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"I am so heartbroken": Tributes flow for bride-to-be stabbing victim

Family and friends of Dawn Singleton are in mourning after the 25-year-old was one of the six people stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi in Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday. The 25-year-old was planning her wedding at the time of the stabbing, and was in the shopping centre looking for wedding makeup. Dawn, daughter of Aussie millionaire businessman John Singleton, had purchased her wedding dress just days before her life was tragically cut short. “Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech, but instead I sit here sobbing,” Friend Jade O’Connor wrote on Facebook. “This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life — I’m so heartbroken and (I) can’t believe this reality.” Friend Emmi Shannon told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/heartbreaking-detail-emerges-after-john-singletons-daughter-dawn-singleton-named-as-bondi-junction-westfield-stabbing-victim-c-14313870" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>, “She was just the most perfect human being that I’ve ever met. She’s so sweet, so humble, so down to earth.” Dawn was engaged to her high school sweetheart Ashley Wildey, a police officer who had reportedly been on the scene at the shopping centre, attending the scene after finishing another shift. "He had arrived at Westfield when officers realised his fiancée was one of the victims," a source told The Daily Telegraph. Mr Wildey was then allowed to leave the scene to be comforted by family and friends, as is procedure. Singleton worked at White Fox Boutique, with colleagues saying they were “devastated” by her death. “We are all truly devastated by this loss,” the company said on social media. “Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing." “We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.” Dawn was one of six women killed by Joel Cauchi in the callous attack, which left several others injured. Cauchi's victims included Pikria Darchia, 55, Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; and Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s nine-month old baby girl. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Veteran slams Australia Day “dawn service”

An Australian war veteran has slammed a Sydney council for their decision to hold a dawn reflection service on January 26th, saying it is “disrespectful” to those who fought and died for their country. The Anzac-day style service, held by Sydney’s Waverley council, will acknowledge the resilience and survival of First Nations people, recognising Australia Day as a “day of mourning” for many Indigenous Australians. Michael von Berg, a Military Cross recipient who served as a combat soldier in the Vietnam War, has denounced the council’s decision, saying dawn services should only be held on Anzac Day, as the events are synonymous with honouring past soldiers. “For God's sake. It's a disservice not only to the veteran community but also to First Nations soldiers who fought and died for their country,” he said. Mr von Berg, who claims to have served alongside Aboriginal soldiers on his first tour of Vietnam in the mid-1960s, questioned the purpose of the event, describing it as “cheap symbolism”. “Personally, a dawn service of this nature flies in the face of what they traditionally stand for, which is honouring soldiers,” he said. “This stuff doesn't help anyone. I have nothing but respect for First Nations people but there's got to be another way.” Mr von Berg urged Waverley Council to “seriously reconsider” the event, suggesting they “Hold it on another date.” However, Mayor of Waverley Council Paula Masselos hit back at criticism of the dawn service, given Australia Day was a day of mourning for many First Nations people. “As a Council that is committed to social justice, we understand that January 26 can be a difficult day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and that many in our community are still coming to terms with the result of the Voice to Parliament referendum,” Mayor Masselos said. Australia Day, observed each year on January 26th, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Philip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. But for many First Nations people, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning' because it marks the beginning of Australia's colonisation. Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Legal

"She saw it and dodged it": Incredible scenes as tree plunges through seat in Schoolies crash

In a harrowing incident on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, a group of teenage girls narrowly escaped a potentially tragic accident during their Schoolies celebration. The friends were exploring the picturesque island off the Queensland coast when a tree crashed through the windscreen of their car, plunging right through the headrest of the passenger seat. Miraculously, all occupants emerged unscathed from this near-miss, thanks to a combination of quick reflexes and the timely intervention of volunteers from the Fraser Coast Red Frogs. As the teens ventured through the island's terrain, their joyous celebration took a terrifying turn when a massive tree limb plummeted onto their vehicle. The impact shattered the glass directly in front of the passenger seat, creating a scene of devastation that could have resulted in serious injuries – or worse. Astonishingly, one of the girls was seated in the passenger seat at the time, and her quick thinking and agility allowed her to dodge the falling debris, narrowly avoiding a potentially life-threatening situation. Tim Winnington, the Fraser Coast Red Frogs coordinator, described the fortuitous nature of the escape, saying, "There was a girl actually sitting in the passenger seat. She saw it and dodged it. They were so lucky not to get injured." The Red Frogs, a charity organisation that provides support and education at events like Schoolies and music festivals, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the incident, with volunteers from the organisation waiting with the shaken teenagers until help arrived. Madhill Motor Group, the generous donor of the ute used by the Red Frogs team, highlighted the gravity of the situation with photos shared on Facebook to demonstrate just how close the call was. The teenagers, treated for shock by paramedics, were fortunate to walk away physically unharmed, a fact not lost on them or their friends. In the aftermath of the incident, a friend of the girls expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Red Frogs for their swift and effective response. “They were all so lucky to walk away with no one being injured, and very lucky the Red Frogs were on scene so quickly and helped them so much, getting them a room to stay, driving their car for them, cleaning up all the glass and calming them all down in this traumatic experience,” they wrote. “We are all extremely grateful that you were there.” Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Dawn French hits back at "shameful" weight loss comments

Dawn French has hit back at hurtful comments about her drastic weight loss almost a decade ago, admitting she "never rejected" the size she was. In 2014, the British comedian and actress dropped over 45kg after undergoing a hysterectomy following a terrifying cancer scare. The dramatic weight loss came after French's surgeon said she would heal better from the procedure if she lost weight. At the time, dozens of articles were written about French's transformation, praising her weight loss. Now, the 65-year-old has taken umbrage with the comments, telling <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/id-never-felt-so-ugly-how-dawn-french-learnt-to-love-her-flaws-3z95kc823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times</a> how unfair it is that women are in the public eye are often “reduced” to descriptions of their appearance. “I have never rejected the bigger woman I have been. Lots of people do it and say, ‘Oh, you look so much better – now you look well.’ And I think, ‘F*** off! Don’t judge that other person who I loved,’” she said. “[British singer] Alison Moyet is a very good friend and so often she has been reduced to descriptions of her physicality.” “She’s this giant talent, why reduce her to that? I’m not taking any s*** from anyone about any of it,” she said. French went on to reflect on the early days of her career, which began in the late 1980s alongside Jennifer Saunders. Despite the success of their BBC show French and Saunders, they were often described by how they looked, something she says “never” happened to their male colleagues. “For many years Jennifer [Saunders] and I were always described by how we looked, especially me, because I was the bigger one.” “It was always about ‘running to fat’ or ‘plump’, and they never said that about any of the male comedians.” “I absolutely own whatever my size is and I will call myself whatever I want. But if I feel like the intent is to shame me, I will not have it,” French said. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

Dawn French tells all in candid interview

Dawn French spills all in her latest interview with 60 minutes. The beloved British comedian revealed that being imperfect is perfect for her, in a world where unrealistic beauty standards are starting to dominate social media. "I can't believe that we, especially women, have come this far to hand our daughters a life where they have to do selfies and be filtered to try to look perfect," she told 60 minutes reporter Tara Brown. "I don't know how to connect to all those perfect people. I'm in the anti-perfection league frankly." The comedian revealed that the secret to her happiness is finding joy in the simple things in life, an outlook that she gained following the devastating loss of her father when she was 18. "I find joy in lots of tiny things. I'm the sort of person who doesn't need to be swimming with dolphins, I find happiness in the simple things," she added. French said that losing her father to suicide at such a young age shaped who she was, and that she was grateful for the love he showed and the lessons he taught her. "Now that I look back on it as an adult, I think he needed to give me some armour, he told me that I should value myself and that I deserved the very best," she said. "As a little chubby girl I could have grown up with all kinds of insecurities, but because of him I have never doubted that I'm not worth something." Her father's struggle with mental health gave her a deeper understanding of the complexity of depression and a greater appreciation for her own emotional stability. "He kept his depression very well hidden, so most of the time dad was very cheerful but he also had these black dog moments where he just couldn't cope," she said. "Then he would get stronger and he would be back on the horse again." "I've had sadness, but I haven't sunk to depths like that. I have worried that it's inherited, but I don't seem to have that, I've got too much to live for I think," she added. The French and Saunders actress is currently enjoying her life in a quaint village in the English countryside with her husband, therapist Mark Bignell. "I've got a love for life, and I love and am loved back by a lot of people, so I can't ask for more than that," she said. You can find the full episode <a href="https://www.9now.com.au/60-minutes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: 60 minutes

"This is terrible": Woman halts TV interview until her name is pronounced correctly

Former editor and commentator Dawn Neesom was put on blast by Shola Mos-Shogbamimu for mispronouncing her name on TV. The exchange happened on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show where Ms Neesom was presenting as a host. Dr Shola appeared on the panel to talk about stories and current issues. When the introductions began, there was an error which was quickly highlighted. Dawn said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joined by lawyer Dr Shola” but then struggled to pronounce her surname and asked her, “How do I pronounce your name Shola?” The lawyer replied, “'Read it my darling, read it.” Dawn made another attempt but appeared to have mispronounced it again. Dr Shola, appearing amused, said, “This is terrible, especially from a presenter.” Dawn was then instructed by her to pronounce it phonetically, saying “Shola Mos Shog Bam Imu.” Dr Shola responded, “Do it again.” Dawn went on to say “Oh come on, I got the Shola right” but Dr Shola said, "Do it again and do it phonetically.” When she again mispronounced it, Dr Shola said “You just missed the B try again” Dawn, proceeded to put her hand on her face said, “'Shola, Shola welcome to the show!” Dr Shola then told her, “No you will say my name and read it phonetically,” Dawn attempted to say her name again, this time nearly correct and Dr Shola said, “It's Shogbamimu but well done.” The exchange was posted online and both parties tweeted about it. Dawn explained, “The most fun with the best panel this morning. That's what three hours sleep does for you.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The most fun with the best panel this morning <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyVineOn5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeremyVineOn5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Extra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Extra</a> 😂 That's what three hours sleep does for you🤪 Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/thecarolemalone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecarolemalone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SholaMos1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SholaMos1</a> for being such great sports & to all the excellent callers today 🙏 Back from more fun & games live tomorrow 9.15 sharp. The… <a href="https://t.co/dSVUvBrN3H">https://t.co/dSVUvBrN3H</a> — Dawn Neesom (@DawnNeesom) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawnNeesom/status/1656286485547737088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote> Dr Shola retweeted the video but added no comment. The lawyer, who recently wrote an anti-racism book called This Is Why I Resist, spoke about Meghan Markle’s decision to not attend the coronation. Speaking to GMD, she said, “I think Meghan's decision to say no to the most powerful family in Britain and to say no to the most talked about party in town is both admirable and inspiring. “What Meghan is doing is exercising the power of no that comes from a place of self-worth, growth, maturity and self preservation.” When asked if it was because Meghan “didn’t feel welcome” in the UK, she responded “I don't think that's the case here. "I think that any wife out there that has bad in-laws like Meghan has with the Royal Family can deduce that she has drawn a line in the sand. She is saying I will attend royal events, but on my own terms. “But what is more powerful is that Meghan is telling the whole world that I am rejecting any notion that because I married into the Royal Family I should be bait for toxicity, rage and abuse. “She is saying to society as a whole: you don't get to tell me who I should be as a woman, as a mother and as a wife." Image credit: Instagram

Dazzling looks, memorable moments, and award sweeps: The best of the 2023 Oscars

Actors, producers, and creative souls from all over arrived at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre to strut their sparkle down the 2023 Oscars’ champagne carpet. The event, otherwise known as Hollywood’s night of nights, was always set to break records and draw attention from film fanatics across the globe - hopefully for all the right reasons - with the likes of Everything Everywhere All at Once, Elvis, The Banshees of Inisherin, and Top Gun: Maverick up for Best Picture. In fact, Everything Everywhere All at Once was nominated for 11 awards by itself, with All Quiet on the Western Front and The Banshees of Inisherin following right behind with an astounding nine nominations each. Everything Everywhere All at Once snagged a staggering seven awards in the end - most notably, the cast and crew secured the top honour of Best Picture for all of their hard work. In the Hollywood comeback of the decade, Best Actor went to Brendan Fraser for his part in The Whale, and Best Actress to the multi-talented Michelle Yeoh for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, who took the opportunity to remind women everywhere that “you are never past your prime”. Michelle also made history with her win as both the first Best Actress nominee and winner to openly identify as Asian. Meanwhile, their supporting award counterparts went to Everything Everywhere All at Once’s Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Ke Huy Quan accepted his award - and made history as the first Vietnam-born actor to ever do so. He began by thanking his 84-year-old mother, who was watching from the comfort of home, saying “my journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp, and somehow I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. “They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I can’t believe it’s happening to me - this is the American dream.” Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert snagged Best Director for Everything Everywhere All at Once. And for those with a great appreciation for the songs that make moments come to life, MM Keeravaani and Chandrabose were awarded Best Song for the catchy hit ‘Naatu Naatu’ in RRR. The ceremony also saw special guest appearances from The Banshees of Inisherin’s Jenny the Donkey, a fuzzy bear presenter, and appearances from a whole host of stars - as well as an emotional tribute to those Hollywood had lost over the past year, with John Travolta’s emotional words for the late Olivia Newton-John, to whom he remains “hopelessly devoted”. But, of course, the Oscars aren’t only about who goes home with the coveted golden statues, and the stars paraded down the champagne carpet - formerly the red carpet - in typical fashion in a shower of shoulder pads, sparkle, and swagger. Check out 2023’s best dressed and top moments below, and the <a href="https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2023">full list of winners here</a>. Images: Getty

Movies

“Good things will happen”: Brendan Fraser breaks down at Critics Choice Awards

Actor Brendan Fraser, best known for his roles in The Mummy trilogy and George of the Jungle, broke down in tears at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards while accepting the honour of Best Actor for his role in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale. “I was in the wilderness,” Brendan said to his director, after making his way through the cheers and celebration of his colleagues to the stage, “and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you found me.” Brendan’s win comes after over a decade since his last leading role in a major film, and 13 years without an awards nomination. The actor, 54, thanked director Darren Aronofsky for the role set to revitalise his career in a heartfelt dedication. “Like all the best directors,” he went on, “you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be.” In The Whale, Brendan portrays a depressed 270 kg English teacher named Charlie, who is seeking to restore his relationship with his estranged daughter. Brendan underwent an immense physical transformation and donned prosthetics for the role, but it was the emotional weight of his experience that shone through in his speech. “If you - like a guy like Charlie, who I played in this movie - in any way, if you struggle with obesity, or you just feel like you are in a dark sea, I want you to know that if you too can just have this strength to just get to your feet and go to the light,” he said, voice breaking, “good things will happen.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Brendan Fraser’s acceptance speech after winning Best Actor 😭🖤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CriticsChoiceAwards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CriticsChoiceAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/iQgFe4FnjS">pic.twitter.com/iQgFe4FnjS</a> — Natalie ❁ (@livelyackles) <a href="https://twitter.com/livelyackles/status/1614817219917250561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote> Brendan’s emotions ran high backstage, with the modest actor’s gratitude flowing well into the night, telling one reporter, “I had no idea what this would feel like because I had no idea. I’m still pretty new to this so you’ll forgive me if I’m still trying to get used to it. Maybe I never will and that’s okay. But I know I’m grateful.” Fans of the actor took to social media to share their delight at his success, many opening up about their own tears as they saw Brendan recognised after decades of hardship in the industry. “Definitely didn’t expect for Brendan Fraser to make me teary today haha. Glad he won. He’s a great guy and deserves the award,” tweeted one fan, to an outpouring of likes from like-minded supporters. “So happy for him! I want him to win the Oscar he deserves it,” chimed another, amid growing Oscars buzz after a thus far successful awards season for the film and Brendan’s performance. With the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards set to be announced on the 24th of January, and many outlets predicting nominations in the categories of Best Actor and Best Picture for The Whale, things are looking good for the talented cast and crew behind the film.

Movies

Why this man was lucky to ONLY be fined $2300

A man has been slapped with a fine after feeding a wild dingo some biscuits. The 23-year-old was on Fraser Island, about 250km north of Brisbane, and was photographed by a local feeding the dingo - known as wongari in the local Indigenous dialect - back in April. The images were sent to Queensland’s Department of Environment and Sciences (DES) who issued the man a $2,300 fine. “A member of the public told rangers the man was at the front of the vehicle line while he was waiting for the ferry at Hook Point back in April,” DES compliance manager Mike Devery said in a statement. “The person said the man was ‘brazenly’ feeding the wongari, and given his place at the front of the queue, his offending was witnessed by multiple people. “Thankfully, the member of the public was able to take photos of the man as he fed the wongari, and they provided them to rangers.” Mr Devery confirmed that after being questioned, the man admitted to feeding the dingo. “The man told compliance officers that he threw biscuits in the sand to the wongari when he was cleaning out his vehicle.” The man was lucky to be only fined $2,300 as a court can fine a whopping $11,500 for humans feeding the wild animal. With around 400,000 people visiting the island, Mr Devery said the rules were in place to help protect both people and animals. Image: Queensland Department of Environment and Sciences

Travel Trouble

Dieter Brummer's mum opens up about her tragic loss

Dawn Brummer, is living through a difficult time since losing her son to suicide two weeks ago. But, she admits, she is finding comfort in reading all the stories about him. "I'm reading all the stories about him and I'm finding them so beautiful," Dawn, 84, tells 9Honey. "I feel happy to have read them, because there are such wonderful things being said about him." Dieter died aged 45 and news of his death was sent all around the world and particularly here in Australia, where he was born and became famous playing Shane Parrish on Home and Away from the age of 16. Dawn has said: "He was a very humble person. I think you've probably read about his life, about how he loved abseiling because he felt he didn't have to deal with people recognising him all the time." Dieter grew up with his mum in The Hills district in Sydney's north-west. Dawn remembers trying to pick her son up from the local shopping centre after he started appearing on the popular Australian show. "I couldn't see him,” says Dawn. “But I could see about 20 girls in a group outside the shops and I thought, 'That's where he is,'" she remembers. Dieter learnt to deal with being famous He became so well-known he wasn’t able to go to a restaurant without people coming up to him. It would have been a lot of attention for a teenager to have thrust on him. He dealt with the fame but later, he struggled to find steady acting work, as many Australian actors do. After appearing on Home and Away from 1992 until 1996, for which he was nominated for a Gold and Silver Logie Award, he went on to star in a number of other shows throughout the nineties. In the 2000s he joined the cast of Underbelly, Neighbours and Winners & Losers. But due to the irregular nature of acting jobs, Dieter trained as an industrial rope access technician and started his own business which saw him abseiling between high-rise buildings in the city. Dawn says he loved it. Dieter’s father died four years ago and Dieter moved back to the family's Glenhaven home. It proved to be a perfect escape from what was proving to be a difficult time for him, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and work for his business dried up. "I think people with depression don't talk about it, it's just their little secret," Dawn says. "We're just assuming that's what he suffered, and he made an awful mistake." Since news of Dieter’s death has been in the media, Dawn has been contacted by "hundreds" of his fans, sharing their condolences. Dawn hopes other realise suicide is not an answer Dawn says she hopes people will learn from the tragedy of Dieter’s death and realise that suicide is not an answer: "Maybe some of those people who are grieving for him will think about the hole they would leave behind," she adds. "He ended his pain, but the rest of the world who 'knew' him are now in pain. If one person is contemplating suicide just a little, maybe now they will think about how it will affect their mum, their brothers and sisters, partner and friends and the wider range of people who know them." Dawn has been writing her thoughts down since her son's death as a form of "therapy", hoping they will eventually form part of a book and perhaps save even more lives. "In the book, I draw an analogy that his death is like a stone being thrown into a pond and ripples are getting wider and wider and the effects are never ending," she says. "I have friends whose children have taken their own lives. One friend said to me it happened 20 years ago and they are still not over it." Dieter “seemed so happy” Shortly before his death, Dawn says Dieter "seemed so happy". "An old mate had given him a job, which he had just started. He was so excited,” said Dawn. “That was only a couple of days before we were locked down. It was hard to look to the future. Initially we were told it was for two weeks, and then four weeks, and then six weeks." Dawn is at a loss as to the exact circumstances of her son's death. "I said to someone today he made a mistake he couldn't undo," she said. Dieter has since been laid to rest. Dawn says on the day of her son's funeral, Lifeline reported the highest number of calls they’d received in 58 years, a sure sign of just how much some Australians are struggling now. "Maybe sharing my story might help one person or two people," she hopes. The funeral was difficult due to current restrictions which state there can only be 10 attendees at funerals in NSW now. "We had to pick and choose and there were so many who wanted to attend," Dawn says. "His friends were not celebrities." In memory of her son and to help others who may be suffering from depression, Dawn has set up a <a href="https://au.gofundme.com/f/dieter-brummer-for-beyond-blue?qid=2ec87b78cc8f9006a4394eea64e9924c">GoFundMe page to raise money for Beyond Blue</a>. "I haven't got a specific figure in mind," she explains. "I'm just thinking that if there can be a positive out of such a huge negative, maybe this is it.". If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline on 13 11 14</a> or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636</a>. Image: Getty Images

Caring

Willy Wonka star reveals Gene Wilder’s “favourite brat”

A child star who had the opportunity to work alongside the infamous Gene Wilder has spoken out on the experience, 50 years since its first premier date. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hit movie screens 50 years ago on June 30, 1971 and achieved rapid success almost overnight. The film went on to become a phenomenon that was registered in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”. The child actors Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Michael Bollner, Paris Themmen and Denise Nickerson – who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee and Violet Beauregarde – all came together for a virtual reunion in honour of the film’s anniversary. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842239/willy-wonka.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b9da36eca8c24fbeb170655d6cf92150" /> Image: Yahoo The actors all had the opportunity to co-star together, and even got to explore the imagined Wonka Chocolate Factory. The cast recounted such fond memories of exploring the film sets in Bavarian Germany and working with Gene Wilder. Themmen admitted that he was indeed a “notorious troublemaker on the set.” So much so that even Wilder called him “a handful”. “I can corroborate that,” the actor, who played the television-obsessed rascal Mike Teavee, admitted. “I was younger than the others. I was 11, they were 13 and was naturally just sort of more high-spirited and rambunctious.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842237/willy-wonka-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a8d501bcedd64f7b97dd573169a7717a" /> Image: Yahoo The now-62-year-old opened up about one brief moment he shared with Wilder, in 1976 during a fundraiser screening for the film Silver Streak at the Avon Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut. “I sat at the back of the room and he gave his commentary and then I went up to the front of the room afterwards with my poster in hand,” Themmen relived with a smile. “I said, ‘Hi, Gene, how you doing? I’m Paris Themmen, I was Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka.” “And he said, ‘Oh you were a brat!’ And I flashed all the way back 50 years, or 40 years at that time, and said, ‘Well, I’m 50-something now and maybe not as much of a brat.’ And he signed my poster, ‘To my favourite brat.’” Wilder died in 2016 at the age of 83 after a long vibrant career. Cole, who played Veruca Salt, said: “I think people kind of want us to tell you that he was like Willy Wonka offset, but he wasn’t. “He was such a lovely, kind man, very unassuming,” she said. “He was just down to earth, not pretentious, he was just a wonderful person to be around and to work with,” said Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket.

Movies

"Try not to think about it": Dawn Fraser reveals horrific family tragedy

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Olympic swimming legend Dawn Fraser has revealed the worst day of her life, saying that she was behind the wheel when her mother was killed in a car accident. The 83-year-old four-time Olympic gold medallist told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dawn-fraser-from-olympic-hero-to-personal-tragedy/news-story/6c7e964f26e96dc5dba23b8d947ee286" target="_blank">The Courier Mail</a> about the secret she'd kept inside for decades. "I burst out that I was driving the car that killed my mother," Fraser explained, saying that the incident happened at a training camp in South Australia in 2019. "Everyone burst into tears and I cried with them. "It got me over some sort of hurdle. I'd just locked it up inside of me." The accident happened in 1964 when Fraser was 26. In the accident, Fraser suffered from fractured vertebrae and torn ligaments in her knees, but her mother was pronounced dead at the hospital. She also opened up about surviving two separate sexual assault incidents in her 20s. "That was one of the most horrific times of my life," she said. "So horrific I put it in the back of my mind and try not to think about it… It's in the past and I don't live in the past." Fraser is often regarded as Australia's greatest Olympic athletes as she's won four gold medals and four silver medals in the games. She's also won seven gold medals and a silver at the Commonwealth Games. </div> </div> </div>

News

"Outrageous": Karl Stefanovic slams cancellation of ANZAC dawn services

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Today hosts Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic have slammed the South Australian government for cancelling the three largest ANZAC Day dawn services in the state. The dawn services at Semaphore, Morphett Vale and Brighton have been cancelled due to organisers being unable to meet COVID-19 safe requirements. Semaphore and Port Adelaide RSL explained on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/SemaphorePortAdelaideRSL/posts/3679372282161347" target="_blank">their Facebook page</a> that "the logistics of managing a huge crowd and complying with a COVID Management Plan are immensely problematic, given that we cannot control entry and exit to the site." Langdon slammed the decision, saying it was "outrageous". "We're seeing three ANZAC Day services cancelled because they can't afford the COVID-safe plans," she said. "We are saying how outrageous it is after we saw yesterday for them not to go ahead this year. "Between the RSL and State Government, they need to fix it." Stefanovic wasn't too happy with the decision either. "As far as I'm concerned it's the most important day on the Australian calendar," he said. "They had the Adelaide Fringe Festival for goodness sake, we can't have Dawn Services, ceremonies, marches in Adelaide honouring our diggers. "It defies belief." The South Australian government has not replied to the claims. </div> </div> </div>

News

Dawn Fraser’s home could earn her more than when she was an Olympian

Aussie swimming legend Dawn Fraser could earn more on the sale of her Sunshine Coast investment property than she did throughout the entirety of her athletic career. The 83-year-old has listed her darling Noosa Heads home more than two decades after she bought it for $345,000. Fraser is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers and strongest Olympian and is hoping to fetch $1 million for her four-bedroom, three-bathroom investment property. The charming home sits on a 599 sqm block and overlooks the pool and a park across the street. Sam Plummer of Noosa Estate Agents sold the property to Fraser back in 2001 and now has the property under her arm again. The agent says the Noosa market was “unprecedented.” “It’s a market nobody, I believe, has seen before here,” she said. “I’ve never seen this in my time, in 20 years.” She is currently renting out the property for $600 a week, but the lease is due to expire in October. Ms Plummer said no improvements had been made on the property since Fraser first bought it, but still it has gained attractive offers. “It’s a great time to sell and to capitalise on this current market,” Ms Plummer said. “It’s attracting a fair bit of attention. We’re looking at offers in excess of $1 million. “We’re selling it as a home to either renovate and live in yourself, or you may want to knock it down and build your dream home.”

Real Estate

"Life-threatening" fire approaches town with dozens evacuated

A bushfire that's ravaged half of Fraser Island resulted in dozens being evacuated as the fire quickly encroached on a township. An emergency alert was sent out at 3:30 am urging residents to "LEAVE NOW", with a large fire travelling towards the township of Happy Valley. The fire is expected to have a "significant impact" on the township. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned conditions were very dangerous, and firefighters could be unable to prevent the fire advancing. “The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path,” a QFES statement said. Some courageous residents who are a part of the local fire brigade stayed to help air and land crews with the blaze. The fire is said to have been sparked by an illegal campfire seven weeks ago and has burned through more than 80,000 hectares of world-heritage listed land. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIbjfxSAPO4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIbjfxSAPO4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Taz and Wes- Travel Journal (@luvin_local)</a> </div> </blockquote> Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said that high temperatures and strong winds on Sunday had made efforts by firefighters difficult. “There has been a heavy use of aircraft to try and reduce the spread of the fire,” he said on Sunday afternoon. “In a normal fire fight we might drop 100,000 litres on a single fire. We’re doing ten or twelve times that on this fire. “This is a marathon not a sprint. There is no significant rain in the forecast, and that’s the only thing that will put this out.” “The local brigade has done mitigation and burning works, the town will stand in good stead should the head of the fire reach the township,” Commissioner Leach said.

News

5 minutes with author Darry Fraser

In 5 minutes with author, Over60 asks book writers about their literary habits and preferences. Next in this series is Darry Fraser, a historical drama novelist based on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Her first book with publisher HarperCollins, Daughter of the Murray, was published in 2016 and followed by other Australian historical titles such as Where The Murray River Runs, The Widow of Ballarat and The Good Woman of Renmark. Her new novel, Elsa Goody, Bushranger is out now. Over60 talked with Fraser about ignoring naysayers, the Paddle Steamer Gem, and how she coped with the recent events on her home island and around the world. Over60: What is your best writing tip? On the other hand, what is the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Darry Fraser: Never give up writing – but if it’s stories you want to write, learn how to do it. It’s a craft that takes learning, very few can write seamlessly. Language changes, grammar and punctuation changes – it’s all part of learning your craft. The worst is probably not advice as much as, “Who do you think you are, you reckon you can write?” So I kept writing anyway, kept learning. Took some years to work out that what I wanted to do was okay to do! What was the last book that made you laugh? There are a few books I’m sure – off the top of my head I can’t say, but I love Amy Andrew’s style. Her characters make me laugh. What first attracted you to Australian historical fiction? Believe it or not, it was US westerns way back in the day on the telly that sparked my interest in history. Then as I got to my teens, I figured that we’d have had our own heroes and pioneering stories. When I lived in Swan Hill the Paddle Steamer Gem offered a portal into another time, and I’ve never looked back. Er, forward. What does your writing routine look like? Right now with deadlines looming for story submissions and edits, I’m at the desk at 5am, walk the dog (or the other way around) from 7am, back for brekky and chores, then at the desk again by 9am-ish. It’s not all solid words, it’s edits and research but the time zips away and by 4.30pm, I’m winding up, eyes are blurring – time to join the real world. Do you deal with writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it? I never thought I had it, or ever experienced it, but there was a time between books when “OMG – no inspiration”. I didn’t know why nothing was coming in… it just wasn’t. I had no idea what to do with myself. I write two big books a year and to lose a month to this ‘nothing’ in my head was very angsty – and that makes it worse. That was one type of ‘block’. I sat down and trawled through the Trove digitised newspapers focusing on the latter part of the 19th century and there was the opening chapter of my December 2020 book The Last Trueheart. The other ‘block’ was being emotionally wrecked by the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-18/kangaroo-island-bushfires-before-and-after-destruction/11970788?nw=0">terrible bushfires that struck my island home</a> over the summer season this year. The impact on everything and everyone – of course especially those who lost it all – meant creativity evaporated. I find refuge in writing, and at that time all the news was awful – and every state was burning all at once – so I retreated to my writing room, found escape was there, and thankfully I could still put down words. It worked the same when we were first faced with the threat of COVID-19. Print, e-book or audiobook? I use each and love them equally. I’m not travelling long journeys by car much at the moment, which is where I use audiobooks, so I tend to read print or e-book at home. Which author, deceased or living, would you most like to have dinner with? Harlan Coben would be fun – his Myron Bolitar series made me laugh out loud.

Books

Why retirees are flocking to this sunny seaside town

By Mark Skelsey Thanks to its sunny skies and pristine marine environment, the Queensland seaside township of Hervey Bay has become one of Australia’s retirement hotspots. With close to 900 people aged over 45 deciding to make the move there from other parts of Australia in 2017/18, it’s now the fourth most popular retirement destination in the entire country. And it’s easy to see why. Hervey Bay is home to the historic wooden Urangan Pier, which stretches almost a kilometre out to sea. The pier was originally built to support the export of sugar, timber and coal but now provides the perfect aquatic lookout to spot schools of fish and stingrays and dolphins. If you’d like to actually get into the water, Hervey Bay is the perfect year-round destination for swimming, sailing, fishing, yachting, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and more. It’s also home to what is arguably the best whale-watching in Australia, in gorgeous calm waters that are sheltered from winds and swells by Fraser Island. A further part of Hervey Bay’s seaside charm is its main Esplanade, which runs alongside the bay and features cosmopolitan and alfresco cafés, shops and parklands. Fraser Shores retirement villages in Hervey Bay Many of Hervey Bay’s incoming residents are finding their way to the two conveniently located <a href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/">Fraser Shores retirement villages</a>. Operated by Blue Care (a service group of UnitingCare Queensland), these two villages are collectively home to some 441 single-storey homes. Incoming residents can choose from a wide selection of spacious brick-and-tile, two- and three-bedroom homes – including an executive model with three bedrooms, two en-suites and a hobby room. Home prices range from $290,000 to $525,000. Fraser Shores’ homes have won the Masters Builders Queensland’s <a href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/testimonials/awards.html">Top Homes of the Year Award</a> for design, character and value for money. All designs offer careful orientation and large doors and windows for maximum cross-ventilation. This helps village residents take advantage of coastal breezes. All homes are also built at ground level for easy access and feature spacious modern kitchens, bedrooms and living areas. Finally, each home is equipped with an emergency call system, which is monitored on-site 24 hours a day by trained staff with first aid certification. Resort-style facilities The homes are surrounded by amazing resort-style facilities, where residents have unlimited use of the full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, licensed bar, fitness centre, craft and computer room, outdoor barbeque areas, libraries and so much more. Incoming residents have the opportunity to meet new friends and be part of an active and supportive community. A well-organised residents’ committee arranges functions and social activities such as outdoor and indoor bowls, pool and billiards, movie nights, tai chi, line dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, exercise and computer classes. Residents at Fraser Shores can also access a range of Blue Care community services, offering individually tailored support and care for peace of mind if and when they need it. Finally, the villages’ community lawns and gardens are beautifully maintained, leaving more time for activities, relaxing or socialising. Everything is close by The Fraser Shores villages are close to a commercial and professional centre, housing medical specialists, a large general medical practice and a wide variety of shops and services. The region’s new state-of-the-art St Stephen’s Hospital is also just down the road. In addition, onsite recreational vehicle, caravan and boat storage gives you the freedom to plan your travels with ease, including when you want to chase fun, sun and adventure with the ‘grey nomad’ brigade. The villages themselves are also close to major centres around the country. Hervey Bay is just a 3.5-hour drive or 40-minute flight from Brisbane, and also enjoys direct flights to Sydney. Stunning climate Many residents move to Hervey Bay to avoid the winter chills of Australia’s southern states, as the region enjoys a warm climate even during winter, with average high temperatures of 23°C during August, and average low temperatures of 10°C. This compares favourably to average August high temperatures of just 18°C in Sydney and a chilly 16°C in Melbourne. Enquire now Fraser Shores Retirement Villages embody quality, resort-style living with great value for money, in an attractive coastal environment which is the envy of the rest of Australia. To make an inquiry about Fraser Shores, <a href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/contact-us/details.html">click here</a>. This content has been prepared by <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/">Downsizing.com.au</a> on behalf of Blue Care, an agency of UnitingCare which manages more than 30 retirement villages across Queensland.

Retirement Life

A sandcastle in the sea: Fraser Island

Over the last 20 years, I’ve tried to make it to Fraser Island five times. I would’ve made it the first time, if I’d known then what I know now. I would have abandoned the 1968 Land Rover and its busted gear box and hopped on the next <a href="http://www.airfraserisland.com.au/">plane</a> and landed on Fraser’s Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the island’s runway and highway. Okay, a tour bus would have been more budget-friendly, but the point remains, I would have dropped everything and gone. The Butchulla people call Fraser K'gari, or paradise, and it is. It’s a magic trick: the world’s biggest sand castle in the ocean built by a freak of tidal flows and sea level changes, with forests that grow out of nothing but sand all because a microscopic fungus helps the trees convert nutrients. Fraser Island has an area of 184,000 hectares, making it the largest sand island in the world. Located off Queensland’s eastern coast just over an hour north of Bundaberg, the World Heritage island is home to half of the world’s perched lakes. These lakes are brimming with water so clear they look fake and pop that against the whitest sand in the world on Lake McKenzie and you’re left in fantasy land. It all feels like an alternative universe. You whizz along Seventy-Five Mile beach with speed signs standing right next to fishing folk hauling out giants, while sea eagles swirl around children watching for whales. Halfway along the beach, the S.S. Maheno shipwreck rears up out of the sea mist. She’s an old passenger ship that spent time as a hospital vessel moored off Gallipoli, but now she’s so perfect in her deterioration she’s more like a discarded Hollywood prop. Further up the beach is Eli Creek. People come to Fraser Island year after year, just to spend their days pottering on its banks. They wander up the boardwalk, pop in their inflatable and float down. The crystal clear water meanders over a sandy bottom while ferny banks nod in the breeze. It’s too perfect to be real. Getting there and around The whole island operates on tide time. Where and when your barge arrives will be determined by the tide. Even when the planes land is in the lap of the tides. Tides dictate when you move around, because high tide leaves you high and dry in the soft sand and highways become sandpits. The inland roads can be just as tough with sand so soft and white it could nearly pass for snow and getting bogged is par for the course. The 1968 Land Rover would’ve been woefully under-equipped if we had made it all those years ago. We didn’t even have the basics – a recovery kit and trax – to get us out of trouble. The ‘boggings’ we saw were jolly occasions; everyone stopped to help and chat. It’s an opportunity to find out where the fish are running. Even the tour buses (that look like characters out of a Pixar movie with huge headlights and giant wheels) stop to tow. Don’t worry if this sounds intimidating and you’re stuck between a <a href="http://www.cooldingotour.com/">tour bus</a> or going it alone. There are also the <a href="http://www.sunrover.com.au/tag-along-tours.htm">tag-along tours</a> where a cluster of four wheel drives follow the leader. Either way, you’ll want to bring all your own supplies, because most of the shops are pretty basic and pricey. My favourite, Happy Valley, lived up to its name, because I was very happy to find good coffee there. Accommodation The options range from <a href="https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/camping.html">pitching a tent</a> at the back of the beach through to the four star <a href="http://www.kingfisherbay.com/">Kingfisher Bay Resort</a>, with holiday homes and other resorts in between. We met a family that travels to Fraser every year and they camp for the holiday and spend the last day leaping between the day spa and pool at Kingfisher Bay Resort. An excellent plan, because the magic of Fraser changes the way you see the world and it can take a little while to reset for reality. Written by Cybele Masterman. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/a-sand-castle-in-the-sea-fraser-island.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Cruising

"He deserves a lot worse": Scott Morrison egged at election campaign by protester

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been egged by a protester while campaigning in Albury on the NSW-Victorian border today. A 25-year-old woman was spotted walking behind Morrison and throwing an egg at his head at a Country Women's Association (CWA) event. The egg bounced off his head and remained intact. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The moment a protester tries to egg the PM during a Country Women’s Association luncheon at Albury-Wodonga. Scott Morrison says his concern was for an older lady who was knocked off her feet during the incident. Details <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsCanberra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7NewsCanberra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7NEWS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7NEWS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausvotes2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausvotes2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/4tw7OcEyKk">pic.twitter.com/4tw7OcEyKk</a> — Andrea Nicolas (@AndreaLNicolas) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndreaLNicolas/status/1125583706024845313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote> The protester was then tackled to the floor by the security, knocking over an elderly woman in the process. NSW Police <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-07/scott-morrison-egged-on-federal-election-campaign-trail/11087174" target="_blank">confirmed</a> the protester has been taken into custody. Upon being asked why she attempted egging the PM, the protester told reporters to check Morrison’s Twitter account as it “speaks for itself”. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.2gb.com/prime-minister-scott-morrison-egged-at-conference/" target="_blank">2GB</a> reported that she could be heard saying, “He deserves it, he deserves a lot worse actually.” Morrison took to Twitter to condemn the attack. “My concern about today's incident in Albury was for the older lady who was knocked off her feet,” he wrote. “We will stand up to thuggery whether it’s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> We will stand up to thuggery whether it’s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1125573178888036352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote> NSW Police said no injuries had been reported, with their inquiries still ongoing. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the egging incident was “appalling and disgraceful behaviour”. “In Australia we have violence-free elections, people are allowed to protest peacefully but anything approaching violence is unacceptable,” said Shorten, speaking from Melbourne. “If this protester thinks she will get sympathy or support from me, she couldn’t be more wrong.” Morrison is the latest politician to be at the receiving end of a food attack. In March, Senator Fraser Anning was egged by teenager Will Connolly after making controversial remarks in the wake of the Christchurch terror attacks. In 2013, two students threw a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-30/sandwich-thrown-at-gillard-during-school-visit/4723132" target="_blank">sandwich</a> at then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard in two separate occasions.

News

“A disgrace”: Calls for Fraser Anning to be expelled following “Egg Boy” response

In what has been a jam packed week for Fraser Anning, it only continues to build as he faces increasing pressure from all sides. His abrasive comments in the wake of the Christchurch shooting has not just been condemned by Australia’s very own Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and New Zealand’s Jacinda Arden – it has caused fury online as well as internationally. The senator is now facing an unprecedented tide of public backlash that has seen over one million signatures on an online petition to see him kicked out of parliament. The online petition has become the largest in Australian history, far eclipsing the Sydney Opera House horse racing advertising backlash last year. The creator of the appeal has only one demand – to remove Anning from his position in parliament. “Senator Fraser Anning’s views have no place in the government of our democratic and multicultural country,” the petition reads. “Within the bounds of Australian law, we request that he be pushed to resign from his position as Senator, and if appropriate, be investigated by law enforcement agencies for supporting right wing terrorism.” It points to the Queensland politicians’ divisive comments made just moments after the horrific attack which killed 50 Muslim people. His statements lashed against the Christchurch terrorist mass shooting victims on Friday. “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?” Anning tweeted shortly after 50 innocent Muslims were shot dead in their place of worship. “The real cause of the bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place,” he said in a later statement. Since then, the extreme far-right politician has seen the public in all its fury, even being ambushed by a 17-year-old Australian boy, Will Connolly – who cracked a raw egg over his head on Saturday. Anning, who was answering media questions at Melbourne airport responded by promptly slapping the teenage boy twice over the head. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the senator should be charged. “The full force of the law should be applied to Senator Anning.” he told reporters. Victorian police have since released a statement, explaining Anning “retaliated and struck the teen twice” before Mr Connolly was dragged to the ground by supporters “The incident is being actively investigated by Victoria Police in its entirety,” the statement read. Greens leader Richard Di Natale told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/greens-want-senator-fraser-anning-expelled/news-story/7268a950f52a3068d2924e5192616ac2" target="_blank">The Australian</a> the party is looking to expel him from federal parliament. “We are exploring all options, including amending section 8 of the Privileges Act to allow members of parliament to be expelled by their fellow MPs. “While politicians should be held responsible for their actions by the voters, in extraordinary circumstances like these where there is a pattern of behaviour that is so far outside acceptable norms, we must be willing to take extraordinary action to protect the community.” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has also publicly condemned Anning. When asked by a journalist what she thought of the comments the politician made, she replied: “They’re a disgrace.” A GoFundMe page set up to raise AUD$2000 to pay for Mr Connolly’s “legal fees” and “more eggs” has exceeded over AUD$25,000 on Sunday. The site says most of the money will go to the victims of Christchurch mass shooting. After being released from police custody due to slamming a raw egg onto the head of Anning, the teen urged viewers to not follow in his lead. “Don’t egg politicians. You get tackled by 30 bogans at the same time,” he said in a video. “I learnt the hard way.”

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"Outrageous": Karl Stefanovic slams cancellation of ANZAC dawn services

Dawn Fraser’s home could earn her more than when she was an Olympian