Search

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie mums rally behind woman who confronted daughter's bully

<p>A group of mums have rallied behind a pregnant woman who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/mother-breaks-silence-after-confronting-daughter-s-bully" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stormed</a> into her daughter's classroom to confront the 12-year-old who was bullying her. </p> <p>The mother from Adelaide made headlines after she walked into her daughter's classroom at St Paul's College in Gillies Plains, north-east Adelaide, on Monday, where she launched into an expletive-ridden tirade at her daughter's bully. </p> <p>The mother told <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/sa/mother-of-adelaide-bullying-victim-speaks-out-after-angry-st-pauls-college-spray-caught-on-social-media--c-17621578" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seven News</a></em> that she and her husband had pleaded with the school to intervene in her daughter's alleged bullying, but said that fell on deaf ears.</p> <p>"I don't want my daughter to be another statistic. I don't want to have to bury my child," she said. "She was crying, she was devastated that this child told her to go and hang herself."</p> <p>After the woman lashed out at her daughter's bully, she issued an apology saying, "What everybody has seen of me is not who I am as a mother or as a person."</p> <p>However, many thought she had nothing to apologise for, as many women rallied behind her online saying they would have done the same thing if their child was being bullied. </p> <p>Young mum and personal trainer Jess Dickson stood up for the woman, saying for a mum to "lose her s**** like  that" shows that she genuinely believed her daughter's life was at stake. </p> <p>"The tonality, and the frustration, and the fear, and just the 'f*** you' in her voice it really shows that this was a final straw for this mum," she said in a TikTok video. </p> <p>"Now in the past year, multiple children have committed suicide because of bullying because no one stands up for them. Teachers and parents might not see it, and the parents of the bullies probably just say, 'Oh no, that's not my kid'."</p> <p>Many agreed with Ms Dickson's take, saying they would "rather attend court than their child's funeral". </p> <p>"Team Mumma Bear all the way... Personally, I would have been right there beside her if my kid was in the same school," one mum wrote. </p> <p>"Soooo on team Mama Bear. I fear I would be a bit more psychotic," another agreed. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven News</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie bloke's hilarious revenge on parking inspectors

<p>An Aussie bloke has taken a devious revenge plan to the next level as he aims to even the score between him and parking inspectors. </p> <p>Julian Morgans, who is no stranger to receiving an influx of parking fines, decided to take a unique approach to revenge, giving new meaning to the phrase "if you can't beat them, join them".</p> <p>The man decided to play the ultimate prank on the parking inspectors by applying for a job to take up the role himself, documenting his plan on Instagram. </p> <p>"So, I get parking fines all the time, and I'm sick of it, so recently I decided to get revenge," he said in a video. </p> <p>"I started by applying for a job as a parking inspector and I went for an interview."</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFBt711zWh8/?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/DFBt711zWh8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @julianmorgans</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>He got a call back from the recruiter saying they were happy with what he had to offer and gave him the job, but on day one of his new role, he set his devious plan in motion. </p> <p>"So, I went in on my first day, Monday morning, 9am, and they gave us our parking inspector uniform and this, for me, was the perfect opportunity to slip away and go to the pub," he said. "So, there I was. I'm at the pub, on the clock and they're paying me."</p> <p>"I'm in my parking inspector uniform and I'm just drinking beers and I played some pool, hung around and got a little drunk and I had a great time."</p> <p>He then mentioned that, later on, he received a call from his new employer to check in on how he was coping. </p> <p>"So, my phone just rang and it's the parking inspector office and I think they're wondering where I am, and I wasted a full day of their money," he said.</p> <p>He told his boss that he was quitting after his first day, expecting the boss to be angry since he hadn’t issued any parking fines, but was met with a very different reaction.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL6A3Lza5M/?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/DFL6A3Lza5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @julianmorgans</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I don't want to do the job, I'm sorry," he said, while his new employer responded, "No, that's OK, that's fine, buddy, that's up to you."</p> <p>The employer continued with some words of advice, saying, "You'll be fine. Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll succeed because that's what you're meant to do. I wish you all the best, bud, and thanks for letting me know."</p> <p>Mr Morgans was shocked about how "cool" his boss was with him quitting after producing no work on day one, and in a matter of minutes changed his tune on parking inspectors. </p> <p>"I wanted him to be angry here, I wanted him to validate the whole thing. Instead, he was just kind of lovely," Mr Morgans said. </p> <p>"I think I'm surprised here because I've always thought of parking inspectors as just total animals. I was surprised to find that in an industry that I absolutely hate, some of the people are kind of lovely."</p> <p>While many flocked to the comments to share how funny they thought his day-long prank was, others were much more critical. </p> <p>"Do you give a crap about all the time of the employees of government you wasted?" one person wrote, while another added, "Here's a tip, just follow rules? There are limits on parking for a reason. Do you deserve to park somewhere all day more than anyone else?"</p> <p>Mr Morgans didn't argue back and, on reflection, acknowledged his emotions got the better of him as he planned the prank.</p> <p>"Very fair feedback. I knew it wasn't a morally perfect stunt but I got my car towed a few months ago and got mad. This was my divisive but cathartic response," he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Aussies react to "horrific" details in Jelena Dokic's new doco

<p>Jelena Dokic's inspiring story of resilience following the abuse she endured in the hands of her father, Damir Dokic, has left Australians in disbelief, following fresh details shared in the premiere of her new documentary  <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/almost-cost-me-my-life-jelena-dokic-on-childhood-trauma" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story</em></a> on Wednesday night. </p> <p>At the age of 16, Dokic made it to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and a year later reached the semifinals, her best result at a grand slam. </p> <p>While it seemed like her career was thriving, behind the scenes things were a lot darker. </p> <p>In the documentary, Dokic recalled a horrific incident when she was knocked unconscious by her father, who had kicked her in the head following a loss. </p> <p>“I remember he was so mad that he goes into the bathroom with me, locks the door, and he beat the crap out of me,” she recalled. </p> <p>“He slammed my head against the wall multiple times. He was kicking me. My shins were so bruised, I couldn’t walk. He actually punches me in the head. And then I went unconscious for a little bit. He also stepped on my head as well.”</p> <p>The documentary struck a chord with many Australians, with AFL great Brendan Fevola and sports journalists praising Dokic's resilience. </p> <p>“Watching the Jelena Dokic interview, her story is horrific,” Fevola wrote on X.</p> <p>“So uncomfortable to watch. You should be so proud of the woman you have become mate. Everything you have achieved after tennis is incredible.</p> <p>“You’re an inspiration to every Australian. Sending lots of love.”</p> <p>Australian rugby league broadcaster and journalist Phil Gould simply said: “Jelena Dokic …”</p> <p>“My goodness. The Jelena Dokic story is horrific. What she had to go through because of her abusive father. Damir Dokic is/was a monster," journalist Ray Gatt added. </p> <p>Fans also shared their reactions, with one writing: “This documentary showing how many systems failed a young girl for her to still be able to be involved in tennis is unbelievable.”</p> <p>“Jelena Dokic documentary is horrifying. So many people failed her," another added. </p> <p>Since going public with her story, Dokic who is now estranged from her father, has become a leading tennis commentator and even impressed Australian Open viewers with her sincere <a href="https://o60.me/l7jeoe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on-court interviews </a>at the competition. </p> <p><strong><em>Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help.</em></strong></p> <p>Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au</p> <p>Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au</p> <p>Beyond Blue's coronavirus support service: 1800 512 348 or coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au</p> <p>Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au</p> <p>Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au</p> <p><em>Image: Ella Ling/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

"Un-Australian": Aussies called out over "selfish" summer habit

<p>Australians have been called out for taking part in a "selfish" summer trend that has left many people fuming.</p> <p>The trend began as many erupted over the increase use of beach cabanas and "reserving" spaces on the sand, which then led to similar behaviour at campsites and carparks. </p> <p>Eager Aussies would set up a cabana or rope off a campsite and leave their belongings behind, only to return a matter of hours later and still have their spot reserved. </p> <p>One of Australia's leading etiquette experts, Jo Hayes, spoke to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-called-out-over-selfish-summer-trend-taking-over-car-parks-and-campsites-un-australian-055035070.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a> on the matter, and said the "poor" trend is "reflective of a general societal decline".</p> <p>She argued such acts are "bad form" and even branded them "un-Australian".</p> <p>It turns out the "reservations" aren't exclusive to beaches or campsites, as one woman was recently photographed standing in the middle of a car park at Balmoral Beach in Sydney, in a bid to deter others from seizing the spot, arguing her "husband was coming soon".</p> <p>Hayes said the "only people who have the right to do such reserving" are the local council/regulators in charge of that area, adding, "It's not fair."</p> <p>"There are ways that one can reserve the best, desired spots, that align with common decency and proper etiquette," Hayes said. "This is the way things were done in previous generations. Get to the venue early, claim your spot and set up your gear, then stay there — you must have at least one person staying with the claimed spot."</p> <p>"If you've taken the time to get there ahead of others — all power to you. Well done. But you don't have the right to lay down a blanket, or cordon off an area with your own self-made sign, and then choof off."</p> <p>Hayes said that when in doubt, apply the golden rule of thumb: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.</p> <p>"The average Joe doesn't have the right to 'reserve' a spot and leave," she reiterated. "If a group wants to have an event at a council park, they can contact local council to officially reserve the spot. Council puts up a sign stating that the area is reserved for an event. One can't just put up their own sign."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie drivers warned over little-known "speed fine trap"

<p>Road authorities are warning drivers of a "speed fine trap" in the lead-up to school's return. </p> <p>In NSW, four back-to-back pupil free days will take place from February 1 until February 5, as teachers and staff prep for the new school year, with students set to return on the 6th. </p> <p>While there will be no kids on campus, school zones will be in operation on those days, with speed limits being enforced. </p> <p>"Pupil-free days continue to be a major speed trap for motorists," NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said. </p> <p>Last year, 2,184 fines for speeding were issued to drivers in just two days prior to term one. </p> <p>An average of 1,092 fines were issued between January 30 and 31 in 2024, which was almost double the daily average for February (598). </p> <p>Khoury added that motorists are at risk of being fined at almost twice the rate during pupil-free days, as most drivers are "oblivious" to the rule. </p> <p>"It is extremely frustrating when drivers who normally abide by the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones are fined on pupil-free days because they were oblivious to the fact that the speed limits applied despite their children not being at school," he said. </p> <p>"The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones and school zone speed limits have overwhelming public support — we just don’t want people inadvertently breaking the law and getting fined."</p> <p>He added: "Please be extra alert tomorrow as you drive through school zones as speed limits will apply." </p> <p>The number of pupil free days will increase from six days in 2024 to eight days in 2025. This includes the four pupil-free days on January 31 and February 3, 4 and 5.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie state named the most welcoming place on Earth

<p>One Australian state has bee named the "most welcoming place on Earth" in Booking.com's annual list of most friendly destinations. </p> <p>South Australia has claimed the prestigious title, with ten regional towns also being recognised for their hospitality. </p> <p>The travel bookings website based its finding on more than 360 million verified customer reviews, with Croatia, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico and Vietnam also receiving honourable mentions for their welcoming locals. </p> <p>“Our Booking.com partners go above and beyond to help create memorable travel moments,” the website’s Oceania manager, Todd Lacey, said.</p> <p>“We’re thrilled to see South Australia recognised on the global stage this year, and are looking forward to continuing to support our local partners as they welcome visitors to the state’s world-class events, wine regions and scenic landscapes.”</p> <p>South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison welcomed the announcement, saying, “It’s no news to locals, but now the world knows that South Australia is among the most welcoming regions in the world."</p> <p>"The fact that this highly regarded accolade is based on more than 360 million reviews on the leading travel site, Booking.com is an honour and will put our state on the consideration list of engaged potential visitors worldwide,” she said.</p> <p>“From the Adelaide Hills to Kangaroo Island, from the Barossa to the Murray River and the Flinders Ranges, guests will always be warmly welcomed in South Australia.”</p> <p>The travel website also named Australia's top ten most welcoming towns, with Victoria and Queensland boasting the most winners. </p> <p>Check out the list below. </p> <p>10. Orange, NSW</p> <p>9. Daylesford, Victoria</p> <p>8. Halls Gap, Victoria</p> <p>7. Port Lincoln, SA</p> <p>6. Bicheno, Tasmania</p> <p>5. Ocean Grove, Victoria</p> <p>4. Mudgee, NSW</p> <p>3. Margaret River, WA</p> <p>2. Maleny, Queensland</p> <p>1. Montville, Queensland</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie TV and theatre legend found dead at age 67

<p>Australian TV and theatre legend Nicholas Eadie has died at the age of 67. </p> <p>Eadie, who was known for his work on multiple shows, including <em>Cop Shop</em> and <em>Underbelly</em>, died in Sydney on Wednesday, with his friend and fellow actor Will Conyers confirming the sad news in a social media post.</p> <p>“Vale, Nicholas Eadie, 1958 – 2025,” he wrote.</p> <p>“I send my deepest sympathy to all those that were touched by this very special artist and human being.”</p> <p>According to the <em>Daily Mail</em>, Eadie's body was found at his home, although no cause of death has been given.</p> <p>Many of Eadie’s industry colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to him following the news of his passing.</p> <p>Actor Rhys Muldoon, who worked with Eadie a “number of times” wrote that he was “shocked” at the news, describing him as “a great actor” and “one of life’s best scallywags”.</p> <p>Toby Schmitz, who appeared in <em>Underbelly</em> alongside Eadie, also paid tribute to him on X.</p> <p>“Bon voyage Nicholas Eadie. An actor thrumming with savvy truth, dangerous wit; a thrilling artist,” he posted.</p> <p>Theatre manager Les Solomon spoke of his devastation at the loss of the “magnificent” Eadie, describing him as “one of Australia’s finest actors”.</p> <p>Eadie’s career began shortly after his graduation from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney in 1980. He landed the role of Constable Sam Phillips on Channel Seven’s <em>Cop Shop</em>, and stayed on the series for two years.</p> <p>Across the following decades, he appeared in many well-known Australian film and television productions, including <em>A Country Practice</em>, <em>Return to Snowy River</em>, <em>Halifax FP</em> and <em>Vietnam</em>, which he starred in alongside Nicole Kidman. </p> <p>Eadie was also a successful theatre actor, starring in <em>A Midsummer Nights Dream</em> and <em>The Taming of the Shrew</em>, among many others.</p> <p><em>Image credits: IMBD / news.com.au</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

“That is a real hustler!”: Retiree's savings stun Aussies

<p>An 84-year-old retiree has stunned Aussies after revealing just how much money he has saved. </p> <p>As part of property app Copoist's latest social media series, where they ask people of all ages how much they have in savings, one senior revealed that he had $2.3 million in savings "at the moment". </p> <p>While he didn't go into detail about how he amassed his wealth or whether he owns multiple properties, people online were blown away by his savings. </p> <p>“This is crazy! Who has the means to save?” One asked.</p> <p>"Must be nice", another commented. </p> <p>"That is a real hustler!" a third complimented. </p> <p>However, the video also highlighted the huge wealth divide, especially among men and women, with one 73-year-old woman revealing that she had  over $100,000. </p> <p>Another 75-year-old woman said she had had over $70,000, and a 64-year-old said she had $61,000, while another man around the same age as them had $2 million saved up.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important; width: 535px;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7458541912367189254&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40coposit_street%2Fvideo%2F7458541912367189254&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-va.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-maliva-p-85c255%2FoMB0ABiGEwgQrCMnqhJFEBSgIBjfmpeEIQDIwT%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1737151200%26x-signature%3DczaQ96WizT%252FTVSaqXDyvNBgw7to%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>The savings disparity in the clip sparked a huge online conversation, with one writing: “How come men have millions and women cannot even have half a million? Mind blowing." </p> <p>“My first thought was okay so all the men have more savings than woman funny that. If life has shown me anything, it is that women take 10 years off raising their children, so his saving is hers,” another added. </p> <p>“It is all the men with a lot more,” a third pointed out.</p> <p>Financial comparison website Finder has found that generally still have more money than women in Australia, with the average woman having $42,664 in cash savings, compared to $50,479 for men.</p> <p>Finder’s Equal Pay Day Report 2024 found the main hurdles to women’s earning capacity have been having a baby, choosing a flexible job that allows them to take care of family, and the industry or career that they are in. </p> <p>They also found that the average Aussie had $40,000 in savings in December 2024, but 43 per cent of people had less than $1,000.</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok/coposit_street</em></p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie locals call for tourist ban on popular island

<p>Residents in Western Australia are urging the government to put a ban on tourists travelling to a popular island near Perth to help protect a dwindling little penguin population.</p> <p>Penguin Island is located about 53km south of Perth and is home to 114 little penguins, a decline in the bird’s population by 94 per cent since 2007.</p> <p>Save Rockingham’s Little Penguins activist Dawn Jecks said while climate change has made an impact on the dwindling number of penguins in the area, over tourism has also affected the penguins' habitat.</p> <p>“It’s essentially open slather in terms of visitors accessing the areas where the penguins try to cool off,” she said.</p> <p>“There’s nowhere on the beach they can go where they’re not going to be hounded, touched or picked up by visitors."</p> <p>Ms Jecks said about 25 per cent of little penguin deaths occurred by boat strikes with the area seeing an increase of watercraft in recent years.</p> <p>"They need to close down the island for a few years to let the population recover,” she said.</p> <p>Ms Jecks is one of many campaigning for the government to ban recreational boating and tourism on the island, saying it would be shameful if authorities did not act to save the little penguins in an area where the creatures were part of the city of Rockingham’s cultural identity.</p> <p>“How stupid is it going to look when we have Penguin Rd, penguins on the entry sign to Rockingham, penguins on the city’s coat of arms and penguins on the kid’s school jumpers but no penguins,” she said.</p> <p>A WA government spokesman said Penguin Island was an iconic part of WA, and the government was committed to supporting its penguin population.</p> <p>“The health and wellbeing of the penguins will always be the state government’s top priority when it comes to planning for the island," the spokesman said. </p> <p>“Tourism, however, also plays an important role on the island by educating visitors about the penguins and promoting enjoyment of our State’s natural environment.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

True meaning behind common Aussie road sign

<p>Thousands of drivers past this Australian road sign every day - but very few know what it means. </p> <p>A confused motorist took to Reddit to share an image of the road sign they spotted on the Northern Territory's Stuart Highway, which featured a picture of a hand. </p> <p>He and and his travel companion assumed the sign meant there was a spot to wash your hands or windows nearby, however they were both wrong. </p> <p>The sign, which was part of a larger rest area sign, indicates there is Aboriginal artwork in the area. </p> <p>"According to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia), published in 'Road Sign Guidelines' issued 28/03/2023, it means 'Aboriginal Attractions'," one person commented </p> <p>"Yep, usually rock art or some other Aboriginal site," said another.</p> <p>It is often seen in national parks and is the same symbol used nationally. </p> <p>People shared their own hilarious assumptions with one writing: "Warning, jazz hands in 2km", while another commented: "Beware of swarming ants".</p> <p>"Love that it's for indigenous art, but my first thought was a warning to tourists to not put bare skin on the bitumen," another commented. </p> <p>Others admitted they never paid any particular attention to the sign. </p> <p>"Oh I've never seen this before! And think it's great. Honestly my brain went to kids craft area for some reason but why would a random regional picnic stop have a kids craft area," one wrote. </p> <p>"I genuinely thought someone had just spray painted the sign with their hand on it. i have never seen this," another commented. </p> <p>A third person added their own hilarious interpretation saying: "This is so cool, have never seen one of these before. I have to admit my first thought was 'car scene in the titanic' though."</p> <p><em>Image: Reddit/ Google</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie drivers urged to cash in on $140 million in unclaimed funds

<p>The NSW government has urged Sydney motorists to access its toll road relief scheme, with $140 million left unclaimed since the cost-of-living support measure was introduced last year. </p> <p>Drivers who spend more than $60 in tolls weekly can claim the excess back under the "toll cap" introduced by the Minns government to help highly-tolled residents in Western Sydney. </p> <p>On Monday, Roads Minister John Graham said that while $75 million had already been paid to motorists, there's still $140 million yet to be claimed. </p> <p>“I want to remind motorists to get on to the Service NSW website and claim what they are entitled to in relief,” Graham said in a statement.</p> <p>Around 720,000 drivers are eligible for a slice of the payments. </p> <p>Over the past year, more than 276,000 claims were paid since the scheme was introduced, with an average claim of $277, according to the government. </p> <p>There were 115 suburbs where the average claim was $300 or more, including Parramatta, Lidcombe, Schofields, Westmead, Toongabbie, Merrylands and Auburn.</p> <p>“We know people are doing it tough and the toll cap is making it just that little bit fairer for drivers that heavily rely on the toll roads,” Graham said. </p> <p>He also added that reform talks with private toll road companies are still ongoing. </p> <p>In December, the government struck an in-principle deal with Transurban, a toll road operator, for a network-wide pricing system in attempt to ease the impact of toll payments on motorists. </p> <p>“The NSW government is progressing with toll reform to make tolls fairer overall,” Graham said on Monday. </p> <p><em>Image: Rose Marinelli / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

Aussie Olympic swimmer ties the knot

<p>Stephanie Rice has officially tied the knot with her partner Mark Lassey following a whirlwind 10-month romance. </p> <p>The former Olympic swimmer shared a few wedding photos from the couple's classy outdoor ceremony at the Sandalford Wines vineyard in Perth over the weekend.</p> <p>Rice quoted a bible verse and shared adorable snaps of her and Lassey in the vineyard, with the bride rocking a classic, strapless dress that had a long flowing train and the groom dressed in a white tuxedo jacket with a bold black bow tie.</p> <p>“Surrounded by our closest family and friends, those who have loved, supported, and guided us on our journey, all came together to celebrate our love and the beginning of forever together,” she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“As we step into this new chapter as husband and wife, where two become one, our hearts are so full. The day was everything we dreamed it would be—overflowing with love, joy, and the tangible presence of God. It felt like heaven touched earth.</p> <p>“Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed.”</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/DEoIZ13BFWH/?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/DEoIZ13BFWH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by STEPHANIE RICE (@itsstephrice)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Not long after sharing photos from their vineyard wedding ceremony, the former Olympic swimmer shared that the couple held a second wedding at a rooftop venue in Perth. </p> <p>“Because one night wasn’t enough,” Rice shared on Instagram, with photos of the couple in their second wedding ensemble. </p> <p>“We had the most amazing night celebrating our marriage and farewell with our favourite people, on the most amazing rooftop, in this beautiful city, under the presence of God.</p> <p>“Thank you to all our family and friends who flew from across the world to make these the most memorable days of our lives.</p> <p>“And to all of our @kingdomcity family who prayed, encouraged and honoured our love story. You all mean so much to us and made these two days so special. We love you.”</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/DEqx9gPhcIw/?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/DEqx9gPhcIw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by STEPHANIE RICE (@itsstephrice)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans and guests from the wedding were quick to compliment the couple's stunning looks with Rice donning a satin halter-neck gown and Lassey in a classic beige suit. </p> <p>“Night 2 was awesome - God didn’t just show up He poured in. What a send of," wrote one of the wedding attendees. </p> <p> “I CANNOT deal with these photos!!! Wow!! What a couple. What a night. What a love story," another wrote. </p> <p>The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating.</p> <p>Lassey is a pastor at the Kingdom City church and  is a father to three sons - Tyler, Joel and Luke - from a previous relationship.</p> <p>The couple have been in a long-distance relationship with Lassey being based in Perth and Steph in Dubai, before he popped the question. In another update shared to Instagram, Rice revealed the couple have now both relocated to Dubai and are looking forward to celebrating the new chapter together. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Famed Aussie cartoonist Michael Leunig dies

<p>Acclaimed Australian cartoonist and writer Michael Leunig has died at the age of 79. </p> <p>His family confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing that he spent his last moments on Thursday, “surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers”. </p> <p>“The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing — yet Mr. Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,” a post on his official Instagram account said.</p> <p>“Michael Leunig passed away peacefully today, in the early hours of December 19, 2024."</p> <p>“During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers — accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.”</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDwH8t7z50q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/DDwH8t7z50q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Leunig (@leunigstudio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Throughout his stellar career, his artwork featured in the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em> and <em>The Age</em>, before he was controversially stood down from <em>The Age</em> in September after 55 years with the publication after some of his cartoons were thought to be too politically sensitive.</p> <p>Cartoonist for <em>The Australian</em> newspaper John Spooner told <em>ABC Radio Melbourne</em> the loss of Leunig felt "pretty huge", adding that working alongside Leunig at The Age in the mid 80s was "a riot of fun". </p> <p>"Leunig was a leader in the sense that he was an experimenter in graphic possibilities in newspapers, you know, like a half page full colour political or social cartoon," Spooner said.</p> <p>"A lot of the people who love <em>The Age </em>don't realise the depth of his contribution to the idea of The Age, which was essentially pluralistic, in other words, both sides of an argument got a run."</p> <p><em>Herald Sun</em> cartoonist Mark Knight also paid tribute to Leunig, saying, “It is a great loss, he was referred to as a national treasure and he was.”</p> <p>“As a kid I would buy his books – the famous Penguin Leunig was my great introduction to cartoons. I owe him a debt of gratitude. He had controversies with his cartoons, but I think he is bigger and more profound than cancel culture.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Two Aussies cop $35,000 fine for "illegal" enterprise

<p>A pair of Aussies have copped a $35,000 fine for illegally collecting masses of firewood for a black market enterprise. </p> <p>The duo were caught during a targeted patrol inside a national park in Victoria, where fallen timber is supposed to be left as wildlife habitat. </p> <p>They fled after they were approached by officers, according to Parks Victoria, but had left behind evidence of their illegal enterprise. </p> <p>Officers found records that identified the 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman in their abandoned Commodore, as well as their sales record and social media accounts promoting their black market business. </p> <p>The pair were convicted of six charges at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on November 22, with the man fined $20,000 and the woman $15,000 for cutting, removing and selling firewood in the Lower Goulburn National Park in May, 2023.</p> <p>The couple faced additional charges for damaging wildlife habitat. </p> <p>On Wednesday, Parks Victoria issued a warning to the public to not fall for firewood scams and illegal wood sellers after almost 10,000 trees had been illegally felled across 462 hectares of public land last year.</p> <p>"The illegal cut and take of firewood from national parks and protected public land is theft," Andrew Dean, a Parks Victoria Senior Enforcement Officer, said in a statement. </p> <p>"Theft damages and destroys wildlife habitat and robs Victorians of the natural places they love to visit. Magistrate Zebrowski's verdict sends a strong and clear message: firewood theft will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions.</p> <p>"We encourage consumers to use common sense when purchasing firewood. Any time a deal is too good to be true, it probably is."</p> <p>Fallen logs are important and a key habitat for Australian wildlife including the  marbled gecko, brown treecreeper and Peron’s tree frog. </p> <p><em>Images:  Parks Victoria</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Queen Mary's special Aussie Christmas tribute

<p>Queen Mary has revealed her special tribute to her Australia heritage on her family Christmas tree inside the Danish royal residence. </p> <p>The large tree is lavishly decorated with colourful baubles and upon closer inspection, several of them have an extra special connection to the King and Queen.</p> <p>One ornament that has pride of place on the tree is a glass kangaroo, representing Australia where Mary was born in 1972. </p> <p>The royal couple have been using the same ornament for years, as it was first seen on King Frederik and Queen Mary's Christmas tree in a video they shared in 2017.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuIvJ6s5hX/?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/DDuIvJ6s5hX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Another personal ornament is that of British rockstar David Bowie as his iconic Ziggy Stardust character.</p> <p>King Frederik has long been a fan of the musician and in 1987, he and his brother Prince Joachim were photographed meeting Bowie backstage at a show in Hamburg.</p> <p>King Frederik and Queen Mary's Christmas display also included an Ib Laursen Christmas Goat decoration, made from straw.</p> <p>The inclusion of the Christmas goat is popular throughout Scandinavia and is believed to date back to the ancient Viking custom of sacrificing goats at the winter solstice to ensure a good year ahead.</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Danish Royal Family - Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Beloved Aussie author dies at age 74

<p>Beloved Australian author John Marsden has died at the age of 74. </p> <p>The best-selling writer published more than 40 books throughout his distinguished career, including the acclaimed <em>Tomorrow</em> series, which chronicled a fictional invasion and occupation of Australia.</p> <p>The young adult series has been described as “the best series for Australian teens of all time”, selling millions of copies and sparking a successful movie and TV series.</p> <p>Businessman Simon Holmes Court led the tributes to Mr Marsden in a touching post on X (formerly Twitter).</p> <p>“He was one of the standout teachers through my schooling — in many ways similar to the character of John Keating in <em>Dead Poets Society</em>,” Mr Holmes a Court wrote.</p> <p>“His 1st book So Much to Tell You was based on my year group — many identifiable characters. A gift to our year! Complex man, but I’m so glad to have crossed paths.”</p> <p>Marsden won many major awards for children's and adult fiction, and in 2006 received the Lloyd O'Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing.</p> <p>Following the news of his death, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Marsden "wanted young Australians to read more and his writing made that happen".</p> <p>"Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian, he wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people's character," Mr Albanese wrote on social media.</p> <p>"John's work will live long in our national memory."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Vegemite weighs in on long-lasting Aussie debate

<p>An American expat has reignited the age-old debate that has been plaguing Aussies for decades: how much Vegemite is the right amount?</p> <p>Taking to Reddit, the American shared a picture of their Vegemite toast, showing off a hefty smear of the salty spread. </p> <p>“I’m American, how’s my Vegemite amount?” he asked, likely unaware of the storm he was about to unleash within the Australian Reddit community.</p> <p>“I love salty and savoury stuff, so Vegemite is right up my alley,” he added.</p> <p>His bold approach earned a mix of reactions, with some praising the man, saying things like, “You could apply for citizenship with this coverage,” while others joked, “That’s pro-Aussie level spread.” </p> <p>Another commenter declared, “You’re not American anymore.”</p> <p>However, not everyone was impressed with his efforts, with some claiming he had applied far too much for a beginner Vegemite consumer. </p> <p>“Unless you’ve done it before, that is WAY too much for a newbie,” one remarked. </p> <p>Another added, “I’m a born and bred Vegemite fanatic, and that’s fine by me, but I don’t think most people would handle half that.”</p> <p>One commenter went as far as to say, “Slightly closer to serial killer amount than ordinary Aussie,” while another simply stated, “That would make me gag.”</p> <p>With the true blue debate well and truly reignited, Vegemite themselves weighed in on the topic, with The Head of Spreads at Bega sharing their opinion on the American's display of dedication. </p> <p>“For a first timer, this ratio of Vegemite to bread might be quite intense,” Mary Stafford told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/expat-sparks-national-outrage-after-sharing-criminal-vegemite-toast/news-story/e061b746981cc11cbebf35ef494e0d7e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>. </p> <p>“We recommend starting with a small amount and gradually building up, but we totally understand – it’s hard for people who don’t eat Vegemite to pick up a jar and know what to do with it. There’s so many people missing out on the unmistakeable joy, simply because they haven’t been introduced to it properly … yet.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Reddit / Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

One Aussie state confirms January 26th parade won't be returning

<p>The Victorian government has confirmed that the Australia Day parade in Melbourne won't be returning in 2025, after it was cancelled four years ago. </p> <p>The government has still planned a host of activities for January 26th, such as the annual 21-gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance and RAAF flyover, as well as a flag-raising ceremony at Government House. </p> <p>“The Victorian Government supports a range of Australia Day events that celebrate what makes our state and nation special,” A Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesperson told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/melbournes-annual-australia-day-parade-wont-be-returning/news-story/9df69f965ca39fb981127be6bdfd66b1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“The program for Australia Day 2025 provides a range of free and accessible events for Victorian families.”</p> <p>However, there are no plans to reinstate the Australia Day parade, as a Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesman told the <em><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/allan-govt-confirms-melbournes-annual-australia-day-parade-is-officially-dead/news-story/682907cebfba8276dc17c78271c900e9" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="682907cebfba8276dc17c78271c900e9" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">Herald Sun</a></em>: “We also recognise that January 26 means different things to different people.</p> <p>“On this day, we encourage conversation and reflection on the different meanings of the day for all Victorians.”</p> <p>Ngarra Murray, Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, agreed with the decision to cut the Melbourne parade.</p> <p>“The Aboriginal community has a range of views on January 26, but whichever way you look at it, it’s a day of mourning for a lot of our people,” Ms Murray told the <em>Herald Sun</em>. “So it’s not a date to celebrate.”</p> <p>While many Victorian councils are at odds on whether to celebrate Australia Day or not, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the decision to hold events on January 26th should come from the state. </p> <p>“It is important to note that Australia Day is a national day proclaimed by the federal government, and the decision on which date to observe it is not one for local councils to make,” he said.</p> <p>“Australia Day is a day when we should be reflecting on and celebrating everything that is great and good about this country.”</p> <p>The Australia Day parade in Melbourne was first cancelled in 2020, with then premier Dan Andrews citing Covid-19 concerns as the reason.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Aussies slam "horrendous" passport quality

<p>An Australian traveller has expressed his frustration over the persistent curling issue of the world's most expensive passport. </p> <p>The citizen slammed the "horrendous" quality of the R Series travel document on social media. </p> <p>“My mind is blown. Our passport is the most expensive in the world and the quality of them is horrendous,” they said with a photo of their passport curling at the edges. </p> <p>“I got this passport a month or two ago for my current trip and every time it’s not in a sleeve for more than an hour, this happens,” they said.</p> <p>“No, it’s never gotten wet, or (had) any weather damage. This is just how it is. I know Malaysia’s humidity is bad but no way it’s this bad.”</p> <p>The traveller, who asked to remain anonymous, told 7News that the photo was taken after the $398 passport had been sitting in a temperature-controlled room set to 18C for eight hours.</p> <p>“I’d had no issues with the old one. The old passport looks newer than this one, which is the most ridiculous part of it,” they said.</p> <p>They added that the passport “fixes itself less and less and less” after each time it folds, and was unacceptable considering the cost. </p> <p>The post triggered a wave of responses, with many sharing their own experiences. </p> <p>“Mine has lived under a heavy book ever since I got it because of this,” one person said.</p> <p>Another claimed their passport curling “inside the envelope it arrived in”.</p> <p>A third said it was only a “matter of time” before an Australian traveller is “stranded” because their passport is refused.</p> <p>One person claimed theirs “already has several loose pages”, with another traveller saying their son's passport was “holding on by the merest thread” even though he has not used it yet.</p> <p>The Australian Passport Office explained that the curling does not invalidate the document. </p> <p>“You may notice a slight curling on the cover of your R Series passport. This occasionally occurs due to changes in humidity,” the office said.</p> <p>“It’s not a manufacturing defect and doesn’t affect the validity of your passport.</p> <p>“Keeping your passport tightly secured will help prevent this curling.</p> <p>“For example, you can use an envelope or passport holder to store and protect your passport between use.”</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com/ </em><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Reddit</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Aussies warned of 22 destinations to avoid in 2025

<p>Smartraveller has revealed their list of 22 destinations for Australian travellers to avoid in 2025 due to a range of ongoing safety concerns. </p> <p><a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smartraveller</a> keeps an updated record of travel advisories for countries around the world based on information from embassies, high commissions, consulates, the Australian intelligence community and the National Threat Assessment Centre in ASIO.</p> <p>From this extensive data, each country is given an "overall advice" level for travellers, which ranges from "Exercise normal safety precautions" in the safest locations to "Do not travel" for the destinations where the safety of Aussie travellers is most at-risk.</p> <p>As many start to formulate their 2025 travel plans, Smartraveller has 22 destinations listed as "Do not travel" due to ongoing safety issues, from the threat of terrorism and violent crime, to strict laws and "uncertain security situations".</p> <p>In Europe, three destinations made the list: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. </p> <p>These destinations have been flagged due to the "volatile security environment" caused by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which has threatened to impact Belarus.</p> <p>Three Asian nations are also listed as "Do not travel": Afghanistan, North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), and Myanmar.</p> <p>Only two destinations from the Americas are listed as "Do not travel": Haiti and Venezuela - both due to overall security risks, while the Middle East has five countries in the list of places to avoid for Aussies: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria.</p> <p>The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has caused tensions across several nations in the Middle East and Aussie travellers are warned not to travel to any of these locations for their own safety.</p> <p>Africa is the continent with the most countries listed as "Do not travel" by Smartraveller, with nine destinations currently flagged: Burkina Faso, Somalia, Libya, South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali and Niger.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Our Partners

Over 60

© Copyright 2025 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.