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"I am so heartbroken": Tributes flow for bride-to-be stabbing victim

Family and friends of Dawn Singleton are in mourning after the 25-year-old was one of the six people stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi in Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday. The 25-year-old was planning her wedding at the time of the stabbing, and was in the shopping centre looking for wedding makeup. Dawn, daughter of Aussie millionaire businessman John Singleton, had purchased her wedding dress just days before her life was tragically cut short. “Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech, but instead I sit here sobbing,” Friend Jade O’Connor wrote on Facebook. “This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life — I’m so heartbroken and (I) can’t believe this reality.” Friend Emmi Shannon told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/heartbreaking-detail-emerges-after-john-singletons-daughter-dawn-singleton-named-as-bondi-junction-westfield-stabbing-victim-c-14313870" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>, “She was just the most perfect human being that I’ve ever met. She’s so sweet, so humble, so down to earth.” Dawn was engaged to her high school sweetheart Ashley Wildey, a police officer who had reportedly been on the scene at the shopping centre, attending the scene after finishing another shift. "He had arrived at Westfield when officers realised his fiancée was one of the victims," a source told The Daily Telegraph. Mr Wildey was then allowed to leave the scene to be comforted by family and friends, as is procedure. Singleton worked at White Fox Boutique, with colleagues saying they were “devastated” by her death. “We are all truly devastated by this loss,” the company said on social media. “Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing." “We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.” Dawn was one of six women killed by Joel Cauchi in the callous attack, which left several others injured. Cauchi's victims included Pikria Darchia, 55, Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; and Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s nine-month old baby girl. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Veteran slams Australia Day “dawn service”

An Australian war veteran has slammed a Sydney council for their decision to hold a dawn reflection service on January 26th, saying it is “disrespectful” to those who fought and died for their country. The Anzac-day style service, held by Sydney’s Waverley council, will acknowledge the resilience and survival of First Nations people, recognising Australia Day as a “day of mourning” for many Indigenous Australians. Michael von Berg, a Military Cross recipient who served as a combat soldier in the Vietnam War, has denounced the council’s decision, saying dawn services should only be held on Anzac Day, as the events are synonymous with honouring past soldiers. “For God's sake. It's a disservice not only to the veteran community but also to First Nations soldiers who fought and died for their country,” he said. Mr von Berg, who claims to have served alongside Aboriginal soldiers on his first tour of Vietnam in the mid-1960s, questioned the purpose of the event, describing it as “cheap symbolism”. “Personally, a dawn service of this nature flies in the face of what they traditionally stand for, which is honouring soldiers,” he said. “This stuff doesn't help anyone. I have nothing but respect for First Nations people but there's got to be another way.” Mr von Berg urged Waverley Council to “seriously reconsider” the event, suggesting they “Hold it on another date.” However, Mayor of Waverley Council Paula Masselos hit back at criticism of the dawn service, given Australia Day was a day of mourning for many First Nations people. “As a Council that is committed to social justice, we understand that January 26 can be a difficult day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and that many in our community are still coming to terms with the result of the Voice to Parliament referendum,” Mayor Masselos said. Australia Day, observed each year on January 26th, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Philip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. But for many First Nations people, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning' because it marks the beginning of Australia's colonisation. Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Legal

Dawn French hits back at "shameful" weight loss comments

Dawn French has hit back at hurtful comments about her drastic weight loss almost a decade ago, admitting she "never rejected" the size she was. In 2014, the British comedian and actress dropped over 45kg after undergoing a hysterectomy following a terrifying cancer scare. The dramatic weight loss came after French's surgeon said she would heal better from the procedure if she lost weight. At the time, dozens of articles were written about French's transformation, praising her weight loss. Now, the 65-year-old has taken umbrage with the comments, telling <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/id-never-felt-so-ugly-how-dawn-french-learnt-to-love-her-flaws-3z95kc823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times</a> how unfair it is that women are in the public eye are often “reduced” to descriptions of their appearance. “I have never rejected the bigger woman I have been. Lots of people do it and say, ‘Oh, you look so much better – now you look well.’ And I think, ‘F*** off! Don’t judge that other person who I loved,’” she said. “[British singer] Alison Moyet is a very good friend and so often she has been reduced to descriptions of her physicality.” “She’s this giant talent, why reduce her to that? I’m not taking any s*** from anyone about any of it,” she said. French went on to reflect on the early days of her career, which began in the late 1980s alongside Jennifer Saunders. Despite the success of their BBC show French and Saunders, they were often described by how they looked, something she says “never” happened to their male colleagues. “For many years Jennifer [Saunders] and I were always described by how we looked, especially me, because I was the bigger one.” “It was always about ‘running to fat’ or ‘plump’, and they never said that about any of the male comedians.” “I absolutely own whatever my size is and I will call myself whatever I want. But if I feel like the intent is to shame me, I will not have it,” French said. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

Dawn French tells all in candid interview

Dawn French spills all in her latest interview with 60 minutes. The beloved British comedian revealed that being imperfect is perfect for her, in a world where unrealistic beauty standards are starting to dominate social media. "I can't believe that we, especially women, have come this far to hand our daughters a life where they have to do selfies and be filtered to try to look perfect," she told 60 minutes reporter Tara Brown. "I don't know how to connect to all those perfect people. I'm in the anti-perfection league frankly." The comedian revealed that the secret to her happiness is finding joy in the simple things in life, an outlook that she gained following the devastating loss of her father when she was 18. "I find joy in lots of tiny things. I'm the sort of person who doesn't need to be swimming with dolphins, I find happiness in the simple things," she added. French said that losing her father to suicide at such a young age shaped who she was, and that she was grateful for the love he showed and the lessons he taught her. "Now that I look back on it as an adult, I think he needed to give me some armour, he told me that I should value myself and that I deserved the very best," she said. "As a little chubby girl I could have grown up with all kinds of insecurities, but because of him I have never doubted that I'm not worth something." Her father's struggle with mental health gave her a deeper understanding of the complexity of depression and a greater appreciation for her own emotional stability. "He kept his depression very well hidden, so most of the time dad was very cheerful but he also had these black dog moments where he just couldn't cope," she said. "Then he would get stronger and he would be back on the horse again." "I've had sadness, but I haven't sunk to depths like that. I have worried that it's inherited, but I don't seem to have that, I've got too much to live for I think," she added. The French and Saunders actress is currently enjoying her life in a quaint village in the English countryside with her husband, therapist Mark Bignell. "I've got a love for life, and I love and am loved back by a lot of people, so I can't ask for more than that," she said. You can find the full episode <a href="https://www.9now.com.au/60-minutes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: 60 minutes

Mark Latham sued over homophobic tweet

Mark Latham is being sued by New South Wales independent MP Alex Greenwich, after he failed to apologise for a "disgusting" homophobic tweet. Greenwich said he will initiate defamation proceedings against the One Nation NSW leader in the coming days, after he gave Latham until Thursday May 18th to issue an apology for the tweet against the openly gay member for Sydney. Greenwich confirmed the legal action would proceed after being by Latham's lawyers that he had no intention of apologising. <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/mark-latham-under-fire-over-disgusting-homophobic-tweet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Latham's tweet</a> made headlines in March, after the politicians became engaged in a war of words over Twitter when discussing <span style="caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">the violent protest at St Michael's Church in Sydney's west, which saw members of the LGBTQIA+ community be attacked by religious extremists. <p class="_39n3n" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">More than a dozen LGBTQIA+ protesters were ambushed by hundreds of men outside an event at the church where Mr Latham spoke about parental rights and religious freedom. <p class="_39n3n" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">In an article Mr Greenwich called Mr Latham a "disgusting human being" who risks causing a "great deal of damage to our state". <p class="_39n3n" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">Latham was quick to respond on Twitter, saying "That's disgusting?" What about..." followed by a graphic and homophobic comment that OverSixty has chosen not to publish. Greenwich said his decision to take legal action against Latham was something that required much consideration, but something he feels he must do. "This is not a process I enter into lightly, and a process I wish I didn't have to engage in," Greenwich said in a statement. "However, Mr Latham's homophobic, sexualised attack has exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality, and demands actions." Greenwich has lodged a complaint of homosexual vilification and sexual harassment against Latham with Anti-Discrimination NSW. He has also made a police complaint against Latham for using a carriage service to menace, harass and offend. "It's 2023 and LGBTQIA+ Australians shouldn't have to put up with abuse that targets our sexuality, character, or ability to do our jobs," Greenwich said. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

"This is terrible": Woman halts TV interview until her name is pronounced correctly

Former editor and commentator Dawn Neesom was put on blast by Shola Mos-Shogbamimu for mispronouncing her name on TV. The exchange happened on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show where Ms Neesom was presenting as a host. Dr Shola appeared on the panel to talk about stories and current issues. When the introductions began, there was an error which was quickly highlighted. Dawn said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joined by lawyer Dr Shola” but then struggled to pronounce her surname and asked her, “How do I pronounce your name Shola?” The lawyer replied, “'Read it my darling, read it.” Dawn made another attempt but appeared to have mispronounced it again. Dr Shola, appearing amused, said, “This is terrible, especially from a presenter.” Dawn was then instructed by her to pronounce it phonetically, saying “Shola Mos Shog Bam Imu.” Dr Shola responded, “Do it again.” Dawn went on to say “Oh come on, I got the Shola right” but Dr Shola said, "Do it again and do it phonetically.” When she again mispronounced it, Dr Shola said “You just missed the B try again” Dawn, proceeded to put her hand on her face said, “'Shola, Shola welcome to the show!” Dr Shola then told her, “No you will say my name and read it phonetically,” Dawn attempted to say her name again, this time nearly correct and Dr Shola said, “It's Shogbamimu but well done.” The exchange was posted online and both parties tweeted about it. Dawn explained, “The most fun with the best panel this morning. That's what three hours sleep does for you.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The most fun with the best panel this morning <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyVineOn5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeremyVineOn5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Extra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Extra</a> 😂 That's what three hours sleep does for you🤪 Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/thecarolemalone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecarolemalone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SholaMos1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SholaMos1</a> for being such great sports & to all the excellent callers today 🙏 Back from more fun & games live tomorrow 9.15 sharp. The… <a href="https://t.co/dSVUvBrN3H">https://t.co/dSVUvBrN3H</a> — Dawn Neesom (@DawnNeesom) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawnNeesom/status/1656286485547737088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote> Dr Shola retweeted the video but added no comment. The lawyer, who recently wrote an anti-racism book called This Is Why I Resist, spoke about Meghan Markle’s decision to not attend the coronation. Speaking to GMD, she said, “I think Meghan's decision to say no to the most powerful family in Britain and to say no to the most talked about party in town is both admirable and inspiring. “What Meghan is doing is exercising the power of no that comes from a place of self-worth, growth, maturity and self preservation.” When asked if it was because Meghan “didn’t feel welcome” in the UK, she responded “I don't think that's the case here. "I think that any wife out there that has bad in-laws like Meghan has with the Royal Family can deduce that she has drawn a line in the sand. She is saying I will attend royal events, but on my own terms. “But what is more powerful is that Meghan is telling the whole world that I am rejecting any notion that because I married into the Royal Family I should be bait for toxicity, rage and abuse. “She is saying to society as a whole: you don't get to tell me who I should be as a woman, as a mother and as a wife." Image credit: Instagram

Mark Latham under fire over "disgusting" homophobic tweet

Mark Latham has been condemned by both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and One Nation senator Pauline Hanson for a "disgusting" homophobic tweet. The One Nation NSW leader took aim at independent MP Alex Greenwich, an openly gay man, who was discussing the recent violent protest at St Michael's Church in Sydney's west which saw members of the LGBTQIA+ community be attacked by religious extremists. More than a dozen LGBTQIA+ protesters were ambushed by hundreds of men outside an event at the church where Mr Latham spoke about parental rights and religious freedom. In an article Mr Greenwich called Mr Latham a "disgusting human being" who risks causing a "great deal of damage to our state". Latham was quick to respond on Twitter, saying "That's disgusting?" What about..." followed by a graphic and homophobic comment that OverSixty has chosen not to publish. Mr Greenwich said he didn't want to directly respond to the now-deleted tweet. "I understand this tweet has been taken down, and I don't intend to engage with the matter further," he said in a statement. "My focus in the parliament will be working with the majority of members who support the LGBTQ community to progress important reforms." One Nation founder and leader Pauline Hanson said she and her party associates did not condone the remarks and she has asked Mr Latham to apologise publicly. "I think (the comments) are disgusting," she said in a video on Facebook. "I've actually tried to ring Mark a couple of times to no avail and I have clearly sent a text message to him telling him my views." Anthony Albanese also condemned Latham's comments, telling 10 News "hateful speech" is never warranted and added nothing to public disclosure. "I am concerned that with social media we seem to have a circumstance whereby people would say things through various applications they'd never say to someone face to face and we know that can be very hurtful and it can have drastic consequences." Image credits: Getty Images

News

Mark Latham's cryptic reason for splitting from his wife

Mark Latham has shared the "unique circumstances" that have led to the demise of his second marriage. The One Nation MP announced he has split form his wife Janine Lacy, with whom he shares two sons, in a cryptic Facebook post. “In 2000 I married Janine and I thank her for the happy and loving years we shared together,” he said. “But now it has ended (in rather unique circumstances).” "My priority now is my love for and dedication to the best interests of my children." “And moving on with my life and continued public service, particularly the forthcoming NSW election." “I also wish Janine well. I will not be making any media comment on this matter.” Mr Latham did not elaborate on what the "unique" aspects of his marriage breakdown included, as he thanked people for their support in the comments of the post. One commenter said, "Circumstances happen for a reason which may not be clear at this moment in your life." "Stay strong, focused and amicable through this tough time." Fellow MP, Victorian Bernie Finn, kept things simple, saying, "All the best, Mark. Been there, done that. It's not easy." In response, Mr Latham said, “It’s really nice that people care this way.” “Please don’t worry, I’m fine and heading into Macquarie Street for the parliamentary week ahead.” Janine, who is a magistrate in the NSW local court, had previously thanked her husband for his support as she pursued her demanding career, as Mark spent time at home caring for his sons when they were younger. “Mark has always been an extraordinary supporter of my endeavours and my career,” she said. Janine Lacy was Mr Latham's second wife, after he married his first wife, Gabrielle Gwyther, in 1991 before they separated in 1997. Image credits: Getty Images

Relationships

High school under fire for same sex kiss

A high school has come under fire for it’s same sex kiss during a Shakespeare rendition of Romeo and Juliet. The “SHEkspeare” play included two female leads playing the roles of Romeo and Juliet at Campbelltown Performing Arts High in Sydney’s south west. The performance included a passionate kiss between the female Romeo and Juliet which sparked a barrage of complaints from parents to NSW MP Mark Latham. Mr Latham raised the issue in parliament where he criticised the fact that parents were not informed of the kiss beforehand. “There’s [a] passionate kissing scene going on stage,” he began, <a href="https://qnews.com.au/lesbian-kiss-in-a-sydney-school-play-has-mark-latham-in-a-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QNews</a> reported. “Some of the boys yelled out, others were distressed, some of the girls were upset. “The parents are very upset with the note that went out where there was no mention of this. The kids came home saying there were two women kissing.” “It’s inappropriate, this shouldn’t happen in front of 13 and 14-year-olds unless you have parental permission, some of these kids haven’t even hit adolescence.” “There are Christian, Hindu, Muslim and socially conservative parents in the Campbelltown community who have a different view and were not given the option to opt-out.” Education Minister Sarah Mitchell agreed with Mr Latham that the kiss was “controversial” but fit in with the script. “The exchange of affection by actors during the play was considered appropriate to the script,” she said. “[Permission was sought and] consistent with the Department of Education’s Controversial Issues in Schools policy.” Adam O’Brien, Artistic Director of The Dire Theatre Company said it should be expected that the two characters would appear affectionate in the play. Images: Getty/Facebook

Relationships

Mark Latham takes swipe at Lisa Wilkinson

NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham took multiple swipes at journalist Lisa Wilkinson in NSW Parliament on Wednesday, claiming she’s “always been about the money” and couldn’t leave Western Sydney “fast enough”. Speaking under parliamentary privilege, Latham claimed Wilkinson was “reinventing herself as a victim of the gender pay gap at Channel 9”. He was referring to Wilkinson’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/today-was-your-last-day-lisa-wilkinson-reveals-brutal-dismissal" target="_blank">recently released memoir</a> It Wasn’t Meant To Be Like This, in which she talks about her abrupt exit from Channel 9 in 2017. In her memoir, she revealed that she was sacked over the phone while shopping at Woolworths. Latham said that one of Wilkinson’s old classmates had contacted him to say that it had “always been about the money” with her. Latham alleged that he said, “We went to Campbelltown High together and she couldn’t get out of here fast enough. She’s always been as tight as all get out, it’s always about the money and the victimhood.” Latham went on this tirade during the Private Members’ Statements part of the day, where sitting MPs can make statements on “matters that concern their electorates or are of local significance”. He accused Wilkinson of having a “PhD in victimology” and said that she had “played the victim card” while promoting her book. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWAFrPcFped/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWAFrPcFped/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lisa Wilkinson (@lisa_wilkinson)</a> </div> </blockquote> Latham claimed that his comments about Wilkinson related to a discussion about the gender pay gap, despite not discussing the gender pay gap at any other point during his speech. In her memoir, Wilkinson claimed that her Today co-host Karl Stefanovic was offered a five-year deal with Nine worth at least $2 million per year, while she was being offered around $780,000, and her deal was only for two years. She said that the pay disparity was “so off the charts that no-one would have believed it.” Latham also criticised Wilkinson for crying about her “first world problems” while “posting a picture from her Mosman mansion, with smudged mascara, feigning distress, while also carefully – in a classic product placement – posing with copies of Mr Wilkinson’s ghostwritten books in front of her.” ‘Mr Wilkinson’ refers to Wilkinson’s husband, writer Peter FitzSimons, who is one of Australia’s most prolific non-fiction writers. Latham also took aim at Wilkinson’s work as editor of Dolly and Cleo magazines, saying, “there’s never any mention of the plight of migrant women or poorly-paid factory jobs or sweatshops, there’s never any mention of the Indigenous women having the life beaten out of them in country NSW hellholes. “If this is feminism then God help the women of the world.” Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images, Don Arnold/WireImage

Dieter Brummer's mum opens up about her tragic loss

Dawn Brummer, is living through a difficult time since losing her son to suicide two weeks ago. But, she admits, she is finding comfort in reading all the stories about him. "I'm reading all the stories about him and I'm finding them so beautiful," Dawn, 84, tells 9Honey. "I feel happy to have read them, because there are such wonderful things being said about him." Dieter died aged 45 and news of his death was sent all around the world and particularly here in Australia, where he was born and became famous playing Shane Parrish on Home and Away from the age of 16. Dawn has said: "He was a very humble person. I think you've probably read about his life, about how he loved abseiling because he felt he didn't have to deal with people recognising him all the time." Dieter grew up with his mum in The Hills district in Sydney's north-west. Dawn remembers trying to pick her son up from the local shopping centre after he started appearing on the popular Australian show. "I couldn't see him,” says Dawn. “But I could see about 20 girls in a group outside the shops and I thought, 'That's where he is,'" she remembers. Dieter learnt to deal with being famous He became so well-known he wasn’t able to go to a restaurant without people coming up to him. It would have been a lot of attention for a teenager to have thrust on him. He dealt with the fame but later, he struggled to find steady acting work, as many Australian actors do. After appearing on Home and Away from 1992 until 1996, for which he was nominated for a Gold and Silver Logie Award, he went on to star in a number of other shows throughout the nineties. In the 2000s he joined the cast of Underbelly, Neighbours and Winners & Losers. But due to the irregular nature of acting jobs, Dieter trained as an industrial rope access technician and started his own business which saw him abseiling between high-rise buildings in the city. Dawn says he loved it. Dieter’s father died four years ago and Dieter moved back to the family's Glenhaven home. It proved to be a perfect escape from what was proving to be a difficult time for him, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and work for his business dried up. "I think people with depression don't talk about it, it's just their little secret," Dawn says. "We're just assuming that's what he suffered, and he made an awful mistake." Since news of Dieter’s death has been in the media, Dawn has been contacted by "hundreds" of his fans, sharing their condolences. Dawn hopes other realise suicide is not an answer Dawn says she hopes people will learn from the tragedy of Dieter’s death and realise that suicide is not an answer: "Maybe some of those people who are grieving for him will think about the hole they would leave behind," she adds. "He ended his pain, but the rest of the world who 'knew' him are now in pain. If one person is contemplating suicide just a little, maybe now they will think about how it will affect their mum, their brothers and sisters, partner and friends and the wider range of people who know them." Dawn has been writing her thoughts down since her son's death as a form of "therapy", hoping they will eventually form part of a book and perhaps save even more lives. "In the book, I draw an analogy that his death is like a stone being thrown into a pond and ripples are getting wider and wider and the effects are never ending," she says. "I have friends whose children have taken their own lives. One friend said to me it happened 20 years ago and they are still not over it." Dieter “seemed so happy” Shortly before his death, Dawn says Dieter "seemed so happy". "An old mate had given him a job, which he had just started. He was so excited,” said Dawn. “That was only a couple of days before we were locked down. It was hard to look to the future. Initially we were told it was for two weeks, and then four weeks, and then six weeks." Dawn is at a loss as to the exact circumstances of her son's death. "I said to someone today he made a mistake he couldn't undo," she said. Dieter has since been laid to rest. Dawn says on the day of her son's funeral, Lifeline reported the highest number of calls they’d received in 58 years, a sure sign of just how much some Australians are struggling now. "Maybe sharing my story might help one person or two people," she hopes. The funeral was difficult due to current restrictions which state there can only be 10 attendees at funerals in NSW now. "We had to pick and choose and there were so many who wanted to attend," Dawn says. "His friends were not celebrities." In memory of her son and to help others who may be suffering from depression, Dawn has set up a <a href="https://au.gofundme.com/f/dieter-brummer-for-beyond-blue?qid=2ec87b78cc8f9006a4394eea64e9924c">GoFundMe page to raise money for Beyond Blue</a>. "I haven't got a specific figure in mind," she explains. "I'm just thinking that if there can be a positive out of such a huge negative, maybe this is it.". If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline on 13 11 14</a> or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636</a>. Image: Getty Images

Caring

Willy Wonka star reveals Gene Wilder’s “favourite brat”

A child star who had the opportunity to work alongside the infamous Gene Wilder has spoken out on the experience, 50 years since its first premier date. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hit movie screens 50 years ago on June 30, 1971 and achieved rapid success almost overnight. The film went on to become a phenomenon that was registered in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”. The child actors Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Michael Bollner, Paris Themmen and Denise Nickerson – who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee and Violet Beauregarde – all came together for a virtual reunion in honour of the film’s anniversary. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842239/willy-wonka.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b9da36eca8c24fbeb170655d6cf92150" /> Image: Yahoo The actors all had the opportunity to co-star together, and even got to explore the imagined Wonka Chocolate Factory. The cast recounted such fond memories of exploring the film sets in Bavarian Germany and working with Gene Wilder. Themmen admitted that he was indeed a “notorious troublemaker on the set.” So much so that even Wilder called him “a handful”. “I can corroborate that,” the actor, who played the television-obsessed rascal Mike Teavee, admitted. “I was younger than the others. I was 11, they were 13 and was naturally just sort of more high-spirited and rambunctious.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842237/willy-wonka-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a8d501bcedd64f7b97dd573169a7717a" /> Image: Yahoo The now-62-year-old opened up about one brief moment he shared with Wilder, in 1976 during a fundraiser screening for the film Silver Streak at the Avon Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut. “I sat at the back of the room and he gave his commentary and then I went up to the front of the room afterwards with my poster in hand,” Themmen relived with a smile. “I said, ‘Hi, Gene, how you doing? I’m Paris Themmen, I was Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka.” “And he said, ‘Oh you were a brat!’ And I flashed all the way back 50 years, or 40 years at that time, and said, ‘Well, I’m 50-something now and maybe not as much of a brat.’ And he signed my poster, ‘To my favourite brat.’” Wilder died in 2016 at the age of 83 after a long vibrant career. Cole, who played Veruca Salt, said: “I think people kind of want us to tell you that he was like Willy Wonka offset, but he wasn’t. “He was such a lovely, kind man, very unassuming,” she said. “He was just down to earth, not pretentious, he was just a wonderful person to be around and to work with,” said Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket.

Movies

"Try not to think about it": Dawn Fraser reveals horrific family tragedy

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Olympic swimming legend Dawn Fraser has revealed the worst day of her life, saying that she was behind the wheel when her mother was killed in a car accident. The 83-year-old four-time Olympic gold medallist told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dawn-fraser-from-olympic-hero-to-personal-tragedy/news-story/6c7e964f26e96dc5dba23b8d947ee286" target="_blank">The Courier Mail</a> about the secret she'd kept inside for decades. "I burst out that I was driving the car that killed my mother," Fraser explained, saying that the incident happened at a training camp in South Australia in 2019. "Everyone burst into tears and I cried with them. "It got me over some sort of hurdle. I'd just locked it up inside of me." The accident happened in 1964 when Fraser was 26. In the accident, Fraser suffered from fractured vertebrae and torn ligaments in her knees, but her mother was pronounced dead at the hospital. She also opened up about surviving two separate sexual assault incidents in her 20s. "That was one of the most horrific times of my life," she said. "So horrific I put it in the back of my mind and try not to think about it… It's in the past and I don't live in the past." Fraser is often regarded as Australia's greatest Olympic athletes as she's won four gold medals and four silver medals in the games. She's also won seven gold medals and a silver at the Commonwealth Games. </div> </div> </div>

News

"Outrageous": Karl Stefanovic slams cancellation of ANZAC dawn services

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Today hosts Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic have slammed the South Australian government for cancelling the three largest ANZAC Day dawn services in the state. The dawn services at Semaphore, Morphett Vale and Brighton have been cancelled due to organisers being unable to meet COVID-19 safe requirements. Semaphore and Port Adelaide RSL explained on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/SemaphorePortAdelaideRSL/posts/3679372282161347" target="_blank">their Facebook page</a> that "the logistics of managing a huge crowd and complying with a COVID Management Plan are immensely problematic, given that we cannot control entry and exit to the site." Langdon slammed the decision, saying it was "outrageous". "We're seeing three ANZAC Day services cancelled because they can't afford the COVID-safe plans," she said. "We are saying how outrageous it is after we saw yesterday for them not to go ahead this year. "Between the RSL and State Government, they need to fix it." Stefanovic wasn't too happy with the decision either. "As far as I'm concerned it's the most important day on the Australian calendar," he said. "They had the Adelaide Fringe Festival for goodness sake, we can't have Dawn Services, ceremonies, marches in Adelaide honouring our diggers. "It defies belief." The South Australian government has not replied to the claims. </div> </div> </div>

News

Dawn Fraser’s home could earn her more than when she was an Olympian

Aussie swimming legend Dawn Fraser could earn more on the sale of her Sunshine Coast investment property than she did throughout the entirety of her athletic career. The 83-year-old has listed her darling Noosa Heads home more than two decades after she bought it for $345,000. Fraser is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers and strongest Olympian and is hoping to fetch $1 million for her four-bedroom, three-bathroom investment property. The charming home sits on a 599 sqm block and overlooks the pool and a park across the street. Sam Plummer of Noosa Estate Agents sold the property to Fraser back in 2001 and now has the property under her arm again. The agent says the Noosa market was “unprecedented.” “It’s a market nobody, I believe, has seen before here,” she said. “I’ve never seen this in my time, in 20 years.” She is currently renting out the property for $600 a week, but the lease is due to expire in October. Ms Plummer said no improvements had been made on the property since Fraser first bought it, but still it has gained attractive offers. “It’s a great time to sell and to capitalise on this current market,” Ms Plummer said. “It’s attracting a fair bit of attention. We’re looking at offers in excess of $1 million. “We’re selling it as a home to either renovate and live in yourself, or you may want to knock it down and build your dream home.”

Real Estate

Mark Latham slams childcare centre for promoting gender fluidity

A Sydney childcare centre promoting gender fluidity to three-year-olds - with storybooks such as "Julian is a Mermaid" and "Pink is For Boys" - has blamed new diversity rules imposed this year by the NSW Children’s Guardian for its non-binary lessons. One Nation MP Mark Latham called the lessons “ridiculous” and said sexual fluidity was totally inappropriate for kids of such a young age. One furious family removed their three-year-old son from the Only About Children, Warriewood West centre in Sydney's north after finding out they're pushing gender fluidity earlier this month. “Our three-year-old son is still learning to talk, use the toilet and, like most kids, struggles with big emotions and just needs love,” the child’s father said. “We were in complete shock they did this. “Childcare should be providing and concerning themselves with the essentials of our child’s wellbeing and not planting thoughts into our precious little ones that are irrelevant and inappropriate to his learning at this stage.” The childcare centre let parents know through an app that its "book of the month" was a mermaid book about "a boy who desires to be a girl". It said the book was being used to "introduce the topic of gender diversity" to the children, and as it was book of the month, it would be read to the preschoolers ever day for four weeks. The second book about the colour pink was described by the centre as rethinking and reframing the “stereotypical blue/pink gender binary”. It added that it was a “lovely opportunity to learn more about identity, gender stereotyping, colours, acceptance, inclusion and diversity”. The father said: “We weren’t asked if we agreed to these gender theories, he’s just a small kid. It’s over the top.” The family spoke to Mr Latham, who contacted the centre and was told that they were following new rules set by the NSW Children's Guardian "“to ensure that child safety is embedded across all levels of the organisation”. “For this quarter we are focusing on children’s diverse circumstances and inclusion of all children and their families.” Mr Latham believes the new guidelines was "completely bizarre". “Many people myself included, regard reading these books as a form of child abuse, completely inappropriate, age inappropriate material for three and four year olds. “It’s outrageous the childcare network is doing this and it’s incompetent that they try to legitimise it by referring to the Children’s Guardian material. It’s simply appalling.” Asked whether their guidelines are meant to be interpreted as teaching gender fluidity, the office of the NSW Children’s Guardian did not directly answer. “My office produces resources to support organisations to implement the standards, including the Guide to the Child Safe Standards, which will help organisations better understand the standards and how to apply them in their context,” NSW Children’s Guardian Janet Schorer said. The childcare centre issued a statement, explaining why the interpreted the NSW Children's Guardian advice the way they did, saying: “In this instance, the reading material was included in recommendations from Early Childhood Australia (ECA) to support each child’s individuality and the inclusion of all children and their families.”

News

Shock jock Alan Jones donates $10,000 to One Nation

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> One Nation have been on the receiving end of a very generous donation thanks to veteran Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones. Mr Jones confirmed to the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-11/alan-jones-donates-10000-dollars-to-one-nation/10890034">ABC</a> that he made a contribution of $10,000 to the party, saying he was “supporting a mate” referring to One Nation’s New South Wales leader Mark Latham. A thrilled Latham said the donation was a “very strong endorsement of the One Nation’s policy approach”. “We are indeed very happy that someone of Alan Jones’ standing and experience in public policy in Australia is supporting us,” he said. “Alan’s backing our policies, particularly cutting immigration and ending overdevelopment in Sydney.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center " data-lang="en"> No one in Aust media has a bigger, thoroughly researched interest in public policy debate than Alan Jones. My campaign is honoured to have received his donation support and I aim not to let him and other supporters down as I pursue our policy agenda in NSW Parliament, if elected. — Real Mark Latham (@RealMarkLatham) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMarkLatham/status/1104888666911006720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> It is predicted that Latham will be elected to the state’s Upper House following the March 23 election. Jones and Latham have held a close relationship with each other for a number of years, with the radio host appearing at many Liberal Party fundraisers in the past. They sealed their friendship last year when they released a cookbook titled Conversations in the Kitchen: Good Food, Great Friends, which asked readers to “share in their world of good food, their friendship and their views”. Jones provided the generous donation in instalments of $5000 – with one contribution under his name and the other under his company Belford Productions. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Pauline Hanson and Mark Latham leave 60 Minutes viewers cringing: "I'm sick of it"

The country was divided when Mark Latham joined forced with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party in November, with many wondering how long the odd pairing would last. Now, four months later the two are seen sharing a laugh and delivering high praise for one another, making those who doubt the unlikely duo cringe at the sight. Critics believe the two are putting on a façade, and the entire partnership will turn ugly sooner rather than later. According to them, One Nation doesn’t have room for the former Labor Party and former Liberal Democrat Party maverick. But despite the naysayers, the pair put on a jolly display for their 60 Minutes appearance on Sunday night, shutting down the noise as they claimed to be as united as ever. Senator Hanson made a point of not backing down due to a “precious few” wanting them to change their ideologies. “It’s not gonna happen,” she told 60 Minutes. “Everyone wants to have a go at us because we’re prepared to stand up and speak up for ourselves on policy, and what’s happening in this country. “But you try to pull us down for whatever little reason … I’m sick of it. I’m over it. Let the people judge us, and they’ll have their say at the ballot box.” It was at that moment that presenter Liz Hayes interjected, telling them: “You know that the view is that you two cannot last?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en"> Politics’ odd couple is certainly a surprising union. But <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineHansonOz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulineHansonOz</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMarkLatham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealMarkLatham</a> say they bring different skills to the table and want to improve the politics they say the public is fed up with. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a> <a href="https://t.co/7EoRsjDmPI">pic.twitter.com/7EoRsjDmPI</a> — 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1104691601870249990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> “Well you know, what I find curious is the focus on us,” said Lathom. “I suppose that is because we’re outspoken, we try to speak the truth, and we say things that the lefties in particular don’t like, and we cop all the outrage. The others … “Because they see us as a threat, Mark,” Hanson cut in. “That’s what it is. They see us as a threat and it’s all wishful thinking that they want to see us not work together and it’ll sort of finish.” But their critics were not one to back down, as many showed support behind the notion that their “marriage” wouldn’t last long, and were frustrated that their Sunday night viewing was interrupted by the controversial duo. Though, not everyone was up in arms, as some said that the pair were “made for each other”. “Watching #SBS the brilliant program Dr Jane Goodall-my life with chimpanzees. Tempted to switch to #60Mins to see Hanson and Latham but preferred to stay with intelligent life instead,” wrote one witty Aussie on Twitter. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en"> There’s milk in my fridge that’ll last longer than this Hanson/Latham ‘marriage ‘.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60mins</a> — Former Legend (@Former_legend) <a href="https://twitter.com/Former_legend/status/1104691512888049664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60mins</a> lost me today, having these 2 pelicans on, no self respect — samuel abbs (@abbs_man) <a href="https://twitter.com/abbs_man/status/1104690285118799872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en"> so many wonderful Australians you can interview and you guys talk to these two buffoons <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60mins</a> — Anna (@spannaforce) <a href="https://twitter.com/spannaforce/status/1104689630287282177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> Latham stood by what he wrote about Hanson before he joined the One Nation Party: “The Hanson persona is a perfect match for the One Nation constituency, resentful, distrustful, and overwhelmingly negative.” He excused himself by saying the harsh words were due to being a member of the Labor Party at the time with Hanson defending the 58-year-old, saying it was from 18 years ago. According to Hanson, she saw Latham’s potential when she was first elected in 1996. “I always imagined Mark to be a future Prime Minister,” she said. But while the two gushed about each other’s body of work, there was one issue they admit to butt heads over – banning the burqa. “He doesn’t agree with banning it completely in communities or on streets and that type of things, but we have talked about it and compromised,” said Hanson. “If they wear it in their own mosque, if they wanna wear it in their own home, Mark didn’t believe that was a real problem. I, you know, think that to wear the full burqa, the full covering, especially getting your driver’s licence or driving a car is not feasible. It’s unworkable. Where it does impact on society is in banks, in government buildings, in schools, in hospitals and these type of things.” And to prove her point, Hanson infamously wore a burqa into the Senate in 2017. “The main thing is Pauline whipped it off quickly and that’s what everyone should do,” said Latham. “Whip it off quickly and get rid of it.” Did you watch 60 Minutes last night? What did you think of the unconventional duo? Let us know in the comments below.

News

A ditty on the sad lament of the plastic bag

Over60 community writer Dawn Latham shares a little ditty she wrote about the demise of the humble shopping plastic bag. Sad Lament of the Plastic Bag I was introduced proud and plastic A carry bag so convenient, bloody fantastic Quickly accepted into the Aussie household Reusable in many ways, wow, behold From rubbish liners to travel packing Lunch holders, toy carriers, nothing lacking And so they started to breed, seized upon Symbolic, simplistic, a true Aussie icon Stashed away, always there Reliable, dependent, not a care But its demise was sadly looming Environmentalists growing, booming These bags are not biodegradable Choking our waterways, unfathomable Maiming and killing our wildlife Cor blimey, we're in strife Rethink, replace, it’s not too late No more plastic bags for shopping, set the date Aussies rallied, most in agreeance, ambient Some annoyed, it’s bloody inconvenient The plastic bag, once adored, now our past Disappearing from cupboards everywhere, very fast Replaced by material more acceptable for our planet We will remember, REST IN PEACE, AMEN, DAMN IT!

Books

Council slammed after issuing hundreds of parking fines during ANZAC Day dawn service

A city council has withdrawn hundreds of parking fines that were issued to ANZAC day service attendees after receiving backlash. Western Australia deputy Premier Roger Cook asked the City of Perth to reconsider the $200 fines that were given to drivers at Kings Park on Wednesday morning, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-25/city-of-perth-cops-anzac-day-dawn-service-parking-ticket-rage/9696338" target="_blank">ABC News</a> reported. 75-year-old Alan Nelson and his 86-year-old wife, who uses a wheelchair, were horrified to find a parking fine when they returned to their parked car on Ord Street after the service. RSLWA president Peter Aspinall said issuing the tickets was unacceptable behaviour. “The parking opportunities around Kings Park were obviously quite difficult and to think at four o'clock in the morning people are going to be penalised, on such a day, quite frankly I think is disgraceful,” he said. Brendan Fisher has visited the dawn service at Kings Park for six years, but it was only this year that he saw “no parking” signs up. “There's not much I can do as I'm in the wrong, but it's pathetic to target people paying their respect to the Anzacs,” he said. The City of Perth said in a statement that parking inspectors used discretion when giving out infringements. “Given recent world events and Anzac Day being a mass public gathering event, security is a top priority,” the statement said. Western Australia opposition leader Mike Nahan said the profits from the fines should be donated to the RSL. Outraged attendees expressed their disappointment on Twitter. “It's Anzac Day and drivers who attended Kings Park Perth Dawn Service came back to their cars and [found] $200 fines levied,” one person posted. “Questions will be asked I'm sure. Greed reigns supreme.” The City of Perth has since withdrawn the fines issued at the dawn service at Kings Parks. “The City has liaised with event organiser RSLWA to ensure traffic management plans are clearer for residents and visitors attending future Anzac Day events in the city,” they said in a statement. “It is important to note several thousand motorists were not fined for illegal parking on verges and footpaths and only those in the exclusion zones were fined as matter of safety given the traffic management plans. “However given the circumstances fines issued will not be enforced.”

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