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Hundreds of mourners seek change after Vyleen White funeral

The tragic death of Vyleen White, a beloved grandmother from Queensland, has not only left a family grieving but has also ignited a fervent call for justice and societal change. As her loved ones gather to mourn her passing, they are steadfast in their determination to ensure that her memory is defined not by the senseless violence that took her life but by the love and compassion she embodied. Vyleen White's daughter, Cindy Micallef, eloquently captured the essence of her mother's life during an emotional eulogy at the funeral service on Thursday, saying that that her legacy will endure through the love she shared and the lives she touched. White, a vibrant 70-year-old known for her unwavering kindness, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/grandmother-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-granddaughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was tragically stabbed</a> outside a shopping centre in Redbank Plains, sparking outrage and prompting a community-wide outcry against youth crime. Despite the profound grief felt by those who knew her, Micallef expressed a firm resolve to seek justice for her mother. With a steely determination, she declared that her family would not rest until those responsible were held accountable. “We want to move forward and mum’s legacy will live on and we’re not going to let that go,” Micallef said. “We’re going to make sure we get justice for mum and nothing will stop us until that happens.” The impact of White's death reverberated beyond her immediate circle, prompting widespread calls for reform in the Queensland community. Proposals for tougher youth justice measures, including "Vyleen's Law", seek to address the root causes of youth offending and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions. Additionally, legislative changes aimed at improving transparency in court proceedings and restricting access to weapons underscore a commitment to preventing further violence. Amid the grief and outrage, White's family and friends fondly recalled her vibrant spirit and unwavering love. Whether it was her devotion to her beloved cat, her infectious laughter, or her boundless capacity for compassion, White's presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Image: Supplied.

Caring

Who really gets fired over social media posts? We studied hundreds of cases to find out

What you say and do on social media can affect your employment; it can prevent you from getting hired, stall career progression and may even get you fired. Is this fair – or an invasion of privacy? Our recent <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20563051221077022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> involved a study of 312 news articles about people who had been fired because of a social media post. These included stories about posts people had made themselves, such as a teacher who was fired after they came out as bisexual on Instagram, or a retail employee let go over a racist post on Facebook. It also included stories about posts made by others, such as videos of police engaging in racial profiling (which led to their dismissal). Racism was the most common reason people were fired in these news stories, with 28% of stories related specifically to racism. Other forms of discriminatory behaviour were sometimes involved, such as queerphobia and misogyny (7%); workplace conflict (17%); offensive content such as “bad jokes” and insensitive posts (16%); acts of violence and abuse (8%); and “political content” (5%). We also found these news stories focused on cases of people being fired from public-facing jobs with high levels of responsibility and scrutiny. These included police/law enforcement (20%), teachers (8%), media workers (8%), medical professionals (7%), and government workers (3%), as well as workers in service roles such as hospitality and retail (13%). Social media is a double-edged sword. It can be used to hold people to account for discriminatory views, comments or actions. But our study also raised important questions about privacy, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0950017015613746" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common</a> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijsa.12067" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HR practices</a> and how employers use social media to make decisions about their staff. Young people in particular are expected to navigate social media use (documenting their lives, hanging out with friends, and engaging in self-expression) with the threat of future reputational harm looming. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This woman said her company fired her after her body-positive photo shoot went viral <a href="https://t.co/1eOKFPvZaq">https://t.co/1eOKFPvZaq</a> <a href="https://t.co/dpuIQZJvaW">pic.twitter.com/dpuIQZJvaW</a> — BuzzFeed is a Chris Evans stan account (@BuzzFeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuzzFeed/status/913775877208416256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2017</a></blockquote> Are all online posts fair game? Many believe people just need to accept the reality that what you say and do on social media can be used against you. And that one should only post content they wouldn’t mind their boss (or potential boss) <a href="https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/455845/logged-off-six-hunter-workers-fired-over-facebook-comments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seeing</a>. But to what extent should employers and recruiting managers respect the privacy of employees, and not use personal social media to make employment decisions? Or is everything “fair game” in making hiring and firing decisions? On the one hand, the capacity for using social media to hold certain people (like police and politicians) to account for what they say and do can be immensely valuable to democracy and society. Powerful social movements such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/and-just-like-that-metoo-changed-the-nature-of-online-communication-174527" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#MeToo</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-twitter-and-the-way-of-the-hashtag-141693" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#BlackLivesMatter</a> used social media to call out structural social problems and individual bad actors. On the other hand, when everyday people lose their jobs (<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpto.2016.09.001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">or don’t get hired in the first place</a>) because they’re LGBTQ+, post a photo of themselves in a bikini, or because they complain about customers in private spaces (all stories from <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20563051221077022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our study</a>), the boundary between professional and private lives is <a href="https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Work%27s+Intimacy-p-9780745650289" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blurred</a>. Mobile phones, emails, working from home, highly competitive employment markets, and the intertwining of “work” with “identity” all serve to blur this line. Some workers must develop their own <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10606-018-9315-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strategies and tactics</a>, such as not friending or following workmates on some social media (which itself can lead to tensions). And even when one does derive joy and fulfilment from work, we should expect to have some boundaries respected. Employers, HR workers, and managers should think carefully about the boundaries between professional and personal lives; using social media in employment decisions can be more complicated than it seems. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/467644/original/file-20220608-26-2g1hpu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Many believe people just need to accept the reality that what you say and do on social media can be used against you. Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> A ‘hidden curriculum of surveillance’ When people feel monitored by employers (current, or imagined future ones) when they use social media, this creates a “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444818791318" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hidden curriculum of surveillance</a>”. For young people especially, this can be damaging and inhibiting. This hidden curriculum of surveillance works to produce compliant, self-governing citizen-employees. They are pushed to curate often highly sterile representations of their lives on social media, always under threat of employment doom. At the same time, these very same social media have a clear and productive role in revealing violations of power. Bad behaviour, misconduct, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of bigotry, harassment, and violence have all been exposed by social media. So, then, this surveillance can be both bad and good – invasive in some cases and for some people (especially young people whose digitally-mediated lives are managed through this prism of future impact) but also liberating and enabling justice, accountability, and transparency in other scenarios and for other actors. Social media can be an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0893318914541966" target="_blank" rel="noopener">effective way for people to find work</a>, for <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-30476-002" target="_blank" rel="noopener">employers to find employees</a>, to present <a href="https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">professional profiles on sites like LinkedIn</a> or portfolios of work on platforms like Instagram, but these can also be personal spaces even when they’re not set to private. How we get the balance right between using social media to hold people to account versus the risk of invading people’s privacy depends on the context, of course, and is ultimately about power.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/182424/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brady-robards-112223" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brady Robards</a>, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monash University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darren-graf-1344308" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Darren Graf</a>, Assistant researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monash University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-really-gets-fired-over-social-media-posts-we-studied-hundreds-of-cases-to-find-out-182424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Here’s why this doghouse will likely sell for hundreds of thousands

A doghouse up for auction could sell for more than $400,000 - the same price as a Brisbane apartment - and it's thanks to one small hole in its tin roof.In 2019, a meteorite tore through the sky towards the city of Aguas Zarcas in north central Costa Rica, crash landing in the doghouse while the pooch was still inside.The resulting seven-inch hole has made the simple wood and tin structure a highly sought after item, which is now estimated <a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/deep-impact-martian-lunar-other-rare-meteorites/aguas-zarcas-doghouse-4/142783?ldp_breadcrumb=back" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to sell</a> for between $280,000 and $420,000 at Christie’s “<a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/deep-impact-martian-lunar-other-rare-meteorites/lots/2134" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deep Impact: Martian, Lunar and other Rare Meteorites</a>”.“On April 23, 2019 at 9.07pm, a German Shephard [sic] named Roky experienced quite a fright. A meteorite, part of a shower of exotic stone meteorites loaded with organic compounds, crashed through his doghouse, barely missing him,” Christie’s <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/property/news/doghouse-struck-by-meteorite-400k-dollars-christies-space-auction/ab31a7b3-7fb6-483b-8770-f024f90a0df5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explains</a>.“Aguas Zarcas meteorites are the same type as Murchison, among the most researched meteorites of all time.“These samples not only contain tens of thousands of prebiotics, including amino acids, but also pre-solar grains ranging up to twice the age of the solar system. Today, many cosmochemists throughout the world are either investigating Aguas Zarcas specimens or waiting to obtain them.”<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/meteorite-doghouse.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />A meteorite and the kennel it crashed into have both been put up for auction, with the doghouse expected to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Image: Christie’sWith meteorites usually landing in the ocean or ending up buried deep underground in remote areas if they do end up on land, the one that struck Roky’s kennel is incredibly rare.Unfortunately, Christie’s explains that the house belonging to Roky’s owners won’t see an increase in value thanks to the meteorite, and that objects are what benefit most.“Although the few homes hit by falling meteorites do not become worth much more when struck, that is not the case with other objects,” the site reads.The high-end auctioneer is also selling off the <a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/deep-impact-martian-lunar-other-rare-meteorites/aguas-zarcas-cm2-meteorite-doghouse-8/142785" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meteorite</a> itself, which is expected to go for between $56-$84,000.Though he may be separated from the meteor, Roky is leaving a permanent mark on the space stone.“The front face of the meteorite is accented with a sienna-hued streak caused by the meteorite’s passage through the oxidized [sic] tin roof of Roky’s Doghouse.”Currently, there are 16 bids on the doghouse and eight on the meteorite, with bidding due to end on February 23.Image: Christie’s

Real Estate

Hundreds gather to mourn Charlise Mutten

A sombre, candlelight vigil <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/tears-flow-at-vigil-for-murdered-schoolgirl-charlise-mutten-211910839.html" target="_blank">has been held</a> for nine-year-old Charlise Mutten, who was allegedly murdered while holidaying with family in the NSW Blue Mountains. The vigil, held at Tweed Heads near the Queensland-NSW border, saw locals gather from 7.15 pm on Wednesday night. Mourners held candles and left bouquets and messages outside the gates of Tweed Heads Public School, the school Charlise had been attending. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846947/vigil1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/70b616652e7e46529b4b3413b3ad7893" /> More than 100 people gathered for the candlelight vigil held for Charlise Mutten outside Tweed Heads Public School, which she attended. Images: 9News Despite the light rain, about 150 people gathered outside the school for the vigil, where several speakers shared emotional tributes to the young girl. “Charlise loved coming to our little lunchtime drama club,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/vigil-for-nine-year-old-girl-found-in-barrel-held-tweed-heads-man-charged-murder/3644467d-5827-412f-bde6-6ac33c28b31d?ocid=Social-9NewsGC" target="_blank">said</a> Emily Carey, a teacher at Tweed Heads Public School. “She was always funny, very entertaining, and full of wit.” Another message, written by a classmate, read: “Dear Charlise, I was in your class in year two, it makes me really sad what happened to you. “You were a really nice person and I wish you were coming back to school with me. “Rest in Peace.” A message on the school’s notice board read: “don’t count the days, make the days count”. In a statement on Wednesday morning, the school said it was “absolutely devastated” by the young girl’s death. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftweedheadspublicschool%2Fposts%2F339127968218848&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="770" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> “Charlise was a much loved member of our school who brightened all our days, every day,” the statement read. The school <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/devastated-more-details-released-on-charlise-mutten-as-community-mourns" target="_blank">shared</a> a recent photo of Charlise holding a literacy award she received at their end-of-year presentation day. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also shared his condolences for the family after the five-day search for the missing girl tragically ended. “You hope for the best, you pray for it, but it doesn’t always occur,” Mr Morrison said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846946/vigil2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6cb3d994e5344e3fa6a866a6f5ecb986" /> Students who knew and attended school with Charlise were among those who left messages for her at Wednesday night’s vigil. Images: 9News Charlise’s body was discovered near the Colo River after police and volunteers from the Rural Fire Service and SES searched bushland around the Wildenstein Private Gardens at Mount Wilson, about 120 kilometres northwest of Sydney. Detectives searched the property - where Charlise was last seen alive - for several hours on Tuesday before her body was found. Her stepfather, Justin Stein, has been <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/charlise-mutten-s-accused-killer-fronts-court-with-two-requests" target="_blank">arrested and charged</a> with her murder, with police alleging he attempted to dispose of her body in inner Sydney before travelling back to the Colo River. Mr Stein appeared before a magistrate’s court on Wednesday, where he was refused bail. The case is due back in court on March 18. Investigations into Charlise’s death are ongoing, with police yet to determine how she died or whether there was a motive behind her murder. Image: 9News

Caring

Woman halts hundreds of protestors with kung fu moves

A New Zealand woman <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-kiwi-woman-tries-to-stop-anti-mandate-lockdown-protest-with-kung-fu-moves/OD4WENQRDBQOGK2TLZH2UEEZZI/" target="_blank">has taken the internet by storm</a> after her attempts to single-handedly stop a protest against vaccine mandates and lockdowns emerged online. The introduction of new mandates across the country and the placement of regions into strict lockdowns has prompted thousands of Kiwis to take to the streets in protest. At a recent rally in Nelson, on New Zealand’s South Island, an unknown woman took a stand against the crowd and attempted to stop them with a kung-fu move. The footage, posted to social media, shows the woman jumping in front of the protestors as they move down the street. Someone can be heard saying, “they’re not going to stop, lady”. Instead of moving out of their way, the woman took a kung-fu pose to halt the protest. However, the protestors managed to continue past her, lifting their banner that read “freedom for all Kiwis” over her head. The clip has since gone viral on social media, with many saying it was an “only in New Zealand” moment. “You have three props and three wingers on that front line. At what point did she believe they were going to stop?” one joked. “Okay let’s give nana an award for the best reaction to protesting,” another wrote. “Kung fu grandma love it!” a third said. This isn’t the first time a New Zealander has dealt with those hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine in their own, unique way. Another woman was spotted approaching vaccine-hesitant men and encouraging them to get the jab. Twitter user Te Kuru Dewes (@TeKuruDewes) said that the “Aunty” was “waving cars down” and making them get vaccinated. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Apparently there’s an Aunty stopping traffic in Mangamuka (Taitokerau), waving cars down and making grown anti-vax-leaning men go and get their jab in the van. Classic. — Te Kuru Dewes (@TeKuruDewes) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeKuruDewes/status/1456388117447860225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote> “Apparently there’s an Aunty stopping traffic in Mangamuka (Taitokerau), waving down cars and making grown anti-vax-leaning men go and get their jab in the van. Classic,” they tweeted. “If anything is going to lift Māori vaxx rates it’s going to be Aunties that told you to get vaxxed or else,” one person replied. “Don’t mess with Aunties… just don’t,” another commented. The conflict between protestors and pro-vaccine grandmas and aunties comes as <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-data-and-statistics/covid-19-vaccine-data" target="_blank">92 percent</a> of Kiwis have received their first COVID-19 jab and 84 percent are fully vaccinated. Image: Tiktok

Travel Trouble

Shane Warne in isolation after positive COVID-19 result

Cricket legend Shane Warne has tested positive for COVID-19 during England’s The Hundred cricket tournament. Warne, head coach of the London Spirits, felt ill prior to Sunday’s match against Southern Brave at Lord’s Ground and later returned a positive result from a lateral flow test. “After feeling unwell this morning, Shane returned a positive lateral flow test and will isolate from the squad and support staff whilst he awaits PCR [test] results,” the team said in a statement. “A second member of the team management is self-isolating after also returning a positive test. No players have been impacted.” Warne is the second coach to receive a positive result for coronavirus since the tournament started 10 days ago. Andy Flower, the Trent Rocket’s coach, tested positive prior to Warne. One player, Steven Mullaney, was also sent into isolation after he was determined to be a close contact of Flower. The news comes just a week after the former cricketer encouraged others to get vaccinated and called for COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to end. “I think it’s just a matter of getting on with it, get your double vax and get on with it and learn to live with it,” he told Sky News Australia. “No one over here seems to want to get locked down again. No one likes lockdown. “They just said ‘enough is enough, everyone go and get double jabbed’ and they’re learning to live with it.”

Caring

Migraine patients set to save hundreds after costly drug revision

The addition of migraine-preventing medication to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has been hailed as a step in the right direction by advocacy groups. Emgality is used to prevent migraines in adults and is injected once a month by the patient. It can cost up to $1000 a month, but from June 1 eligible individuals will pay just $41.30 a script or $6.60 if they are a concession holder. Raphaella Crosby, the founding member of patient advocacy group Migraine Australia said the addition of the treatment to the PBS is a step in the right direction but that there’s still more work to do. “It does kind of pave the way because now that we’ve got one of these new medications on the PBS, there’s not much argument for listing the other ones,” Ms Crosby said. However, Ms Crosby said the number of people eligible for treatment would be limited by strict criteria. To be eligible, a person must meet the definition of suffering from chronic migraines, be under the care of a neurologist, have tried three older medications that failed, and not have received botox (a common treatment for migraines) under the PBS. “The line between episodic and chronic migraine is nonsense, it’s an arbitrary line that somebody drew at some point. It has no clinical meaning,” Ms Crosby said. According to research by Deloitte Access Economics in 2018, 4.9 million Australians live with migraines. Migraines disproportionately affect women as well, with 45 percent of women aged between 25 and 45 living with very active migraines that affect their ability to work, Ms Crosby said. “When the government talks about getting women back to work, to deny these drugs to women who aren’t completely debilitated by them is a bit counterproductive,” she said. “Because essentially what the restrictions are saying is ‘you need to be completely debilitated by your migraine before we’ll give you something that works’.” Emgality, made by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, belongs to a group of medications that block a particular protein associated with migraines, called calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP).

Body

The Bunnings hack that will save you hundreds of dollars

A Sydney mum has transformed her clothesline using just two products from Bunnings, saving her hundreds of dollars. While it may just be a clothesline, many homeowners will agree that the backyard staple is pricey, with some costing close to $600. But instead of dropping cash, Jessica Lanyon spent just $31.90 on cord and spray paint from Bunnings to revamp the old "ugly" line. “We actually moved into the house three years ago and it has looked like that ever since we bought it,” Jessica told news.com.au. “It’s that one thing we have been meaning to fix since we moved in and we’ve finally did something about it.” With the rest of her southwest Sydney house renovated, the mother-of-four said the dated clothes line really stood out, and for all the wrong reasons. <img style="width: 500px; height:328.4210526315789px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841697/screen-shot-2021-06-08-at-115855-am.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/327b7977978b412995afef885cf339b9" /> She said before the makeover, the line was falling apart and green finish was faded. “To save buying a new clothesline we did a little revamp on ours instead, using new cord and spray paint – I didn’t think I could be so happy over a clothesline,” she wrote in a Facebook post. Jessica said it took her two hours to transform the line using $19 Hills 30cm wire from Bunnings and two coats of Dulux' $12.90 Metalshield Multipurpose Spray Paint (Monument). It now looks exactly like the store's $254 clothes line. “It’s the little things. looks great!!” one woman responded to her snap in the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2152262025040161/permalink/2949198725346483" target="_blank">Bunnings Mums, Inspiration, Hacks, Tips And Tricks</a> group. “Girl after my own heart, I revamped mine a few years ago, I was so excited,” another wrote, while a third said, “Fantastic! Recycle! Reuse! Well done.”

Home & Garden

Hundreds urged to get tested after South Australia cluster grows

South Australia’s worst cluster to date has gone from bad to worse with 17 cases now linked to the family outbreak. Speaking to Adelaide’s 5AA Radio this morning, South Australia’s chief public health officer Dr Nicola Spurrier confirmed the Parafield cluster was growing at an alarmingly fast rate. The latest venue to shut down for deep cleaning has been Hungry Jacks Port Adelaide. Dr Spurrier described the outbreak as “very serious”. South Australia reported three local coronavirus cases on Sunday among a family that has members working in hotel quarantine, aged and health care and a large prison. A woman in her 80s tested positive at the Lyell McEwin Hospital emergency department on Friday night. Two of the woman’s close contacts – a woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s – also tested positive yesterday. One of the infected people is the elderly woman’s child. Dr Spurrier revealed one of them worked in Adelaide’s CBD at one of the state’s medi-hotels, where returned travellers quarantine for two weeks. Another person who came in contact with the family also tested positive late on Sunday with SA Correctional Services chief executive David Brown confirming an employee at Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide’s northern suburbs had tested positive. Four more members of the family were showing symptoms late yesterday with original estimates suggesting the cluster could grow to eight. The state’s last case of unknown community transmission was more than seven months ago – on April 15.

News

Bouncy castle sent flying hundreds of metres turns family day upside down

A family gathering in NSW’s Riverina region swiftly turned into a horrible nightmare after a jumping castle was sent flying into the air by a random gust of wind. Two children were left with serious injuries. Paramedics, which included three crews and a rescue helicopter, were called to a children’s party in the backyard of a home in Tabbita, north of Griffith, just after 2 pm on Sunday. A 10-year-old girl has been treated for a leg injury and a 10-year-old boy was treated for an arm injury and neck pain. The two kids were rushed to Griffith Airport before they were flown to Wagga Wagga hospital in a serious but stable condition. “It appears a random gust of wind has hit at a family gathering, lifting the inflatable castle around seven metres into the air, dropping two kids onto the ground,” NSW Ambulance inspector Markus Zarnis said. “This would have been a terrifying experience for everyone at the scene.” He said the jumping castle “really took off” and landed “a few hundred metres” away from its initial location. “Our crews did a fantastic job to stabilise the youngsters,” Mr Zarnis said.

Family & Pets

Shopper reveals hack to save hundreds on chicken

One mum has shared a cost-efficient hack that’s guaranteed to save shoppers hundreds of dollars. Carley Phillips posted her discovery to the Facebook group Mums Who Cook and Bake. “Instead of paying $24/kg for cold chicken breast at the deli, I bought fresh chicken breast for $9/kg,” Phillips said in her post. “Splashed some olive oil on it, cooked it for 30 minutes in the oven at 180 degrees, let it cool slightly, and shredded it with two forks. “This will keep us going for lunches etc for the next couple of days. “So easy, cheaper and healthier.” There is also the option of paying an extra few dollars for a roast chicken from your supermarket. This method proved to be a great alternative with commenters on Carley’s original Facebook post. “I buy a roast chook for $12 and pull it apart and shred, then portion out into zip bags and freeze,” one person said. “That’s what I do too. Heaps cheaper as it’s already cooked,” another wrote.

Food & Wine

Hundreds of hospital staff quarantined

Over 200 hospital staff have been forced into quarantine after a nurse at a Queensland hospital was diagnosed with COVID-19. It is believed the 32-year-old female employee contracted the virus while treating an infected patient at Ipswich Hospital. Four health staff have caught coronavirus in the state so far. Contact tracing to figure out who the nurse came into contact with is underway. A statement has confirmed that while most appointments at the hospital have been put on hold, the emergency department is still open and running as usual. Queensland's chief health officer Jeanette Young has urged people not to panic.

News

This little-known Woollies hack can save you hundreds

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> An eagle-eyed Woolworths shopper has revealed a relatively unknown hack that can save hundreds off your Christmas shopping food bill. The hack was shared on a popular Facebook page, with one shopper showing that Woolworths Rewards members have the option to bank their savings until later in the year. “Just in case you didn’t know, you can bank all your [Woolworths Rewards] savings for Christmas time,” wrote one Woolies shopper on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Markdownaddictsaustralia" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">Markdown Addicts Australia</a> page. “When you get [money] from your Rewards card, you can bank it until December when it will become available. A little saving tip for that crazy Christmas time.” Users of the Woolworths rewards card are thrilled with the option, with some already cashing in on the savings. “It’s so good, I have $200 for Christmas so far,” said one. Added another: “We have $600.” Benefiting from the savings is easy as you simply change the settings when you select "Bank for Christmas" in "redemption settings" under "my account". The change is even easier to do if you're using the Woolworths Rewards app, as your preference is shown under the welcome banner on the home screen. </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

NSW tourist towns overrun with "hundreds" of Victorians

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> River towns in outback NSW are being visited by hordes of tourists despite border closures and concerns over a coronavirus outbreak. The Minindee Regional Tourist Association has closed its information centre as there is concern within the community about travelling Victorians and COVID-19. Chairman Rob Gregory said "hundreds" of Victorians had been in the town in the last several weeks, and some long-term residents said they had never seen it so busy. "In the main street I can't even get my designated parking spot," Mr Gregory, who is also an electrician, said. "It's certainly been hectic. I've been doing some work in the local supermarket just the last couple of days, and a lot of people in there and out getting their supplies." Many Menindee residents were ready to welcome back tourists after a few tough years for the town, but the outbreak in Victoria and the threat it could spread interstate has made residents anxious. Mr Gregory said that there was a 50-50 split in the community between those who wanted travellers to visit and those who wanted them to leave. "We decided to close the Tourist Information Centre because of that angst," he said. "We've got older members that volunteer in there, and they decided they didn't want to put themselves at risk and others at risk." The owner of the cafe at Pooncarie, south of Minindee had to close business on Friday as she ran out of supplies. Barbara Ellis said that most of the visitors were from Victoria and appeared to be in no rush to return back home. "We thought it would've dropped off almost instantly, but it hasn't," Ms Ellis said. "I think the ones that are going back home are the ones that actually have commitments back home, like they need to get children back to school or whatever. "Our business is basically entirely grey nomads and travellers." Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive Jenny Thwaites expressed frustration over the surge of visitors who were ignoring signs erected by the community, requesting them not to stop in the town. "People are going to (have to) stop to get fuel and to go to the toilet, and maybe go into the roadhouse and get something to eat," Ms Thwaites said. "That's accepted, but surely they don't have to go and picnic in a park when it's quite clear that we're asking them not to do it." Photo credits: Visit NSW </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

Hundreds join anti-vaxxer group’s national bus tour

Hundreds of people in NSW have signed up to join a national anti-vaxxer bus tour, which has been slammed as “inappropriate” and “irresponsible” by health experts. <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/hundreds-turning-out-for-antivaxxer-bus-tour/news-story/8c6754cdef85c9095be981b59c1faab9">The Daily Telegraph</a> reported four hundred people from NSW have registered their interest in the “Vaxxed” bus tour, which is set to hit the road in mid-July. Meryl Dorey, spokeswoman for The Australian Vaccination-risks Network told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/anti-vaxxers-mount-new-campaign-in-australia-to-counteract-blatant-censorship-on-social-media-c-1086415">7News</a> the road trip will spread the supposed “dangers of compulsory vaccination” around the country. The tour will also include screenings of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe and Vaxxed II: The People’s Truth among others. Andrew Wakefield, who directed the first Vaxxed film and appeared in the second, was struck off the medical register in 2010 due to ethical misconducts related to his <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8695267.stm">controversial research</a>. The announcement of the tour has been met with condemnation from public health experts. “The benefits of vaccination have been proven over and over again on a worldwide basis,” Dr Kean-Seng Lim, immediate past president of the Australian Medical Association told The Daily Telegraph. “A lot of the anti-vax movement is based on rumours and untruths … any process which increases the misinformation out there is harmful to our society.” Robert Booy, professor of paediatrics at the University of Sydney, said local councils must ban the group from using public venues and facilities during its bus tour. “It is totally inappropriate that local councils allow false scientific information [to be spread] in their communities,” he told 7News. The World Health Organisation has declared <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/23/health/anti-vaccination-movement-us.html">vaccine hesitancy</a> as one of the biggest threats to global health. Sydney Health Ethics lecturer Dr Claire Hooker said health experts should have “great understanding and kindness” towards people who are worried about the side effects of immunisation. “It’s reasonable for parents to want to know about and understand something they’ve been told they must do,” she told 7News. ”And if they are laughed at or mocked and their concerns put aside, they could be inclined to move closer towards the anti-vaxxer position. “It is important for people in public health to provide opportunities for communication with parents who are unsure about where to get accurate information.”

Travel Trouble

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you”: Hundreds attend funeral for Hannah Clarke and her children

Three young Brisbane children who were doused in petrol and set alight by their father have been remembered as gorgeous, fun-loving siblings who were the light of their mother’s life. The funeral for Hannah Clarke and her children Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey took place today, three weeks after her estranged husband Rowan Baxter sent shock waves throughout the country for the horrific act he committed. They are being laid to rest in a single white coffin, adorned with pink flowers, with Ms Clarke’s parents Lloyd and Suzanne Clarke surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835032/4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6defef5cef704016a7c583bf7c6fb568" /> Addressing the large crowd who showed up to honour Hannah and her children, her younger brother, Nat, said he had loved his “amazing sister” from the moment he was born, and said they weren’t just siblings, but best friends. “Hannah was the greatest mum to walk the earth,” he said. Mr Clarke said his sister had been looking forward to finally being happy after leaving her husband and starting to rebuild her life. “I am so sorry I couldn’t protect you,” he said. He went on to pay tribute to his nieces and nephews, who he said had their mother’s traits. “Aaliyah, you were everything a big sister should be, brave, strong and quite bossy,” Mr Clarke said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835033/5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5bdb139c3bc045e5ae5616fd155f2f76" /> “Laianah, you were the ratbag, the little middle. There was so much of Hannah in you. You were beautiful, sweet and caring with an amazing imagination. You were the sweetest kid and a beautiful mermaid. “Trey, mother’s little man and her best surprise.” Mourners were visibly emotional throughout the service, with many placing colourful butterfly stickers similar to a tattoo of Ms Clarke’s on the casket. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835031/3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d1de74e3c1214055bf262012c5723916" /> Among those paying tribute to the young mum, was friend Lou Farmer. “Han was the best role model for her daughters; she knew her worth,” said Ms Farmer. “Hannah, the impact you had on people shows how special you are.” Other notable people in attendance were Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, senior police officers, firefighters and paramedics. Details and the location of the funeral service were not released publicly at the family’s request.

News

Hundreds of koalas brutally murdered during routine logging

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES A few hundred of perhaps Australia’s most beloved animal, koalas, have reportedly been murdered in Victoria this week. Animals Australia has shared devastating images of injured and dead koalas who were “mowed down” after logging occurred 12km west of Portland. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> On becoming aware of this situation on Friday, we flew in a veterinary team from <a href="https://twitter.com/Vets_Compassion?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vets_Compassion</a>. A second vet team was flown in to assist with the treatment of surviving animals yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/sSlF43IbLV">pic.twitter.com/sSlF43IbLV</a> — Animals Australia (@AnimalsAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnimalsAus/status/1223738890277646336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote> The species – who are now a threatened species after one of Australia’s worst bushfire season in recorded history – were hurt at a razed bluegum plantation. “Koalas are having their homes mowed down,” said Animals Australia. “On becoming aware of this situation on Friday, we flew in a veterinary team,” Animals Australia confirmed on Sunday morning. “With the support of local authorities and wildlife carers, vets are seeking to save as many of these precious animals as possible.” The details of this case are still unknown, Animals Australia confirmed on Sunday. “We are still gathering the details as to what has occurred in this case but it would appear that there are various breaches of legislation, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which we will be supporting authorities to pursue,” they said on social media. “By law, the companies that own these plantations must provide koala ‘spotters’ to identify koalas in trees before logging commences, so that animals can be safely removed and relocated. “There is also a legal responsibility to ensure the welfare of koalas after logging has ceased.” It is assumed that in result of the habitat destruction from bushfires, hundreds of koalas sought refuge on commercial property. “The logging of these forests then destroys precious habitat,” shared Animals Australia. Wildlife Victoria CEO Dr Megan Davidson said it was impossible to understand how the logging could happen if koalas were in them. “In these tragic cases, we are so sad not only for the animals, but also for the wildlife carers and vets who are on the ground dealing with the horrors of dead, broken, sick and orphaned animals,” Davidson said. “Here’s a thought,” shared Animals Australia. “How about instead of planting plantations then mowing them down, we should be planting blue gum and leaving them for koalas to live in.” The gruesome images have resulted in calls for change at a national level, with a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.change.org/p/daniel-andrews-koala-massacres-portland-victoria?recruiter=743946376&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_petition&recruited_by_id=05242690-62d9-11e7-88b5-65895f00d004" target="_blank">Change.org petition</a> already up and running. “This barbaric practice needs to stop across the state and immediately,” the petition – directed to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews – reads. As reported by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) there are less than 100,000 koalas left in the wild and the population could be in fact as low as 43,000. If Australia’s koala population falls below 50,000 it would be “functionally extinct”, the AKF said.

Family & Pets

Mass riots in rural town force hundreds to flee

A violent disturbance in the Queensland town of Aurukun has seen about 300 people fleeing, with the state government sending in disaster response experts. More than one-fifth of the town’s 1,400 population have evacuated to other communities throughout Cape York after the alleged murder of a 37-year-old man triggered violence and arson on New Year’s Day. Eight homes were torched, prompting many residents to flee to a makeshift camp about 80km from the town, <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/disaster-response-expert-sent-to-aurukun-20200129-p53vp7.html">AAP</a> reported. Others went to nearby communities including Coen, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Laura, Mapoon, Napranum and Pormpuraaw. 29 people have been arrested and charged with 120 offences related to the riots. Far North Queensland Senior Sergeant Duane Amos and officer Tracey Harding have been called in as response co-ordinators. The two are tasked with leading “a coordinated, case-management approach to addressing the current needs of displaced Aurukun residents”. Additional police have been deployed to Aurukun to maintain calm amid <a href="https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/aurukun-riots-duane-amos-and-tracey-harding-to-help-displaced-refugees/news-story/2bb361e16262db24e1b6de1679859ef6">threat of ongoing violence</a> as work continues to repair damaged properties in the city.

Travel Trouble

Hundreds of Aussies trapped in Wuhan as coronavirus death toll rises

As the death toll rises, hundreds of Aussies and their families are stranded in China after being caught up in the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The federal government has vowed to evacuate nationals in the coming days, but more than 100 Australian children and their families are stuck in the city of Wuhan, which is the epicentre for the outbreak. Rui Zeverino, a Melbourne horse trainer, spoke to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/australians-trapped-in-wuhan-as-death-toll-continues-to-rise-20200128-p53vfs.html" target="_blank">The Sydney Morning Herald</a> about how the outbreak is being contained. "We have to walk through a pool of disinfectant, which they change every day, for our feet, to clean them," he said. "They also make us go into a special ultraviolet room in order to disinfect us. We have to stay there for four minutes before we can leave." "Anyone who has a temperature higher than normal, you get reported and you get taken away," he explained. The city of Wuhan has a population of 11 million people now resembles scenes from a disaster Hollywood film, with people barricading themselves indoors. "It is ground zero here," Mr Severino said. "Everyone is extremely fearful and that is why we must follow the measures enforced by the Chinese government very strictly." Sydney man Daniel Ou Yang visited his grandparents in Wuhan earlier this month and is now stranded due to the virus. "We are being advised to not even open our doors," the 21-year-old said. "I’m really worried for my grandparents and the younger kids here. The situation is pretty bad over here. I think it’s worse than the government is letting on. The hospitals are completely overwhelmed and obviously long term it’s going to get more stressful." "A lot of residents from other countries and students have been evacuated from China already," he said. "It is frustrating not knowing." Five infections have been confirmed in Australia so far, but the number is expected to rise.

Travel Trouble

Hundreds given on-the-spot fine for breaking little-known road rule

Police have started cracking down on pedestrians for breaking one major rule around Sydney’s new light rail, with hundreds of people being penalised. Between December 2019 and January 2020 NSW Police conducted a Pedestrian Compliance Operation are the light rail route in the CBD and Kensington areas. This resulted in 253 infringements which were issued to those who failed to follow traffic signals. The offence is penalised with an on-the-spot fine of $76, with police saying the rule is put in place to help reduce the risk of pedestrians getting injured. “This operation aims to reduce the risk of collisions involving pedestrians through education and enforcement at locations identified as high-risk areas,” said NSW Police. “So far this year, three pedestrians have died on NSW roads.” A photo of a policewoman issuing a fine to a pedestrian was posted to Reddit on Monday, sparking a debate as to whether handing out fines was fair. Many believe it’s a form of “revenue raising” and that people should be given warnings instead of a penalty. “But how about issuing warnings instead of fines? Surely that will get the point across just as well?” asked one person. “The fines are completely unnecessary, and people are right to be calling this out as a revenue raising exercise.” Another agreed, saying penalising pedestrians for this act was the “epitome of a nanny state”. But despite the outcry, many disagreed saying that it was a matter of safety. “Not revenue raising when it’s trying to promote public safety,” said one person. “Was walking behind a chick that clearly saw these cops this morning, jaywalked anyway then acted surprised when she got a fine. There were about six of them in high vis, couldn’t have been more obvious,” wrote another. Police are urging people to always use pedestrian crossings, and to wait for all vehicles to come to a complete stop before crossing the road.

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