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"Police have done nothing": William Tyrrell's foster mother speaks out

<p>William Tyrrell's foster mother has issued a rare statement, slamming the police investigation into the disappearance of the toddler. </p> <p>In her first public comments in two years, the woman - who cannot be identified - has been insistent on denying any involvement in William's disappearance despite being at the centre of a dedicated Strike Force team.</p> <p>She claimed police had “gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media” as they built a case against her, since she was publicly outed as the current person of interest for Strike Force Rosann detectives in 2021.</p> <p>As <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/done-nothing-william-tyrrells-foster-mother-issues-statement/news-story/0503f8940a3bad2bb2648c38bc44e288" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> continue their investigative podcast into William's disappearance and the subsequent investigation, the foster mother has slammed the authorities for the way they have handled the high-profile case. </p> <p>She said, “I believe that if the police had properly investigated this case, instead of persecuting me, they may well have found the person responsible for William’s disappearance.”</p> <p>She went on to reiterate she believes the three-year-old was taken from her mother’s yard in Kendall in September of 2014 and that she has “no idea who took William, or what happened to him”.</p> <p>“For the past five years, the police have done nothing to try to discover who took William, and what has happened to him," she said.</p> <p>“Instead, they have concentrated all their efforts on trying to build a case that I was in some way to blame for his death, and the disposal of his precious little body."</p> <p>“They have gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media.”</p> <p>She went on to say she loved William “as much as any mother could love her child … if not more”.</p> <p>She said, “It did not matter one bit that he was not connected to us biologically. William made my life complete; I loved him fiercely. I just loved being his ‘mummy’.”</p> <p>“Never ever for a moment did I regret becoming a foster mother”, she said, adding the family was “and still are … connected as one”.</p> <p>“It’s challenging to have hope and build plans for the future when our hearts remain shattered and in pieces,” she said. “All I can hope for is that some person who knows something comes forward.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: NSW Police</em></p>

Legal

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Craig McLachlan set to return to Aussie screens

<p>Six years after being "crucified" in the public eye, Craig McLachlan is set to make his return to Aussie screens. </p> <p>The 58-year-old was unexpectedly approached by movie producers who asked him to star in a new feature film, almost seven years since his last on-screen project. </p> <p>Speaking exclusively with <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13716307/Craig-McLachlan-Neighbours-Rocky-Horror-comeback-movie.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a>, McLachlan said his return to the big screen had helped him deal with the "poisonous hate" that had eaten away at him since he was hounded out of the industry six years ago.</p> <p>In 2018, McLachlan was forced to quit his leading role as Frank-N-Furter in a 2018 production of <em>The Rocky Horror Picture Show</em> after three of his former female co-stars accused him of serious inappropriate behaviour while performing alongside him four years earlier.</p> <p>The former <em>Neighbours</em> star was charged with 13 offences of assault and indecent assault after Victoria Police investigated the allegations but he was ultimately acquitted on all counts following a four-week trial in December 2020.</p> <p>Now, McLachlan candidly admitted that he was unlikely to ever find it in his heart to forgive the former co-stars who accused him of sexual harassment, and that he still blames them for "ruining" his life.</p> <p>"Here's the thing: hate is a poisonous thing. You have to get rid of the hate – and I've done that," he said.</p> <p>"Forgiveness is a different story. That’s hard s**t to do."</p> <p>McLachlan said he had "fallen out of love" with show business after his "public crucifixion" but decided to accept the role after discussing the opportunity with long-term partner Vanessa Scammell. </p> <p>"I only just went and met with the producers and the director last week and agreed to do it," he said.</p> <p>"I wasn't expecting to be approached about a return to acting… and certainly not about signing on to do a film – it was a complete surprise."</p> <p>"But it's a fantastic Australian production and Vanessa and I sat down and discussed it - and talked about whether it was the right thing for both of us. When you've had your life destroyed like mine has been, you need to take a little time to rest and recalibrate."</p> <p>"I haven't rushed into anything. I needed to think about what we wanted to do and what - physically - I could do. And we decided this was the right thing for us."</p> <p>McLachlan, who has been in therapy since the allegations first came to light, said he was grateful for his partner's support during the difficult few years, and is happy to be making his return to screen with a new lease on life. </p> <p>"When the s**t kicks off in the media, people start running for cover and they're afraid to put their heads up to support you publicly because they're worried about them getting chopped off," he said. </p> <p>"I'll be forever grateful to those people who did stand by me – people like Vanessa – who helped me keep going."</p> <p>"Irrespective of what anyone has ever said or alleged about me, nothing I do or say would ever be done intentionally to make anyone else feel uncomfortable. I know that’s not who I am."</p> <p>"But as for forgiveness? Ask me again about forgiveness a little further down the track."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Movies

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Aussie Olympian arrested in Paris after trying to buy drugs

<p>An Aussie Olympian has been arrested after he was caught on the streets of Paris trying to buy a gram of cocaine. </p> <p>Hockey superstar Tom Craig tried to outrun police when he was caught, before realising he couldn't evade the authorities and surrendered. </p> <p>He and teammates had been at a family and friends celebration at the Hotel Maison in Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement after both his team and the Hockeyroos team of girlfriend Alice Arnott lost in the quarter finals.</p> <p>The 28-year-old had spent nearly 18 hours in custody after being arrested at midnight on Tuesday before being released with “a probationary criminal warning for drug use”.</p> <p>As a result of his indiscretion, the Kookaburras veteran has had his Olympic rights stripped from him, been banned from the athletes village and told he does not have the right to march in the closing ceremony.</p> <p>Craig, who is a qualified solicitor, fronted the media in central Paris hours before an AOC press conference, in which he apologised for his behaviour.</p> <p>“I would firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” the Tokyo silver medallist said. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions."</p> <p>“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.” </p> <p>In the AOC press conference, Australian Olympic chef de mission Anna Meares said she was adamant Kookaburras star Tom Craig was acting alone when trying to purchase the drugs. </p> <p>“We do feel very confident that this is an isolated incident,” Meares said.</p> <p>“I would rather be here talking about the three gold medals that we have won today. But here we are first."</p> <p>“I cannot condone what Tom has done. He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences that come with decisions like this."</p> <p>“Our team has been exemplary at these Games and his actions do not reflect the values of this team, nor do they diminish this team’s performances. He has apologised, shown remorse and he has owned up to his mistake and we will support him if he needs help."</p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)/DAVE HUNT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

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"I'm a prisoner in my own body": Rob Burrow's heartbreaking last message

<p>An emotional final message from rugby legend Rob Burrow has been released in the days after his death. </p> <p>The former footballer <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rugby-league-hero-dies-at-just-41" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the age of 41 on Sunday after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, with his former club, the Leeds Rhinos, sharing the news of his passing. </p> <p>Before he died, Burrow was involved in the making of a documentary about his life by the BBC, titled <em>There's Only One Burrow</em>, only agreeing to appear in the program on the condition it only be used after his death.</p> <p>In the documentary, Burrow spoke of how the cruel disease impacted his life and how he hoped to raise awareness for MND research.</p> <p>"I want to live in a world free of MND. By the time you watch this I will no longer be here," he said in the video.</p> <p>"In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. I'm just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league."</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/reel/C7xPgSxM6lY/?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/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BBC SPORT (@bbcsport)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>His pre-recorded final words were shown to his friends and family on screen, reacting to his words.</p> <p>"I'm a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath," he said.</p> <p>"I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home."</p> <p>Recalling his diagnosis, he said, "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them."</p> <p>In an emotional segment of the widow, Burrow's wife Lindsey spoke of how she learnt of her husband's devastating disease.</p> <p>"I remember that moment being told it's not good news. Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said 'thank god it's me and not the kids'. That's all he was bothered about," she recalled.</p> <p>When asked about his children, Burrow became emotional, saying, "I had no idea how my family would cope. They've become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours." </p> <p>"I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them."</p> <p>Burrows finishes the piece, saying. "As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this."</p> <p>"I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration."</p> <p>"My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to be brave and face it."</p> <p>"Every single day is precious. Don't waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out."</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

Caring

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Why we need to stop being so judgemental – and the 4 steps to do it

<p>As a society, we've become increasingly judgmental. We tend to judge not only others but ourselves as well. From a person's physical appearance to their actions, we criticise and judge everything. Everyone is too fat, too thin, too old, or too young, creating an environment where nothing seems to be good enough. This constant pattern of judgment is now harming our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.</p> <p>When we judge, we compare ourselves to others, leaving us emotionally vulnerable. Through this judgement, we seek to establish a sense of security and control over our lives and surroundings, often without even realising it. However, by increasing our emotional resilience and sense of control, we become consciously aware of this behaviour and can take steps to change it. So, is it possible to become less judgemental? </p> <p>As an educator and researcher, I developed an Emotional Resilience language (ER). It introduces simple changes that can reduce judgment, foster empathy, compassion, and personal responsibility, and bolster emotional intelligence and resilience when integrated into everyday life. Using a driving metaphor, ER simplifies the intricate world of emotions, providing an innovative way to integrate emotional vocabulary into daily life. It enhances understanding and establishes new neural pathways and healthier thought patterns.</p> <p>The following outlines the initial steps of ER, which can effectively manage judgement towards yourself and others. Though the changes may appear simplistic, they are instrumental in establishing lasting transformation.</p> <p><strong>1. Removing judgement towards how you or others may feel:</strong> Instead of labelling emotions as good or bad, view them as rough or smooth emotional roads. Just as roads serve different purposes, so do emotions. Rough emotions build resilience, while smooth emotions promote well-being, removing the need to lift everyone off a rough road. This makes it easier to recognise and accept emotions without feeling like a failure when things aren't going smoothly. You don’t know why someone is on a rough road, so resist the temptation to judge them.</p> <p><strong>2: The metaphorical steering wheel</strong> in ER represents emotional control and the power of choice in navigating life's challenges. As in a car, you should be the only one controlling your emotional steering wheel. Rather than judging yourself and others, this logical approach empowers you to regain control over your focus, emotions, and destination. Just because someone else is on a rough road doesn’t mean you must join them, fostering resilience and responsibility. </p> <p><strong>3. Shifting judgement and blame to responsibility</strong> involves removing phrases such as "You are making me angry, " which inadvertently hands your emotional steering wheel to others. Replace it with, "I am choosing to feel angry in response to this situation." This subtle alteration, substituting "making" with "choosing," helps reclaim ownership of your steering wheel rather than relinquishing control to external factors. Assigning blame—"It's your fault, it's the government's fault, it's my partner’s fault"— leaves you feeling like a victim, and you then resort to judgement and retaliation to regain control. </p> <p><strong>4. The importance of taking control:</strong> Understanding that judgement cannot be contained nor emotional resilience built when you are out of control on either road is crucial. Out-of-control scenarios activate the amygdala, the brain's fight, flight or freeze mode, disabling the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for thinking and creativity. It is only possible to discuss a situation once the involved parties have regained control and can access the thinking part of their brain. Therefore, regaining control is essential for reducing judgement, as then you can have productive discussions that help maintain emotional well-being. This includes your conversations with yourself, which can often be the harshest!</p> <p>ER helps reduce judgement by developing your emotional resilience. Awareness of the emotional state of yourself and others fosters emotional intelligence, while learning to regain control builds resilience. Recognising that navigating rough emotions is crucial for growth alleviates the pressure from always needing to be on a smooth road and judging yourself and others if they aren’t. It shifts focus from dwelling on challenges and comparing yourself to others to being able to understand and manage your responses. Incorporating language changes into daily life builds new neural pathways, creating new thought patterns that reduce judgment and blame. </p> <p>By avoiding the tendency to judge yourself or others, you take back control of your reactions to people and circumstances. This leads to better mental and emotional well-being and fosters positive relationships with yourself and others. Does this mean you will never judge again? Of course not. You’re human. It’s what you do with the judgment that can make all the difference. </p> <p><strong>Dr Jane Foster is a leading educator, researcher, presenter and author of <em>It’s In Your Hands; Your Steering Wheel, Your Choice</em>. Combining her educational skills with neuroscience and positive psychology, Jane equips people with strategies to help build emotional resilience and manage their daily stresses, successfully changing perspective and creating new neural pathways. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au</a></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Mind

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Update on Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's terrifying break-in

<p>Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have revealed details of the terrifying break-in at their rental home in Woollahra, while the couple and their two children, Rudy and Sonny, slept. </p> <p>The thief, identified as Daniel Booth, broke into the couple's  four-bedroom home in December 2021 and stole the keys to their Land Rover and Zoe's bag which contained the keys to her Tesla, $1000 in cash, and her designer wallet. </p> <p>Booth was arrested hours later, with the help of a tracking device installed in the stolen Land Rover, and faced  Sydney Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday. </p> <p>He pleaded guilty to a raft of charges related to a crime spree which occurred at the time, including a few other stolen vehicles and bags. </p> <p>Booth also admitted to groping a female Corrective Services officer while in custody before telling her: "Sorry miss."</p> <p>In 2018, Booth was serving a jail sentence for robbery with a serious weapon, and was released on parole in late 2021 before committing his Sydney-wide crime spree only weeks later, before getting arrested again after stealing from the Blakes. </p> <p>Crown prosecutor Maeve Curry revealed that the thief has been complaining of "paranoia and delusional thoughts" over the past 18 months, so the sentencing judge would have to balance "the community's interest in protection and also in punishment being imposed' against the difficulty of 'his personal circumstances'."</p> <p>Judge Donna Woodburne will sentence Booth in February 2024.</p> <p>He will remain behind bars until he returns to court. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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"Disgraced actor, bully, monster": Craig McLachlan opens up on assault allegations

<p>Craig McLachlan has opened up about how the incident assault trial took a toll on his mental health and career. </p> <p>The former Neighbours actor was charged with seven counts of indecent assault and six of common law assault in 2019, after four women, who he starred alongside with in the stage production of the <em>Rocky Horror Show</em> came forward. </p> <p>McLachlan has long denied the allegations, and was eventually cleared of all charges. </p> <p>Now, the former actor is appearing on the new season of <em>SAS Australia</em>, and has spoken candidly about how his life changed after the trial. </p> <p>“When I started on Neighbours, I was in people’s lounge rooms night after night, day after day,” he told <em>SAS</em> producers.</p> <p>“But there was something that happened about five years ago that was shocking for the public and shocking for me."</p> <p>“Craig McLachlan, disgraced actor. Workplace bully, monster.</p> <p>“So I’m here to exorcise some pretty extreme pain with some pretty extreme pain.”</p> <p>Speaking with <em>SAS</em> Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and DS Jamie ‘Jay’ Morton, McLachlan said he is still angry about what happened, and carries a lot of emotional weight from the trial. </p> <p>"I suffer extreme social anxiety. I find it very difficult to trust situations where there are a lot of people, especially women."</p> <p>“I’m more anxious about being in a new group of people than I am about climbing up the side of a mountain."</p> <p>“I know that sounds bizarre, but for me, I’m afraid it’s true.”</p> <p>Middleton sensed McLachlan was becoming angry when talking about the case, to which McLachlan responded, "I was charged with 14, 15, 16 offences ... It’s one thing to be so publicly crucified, it’s another thing to be charged. I was found not guilty of any wrongful behaviour. It’s because I was f***ing innocent ... I’ve been profoundly hurt, so there’s always going to be some residual anger."</p> <p>McLachlan went on to share how he was "abandoned" by close friends in the entertainment world when the allegations first came to light. </p> <p>He said, "People who only months before looked me in the eye and said 'You create the most wonderful work environments imaginable' ... abandonment, total abandonment. A tiny handful of courageous people I have friendships with over 30 years were always there, but the vast majority - gone."</p> <p>He said the abandonment from his friends "really f**king hurt", to which the SAS team told him he has "gotta let it go". </p> <p>"That’s why I’m here," McLachlan said.</p> <p>"For me, the big takeaway from this experience will be moving forward, to find that I can function without anger and fear. But beyond that, learning to trust people again."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Channel Seven - SAS Australia</em></p>

TV

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William Tyrrell's foster mother pleads guilty to assault

<p>William Tyrrell's foster mother has been found guilty of assaulting a child. </p> <p>The 58-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Parramatta’s Local Court on Monday morning alongside her husband. </p> <p>She entered guilty pleas to two counts of common assault relating to a child, who is not William. </p> <p>Despite her plea, she plans to fight the charges after also pleading not guilty to two counts of intimidation. </p> <p>Her husband, 56, has pleaded not guilty to one count of common assault and one count of intimidation.</p> <p>The court heard details of the incidents that took place between January and August 2021, with the foster mother previously trying to have the charges in question withdrawn on mental health grounds. </p> <p>The couple will face a contested hearing before Magistrate Susan McIntyre, with the hearing expected to last five days.</p> <p>William was only three years old when he vanished from his foster grandmother’s house at Kendall on the NSW mid North Coast on September 12th 2014.</p> <p>The case attracted national attention and has become one of the state’s most notable cold cases.</p> <p>No one has been charged over William’s disappearance and suspected death, and his foster parents have continued to deny any wrongdoing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: NSW Police</em></p> <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px;"> </div>

Legal

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Socceroos legend slams Prince William's "patronising" Matildas remark

<p>Craig Foster has slammed Prince William's "patronising pat on the head" for the Matildas after their defeat in the England v. Australia Women's World Cup semi-finals. </p> <p>Foster, a Socceroos legend and staunch supporter of Australia becoming a republic, reacted angrily to Prince William’s attempt to congratulate the Matildas in the wake of their 3-1 defeat against the Lionesses.</p> <p>Shortly after the game, Prince William sent a message to both teams.</p> <p>“What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses — on to the final!” William wrote to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter account after the tense semi-final came to a close.</p> <p>“Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W”</p> <p>King Charles also chimed in on the messages of support, and was full of praise for both teams.</p> <p>“My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said.</p> <p>“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.” </p> <p>But Foster, who is the co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement, saw through the royal family's messages and didn't want to hear their condescending messages of support and praise. </p> <p>“You’ve been proudly supporting England all tournament. Not a word for Australia. Not that we expect it. We prefer the honesty. Without the patronising pat on the head in defeat,” Foster tweeted.</p> <p>“Support the Lionesses &amp; let us get on with our business, mate.”</p> <p>Foster's message welcomed a mixed reaction, with many agreeing with his sentiment and reinforcing the notion of Australia becoming a republic, while others thought it was obvious that William would be barracking for England, as he is president of Britain’s Football Association.</p> <p>One person simply added to Craig's tweet saying, "What a weird take on a quite gracious sentiment."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Police recommend charges against William Tyrrell's foster mother

<p>Detectives believe they have gathered enough evidence to bring charges against William Tyrrell's foster mother after his disappearance nine years ago. </p> <p>Reports from 9News shared that detectives handed a brief to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) earlier this month with evidence against William's foster mother, who cannot be named, recommending she be charged with perverting the course of justice and interfering with a corpse.</p> <p>Police have ben investigating the potential cause of William's disappearance in 2014, with allegations there was a deadly accident at their family home in Kendall on the NSW Mid North Coast, and the then-three-year-old's body was disposed of by his foster mother.</p> <p>The 58-year-old has long denied any involvement with William's disappearance. </p> <p>It now remains up to the DPP to give advice on whether the woman should go before a court, with any charges beginning a lengthy legal process. </p> <p>A judge or jury would then need to decide whether the evidence was sufficient to prove any charges.</p> <p>William Tyrrell was last seen alive at his foster family's home in Kendall in September 2014, with last Tuesday marking what would've been his 12th birthday. </p> <p>Since his disappearance, there have been many theories over the past nine years with suspects targeted then cleared, and an inquest put on hold.</p> <p>A new team of homicide detectives reviewed the case in 2020, but found no new evidence or remains. </p> <p>Since then, police have quietly been building evidence in support of allegations that William's foster mother covered up his accidental death and disposed of his body.</p> <p>The potential charges include perverting the course of justice and interfering with a corpse, with the latter charge carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years behind bars.</p> <p><em>Image credits: NSW Police</em></p>

News

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First victim of Hunter Valley bus crash farewelled

<p>Family and friends have joined together for the emotional farewell of Angus Andrew Craig, at the first funeral of the ten wedding guests killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash. </p> <p>The 28-year-old was farewelled at a service held at Worrigee in Nowra on Monday morning, with many of those who attended the wedding present to say their goodbyes. </p> <p>Angus grew up on the south coast of New South Wales before moving to Singleton where Maddy Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney, the bride and groom, were also living.</p> <p>A notice of his funeral celebrated him as an “adored son, much loved brother and brother-in-law and beloved partner of Isabella”.</p> <p>Angus's sister Georgia laughed and wept as she remembered her brother who would now never meet her first child, which is due in two months time. </p> <p>"How cruel is this loss, of a lovely well-mannered gorgeous boy who matured into a lovely responsible thoughtful good-looking man," she said.</p> <p>Angus had only just moved in with his girlfriend Bella, who shared how "incredibly heartbroken" she was by losing the love of her life. </p> <p>“It’s so hard to put into words the immeasurable impact Angus had on my life and even harder to accept the fact we’ve lost such a beautiful, kind and exuberant soul,” Bella said at the service. </p> <p>"He was open minded and curious, he was up for any adventure no matter how quirky."</p> <p>“It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the bright, thoughtful and generous person he was."</p> <p>“When I’m feeling sad, when my emotions feel overwhelming and the world feels a bit dull, I’ll remind myself that tomorrow will be better."</p> <p>“I will smile and I will laugh, I will admire every sunset and every nice view. I will remember I’m forever a better person for having loved and been loved by you Angus.”</p> <p>Angus's funeral was the first of the ten wedding guests who were killed in a devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley on June 11th, when the bus taking them to their accommodation rolled while driving through a roundabout. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p> <div id="ad-block-4x4-1" class="w_unruly ad-block unruly_insert_native_ad_here ad-custom" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; text-align: center; float: right; width: 705.202209px; margin-bottom: 24px;" data-type="unruly" data-ad-size="4x4,640x360" data-device-type="web" data-cb-ad-id="hybrid-banner-1" data-cb-dfp-id="unit=ndm.news;" data-ad-tar="pos=1" data-ad-pos="1" data-google-query-id="CMCykP3v3_8CFeHUcwEdIqUE3Q"></div>

Family & Pets

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ChatGPT and other generative AI could foster science denial and misunderstanding – here’s how you can be on alert

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gale-sinatra-1234776">Gale Sinatra</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-california-1265">University of Southern California</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbara-k-hofer-1231530">Barbara K. Hofer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/middlebury-1247">Middlebury</a></em></p> <p>Until very recently, if you wanted to know more about a controversial scientific topic – stem cell research, the safety of nuclear energy, climate change – you probably did a Google search. Presented with multiple sources, you chose what to read, selecting which sites or authorities to trust.</p> <p>Now you have another option: You can pose your question to ChatGPT or another generative artificial intelligence platform and quickly receive a succinct response in paragraph form.</p> <p>ChatGPT does not search the internet the way Google does. Instead, it generates responses to queries by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/05/07/ai-beginners-guide/">predicting likely word combinations</a> from a massive amalgam of available online information.</p> <p>Although it has the potential for <a href="https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/05/how-generative-ai-changes-productivity">enhancing productivity</a>, generative AI has been shown to have some major faults. It can <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ai-platforms-like-chatgpt-are-easy-to-use-but-also-potentially-dangerous/">produce misinformation</a>. It can create “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/business/ai-chatbots-hallucination.html">hallucinations</a>” – a benign term for making things up. And it doesn’t always accurately solve reasoning problems. For example, when asked if both a car and a tank can fit through a doorway, it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/14/technology/openai-new-gpt4.html">failed to consider both width and height</a>. Nevertheless, it is already being used to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2023/01/17/cnet-ai-articles-journalism-corrections/">produce articles</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/19/technology/ai-generated-content-discovered-on-news-sites-content-farms-and-product-reviews.html">website content</a> you may have encountered, or <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/opinion/chatgpt-journalism.html">as a tool</a> in the writing process. Yet you are unlikely to know if what you’re reading was created by AI.</p> <p>As the authors of “<a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/science-denial-9780197683330">Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It</a>,” we are concerned about how generative AI may blur the boundaries between truth and fiction for those seeking authoritative scientific information.</p> <p>Every media consumer needs to be more vigilant than ever in verifying scientific accuracy in what they read. Here’s how you can stay on your toes in this new information landscape.</p> <h2>How generative AI could promote science denial</h2> <p><strong>Erosion of epistemic trust</strong>. All consumers of science information depend on judgments of scientific and medical experts. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02691728.2014.971907">Epistemic trust</a> is the process of trusting knowledge you get from others. It is fundamental to the understanding and use of scientific information. Whether someone is seeking information about a health concern or trying to understand solutions to climate change, they often have limited scientific understanding and little access to firsthand evidence. With a rapidly growing body of information online, people must make frequent decisions about what and whom to trust. With the increased use of generative AI and the potential for manipulation, we believe trust is likely to erode further than <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-trust-in-scientists-other-groups-declines/">it already has</a>.</p> <p><strong>Misleading or just plain wrong</strong>. If there are errors or biases in the data on which AI platforms are trained, that <a href="https://theconversation.com/ai-information-retrieval-a-search-engine-researcher-explains-the-promise-and-peril-of-letting-chatgpt-and-its-cousins-search-the-web-for-you-200875">can be reflected in the results</a>. In our own searches, when we have asked ChatGPT to regenerate multiple answers to the same question, we have gotten conflicting answers. Asked why, it responded, “Sometimes I make mistakes.” Perhaps the trickiest issue with AI-generated content is knowing when it is wrong.</p> <p><strong>Disinformation spread intentionally</strong>. AI can be used to generate compelling disinformation as text as well as deepfake images and videos. When we asked ChatGPT to “<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ai-platforms-like-chatgpt-are-easy-to-use-but-also-potentially-dangerous/">write about vaccines in the style of disinformation</a>,” it produced a nonexistent citation with fake data. Geoffrey Hinton, former head of AI development at Google, quit to be free to sound the alarm, saying, “It is hard to see how you can prevent the bad actors from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/technology/ai-google-chatbot-engineer-quits-hinton.html">using it for bad things</a>.” The potential to create and spread deliberately incorrect information about science already existed, but it is now dangerously easy.</p> <p><strong>Fabricated sources</strong>. ChatGPT provides responses with no sources at all, or if asked for sources, may present <a href="https://economistwritingeveryday.com/2023/01/21/chatgpt-cites-economics-papers-that-do-not-exist/">ones it made up</a>. We both asked ChatGPT to generate a list of our own publications. We each identified a few correct sources. More were hallucinations, yet seemingly reputable and mostly plausible, with actual previous co-authors, in similar sounding journals. This inventiveness is a big problem if a list of a scholar’s publications conveys authority to a reader who doesn’t take time to verify them.</p> <p><strong>Dated knowledge</strong>. ChatGPT doesn’t know what happened in the world after its training concluded. A query on what percentage of the world has had COVID-19 returned an answer prefaced by “as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021.” Given how rapidly knowledge advances in some areas, this limitation could mean readers get erroneous outdated information. If you’re seeking recent research on a personal health issue, for instance, beware.</p> <p><strong>Rapid advancement and poor transparency</strong>. AI systems continue to become <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/technology/ai-google-chatbot-engineer-quits-hinton.html">more powerful and learn faster</a>, and they may learn more science misinformation along the way. Google recently announced <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/10/technology/google-ai-products.html">25 new embedded uses of AI in its services</a>. At this point, <a href="https://theconversation.com/regulating-ai-3-experts-explain-why-its-difficult-to-do-and-important-to-get-right-198868">insufficient guardrails are in place</a> to assure that generative AI will become a more accurate purveyor of scientific information over time.</p> <h2>What can you do?</h2> <p>If you use ChatGPT or other AI platforms, recognize that they might not be completely accurate. The burden falls to the user to discern accuracy.</p> <p><strong>Increase your vigilance</strong>. <a href="https://www.niemanlab.org/2022/12/ai-will-start-fact-checking-we-may-not-like-the-results/">AI fact-checking apps may be available soon</a>, but for now, users must serve as their own fact-checkers. <a href="https://www.nsta.org/science-teacher/science-teacher-januaryfebruary-2023/plausible">There are steps we recommend</a>. The first is: Be vigilant. People often reflexively share information found from searches on social media with little or no vetting. Know when to become more deliberately thoughtful and when it’s worth identifying and evaluating sources of information. If you’re trying to decide how to manage a serious illness or to understand the best steps for addressing climate change, take time to vet the sources.</p> <p><strong>Improve your fact-checking</strong>. A second step is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000740">lateral reading</a>, a process professional fact-checkers use. Open a new window and search for <a href="https://www.nsta.org/science-teacher/science-teacher-mayjune-2023/marginalizing-misinformation">information about the sources</a>, if provided. Is the source credible? Does the author have relevant expertise? And what is the consensus of experts? If no sources are provided or you don’t know if they are valid, use a traditional search engine to find and evaluate experts on the topic.</p> <p><strong>Evaluate the evidence</strong>. Next, take a look at the evidence and its connection to the claim. Is there evidence that genetically modified foods are safe? Is there evidence that they are not? What is the scientific consensus? Evaluating the claims will take effort beyond a quick query to ChatGPT.</p> <p><strong>If you begin with AI, don’t stop there</strong>. Exercise caution in using it as the sole authority on any scientific issue. You might see what ChatGPT has to say about genetically modified organisms or vaccine safety, but also follow up with a more diligent search using traditional search engines before you draw conclusions.</p> <p><strong>Assess plausibility</strong>. Judge whether the claim is plausible. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2013.03.001">Is it likely to be true</a>? If AI makes an implausible (and inaccurate) statement like “<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2022/12/23/fact-check-false-claim-covid-19-vaccines-caused-1-1-million-deaths/10929679002/">1 million deaths were caused by vaccines, not COVID-19</a>,” consider if it even makes sense. Make a tentative judgment and then be open to revising your thinking once you have checked the evidence.</p> <p><strong>Promote digital literacy in yourself and others</strong>. Everyone needs to up their game. <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-be-a-good-digital-citizen-during-the-election-and-its-aftermath-148974">Improve your own digital literacy</a>, and if you are a parent, teacher, mentor or community leader, promote digital literacy in others. The American Psychological Association provides guidance on <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/social-media-literacy-teens">fact-checking online information</a> and recommends teens be <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use">trained in social media skills</a> to minimize risks to health and well-being. <a href="https://newslit.org/">The News Literacy Project</a> provides helpful tools for improving and supporting digital literacy.</p> <p>Arm yourself with the skills you need to navigate the new AI information landscape. Even if you don’t use generative AI, it is likely you have already read articles created by it or developed from it. It can take time and effort to find and evaluate reliable information about science online – but it is worth it.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/204897/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gale-sinatra-1234776">Gale Sinatra</a>, Professor of Education and Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-california-1265">University of Southern California</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbara-k-hofer-1231530">Barbara K. Hofer</a>, Professor of Psychology Emerita, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/middlebury-1247">Middlebury</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chatgpt-and-other-generative-ai-could-foster-science-denial-and-misunderstanding-heres-how-you-can-be-on-alert-204897">original article</a>.</em></p>

Technology

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“Rare for a mother to say that”: Tina Turner’s heartbreaking fear revealed

<p dir="ltr">Tina Turner’s daughter-in-law, Afida, has revealed the star’s deepest fear for her children, and her agonising health struggles prior to her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-tina-turner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a>, in an emotional interview with the <em>Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida revealed that the <em>Proud Mary</em> singer, who outlived two of her four children, grieved for them every day and was “extremely sick” by the time her second son, Craig, passed away.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you lose a child, or a loved one, you are going to cry every morning and every night,” Afida said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Craig, had passed away at the age of 59 by suicide in 2018. His brother Ronnie passed away just four years later at the age of 62 from colon cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida, who is Ronnie’s widow, shared that the only comfort was that Tina was finally reunited with her beloved sons.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They never had time to spend together and now all three of them are together.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida also revealed Tina’s deepest fear for her son Ronnie, and how she was worried he could “turn out like” his abusive father, Ike Turner</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Tina] sometimes told me, ‘You don’t want to stay with him. He is going to be like his father’. It is pretty rare for a mother to say that,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At first, he was kind of like his father, but after that he was going very well,” she added\, revealing that she’d given Ronnie an ultimatum to get his act together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He made a very big effort to keep me. In the beginning it was very hard because I was not willing to stay with him,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida also opened up about the star’s death and revealed that despite Tina’s health struggles, the singer was extremely strong and resilient, which made her family think that she would live forever.</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/CsoyspoMrqy/?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/CsoyspoMrqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Afida Turner (@afida_turner)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“She was ill for a long time, but she was extraordinarily strong too,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was fighting for her life from 2017 until now. We knew how sick she was, but she was doing so well that this was not expected,” Afida added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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5 reasons why you should consider fostering a pet

<p>Becoming an animal foster carer is one of the most selfless and rewarding things you can do in life. Usually through no fault of their own, some pets find themselves in dire need of a home, and if you have room in your house (and in your heart), here are five reasons why you should help them out.</p> <p><strong>1. You’re saving a life and offering a second chance</strong></p> <p>Part of the reason why shelters rely on foster care so much is that they simply don’t have the space to provide a temporary home for the pet themselves. By taking in downtrodden four-legged friends, you’re easing the strain on local rescues, saving a life and giving animals a second chance.</p> <p><strong>2. You’re helping prepare the pet for its new home</strong></p> <p>Many shelter animals have had rough lives and potentially spent time living on the streets. You have the opportunity to help them adapt to life at home, where they’ll be fed, exercised, socialised and loved.</p> <p><strong>3. There’s no commitment</strong></p> <p>If you like the idea of having a pet but can’t commit to owning one long-term, fostering is a great way to still have them in your life. It’s also a fantastic first option for people who have never owned a pet but always wanted to. After all, you need to make sure you can handle it before you jump right in! There’s also a lot less of a financial commitment. Generally, the rescue group will cover vet costs and all you need to provide is food and lots of love.</p> <p><strong>4. It’s good for your health</strong></p> <p>Countless studies have proven that pet ownership (particularly dogs) can significantly improve both your physical and mental health. Knowing they’re relying on you to maintain their own health is the best motivation to look after your own.</p> <p><strong>5. It’s good for your social life</strong></p> <p>Want to make new friends? Foster a dog! Not only will you gain a four-legged friend, but any dog owner will attest to the fact that people love stopping to gush over your canine pal. You can also attend meet-ups with other pet owners or make new friends at dog-friendly beaches and parks.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Devastating leaked email places Jenny Craig on brink of collapse

<p dir="ltr">Weight loss firm Jenny Craig is reportedly closing its doors after four decades leading the industry. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to leaked staff communications, <em>NBC News</em> have shared that the company’s corporate and salaried field employees will face their final day of work on May 5, while their hourly staff will experience theirs on May 9. In the email, Jenny Craig explained that this was occurring “due to its inability to secure additional financing”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Employees were informed, however, that they would be receiving a “final pay cheque, including your full compensation earned through your last day of work and all accrued, unused paid time off”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rumours have circled the company for some time, with <em>Bloomberg</em> reporting in just April 2023 that they were on the hunt for a buyer. The publication claimed that a source told them the company was “considering a bankruptcy filing” if their efforts to secure a buyer failed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Bloomberg </em>also shared the news that the company was in around $250,000 USD in debt (~$376,000 AUD/NZD).</p> <p dir="ltr">Around the same time, corporate staff at the company’s California office received notice that they would be closing June 24, but that that day may actually be as soon as the next Friday. An FAQ was also released to them, alongside an explanation that they would be decreasing their physical operations to make way for their more e-commerce focussed business model. </p> <p dir="ltr">As a spokesperson told <em>NBC News</em> in the wake of the reports of potential layoffs, the company was “embarking on the next phase of our business to evolve with the changing landscape of today’s consumers. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Like many other companies, we’re currently transitioning from a brick-and-mortar retail business to a customer-friendly, e-commerce driven model. We will have more details to share in the coming weeks as our plans are solidified.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite this assurance, even coupled with the latest communications, it remains unclear whether or not that transition will still be taking place, with employees left in a state of limbo. </p> <p dir="ltr">The industry supergiant currently employs over 1,000 members of staff, with approximately 500 stores - both company-owned and franchised - across just the United States and Canada, with a further 600 around the rest of the world, including Australia. </p> <p dir="ltr">The company was actually founded in Melbourne in 1983, by husband and wife Jenny and Sidney Craig. The American couple went on to take their venture back to the states, but not until two years later in 1985. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while the situation looks dire overseas, an employee did tell Bloomberg that franchise-owned locations “may remain open”, though this is yet to be confirmed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Outrage over Craig McLachlan’s TV return

<p>Christie Whelan Browne has condemned the decision to put Craig McLachlan back in the limelight as part of the 2023 cast for <em>SAS Australia</em>. </p> <p>The series, which has been known to give its cast members ‘redemption arcs’, has faced criticism in the past for highlighting the likes of Wayne Carey and Sam Burgess.</p> <p>And now Browne - who accused McLachlan of sexually assaulting her during their theatre performances run - has taken to Twitter to voice her disgust at his return to television, asking the question, “how do we feel about someone who was charged on multiple sexual assault charges being put back on tv and being referred to simply as a ‘controversial figure’? </p> <p>“I also saw a post saying he was the ‘winner’ of that case. But if you bother to read the judgement- he was acquitted on a technicality and the judge WHO HEARD THE EVIDENCE, believed it happened. </p> <p>“I am so f***ing sick of this s**t.” </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">How do we feel about someone who was charged on multiple sexual assault charges being put back on tv and being referred to simply as a ‘controversial figure’?</p> <p>— Christie Whelan (@Christie_Whelan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Christie_Whelan/status/1632555087989211137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Browne’s supporters were in agreement, with many unhappy to see yet another disgraced star given a free pass back to national attention. </p> <p>“SAS have a type, they gave Sam Burgess a redemption song story, now McLachlan. It's poor form, next they will give the guy from Hey dad another go, wrote one, before pleading with Channel 7 to “DO BETTER”.</p> <p>“I hate it,” wrote another. “In the same way as a sportsman gets past sexual assault charges and then in a post-match interview refers to it as ‘a hard year for me. I'm just glad to be on the field doing what I do’.”</p> <p>“As soon as I read the headline I knew exactly what tv show it was that he’d be appearing on,” shared one, a comment alongside dozens on how people were unsurprised at SAS Australia’s move. </p> <p>McLachlan was charged in 2018 when Browne - along with two fellow female cast members - brought forward allegations of indecent assault. McLachlan was the star of their 2014 <em>The Rocky Horror Picture Show</em> production.</p> <p>He denied the allegations against him, and was found not guilty by a magistrate in December 2020 after a criminal trial. </p> <p>McLachlan has not had an acting job since the accusations were brought to light, and the <em>SAS Australia</em> announcement marks his return to television. </p> <p>The 57-year-old was reported by<em> The Daily Telegraph </em>to be flying from Sydney to train with ex-special forces in preparation for his time on the challenging reality series. </p> <p>The 2023 season has been declared to have a gruelling training regime that is set to have its participants “sweating bullets”. </p> <p>The mission statement for the 2023 season says the training regime will have the cast “sweating bullets”.</p> <p>McLachlan will be joined by convicted drug smuggler ‘cocaine Cassie’ Sainsbury, former world boxing champ Anthony Mundine, Thai cave rescue hero Dr Craig Challen, Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis, model Lindy Klim, and Olympians Stephanie Rice, Peter Bol, and Matthew Mitcham. </p> <p>Footy commentator Abbey Holmes, former reality TV star Tim Robards, actor Zima Anderson, retired NRL star Boyd Cordner, and rugby star Mahalie Murphy will also be joining the crew for the 2023 season. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Fans blown away by Casey Donovan's incredible new look

<p>Casey Donovan has revealed her extreme weight-loss after following a strict Jenny Craig dieting program.</p> <p>The Australian Idol star, 34, has posed by Uluru for NITV’s 10th anniversary celebration, flaunting her new slimmed down frame that she has worked hard for.</p> <p>Casey attributes her weight loss success to Jenny Craig and shares that she's been in touch with coach Angela while travelling.</p> <p>"We spoke about the reality of travelling and doing my absolute best to stick to the program and had honest conversations about how to build my plate if my meals can't be packed in my suitcase," Casey shared.</p> <p>She added: "[Jenny Craig] gives you the tools to eat with confidence and an understanding of what your plate and portion size should look like so you can enjoy the finer things in life. Life is about living and learning how to manage the silly season".</p> <p>Casey revealed in November she now weighs under 100 kilograms for the first time in as long as she can remember.</p> <p>"I'm feeling as healthy as ever! I'm looking and feeling my best self" she wrote.</p> <p>Casey has been chronicling her weight-loss journey on social media, revealing in October that she had set a goal of losing 20kg – and has already surpassed that.</p> <p>She said she hoped that by committing to a weight-loss program she will be able to have children one day.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / Facebook</em></p>

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"Our Berty boy has died": Zoe and Hamish mourn the passing of beloved cat

<p dir="ltr">Zoe and Hamish Blake are mourning the death of their beloved cat just days after their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/inside-hamish-and-zoe-foster-blake-s-insane-10th-wedding-anniversary-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10th wedding anniversary</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The skincare mogul shared the devastating news to Instagram with a series of photos with their pet cat, Meowbert.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our Berty boy has died. In his sleep, on his favourite chair. How fortunate we were to share his life, to have his company, his affection, his energy and presence with us every day,” her caption began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sixteen years of exquisite companionship, affection, sweet little paw pads and the specific and lovely knowledge that the smallest heartbeat in our family was always nearby.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Zoe then revealed that she and Meowbert fell in love with Hamish at the same time, making his passing more difficult.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh, I will miss him deeply! He sat on my desk as I wrote, he moved around from apartment to apartment with me in my twenties,” she continued.</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/CmIs04tPrIV/?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/CmIs04tPrIV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ZOË FOSTER BLAKE (@zotheysay)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“He fell in love with Hamish at the same time I did, he permitted our babies to pat and tug and chase him, he allowed me to cuddle his soft, arthritis-riddled body every morning...There was no finer feline, no cuter face, no better friend.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Vale Meowbert.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Several of the couple’s friends and followers offered their condolences following Meowbert’s death.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m so sorry to hear this news, what a lovely companion,” one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh Zoe.I’m so sorry. What a wonderful friend he was to you. I’m so glad I met him !! He had the BEST life. Sending big love,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh Zo, I’m so sorry. What a beautiful Berry boy he was. Sending love!” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Problem Aussie females silently suffering

<p>Incontinence is an uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder. I should know. I’ve had difficulty with bladder control since my back gave out in April 2021.</p> <p>I’m not alone. One in four Australians and one in three women suffer from incontinence. More than half are under the age of 50, largely due to childbirth.</p> <p>The majority, like me suffer in silence with this uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder.</p> <p>It got so bad I was having to wear pads from the minute I got up or else risk embarrassing leakage. It became an issue every day and significantly impacted my quality of life and confidence.</p> <p>There were times I literally couldn’t stand up from my chair without leaking down my leg.</p> <p>I would suffer in silence.</p> <p>Continence is just as important as sexual arousal, sexual response and ease of orgasm, but when it’s not holding, it’s not happening.</p> <p>I spoke at a recent function publicly about my incontinence and I was surprised to see the level of interest and engagement with the topic. Many guests told me after the event they suffer incontinence but have never told anyone or sought any form of medical care.</p> <p>Technology has come a long way in this field. Women’s Wellness platform EmpowerRF from InMode uses internal radiofrequency platforms VTone, FormaV and Morpheus8V which more women are now using.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/vtone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTone</a> – a gentle intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and neuromuscular re-education treatment. Women with weak pelvic floor muscles are using this.  </li> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/formav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FormaV</a> – deep tissue heating. Women with dryness and muscle tone issues are using this. Treats incontinence and in particular the feeling of urgency. It also aims to improve vaginal dryness and burning/stinging associated with menopause and associated painful intercourse. It can enhances\ sexual response.</li> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/morpheus8v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morpheus8 V</a> is micro-needling with radiofrequency (in the vagina). Women wanting to improve vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence are turning to this.  </li> </ul> <p>While incontinence impacts our lifestyle it also impacts the environment. </p> <p>A recent study from Southern Cross University and the University of Queensland has found that by 2030 waste from absorbent hygiene products (AHP) generated by adults [used for incontinence] will outnumber that produced by infants by between four and 10 times. </p> <p>After food waste, sanitary, incontinence products and disposable nappies ending up in landfill are becoming one of the most significant waste issues, comprising between 5-15 per cent of waste in household bins. It can take up to 800 years for the products to break down.</p> <p>This has to change - and I suspect it will the more we talk openly about it. </p> <p>For more information visit <a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/empower-rf-womens-wellness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EmpowerRF</a>.</p> <p><strong>Written by Dr Judy Craig , Natural Looks Cosmetic Medicine in Subiaco WA</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Inside Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's insane 10th wedding anniversary party

<p dir="ltr">Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in style.</p> <p dir="ltr">The power couple threw a Swinging Sixties-inspired party with the theme “1964 wedding” at their stunning $9 million mansion in Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a guest list of high profile celebrities including comedian Andy Lee and radio host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, the party sure was a banger.</p> <p dir="ltr">The loved up couple dressed up as newlyweds with Hamish donning a light blue suit with a cigar and Zoe in a mini sleeveless wedding dress.</p> <p dir="ltr">It seems like no expenses were spared either with the party featuring a tiered wedding cake, as well as authentic table settings, glassware and décor.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hamish took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the fun party, joking that he and Zoe got married in 1964.</p> <p dir="ltr">“58 years ago in 1964 my trillion carat wife @zotheysay and I tied the knot but I swear to god babe, it only feels like 10. xx 😘 (PS heckava night),” his caption read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our 10-year wedding anniversary party. The theme was ‘1964 Wedding’ for no other reason than it seemed very fun, and we love Mad Men. (Also, each other! Very much!),” Zoe’s caption read.</p> <p dir="ltr">She included another post revealing who was there: “Our party theme of ‘1964 Wedding’ left it wide open: we had six brides and grooms, two priests, wedding singers, numerous bridesmaids, and several drunk uncles. And a lot of fake cigarettes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">All their posts were inundated with congratulations from friends and fans.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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