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

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

Caring

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

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

Caring

Surprising move after top cop busted for speeding

Victoria Police found themselves facing embarrassment recently when one of their top-ranking officers, Glenn Weir, was caught speeding. Weir, who serves as Victoria’s Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, was captured by a hidden speed camera in an undercover police car on February 29, traveling at 58km/h in a 50km/h zone. What makes this incident particularly noteworthy is not just the fact that a high-ranking police officer was caught breaking the law, but also the response Weir himself has taken. Despite being eligible to have the charge downgraded to a warning due to his clean driving record, Weir has chosen to accept the consequences – a $337 fine and a single demerit point penalty. In a statement addressing the incident, Weir expressed remorse and took full responsibility for his actions. He acknowledged the severity of the mistake, especially given his position as an advocate for road safety throughout his career. "I take full responsibility for this error and am mortified it has occurred," Weir said. "I’ve spent my entire career advocating for road safety and this incident proves nobody is immune from making a mistake on the road." Weir’s willingness to own up to his mistake sets an important example for accountability, not just within the police force but for all members of society. Moreover, his case underscores the importance of adhering to speed limits, with Victoria Police having long advocated for the correlation between speeding and road accidents. According to their data, speed is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the state, with the rise in the state’s road toll by almost 12% February 2023 to February 2024 further highlighting the urgency of addressing speeding and other reckless driving behaviours. Weir’s decision to accept the consequences of his actions demonstrates integrity and a commitment to upholding the principles of road safety. Image: 7 News

Legal

Young WA cop dies at his own engagement party

A Western Australian police officer has tragically passed away following a freak accident at his own engagement party. Senior Constable Liam Trimmer, 29, and his fiancee had gathered with family and friends to celebrate their upcoming marriage, when Trimmer fell and cut a carotid artery in his neck, leading him to bleed out. While they did everything they could to save him and provide first aid, Trimmer tragically passed away before paramedics arrived. "Everything was done to try and save him but it wasn't to be and I know everyone that was involved are really, really hurting. I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare," Commissioner Col Blanch told 9News. "This extraordinary officer loved helping the community and was a fine example of WA policing and it's just such a tragedy. "(He was) a very, very confident, capable young man with his whole life ahead of him, and that's how sad this is." The senior constable moved to Australia from the UK in 2013 and graduated from Joondalup Police Academy that same year. He then moved to Kalgoorlie in 2017 where he joined the Gang Crime Squad and the tactical response group. The police union have also paid tribute to the senior constable. "Every time a death occurs for a police officer, it doesn't matter how it really does rock the core of the Blue family," WA Police Union President Paul Gale said. The welfare and safety division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy and police will prepare a report for the coroner. Images: 9News

Legal

Dad cops furious note from "egotistical Karen" for parking in parent's bay

A Perth dad has been left hurt after he was targeted by an "egotistical Karen" for parking in a parent's bay, while his wife was inside a shopping centre changing their seven-month-old baby. "Don't park here again, you selfish prick!" the note read. His wife took to Facebook on behalf of her hurt husband to question why someone would go out of their way to criticise him for parking in a space designated for parents. "My husband was putting a baby gate in the boot while I was in the forum changing our seven-month-old baby," she defended her partner, who parked at the Mandurah Forum. "He came back into the forum looking for me [and] when we returned, someone had put this note on our windscreen. "How about next time you be sure before insulting an innocent husband and father, you hero." The woman said that the note left her husband "hurt and almost feeling guilty" and she argued that he had every right to be there as a parent. Her post attracted over 300 interactions with many agreeing with the mum, and saying that the "Karen" should've gotten their facts straight before taking action. "There is no law for who can park in parents with prams spaces they are just convenience but anyone can park there and use," one man wrote. A few others shared the same sentiment and said that "it's not illegal to park in those bays" regardless of whether or not you have a baby. Some parents even shared their own experiences and why it is important to not judge someone based on looks alone. "This has happened to me also. I had a baby and a toddler and my husband took them inside the Mandurah forum while I unloaded our car," the person began. "A couple with a baby parked next to me and the man kept yelling at me that it was only for parents with prams, even though I told him I had young kids and a pram. But he didn't believe me and yelled loudly to move my car." One mum added that she doesn't see the need for parents with prams spaces altogether. "As a mum of just a five-year-old, I personally don’t see the need for parent spaces. They are not any bigger, just more convenient. Kids need exercise and prams have wheels, not hard to walk," she wrote. "I personally think they should be seniors bays instead, they are less mobile and struggle to walk long distances. Give them the spots." Images: Facebook

Legal

Woman sparks debate after copping $116 fine for "absurd" rule

Shakira Coldwell, 21, has sparked debate online after copping a $116 parking fine for an "absurd" rule she claims she didn't even know existed. The Aussie woman took to TikTok to share her confusion, and asked if anyone else was aware of the rule. “Was I the only one that didn’t know you can get a parking fine for parking nose in, like the front of your car goes in first instead of backing into a car park?” she asked. She then asked whether the rule was only enforced in Noosa, saying that she was "pretty sure" you could park in any way as long as you stay between the lines. Coldwell then shared a photo of how she parked her car when she received the fine and said that she was “clearly” within the parking lines but hadn’t backed into her space like the car next to her. “Does that not just seem a bit absurd, a bit bizarre?” she said. She also said that she was only just made aware of the fine, as she had been travelling, which means that she may be copping even bigger fees as her payment was now overdue. “I’ve asked a couple of people about this and they literally had no idea that rule even existed. Like, I’m within the lines, it doesn’t matter how I’m parked,” she continued. According to the Brisbane City Council website, failing to park as indicated by an angle parking sign will result in a $116 fine, but Coldwell claims that she didn't see any signs. “So I am a bit confused. Is this just Noosa rule or does everyone know this because I literally did not know this was a rule. And low key $116 for a parking fine that's a bit absurd, given I was within the lines,” she said. Many commenters were quick to inform her that it was actually a common parking rule that wasn't restricted to Noosa. “As someone who lives in Noosa I can 100% guarantee there was a sign saying you had to back in,” one person wrote. “Being within the lines literally has nothing to do with it lol,” another said. A few others said that parking the wrong way in angled spots can make it “dangerous” when backing out into traffic, with one commenter claiming “everyone knows this”. However, a few others were just as baffled as the 21-year-old. “I’d be challenging that. I have never heard of it and there should definitely be signs so if you can go and check the signage,” one said. “Never heard of this before I wouldn’t pay it tell them where to go,” another wrote. According to the <a href="https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/local-laws/parking-regulations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Noosa Council website</a>, rear-in angle parking is enforced in certain areas to “ensure a safer parking experience for everyone in the area," and to prevent cars from crossing into oncoming traffic as they try to exit the parking bay. Images: TikTok

Legal

Twist for cop accused of killing Clare Nowland

Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White, 33, who was accused of killing 95-year-old Clare Nowland <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-horrified-by-police-statement-on-tasering-of-clare-nowland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with a taser</a> at an aged care home in Cooma, regional NSW has been deemed a “flight risk”. White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault over the alleged “excessive use of force”. It is alleged that Nowland was using a walker and holding a serrated steak knife at the time of the incident, when the 33-year-old said “stop, just … nah bugger it” before allegedly tasering her. The great-grandmother fell backwards and fractured her skull, causing an inoperable brain injury that unfortunately led to her death just days later. Just last week, White's charges were upgraded to include an additional charge of manslaughter on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. White appeared in court on Wednesday, for the first time since his charges were upgraded, and received two new bail conditions. The Constable was required to surrender his passport and not leave the country due to the upgraded charges. However, prior to his bail conditions being approved, Magistrate Roger Clisdell criticised both Crown prosecutor Victoria Garrity, and White's defence lawyer Warwick Anderson for negotiating the new terms of bail without his input. “I make the decision,” he said. “I would have thought my last explosion would have caused you to be more sensitive to my position.” This comes after the prosecutors failed to tell the Magistrate that they had agreed to allow White to appear in court via video link in May, without the court's consent. The Crown prosecutor defended her actions by saying that she asked him to surrender his passport to mitigate the risk of flight. “With the more serious charge now being faced, there is a heightened risk that he would leave the jurisdiction and not face court,” she explained. “Those two new conditions are now appropriate.” While the police officer's defence lawyer added that “He has no intention of fleeing the jurisdiction," and agreed to the additional bail conditions “to facilitate the speedy resolution”. White will return to court in February next year. Nowland's family members released a statement via their lawyer after the proceedings on Wednesday. “The family does not wish to comment further on the criminal process at this time given the extremely serious nature of the charge against Mr White, who continues to be a sworn NSW police officer,” the statement read. NSW Police confirmed that White remained suspended from duty with pay. Images: ABC News South East NSW: Floss Adams/ News.com.au

Legal

Driver's shock after copping $2.2 million speeding ticket

In a shocking turn of events, a man in the US state of Georgia has found himself facing a $2.2 million ($US1.4m) traffic ticket after getting caught speeding on a freeway. Yes, you read that right - $2.2 million! It sounds like a punchline from a comedy show, but it happened in real life. Connor Cato was cruising through the city of Savannah on September 2, probably enjoying the wind in his hair, when the Georgia State Patrol nabbed him going a zippy 145km/h (90miles/h) in an 88km/h (55mile/h) zone. Now, we've all been there, right? In a rush, late for a meeting, or maybe just trying to win a real-life game of Mario Kart. But poor Mr Cato got WAY more than he bargained for. When the officer handed him a ticket, he must have been bracing himself for a hefty fine. But what he got was more jaw-dropping than a surprise birthday party from a circus troupe. The ticket had a price tag of $2.2 million! In disbelief, Cato decided to call the court, assuming it was a typo. But, to his amazement, the court clerk insisted that the amount was correct. She even had the audacity to tell him, "You either pay the amount on the ticket or you come to court on December 21 at 1:30pm." Thankfully, Cato's dire financial situation turned out to be a mere illusion. The $2.2 million was just what's known as a "placeholder" generated by e-citation software used in Savannah. This software, used by the local Recorder's Court, goes all Mission Impossible on super speeders – those who exceed the speed limit by more than 56km/h (35miles/h). It seems that the software programmers have a taste for drama, as they used the largest number possible to create this fine that sounds more like a ransom demand from a Bond villain. In reality, a judge will set the real fine, which cannot exceed $2,000 ($US1,000), plus state-mandated costs, at Cato's mandatory court appearance. So, our dear speed demon can breathe a sigh of relief; he won't be selling his house, car, and perhaps an organ or two to pay off that outrageous ticket. The city of Savannah has been using this placeholder system since 2017 and has promised to work on adjusting the language to avoid any further confusion. In the end, this story is a reminder that sometimes technology can have a wicked sense of humour. Images: Shutterstock / WSAV TV

Legal

"Roo-jitsu": Former cop fends off 2m-tall kangaroo trying to drown his dog

In an unusual and somewhat comical turn of events, a former Victorian police officer, Mick Moloney, recently found himself in a rather unexpected altercation with a kangaroo while out walking his dogs near the Murray River. The story, as bizarre as it sounds, unfolded last Sunday when Moloney's peaceful stroll took a dramatic twist, involving an agitated kangaroo, one of his beloved dogs, and an heroic rescue mission. Moloney, a resident of Mildura, was no stranger to the area and had often enjoyed leisurely walks along the scenic Murray River with his canine companions. On this particular day, his dogs were noticeably quieter than usual as they strolled by the water's edge. It wasn't until "Hutchy", one of Moloney's dogs, went missing that he began to sense something was amiss. Describing his dogs as "always in the water," the former policeman began to suspect that the tranquil riverbanks might be harbouring an unexpected visitor. And his suspicions were soon confirmed when he laid eyes on an agitated kangaroo standing in the river, his arms submerged, and his gaze locked onto Moloney. What unfolded next was an extraordinary encounter between man and marsupial, captured on camera and later shared widely online. In the video, Moloney can be heard demanding that the kangaroo release Hutchy from its grip. Despite attempts to scare the kangaroo away, the situation escalated as the roo retaliated by striking Moloney and sending his phone plunging into the water. This unexpected punch-up left Moloney with a few scratches and a sore forearm, but both he and Hutchy ultimately made it safely to the riverbank. Moloney <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@the.tiser/video/7290318689390300417" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared the video </a>on his Facebook page, where it quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of shares and reactions. The bizarre incident even led to some humorous commentary, with people joking about "roo-jitsu" and the unexpected martial arts showdown with the kangaroo. Moloney, who is a mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher, emphasised that he did not intend to be cruel to the kangaroo, highlighting his love for animals. Despite the unexpected turn of events, he expressed that he has no plans to change his walking route along the river, suggesting that he and his dogs will continue using their favourite walking spot. As Moloney playfully put it, "My tussling with roo days are pretty much done though, cause that thing was strong. Let's just call it a draw." The bizarre incident serves as a reminder that encounters with wildlife can take unexpected turns, even in the most picturesque of settings, and that sometimes, a little humour can help us cope with life's quirks and oddities. Images: Tiktok

Travel Trouble

British expat cops backlash for calling Australia the "worst country in the world"

British expat and former school teacher Sabrina "Bree" Collins, has faced backlash online after labelling Australia as the "worst country in the world". The former teacher, who is also a writer, went on an extensive rant on social media about her experience living in Queensland and why she hates it, and the video has since gone viral. "Australia has destroyed everything that I was before I came here and there's so much that's happened while I've here but it's not safe to go public with everything that's happened to me," she began her rant. Collins who moved to Australia from the UK, then shared her unsolicited advice for those hoping to migrate Down Under. "When you're a British woman on the other side of the world, you've really got to sit down and think was it worth it? "If you're a British person sat home in the UK and you're wondering about this fantastic life you could have in Australia, you need to know a few things first." She then went on to label Australia as "very sexist", "abusive", "isolated" and "behind". "The internet is like really behind, technology is behind. "When you are in Australia you feel really, really isolated. You feel like you're stuck in the 1980s, and if you're a woman it's even worse," she said. "And I know loads of people are going to contradict what I'm saying and say, 'I'm living a fantastic life in Australia, 'well look at me, look at my CV, look at all my accomplishments before I moved out to Australia, and look at the way I've been treated." The expat who has a masters degree in education, and more than five years experience as a teacher, has claimed that her career as a teacher was ruined due to the abuse she received. She claimed that as a result of the abuse, she now feels too frightened to set foot in a school in Australia. "And that's why I cannot see a purpose or reason to stay in Australia." She then went on to say that she hopes to move to a "more progressive country" like the US, and write a book about her experiences in Australia. Her video has not been well-received, with many telling her to leave clowning her for calling the US more progressive. "Please leave.. and don't trash my country. I've seen yours and you all come over for many reasons," one Aussie commented. "Don’t let the door hit you on your way out missy!! Bye Felicia," another wrote. "UK is far more worse than Australia mate. Have lived in both countries here is lot lot better," a third wrote. "Oh, boo hoo. Please move. As an American, it’s way more backwards than Australia," an American commented on her desire to move to the US. "You're going to exactly the right place for you. You’ll find the schools are really safe and the police...very safe country for women," another added sarcastically. Other's pointed out that she was living up to the British stereotype of a "whinging pom". Collins is not the only British expat to find issue with the way of life in Australia. A few months ago, another expat <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/please-don-t-be-mad-british-expat-s-bone-to-pick-with-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">went viral</a> for listing things she finds frustrating after living in Australia, although she pleaded for everyone's understanding.

Travel Trouble

Those copping the brunt of Australia's rental crisis

The rental crisis has put essential workers in a chokehold, with aged care, childcare, hospitality, postal and freight workers being hit the hardest. The essential workers are being priced out of the rental market across Australia with the average employee having to fork out around two thirds of their income on housing. As of March 2020, employees on award wages have lost an average of six hours from their weekly income to rent increases, according to a report by Anglicare Australia’s Everybody’s Home campaign. This weekly average equates to 37 days' worth of wages every year, but childcare, hospitality and meat packaging workers are reportedly losing at least 40 days' worth. The report found nurses, cleaners, aged care and postal workers were among those who are struggling the most with rental costs. Findings also saw rising rental prices meant essential workers in single households were more inclined to endure financial stress, while those in coupled homes were likely financially dependent on their partner’s income. Based on the average cost of rentals in capital cities of Australia, the report saw full-time workers on the lowest award wage would be left with around $20 a day after covering rent. It was reported that meat packers and hospitality staff in capital cities are forced to spend more than 80 per cent of their wages on rent alone. Queensland has become one of the least affordable states for renters with even the highest paid essential workers forced to spend at least half of their earnings to cover rent. NSW and Victoria found there were no affordable regions for essential workers earning award wages. A spokesperson for Anglicare, Maiy Azize, said workers in essential industries were the backbone of Aussie communities, but have been continuously pushed into significant rental stress. "Virtually no region in Australia is affordable for our aged care workers, early childhood carers, cleaners, nurses and many other essential workers we rely on," she said. "Our tax system is rigged against renters, driving up the cost of rent for millions of Australians and on top of that (there is) a huge shortfall of social homes for people who can't afford rent." Image credit: Getty

Real Estate

Carrie Bickmore cops a warning after going rogue on air

Carrie Bickmore has reportedly copped a tense warning after making a big cash offer live on her radio show. The radio presenter, along with her co-host Tommy Little, were partaking in a long-running segment called The Time Game, in which listeners call in and try to guess when a stopwatch reaches exactly 5.00 seconds. The game, which regularly airs on their Hit Network drive show Carrie and Tommy, has never actually been won in the three years that the duo have been inviting listeners to play, with the cash prize rising by $100 each time the game remained unbeaten. During Wednesday's show, the game was commencing when Carrie decided to raise the stakes for listeners, without previously clearing her rogue idea with the radio powers that be. The hosts shared that the cash prize has risen to a whopping $10,000, when Bickmore decided to add another $20,000 to the prize money before listener Nick was invited to play. “Because our show starts at three, I’m timesing it by three: thirty grand on the line today,” Bickmore announced. “I just think it’s what people want.” Tommy Little seemed stunned at this sudden leap in the prize money on offer, asking his co-host, “Have you been hitting the bottle early?” and noting that their boss was “shaking her head.” “I’m not looking at her. If I’m not looking at her, it won’t be a problem,” Bickmore said. Minutes later, with the game still yet to be played, Bickmore revealed that her announcement had sent the show’s bosses into a frenzy. “There’s been a few meetings that’s been happening off-air in the last 10 minutes with bosses going, ‘You can’t just go saying things on-air that we can’t fulfil.’ I will fulfil it. If they can’t, I will.” In a spectacular twist, as Nick began to play the game, he called stop just as the stopwatch hit five seconds exactly. “Oh Nick, I didn’t run this past the bosses at all … I just went rogue and said $30,000 and now I’ve … oh my god, oh my god,” Bickmore said. “I’m so excited by this, but I’m slightly terrified, because I’m not sure if it’s my money or the company’s money that you’re about to take.” Thankfully for Bickmore, the Hit Network covered the $30,000 prize money, according to a statement shared to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/tense-meetings-after-carrie-bickmore-goes-rogue-with-big-cash-offer-onair/news-story/462716cd6ad770c7dec38c912f54a2d5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. Image credits: Hit Network <div class="AV62af35d851923c62777207b4" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 705.202209px;"> <div id="aniBox" style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition: height 1s ease 0s; opacity: 0; width: 705px; height: 1px;"> <div id="aniplayer_AV62af35d851923c62777207b4-1677109384997" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> <div id="aniplayer_AV62af35d851923c62777207b4-1677109384997gui" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> <div id="av-caption" style="box-sizing: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center; line-height: 18px; width: 705px;"> <div id="av-close-btn-overlay" class="av-pos-top-left" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; position: relative; z-index: 9999999; vertical-align: top; padding: 30px; margin: -30px; float: left;"> <div id="av-close-btn" style="box-sizing: inherit; z-index: 9999999; position: static; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 18px; height: 18px; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); background-size: 60%; border: none; transition: all 0.15s ease-in-out 0s; background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div> </div> <span id="av-label" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: inline-block; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 9px; color: #bbbbbb; z-index: 83; vertical-align: top; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, fallback, sans-serif; line-height: 10px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px;"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

News

Daughter of cop killers speaks out

The daughter of Nathaniel and Stacey Train, who were responsible for the death of two young police officers during a shooting in Queensland, has broken her silence. Madelyn Train spoke out for the first time on the devastating incident, revealing what she believes happened on the day of the violent confrontation in December that left two police officers, her parents, Nathaniel’s brother Gareth, and an innocent neighbour dead. She also shared how she is learning to deal with the losses in her family, while coming to terms with her parents' unusual behaviour before the stand-off began. “I mourn six people,” she told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-massacre-wieambilla-daughter-madelyn-train-interview-part-one/8e86f5f0-bd2c-4e32-b370-c27d58ba8baa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. “So I mourn my family, I mourn the police officers and I mourn the neighbour." “And I developed acute traumatic stress disorder from that, because grieving three of your family members is hard enough, but then finding out what they did, and then seeing everyone’s reaction to what they did.” Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey shot dead constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, along with neighbour Alan Dare, 58, on their isolated property in Wieambilla, after police attended to investigate a missing persons call. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EXCLUSIVE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EXCLUSIVE</a>: The daughter and niece of the rural Queensland shooters that killed two young police officers and a good samaritan reveals what she believes led to the deadly day and how she now has to live with the actions of her family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sophie_walsh9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sophie_walsh9</a> <a href="https://t.co/4NQT50fepG">pic.twitter.com/4NQT50fepG</a> — 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsSyd/status/1617059081184854017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2023</a></blockquote> On the day of the shooting, Madelyn received an eerie text message from her uncle Gareth. “Vanessa (his brother’s wife) sent people to kill us,” it read, referencing the estranged wife of his brother Nathaniel who made the missing persons report that brought police to the property. All three of the Trains were then shot dead during the altercation just hours later. Talking about her parents, Madelyn said: “They were both shot dead. Mum was trying to get out the back, it said she was armed but mum didn’t like guns, so I don’t know what she was armed with. “But the police said it was a gun so I trust the police.” When asked what she believed happened that day, Madelyn said, “I’d say they were influenced by fear of the unknown, of whatever was happening and then not understanding.” Despite her healthy family upbringing, Madelyn hadn't seen her family in several years but always attempted to remain in contact. “If I was ever concerned I would say, ‘Hey, I don’t think that’s quite right, look at this article,’ and redirect it to something that was slightly more positive so that they had something else to read.” Madelyn said that Gareth had bought into <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/more-details-revealed-by-father-of-queensland-cop-killers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conspiracy theories</a> and become paranoid during the Covid pandemic, and was convinced the government was spying on them. “It was like he was doing a weird project on Covid and the end of the world, but also religiously he believes in the apocalypse,” she said. She said the family members she remembered had been “the gentlest people I know”. Image credits: Nine News

News

More details revealed by father of Queensland cop killers

The father of the two men who shot at two Queensland police officers has opened up about his son’s gun obsession and how they turned away from religion which eventually led to the horrific murder of the officers. Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call. Nathaniel and Gareth Train were identified as the two brothers who killed the officers, with their father Ron Train revealing how the pair turned to the dark side. “I’d describe them as two boys who lost their way in life,” he told A Current Affair, refusing to say they are monsters. Mr Train explained that he raised his sons with Christian beliefs but they turned away from religion before becoming estranged from their parents when they were in their 20s. “They went down this track, this dark track, which we have no understanding of.” He explained that the pair soon became obsessed with guns and that it was Gareth who showed more interest in the activity and was more controlling. “He was very difficult to control, very overpowering.” But in a surprising turn of events, Mr Train believes that Nathaniel’s marriage to Stacey Train, the third shooter, was up in the air after Gareth married her. “I just think in the end that he took over that relationship that Nathaniel and Stacey had,” Mr Train continued. Nathaniel and Stacey’s two children however were also estranged from the family. Mr Train said he broke down in tears after hearing what his sons had done saying he couldn’t take responsibility for their actions or defend them. “I cried out to God, because, you know, I’m a believer. I just could not understand,” he said. “Those decisions were made as adults. I can’t accept responsibility for something in an adult mind. “There’s no excuse for that. No excuses for their behaviour, and I don’t excuse my boys of their actions at all. “They’ll stand before God in this world. They can’t be brought to justice in the secular world, but they will before God.” Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were at a property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane when they were shot on December 12. One of the neighbours, Alan Dare, 58, was also shot and killed in the attack. Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were joined by two other officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, at the property. A six-hour siege ensued, with the officers opening fire about 4.45 pm which saw Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow killed. Constable Kirk was also wounded while Constable Brough, who was only eight weeks into her new role, managed to escape and raise the alarm. The pair were finally joined by Special Operations police and helped them shoot dead three suspects, including brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and Stacey Train, after a six hour siege. Images: Nine News

News

Family of female cop killer speaks out

The estranged family of Stacey Train have opened up about how their daughter made one decision that eventually saw her killed. Stacey was killed along with her husband Gareth Train and his brother, also her ex-husband Nathaniel Train, on December 12 after police responded to a missing person's report. Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were also shot at the Wieambilla property, three hours outside of Brisbane. Now Stacey’s family members have spoken about how she was raised religious but eventually left the family as a teenager to join the independent church of Ronald A Train - her husband’s father’s church. “I wish she never did.This would never have happened,” the relative, who asked to remain anonymous, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/wieambilla-shooting-stacey-train-had-limited-contact-with-family-after-entering-controlling-relationship-with-brother-in-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a>. “I knew Gareth was an arsehole when he took over his brother’s wife,” the family member continued. “It was all downhill from there. Now she is dead because of them.” The family member also said that Gareth “was a control freak” and that Stacey “could never say anything”. Another family member said she saw Gareth drag Stacey up the stairs by her hair. Their comments come just days after Gareth and Nathanial’s dad Ron appeared on A Current Affair speaking about their gun obsession and leaving Christianity. Mr Train explained that he raised his sons with Christian beliefs but they turned away from religion before becoming estranged from their parents when they were in their 20s. “They went down this track, this dark track, which we have no understanding of.” Mr Train said he broke down in tears after hearing what his sons had done, saying he couldn’t take responsibility for their actions or defend them. “I cried out to God, because, you know, I’m a believer. I just could not understand,” he said. “Those decisions were made as adults. I can’t accept responsibility for something in an adult mind. “There’s no excuse for that. No excuses for their behaviour, and I don’t excuse my boys of their actions at all. “They’ll stand before God in this world. They can’t be brought to justice in the secular world, but they will before God.” Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 10 am on December 21. Details on how the public can offer their condolences will be available in the next few days. Images: Facebook

News

Cop sent farewell texts to loved ones during shootout

One of the police officers that survived the shootout which killed two of her colleagues has shared her final texts she sent to loved ones in the event she didn’t make it. Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call. Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, were also at the property with Constable Kirk suffering a gunshot wound. Nathaniel and Gareth Train were identified as the two brothers who killed the officers, with Stacey Train identified as the third shooter. Constable Brough thought these would be her final moments and that she would either be shot at or burned alive. So she sent farewell texts to her loved ones. "Constable Brough grabbed her phone to seek assistance for her colleagues," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament House. "And then, she texted her loved ones, what she imagined would be her final goodbyes. "Even then, surrounded by danger and death, her first thought was for her fellow officers." Mr Albanese said it was a “miracle” that Constable Brough survived the terrifying ordeal. "[Constable Brough] did not know whether she was going to be shot, or she was going to burnt alive," Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers told the ABC on Tuesday. "'I do know she was sending messages to loved ones saying she almost thought it was her time. What was going through her mind, one cannot comprehend. "She was in contact with her other colleagues trying to assure them we could get support to go and assist their fallen colleagues at that point in time." Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 10am on December 21. Details on how the public can offer their condolences will be available in the next few days. Images: Facebook

News

Father of slain cop killers speaks

The father of two brothers behind a deadly ambush that killed two police officers and a neighbour has spoken with police as new details emerge. Nathaniel and Gareth Train, aged 46 and 47 respectively died in a shoot out against police at Gareth's home in Queensland's Western Downs on Monday night. The bloody confrontation also claimed the lives of constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, and their 58-year-old neighbour Alan Dare. The offenders had opened fire on police after they watched them arrive on the property through security cameras. On Tuesday, the Train brothers’ father Ronald Train, a retired pastor and author, was tight-lipped over the devastating gunfight. “I am not going to share anything with you, you can speculate and make up as much as you want,” he told The Courier-Mail. “I have lost two children." “I have already had conversations with police.” It comes as new details have emerged about the Train brothers, as it has been discovered that Gareth regularly contributed to online forums rife with conspiracy theories and anti-authoritarian ideas. In one post, that appears to have been removed, Gareth said the Port Arthur massacre in 1996 had been an operation to “disarm the Australian population”. “Martin (Bryant) was the perfect patsy. The Australian government is guilty of mass murder, it’s not the first time and won’t be the last. Joint operation CIA, MI6, Mossad, ASIO and the Australian SASR,” he wrote in a post. In another post on alternative news site Cairns News, Gareth seemed to refer to the COVID vaccine as a “neurological bio-weapon”. “The majority of Australians are still deaf, dumb and blind having now injected themselves with a neurological bio-weapon which will soon be fully activated for total control and monitoring, if they don’t drop dead,” he wrote. He also wrote about police attending his property in the past. “I have directed law enforcement to leave my premises over the last 20yrs, having no reason or grounds and at times have also asked them to remove their hands from their weapons or pull their pistols and whistle Dixie,” he wrote in a post on Citizens Initiated Referendums, the <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/cop-killer-gareth-trains-bizarre-conspiracy-theories-posted-on-citizens-initiated-referendums/news-story/86f57e98cd42d5b592e9b8cc59dbff8f" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Courier Mail</a> reports. “Fortunately for me they have all been cowards. Our country is at a point where even cowards are now dangerous because they are unpredictable in groups, turn your back and you may find yourself out cold on the floor with law enforcement dancing on your head." Image credits: Facebook / 7News

News

“A wake-up call for the cops”: Sydney protester Danny Lim released from hospital

Well-known Sydney activist Danny Lim has been released from hospital after injuries to his head and face during an attempted arrest by police that sparked outcry. The 78-year-old, recognised by many for his sandwich board signs bearing political messages, was hospitalised after officers tried to arrest him for failing to “comply with a move-on order” at the Queen Victoria Building on Tuesday. Criminal lawyer Chris Murphy, a lawyer at the firm that represents Mr Lim, confirmed that he had been released from St Vincent’s Hospital on Thursday with “a plan in place for ongoing monitoring”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Danny Lim has been released from hospital with a plan in place for ongoing monitoring. Thank you staff at St Vincent’s Darlinghurst for the loving care.Thank you to the community for your love & support, hope to get our happy icon back with his smiles and his signs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beautiful?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beautiful</a> <a href="https://t.co/k4ZclbOCyg">pic.twitter.com/k4ZclbOCyg</a> — chris murphy (@chrismurphys) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismurphys/status/1595493821323714560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a></blockquote> “Thank you staff at St Vincent’s Darlinghurst for the loving care,” he wrote on social media. "Thank you to the community for your love and support, hope to get our happy icon back with his smiles and his signs." Mr Murphy also shared footage of the incident and updates on the activist’s health, with the <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/sydney-man-danny-lim-arrest-to-undergo-independent-review-after-outrage/c4vq7yd9m" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SBS</a> reporting that Mr Lim was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma on Wednesday. "Internal skull damage diagnose(d)," Mr Murphy said on Twitter. Mr Lim was wearing a sign that read ‘Smile cvn’t! Why cvn’t?’ while walking through Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building on Tuesday when security told him to leave. Police were called and confronted the protester, with footage taken by a witness showing Mr Lim being tripped and pushed down by two officers, falling head-first onto the tiled floor and being handcuffed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> BREAKING NEWS:VIDEO VIOLENT NSW POLICE ARREST OF INNOCENT 80 YEAR OLD MAN WEARING BILLBOARD A COURT HAS FOUND LEGAL THE LAST TIME HE WAS WRONGLY ARRESTED FOR IT. CVNT LIKE CENT AND CANT IS NOT AN OFFENSIVE TERM. LAST TIME COURT CRITICISED HEAVY HANDED VIOLENCE NOW IN HOSPITAL. <a href="https://t.co/Ovy942m4tx">pic.twitter.com/Ovy942m4tx</a> — chris murphy (@chrismurphys) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismurphys/status/1594898646981496832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> When Mr Lim was picked up off the tiled floor, blood could be seen on the ground and on his cheek, and officers “discontinued” the arrest. Speaking to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/22/serial-protester-danny-lim-in-hospital-after-discontinued-arrest-in-sydney-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian Australia</a> from hospital, Mr Lim said he had asked police to call an ambulance and informed them he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I told them to ring an ambulance,” he said on Tuesday. “They refused. “I could be dead when they threw me down like that.” Businessman Mike Ashley, a witness to the altercation, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/24/danny-lim-asked-police-to-call-ambulance-and-told-them-of-his-ptsd-before-arrest-witness-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the outlet</a> that he noticed the hearted confrontation and heard Mr Lim repeatedly asked officers to call an ambulance. Mr Ashley said Lim had been begging for an ambulance to be called before he was thrown to the ground. “He let them know very clearly that he had PTSD, and that he needed an ambulance,” Mr Ashley said. “He voiced that very clearly at the outset. He became increasingly agitated as they approached him.” But, when Mr Ashley said he was threatened by officers when he tried to intervene and asked Mr Lim if he should call an ambulance. “The officer … said, ‘If you do that, we will charge you with hindering an arrest,’” he said. “It didn’t seem like the sort of thing that you might use to de-escalate [the] situation.” Following the incident, the actions officers took during the arrest will be subject to an independent review. In a statement, police said Mr Lim had failed to comply with move-on orders from security and officers. "Police will allege the man was subsequently issued with a move on direction by officers and failed to comply," they said. "The man's arrest was discontinued after he struggled with police and sustained an injury to his cheekbone ... "As inquiries into the incident continue, an independent review has been launched, which will examine the actions of police during the incident." His recent arrest has been condemned by many online and by politicians, including the NSW Greens. "The actions by the NSW Police yesterday were completely out of line and an indication of just how dangerous new police powers are to the vulnerable in our society," Greens MP Sue Higginson said on Wednesday. "This type of violent arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere." Independent member Alex Greenwich told <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/11/23/danny-lim-hospitalised-nsw-over-policing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crikey</a> the incident was “deeply concerning” and an example of “over-policing”. “Sydneysiders have a great deal of affection for Danny Lim and people know who he is and that he is a peaceful protester and a harmless person. It’s deeply concerning to see over-policing, let alone over-policing leading to someone being injured,” he said. “I hope this is a wake-up call for the cops and I obviously hope that Danny has a full recovery.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today after being smashed into the floor by New South Wales Police. Internal skull damage diagnose. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DannyLim?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DannyLim</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cc5IvO3nP9">pic.twitter.com/Cc5IvO3nP9</a> — chris murphy (@chrismurphys) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismurphys/status/1594913582063706112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> Amnesty International Australia said they had documented incidents where police used force against people, like Mr Lim, who were expressing their right to freedom of expression and hoped NSW Police would follow through on holding an independent review. “People like 78-year-old Danny Lim should be free to express themselves without fearing injury,” the organisation said. Mr Lim has previously been arrested and fined $500 for wearing the same sign, but was deemed to be allowed to wear it after a successful court case in 2019. Magistrate Jaqueline Milledge ruled at the time in favour of Mr Lim, saying “the police action was heavy-handed and unnecessary” and ruling that the signs may be cheeky but weren’t criminally offensive. Image: Twitter

Legal

Bob Hawke’s widow cops loss on luxury apartment

Blanche d’Alpuget, the widow of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, has offloaded her luxury apartment in the heart of Sydney’s CBD after offering a sizable discount. With an initial price guide of $4.3-4.5 million in July, the guide was reportedly adjusted to $4.2 million in September before eventually selling for an unconfirmed $3.73 million, per <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/bob-hawkes-widow-blanche-dalpuget-sells-372m-luxury-pad-in-the-one30-hyde-park-sydney/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realestate.com.au</a>. D’Alpuget’s two-bedroom apartment in the One30 Hyde Park tower was sold after she switched listing agents from Ray White to <a href="https://boutiquepropertyagents.com/property/1403-130-elizabeth-street-sydney-nsw-2000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boutique Property Agents</a>. The author and journalist moved in after she and Hawke settled on it in March 2019 and sold their waterfront property in Northbridge. The 131-square-metre apartment was originally three bedrooms before being reconfigured, and boasts views of Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour. After the apartment’s sale, d’Alpuget will be moving to the apartment tower next door, having spent $4.6 million on another apartment. Images: Getty Images / Boutique Property Agents

Real Estate

Man cops library fine after returning book 84 years late

After making it through 84 years, several generations and the bombing of an English family home, a classic novel has been returned to the library where it belongs. Paddy Riordan found the copy of Richard Jefferies' Red Deer while he was cleaning out his mother's home late last year, and decided against throwing the tattered book away. Instead, he discovered it was a library book that had been taken out on a load, and decided to return it a mere 30,695 days late. The father-of-two popped back into the Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library with the outrageously overdue book to hand it back to its rightful home. But being a numbers man, Paddy wasn't content to simply return the book, as he also whipped up a spreadsheet to work out how much he owed for the overdue fee. Luckily for him, the tardiness penalty was set at one penny per day, a weightier sum at the time but which when converted into decimal currency came to a grand total of just £18.27 ($32.68), which he donated to the library. "I've seen one or two people who've worked out that at the current rate of fines, if I was paying at the current rate, it should be over £7000 that I would be paying," he jokes. "So I may need to be careful not to visit Coventry for a number of years hence." He thinks the book must have been hired for his mother, Anne, who was just six on October 11, 1938, when it was first checked out, but has no idea what "nefarious reasons" his grandfather, Captain William Southey-Harrison, may have had for not returning the book. "I'm not too sure why my grandfather didn't return the book but in 1940, during one night of the Blitz, the family lost the house," he tells <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/library-books-overdue-man-returns-book-84-years-late-and-pays-the-fine/e9c197c5-7fe5-4060-9286-674b74354777" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9news.com.au</a>. "But somehow in the rubble (they) clearly found the book, which has remained sort of with family possessions ever since." Lucy Winter, the library's community engagement coordinator, is just as surprised by the enthusiasm her quick Facebook post has generated. "Here's something you don't see every day... a copy of Red Deer by Richard Jefferies has been returned to us - a mere 84 years and two weeks overdue!" she wrote. "How wonderful that the book has finally made its way home!" Image credits: Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library

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