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West Side Story returns to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

Get ready to snap your fingers, tap your toes and experience the magic of Broadway in Sydney as Opera Australia presents the electrifying musical extravaganza West Side Story – making its triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024. The 2019 production of West Side Story, if you were fortunate enough to grab seats, was an absolute smash hit. With record-breaking ticket sales and rave reviews, it's no wonder this show stole the hearts of over 65,000 theatre and musical buffs. Directed by the incomparable Francesca Zambello, West Side Story promises to once again whisk audiences away to the bustling streets of New York City, complete with iconic songs, heart-pounding dance numbers, and enough drama to fill the harbour twice over. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece will once again take centre stage, accompanied by Jerome Robbins' legendary choreography – and this year, we were fortunate enough to be able to pose a few pre-performance questions to none other than Guy Simpson, the show’s musical director, and the all-singing, all-dancing Wayne Scott Kermond, who is playing “Doc” onstage. Let’s raise the curtain and see what they have to say! <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Guy-Simpson.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Guy Simpson Guy Simpson, a seasoned musical director with nearly 45 years of experience, boasts an illustrious career spanning global productions. Notably, his involvement with iconic shows like Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera has taken him across continents, from Australia to Asia and beyond. Simpson's extensive repertoire includes serving as Musical Supervisor and Director for Opera Australia's acclaimed productions such as Evita, My Fair Lady, and of course West Side Story. Additionally, his contributions as an orchestrator and producer of cast recordings further solidify his stature in the musical theatre realm. With credits ranging from beloved classics like Les Misérables to contemporary hits like Muriel's Wedding, Simpson's versatile talent continues to enrich the world of musical theatre on an international scale. OverSixty: What memories do you have of your first time working on West Side Story – when was it and what was the experience like? Guy: “I was a rehearsal pianist for the 1983 production of West Side Story. The conductor was Dobbs Franks, who came from the US to conduct the first production of the show in 1960. So I was lucky to learn the show from him. I wasn’t in the orchestra and had tickets to watch opening night but during the afternoon of that day I received a call to play in the orchestra that night because the pianist was unwell. I’ll never forget that! Since then I have conducted three seasons of the show and learn more and more about it each time.” OverSixty: What were Bernstein’s influences and what impact did Bernstein’s score have when the musical first premiered? And why do you think it remains so recognised today? Guy: “Bernstein was influenced by many things. There is an <a href="https://www.wrti.org/arts-desk/2018-08-23/the-surprising-backstory-to-west-side-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excellent article by Debra Lew Harder</a> that outlines these influences. I love the combination of Jewish themes, Puerto Rican rhythm, Mexican dance music and of course American jazz. His classical roots also come in here – especially the music of Aaron Copland and George Gershwin. The genius is Bernstein's ability to blend all this into a score that tells the story so brilliantly." OverSixty: What’s your favourite moment in the music that audiences might not always notice but could listen out for? Guy: I like what is known as ‘THE BALCONY SCENE’. Most people will know it as the iconic love duet ‘TONIGHT’. In the show this scene moves between spoken dialogue (with underscoring), into the song and back into dialogue in a wonderfully cohesive way. It is so well crafted and is quite a challenge for the conductor to fit the music with the dialogue in a seamless way. I also love the scene in the bridal shop that includes the song ‘ONE HAND ONE HEART’. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Wayne-Scott-Kermond-as-Doc.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Wayne Scott Kermond Wayne Scott Kermond, hailing from a rich lineage of Australian Vaudeville performers, epitomises the essence of musical theatre, comedy and cabaret. With a repertoire spanning from Anything Goes to Hairspray, including acclaimed performances in several productions of West Side Story, Kermond's versatility shines through. Additionally, he's showcased his creative prowess as the creator and star of captivating cabaret shows such as Candy Man and Jive Junkys. Beyond the stage, Kermond's talents extend to film, where he's contributed to projects like Happy Feet 1 & 2, and as a respected scriptwriter and director for various musicals, cabarets and corporate events. With accolades including a Green Room Award and Mo Award, alongside nominations for Helpmann Awards, Kermond's exceptional abilities and esteemed showbiz heritage solidify his status as an extraordinary Australian talent. OverSixty: You and Guy first worked on this musical 40 years ago, how does it feel to be coming back together on the Handa Opera version? Wayne: “I first performed in West Side Story at the old Her Majesty’s Theatre (Sydney), 40 years ago playing the youngest member of the Jets gang, ‘Baby John’, and then again in another fabulous production touring Australia / New Zealand in the mid-nineties playing Arab. And so it was lovely to be reminded by Guy on the first day of rehearsals for this season how special it is to us both, here we are, doing it again, just a little greyer." “We shared a few laughs about ‘where did that time go?’, and how ‘young’ we still look after all these years. It’s so great to work with Guy again, I think the last show we did together was Chicago, back in the late nineties. So with Guy's huge amount of expertise and experience at the helm as our Musical Director the show is in great hands. Wait till you hear the amazing Orchestra.” OverSixty: What about this musical’s story, lyrics, etc resonate with you and why do you think it keeps being seen on stage? Can it appeal to all ages? Wayne: “West Side Story is as iconic to music theatre as Swan Lake is to ballet. All great musicals such as West Side have to have a great love story; West Side certainly has that. And to add to that, also an incredible score, dynamic original choreography and a beautifully written book makes it a triple threat. That's why it stands the test of time – it's an inter-generational piece, whose story and message still stands today, which is the reason why I’m now getting the opportunity to play an adult character ‘Doc’ in this OA production 40 years later, as it will be for another artist, in another 40 years' time.” OverSixty: What’s your favourite moment in the show and why? Wayne: It is very difficult to say there is a favourite moment as there are so many. The whole journey of the show is something everyone who loves theatre should experience. The Prologue, Dance at the Gym, America, Cool, Tonight, Something's Comin, and not forgetting the Quintet powerhouse... Every part of this show is special, whether you're seeing the show for the first time or for the tenth time, it’s exhilarating, poignant and moving." “It’s especially wonderful for me to have been given the opportunity to revisit the show, after all these years later as a performer. And it’s very exciting to watch another generation of performers being given the opportunity to experience such an exceptional piece of theatre.” So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders, because Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is about to serve up a theatrical experience like no other. With world-class performances, breathtaking views of the harbour, and enough fireworks to make New Year's Eve jealous, this is one event you won't want to miss. So grab your tickets, grab your friends, and get ready to experience the magic of West Side Story like never before. See you at the opera! For more information and ticket sales, check out <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/west-side-story-on-sydney-harbour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opera.org.au/harbour</a> All images: Supplied

Domestic Travel

Dad cops furious note from "egotistical Karen" for parking in parent's bay

A Perth dad has been left hurt after he was targeted by an "egotistical Karen" for parking in a parent's bay, while his wife was inside a shopping centre changing their seven-month-old baby. "Don't park here again, you selfish prick!" the note read. His wife took to Facebook on behalf of her hurt husband to question why someone would go out of their way to criticise him for parking in a space designated for parents. "My husband was putting a baby gate in the boot while I was in the forum changing our seven-month-old baby," she defended her partner, who parked at the Mandurah Forum. "He came back into the forum looking for me [and] when we returned, someone had put this note on our windscreen. "How about next time you be sure before insulting an innocent husband and father, you hero." The woman said that the note left her husband "hurt and almost feeling guilty" and she argued that he had every right to be there as a parent. Her post attracted over 300 interactions with many agreeing with the mum, and saying that the "Karen" should've gotten their facts straight before taking action. "There is no law for who can park in parents with prams spaces they are just convenience but anyone can park there and use," one man wrote. A few others shared the same sentiment and said that "it's not illegal to park in those bays" regardless of whether or not you have a baby. Some parents even shared their own experiences and why it is important to not judge someone based on looks alone. "This has happened to me also. I had a baby and a toddler and my husband took them inside the Mandurah forum while I unloaded our car," the person began. "A couple with a baby parked next to me and the man kept yelling at me that it was only for parents with prams, even though I told him I had young kids and a pram. But he didn't believe me and yelled loudly to move my car." One mum added that she doesn't see the need for parents with prams spaces altogether. "As a mum of just a five-year-old, I personally don’t see the need for parent spaces. They are not any bigger, just more convenient. Kids need exercise and prams have wheels, not hard to walk," she wrote. "I personally think they should be seniors bays instead, they are less mobile and struggle to walk long distances. Give them the spots." Images: Facebook

Legal

Woman bitten by shark in Sydney Harbour identified

A 29-year-old woman may lose her leg after being bitten by a bull shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour. On Monday night, Lauren O'Neill went for an evening swim near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay when she was attacked by the shark, screaming out to neighbours for help. Michael Porter told NCA NewsWire he had just gotten home from work when he heard the woman’s scream. “I saw Lauren climbing out of the Harbour on the ladder and she was sort of pulling herself up quite weakly, she didn’t have much strength and there was a whole pool of red blood in the Harbour,” Mr Porter said. “Her leg was limp.” An ambulance was called and transported Lauren to St Vincent's Hospital, where she remains with "serious injuries". While her condition is stable, the 29-year-old is facing the possibility of losing her leg. Marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/woman-bitten-in-sydney-harbour-shark-attack/news-story/c59017954729f2452efc7f26a8a3f0b1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> it was “highly likely” to be a bull shark that bit Ms O'Neill, and warned people against swimming in the harbour, particularly in low light. “Bull sharks know they can come into Sydney Harbour and score an opportunistic feed,” he said. “If they can’t see or the water is cloudy, these animals will bite just to determine what something is and whether it’s prey. Unfortunately, Sydney Harbour after dusk is simply not a safe place to swim.” Image credits: Instagram / Nine News

Caring

Inside Jamie Durie's new Byron Bay holiday getaway home

Once upon a time in the lush hinterlands of Byron Bay, where celebrities are as common as sunsets and vegan cafes, the notorious green-thumbed celebrity gardener Jamie Durie was up to some garden-variety mischief. He had just scored a sweet deal – a dairy farm called Akubra, situated about 22km southwest of Byron Bay. The price tag? A cool $3.6 million. The way he splurged on this deal, you'd think he was buying smashed avocado toast. The farm came with everything a celeb like Jamie could ask for – creek frontage to Byron Creek, a three-bedroom farmhouse nestled among mature trees, tropical plants, fruit trees, macadamia trees, and a bountiful vegetable garden. It even had a massive wood fireplace with a brick hearth, giving Jamie the perfect opportunity to toast marshmallows while he discussed the finer points of mulching. But it didn't stop there. Akubra was no ordinary farm; it was a place that could accommodate a menagerie that would make Old MacDonald blush. Up to 40 head of cattle? Sure! More than 300 sheep? Absolutely! And if that's not enough, bring on the chickens, llamas and goats. It was a veritable farm animal extravaganza. You could almost hear Jamie saying, "You get a llama, and you get a llama, and you get a llama!" There were six paddocks for all the creatures to frolic, and to top it all off, a five-hole golf course and a lagoon-style pool. Imagine Jamie mowing the grass while swinging a golf club – a true multitasking genius in the making. But there was one problem. You see, Jamie was also building a house in Avalon, costing a mere $2.75 million (pocket change for a celebrity gardener, of course). He had been dreaming about this project for six years, and this year, he had finally "broken ground". He was going for an energy-efficient, off-the-grid, state-of-the-art green home. This wasn't just any house; it was going to be so green that even Kermit would be envious. However, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/jamie-durie-under-fire-for-controversial-building-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the locals in Avalon weren't too thrilled</a> about his ambitious green dream. They opposed his plans with fervour, as if he wanted to build the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in their backyards. Jamie was bewildered. He even brought in experts, the Green Building Council of Australia, to vouch for his eco-cred. After all, the house he bought was more of a relic than a residence, having survived since the 1950s. "It is no longer fit for living," Jamie wrote, "and does not comply with current code requirements." And let's not even talk about the 70 years' worth of wild and woolly vegetation that had taken over. If Mother Nature had a say, she'd be like, "Yeah, Jamie, you've got some work to do here!" So, as Jamie Durie juggles his new holiday-escape-slash-dairy-farm in Byron Bay with his eco-friendly mansion project in Avalon, you can almost picture him in his gardening gloves, scratching his head, thinking, "Who knew that being a celebrity gardener could be so delightfully complicated?" Just another day in the life of this horticultural maestro, where buying a farm and building a green paradise are all in a day's work. Images: RealEstate.com.au / The Vine Foundation

Domestic Travel

Count Nikolai's Aussie birthday bash

Count Nikolai has embraced his 24th birthday with an Aussie-style celebration - a short getaway to Byron Beach and eating Vegemite. The Danish royal took to Instagram on Monday to share photos of his getaway with friends and girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup. "Birthday getaway at Byron Bay 🤙" he captioned the photo. In one photo, was pictured sitting outside with his friends while holding up a T-shirt with a map of Australia and pictures of Vegemite jars. The table was set with some muffins decorated with candles, fruits, and a Vegemite jar. Later that night, his girlfriend Thoustrup posted a photo of the Count enjoying dinner and a cocktail decorated with a sparkler. He also shared a few photos from Boomerang Point Reserve, which is one of the area's most popular surf beaches. Fans took to the comments to share their birthday wishes. "Happy birthday 👏" wrote one fan. "A heartfelt Happy Birthday! May this day be full of joy, smiles and happiness. May you fulfil all your dreams and may life bring you only great success," wrote another. "Happy birthday, your excellence ❤️" wrote a third. The Danish Royal family also shared their birthday wishes to the count on their Instagram, with a photo of the young royal smiling in a cafe. "His Excellency Count Nikolai has a birthday and is turning 24 today," they captioned the photo. They added that he was celebrating the special occasion in Australia after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/touchdown-count-nikolai-arrives-in-sydney-to-begin-studies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moving to Sydney</a> to study at the University of Technology in Sydney for a semester. The Count has been embracing Aussie culture, visiting a number of icons including the Sydney Tower Eye, going to an AFL match, and two of the Women's World Cup matches including the final. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

How to eat oysters like a pro

According to most etiquette rules, slurping your food (and eating with your hands) at the table is a big no-no. But when learning how to eat oysters, those established table manners can be thrown out the window. Whether you’re at a coastal seafood shack or a five-star restaurant, oysters demand to be eaten with your hands. And unlike other shellfish and crustaceans, oysters can (and should!) be eaten raw. Here’s how to eat those freshly shucked oysters the right way. What are oysters? Oysters are shellfish (bivalve mollusks, to be exact) that can be found in saltwater seas, estuaries and oceans around the world. Oyster shells are shucked (the method used to open the oyster to access the fresh meat inside), and they are popularly served raw on the half shell, but can also be battered and deep-fried, steamed, grilled or used in various seafood dishes, such as seafood pastas or chowder. The insides of oyster shells are lined with a shiny, iridescent layer called ‘nacre’, better known to most jewellery aficionados as mother of pearl (it’s what some oysters use to make pearls). However, it’s important to note that not all oysters do this, which is why naturally harvested pearls are exceedingly rare. How to eat oysters If you’ve never tried eating freshly shucked oysters before, you’re in for a real treat. They’re salty, briny and taste a bit like the ocean. Here’s how to eat oysters. Select your oysters Unless you live in a seaside town where you can buy fresh oysters straight from the source, your first raw oyster experience should be at a reputable restaurant or seafood bar. This will allow you to taste a variety of oysters so you can determine your preferences. Most restaurant waiters will tell you the region where your oysters were caught. Loosen the oyster from the shell First, use an oyster fork or another small utensil to gently lift the oyster from the shell, being careful not to spill any of the flavourful liquid. This ensures the oyster meat has been fully detached from its shell. If your oyster has been professionally shucked, it should lift right up. Dress your oysters (optional) Oysters don’t need any help being delicious, which is why many people love slurping them directly out of their shells the moment they’re shucked. If it’s your first time eating oysters, try them plain so you can fully appreciate what they taste like naked. Once you understand their flavour, you can feel free to dress an oyster on its shell with sauces, seasonings and toppings. Restaurants often present oysters on a bed of ice and with common accouterments, such as lemon wedges, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, mignonette and horseradish. Tilt and slurp Tilt the shell straight into your mouth, letting the oyster meat and liquor slide into your mouth, just like you were taking a shot of alcohol. Take a few moments to savour the flavour, chewing lightly if you care to – oysters are tender enough that they don’t require chewing and can be gulped down as is. Oyster FAQs What do oysters taste like? “The way an oyster tastes varies depending on species,” says Jasmine Norton, chef and owner of The Urban Oyster. “Some are more salty than others, depending on the region where they are sourced.” While every oyster has its own unique flavour profile reflective of the waters it’s grown in, they can all be described as briny with a light sweetness. Do you chew oysters? “Pending the preparation and size of the oyster, you can chew or swallow whole,” says Norton. “For example, I would chew a grilled oyster, but swallow a raw one. If I am chewing, my rule of thumb is no more than two chews.” Are oysters alive when you eat them? If you’re eating freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, the answer is yes. “Oysters should be eaten the day they are shucked, which means they are still alive. Alive means fresh,” says Norton. How do you prepare fresh oysters to eat? If you’re enjoying your oysters at home, you’ll need to shuck them yourself right before eating them. Shucking oysters requires special equipment and a good amount of skill – and it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. So, buy an oyster shucking set that includes an oyster knife and protective gloves, and be sure to watch an instructional video to learn precisely how to do it. Should you drain oysters before eating? “No, definitely not!” exclaims Norton. “This is where all the good salty flavour comes from.” If you’re cooking with oysters, reserve the oyster liquor and add it to your dish. If eating them raw, slurp the liquor along with the oyster meat. How do you know if an oyster is fresh? It’s easy to tell whether an oyster is fresh. “Oysters are very telling when they’re not fresh,” Norton says. “The smell radiates! When you know, you know.” Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/how-to-eat-oysters-like-a-pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Food & Wine

Hollywood A-listers quietly move to Australia

Hollywood couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie are the latest A-listers to make the move Down Under. The A-list couple kept their relocation under the radar, as they moved to the quiet coastal town of Byron Bay on the New South Wales north coast. The married couple, who are usually based in Los Angeles, now join the likes of Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso, and Zac Efron as the latest famous Byron Bay residents. Alison Brie, best known for her roles in TV series Community and GLOW, is in Australia filming her latest project, TV miniseries Apples Never Fall based on the best-selling novel by Australian author, Liane Moriarty, with her actor husband by her side. The actress’ Instagram page showcases plenty of moments of the couple’s happy new life in the popular coastal town, as well as pictures of them taking in the sights of Sydney and Melbourne, where they celebrated Franco’s birthday. The famous couple met in 2011 after being introduced by a mutual friend, and got married six years later during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. Byron Bay has long attracted high-profile celebrities looking for a slower pace of life. Chris Hemsworth brought plenty of attention and star power to the town back in 2014 when he purchased a 4.2 hectare property for $7 million. He and wife Elsa Pataky lived in the original eight-room home before knocking it down to build a $20 million mega-mansion. Zac Efron also famously rode out most of the pandemic living in the coastal town, while American actress Melissa McCarthy chose to base herself there for a small stint after wrapping up production on Nicole Kidman’s Nine Perfect Strangers TV series in 2021. Image credits: Instagram

International Travel

Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

Legendary rocker Billy Joel is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/billy-joel-in-tears-over-career-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goodbye to The Big Apple</a> as he prepares to sell his jaw-dropping estate. The New York native’s property on the affluent Oyster Bay Harbour has a price guide of a staggering US$49 million (AU$73.4 million). According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-acre estate comprises the original 14-acre property Joel bought for $22.5 million in 2002 and the adjoining area he’s purchased over the years. The property covers more than 600m of frontage on Centre Island, with the focal point of the estate being the 1,858 sqm main house with breathtaking water views. The home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half-baths, a playroom, a spa and hair salon, a bowling alley, and a wine centre. There is also an indoor pool, which the Piano Man singer has covered up to use as a music room as it offers fantastic acoustics, according to listing agent Bonnie Williamson, of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. Parts of the main house are under renovation and are expected to be finished over the next several months. The magnificent estate also has a three-bedroom beach house, a three-bedroom guest apartment, and a four-bedroom gatehouse. Other amenities include a floating dock and boat ramp, two outdoor pools, and a helicopter pad. Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Tourist faces $10k fine for jumping into iconic harbour

Footage surfaced online of the man leaping from Opera Bar, just a few metres away from the Opera House. While his jump was certainly surprising, what shocked viewers was the hefty fine the tourist could be slapped with following his return from the water. Security helped the man back over the harbour ledge before telling him the risky stunt could see him $10,000 poorer. <iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7235491102143401234&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7235491102143401234%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo03m1enFIeAeQNC0aCDgjQIXDXzvbjDTIIabA4%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DoWRm%252BIslhOfB81xvrV77sRxfWog%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “Well there's a very good reason why you've never seen anyone jump into the sea from the Opera House... I'll show you why,' Future Travellers said in a TikTok clip. In a second TikTok, the young man is seen talking to a group of police officers.<iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7239141948261534984&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7239141948261534984%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fbc76967996de4cefb23cfe5e6930fddc_1685494092%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DSY8QPztxLxbP%252FPfYm4itGUmYloE%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> However, a number of viewers commenting about the eye-watering fine also noted it was the least of the swimmer’s worries. "I'm a Sydney gal and it's not the $10,000 that scares me, it's the huge bull sharks that lurk in those waters,' one person wrote. “It’s a busy shipping lane and if it was full of floating tourists the ferries couldn't run,” another said. “I'm sure if he got run over by ferry his family would be suing NSW government for compensation,” a third added. Others were skeptical of the large fine. The official fine for swimming around the Opera House is a maximum of $1,100 with the law stating a person must not “swim to and enter on any part of the Opera House premises or swim from any part of those premises”. Several others were impressed by the young man’s jump and slammed NSW for being a “nanny state”. “Welcome to Sydney, please do not do anything,” one person remarked. “This guy is an absolute legend,” another wrote. 'Only $10,000 per dip? It's probably cheaper to live in the harbour than some apartments. Sign me up,' a third joked. “Australia has a fine for everything,” another claimed. Earlier footage of the risky trick was shared alongside a montage of the tourist showing his British mum around Australia. The first video left viewers astounded with one writing, “In all my life living in Sydney I've never seen anyone jump in at the opera house!” Image credit: TikTok

Travel Trouble

Margot Robbie eyeing up incredible Byron Bay mansion

Dubbed as “Australia’s most beautiful home” this remarkable Byron Bay property certainly fits Margot Robbie’s criteria for a dream house. The beloved Aussie actress and husband Tom Ackerley have flown back to Australia and have taken the time, in between visiting friends and launching a new spirits label, to go house hunting in beautiful Byron Bay. Robbie and Ackerley were spotted walking through the stunning “Cedar Hill” home in Newrybar, which sits around 10km south of Byron Bay. Property records state the 8-bed, 8-bath home that offers over 2 hectares of land has been on the market for two months. In its marketing campaign, it is described as a “Malibu Aspen Love Child”. “The perfect property is a place where calmness calls, fusing relaxed luxury with picturesque tranquillity,” the listing reads. “Such a rare destination does indeed exist with “Cedar Hill”. “Revered as one of Australia’s most beautiful homes and boasting lush hinterland and ocean views, it is a spectacular showcase of international design and unique architecture. “Cocooned within five acres of absolute peace and paradise, two sprawling premium hardwood residences rise up from this elevated, northeast-facing estate. “Linked by a glass-lined walkway that nicely separates social and sleeping quarters, elegance blends skilfully with cutting-edge design, including retractable glass walls, soaring ceilings with exposed timber beams and polished concrete floors. Brought to life by award-winning designer, Jase Sullivan, these globally inspired interiors are a textural triumph. “Recycled timber, blackbutt wall panelling, chic bohemian textiles, grass-cloth walls and natural stone combine to create an earthy ambience, pairing perfectly with custom furniture. “Likewise, the galleries of glass invite an abundance of natural light to cascade in, creating sumptuous and serene spaces to enjoy.” The property was last sold in 2019 for $2.415 million but has since been significantly upgraded. According to development records, around $4 million has been spent on the redevelopment of the home. If Robbie was to purchase Cedar Hill it would only serve to enhance Byron’s reputation as a home of the rich and famous. The area’s biggest star and longer-time resident is actor Chris Hemsworth, who bought in the area about five years ago before building his $20 million mega mansion. While his brother Liam owns upwards of $13 million of real estate in the area. Hollywood star Zac Efron also purchased a significant piece of land in the Byron hinterland region in 2020, after filming there. PropTrack reported just four houses have been sold in the tightly-held Newrybar market over the last 12 months. There is currently no price guide for Cedar Hill but is said to be worth around $20 million. Image credit: Instagram/Realestate.com

Real Estate

Hidden gems to see in Australia

If you want to experience Australia in all its glory, then you need to check out these three stunning locations - which just happen to be some of the country’s best-kept secret destinations. 1. The Whites Beach, Byron Bay, NSW Byron Bay is a tourist hotspot, but the town’s Whites Beach is a hidden treasure. Getting there alone is an adventure in itself. You’ll have to drive through a road inside a rainforest and walk to the shoreline once you see a path filled with trees. Once you reach the shoreline you’ll be greeted with crystal clear water, white sand, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even see a dolphin! 2. The Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, SA The Wilpena Pound is abundant with wildlife and covers 50 hectares of land. You’re likely to see some kangaroos, and eagles flying above. It’s a beautiful nature walk and if you go in far enough you can catch a glimpse of incredible Aboriginal rock art and unbelievable geological formations. It has a campground that makes for the perfect base to settle down as you venture off into the breathtaking wilderness. 3. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience, Bird Bay, SA Head to Baird Bay Ocean for the once-of-a-lifetime opportunity that is swimming with sea lions! These cheeky little creatures will follow you, and even sometimes mock you. If sea lions take a liking to you, they’ll happily introduce you to their babies. If you’re especially fortunate, you could run into some bottlenose dolphins. Head to these locations for an unforgettable experience, but don't tell your friends! Image credit: Getty/Instagram

Domestic Travel

How Ryan Gosling shut down Sydney Harbour Bridge

Footage has emerged from the set of Ryan Gosling’s new film The Fall Guy, which was filmed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Sunday. The iconic bridge was shut off in both directions today from 3 am to 10 am, with commuters redirected as the structure was closed off. The cycleway and footpath was also closed from 5.30 am to 10am. In a clip shared on Sunrise on Monday, Gosling's stunt double can be seen filming the high-speed stunt. The stunt double was filmed during an action-packed chase, where he was holding on to a shovel that was hanging on the back of a truck that sped across the Harbour Bridge. The actor and his stunt double were seen talking on set, wearing the same outfit, the red bomber jacket and the actor's stunning looks standing out in the picture. The Fall Guy is a movie adaptation of a 1980s TV series about a crime-fighting stuntman. Gosling, his wife Eva Mendes and their two children touched down in Sydney last September. The power couple have been spotted multiple times in Sydney, running errands, hanging out at a park in Rose bay, and trick-or-treating as a family in Bondi last Halloween. Image: Sunrise/ Bill Hearne

Movies

Could Johnny Ruffo be returning to Summer Bay?

Johnny Ruffo has teased a possible return to beloved Aussie soap, Home and Away. The 34-year-old who is suffering from brain cancer, shot to fame on the popular series in 2013, playing Chris Harrington. On Thursday, Johnny told Yahoo that he would like to return to Summer Bay in a cameo. The actor and X-Factor star said he has retained a strong friendship with his former Home and Away cast mates, especially Lynne MacGranger, 69, who plays Irene Roberts on the long-running show. Johnny told the publication he has a great relationship with Lynne both on and off-screen, describing the actress as a "really good friend". Johnny said if he did return to Home and Away, he wants Lynne's character - who runs the local cafe - to feature. "[I would just waltz in] and order a coffee," Johnny said, describing his idea for a "come back scene". "And Lynne - I mean Irene - would be like...Chris!" Johnny revealed his prognosis as terminal earlier, only a few short months ago now and said he doesn't want the diagnosis to slow down anything in his life anymore. Image: Network 10

Caring

Aussie octopuses caught on camera slinging mud

Australia’s <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/social-sciences/when-octopuses-dont-want-any-trouble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Gloomy Octopuses’</a> have been caught throwing things. Sometimes at each other. Underwater footage, from Jervis Bay in New South Wales, shows Gloomy Octopuses (Octopus tetricus) throwing debris. Occasionally the material – mainly silt, shells and algae – was aimed at other octopuses, and even the camera recording them. Throwing is an uncommon behaviour in animals, an activity only observed in a handful, including elephants and chimpanzees. <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/5483960636001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6315259579112" width="960" height="540" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> A throw by a female octopus that hits a male attempting to mate with her / Credit: Godfrey-Smith et al, 2022, PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0 Twenty-four hours of footage gathered during 2015 and 2016 captures around 100 octopus throws among a group of roughly ten of the animals. Ninety throws were by females, and eleven by males. On 17 occasions, octopuses threw material which actually hit another octopus, often with ‘high vigour.’ In two cases, the throw hit a fish. Twelve meanwhile were directed at the camera. <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p222798-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form init mailchimp-ext-0.5.62" action="/nature/octopuses-caught-slinging-mud/#wpcf7-f6-p222798-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="init"> <input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/" aria-invalid="false" /> </form> </div> </div> One female octopus was recorded throwing 17 times in the space of an hour, with nine throws hits on other octopuses (who sometimes ducked or raised their arms in the direction of the thrower). The gloomy octopus is common in Australian and New Zealand waters. Having gathered their ammunition, octopuses hurled their material by using a jet of water from their siphon (a tube-shaped structure that can eject water at speed) to propel it between their arms. Throwing under water requires greater force than throwing through air, and the octopuses often managed to throw their material several body lengths away. Given the octopuses had to move their siphon into an unusual position to perform the throws, the researchers believe the behavior was deliberate. The study by Australian and US researchers is the first-time throwing behaviour has been reported in octopuses. The research is <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0276482" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in PLOS One. <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/5483960636001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6315258284112" width="960" height="540" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> A throw by a female octopus, hitting a male. The male ducks just before the material is released / Credit: Godfrey-Smith et al, 2022, PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=222798&title=Aussie+octopuses+caught+on+camera+slinging+mud" width="1" height="1" />  <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/octopuses-caught-slinging-mud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on Cosmos Magazine and was written by Petra Stock. Image: Getty Images </div>

Family & Pets

Former Nine mogul John Westacott dies in Sydney Harbour

A man who died after falling from a boat in Sydney Harbour over the weekend has been identified as former Nine Network titan John Westacott, the network’s former head of news and current affairs. Emergency services arrived at the harbour near Vaucluse at about 1.30pm on Sunday, after Mr Westacott fell off the boat near Neilson’s Park, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, after suffering from a suspected medical episode, as reported by The Guardian. Mr Westacott was helped from the water by police and treated by paramedics onshore. He was unable to be revived and died at the scene. According to a statement from NSW Police on Sunday, an 18-year-old man was also onboard at the time and was uninjured and returned to shore. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 73-year-old’s death, with a report to be prepared for the coroner. Mr Westacott is survived by his wife Cecile and two sons. On Monday, Channel Nine released a statement paying tribute to Mr Westacott as a trailblazer in Australian television. “He was the longest-serving and most successful Executive Producer of 60 Minutes, a driving force of A Current Affair and a visionary with Nine as the National Director of News and Current Affairs,” Director of TV Michael Healy and Darren Wick, the National Director of News and Current Affairs, said in a joint statement. “Westy was an enigma. There was no-one like him. He didn‘t care about political correctness and would publicly declare that. “He didn‘t care where you came from, nor about your gender, ethnicity or religious and political beliefs. He cared about whether you had the passion and ability to tell a great story. “Westy made Nine a better place. He was a big vision, big picture person who made us all reach for the stars and land on them. “We will miss him.” Channel Seven TV executive Mark Llewellyn told The Daily Telegraph of Mr Westacott’s love of sailing and news, recalling one time where took part in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart as a 60 Minutes reporter and deckhand. “Westy loved the news game almost as much as he loved sailing,” Mr Llewellyn said. “If he could combine the two he would be in seventh heaven - in fact, he did. Once sailing his little yacht in the treacherous Sydney to Hobart with Charles Wooley as both seasick deckhand and 60 Minutes reporter. Pure Westy! “He hated to lose, loved to get the big yarns and always dreamt of the next scoop. “He made friends, made enemies, made bloody memorable TV and now sails to a better place.” Mr Westacott worked at Nine for more than 20 years, serving as 60 Minutes' executive producer for 16 years and enjoying a stint as executive producer of A Current Affair before going on to become the head of news and current affairs. Despite retiring in 2009, Mr Westacott returned to Nine as a part-time consultant for 60 Minutes before he was made redundant in 2012. Image: Nine

News

About 200 dead whales have been towed out to sea off Tasmania – and what happens next is a true marvel of nature

Australians watched in horror as 230 pilot whales became stranded at a beach near Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s west coast. Some whales were saved, but the vast majority died. This left a big problem: what to do with all the rotting whale carcasses? Authorities decided to tow the dead animals out to sea, hoping they’ll eventually sink to the seafloor. Such mass whale strandings are sad to witness. But in this case, the aftermath presents a fascinating opportunity for scientific discovery. As the dead whales decompose, an astonishing and rare chain of events is likely to flow through the marine ecosystem – ultimately leading to an explosion of activity and new life. <h2>A 600-tonne problem</h2> Mass whale strandings happen fairly regularly – especially in Tasmania – yet no one really knows why. Days before this latest incident, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-20/sperm-whales-stranded-off-king-island-tasmania/101457406" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14 sperm whales</a> became stranded off King Island, northwest of Tasmania. And in 2020, about 470 pilot whales <a href="https://theconversation.com/like-trying-to-find-the-door-in-a-dark-room-while-hearing-your-relatives-scream-for-help-tasmanias-whale-stranding-tragedy-explained-146674" target="_blank" rel="noopener">became stranded</a> at Macquarie Harbour. While many were pulled out to sea, some of those carcasses washed up and were left to rot on the beach – an entirely natural process. However, pilot whales are big animals. Males weigh up to 2,300kg, which means they take a long time to decompose. The smell of two tonnes of rotting whale blubber soon becomes unbearable, so carcasses are frequently buried. This time around, authorities <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-25/whale-carcasses-towed-out-to-sea-after-mass-stranding/101471166" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decided to tow</a> the dead animals out to sea. The ABC reported local salmon farm workers took almost 11 hours to dispose of 204 dead whales with a combined weight of between 500 and 600 tonnes. They were tied to a 400 metre-long rope and towed by boats for 40 kilometres, before being dropped into deep water in the Indian Ocean. Some carcasses may wash back to shore, but most are likely to disperse with the tides and currents. <h2>Shark bait? Probably not</h2> The big question is: what happens to all that whale mass dumped at sea? Initially, a dead whale tends to float to the surface as it begins to decompose and its innards expand with gas. As this happens, ocean scavengers such as sharks and seabirds are likely to feast on the remains. Some people <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-14/do-buried-whale-carcasses-really-attract-sharks/10996512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be concerned</a> that whale carcasses attract sharks that might pose a risk to humans. Granted, encounters between sharks and humans, are <a href="https://theconversation.com/fatal-shark-attacks-are-at-a-record-high-deterrent-devices-can-help-but-some-may-be-nothing-but-snake-oil-150845" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the rise</a> in Australia and elsewhere. But they’re still very rare. A <a href="https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/167613/swim-humpback-whales-risks-sharks.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> to the Western Australian government in 2012 found whale carcasses were a risk factors associated with shark attacks, and said caution should be exercised near a dead whale in the water. But the same report noted that of 26 shark attacks investigated, the highest number occurred more than a kilometre offshore. While there is no doubt <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00655" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sharks are attracted to dead whales</a>, the data is <a href="https://hakaimagazine.com/news/beached-whales-are-a-lure-for-hungry-sharks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not clear</a> on whether a whale carcass leads directly to an increase in shark attacks on people. Research <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989419301854?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has shown</a> the likelihood of whale carcasses washing towards shore, where shark scavenging can be observed, is low. So as long as the carcass is taken far from shore and people keep their distance from it, the threat to humans from shark encounters appears to be exceedingly low. <h2>From death comes new life</h2> Inevitably, the whale carcass will start to sink. Most life in the ocean is found fairly close to the sea surface, so if the water is relatively shallow much of what’s left of the carcass will be quickly eaten by scavengers once it reaches the sea floor. But these carcasses have been disposed of in deep water. The deep ocean can be a barren place, where rich food sources are rare. So the appearance of a single whale carcass can supercharge an entire ecosystem. New life and activity can erupt around the dead animal in very little time. This process is known as “whale fall” and has been studied by scientists, sometimes using remotely operated vehicles. On the seafloor of the North Pacific, whale fall has been found to <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2022.885572/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">support the survival</a> of at least 12,490 organisms of 43 species. Deep sea sharks will make the most of the carcass. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZzQhiNQXxU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A host of other animals</a> including hagfish, octopus, crabs, lobsters, worms and sea cucumbers will join in too. All the while bacteria work away quietly in the background. <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-happens-when-whales-die.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to</a> Britain’s Natural History Museum, a single whale can provide animals with food for up to two years during the scavenging stage. Other animals and bacteria survive off the chemicals produced from the rotting carcass. These organisms, known as “chemotrophs” were thought to be unique to underwater volcanic vents, where they use hydrogen sulphide as the principal energy source. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.2337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research</a> has shown a similar suite of animals recruit around dead and decaying whales – generating a completely independent ecosystem based on a gas that <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-happens-when-whales-die.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smells like rotten eggs</a>. Only a few organisms can break down the bones that remain, in a process that might take up to ten years. So take a moment to consider the effect of 204 whale falls in a small part of the ocean off Tasmania. Right now, they are probably generating interconnected marine metropolises, the likes of which are rarely seen. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/about-200-dead-whales-have-been-towed-out-to-sea-off-tasmania-and-what-happens-next-is-a-true-marvel-of-nature-191340" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Twitter

Travel Trouble

"Kids are quick": Romantic proposal takes wild turn

What was meant to be a beautiful proposal took a turn for the worst when the engagement ring plunged right through the jetty cracks and into the ocean below. Luke was down on one knee ready to propose to his pregnant girlfriend Stephanie on the Hervey Bay jetty while two-year-old Harper Jane watched on. But before they saw what was happening, Harper Jane quickly grabbed the engagement ring from the box and it slipped out of her hands. “Kids are quick, much quicker than you think - I didn’t actually realise she had grabbed it,” Luke said in a TikTok. Luke called out Harper Jane's name before immediately throwing off his thongs and taking his phone and wallet out of his pocket, ready to jump into the water. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 619px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7141170167098117402&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40alarcon_sinverguenza%2Fvideo%2F7141170167098117402%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7070374670839465473&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Blindsided in the moment, his friend called out that he couldn’t jump because it was too shallow causing him to change his landing mid way through which left him with an earache. But Luke was on a mission to find the ring and was excited when he heard Stephanie’s dad call out to say that he could see it. “I can see it! Stop there, by your right hand,” he could be heard calling out. Thanks to the crystal clear waters of Hervey Bay, Luke was able to find the ring quickly and get back to shore. The ring eventually ended up on Stephanie’s finger, with the couple then revealing that Luke also wanted to ask Harper if he could be her step-dad. “I’m committing to them both so I felt like both of them should be present,” he said. “It’s just funny. Even if we had lost (the ring), there would have been humour in it - just sadness, too. “That will go down in the history books for us.” Images: TikTok

Relationships

"Almost knocked me out": Shaq and Hasbulla's Sydney Harbour stoush

Pint-sized superstar Hasbulla has finally touched down in Sydney, sending his huge fanbase into a frenzy. The social media sensation shared a cheeky clip on his Instagram story over the weekend of him and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal together on a yacht in Sydney Harbour. Quite the mischievous start flowered into a beautiful friendship between two of the most popular celebrities on the planet. The pair were both in Sydney for public engagements and while it remains unclear why they linked up, the meeting sent social media crazy with everyone buzzing over the adorable clip. The video posted to Shaquille’s Instagram from aboard the yacht shows Hasbulla playfully striking the three-time NBA champion. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChwWdsbs7KX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChwWdsbs7KX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq)</a> </div> </blockquote> “(Hasbulla) almost knocked me out,” O’Neal wrote. Hasbulla tweeted the same video saying: “Australia has been great, Shaq isn’t even that tall." O’Neal then posted on Monday morning, after what was no doubt a busy weekend of back-to-back events for the two, showing them together asleep on a couch with the caption “tired boss”. The rendezvous saw the likes and retweets coming in thick and fast. O’Neal’s jam-packed trip saw the basketball superstar visit Melbourne for the sold-out fan experience “An Evening with Shaquille O’Neal” at Melbourne’s Margaret Court and DJ gigs late last week before he headed to Sydney for the second stop of the touring event. Hasbulla is also in Australia for his “Hasbulla visits Down Under” tour. The beloved 19-year-old was born with a rare Growth Hormone Deficiency condition that is responsible for his diminutive size. He quickly gained a following on social media in 2020 thanks to his fight training and adorable prank videos. Hasbulla has a fiercely loyal fanbase, clocking up billions of views with high engagement on his content. What can we say, he is a very loveable little man. Image: Instagram

Domestic Travel

What Olivia Newton-John wanted after her death

A never before seen interview of Olivia Newton-John before her tragic death has aired on TV. The Grease star lost her battle with breast cancer on August 8 when she passed away peacefully at the age of 73. Olivia appeared in a special interview on Spotlight: Olivia - A Magical Life where she explained what she wanted to happen when she died. The beloved singer said she wanted her ashes to be scattered in Byron Bay, California and “in other places I love”. Olivia’s late mother and sister also had their ashes scattered in the popular holiday destination. “I don’t think I’ve really thought about it that deeply. We all should,” Olivia said in the interview. “But I’d like to be with them, I’d like to be with them … that would be nice.” The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news of Olivia’s passing</a> was announced by her husband John Easterling on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation." Her daughter Chloe also shared a series of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/no-words-emotional-images-from-olivia-newton-john-s-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heartwarming photos</a> upon the news breaking as celebrities and fans alike offered their condolences. The family have also accepted a state funeral from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Image: Seven

Caring

Own a slice of TV fame in Byron Bay’s hinterland

Amileka, the striking, modern homestead won by Love Island Australia competitors Mitch Hibberd and Tina Provis in the show’s third season, has hit the market - and it could be all yours, as long as you’re willing to spend somewhere between $11.5 and $12.5 million. The five-bedroom home at Federal in the Byron Bay hinterland sits on a sprawling 25 acres that hosts an 18-metre pool, a fire pit area, an orchard of limes, lemons, mandarins, and oranges, as well as a veggie garden, chooks and a 100-year-old blackbean tree often featured on the show. <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/CWXU0JlF4za/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWXU0JlF4za/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tina (@tinaprovis)</a> </div> </blockquote> Amileka is also the country’s first Tesla home installation, with two Tesla Powerwalls and featuring a passive-solar design that allows windows, walls and floors to collect, store, reflect and distribute heat in winter and reject it in summer. The property also boasts a separate three-bedroom residence with a pool, which makes it “perfect for dual-living”, according to the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-federal-139714783" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a>. Inside the home, concrete floors and glass panels dominate, creating a light and airy ambience. The home is currently open to expressions of interest through McCarth Bryon Bay agents Nick Dunn and Ollie Charkos - but you’ll want to get in before they close on August 19. Images: @tinaprovis (Instagram), Realestate.com.au

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