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"You've done bugger all": Ray Hadley unleashes over death of childcare worker

Ray Hadley has erupted over the alleged murder of a childcare worker, calling on the government to have tougher laws in place for those out on bail. Molly Ticehurst, a 28-year-old from the NSW Central West town of Forbes, was found dead in her home during a welfare check in the early hours of Monday morning. Her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Billings, has since been charged with murder (domestic violence) and contravening a apprehended violence order. At the time of Ms Ticehurst’s alleged murder, Mr Billings was on bail after being charged with raping the mother-of-one three times, stalking her, causing damage to her property and abusing a 12-week-old puppy. While discussing NSW Premier Chris Minns' pledge to review why Billings was out on bail, 2GB radio host Ray Hadley unleashed on the government for doing "nothing". "It just keeps happening, and happening, and happening," he began. "I know you're probably sick of me saying it, and I'm probably sick of saying it myself, but in the 34 years I've been doing this type of morning program, absolutely nothing has changed." "Until there's a societal change in the way judicial officers and others deal with men who are violent towards women, we'll have what we're dealing with again this week." He slammed politicians for what he described as "a lack of action" on keeping alleged offenders facing serious charges out of the community. "What have you done about it? You've done bugger all about it," he said. "And as a result, another young woman is dead because you've done nothing about it. You sit there and wax lyrical and w*** on about what you're going to do." Hadley said Minns should instead directly work to change the bail laws with the cooperation of NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman. "Woman after woman after woman is murdered because the government is too gutless to either offer a mandatory minimum to these people, or do something about the bail laws," he said. Image credits: Nine / 2GB

Legal

Groundbreaking approach offers ray of hope for ovarian cancer patients

In a twist of fate, 24-year-old Tora Murphy’s globetrotting adventure took an unexpected turn when her health journey began. What started as a quest to explore the world swiftly turned into a battle against ovarian cancer, a disease she never imagined would become a part of her reality. "I was looking pregnant, like I looked about six months pregnant," Murphy recounted <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/health/ovarian-cancer-groundbreaking-treatment-hope-mater-cancer-research-centre-brisbane/0f8ffed0-ec48-4ab7-8de5-28b9025d06d3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to 9News</a>. "They basically told me that it was stage three cancer and I was just in shock." Her whirlwind journey abruptly halted as she returned to Brisbane to confront the daunting reality of her diagnosis. Ovarian cancer, a silent killer, had taken root in her body, presenting as a formidable 18cm tumour. Murphy’s resilience was put to the test as she underwent surgery to remove the tumour and ultimately a full hysterectomy. "I didn't even know that people like me could get cancer," she expressed, echoing the disbelief many young women feel upon receiving such a diagnosis. Ovarian cancer remains a formidable adversary, claiming the lives of 1000 Australian women each year, with a five-year survival rate hovering at a concerning 49 percent. For Murphy and countless others, the fear of recurrence looms large, casting a shadow over their lives. However, amidst the darkness, there shines a glimmer of hope. Pioneering research led by Mater Research scientists is illuminating new pathways in the fight against ovarian cancer. Their focus? Dendritic cells, a key component of the immune system. "We think that by focusing on that cell type in particular, that we'll be able to actually make a vaccine to help fight that disease and to eventually help prevent recurrence," explained Professor Kristen Radford from Mater Research. This groundbreaking approach offers a ray of hope for individuals like Murphy, offering the possibility of a future where ovarian cancer is not only treatable but preventable. The development of a vaccine holds the promise of transforming the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment and prevention. Fuelling this hope is the unwavering support of communities and organisations dedicated to combating ovarian cancer. The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, through its tireless fundraising efforts, has allocated $670,000 to support the vaccine development, part of a larger $2.4 million grant initiative. "These funds have been raised by our community, so that's people out there walking, running, baking, shaving their heads," says Georgie Herbert from the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. For Murphy, the outpouring of support from her partner, friends and the broader community serves as a symbol of strength during her darkest hours. As her loved ones prepare to walk 100km this coming May to raise funds in her honour, Murphy is buoyed by the knowledge that every step taken brings them closer to a future free from the grips of ovarian cancer. "Their money goes to such a good place," she remarked, underscoring the impact of collective action in driving progress in ovarian cancer research and treatment. As the fight against ovarian cancer continues, fuelled by groundbreaking research and unwavering community support, there is renewed optimism on the horizon for individuals like Tora Murphy and the thousands affected by this disease. Images: Facebook

Caring

Miranda Kerr welcomes "little ray of sunshine"

Miranda Kerr has welcomed her fourth child with Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel. The 40-year-old supermodel gave birth to a baby boy named Pierre Kerr Spiegel on Sunday, February 18, but announced the news of her new bub's arrival ten days later. "We are overjoyed by the arrival of our little ray of sunshine, Pierre Kerr Spiegel," she wrote in a statement posted on Snapchat. "We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our fourth son into our family. Feeling so very blessed." Kerr shared a picture of flowers, nestled next to a pair of yellow baby socks and a baby blue blanket that read "Pierre." The heartwarming announcement was made just six months after Kerr revealed that she was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/so-excited-miranda-kerr-s-special-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expecting her fourth child</a> with a series of pictures showing off her baby bump. "So excited to announce baby 4," she captioned the photo at the time. Kerr and Spiegel, who tied the knot in 2017, have three sons together - baby Pierre, five-year-old Hart, and four-year-old Myles. The Aussie supermodel also shares a fourth son, Flynn, 13, with her former husband Orlando Bloom. Kerr first hinted at the possibility of having more children in a 2022 interview with Vogue Australia. "I just love being a mother and I always wanted three boys, so I feel really blessed that I have three healthy boys." "I feel like I'm open, so we'll see what God decides." Images: Miranda Kerr Snapchat

Family & Pets

"I would say it again": Ray Martin doubles down on Voice comments

Ray Martin has been grilled in an explosive interview over his divisive comments about No voters ahead of the Voice to Parliament referendum. The veteran journalist appeared on A Current Affair to double down on his comments, saying he does not regret what he said. On Wednesday, Ray Martin spoke to supporters of the Yes campaign at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner west, as he <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/ray-martin-s-scathing-voice-to-parliament-speech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called out</a> those who are voting No, suggesting they are too lazy to educate themselves by performing a simple Google search, and instead are being driven by division and fear. Martin said, “If you don’t know, find out what you don’t know.” "What that excellent slogan is saying, is if you’re a dinosaur or a d**khead who can’t be bothered reading, then vote No.” In the tense interview, in which Langdon continuously interrupted Martin, the ACA host suggested the Voice debate “needs to calm down and get back to being respectful”. “Do you regret those comments, Ray?” she asked “No, I don’t,” Martin said. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyAmMGOyEqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyAmMGOyEqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by A Current Affair (@acurrentaffair9)</a> </div> </blockquote> “This is a really important referendum. And I did not call No voters those words, I was talking about the slogan. ‘If you don’t know, vote No.’ That is an endorsement of ignorance. If you don’t know, find out, do not vote ignorantly. That is a dinosaur." "It is such an important vote, it is so important, and you need to find out.” “A lot of families have a lot of stuff on the plate,” Langdon said. “They are worried about power and food prices and crime, and many of them are the people that you’re calling names.” Martin insisted “no I am not”. “This is not a difficult one — you do not need a dictionary to find out what it is about,” he said. “It is about two things. It is about recognising First Australians in the Constitution, and do we give them a Voice … no veto, a Voice after 200 years of being told what to do. It is not about treaties or reimbursements. It is about nothing apart from these two things.” Langdon said Martin was a “respected journalist for many years” and knew “language is important, and the language used in that speech was inflammatory”, but Martin stood by his words. “I do not think it is and I stick by the language,” Martin said. “I would say it again. It was at Marrickville Hall when I was speaking, I was not speaking at the Catholic church up at the lectern. I was not talking to Women’s Weekly.” Asked again if he thought his language was disrespectful, Martin said, “I’ll tell you what’s disrespectful — voting, and admitting your ignorance, and going ahead and voting on such an important issue as this.” Ray Martin went on to say the language he used was “part of the Australian vernacular and you will hear it all the time on morning radio”, calling out conservative broadcasters who use similar insults to throw at the Yes campaign. Langdon admitted she watched Martin‘s full speech and while much of it was “very powerful”, the debate had “become inflammatory and divisive” and “you know that the most controversial thing you say is what is going to be picked up, and it has”. “I have been a journalist almost 60 years and I think people trust me,” Martin said. “I have reason to be trusted and I think this is really important. I do not think we should be scared by a scare campaign. I do not think we should look for something that is not in the referendum and I think that has happened. That is what the No side is doing.” He continued, "I do not think it is confusing. We have only made it confusing. The words are simple. Do you recognise the First Australians? Do you want to give them a Voice for the first time? Instead of telling them how to run their lives. When we listen to them in community health, community education and community life, we do much better. Instead of telling them what to do.” Martin admitted that the Yes campaign has not been perfect, but that was not a good enough reason to vote No on October 14th. “If you’re asking me has the campaign been good, I would say no,” Martin conceded. “And if you ask me whether this referendum will end poverty and disadvantage, the answer is no. But it is unquestionably a step forward.” Image credits: A Current Affair

News

Ray Martin's scathing Voice to Parliament speech

Ray Martin has ripped into No voters while discussing the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, calling them "dinosaurs and d**kheads". The veteran TV presenter spoke to supporters of the Yes campaign at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner west, and did not hold back on what he thought of those voting no on October 14th. He called out those who are voting No, suggesting they are too lazy to educate themselves by performing a simple Google search, and instead are being driven by division and fear. Martin said, “If you don’t know, find out what you don’t know.” <div id="story-primary" data-area="story-primary"> “What that excellent slogan is saying, is if you’re a dinosaur or a d**khead who can’t be bothered reading, then vote No.” He went on to argue that No voters kept begging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the details of the referendum, but the details “could not be simpler”. </div> “At this stage of the game, the details simply don’t matter. They never did matter, honestly. They’re irrelevant,” he said. “Over the next 10 to 20 years, no matter who is in government, the details will change, inevitably. As will the members of the Voice delegation from around Australia, according to the needs, the priorities and the policies that are meant to close that bloody gap. “You can’t write all that in the constitution in 2023.” He explained that as governments and priorities will change over the years, so will the roles and responsibilities of the Voice representatives. “It’s a big country with lots of different demands and needs. How do you give the details of all that in the Australian constitution? Of course you don’t.” Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Sweet reason for Ray Hadley's big property purchase

2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley has purchased a stunning Central Coast property with his wife, Sophie. The seaside retreat is situated on the Bouddi Peninsula in New South Wales, right on the water’s edge of Pretty Beach, and boasts impressive views across Brisbane Water - views that a balcony accessed by the living, kitchen, and dining space makes the most of. The property has five bedrooms, allowing plenty of space for Hadley and Sophie to host their visiting family members - and most importantly, their grandkids. Hadley, who currently resides in the northwest of Sydney, has four children with five grandchildren from them. And, in happy news for the family, another on the way. He regularly provides his radio listeners with updates on the growing brood, with a focus on the youngest generation - all of them five and under - who mean the entire world to him. As he told 9Honey, “before I had grandkids five years ago, mates would say, 'you won't believe the difference it makes' ... it's basically changed my life. "Five years ago I had none, now I've got five and another one on the way. They basically are my life. "I just adore them, every one of them, and they've all got different personalities, they're all different people.” He went on to share that the youngest is learning to walk and talk, while the others are prepping for school, with his eldest granddaughter even going so far as to ask him not to work, and to instead come along for her first ever school drop-off. “Just the fact that she asked me to do it made me feel 10-foot tall,” he shared. And the new property will give him the chance to spend more time with them, serving as a midway point for sleepovers, after years of the radio host travelling up the M1 from Sydney to be with them. It isn’t the first time Hadley has dipped his toes into the real estate market, either, with the 68 year old having downsized from his acreage after he turned 66, moving for the first time since the mid-1990s. The home isn’t even his first coastal retreat, with Hadley having snapped up a property on the Gold Coast in 2016, and planning to make an upgrade once again at Main Beach. Though for the time being, he may be a little busy settling into his new home, and maybe even treating himself and Sophie to a night out at their friend John Singleton’s nearby eatery. Images: realestate.com.au, Getty

Real Estate

“Ray of sunshine”: Wife of stabbed paramedic gives birth to baby girl

The wife of NSW paramedic Steven Tougher has given birth to their baby girl just two months after his tragic death. Madison Tougher gave birth to their daughter, Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher, on Thursday. NSW ambulance announced the “ray of sunshine” on Madison’s behalf and also revealed that the baby girl weighed 4.1 kg and measured 48 cm in length. “Madison Tougher has asked us to announce the arrival of her and Steven’s daughter, Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher,” NSW Ambulance shared on Facebook. “Madison and Lily-Mae, and big brother Kobi, are doing well and the extended family is very excited,” they added. “Madison reports her labour and birth were peaceful and calm, just like Steven’s personality. “She has respectfully requested privacy at this time and asks not be contacted by media.” They also confirmed that a picture of Lily-May will be shared at a later date. Many have shared their well-wishes for Madison in the comment section of the post shared by NSW ambulance. “Congratulations on the birth of your little one , I’m sure Steven will always be there watching over you all. 🧡” wrote one person. “Congratulations and welcome to the world Lilly-Mae Stevie. What a special name for a special girl. Her daddy will always be watching over her and the family. Love to Madison at this bitter-sweet time,” commented another. “Congratulations to Madison and her family. Kudos to NSW Ambulance for such a respectful and beautiful announcement,” wrote a third. Steven passed away in mid-April after he was allegedly stabbed while on a break outside of a McDonalds in Campbelltown The 29-year-old paramedic was reportedly about to go on paternity leave and was finishing off paperwork in the ambulance when the incident occurred. 21-year-old Jordan Fineanganofo was subsequently tasered and arrested, and is due to face court later this month. Steven was posthumously awarded a National Medal of Service and a NSW Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal at his funeral. Image: Facebook

Family & Pets

Ray Liotta’s cause of death finally revealed

The cause of Ray Liotta's death has finally been revealed, almost one year after his passing. The Goodfellas actor died on May 26th 2022, with reports at the time saying he had died in his sleep while he was in the Dominican Republic filming Dangerous Waters. According to new documents obtained by <a title="TMZ" href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/08/ray-liotta-cause-of-death-heart-failure-respirator-dominican-republic/" target="" rel="">TMZ</a>, Liotta's death was listed as "natural and nonviolent" and he reportedly died from respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema and acute heart failure. The reports also concluded that Liotta had been suffering from atherosclerosis, a medical condition where a person's arteries become thickened from plaque build-up. The news of Liotta's cause of death comes just weeks after the late actor was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with his daughter speaking on his behalf. "I'm so touched to be accepting this honour on behalf of my dad," Karsen Liotta said at the ceremony. "I couldn't be more proud of him. He was a one of a kind actor and the best friend, brother and father anyone could have asked for. I lucked out with you." "If you have a Ray in your life, you're lucky. I love you so much. Thank you for your work and the imprint you left on me and all of those who love you. Everyone deserves a Ray in their life." At the time of Liotta's death, <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-ray-liotta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tributes</a> flowed in from all corners of Hollywood, with his Goodfellas co-stars leading the charge. Robert De Niro told <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ray-liotta-dead-hollywood-tributes-1235154625/">The Hollywood Reporter,</a> “I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. He is way too young to have left us. May he rest in peace.” Lorraine Bracco, who also appeared with Liotta in Goodfellas, shared that she was “utterly shattered” when she heard the news of his passing, <a title="pagesix.com" href="https://pagesix.com/2022/05/26/celebrities-react-to-ray-liottas-death/">Page Six</a> reports. “I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world and people will come up and tell me their favourite movie is Goodfellas,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Lorraine_Bracco/status/1529868934463234048">she tweeted</a> along with a throwback photo with him. “Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same … Ray Liotta.” Image credits: Getty Images

News

Ray Martin discusses interviewing “arrogant” senior royal

Veteran journalist Ray Martin has interviewed many high profile figures over his stellar career in the media. Some of his most noteworthy conversations have been with members of the royal family, including the late Princess Diana, and another senior royal that Martin said confirmed his “worst suspicions” about the institution. Speaking with news.com.au’s<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ray-martin-names-arrogant-royal/id1593788055?i=1000602980406" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> I’ve Got News for You</a> podcast, he shared the details of his 1981 interview with the late Prince Philip, who he recalled as being “arrogant”. The interview took place when Martin was a reporter for 60 Minutes, as he was offered a rare sit-down with the late Duke of Edinburgh, about his role as the international president of the World Wildlife Fund. Unsurprisingly, it was a tightly-controlled environment on board the royal ship Britannia, where the interview took place. “It was strictly about World Wildlife, we couldn’t talk about anything else,” Martin told the podcast. “I didn’t like Prince Philip – he was quite priggish and arrogant, and that confirmed all my worst suspicions of the royals.” Despite his unpleasant memories of the late royal, he said he felt completely differently about King Charles, who he first interviewed in 1994 amid a growing Republican movement, describing him as “very pleasant, very comfortable”. “(He was) a little shy, and went out of his way to be nice and polite to our team … He certainly made it easy for all of us, and I went away thinking, ‘You’re not a bad bloke’.” Ray went on to say although no topics were officially off limits, he chose not to pry about personal issues with the now King. “Of course, I was tempted,” Martin admitted. “I don’t remember them saying he wouldn’t talk about (Princess Diana), but protocol was that he was prepared to talk about the Republic and other issues like that, so that was it.” After their interview concluded, Ray took a chance and asked the royal if he wanted to join the crew for a drink, given the warm Brisbane weather. “It was a really hot Queensland day, and I said, ‘we’re going down to the Gold Coast for a swim and a beer, would you like to join us?’” he revealed. “And he laughed and said, ‘I would like to join you, but I’ve got to give a bloody speech in Auckland... but I’d much prefer to go to the Gold Coast and have a beer.’ So it was kind of funny. I think he enjoyed the day, and we enjoyed it.” Image credits: Getty Images

“A ray of sunshine”: Catherine’s heartwarming visit to miracle baby

A mother from West Sussex has recounted the experience of having Catherine, Princess of Wales, meet her young daughter Amaya-Rae. When Amaya-Rae was born at only 23 weeks and classed as a “late miscarriage” in August 2021, her parents were left heartbroken. Amaya-Rae had already beaten the odds by surviving what was described as a traumatic birth, but the family’s medical team didn’t have high hopes for the baby girl, advising her parents to say their goodbyes. Over the course of 360 days in hospital, Amaya-Rae’s family were told on eight separate occasions that she was not going to make it, but she had other ideas. “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” her mother, Mischa, said, “I’m not religious but I really do believe she has had someone watching over her, telling her it’s not her time to go yet, sending her back. “At first, each time we were told to say goodbye to her, our world just crumbled.” Amaya-Rae went on to prove her mum right and her doctors wrong, defying all of the odds in her fight to survive. Now, she is almost eighteen months old, and safe at home with her family. Despite the heartbreak that came with their time in hospital, Amaya-Rae’s mum has opened up about one bright moment in the dark: a visit from Princess Catherine. “When we were in the Evelina Children’s Hospital, we were totally stunned when Catherine, Princess of Wales, made an unexpected visit,” Mischa recalled. “Catherine was so lovely, she listened intently to Amaya’s story, and genuinely seemed so taken with her and asked such a lot of questions. “She seemed totally besotted, complimenting her smiles and her outfit. Amaya couldn't take her eyes off her, she was transfixed. “Someone suggested we take her to see a Disney Princess show at Christmas, but we joked she only deals with actual royalty now.” Amaya-Rae’s need for specialist care saw her transferred to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where she stayed for 166 days before getting to go home. It was there, at the children’s hospital, that she came face-to-face with the real-life princess. Catherine, who is the hospital’s patron, was there on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. <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/CnxfEqxs3v2/?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/CnxfEqxs3v2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by amayarae_ story (@amayarae_story)</a> </div> </blockquote> As Mischa explained, she was “with Amaya and her nurse came in and said we had someone who’d like to visit us. I was stunned when I realised who it was, I kept saying it couldn’t be her because it was the Jubilee weekend.” The nurse, she said, told them that Catherine had come to visit the families who couldn’t be out celebrating, and that after being told about Amaya-Rae, she had requested to meet her. “There were no press there, we didn’t see any bodyguards,” Mischa said of the meeting, “she just popped in to meet the children. She was so lovely.” In an interview with the Mirror, Mischa added, “when the nurses told me she was in the hospital and wanted to meet Amaya-Rae, I completely panicked.” “She was in her nappy. I ran around finding something presentable for her to wear. But as soon as Kate walked in through the door, all the nervousness disappeared." After speaking on Catherine’s calming demeanour, and how Amaya-Rae was “transfixed” with the princess, Mischa reflected on their experience and the surprise introduction, saying, “there are some really dark days in a children's hospital, and for our family - and lots of others - there isn't much to look forward to. “Everybody who met Kate said it gave them such a pick-me-up. She was a ray of sunshine in a really frightening time." Mischa’s miracle, her ray of sunshine, is now home. Though Amaya-Rae will require oxygen for another few months, and faces some underlying conditions that Mischa hopes will be manageable and won’t hold Amaya-Rae back, she is happy to report that her daughter is just like anyone else her age. “She is doing so well. She’s such a happy, chilled out little girl. You’d never know what she’s been through.” Image: Instagram

Caring

Ray Hadley blasts Chris Smith as he is fired by 2GB

Chris Smith has been fired by 2GB after his actions at the Sky News Christmas party saw female staffers come forward with allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The radio and TV host is on a suspension from Sky News, as his now former colleague Ray Hadley condemned his behaviour and expressed his desire to never work with him again. In terminating his employment, Nine's Managing Director of Radio, Tom Malone said, "Chris' behaviour represents a serious breach of his contract, and is not aligned with the values of 2GB." He says the media company provided support to Smith in recent days, and will continue to offer that support as required. His firing follows prominent broadcaster Ray Hadley delivering a searing judgement of Smith's drunken behaviour. Hadley described Smith, 60, as "a disgraceful person" after he allegedly made lewd comments at the end of year party, reducing a female co-worker to tears. Following the allegations of abuse, Chris Smith released a statement about his actions and apologised for making female colleagues feel uncomfortable. In the statement released on Monday afternoon, Smith apologised for his behaviour and said the incidents at the party did not reflect his behaviour at work. "I am beyond gutted and devastated to know I have upset my colleagues after our Christmas party," Smith said. "I apologise profusely to the women I upset. That's not the man I am at work, ever, as they will all attest. They have been so supportive to me and do not deserve such drunken treatment." Smith blamed the incident on bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction, saying, "I have a recurring problem with alcohol... it sends me manic." "I am in a facility receiving professional help to deal conclusively with my abuse of alcohol and solve this once and for all, without qualification… it can and will be done," he said. Image credits: Instagram

News

"Stone the crows": Who made Ray "Alf" Meagher cry

Home and Away legend Ray Meagher has broken down on Channel Seven's This Is Your Life after a series of emotional tributes. The 78-year-old actor was discussing his life and career at Summer Bay when his past co-stars surprised him with endless praise for his role as Alf. The first tribute came from Chris Hemsworth, who thanked Ray in a pre-recorded message for his kindness and support during Chris's time on Home and Away. “Ray Meagher, godfather of Australian television, Australian icon, a flaming legend, my hero. Mate, what can I say?” he began. “I remember very vividly the first time I walked onto a Home and Away set, the first time I met you. I was teaming with excitement and nerves — mostly about meeting you, the man, the myth, the legend." “The moment arrived. I remember the doors busting open, and there you were down the end of the hallway, silhouetted by the sun, bathed in glorious light. “We locked eyes, we got closer. I took a big deep breath and I thought, ‘He’s probably not a hugger’. I lifted my hand…and dived off into the costume department because I had lost my nerve.” The audience chuckled at the Thor star’s hilarious recollection, but his next admission left Ray fighting back tears. “Sure enough, you came up to me and you said, ‘Chris, wonderful to meet you. You’re gonna do great here’. You were kind, genuine and supportive, and you’ve remained that through my entire career. Thank you so much buddy, I love you. You’re a dear friend.” Already overcome with emotion, Ray was presented with another surprise. Kate Ritchie, who played the role of Sally Fletcher on Home and Away for 20 years alongside Ray, walked onto the set and embraced her co-star. The pair watched a set of Home and Away scenes from 1990-2008, finishing with their on-screen goodbye at Palm Beach. “Ray is really so much of what I learned as a person, but also as a performer,” she began, before grabbing Ray’s hand. “And for both of us, we’ve played those characters for such a long time, that it is inevitable there is so much of us within them." “When I watch that footage…I actually see two friends. He’s watched me grow from a girl into a woman, and he’s really proud of me. So I’m glad I’ve made you proud, thank you." The Aussie icon told his former co-star that he’s still proud of her to this day, and his words "still stand". “You mean a lot to me Ray, you know that,” Kate added, causing Ray to wipe his tears away with a tissue. Ray has played Alf Stewart since 1988 and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in an Australian series. His appearance on This Is Your Life moved many Home and Away fans online, with floods of people sharing their gratitude for the veteran actor. "So emotional, tears are flowing. Congratulations Ray!! What a fantastic life!! You’re a wonderful man and a great actor,” one wrote on social media. “Crying happy tears. It was so lovely to see Ray (Alf) get recognised like this. ‘Stone the crow’ as he would say. I hope he keeps going on the show,” a second added. Image credits: Seven

Ray Hadley hospitalised

2GB radio host Ray Hadley has been forced to take a temporary leave of absence from his show due to a major health scare and has used it to send a message to other Aussies about their health. The 67-year-old underwent an “important surgery” to remove a lesion that his wife discovered on the back of his leg which continued to grow and bleed. Becoming concerned, Hadley visited a clinician and had a biopsy taken from the lesion for testing. Several weeks later he received the good news that it wasn’t cancerous, but it would still need to be removed. Ahead of his return to the airwaves next week, Hadley told his co-host Mark Levy that he was feeling good post-operation and that the surgery had been a success. “I've ended up with 60 stitches in the back of my leg,” he told listeners on Tuesday. “I'm okay … but that's what you can end up with.” Hadley has used his recent health scare to urge Aussies, particularly men, to stay on top of their health and go see their GPs. “I've been a big advocate for men's health for the last two decades, telling blokes, especially in the bush, to go and see their GP,” Hadley said. “I concentrate on blokes because they're not as good as ladies at going and discussing their medical problems, and more recently, in light of what's happened to Paul Green's family and Paul Green himself, mental health is another one to advocate for.” Recounting his latest experience, Hadley said he took his own advice and went to the Melanoma Institute in northern Sydney, where he underwent a biopsy. “They weren’t happy with it, so they said, ‘We’ve got to take it out’,” he explained. When he was told the surgery might require a skin graft and that the lesion would be tested to determine whether it was a melanoma, he said he’d expected it would just be “a little wound” and not the large, 60-stitch wound he was left with. “You've got to check your health, because if I had let this linger and not done something about it, it's quite possible it could have transformed from what it is into something more sinister and become life-threatening,” he added. “Check your body, you blokes, especially if you're in the sun and spend a lot of time outdoors, get your partner to check what's going on, things you can't see on your back and talk to your GP about prostate cancer, bowel cancer, about heart health.” Levy said his co-host’s stitches made it look like he had been “bitten by a shark” and echoed Hadley’s message to Aussies to get their skin checked. “If you're worried about a little spot, just get it checked,” Levy said. “You can't leave it too long.” Image: The Ray Hadley Morning Show (Facebook)

Caring

“I will not be bullied”: 2GB hosts Chris Smith and Ray Hadley go head-to-head

2GB radio presenters Chris Smith and Ray Hadley have been engaged in a bitter stoush over the Coral Princess cruise ship scare. Smith said he has hired defamation lawyers and rejected claims he had received money from the cruising industry after Hadley accused him of playing down the cruise ship’s decision to allow passengers to disembark in Sydney after recording 118 cases of COVID-19 on board. “I’ve actually engaged two media defo lawyers and will work on that very closely on Monday,” he told listeners on Saturday. The stoush began after Hadley slammed Smith for comments suggesting people “shouldn’t panic” about the Coral Princess, adding that he was “embarrassed to be on the same network” in a rant last Wednesday. “One of my colleagues this morning was saying nothing to see here – it’s all wonderful,” Hadley said. “I’m sorry – but the sort of nonsense I heard on the network this morning is just foolish. I’m almost embarrassed to be on the same broadcast network as that bloke. But anyway, that’s another story I’ll deal with privately.” Smith, who had been filling in for breakfast host Ben Fordham for the week, hit back at Hadley at the start of his regular Saturday morning show, though he didn’t mention his fellow radio host by name. “You may have been following the disagreements that have taken place here on-air over the arrival of the cruise ship the Coral Princess into Sydney Harbour on Tuesday,” he said. “I made the point that considering 95 percent of us are fully vaccinated, considering the antivirals that are available now, the new Covid treatments, the testing kits, the many protocols we’ve adopted in two years, the cruise rule that states at a minimum you should be fully vaccinated — the arrival of the Coral Princess was absolutely nothing like the drama and concern that surrounded the Ruby Princess more than two years earlier.” Smith described the situation surrounding the Ruby Princess as “a terrible tragedy” that “we were defenceless” to deal with. “But the way the television media traced this latest ship’s every move was way over the top,” he said. “That was my simple point. It was a beat-up, there was no comparison. There were no critically ill people, no ambulances, and at one stage just four passengers infected. That’s not the same as 28 passing away, no vaccines, no treatments, no protocols, no masks, no defence. Any reasonable person can see the contrast here.” He went on to say that those who were “peddling fear”, particularly for those with loved ones on board, were “foul and shameful”. “Peddling fear in this context is foul and shameful, especially for families with loved ones on board. It scares people for no reason, which is what Dr Nick Coatsworth said to me on the breakfast show as well,” Smith said. “Which is why I said what I said. It was also consistent with what I’ve said throughout the second half of this pandemic — we need to live with this and stop panicking. “I don’t hold a candle for the cruise industry, except I feel terribly sorry for the tens of thousands of families whose loved ones have been left jobless because the industry was shut down for so long.” He emphasised that he wasn’t affiliated with the cruising industry, and that he had read commercials and taken listeners on cruises “without payment” and as part of his job. “It’s not a paid role, I take no financial advantage from it at all, none, it doesn’t work that way. I have absolutely no link to cruise companies,” Smith said. “Why would I ever go into bat for cruise companies for the sake of it? Anyone who suggests I have, anyone who peddles that suspicion had better be prepared to defend themselves in court — I know I can.” Smith concluded by thanking fans for their support and stressing that he wouldn’t be intimidated by critics. “I hold my head up high on this subject and won’t be intimidated, bullied or scared into acquiescence ever, so thank you so much for your overwhelming support, it’s been phenomenal. Those that have elected to go down a twisted path and get personal to hurt me have terrible glass jaws, they have copped a terrible bashing too on various media platforms which says it all. I will not be bullied, even by lifetime bullies,” he said. “I love a good rumble, I look forward to further disagreements and I look forward to standing up for myself each and every time.” Images: The Chris Smith Show (Facebook) / Getty Images

Legal

Ray "Rabs" Warren calls it quits

Legendary Wide World of Sports commentator Ray "Rabs" Warren has announced he will be stepping away from calling live sport after 55 years. Making the announcement on Wednesday night's 9News bulletin, the veteran commentator said he will remain an important member of the Wide World of Sports NRL production team, but will no longer be featured in live match commentary. <div title="Page 1"> Warren said, “After talking with my family and calling rugby league and other sports for 55 years, I have decided my time in the commentary box is over. I will miss calling immensely but I think it’s time to move on with my 80th birthday only 12 months away." “I really want to thank everybody so much. All my workmates at Channel 9, Channel 10, Radio 2GB and where I got my start at Radio 2LF in Young, who each gave a youngster from Junee a chance to turn his dreams into reality. Hopefully my story will carry some inspiration into the lives of other young kids from the country." “To the game, the NRL and the players, for giving me the privilege of calling such a great product. And finally the viewers, for allowing me to share a little time in your living rooms since the early 1970s.” Ray first made his way to TV 1974 with Channel 10 before joining Channel 9 in 1988 to call the Rugby League World Cup Final, launching an incredible career in rugby league commentary that led to him being titled as “The voice of rugby league” and honoured in the NRL Hall of Fame. Nine CEO Mike Sneesby honoured Ray as the announcement was made, saying, “The great Ray Warren is synonymous with Nine and rugby league for fans, players and most of all everyone here at the Wide World of Sports. We are so pleased that he will remain an integral part of the team and thank him for his five decades of calling live sport." <div title="Page 1"> “We look forward to his insights, memories and character in our broadcast next week for Origin I and beyond. He brought the game to life for generations of fans in their loungerooms. You are the voice of rugby league, Rabs. Thank you.” Image credits: Supplied </div> </div>

News

Tributes flow for Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta haș died suddenly at age 67, leaving Hollywood in mourning. The Goodfellas actor was in the Dominican Republic filming a movie titled Dangerous Waters, when he died in his sleep while next to his fiancé in their hotel room. An official cause of death is not yet known. Celebrities including Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristin Chenoweth, and Piers Morgan flooded social media to honour Ray's memory, with his Goodfellas co-stars leading the charge. Robert De Niro told <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ray-liotta-dead-hollywood-tributes-1235154625/">The Hollywood Reporter,</a> “I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. He is way too way young to have left us. May he rest in peace.” Lorraine Bracco, who also appeared with Liotta in Goodfellas, shared that she was “utterly shattered” when she heard the news of his passing, <a title="pagesix.com" href="https://pagesix.com/2022/05/26/celebrities-react-to-ray-liottas-death/">Page Six</a> reports. “I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world and people will come up and tell me their favourite movie is Goodfellas,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Lorraine_Bracco/status/1529868934463234048">she tweeted</a> along with a throwback photo with him. “Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same … Ray Liotta.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta. <a href="https://t.co/3gNjJFTAne">pic.twitter.com/3gNjJFTAne</a> — Lorraine Bracco (@Lorraine_Bracco) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lorraine_Bracco/status/1529868934463234048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> Seth Rogen, who worked with Liotta in the 2009 movie Observe And Report, was also in disbelief to hear that Liotta died, sharing that he was “a lovely, talented and hilarious person”. He said, “Working with him was one of the great joys of my career and we made some of my favourite scenes I ever got to be in. A true legend of immense skill and grace.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I can’t believe Ray Liotta has passed away. He was such a lovely, talented and hilarious person. Working with him was one of the great joys of my career and we made some of my favorite scenes I ever got to be in. A true legend of immense skill and grace. — Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sethrogen/status/1529876461611388933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> Jamie Lee Curtis also paid tribute to the late actor, tweeting, “Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear.” Kevin Costner reflected on working with Ray in Field of Dreams, saying he leaves an "incredible legacy" in the film industry. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear. — Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/1529865195555737605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> RIP GOODFELLA Ray Liotta. I adored you. I love knowing you all those years ago. 😢 — Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KChenoweth/status/1529865498250321920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Devastated to hear the news of Ray Liotta’s passing. While he leaves an incredible legacy, he’ll always be “Shoeless Joe Jackson” in my heart. What happened that moment in the film was real. God gave us that stunt. Now God has Ray. <a href="https://t.co/JQmk1PsuSK">pic.twitter.com/JQmk1PsuSK</a> — Kevin Costner & MW (@modernwest) <a href="https://twitter.com/modernwest/status/1529924892564635654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> Image credits: Getty Images

News

Ray Martin offloads home for 10 times what he paid

TV legend Ray Martin has sold his family’s Sunshine Coast holiday home in a deal that’s earned him ten times what he paid for it two decades ago. The former 60 Minutes presenter bought the land in Mount Coolum in 2001 for $250,000, where he built a four-bedroom, five-bathroom townhouse, and has now sold it for $2.65 million. According to the property records, the home was sold to Peter Warton, the CEO of costume company Rubies Deerfield. Marcus Dolby, a marketing agent from Dolby Property Group, told <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/tv-veteran-sells-qld-holiday-home-for-10-times-what-he-paid-for-it/?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa:rca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realestate.com.au</a> the buyer was a keen golfer who could see the potential benefits of buying in the area. With its prime position in the exclusive Lakes estate, proximity to the newly renovated PGA Palmer Coolum golf course and lakeside views that can be enjoyed from the home’s multiple terraced and decked areas, it’s easy to see why Warton spent as much as he did. The newly-renovated home also boasts high ceilings, oversized bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms, a cinema, and a “private tropical entry”, according to <a href="https://www.dolbypropertygroup.com.au/property/101/unit-13-87-toolga-st-mount-coolum-qld" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>. Martin and his wife <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/ray-martin-lists-exclusive-sunshine-coast-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed the home late last year</a>, telling Domain at the time that he and his wife Diane were planning on spending more time in Sydney with their family. “The truth is, life moves on and you have to chase new dreams,” he said at the time. “The COVID lockdowns have drastically changed our habits and our expectations. So have our family circumstances changed – especially now with gorgeous grandkids to dote on. “Work-wise, my television life is still chaotic but very different to the nightly shows – even though I spend as much time on an aeroplane as I ever did, until COVID grounded everybody, of course. So, for a myriad of good reasons, we’re moving on – with a thousand great photos and a million even better memories.” Images: Getty Images, Dolby Property Group

Real Estate

"It’s time": Ray Martin shares his thoughts on Scott Morrison

60 Minutes legend Ray Martin has opened up about his “very strong” political views ahead of the federal election, all while sharing scathing views of the current Prime Minister. During <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/i-wouldn-t-change-a-thing-ray-martin-on-life-in-journalism-20220218-p59xtg.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an interview</a> with columnist and author Peter FitzSimons last week, the five-time Gold Logie winner admitted his political views were hard to figure out from an outsider’s perspective. “Do you have strong political passions one way or another?” FitzSimons asked. “Very strong. But back then nothing pleased me more than doing an interview with John Howard, Bob Hawke or Paul Keating and have 50 percent of the people say ‘It’s clear from that interview, you’re a card-carrying Commie, and the other half, you’re a blue ribbon Liberal’.” When probed further, Martin referenced Gough Whitlam’s 1972 ‘It’s Time’ campaign and told FitzSimons he thought “it’s time again”. “I have interviewed every Prime Minister since Bob Menzies and I think this is the most incompetent government we’ve had. It’s time,” he said of the government under Scott Morrison. The 77-year-old also spoke about the criticism he copped after revealing to the public that he was 1/16th Indigenous, adding that he doesn’t identify as Indigenous. Martin explained how he discovered that his great-great-grandfather had settled down with a Kamilaroi woman outside Gunnedah in northeast NSW. “I’m very proud of it and I wrote a piece in the Woman’s Weekly about that and the hit-back [was ferocious] that a percentage of my blood was Aboriginal,” he said. “I acknowledge that 15/16th of my blood is Irish, 1/16 of my blood is Aboriginal, and I’m very proud of both.” The journalist has been working to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people for the last 40 years, well before he found out about his heritage. “I’m ashamed of Australia’s Aboriginal policy over the years,” Martin continued. “As Sir William Dean says, that’s probably the festering sore of Australian society that we still shamefully treat our First Australians, so badly.” Martin is best-known for his time hosting The Midday Show, A Current Affair, and 60 Minutes during his eventful five-decades-long career. Working alongside his fellow correspondents - first George Negus and Ian Leslie, then Jana Wendt - they went on to become rock stars of Australian journalism. Image: Getty Images

Ray Hadley’s former holiday home sells for record-breaking price

A home formerly owned by radio presenter Ray Hadley has smashed local property records after it was sold for $9 million over the summer holidays. The 2GB presenter formerly owned the beachfront house in Toowoon Bay, on the NSW Central Coast, and used it as a holiday home before selling it for $3,275,000 in 2016. Prior to its most recent sale, an $8 million house in Pearl Beach held the record for the region after it was sold in 2021. Cathy Baker of Belle Property Central Coast sold the record-breaking home and said the Central Coast area is in the middle of a price surge. “The Central Coast has seen a surge in property prices off the back of the pandemic. Travel restrictions and lockdowns encouraged people to reconsider their lifestyle, while flexible work arrangements have allowed more people to live wherever they want, which is often by the Coast,” Ms Baker <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/ray-hadleys-former-retreat-smashes-central-coast-price-record/" target="_blank">said</a>. “Covid has changed the way many of us holiday and we’ve seen unprecedented demand for luxury homes on the Coast, which buyers are using (for) their own holidays as well as to make lucrative returns.” Along with Sydneysiders visiting for holidays, the Toowoon Bay area is also home to young families who have moved there to enjoy a laid back coastal lifestyle. The Toowoon Bay home is due to become another option for hopeful visitors to the area, with its launch as a holiday rental home on Belle Escapes Central Coast due soon. With its prime location, lucky renters will be able to enjoy the nearby bays, lakes and beaches, as well as its panoramic water views, heated plunge pool, and pool cabana. <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/CX78b6zBwCn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX78b6zBwCn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Belle Property Central Coast (@bellepropertycentralcoast)</a> </div> </blockquote> “It has to be one of the best beachfront homes on the East Coast,” Ms Baker said. “It’s private and sheltered - even the beach is protected and the bay is great for snorkelling, paddling and swimming. “The width of the frontage is rare. It’s hard to appreciate how amazing the aspect is until you walk into the home and soak in the incredible views. “The architect Mark Eastham designed the home in such a way that it feels like you’re living outdoors on a beach.” The Central Coast has seen a surge in prices for high-end properties, with the median price for a Central Coast home increasing from nearly $624,000 in 2020 to $682,000 in 2021. Images: realestate.com.au, @bellepropertycentralcoast (Instagram)

Real Estate

Ray Martin lists exclusive Sunshine Coast home

Legendary TV journalist Ray Martin and his wife Dianne have put their Sunshine Coast holiday home up for sale after more than 20 years, in defiance of the trend of people moving further north during COVID-19. The couple say they are planning on spending more time in Sydney with family. The four-bedroom home can be found at 13/87 Toolga Street, Mount Coolum, and it went up for sale this week. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dolbypropertygroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Dolby Property Group Noosa’s Marcus Dolby</a> declined to share with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/ray-martin-and-wife-dianne-list-their-luxury-sunshine-coast-holiday-home-1107565/" target="_blank">Domain</a> what the exact asking price was, but confirmed that similar properties in the area were listed for more than $3 million. The couple paid just $250,000 for the home in 2001. Dolby said of the decision to sell, “They’re like a salmon going the wrong way upstream. But it is a gorgeous house and it’s the perfect opportunity for them to sell.” Ray Martin told Domain that the family loved the home because of the restaurants, cafes, and clothing stores, describing the area as a “church for the soul”. “That’s why it’s been our second home … besides, it lets us claim we’re Queenslanders when the Maroons whip the Blues in the State of Origin, which they so often do,” he joked. He continued, “We call it ‘the Coolum state of mind’. The minute we open our front door, we hit the shorts and the T-shirts – and the blood pressure drops to chilled. Deadly. ‘How good is this?’ is the standard, rhetorical question.” The home is located in Mount Coolum’s exclusive The Lakes estate, and is adjacent to the Palmer Coolum Golf Resort, meaning avid golfers can simply open a gate and walk to the nearby course to play a round or two. The two-storey home features a gourmet kitchen, home cinema, and views of the Coolum Lakes and Mount Coolum from most rooms. It also boasts a large library and office, which is connected to each of the bedrooms. It has enough parking for two cars, and, naturally, a golf buggy. Martin told Domain, “The truth is, life moves on and you have to chase new dreams. The COVID lockdowns have drastically changed our habits and our expectations. So have our family circumstances changed – especially now with gorgeous grandkids to dote on. “Work-wise, my television life is still chaotic but very different to the nightly shows – even though I spend as much time on an aeroplane as I ever did, until COVID grounded everybody, of course. So, for a myriad of good reasons, we’re moving on – with a thousand great photos and a million even better memories.” Martin became a household name in Australia for his work on a number of current affairs programs, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he was the host of The Midday Show, winning five Gold Logies for his work on both The Midday Show and on A Current Affair. Image: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

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