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"Little Victory": First glimpse of Monaco’s newest royal baby

<p dir="ltr">Marie Ducruet, who is married to Princess Stéphanie’s son, Louis has shared the first glimpse of their newborn daughter Princess Victoire of Monaco in a sweet snap posted on Instagram.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Monegasque royal stunned with the glow of a new mother as she cradled her baby girl.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is the first photo of Princess Victoire since Marie announced her birth on April 7.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this month Marie shared a photo of the newborn's leg with her ankle tag confirming her name and date of birth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The photo was captioned (translated from French): “Our little family has grown with the arrival of our little Victory” .</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqvk9PjoUy8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqvk9PjoUy8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marie Ducruet (@marieducruet)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Fans and family members took to the comments to share their joy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations to my gorgeous Cousins! Welcome to the world Victoire, can’t wait to meet you!,” wrote Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, the first-born daughter of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Tamara Rotolo.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations and many blessings,” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations and all the best for your family!” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations to you both and welcome to your baby girl with such a sweet name,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple tied the knot in 2019 in a civil ceremony at Monaco's townhall, followed by a more lavish service at Monaco's Cathedral later on.</p> <p dir="ltr">They announced that they were expecting in a sweet social media post on November 24 2022 with a picture of their dog wearing a T-shirt which read “soon to be big brother”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Meet Australia’s newest and youngest Chaser

<p dir="ltr">There is a new <em>Chaser</em> on the block and she is not here to play nicely. </p> <p dir="ltr">Enter Mara Lejins, only 27, and Australia’s youngest Chaser on popular TV show <em>The Chase</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">One look and you’d actually think she’s Elle Woods from Legally Blonde thanks to her blonde hair and pink outfit. </p> <p dir="ltr">But don’t underestimate the innocent look as she has been dubbed The Smiling Assassin. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I only smile when I’m trying to take down contestants - that’s why I’m always smiling,” she says with a grin.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Smiling Assassin joins the top guns on the show - Goliath, The Governess, The Beast, The Shark, The Super Nerd and The Tiger Mum - who have long been putting contestants in their place in the competition. </p> <p dir="ltr">Host Larry Emdur told <em>The Morning Show</em> that people are fooled by Mara’s looks and when she attacks it’s “impressive”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She’s so disarming,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She comes out, ‘oh doesn’t she look lovely’, and then BANG, she is across everything.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a funny twist of events, Mara appeared in the show’s spinoff series <em>Beat The Chasers</em> in 2020 where she won a huge $58,000. </p> <p dir="ltr">Before that, she appeared as a contestant on <em>The Chase</em> in 2017 where she earned a whopping $20,000 for her team.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Seven</em></p>

TV

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Great-great-great-grandma meets newest addition to family

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Scottish woman has become a great, great, great grandmother, with six generations of her family alive at the same time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mary Marshall has a total of 90 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 86-year-old is the family’s oldest member, and the youngest is three-week-old Nyla Ferguson.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All of the mothers are on the same side of the family and all except new mum Toni-Leigh Aitken work, or have worked, as carers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They also all gave birth when they were 18 or younger and live in or around Edinburgh.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As head of the family, Mary has eight children, including eldest daughter Rose.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rose Thorburn, 68, has four children, including 50-year-old Chyrel Borthwick.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cheryl’s daughter gave birth to Carrie Dow, a mum-of-four, in 1986.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">35-year-old Carrie’s children include new mum Toni-Leigh, 17.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the birth of Nyla in May, Mary earned the title of Scotland’s only great-great-great grandmother.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She said: “I’m a lucky woman, to be honest with you. It’s great to have such a big family. There’s always someone there looking out for you. I’m incredibly happy.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mary also said she is forgiven for not buying birthday and Christmas presents for every member of the large family, as she would spend “half the year doing so”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New mum, Toni-Leigh, said: “When we found out I was pregnant, we did make a joke about us breaking some sort of record.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Then we started looking into it and it doesn’t look like anyone else has our family set-up.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s a bit too early to see a resemblance to her great-great-great-grandma, but it was love at first sight when they met.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Living a short drive away from each other also means Mary, Toni, and the new bub can see each other often.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Toni-Leigh also noted it was “pretty loud” when they have a family get-together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rose, Nyla’s great-great-grandma, said: “It’s great when you have a new baby. I’m one of eight so I’ve always had a big family in some sense.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Whenever we get together, there’s always fun and laughs. There’s always someone there for you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is believed that the family is the only one in Scotland with six generations alive at the same time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most generations alive in a single family has been seven, according to Guinness World Records.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: SWNS</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Inside Dannii Minogue's newest home

<p><span>Dannii Minogue has just bought a brand new home in Hawthorn East.</span><br /><br /><span>The pop star is settling into the same suburb she sold her house in two years ago.</span><br /><br /><span>It appears she hasn’t wasted any time moving in, after paparazzi photographed Minogue and her boyfriend Adrian Newman carrying household goods and appliances into the new home this week.</span><br /><br /><span>The property online said it had an asking price of $3.2m but the official sale price continues to remain undisclosed.</span><br /><br /><span>The “low-maintenance” home offers luxury living with high-end features including a life and a state of the art kitchen.</span><br /><br /><span>Along with new and innovative features, the stunning property also has a north-facing alfresco terrace with a barbecue kitchen, a basement cellar and gym.</span><br /><br /><span>Not only is luxury a main factor of the beautiful place, three of the four bedrooms also have ensuites.</span><br /><br /><span>Minogue sold her previous Hawthorn East home, on Tooronga Rd, for $2.56m in June 2019.</span><br /><br /><span>The property was kept in her possession for almost a decade alongside her then-partner Kris Smith.</span><br /><br /><span>The agent who sold that property, Jellis Craig Hawthorn’s Peter Batrouney, said that Minogue had been a “community-minded person involved in the area”.</span><br /><br /><span>“She’s brought up her son here, walked her son to school, enjoyed friendships with neighbours and she’s not a recluse in any way,” Mr Batrouney said.</span><br /><br /><span>Minogue and music producer Newman have dated since 2014.</span></p>

Real Estate

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Meghan Markle's newest Archie-inspired venture

<p>Meghan Markle is an actress, entrepreneur, royal member, L.A. mum and now she is a children’s author.</p> <p>The royal has written her first book, inspired by Prince Harry and their son, Archie.</p> <p>Titled<span> </span><em>The Bench,<span> </span></em>Meghan tells the story of the bond that eternally lives between a father and his son.</p> <p>So far, book published Penguin Random House UK has released the cover and two inside pages.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841064/prince-harry-meghan-book-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c806f6950a644c7eb43a4b95eceb8fa9" /></p> <p>In the book, featured are a diverse group of dads and their growing boys who connect by enjoying the pleasures life has to offer.</p> <p>“<em>The Bench</em><span> </span>started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born. That poem became this story,” Meghan said.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841063/prince-harry-meghan-book-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/459b69abc8f449399ff6db3ac7bf42e8" /></p> <p>She went on to say, “Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolour illustrations that capture the warmth, joy and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life.</p> <p>“This representation was particularly important to me and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens.</p> <p>“My hope is that<span> </span><em>The Bench</em><span> </span>resonates with every family, no matter the make up, as much as it does with me.”<br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841062/prince-harry-meghan-book-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/597eebe78cf649f68b8e20f4edc17661" /></p> <p><em>The Bench,</em><span> </span>which costs $24, will be released June 8.</p> <p>Prince Harry and Meghan share one child together, Archie, who turns two on May 6.</p> <p>The couple are set to welcome their baby girl during the warm summer months.</p>

Books

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"Diana knew of my existence": Simon Dorante-Day's newest claim

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Simon Dorante-Day has gained worldwide fame after going public with his claims that he is the secret love child of Prince Charles and Camilla.</p> <p>After decades of research, Day has come out with new claims that Princess Diana knew about his existence as well.</p> <p>“We believe that Diana knew of my existence, that she had put together the pieces,” he said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/entertainment/royals/diana-knew-charles-camillas-secret-aussie-son-reveals-little-known-fax-c-2744493" target="_blank"><em>7NEWS</em></a>.</p> <p>“Diana was at a point where she was finding out answers about her life, how she was wronged – and she was going public with it.</p> <p>“I wrote to Mohamed Al-Fayed, Dodi’s father, with my story and told him who I was.</p> <p>“One of Diana’s secret fears would’ve been that there was a secret child. There were all sorts of rumours flying around, and my existence would’ve been one of them.”</p> <p>He said that investigators were also interested in the claims and demanded he sends a fax outlining his research at 2 am.</p> <p>“We were in Lismore, NSW, in 2004 after Diana,” he said.</p> <p>“I sent a letter to the Metropolitan Police saying I believed I was Charles and Camilla’s son and whether it would have any ramifications in the case about Diana’s death.</p> <p>“And at 2 am they asked me to write a statement and fax it back as soon as possible.</p> <p>“I was making submissions to the Paget Enquiry and as a result, Charles got questioned a second time during the enquiry – and it was after my letter was sent, and I believe this is why.”</p> <p>Unfortunately, Diana never confirmed or denied his existence in the years before her death.</p> <p>“Diana sadly died before I went public with my claims, so she was never publicly asked about me,” he said.</p> <p>“But I believe my birth and adoption was part of a royal cover-up. Through her investigations into Charles and Camilla, she would’ve heard the rumours of my existence and made enquiries. How could she not?”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

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Bindi's newest major clue that the baby is already here

<p>Rumours are rife that Bindi Irwin has already given birth.</p> <p>Fans have been speculating that the pregnant 22-year-old and her husband Chandler Powell may have secretly become parents without announcing it to the world.</p> <p>Whispers began after some unusual social media activity from the wildlife warrior.</p> <p>Photos of Bindi's growing baby bump have featured on her Instagram page throughout her pregnancy - until six days ago.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMp_-Z8BpuE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMp_-Z8BpuE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans now believe that she has already delivered her baby.</p> <p>On Sunday, rather than sharing a new image, Bindi posted a black and white throwback photo that had previously appeared on her husband's Instagram account.</p> <p>The image shows the couple cradling Bindi's baby bump, with the caption: "My world".</p> <p>On Monday, Bindi didn't post a photo of her bump at all, instead choosing to post an image of a possum wrapped in a blanket.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMsbcyNheem/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMsbcyNheem/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Speaking of the speculation,<span> </span><em>The Morning Show</em><span> </span>entertainment editor Peter Ford said: “In recent weeks, she’s been putting up pictures of her baby bump, but for this latest one she’s hasn’t put up a baby bump, she’s actually put up a possum in a blanket picture.”</p> <p>“That’s what they’re basing it off.”</p> <p>It could be that Bindi and Chandler are keeping their first child’s arrival under wraps so they can enjoy their first days of parenthood in private.</p> <p>But they may also have inked a magazine or television deal for the big announcement.</p>

News

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"We are going in hard, early": How SA are tackling the newest outbreak

<p>South Australia has recorded just one new case of coronavirus overnight, linked to the family cluster at the centre of the fresh outbreak.</p> <p>The update was issued at 7 am on Tuesday in what seems to be great news as health authorities scramble to take control of emerging COVID-19 cases.</p> <p>There is concern the state may go through a second wave of the highly infectious virus.</p> <p>All international flights to Adelaide have been suspended while the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland have closed their borders to the state.</p> <p>New South Wales will remain open and Victoria, too, despite deeming SA a "hotspot".</p> <p>New restrictions have also been put in place, coming into effect at midnight. </p> <p>Premier Steven Marshall said the restrictions are set to be put in place for two weeks.</p> <p>"Of course, if we can remove them earlier, we certainly will."</p> <ul> <li>Pubs, clubs and restaurants now have a 100-person limit; private functions are capped at 50 and there is to be no stand-up drinking. The four</li> <li>Recreation centres, play centres and gyms are now closed — though with outdoor boot camps permitted, some are moving classes outside.</li> <li>Community sports fixtures and training have been temporarily suspended, for both indoor and outdoor sports.</li> <li>Funeral are capped at 50 people; church services are limited to 100 people; wedding guests must register with the communicable diseases control branch.</li> <li>Home gatherings are limited to 10 people.</li> <li>Masks must be worn by beauty providers, and are encouraged for clients.</li> </ul> <p>Those who can work from home are encouraged to, and people have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel, and wear a mask where social distancing is not possible.</p> <p>Schools will remain open.</p> <p>"To everyone who has gone to get tested and acted on advice to self-isolate, thank you," Marshall said in a statement <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/158532174266173/posts/3400590756726949" target="_blank">shared on social media</a> last night.</p> <p>"As we've seen interstate and overseas, this virus has the ability to spread thick and fast. It's a nasty virus and it's not going to go away until we have a vaccine. That's why we can never get complacent.</p> <p>"Social distancing, hand hygiene, getting tested and respecting restrictions are our strongest line of defence.</p> <p>"We are not waiting. We are going in hard, early. This cluster won't define us. It won't ruin all the hard work we've done if we continue to work together."</p>

News

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Hello Hamptons! Australia’s newest waterside villas for over-55s

<div class="postIntro">Inspired by a New York Destination of luxury and leisurely living, this brand-new masterplan community is focused on lifestyle in an idyllic sea change location on the Mid-North Coast.</div> <div class="postIntro"> <p>At some point, you’ve probably heard of the Hamptons, or at least seen the area in a movie: those affluent, exclusive waterside communities that stretch north-east from New York up through Long Island. Private estates, villas and bungalows, plotted in single file up and down long, narrow strips of pristine beachfront.</p> <p>To get to them, you drive down long, cobbled driveways lined with tall boxwood hedges. Inside the opulent stone-faced villas, the expansive living areas have high ceilings, floor to ceiling glass on all sides, white curtains, an outdoor area with a glittering turquoise pool. And everywhere the smell of the nearby saltwater, views of waterways and ocean, the waves rolling onto the shore. Like stepping into a postcard.</p> <p>Yet this is the inspiration of a brand new estate on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast, which, unlike the ‘real’ Hamptons, isn’t priced solely for the well-to-do.</p> <p>Located within Roche Group’s established Harrington Waters community, just 20 minutes from Taree and 40 minutes from Port Macquarie and Forster, the brand-new development — which has simply been named<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://harringtonwaters.com.au/hamptons/?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=harrington-hamptons-launch&amp;utm_content=hello-hamptons-edm" target="_blank"><em>Hamptons</em></a><em><span> </span>—<span> </span></em>lies on the shores of the Manning River. This is a luxury villa-style community designed exclusively for over 55s, aimed to provide a blend of relaxation and an active social lifestyle, just a stone’s throw from the beach.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838790/hamptons_rea_article_images-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3dfdd0cf20c34b1db4bba9eb68feeabc" /></p> <div id="attachment_36452" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <p style="text-align: center;" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Lifestyle Shot | Future Residents’ Leisure Club</em></p> <p>A collection of 34 villas in stage one offer private, luxury homes within easy reach of unforgettable scenery, and are surrounded by convenient amenities and endless waterside activities.</p> <p>Chatting with locals that are already members of the Harrington Waters community, I was able to get a sense of a close-knit group of like-minded people, who were once neighbours and are now close friends.</p> <p>Resident Mario Schembri, for instance, was quick to point out the social aspects of the neighbourhood. ‘We’ve met people on the road that are from the area, and now they’re nearly our best friends,’ he says, smiling.</p> <p>‘Harrington Waters is what you make it. It can be a quiet place. But there’s also social clubs, and the golf club here, there’s a pub, even bowling. There’s even a little nightlife if you want to go out. For people in their late 50s and up, it’s ideal.’</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838789/o60_dsc6808.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/603442deca2c40cab2037a24294a4a24" /></p> <div id="attachment_36542" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <p style="text-align: center;" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Harrington Golf Club</em></p> <p>Margaret Spours, another friendly resident I spoke to, described the up-and-coming area as perfect for ‘getting away from the TV, and getting out and about.’</p> <p>‘Living in Harrington Waters,’ she says, ‘…you can basically walk to everything, which is what really attracted us. My husband’s a golfer, so he’s a member of the Golf Club. I love walking along the Riverwalk and to the other parts of Harrington — it’s nice flat walks.’</p> <p>Mario also describes the Riverwalk as one of the area’s greatest features.</p> <p>‘Amazing sightseeing. Pelicans, turtles. We’re lucky we’ve got this break-wall called the Riverwalk, which runs for about three kilometres, and it’s all concrete paths. That’s the good thing about living up here there is so much to explore.’</p> <p>One of the biggest draw cards for people that are already enquiring about the upcoming Hamptons release seems to be the Hamptons Residents’ Leisure Club, a luxurious private facility for residents that includes a residents’ lounge, fully-equipped games room, waterside café, swimming pool, gym and tennis courts. When complete, the Residents’ Leisure Club will serve as a dynamic centrepiece of the Hamptons community: friends meeting for mid-week catch-ups, morning workouts, swimming in the lap pool, game nights for couples and friends.</p> <p>According to the developers of Harrington Waters, these luxury homes are not going to be your average over 55s residences.</p> <p>Inspired by the premium residences and condos of The Hamptons, these exclusive oversized villas will offer light and air-filled, adaptable living spaces. The design of the facades exude coastal charm, inspired by the tranquillity of Harrington Waters, while inside intelligently designed layouts have been considered to offer various zoned spaces for relaxation and entertaining, both indoors and outdoors.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838788/hamptons_rea_article_images-19.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e0d96a270cfc48debc62730f4d56f9ad" /></p> <div id="attachment_36541" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <p style="text-align: center;" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Aerial | Harrington &amp; Manning River</em></p> <p>Opulent yet attainable, quiet yet vibrant, peaceful yet social — Hamptons certainly seems from the outside to live up to its name, and may be a breath of fresh air on the housing market for over 55s, who too often are presented with the typical, white-walled, bricked developments so prevalent in the housing market in recent years.</p> <p>While it may not be surrounded by tall boxwood hedges and long cobbled driveways, and while your neighbours may not be celebrities, Hamptons may just be as close as us Australians can get to the real deal.</p> <p>Located within the larger Harrington Waters community you can have that idyllic Hamptons lifestyle of leisure with easy access to a central Shopping Village, the award-winning 9-hole golf course, Harrigan’s Irish Pub, fishing and boating locations (which Mario describes as fantastic for catching flathead), a community centre, library, national parks, Crowdy Head Beach, and more.</p> <p>This is a development to look out for: a daringly innovative addition to the New South Wales Mid-North Coast. It’s already causing quite a stir, and it has not even been released to market. But it’s coming — very, very soon.</p> <p><strong>Interested parties can pre-register for an exclusive preview of Hamptons’ First Release, by visiting<span> </span></strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://harringtonwaters.com.au/hamptons/?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=harrington-hamptons-launch&amp;utm_content=hello-hamptons-edm" target="_blank"><strong>harringtonwaters.com.au/hamptons</strong></a><strong><span> </span>or calling 1800 290 616.</strong></p> <div id="primary" class="contentAreaLeft"> <div class="Maincontent"> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with<span> </span></em><a rel="noopener" href="https://harringtonwaters.com.au/hamptons/?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=harrington-hamptons-launch&amp;utm_content=hello-hamptons-edm" target="_blank"><em>Harrington Waters</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Retirement Life

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Meet the world's newest royal baby

<p>The Luxembourg royal family has welcomed a new prince, Charles Jean Philippe Joseph Marie Guillaume who is second in line to the throne. </p> <p>The precious royal baby has been born to Crown Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie.</p> <p>On Sunday morning, a statement was released informing the public of the arrival of Prince Charles. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836020/luxembourg-royals.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9c29bbc8251a45b8bc41f73cae20eb84" /></p> <p>The pair are also tipped to take over the Grand Duchy to celebrate the 21 canon shots that are fired from Fort Thuengen in Luxembourg city. </p> <p>Prime Minister Xavier Bettel congratulated Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie, whose child joins a long list of other royal cousins; Noah, Gabriel, Amalia and Liam. </p> <p>"The child weighs 3.19kg and is 50cm,” an announcement from the royal website revealed.</p> <p>"The Crown Princess and her child are both doing well.</p> <p>"The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess look forward to introducing him to the people of Luxembourg.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836018/luxembourg-royals-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ec99f27a51ab4d05a7f14bf17cf7bab3" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie. </em></p> <p>Guillaume, 38, will more than likely be the seventh ruler in the Luxembourg branch of the Nassau-Weilburg dynasty. </p> <p>36-year-old Stephanie comes from one of the oldest noble families in Belgium and became a Luxembourg royal upon their marriage in 2012.</p> <p>Grand Duke Henri has ruled Luxembourg since 2000.</p>

Family & Pets

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Prince William opens up about George, Charlotte and Louis’s newest favourite activity

<p>Prince William has revealed that his three children have learnt how to swim while at a royal engagement.</p> <p>The Duke of Cambridge made a comment to British swimming legend Eileen Fenton while presenting her with an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>He told the swimming legend that his three kids, Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, 17-months, had recently just learnt to swim.</p> <p>Eileen was the first woman to complete the Cross-Channel Swimming Race in 1950, across the English Channel when she was just 21 years old.</p> <p>The three Cambridge children are likely to have spent their afternoons and free time, swimming at the Buckingham Palace pool with the Duchess of Cambridge.</p> <p>The 37-year-old mother of three has also been known to treat her children to water park days at an exclusive members’ club in the heart of London.</p> <p>When they are enjoying the comfort of their Norfolk home, the Duchess has been seen taking Prince George and Princess Charlotte to a luxury hotel complex where they enjoyed the water and "both the children swam unaided and were super confident" <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2019022570161/kate-middleton-half-term-swim-prince-george-princess-charlotte/" target="_blank" title="Hello"><em>Hello</em></a><span> </span>reports said.</p> <p>Duchess Kate’s sister, Pippa, revealed she had started her son in swimming lessons from an early age.</p> <p>"Starting my son Arthur swimming at four months old has given him confidence and enjoyment in water," Pippa said in April.</p> <p>"He's now six months old, and swimming is one of our favourite activities."</p>

Family & Pets

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“Absurd”: Why Cadbury’s newest chocolate bar is causing worldwide outrage

<p>Cadbury’s newest chocolate bar has attracted worldwide attention for all the wrong reasons.</p> <p>People have taken to the internet to mock the sweet treat mercilessly after it claimed to “celebrate unity in diversity”.</p> <p>But instead of receiving praise like they expected, people brushed it off as a weak attempt at “solving racism”.</p> <p>The chocolate was released in India to celebrate the country’s unity day and is made up of four different section of chocolate: Dark, blended, milk and white.</p> <p>What was supposed to be a symbolic moment outlining the nation’s diversity soon became a mockery.</p> <p>“This is as absurd as Kendall Jenner fighting police brutality with a Pepsi,” tweeted legal analyst Imani Gandy.</p> <p>“Congratulations to Cadbury for solving racism,” wrote restaurant critic Tejal Rao.</p> <p>While there were a few to applaud the company for their decision, most of the feedback received was overwhelmingly negative.</p> <p>And this isn't the first time Cadbury has upset consumers. </p> <p><strong>Crème Egg controversy</strong></p> <p>It’s a beloved treat around Easter time, but Cadbury caused quite a stir after a fan asked how to pronounce the word “crème”.</p> <p>“Are you meant to pronounce crème egg as cream or crem?”</p> <p>In a now deleted tweet, Cadbury responded with “crem”, but it didn’t seem to go down well with the legion of chocolate lovers, as they questioned people’s pronunciation of the sweet treat.</p> <p>But after a storm erupted on Twitter, the company quickly retracted their statement saying, “Looks like we missed out the ‘a’ there! Most definitely pronounced as 'Cream egg!'"</p> <p><strong>Downsizing of the family block</strong></p> <p>In February of this year, Cadbury decided to upset fans once again by announcing they’re reducing the size of the family block.</p> <p>The packet went from 220g to 200g, taking out one entire row. According to the company, Australian manufacturing costs forced them to choose between increasing the price to retailers of changing the size, and since they’re aware of family budgets, they went with the latter.</p> <p><strong>Cadbury Vegemite chocolate bar</strong></p> <p>Many thought it was a social media hoax, but Cadbury was 100 per cent serious when they announced that they’ll be teaming up with Vegemite to create a limited edition chocolate filled with the iconic Aussie spread.</p> <p>And the reaction was mixed, with people either loving it or absolutely hating it – there was no middle ground.</p> <p>Speaking to<em><span> </span></em><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.adnews.com.au/news/mondelez-marketing-boss-comes-clean-on-cadbury-vegemite" target="_blank"><em>AdNews</em></a>, Mondelez International ANZ director of marketing for chocolate Kjetil Undhjem set the record straight.</p> <p>“Everybody assumed it would be a failure but actually nobody understood the purpose of it,” he said.</p> <p>“The purpose of it wasn’t to launch a chocolate with Vegemite that would go into our repertoire, the whole point of the campaign and activity was to generate talk about rediscovering your favourite chocolate flavours.</p> <p>“We have 18 flavours in our blocks range and we wanted to create a conversation about flavours and rediscovering some of your favourites whether it’s top deck or crunchy or snack.</p> <p>“We thought about the most disruptive flavour you can put in chocolate to get that conversation started.”</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Cadbury’s previous food fails.</p>

Food & Wine

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Waleed Aly's wife is Australia's newest TV gameshow host

<p>Dr Susan Carland, the wife of <em>The Project</em> host Waleed Aly, has been announced as the host of a new quiz show.</p> <p>Yesterday SBS announced that Susan will host a quiz show called <em>Child Genius</em>, which is set to air later this year.</p> <p>An SBS statement read: “Presided over by quizmaster, Dr Susan Carland, this brand new six-part series to find Australia’s brightest child in a unique competition documentary format, follows the lives of some of Australia’s brightest children and their families.”</p> <p>The statement continued: “These gifted children all have very high IQs and showcase phenomenal cognitive abilities in maths, general knowledge, memory and language.</p> <p>“Presented in association with Australian Mensa, the series features participants and their families from all over Australia and provides unique insight into the joys – and challenges – of parenting a gifted child.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsQDvoAR27/" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsQDvoAR27/" target="_blank">A post shared by Susan Carland (@susancarland)</a> on Jul 26, 2018 at 3:24am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Susan shared her excitement over her new role on Instagram, writing: “So thrilled to finally be able to tell you I’m hosting a new tv show on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sbs_australia/">@sbs_australia</a> ! No, I’m not taking over from Lee Lin Chin - I’m hosting Child Genius, a show about really smart kids! These kids will astound you....and make you feel pretty dopey. I did. Repeatedly. Airs in November! <span>(First pic is me at the SBS showcase tonight, with SBS CEO Michael Ebeid. Next one is me on the set, which one of the kids on the show described as “like Harry Potter”.)"</span> – scroll through the Instagram images above. </p> <p>Being on TV is not something new for Susan, who has appeared on shows <em>Salam Café</em>, <em>Home Delivery</em>, and her husband’s own news program <em>The Project</em>.</p> <p>Susan and Waleed have been married for 16 years and have two children together – Aisha, 14, and Zayd, 10.</p> <p>Earlier this week, Susan revealed the secret to the couple’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/waleed-aly-s-wife-susan-carland-reveals-the-secret-to-their-marriage-bliss">happy marriage</a>.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram to humorously confess the secret behind their marriage success, the academic joked, “The secret to being married more than 16 years? If my husband ever tries to look better than me in a photo, I shut that thing down.”</p> <p>Susan posted two photos with Waleed, one where they are happily smiling for the shot and one where her hand is blocking his face.</p> <p> </p>

News

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We’ve fallen in love with our newest foster child

<p><em><strong>Gary and Maxine* felt like they had too much spare time on their hands once they entered retirement. Searching for a purpose, they found it when they fell in love with fostering children.</strong></em></p> <p>Most times I have plenty to say, and very rarely am lost for words, but in recent days, that has changed. So what has happened for this to occur? An adorable, silky blonde-haired little two-year-old girl has entered our lives, and already enriched it beyond belief. She may be only two, but within two days has completely taken over our hearts, our lounge room chairs and our house, and we love it.</p> <p>Our large living/dining room floor area may be completely covered with toys during the day time, but somehow that doesn’t seem to matter.</p> <p>We may not understand everything she says, although we are learning every day, but that doesn’t seem to be important. The look of happiness and contentment on her cute little face has its own unique and special language.</p> <p>So who is Ali*?</p> <p>My wife and I have been foster parents for the last few years, and really enjoyed the experiences. Previously, the children have ranged in age from four to 10 – each one different in some ways but all wanting the things that we think we are able to provide for them.</p> <p>Ali is the youngest and the most innocent. She came here for a short visit a few days before coming to live with us. Although she obviously didn’t know what was about to happen, it gave us a chance to meet her and find out a little about her.</p> <p>Our initial thoughts were that she was totally adorable and couldn’t wait for her to live with us. We then prepared our house and her room in particular in eager anticipation of her arrival.</p> <p>Ali eats anything we give her, helps to pick up her toys before going to bed, sleeps undisturbed for 12 hours at night with a further two hours after lunch, “helps” to wash the dishes, loves having a bath, loves her cuddles, loves having stories read to her, loves to draw… what is there NOT to love about her?</p> <p>Having fostered children previously, everything is every still “new” and we wonder, could we be in what is called the honeymoon period? Possibly, but because she is only two years old there is every possibility that she will not be “damaged” or have “issues” like older children.</p> <p>Even if that is the case, I’m sure it will be nothing major that we cannot rectify. Again, from experience there are sometimes “attachment” problems at the beginning. With Ali that certainly is NOT the case.</p> <p>We have been told that she will be with us for at least 6 months which suits us just fine. We already know that when she does leave us there will be detachment issues, maybe not for Ali but certainly for my wife and me.</p> <p>She is definitely a major part of our family, and our lives will revolve around her. In the days, weeks and months ahead we look forward to slowly introducing her to our wider family and friends. We know they will love her as much as we do.</p> <p>From our point of view, is she going to be a little time waster? Yes. Is she bright and intelligent? Without doubt. Do we look forward to sharing our lives for the next few months with this amazing little girl? Absolutely. Are we biased about her? Probably. My wife tells me she has me wrapped around her little finger, could that be true? Possibly. Lost for words? Definitely.</p> <p><em>*Names have been changed</em></p> <p><em><strong>Do you have a story to share? Share your story with the Over60 community <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/community/contributor/community-contributor/" target="_blank">here</a></span>.</strong></em></p>

Family & Pets

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The Queen welcomes newest addition to the family

<p><span>Yesterday, rumours developed that Duchess Kate wanted more children. Today, however, a new royal bundle of joy has been welcomed into the royal family.</span></p> <p><span>Queen Elizabeth II has adopted an orphaned Corgi pup named Whisper.</span></p> <p><span>Whisper was previously owned by the late Bill Fenwick, former gamekeeper at royal property Sandringham House in Norfolk.</span></p> <p><span>It is believed while Bill was sick, the Queen would take his dogs for walks around Sandringham grounds and has continued to do so since his death earlier this year.</span></p> <p><span>"She couldn't resist Whisper," a source told </span><em><span>The Sun</span></em><span>. "Now she has asked Bill's family if she can keep him."</span></p> <p><span>The Queen’s love for corgis is no secret and she also owns a number of other breeds of dogs.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img width="500" height="283" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39728/in-text-queen_500x283.jpg" alt="In Text Queen"/></span></p> <p><span>As well as her two corgis Willow and now Whisper, she has two “dorgis” (dachshund-corgi mixes) named Candy and Vulcan.</span></p> <p><span>Corgis were first introduced into the royal family when King George VI bought one from a local kennel in 1933. This breed is known as the most well-kept pets in Britain, enjoying a pampered lifestyle.</span></p> <p><span>The surprise adoption follows the Queen’s recent decision to stop breeding the dogs herself.</span></p> <p><span>"The Queen has always had corgis but she made the decision four years ago not to breed anymore because she didn’t want to have a bad fall," a source told </span><em><span>The Sun</span></em><span>.</span></p> <p><span>In 2015, her favourite corgi breed, the Pembroke Welsh, sadly joined the UK Kennel Club’s vulnerable breed list.</span></p> <p><span>"The problem we have is that they are seen as an old person's dog" because of their royal association, award-winning corgi breeder Debbie Richardson told the </span><em><span>Daily Mail.</span></em></p> <p><span>The Queen has owned more than 30 of the pups throughout her lifetime. </span></p>

Family & Pets

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One of NSW’s newest rail lines will close just a few years after it opened

<p>One part of Sydney’s newest rail network will close for at least seven months, just a few years after it was opened with much fanfare.</p> <p>On Wednesday, the NSW Government announced that the Epping to Chatswood line, which is only eight years old, will be temporarily closed during the latter half of 2018 and early 2019.</p> <p>There is nothing wrong with the line but it’s no longer fit for purpose. Built at a cost of more than $2 billion, the rail line accommodates regular Sydney suburban double deck trains. However, the government wants the line to be a key part of the Sydney Metro, which only uses single decker trains.</p> <p>The Epping to Chatswood line opened in 2008 connecting Macquarie University and the renovated Macquarie Park shopping centre and business parks to the city. But several years later it will need to be shut to convert it to Metro standards so new trains from Sydney’s North West can run through it.</p> <p>Replacement bus services could double passengers’ daily commute time, and there are concerns that bus services will not have the capacity to carry all current train passengers.</p> <p>There are a number of new rail infrastructure projects in Australia, which includes this $12 billion Sydney Metro and the $11 billion Melbourne Metro tunnel construction which just started.</p> <p>The NSW Government promises the wait will be worth it.</p> <p>“We’re on track for Sydney Metro Northwest, which will deliver reliable turn-up-and-go train services to North West customers when it opens in the first half of 2019,” Transport Minister Andrew Constance said on Wednesday.</p> <p>“We’re boosting bus services in and around the train stations from Epping to Chatswood to ensure customers can easily travel to the shops, work, study, and back home reliably and safely,” he added.</p> <p> </p>

Domestic Travel

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The newest addition to the Holland America line

<p>So far 2016 has been an exciting year for cruising, with a range of different cruise lines announcing the addition of new ships, or the enhancement of existing vessels, to significantly broaden our options. And now it's Holland America's turn to add to the mix!</p> <p>Setting sail for its maiden voyage on April 8, Holland America’s Koningsdam is the cruise line’s first Pinnacle Class ship and is set to offer another exciting cruising choice.</p> <p>After completing a successful delivery process, the Koningsdam was successfully delivered on March 31 ahead of the ship’s naming ceremony which is scheduled for May 20. The ceremony will take place in the line’s spiritual home at Rotterdam, the Netherlands.</p> <p>After the ship’s exciting debut, it’s straight to work with the liner sailing Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries before heading to the US.  </p> <p>Speaking at the ship’s delivery, Holland America president Orlando Ashford said, “Today is a day of celebration for the entire Holland America Line family, and a milestone in our company history. We all share in this proud moment as we welcome Koningsdam to our fleet. Koningsdam looks spectacular. Beyond our expectations, and we thank all those involved for their dedication and commitment in bringing our vision to life.”</p> <p>And, at first glance you can understand Mr Ashford’s enthusiasm. The Koningsdam does look to be something pretty special.</p> <p>This 99,500-tonne vessel is expected to accommodate 2,650 guests, and is the first in the line to feature purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travellers.</p> <p>The Koningsdam is also expected to offer guests a number of fine dining options, as well as a myriad of entertainment facilities including a blues club, chart-topping hits dance floors and a 270-degree LED projection World Stage that will support new concepts in entertainment.</p> <p>The video above is a brief introduction to some of the Koningsdam’s features. </p> <p>If you’re interested in the Koningsdam or would like more information, <a href="http://koningsdam.hollandamerica.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/10-river-cruise-ports-you-must-experience/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>10 river cruise ports you must experience</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/princess-cruises-husky-puppy-program/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Princess Cruises husky puppy program</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/03/how-to-make-cruise-ship-towel-animals/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How to make cruise ship towel animals</strong></span></em></a></p>

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Sweden’s newest royal, Prince Oscar, makes debut

<p>The newest addition to the Swedish Royal Family has made his official photo debut with his mother, Princess Victoria. </p> <p>The Crown Prince of Sweden, Daniel, snapped the intimate photo of his wife and new son, Prince Oscar, who was born at the beginning of March.</p> <p><img width="362" height="296" src="https://media2.popsugar-assets.com/files/2016/03/24/879/n/1922398/ec1b8f41084b1740_Kronprinsessan_Victoria_Prins_Oscar._Copyright1A9Not.xxxlarge.jpg" class="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Princess Victoria captioned the image with a message of thanks: "We would like to convey our sincere gratitude for all the kind greetings and congratulations we have received in connection with Princess Estelle's birthday and the birth of Prince Oscar," their statement read.</p> <p>An adorable picture of four-year-old Princess Estelle of Sweden holding her baby brother was recently released on the Swedish Royal family’s Facebook page as well. </p> <p><img width="356" height="567" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/04/05/11/32DBA3F200000578-3524221-image-a-38_1459852944099.jpg" alt="Last week, big sister Estelle, four, had her chance to shine in a photo showing her cradling her baby brother released on Facebook by the royal family. She wore a blue dress to match her little brother's cardigan " class="blkBorder img-share" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-6422ce2e07da7054"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/dirty-home-items/">5 surprisingly dirty things in your house</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/tips-to-iron-quicker/">Clever tips to cut ironing time in half</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/9-nasty-things-you-really-should-throw-out-from-around-the-house/">9 nasty things you really should throw out NOW!</a></em></strong></span></p>

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World’s newest, biggest cruise ship nears completion

<p>Ovation of the Seas, the world’s newest, biggest, most technologically advanced cruise ship is almost ready for cruising after successfully completing its conveyance.</p> <p>Conveyance is a unique process undertaken by ships constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the ship makes a trip backwards down the River Ems to get to the North Sea.</p> <p>The journey for the new Royal Caribbean ship took about 12 hours in total. At 346 meters long and 41 meters wide, this 167,800 gross tonne ship is one of the largest ever to go through conveyance.</p> <p>Ovation of the Seas is set to be officially launched in April 2016, departing from Southampton, England. On 30 November 2016 she will set sail on a 15-night Singapore to Sydney voyage via Fremantle, Adelaide and Hobart, repositioning to her new home down under for her maiden Australian season from December.</p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/17107/ovation-of-seas-two_497x280.jpg" alt="Ovation Of Seas Two" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Arguably the world’s most revolutionary cruise ship, the Ovation of the Seas provides a set of firsts for cruising, providing passengers with a heart-pounding skydiving experience, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea and the lines largest, most advanced staterooms ever.</p> <p>The $1.3 billion ship will be biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to sail into Australian waters. The mega-liner will be the largest cruise ship to be based in Australia to date with 18 decks and 2090 staterooms, and a capacity to carry 4180 guests at double occupancy.</p> <p>For more information regarding the Ovation of the Seas <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com.au/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?shipCode=OV&amp;wuc=AUS" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>click here</strong></span></a>. </p> <p><em>Video credit: Royal Caribbean</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/couple-give-60-million-lottery-away/"><strong>Couple gives $60 million lottery win away</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/find-letter-t-image-puzzle/"><strong>Can you find the letter “T” in this image?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/03/stunning-images-antarctica-remote-beauty/">Stunning images of Antarctica’s remote beauty</a></strong></em></span></p>

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