <p><strong>4. Geelong, VIC</strong></p> <p>Just an hour south of Melbourne, Geelong is becoming a cool little town in its own right. The weather is delightfully crisp in April, perfect for exploring the trendy boutiques and galleries, followed by a glass of something local at one of the many wine bars. And if you fancy more wine, the Bellarine Peninsula is just a short distance away.</p> <p><strong>5. The Kimberley, WA</strong></p> <p>April marks the end of the wet season in the northwest corner of the country, so now is the time to check out the Kimberley. The rains will be clearing but the rivers and waterfalls will still be full, making for spectacular scenery. There are also very few crowds and you can get some great deals on hotels and tours.</p> <p><strong>6. Canberra, ACT</strong></p> <p>Anzac Day is on April 25<sup>th</sup> and the Australian War Memorial is one of the most moving places in the country to mark this special day. It’s also a great time to reflect on our nation’s past – and its future – and Canberra is home to the Museum of Democracy, the National Library, National Gallery and many more.</p> <p><strong>7. Killcare, NSW</strong></p> <p>This charming little village is on the Central Coast, just 90 minutes north of Sydney, and is a great retreat away from the school holiday crowds. Take a dip at the gorgeous Putty Beach, walk through the Bouddi National Park, browse the stylish shops or dine at the restaurant of celebrity chef Stefano Manfredi.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34855/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (156)"/></p> <p><strong>8. Flinders Ranges, SA</strong></p> <p>We tend to overlook the outback outside of the Northern Territory, but the 540 million year old Flinders Ranges are something special. The weather begins to cool in April so you can comfortably spend the night in luxury glamping tents or basic cabins. Don't leave without taking a helicopter flight over Wilpena Pound.</p> <p><strong>9. Cradle Mountain, TAS</strong></p> <p>The Cradle Mountain Huts Walk is one of Australia’s great trails and April is the last month it will be open for 2017. The weather will still be warm (though you’ll still need to pack your thermals for the evening) with long sunny days and cosy cabins to retreat to for a well-deserved hot chocolate.</p> <p><strong>10. Airlie Beach, QLD</strong></p> <p>Airlie has grown up a lot and is no longer the domain of backpackers and schoolies. It’s now quite the sophisticated little beach town and a great option for a Whitsundays break without the mega price tag. Head out to the reef, flop on the beach or take a day trip on a yacht for a taste of that celebrity lifestyle.</p> <p>Have you been to any of these locations?</p>

International Travel

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People glued to watching live stream of pregnant giraffe

<p>Tens of thousands are watching a live stream of a giraffe who could give birth at any second.</p> <p>The giraffe, April, is expecting a calf in New York’s Animal Adventure Park with her mate Oliver.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZuYR4cTNbB0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><span style="text-align: center;">The animal park have been </span><a style="text-align: center;" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnQCgFa9lCBL-KXZMOoO9Q/live"><strong>live streaming April’s pregnancy</strong></a><span style="text-align: center;"> and viewers are anticipating the moment she gives birth to her little calf.</span></p> <p>The animal park have been <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnQCgFa9lCBL-KXZMOoO9Q/live"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">live streaming April’s pregnancy</span></strong></a> and viewers are anticipating the moment she gives birth to her little calf.</p> <p><span style="text-align: center;">The live stream shows April in her pen with the animal park making specific updates regarding her health online.</span></p> <p>When April finally gives birth, there will be thousands welcoming her baby into the world with her. </p> <p>One update from the Animal Adventure Park said, “<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/giraffewatch2017?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=915652141870999">#GiraffeWatch2017</a></strong></span> continues Keepers have reported the continued shedding of the wax caps on April's teats, increased belly movement, and a bit reluctant to go into the giraffe yard. Looks to be another warmer day so they will have the option of yard usage if they desire.”</p> <p>Some fans of April’s pregnancy have said on Twitter, “I would rather watch a giraffe give birth for 3 days than a Kardashian for 3 seconds <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AprilTheGiraffe?src=hash">#AprilTheGiraffe</a></strong></span>”</p> <p>Another wrote, “If this giraffe could just have her baby so I can go back to being a functioning member of society... <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AprilTheGiraffe?src=hash">#AprilTheGiraffe</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/giraffewatch?src=hash">#giraffewatch</a></strong></span>”</p> <p><strong>Related Links: </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2017/02/crocodile-bites-selfie-seeker-at-thai-national-park/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Crocodile bites selfie seeker at Thai national park</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2017/02/cockatoo-trapped-in-soccer-goal-net-is-freed/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Cockatoo trapped in soccer goal net is freed</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2017/02/horrifying-moment-zebra-attacks-keeper-at-zoo/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Horrifying moment zebra attacks keeper at zoo</strong></span></em></a></p>

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