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"An absolute hero": 10-year-old boy rescues drowning swimmer

Miles Babcock has been made an honorary member of Careflight after saving a woman who was drowning in Sydney Harbour. Miles, who is just 10 years old, was paddle boarding with his dad Graham when they spotted the woman who was struggling in the water. The 10-year-old remained calm and collected after spotting the woman in distress, and began directing his dad over to help the woman out of the water. Graham could not contain his pride for his son, telling Today that he did everything in his power to rush to her aid. "I'm just incredibly proud, it's one of those confronting situations where you never really know how you're going to react," Graham said. "But Miles was the one who spotted the lady in distress, he kept the board steady and told me to get in the water and go and get her, he helped get her onto the board, helped turn her onto the side and helped pat her on the back to help clear her airways." "And then as soon as I asked him to jump off the board because we needed to get into shore as quickly as possible, he just did exactly that." Another nearby paddleboarder helped get the lady onto Miles and Graham's board, while Miles stayed behind to catch a ride back to shore with another boarder. "He was a real, real trooper and an absolute hero on the day," Graham said. "And then all the people who came in and helped were just fantastic, it was one of those things where everyone came together." People on the shore had already called triple zero and the Careflight team worked with lifeguards and paramedics to help get the woman to hospital where she is recovering. In the days after the rescue, Miles was called into the Careflight base to meet with the crew who helped the drowning woman, as they made him an an honorary Air Crew Officer and praised his "heroic rescue". <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMyCareFlight%2Fvideos%2F416634217746897%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Image credits: Today

Family & Pets

"We are with you": Hero cop embraced at Bondi candlelight vigil

The victims of the Bondi Junction stabbing attack have been honoured at a candlelight vigil, with police officer Amy Scott, who ended the terror by shooting Joel Cauchi, stepping out for the first time. Hundred of tearful mourners fathered at Bondi on Sunday night, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, NSW Minister Chris Minns also joined in the sombre event to pay their respects to those who died in the Bondi Junction Westfield one week ago. The community gathered to farewell Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27, and Faraz Tahir, 30, who were all fatally stabbed by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi. Cauchi was shot dead by police officer Amy Scott, who greeted and embraced emotional mourners at the vigil. Scott's actions were praised by the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier, who recognised her bravery in protecting the crowds of innocent people at the shopping centre. Speaking to the crowd, Mr Minns condemned Cauchi’s actions and the fear he instilled in the city’s residents. “Every Australian woman deserves to feel safe in her community. This is your state and your city,” he told the emotional crowd. “This is your home you have every right to live your life as you choose – free from fear and violence.” “We will not be a state where a woman is forced to change their behaviour because of the feelings or anger of other people.” The NSW Premier reminded mourners that millions of Australians shared their grief over the violent incident and were “in (their) corner” in the months to come. “Grief can be a terrible burden, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one,” he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced that all of Australia was grieving for “all that has been stolen from us”, including “all the possibility and potential, all the kindness and humanity, all the love and laughter of the six lives snatched away” last Saturday. He said the vigil was being held for those killed in the attack and for everyone affected, including the dozen people injured and the “survivors carrying the invisible scars of trauma and of fear.” “We think of everyone still trying to come to terms with a hole in their life where a loved one should be,” Mr Albanese said. “Every Australian is thinking of you. We are with you. " "As a community, as a country today, tomorrow and always made those we have lost rest in eternal peace forever in our hearts.” Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Happy update on "unsung" Bondi hero

"Unsung" Bondi hero Muhammad Taha, originally from Pakistan, was stabbed in the stomach as he confronted killer Joel Cauchi on Saturday. While recovering in hospital, he made a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/forgotten-bondi-junction-hero-s-plea-to-pm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desperate plea</a> to the government to let him stay longer in the country he now calls home, following the public praise and a confirmed visa extension for French national Damien Guerot, also known as “bollard man”. Now, the security guard confirmed that the government would be granting him the opportunity to stay here, and Taha says he is honoured. “Yeah, (the government) got in touch with me, so maybe they will soon start the process, hopefully,” he told The Australian on Thursday. “I’m very honoured. It’s a great gesture from the government. “I’ve been in Australia around one-and-a-half years. It’s home to me. I love being here. I’m very thankful for this.” Taha was on a graduate visa that was due to expire within weeks. In an interview with SBS reporter Janice Peterson on Thursday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Immigration Minister Andrew Giles had spoken with Taha and expressed confidence that his visa issues would be "sorted out". “We know that Mr Taha put his own safety at risk in order to protect people who were there shopping," Albanese said. The prime minister also told A Current Affair he was “very confident” the issue would be resolved on Friday. “The minister has spoken with the gentlemen who is still in hospital, Muhammad, and we wish him every swift recovery,” he said at the time. “We’re just going through our processes but we see no reason why this shouldn’t be approved, and I’m very confident it will be approved tomorrow.” He added that people like Taha were welcome in Australia. “This is again another person who is newly arrived, was here working, and put his life on the line in order to protect Australians who he didn’t know,” he said. “Amidst all this carnage and sorrow, there are stories of bravery ... he certainly is the sort of character that we want to see continuing to contribute here in Australia.” Images: Getty/ news.com.au

Caring

Forgotten Bondi Junction hero's plea to PM

An "unsung hero" still recovering in hospital after confronting Joel Cauchi during the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings, has asked the Prime Minister if he too can be considered for citizenship. Muhammad Taha and Faraz Tahir were the two security guards who risked their lives to protect innocent bystanders when they confronted the killer on Saturday afternoon. Tahir lost his life in the process, while Taha remains in hospital after sustaining severe injuries. Taha, originally from Pakistan, recalled the events of the tragic day from his hospital bed, and described the moment they witnessed people fleeing in panic. “Faraz moved to assess the situation and to save the people; all of a sudden the guy came out,” he told The Australian. “Faraz confronted him and was stabbed. After that, (Cauchi) jumped on me. I tried to defend but got stabbed.” Taha who is currently on a graduate visa that is due to expire within weeks, issued a desperate plea to the government asking them to give him an extension, following the public praise and a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/prime-minister-s-extraordinary-offer-for-bollard-man" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed visa extension</a> for French national Damien Guerot, nicknamed “bollard man” after the attacks. “As a direct victim of the incident, I believe I deserve recognition and consideration for citizenship,” Taha said. His request was also met with support from Sunrise’s Nat Barr who took the inquiry straight to Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday morning. “Mr Taha wants to know where his visa is at after the Prime Minister told the bollard hero that he can be in Australia as long as he likes ... Will Mr Taha also be allowed to stay?” she asked live on air. Marles said the immigration minister will work on a visa application, and said that Taha's act was "enormously brave". “Coming out of that tragedy are these incredible stories of bravery for which the nation is really greatly indebted and the circumstances of Mr Taha I’m sure will be worked through.” Shajar Ahmad, another colleague of Taha and Tahir, described them as “unsung heroes” of the bloody massacre. Albanese has responded to the request and said that a permanent visa would be “granted to (Guerot) today”, and that Taha’s case will also be considered. “(Taha) confronted this guy... It just shows extraordinary courage, these are people who ... not thinking of themselves, were putting themselves in danger protecting Australians they didn’t know, just people going about their shopping,” Albanese told Adelaide radio 5AA. “And that’s the sort of courage that we want to say thank you to, frankly. Those extraordinary stories of bravery in amongst the carnage and tragedy that we saw on Saturday. “It’s a bit of light in amongst the darkness that you saw these extraordinary acts.” Images: news.com.au

Legal

"Just doing her job": Hero cop Amy Scott breaks silence after Bondi stabbing

The hero police officer who shot Joel Cauchi after his killing spree has spoken out after the devastating incident. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott was confronted by the knife-wielding 40-year-old after he had fatally stabbed six people and injured several others at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses of the incident recall hearing the officer shout for Cauchi to "put it down" before the knifeman charged at her, prompting her to fire her weapon and shoot him dead. “Amy is content with what she had to do," Police Association of NSW boss Kevin Morton said. “I spoke to her last night and again this morning and she said, ‘It was a night with not a lot of sleep’.” Mr Morton said the officer, who he has known personally for years, was playing down the praise she had received after being dubbed a "hero" for her actions. “She knows she has been tagged a hero but to her she was doing her job. I didn’t ask her about the exact incident, because she is yet to be formally interviewed,” he said. “Everyone will be keeping an eye on her obviously, there will be a lot of support from everyone,’’ he said She also drew praise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, as well as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. “She showed enormous courage and bravery,” Ms Webb said. Witnesses backed up the officer's actions at the shopping centre, as Bondi man Jason Dixon witnessed Inspector Scott's response firsthand. “All she said was ‘Put it down’. Just once. Then she shot him in the chest and he went down,” Mr Dixon told The Sunday Telegraph. “Then when he fell on the ground she was giving him CPR,” Mr Dixon said. “She had to shoot him, because he just kept coming,” Mr Dixon said. “He had a knife and he wasn’t going to stop. “He was advancing at her and he was running, coming to get someone else,” Mr Dixon said. “She shot him once in the heart or the chest,” he said. “I’m glad she got him, because if she didn’t he would have stabbed her too.” Inspector Scott will be formally interviewed by police later this week as part of the major investigation into the stabbing. Image credits: news.com.au / X (Twitter) <div class="media image side-by-side" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 1209.375px; max-width: 100%; font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;"> </div>

Caring

Hero shopkeeper uses shoelace to help deliver baby in carpark

A Cheap as Chips discount store worker in Logan has been praised as a hero after helping a couple deliver their baby in the carpark behind a 7-Eleven service station. Sharyn Daley thought it was just another day at work on Friday, when a man ran into her store asking for a towel because his partner had gone into labour. She quickly sprung into action and helped with a successful delivery before paramedics arrived. “(All I could think of was) just survival. Someone needed help. So, you just rush and do what you can and instincts take over,” she told Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington. “Dad was in shock. I sort of asked him to get the little toddler out of the back seat and occupy her — she was panicking. “But after he got his toddler out, I could concentrate on mum and telling her baby is OK." Daley added that when the baby boy came out he was somewhat discoloured — so, she began squeezing his arm and rubbing his head. “Mum was very quiet. She introduced herself. I introduced myself. And she just kept saying, ‘is baby OK, Is baby OK?’ I said ‘Yes, I’m patting him hard and stimulating him to get more oxygen in. That’s all’.” She then grabbed a shoelace to tie off his umbilical cord and used her sock to grab the placenta. Paramedics arrived shortly after. Daley, who is a mother-of-three and a grandmother to one, said that she had previously helped deliver puppies, which may have helped her. “I think it may have (helped) a bit — with tying off the cord — and things like that. (But) keeping mum and bub and dad calm. That was my first priority,” she said. She also added that she wanted to help the young family get started. “I would love to speak to them,” Daley said. “Courtesy of Cheap as Chips where I work. We have a cot, a change table, a mattress and a beautiful big hamper for them to help them get started,” she said. Image: Seven

Family & Pets

Olympic hero "fighting for her life" in intensive care

In the world of gymnastics, few names shine as brightly as that of Mary Lou Retton. The Olympic gold medallist and legendary American gymnast has long been celebrated for her incredible contributions to the sport, etching her legacy into the annals of history. But now, a dark cloud of concern hovers over this American icon, as she battles a rare and relentless adversary: a severe form of pneumonia. The shocking news has shaken the hearts of fans and sports enthusiasts worldwide, as the daughter of the 55-year-old Retton shared the news that she is "fighting for her life" in an intensive care unit, unable to breathe on her own for over a week now. McKenna Kelley, Retton's daughter, recently set up a <a href="https://www.spotfund.com/story/a2e0582c-e62f-4e5b-a586-18349014f761" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fundraising account</a> to share her mother's grave situation and the urgency of her need for support. The emotional plea disclosed that Mary Lou Retton was uninsured, leaving the burden of her healthcare costs in the hands of her loved ones and well-wishers. In an emotionally charged post on the fundraising platform, Kelley wrote: "My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life." While respecting her mother's privacy, Kelley refrained from divulging further details about the nature of the pneumonia that has gripped Retton's life, instead requesting the one thing we can all offer – our prayers. Mary Lou Retton's remarkable gymnastics career needs no introduction. She etched her name into the annals of history during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, securing her place as one of the greatest gymnasts in history. At those Summer Games, Retton achieved an astonishing feat by winning five medals, including a groundbreaking gold in the individual all-around competition, a first for any American woman. Her achievements garnered her the title of Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1984, a testament to her indomitable spirit and unparalleled dedication to her craft. At the time of writing, the fundraising account dedicated to supporting Mary Lou Retton had received an overwhelming outpouring of love and support. With more than 2,000 donors and counting, the campaign has already raised over $US300,000, surpassing its original goal of $US50,000. The outpouring of generosity underscores the enduring impact and admiration that Mary Lou Retton has left in the hearts of many. Beyond the gymnasium, Retton's influence extended into the world of entertainment, appearing in movies and TV shows, including a memorable stint on Baywatch in 1993 and the film Naked Gun 33 ¹/₃: The Final Insult in 1994. She also served on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports during President George W. Bush's administration, underscoring her enduring commitment to promoting physical health and well-being. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the world of gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and became the first woman to be honored by the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Her legacy extended to the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, inducted in 1992, and in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, a street and park bear her name, a lasting tribute to her enduring impact. Images: Instagram

Caring

"His hero narrative has massively failed": Qantas staff's brutal response to Alan Joyce's early exit

A former Qantas pilot and several current staff members have recounted the moment they found out about now former-CEO Alan Joyce's early exit from the company. Joyce was planning to retire from his CEO role in November, but shocked the nation on <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-joyce-announces-shock-early-departure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tuesday</a> when he decided he would be stepping back, effective immediately. His resignation comes after 22 years in the role, as Qantas continues to face mounting pressures over unprecedented customer dissatisfaction, and a looming glass action lawsuit over cancelled flights. Upon hearing the news, past and present Qantas employees erupted in celebration. Retired Qantas pilot captain Richard de Crespigny was on board a flight on Tuesday when the news broke mid-air that Joyce was gone, sparking extraordinary celebrations. "I was on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne this morning and when I landed the cabin crew were giving each other high-fives," de Crespigny told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/former-qantas-pilot-richard-de-crespigny-speaks-out-following-ceo-alan-joyce-resignation/18040563-db75-41c4-af7c-b5ed8af84bf6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. Another ground staff member said, "We're celebrating wildly, not just because he's leaving but because his hero narrative has massively failed." Mr de Crespigny, who worked for Qantas for 34 years warned the airline won't regain trust overnight just because Joyce has taken off. "It's built in teaspoons and destroyed in shovel loads," he said. "It takes incredible skill, determination and empathy to build it up; it's got to be protected." Mr de Crespigny went on to say the Qantas business restructure after the travel industry was decimated by the Covid pandemic was not good enough, and the upper management made some terrible decisions. During the pandemic, Mr Joyce locked out employees during an industrial dispute before hundreds of staff lost their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Some of them didn't come out of it well at all. They lost their jobs, they lost their houses, they lost their marriages," de Crespigny said. "The workers that held Qantas up … they really suffered greatly." "And it hasn't been a good vision to see the executive team, the CEO, continue to get bonuses at the expense of maybe baggage handlers and other people that have lost their jobs. This is not a good example of leadership." Image credits: A Current Affair

Travel Trouble

"Unsung heroes" win millions in Lotto draw

A group of 50 hospital workers have had their lives changed for the better after winning a huge stake in Saturday's $20 million Lotto draw. The syndicate of healthcare professionals at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth had one of five division one-winning tickets, worth a staggering $4 million. The prize will be split between 50 hospital employees, with each of the facility’s “truly unsung heroes” set to receive $80,000 each. The syndicate included staff from all areas of the hospital, including nurses, orderlies, cleaners and supply staff. “I immediately ran down the corridor to my boss’s office,” the ticket holder said. “Then I messaged the group chat to let everyone know, and called those who aren’t on social media to share the good news." “This will be life-changing for a lot of people, and some really touching stories have come out of this experience.” The same group of dedicate Lotto ticket buyers have been trying their luck at a big win for more than a year. “I’ve had not much good luck. I lost my husband seven months ago,” clinical nurse specialist Genevieve Stacey said. “This is not just going to change our lives but the lives of our families as well, so it’s nice to have something good happen.” Some among the group will spend their winnings on family holidays and releasing mortgage pressure, while one staff member also plans to start her long-awaited IVF treatment. Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group executive director Neil Doverty said he could not think of a group of people more deserving of the life-changing win. “These staff are often behind the scenes but play a critical role in the day-to-day running of our hospital and caring for our patients,” Doverty said. “They are truly unsung heroes and are incredibly deserving of this win.” Image credits: 7News

Money & Banking

Hero tradie’s daring move saves toddler who wandered onto busy street

In an awe-inspiring act of bravery that will leave you breathless, shocking <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/tradie-scary-move-save-child-095600259.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dash cam footage</a> has captured a heart-pounding moment that will forever be etched in the annals of heroism. Laurie Owens, a true guardian angel who fearlessly soared into action on the Salisbury Highway in Adelaide, embarked on a heart-stopping mission to save a young child's life, giving no thought to his own safety or that of his vehicle It was just another day for working tradie Laurie Owens as he navigated the bustling roadways. But with eagle eyes and a heart tuned to protect, Laurie spotted a young boy, still adorned in his nappy, wandering innocently into the treacherous path of oncoming vehicles on a busy highway. In a surge of adrenalin-fuelled heroism, Owens sprang into action as – undeterred by the imminent danger, he gallantly mounted the median strip and fearlessly directed his own vehicle into the path of the charging traffic, all in an effort to shield the toddler from harm's way. His words echo with undying determination: "I'd rather take the damage of a car running into me because I'm safe rather than the child be killed because what protection do they have?" he told 9News. In a dazzling display of divine intervention, the unsuspecting little boy, named Aaryan, instinctively turned and bolted towards the safety of his family driveway, under the watchful gaze of Owens. Owens then gathered the child in his arms, poised to reunite him with his worried parents, who confirmed that Aaryan was indeed their precious child. The driveway gates had been left ajar, allowing the child, who grapples with autism, to embark on an unplanned adventure onto the perilous road. In the tearful aftermath, Aaryan's mother, overwhelmed with gratitude, expressed her deepest appreciation, declaring, "Thank you, I'm really grateful that [he] saved my child." For Owens, the humble champion of this heart-stopping saga, the joy of knowing that the little boy made it home safely was an immeasurable reward. Bursting with pride, he triumphantly proclaimed, "I've saved a kid's life. He's got a future now!" Images: 9 News

Travel Trouble

"I've done enough": Hero tradie slams raising of retirement age

Thousands of Australians are rallying behind one hard-working tradie, who is standing up in opposition to the proposed rising of the retirement age. On July 1st, the Aussie pension eligibility age will rise from 65 to 67, with research suggesting that it will rise again to the age of 70 by 2050. The tradie shared a photo holding a sign that reads, "Only a bloke who's worked in an office his whole life would think you can work until you're 70." Many have echoed his statement, particularly blue-collar workers who say it is asking too much of people approaching 70 to keep up physically demanding labour. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The LNP has been working for years to oppress & dumb down the Australian population so that it has more power & control over us. But insisting that the retirement age should be 70 is just wrong. This isn’t about ‘left’ or ‘right’ any more. It’s about the elite vs the rest of us <a href="https://t.co/yxIuAL75rm">pic.twitter.com/yxIuAL75rm</a> — Bethany Williams 💙🇺🇦💛 (@BethanyinCBR) <a href="https://twitter.com/BethanyinCBR/status/1332236229077659651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote> "My body is just tired, as is my husband's, who is 66. We both need to just rest now. We had planned on retirement at 65. Then they changed the goal posts," one person shared in replying to the image. "I've worked 43 years as a butcher. I'm almost 65 yrs old, I think I've done enough, and my body agrees," a second added. "I spent many years in a quarry as well as a coal mine, my body is physically worn out, so I 110 per cent agree with his poster," a third agreed. Others shared that they thought it was simply unfair to ask older Aussies to keep working in manual labour in order to provide for their families, during a time when they should be resting and starting to plan their retirement years without stressing about finances. Many angered Aussies spoke out about the politicians who are responsible for raising the age pension number, saying they have no idea how physically taxing manual labour jobs can be. "The politicians all need to get out of their chairs and do a tradies' job for a week or two then they will know what a bad back is and realise that the body won't let you work until you are 70," one person wrote. A second added added, "I would like to see all politicians work a week as a bricklayer, a boilermaker, a plumber, or a builder - doing what we did to 65, they couldn't for a week." Currently, Australians are able to access a pension wage at 65 years and 6 months as long as they were born between July 1st 1952 and December 31st 1953. Those born after that date will be able to access their pension from the age of 66. However, from July 1st anyone born after January 1st 1957 will have to work even longer with the pension age increasing to 67-years-old. Image credits: Facebook

Retirement Life

"Hero we need": Fed-up tradie disrupts Bunnings traffic

A tradie at his wit's end has pulled a petty stunt to fire back at Bunnings customers who “use the trade entry as easy access” and held him up. The tradie shared his stunt to the Tradie Mayhem Facebook group alongside images of the row of parked cars at the Artarmon Bunnings, which sparked his frustrated act. The man said he did it for all tradespeople who have been “held up during the week at Bunnings by people that use the trade entry as easy access, taking their sweet time” after parking in the easy access area. “I double parked blocking them all in at Artarmon Bunnings,” he said. The staff announced over the speaker system that his ute needed to be moved, to which he responded, “just made me take my time and let them know that’s how we feel during the week when we’re trying to get work done and are held up by them”. Initial responses were positive, praising the tradie and labelling him as the “hero we need”. “Tradie privilege, don‘t think so,” one member commented. “It‘s so they can load their vehicle instead of dragging it through the car park. If you’re driving a normal car park outside and enjoying some exercise.” “Love this, trade yard always packed with cafe dwellers,” a third wrote. Some individuals shared their frustrations of having to share the space with the general public, calling for the original poster to “pester Bunnings about it”. “Bring back the trade only access to Bunnings before 8-9 am that they had during Covid.” Others were quick to point out a major flaw in the tradie's argument, saying the undercover parking is not reserved for tradies but a loading area of things that cannot be taken through checkout. The loading bays are for any customers who are temporarily loading timber or bulky items in the trade yard. <a href="https://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">News.com.au</a> asked Artarmon Bunnings for a comment about the stunt, and the warehouse manager said the area in question was a “load and go area”. “We don’t usually have too many long waits there, but there is the occasional one-off when a customer will come in and park on the side or right in the middle of the driveway,” he said. “We did have a little shortage of our load and go guys that usually work down there, but that is currently being fixed.” The manager said the fact the area was only one lane for a busy, multi-use loading area meant that there can be waits, but there was a staff member there to direct the traffic. “But because it is one lane obviously our main priority is our customers and getting them in and out of here as quickly as possible. “Unfortunately, other stores have five lanes, we only have one. “There are occasional customers who want to get through and load personal items because it’s easier to bring down to the car, so we are looking at getting it to be the best system possible.” Image credit: Facebook

Home & Garden

Hero of Haigh’s Chocolates dies aged 93

John Haigh, who helped establish the iconic South Australian chocolate brand Haigh’s Chocolates, has passed away aged 93. He was the grandson of Alfred Haigh, who founded the company and opened its first store in the Beehive Building at 34 King William Street in Adelaide city in 1915. The company confirmed in a statement that John Haigh passed away at home on February 10. “More than any other person, John Haigh is responsible for the taste of Haigh’s Chocolates that we know and love today,” said John’s sons, Alister and Simon Haigh, who are currently the managing directors of the company. “He transformed Haigh’s into a manufacturer of premium quality chocolate that is internationally acclaimed and recognised among the world’s best.” John Haigh joined the business in 1946 after training with Lindt chocolate manufacturers in Switzerland and Sprungli. He then travelled to the United States to look into production, shop styles and marketing, later becoming the managing director from 1959 to 1990. Haigh’s chocolates largely credit him for having “revolutionised” the brand. “Besides the quality and the taste of the product, he also refined the exclusivity of the Haigh’s in-store experience and the way in which Haigh’s is marketed to this day,” Alister and Simon Haigh said. “He built the foundation for an incredibly successful family business that is expanding and trading strongly around Australia.” Haigh’s Chocolates is the oldest family-owned chocolate company in Australia, and they do not deliver or sell overseas. Haigh’s manufactured chocolate-covered fruit centres, then later introduced toffee and various other chocolates. “John was a revolutionary in the chocolate industry. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. Vale John,” his sons said. Details of a service for Mr Haigh will be announced later this week.

Caring

"A national hero": Grace Tame's tribute to Brittany Higgins

Grace Tame has wished Brittany Higgins a happy birthday in the form of an emotional tribute. The former Australian of the Year shared a behind the scenes photo of the pair from their cover shoot with Marie Claire magazine in November 2021 of their "Women of the Year" issue. The photo shows the women smiling and looking relaxed, but Grace explained the picture was "nothing like the reality of that day." “It was anxiety, distress, exhaustion, invasion of personal space, and a quarter of an hour spent in the bathroom decompressing afterwards at dinner. It was tears.” In her moving tribute to Ms Higgins, Ms Tame said her friend was a “warrior” and “a national hero”. “Over the past 18 months of getting to know Brittany Higgins, I have been moved by a person who is thoughtful and measured, who is reserved and self-effacing." “I have been awed and floored by her intelligence, kindness, vulnerability and determination to keep fighting for herself and others." <div id="indie-campaign-EAbKwvW1L2TJ5OnFRiOT-0" data-campaign-name="NCA LIFESTYLE Newsletter OneClick SignUp" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="" data-from="1650290400000" data-to="1681826400000"></div> “She has provided support, comfort and reinforcement for myself and others amid some of the darkest, loneliest times. She is indeed a light.” Ms Tame also praised Ms Higgins for her response to national scrutiny in the face of her trial agains Bruce Lehrmann. “Brittany Higgins has taken every step of her excruciating journey under a microscope; with a nation breathing down her neck. This is no mean feat." “I am not a judge or jury, but I am a person who has also walked repeatedly in the line of fire – often alone – and it is not for the faint-hearted." “However, it is not for this reason that I stand with Brittany. It is simply because she is a decent human being. I stand with Brittany because I have compassion for her." “Brittany Higgins is a national hero.” Ms Higgins spent her 28th birthday on Wednesday in a mental health clinic in Queensland, after her trial against Mr Lehrmann was dropped out of fears for her mental health. Image credits: Instagram

Caring

New Zealand police farewell four-legged hero

A beloved member of the New Zealand Police Force has been farewelled, after Dunedin police dog Gill died from cancer. The 10-year-old was the oldest police dog working in Dunedin’s police dog section when he passed away. Senior Constable Tim Roy, who fostered Gill as a pup, worked with the German Shepherd for most of his operational years, according to a <a href="https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/farewell-dunedins-oldest-police-dog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. “He’s been an amazing dog right up until the end," Roy said. "Gill was everything I could have asked for and more as a handler. He was big, strong, fearless, super driven, loved to work and known for his deafening excited howl when being deployed. “Gill was more than an outstanding police dog. His goofy personality, playfulness and loyalty were what made him extra special.” Sergeant Mike Calvert, head of the Dunedin Dog Section, described the canine as a strong all-round police dog with numerous successful tracks and catches. “He also thrived as an AOS-qualified dog, and as recently as last month was taking part in AOS callouts and training days,” Calvert said. “Old age hadn’t slowed him up and he kept his place on AOS leaving Tim’s younger dog Leo, aged 3, to pick up the active running around for general patrol dog work.” Senior Constable Reuben Whalley, who worked with Gill in Christchurch, described him as “a lovely dog” who could switch off from work and enjoy family life at home. Gill, who’s policing career began back in 2013, has done more than catch criminals and find people, having fathered a litter of puppies in 2016 and featured on the 2017 and 2023 Police Dog Trust Calendars. “Gill just loved to please his handler, whether responding to jobs or taking part in the softer side of community policing, including community events and Christmas parades," Calvert said. "It’s a shame he didn’t get to enjoy retirement." Images: New Zealand Police

Family & Pets

Socceroos hero's tragic news moments after full time

Bailey Wright could hardly speak after the Socceroos' incredible win over Denmark. He paid an emotional tribute to huge sacrifices made by his family, after receiving the news that his mother in-law had passed away. “I just want to dedicate this to my wife, and her mum - I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure if she's still with us. So this was for them," Wright said. "They're having a really tough time back home, but ultimately, they've made this possible for me to be here and live one of my dreams.” "I've just come in from a message from my wife ... it's sort of something I've kept to myself, we've all got a lot going on.” Wright managed to put personal issues to the side, coming on with half an hour to go and helping see off Denmark, to secure Australia's spot in the last 16. "(Coach Graham Arnold) asked me to warm up when it was 0-0, then we had a few shouts that Tunisia were winning 1-0 so I wasn't sure, maybe, if I'd get on or what would happen. "Next minute, (Mat Leckie) worked his magic (to score) and I was already warmed up and ready to go.” Whatever he kept to himself, even from other players, is now out in the open but there's no doubt the rest of the squad will be around to support him. "When we set out on this journey four years ago and Arnie kind of said to us what he wanted this to be about; and that our mateship and togetherness is what's going to make us create history." Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Why this mum who stabbed a man to death was hailed a hero by her sons

UK mother Sarah Sands stabbed a paedophile to death after finding out her children were sexually abused. The paedophile, Michael Pleasted, aged 77, was stabbed eight times in 2014 in a “determined and sustained attack” that saw him bleed to death. Pleasted was already a convicted paedophile and had legally changed his name from Robin Moult to conceal a long past of abusing children. Ms Sands’ three children told her Pleasted, who lived across the road from the family in London, had abused them. She took matters into her own hands. “For paedophiles, if you touch children, there has to be consequences,” Ms Sands told BBC Breakfast. “And hiding behind name changes … it has to be taken away from them. That right to change their name has to taken away from them.” Her children, who have waived their anonymity, said they think their mum is a hero for killing their abuser. Bradley, who was 11 at the time, said: “I thought, ‘hats off’. I’m not going to deny it.” Alfie added: “It did make us feel safer. It didn’t slow down the nightmares. But it did give us a sense of security because you didn’t have to walk down the street thinking he was going to come around the corner. “He lived literally across the road from us. I could open that window over there and I’d see his house.” Pleasted’s council flat overlooked a playground and school in Canning Town, East London. However, nobody knew of his past because he had changed his name and his crimes predated the sex offenders' register. Ms Sands was convicted of manslaughter on the basis of loss of control after trial in 2015, and was eventually jailed for seven and a half years after having her sentenced increased by the Court of Appeal. She said she originally intended to threaten Pleasted, who was on bail awaiting trial, to make him plead guilty so her children did not have to give evidence in court. Labour MP Sarah Champion told the BBC some offenders are using name changes to avoid criminal records checks needed for jobs – including working with children. “Once they have changed their names, they are able to get a new driving licence and passport in that name. That enables them to get a new DBS (disclosure and barring service) check,” she said. The UK Home Office said it has already carried out a review of the issue and the UK already has strict rules in place to deal with sex offenders living in the community. Image: BBC

Family & Pets

Fisherman declared a hero after Tanzanian crash efforts

After a plane crashed in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria on November 6, one fisherman who nearly lost his life trying to save the trapped pilots has spoken about his efforts. The passenger plane was carrying 43 people when the pilots attempted to land at Bukoba airport after encountering problems and enduring bad weather. Majaliwa Jackson, who was officially declared a hero and awarded 1 million Tanzanian shillings ($AU 665), told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-63540823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a> from hospital of the panic he felt when he saw the passenger plane approaching from the wrong direction before crashing into the lake. Mr Jackson told the outlet that he rushed to the scene with three other fishermen, helping to open the rear door by smashing it with a rowing oar and allowing passengers seated towards the back of the plane to be rescued. After moving to the front of the plane and diving into the water, Mr Jackson said he and one of the other pilots communicated by making signs through the cockpit window. "He directed me to break the window screen. I emerged from the water and asked airport security, who had arrived, if they have any tools that we can use to smash the screen,” he said. "They gave me an axe, but I was stopped by a man with a public announcement speaker from going down and smashing the screen. He said they were already in communication with the pilots and there was no water leakage in the cockpit.” But, when he dived back in and waved goodbye to the pilot after he was stopped from smashing the screen, the pilot then indicated he wanted to be rescued. Mr Jackson then attempted to pull the cockpit emergency door off by tying a rope from it to other boats, but he was knocked unconscious when the rope broke and struck him in the face. “The next thing I knew I was here at the hospital,” he said. In addition to his monetary reward, Mr Jackson was offered a job with the firefighting and rescue brigade, as well as training in rescue operations to sharpen his skills. The pilots were among 19 confirmed fatalities from the crash. Emergency crews used ropes to pull the plane, which had been completely submerged, closer to shore. Airline Precision Air previously said that 26 passengers had been rescued and taken to hospital, but has since said there were only 24 survivors. Kagera police commander William Mwampaghale said that the crash occurred at around 8.50am local time on Sunday. “When the aircraft was about 100m mid-air, it encountered problems and bad weather. It was raining and the plane plunged into the water,” he said. Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said an extensive investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the crash, and that the government would cover the costs of funerals for the 19 victims. Image: Getty Images

International Travel

"We ought to honour a true Aussie hero": Petition to put Steve Irwin on Aussie currency

In light of the change of monarchs, the long-term debate has res-parked regarding who should appear on our nation's currency. With the opportunity for a new face to appear, dedicated fans are petitioning for one specific Aussie icon to be branded. Vincent Wu and Kirby Miles have posted a petition online to the Australian Parliament House website, advocating for Steve Irwin to be featured on the $5 bill as opposed to King Charles III. The petition has noted that the conservationist and wildlife expert has made exceptional contributions to the country, which is necessary in order to be included on the banknote according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. "There is no one more vital to the Australian culture and identity than Steve Irwin. Steve is beloved by all and has become synonymous with the Australian values we hold so dearly," the petition read. "He epitomised the spirit of mateship; he deeply loved the Australian Wildlife, working hard towards conservation and education but perhaps most importantly he's just a good bloke. "This should not be seen as a step away from the crown, but as a step towards honouring a beloved Aussie hero. There is so much more that could be said about Steve but it comes down to this: we ought to honour a true Aussie hero." "We therefore ask the House to change the face of the $5 note to Steve Irwin." Vincent and Kirby's wishes are not completely misguided after Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh previously said King Charles may not replace the late Queen on the $5 note, but will be featured on coins instead. This isn't the first time a fan has advocated to have Steve Irwin on Australian currency. Six years ago a fan posted a petition to have the icon on the $100 bill. Although it gained 31,000 signatures it wasn't enough to sway the government. The petition going around is gaining traction and numbers continue to increase with each passing hour, it will be open for signatures until October 27. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Hero dad coward-punched while trying to rescue car crash victim

A 63-year-old father is fighting for his life after being coward-punched in the head while helping a teen in a car accident. Rob Seddon rushed to help a 17-year-old who crashed his Toyota Corolla into a caravan outside his home on Skyhawk Ave in Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast around 10pm on Saturday. Along with other neighbours, Mr Seddon assisted the teen before they were ambushed by a group of males who attacked them. Mr Seddon was allegedly hit from the back on the head which caused him to fall backwards, hit his head and lose consciousness. He was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition where he underwent brain surgery and remains in intensive care in a coma. Mr Seddon’s 21-year-old son was also allegedly attacked and suffered a broken nose. “I could hear the sheer horrible noises from this guy that was being hurt, I had tears in my eyes, I knew it was bad,” neighbour Diane Gardner told Nine News. “It was absolutely horrible. You could hear his pain and he wanted help.” Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged attackers to come forward. The 17-year-old driver who crashed into Mr Seddon’s caravan was breathalysed at the scene and returned a positive blood-alcohol reading. He was then charged with negligent driving and drink-driving on P-plates. Images: Nine News

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"An absolute hero": 10-year-old boy rescues drowning swimmer