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Hamlet: Experience the epic tragedy reimagined

<p>Brett Dean and Matthew Jocelyn’s <em>Hamlet</em> has been one of the most universally applauded operas in recent memory, with successful performances at the Glyndebourne Festival, the Adelaide Festival, New York's Metropolitan Opera and the Bavarian State Opera. </p> <p>Now Opera Australia’s production of the incredible adaptation at the Sydney Opera House continues to bring new life to Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. With its rich storytelling, the opera masterfully combines the profound themes of betrayal, revenge and madness with stunning musical compositions – but with a huge difference. </p> <p>For those familiar with Shakespeare’s work, this version of <em>Hamlet</em> provides a fresh perspective, blending the traditional elements of the play with operatic expression skilfully applied by Australian composer Brett Dean and Canadian librettist Matthew Jocelyn. </p> <p>Over60 was fortunate enough to secure an interview with librettist Matthew Jocelyn about his experience in adapting one of the world’s most famous plays into an opera.</p> <p><em><strong>O60: Firstly, by way of an introduction, you’re a director and librettist – can you summarise your career and your current roles?  </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “I have led a particularly speckled career, navigating happily between directing theatre and opera, writing, teaching, running arts institutions in France and Canada, and walking. I always look forward to more of the latter. Right now I direct Koffler Arts, a gallery and multi-disciplinary arts project in Toronto, Canada, the first time I have had the opportunity to work directly with visual arts projects.”  </p> <p><em><strong>O60: How did you get involved with working on this production of Hamlet? Was this a project you’d be looking for or did an offer come as a surprise? Had you done a lot of work with Shakespeare works before this project?</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “Brett Dean contacted me in 2013, through the recommendation of a couple of mutual friends in Berlin, a composer and a singer – both of whom I had worked with on a new opera in 2010. Brett was looking for someone crazy enough to embark on a project of adapting Hamlet for the opera. It was a cold call, but after a few conversations it was clear we shared similar ideas about what the opera could look like, and how to go about it.”   </p> <p><em><strong>O60: How did you approach turning Shakespeare’s famous lines into an opera? Did you write the libretto first or did Brett write the music first? Did you feel pressure making changes to the great Bard’s iconic piece? </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “One of the most important decisions we made very early on was to use only Shakespeare’s own words to compose the libretto. But as three different versions of Hamlet were published during Shakespeare’s lifetime, or shortly after he died, there is no one definitive version – giving us both a multitude of choices for various lines, but also a deep sense that Shakespeare himself was continually rewriting his own text, giving us licence to continue doing the same. </p> <p>“The other major decision was to give ourselves freedom in who would say/sing each line. In our version, Hamlet may sing lines from Laertes or Ophelia, Ophelia sings lines from Polonius, Hamlet and Gertrude, lines get moved from one scene to another, and certain scenes appear in unexpected places for those who know the play. But at the end of the day – and this was the goal – the story is clear, and the emotions strong.”  </p> <p><em><strong>O60: You’ve collaborated with Brett Dean on other projects. What do you like about working with this Australian composer? Do you have future plans for work in Australia?</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> "Brett and I worked on numerous projects over a nearly ten-year period. This included chamber works, works for large orchestra with solo voices, and this opera. It was a rich and productive collaboration – with deeply thoughtful exchanges and a shared sense of play. Now we are both working on separate projects.” </p> <p><em><strong>O60: What are your current projects / what’s coming up in the future?</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Matthew:</strong> “I am writing the libretto for a couple of new operas right now – one in Canada, one in France. And my most recent project, Cassandra by Belgian composer Bernard Foccoulle, will be performed at the Berlin Stadtsoper in June, 2025, after opening at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels last autumn. Reconceiving Koffler Arts is also a bit of a passion project – I’m very lucky that way.”</p> <p>Attending Opera Australia’s Hamlet is not just a night out but an opportunity to witness a masterful adaptation of a classic story. Whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, this production promises to be an enthralling experience. Don’t miss the chance to see this exceptional interpretation of Hamlet and immerse yourself in the beauty and drama of opera at its finest. Visit <a href="https://opera.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://opera.org.au/</a> for more info.</p> <p><em>Images: Opera Australia \ Tony Hauser</em></p>

Music

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Dr Chris Brown to reunite with Amanda Keller on new show

<p>Dr Chris Brown and Amanda Keller will be reunited on screen for the first time in two years. </p> <p>Keller confirmed on her WSFM breakfast show that she will reunite with Brown for his new series <em>Once in a Lifetime, </em>and will be travelling across the globe to film the show. </p> <p>“It’s a show called Once in a Lifetime, and Chris Brown is hosting this," she told listeners on Tuesday morning. </p> <p>“And this is a show I know that he’s wanted to do for years … I do know which country I’m going to, but I’m not allowed to say. It’s in Africa.</p> <p>“It’s Chris’s show. He and I are hanging out, and I’m going to be having experiences.</p> <p>“My nature is to over-research things and there’s nothing I can do. I can’t do that. So it’s a TV show where I can go into it floating, I can get on a plane and not have to be anxious about having to prepare something.</p> <p>“It’s a real gift for me, so I’m excited. But I have arranged for people to come in and play with you while I’m away.”</p> <p><em>Once in a Lifetime</em> will air on Channel 7, and was announced last year. </p> <p>It is an animal adventure series starring Brown, where he will be "pushed to his limits in the pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter," according to a Channel 7 spokesperson. </p> <p>“But he will not be travelling to the furthest corners of the globe alone. In the most delicious twist, Chris will be taking the country’s most intriguing and entertaining personalities along … as his veterinary assistant," they added. </p> <p>This is the first time the duo are reuniting on screen after working on <em>The Living Room</em> together for a decade before it was axed in 2022. </p> <p><em>Images: Ten</em></p>

TV

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Dr Charlie Teo's surprising next move after Aussie surgery restrictions

<p>One year after being slapped with restrictions that effectively stopped him from operating in Australia, Dr Charlie Teo is restarting his career overseas. </p> <p>The neurosurgeon was investigated by Australia’s Health Care Complaints Commission, who last year placed restrictions on the surgeon after they discovered he had been operating on tumours that had been deemed "inoperable". </p> <p>Now, one of China’s most respected neurosurgeons has thanked Australia for imposing such restrictions because it has allowed her country to benefit from the controversial surgeon’s ability to remove high-risk brain tumours.</p> <p>Dr Teo has been operating regularly in China including on high profile VIPs, and at least eight other countries around the world, according to reports from the <em>Sunday Telegraph</em>. </p> <p>An investigation has found Dr Teo has operated on 150 patients, with many of them being from Australia, in China, Spain, Germany, India, Switzerland, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, and Nepal since the restrictions effectively stopped him from operating in Australia.</p> <p>In an interview from Beijing, Professor Ling Feng, Deputy Director of the China International Neuroscience Institute, said she is “not worried” about the restrictions imposed on Dr Teo a year ago for unsatisfactory conduct.</p> <p>“I took a careful look into what happened over there. I don’t think it should be imputed to Charlie’s neglect of care and passion for the patients,” Professor Ling told the <em>Sunday Telegraph</em>.</p> <p>“It is just a different view of the indications for surgery. Similar cases occur across the world. Instead, I ‘thank’ Australia for the restrictions on Charlie, which gave me the opportunity to work with him.”</p> <p>In the past year, patients have travelled from Australia, Romania, Britain, Saudi Arabia, France, Indonesia, and Singapore to have Dr Teo operate.</p> <p>Of those surgeries Dr Teo’s logbook documents one death, one “poor” outcome, three “fair outcomes”, 20 “good outcomes” and 145 cases have been documented as “excellent”.</p> <p>Dr Teo says his results are better than ever and he feels terrible for patients in his own country that he can’t help, but hopes that he may one day be able to return to Australian operating rooms to help patients. </p> <p>“All it would take is one sensible and brave person in one hospital somewhere in Australia to change the status quo,” Dr Teo said.</p> <p>“Just one person to sit back and go ‘okay he might be an a**hole, he might be into money, he might be a bit of a cowboy, he might be all the things the media have said he might be, but the fact is that patients, Australian patients, some need him and he does operations that other people don’t do and most of those outcomes are good so what about we just drop the politics and allow him to operate in Australia?"</p> <p>“That’s all it would take … some common sense for the greater good, not for his sake but for the sake of patients.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Dr Chris Brown's hilarious dig at Channel 10

<p>The new season of<em> Dancing With The Stars</em> premiered on Sunday night with <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Chris Brown</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">presenting alongside longtime host </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Sonia Kruger</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> for the very first time.</span></p> <p>The former <em>Bondi Vet</em> star left Channel 10 to join Seven a year ago, and while things reportedly ended amicably between them, he couldn't help but take a dig at his former employer on<em> Dancing With The Stars.</em></p> <p>At the beginning of the episode, Sonia explained that all contestants were safe and “no one’s going home tonight”. </p> <p>Chris feigned relief that he was also "safe" and couldn't be fired on the first night of his new gig, to which Sonia quipped that only the dancers could be voted off and that she and Chris were "as safe as anyone can be in entertainment”.</p> <p>“Shout out to Channel 10,” he quickly remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience. </p> <p>The comment could be in reference to Channel 10 axing a handful of shows over the past few months, leaving several high-profile TV personalities out of work. </p> <p>Yahoo Lifestyle reported that the reboot of <em>Gladiators</em> had been cancelled after one season, and the network confirmed in May that both <em>The Bachelor </em>and <em>The Masked Singer </em>won't be returning this year. </p> <p>In another part of DWTS, Chris also joked abut how his previous role on Channel 10’s <em>The Living Room</em> made him “rivals” with<em> Better Homes and Gardens</em> presenter Adam Dovile.</p> <p>“Now Adam, we do need to address the elephant in the room,” he said.</p> <p>“We were TV rivals for many, many years in the cutthroat vicious world of Friday night lifestyle television.</p> <p>“It’s hard to even look you in the eye, the fury is so deep. But I can’t stay angry at you, look at that smile!”</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 10</em></p>

TV

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Dr Michael Mosley's heartbreaking final interview

<p>One of Dr Michael Mosley's heartbreaking last interviews has resurfaced, as he discussed his wishes to grow old just weeks before his untimely death. </p> <p>The body of the 67-year-old health expert and TV personality was found in Greece four days after he was reported missing, with his wife sharing the news of his death on Sunday. </p> <p>Mosley had vanished after embarking on a walk while on holiday on the island of Symi, and after taking a wrong turn, succumbed to the challenging hike in extreme temperatures, with his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/michael-mosley-s-cause-of-death-revealed-in-autopsy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autopsy</a> declaring he died of natural causes. </p> <p>Now, a conversation that the father-of-four had with The Telegraph on April 30th has resurfaced, in which Mosley talked about how eager he was to live a long and healthy life after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 55, having lost his father Bill from complications related to diabetes at 74.</p> <p>“I had seen what happened to my father,” Mosley told the UK publication. </p> <p>“He hadn’t seen his grandkids grow up. I thought, that’s not a road I want to go down.”</p> <p>Elsewhere in the interview, Dr Mosley, who has three adult sons and an adult daughter, was optimistic about his future, saying he had no intentions of slowing down.</p> <p>“I’m 67 and a lot of my mates are now retired,” he said.</p> <p>“Neither I nor Clare have any intention of giving up work. Why would you give up? Now in my mid-to-late 60s, I am quite happy to go on writing and giving public speeches and making telly and podcasts.”</p> <p>Dr Mosley was a respected and beloved figure in the medical and television community. Known for his insightful health advice and engaging personality, he had a significant impact on many lives. His adventurous spirit and dedication to promoting health and well-being will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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"No trace": Desperate search continues for Dr Michael Mosley

<p>The search for Dr Michael Mosley has ramped up after he disappeared while on holiday in the Greek islands. </p> <p>The British health expert, known for popularising intermittent fasting for weight loss, was on holiday with his family on the island of Symi when he seemingly vanished without a trace on Wednesday. </p> <p>Mosley, 67, set off on a hike along St Nicholas Beach on the island in the early afternoon but failed to return and was reported missing by his wife Dr Clare Bailey.</p> <p>The search for the doctor has now expanded, as Channel 7 reporter Mylee Hogan explained on <em>Sunrise</em> on Friday. </p> <p>“This morning the search has now expanded — they have called in crews from other islands to help,” Hogan said. “Those crews have come in on helicopter, they have drones, and dogs as well, to try to locate him."</p> <p>Authorities believe he may have been affected by the heat during his walk, as Hogan said, “They are working on the theory he may have been impacted by the heat and fallen.” </p> <p>“The area they’re searching where he was walking is only a 3km distance, but it is quite rugged, so they are trying to focus on that area (the walking track).”</p> <p>According to a report in the <em><a href="https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/06/tv-dr-michael-mosley-goes-missing-symi-greece-search-launched-20984105/?ico=top-stories_home_top" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">UK’s Metro</a></em> news outlet, a resident claimed it was “impossible” to get lost on the island.</p> <p>Symi  Mayor Eleftherios Papakalodoukas reinforced the sentiment, telling <em>BBC News</em>, “It is a very small, controlled area, full of people. So if something happened to him there, we would have found him by now.”</p> <p>Senior police spokesperson Constantina Dimoglidou previously told the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13499989/Mail-columnist-Michael-Mosley-missing-Greece-Symi.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Daily Mail</a></em> that ongoing searches had so far been unsuccessful.</p> <p>“We have now asked the fire brigade to assist in the operation in case he may have slipped, tripped, fallen, or even bitten by a snake, remaining injured somewhere,” he said.</p> <p>“There is just no trace of him. None whatsoever and that means that for us at least, every potential scenario is being investigated.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

News

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Today show star and veteran doctor dies at age 69

<p>A veteran doctor and regular guest on the <em>Today</em> show Dr Ric Gordon has passed away at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer. </p> <p>Known for sharing his expertise as an obstetrician and fertility specialist, Dr Gordon became a household name after he delivered the first baby on Australian television. </p> <p>Upon hearing of his death, veteran radio host and beloved Australian author Wendy Harmer revealed Dr Gordon delivered both her babies even after she and her partner dropped out of IVF.</p> <p>In a post on X, she wrote, “He was a pioneer in IVF in Australia and gave hope to so many... and was kind and caring professional. Vale.”</p> <p>Nine News confirmed the “sad news” of Dr Gordon’s passing from pancreatic cancer on Saturday, as presenter Georgie Gardner said “he will be deeply missed”.</p> <p>Professionally known as Dr Ric Porter, he had previously hosted Nine’s long-running lifestyle hit <em>Good Medicine</em>, which ran for nine years in the 1990s. </p> <p>Dr Gordon was a part of the team of doctors who delivered the first IVF birth in NSW in 1983, and during his career, he delivered more than 5000 babies, including in 2003 when he safely delivered a baby live on the <em>Today</em> show.</p> <p>Reflecting on the moment in 2022, Dr Gordon told <em>Today</em> viewers it was an extraordinary moment in television.</p> <p>“It went so well, it was a great morning and a good outcome,” he said. “The baby cried when it was meant to cry, mum and dad were happy."</p> <p>The well-known doctor also drew some controversy over his career, including an offensive analogy where he used the Holocaust to explain weight loss on the same breakfast TV program in 2015. </p> <p>Despite apologising for saying “there were no overweight people in the concentration camps”, his apology was dismissed by many for being “insufficient” and “unsatisfactory”.</p> <p>Dr Gordon said at the time, “I’m very sorry it upset those people. It was never my intention.”</p> <p>He added that he had “done a lot of study” on the Holocaust and his comments were merely “used as a medical example”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Caring

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Dr Chris Brown recalls "dramatic" personal renovation disaster

<p><em>Dream Home</em> host Dr Chris Brown has revealed his own renovation fail on the latest episode of the show. </p> <p>The vet turned TV star has taken on a new role where he guides six teams of aspiring renovators through the joys — and pitfalls — of house remodelling in the new Channel 7 reality show. </p> <p>Speaking to 7NEWS, the star recalled the terrifying moment his home nearly fell in on itself when he was trying to build a garage. </p> <p>“On my first renovation, I decided I needed a garage underneath my house,” he said, adding that he had council approval for the renovation. </p> <p>“With a couple of tradies, we went about digging out the garage underneath the house, in the sand.</p> <p>“We just kept on digging, digging, digging, until a rather large sound indicated the house was about to fall into the hole!</p> <p>“So that’s about as dramatic as it as it gets.</p> <p>“To have your house sort of falling in on itself, that was a pretty big learning curve.”</p> <p>He said that the problem was solved "very quickly" with a lot of underpinning and structural support. </p> <p>“A lot of those steel support posts that you can sort of wind up and down, they went in, and thankfully the house didn’t fold in half,” he said, laughing at the situation. </p> <p>He added that unexpected situations like this are what make renovation shows so appealing as "there’s so much natural drama, you don’t have to fake anything." </p> <p>“Choices have to be made, and it’s either the right way or the wrong way, and you only really discover that as you go along," he added. </p> <p>“Sometimes it’s too late to turn back once you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake.”</p> <p>Chris added that his role on the show is almost as a"coach" to the pairs, supporting them through the renovation challenges, and helping them get to the finish line. </p> <p>“What these couples are going through, and just how much they put on the line to get these renovations done, is quite inspiring and quite uplifting and but also thoroughly entertaining,” he said. </p> <p><em>Image: Seven</em></p>

Real Estate

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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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Hunter Valley bus driver breaks silence

<p>Brett Andrew Button, 59, who allegedly caused a fatal bus crash that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/hunter-valley-bus-driver-hit-with-new-charges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed 10 people</a> and injured 25 others has broken his silence over the incident for the first time.</p> <p>Button appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday as he faces almost 90 charges associated with the horror crash. </p> <p>In a statement read by his lawyer, Chris O’Brien, Button said that there was “not a day that goes by that I don’t think about what happened that night”.</p> <p>“There isn’t an hour that goes by that I’m not thinking of the families that have been affected by the crash.</p> <p>“I truly feel for anyone involved, including the emergency services.</p> <p>“I am devastated by what has occurred and I am truly deeply sorry.”</p> <p>Button was the bus driver in charge of driving wedding guests to a Hunter Valley venue when the vehicle allegedly lost control and crashed.</p> <p>Husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott were killed in the crash and farewelled in ceremonies weeks later. </p> <p>Nadene and Kyah McBride who were among the ten wedding guests killed in the crash, were also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/a-moving-time-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-honoured-at-aflw-grand-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">honoured with a tribute</a> at the AFLW grand final in December. </p> <p>Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Darcy Bulman, Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen were the other victims of the horror crash. </p> <p>Button faces 89 charges including nine counts of negligent driving occasioning death and 16 counts of driving a motor vehicle furiously doing or causing harm.</p> <p>He has not entered any pleas. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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"I was angry": Julia Morris comes clean about Dr Chris Brown's departure

<p>We are all well aware that Dr Chris Brown, beloved former co-host of the jungle rollercoaster known as <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!</em>, bid farewell to the show last year. Host Julia Morris, renowned for her vivacious wit and boundless charm, recently shed some light on her inner turmoil when her long-time partner in jungle antics decided to hop over to rival network Seven.</p> <p>The departure of Chris, after nine glorious seasons of quips and critters, left Julia in a state of bewilderment. "I was shocked," Morris <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/julia-morris-admits-she-was-angry-when-chris-brown-quit-im-a-celebrity-004322904.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Yahoo! News</a>. "I was angry, but I was also fine because it's what my friend needed to do. It was a super confusing time."</p> <p>Morris then faced the daunting prospect of finding a new partner-in-crime; enter Robert Irwin, the youthful wildlife enthusiast and heir to the Crocodile Hunter legacy. After a rigorous audition process involving around six Aussie personalities, Robert emerged as the chosen one. Julia described the moment as if the clouds parted, and a celestial spotlight shone down on young Irwin. "Everybody dissolved immediately and everybody knew it," Julia recounted. </p> <p>Now, the burning question on everyone's minds: Will Julia be just as flirtatious with the sprightly 20-year-old Irwin as she was with Chris? On that matter, Julia has remained coy: "I don't know how and why it's already working so beautifully." she teased.</p> <p>Julia also reassures us that she and Robert have already formed a bond akin to that of two koalas clinging to the same eucalyptus tree. "Now we have fun. I'm learning along the way from Robert, which is fantastic," she gushed. And thus, a new era dawns in the jungle, where critters roam, celebrities squirm and Julia Morris reigns supreme as the queen of quips and camaraderie.</p> <p><em>Image: Network 10</em></p>

TV

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Dr Chris Brown recalls embarrassing moment on crowded train

<p>Dr Chris Brown tends to attract attention wherever he goes with his 6'5 height and beautiful blond hair - but he got more than he wanted on his recent trip to Japan. </p> <p>Appearing on the morning radio show<em> Triple M’s Mick and MG in the Morning Show, </em>he<em> </em>recalled an embarrassing incident that he would rather forget. </p> <p>“It may not surprise you to learn that I do tend to stand out a little bit on the streets of Tokyo,” he began, to the amusement of radio host Mick Molloy.</p> <p>“Um, six foot five, blond hair, and on the subway especially.</p> <p>“But, I don’t know if you know, in Japan you can buy beers absolutely anywhere — vending machines on the streets, in the subway when you’re just queueing for a train, and so I got involved in this.</p> <p>“I bought a can of Asahi, nice Japanese beer, and was carrying it in my bag, just over my shoulder.”</p> <p>As he got into the crowded train and made his way, the TV vet shared that started to feel a “cold trickle” down his leg. </p> <p>“I realised very quickly that the beer I’d bought had exploded in my bag,” he said.</p> <p>“And I now have a rapidly growing wet patch across my groin, running from my bag to my groin and down my leg, and a highly suspicious amber fluid going across a crowded train carriage,” he continued, making everyone in the studio laugh. </p> <p>“If I couldn’t stand out any more, I found a way.”</p> <p>He added that nobody said a word because Japanese people are so polite, but he did say there was “endless gazing," because they thought he wet himself. </p> <p>“They’re connecting the dots from the trickle along the carriage back up my leg and up to my very wet body,” he added. </p> <p>“Oh wow, oh well I hope you were filming that,” Mick Molloy chuckled.</p> <p>“By the way, that’s how I leave the station every day, on a train, with a wet patch, talking to myself,” he quipped.</p> <p>“Well, I tell you what, if you want to clear some space, it’s a great way to do it, let me tell you,” the TV vet laughed. </p> <p><em>Images: Mick &amp; MG in the morning</em></p>

International Travel

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“I’ll see you again one day”: Sister of slain doctor’s emotional tribute

<p dir="ltr">Dr Ash Gordon has been farewelled in an emotional memorial service, with his family and friends joining together to honour the slain doctor. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 33-year-old died after a violent altercation following a home invasion on January 13th in the Melbourne suburb of Doncaster. </p> <p dir="ltr">Loved ones gathered at Kernot Hall, in Morwell, south-east Victoria, to honour his life and share in their grief.</p> <p dir="ltr">Funeral celebrant Elisha Dowsett opened the funeral by encouraging the mourners to “leave the anger” and focus on remembering Dr Gordon’s celebrated life. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He warmed the hearts of anyone lucky enough to cross paths with him,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was a strong, compassionate, funny, driven, determined and cheeky man. He filled this dark and unpredictable world with genuine goodness.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Gordon’s sister Natalie spoke to the congregation, sharing how she will “never get over his death”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was a huge part of our lives. He always encouraged me to take risks because he would say, ‘if you don’t, you’ll wonder what if’,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Breaking down in tears, Ms Gordon told mourners she had promised to “take the risk and live the life I dreamt of just as he did”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This isn’t goodbye little brother, this is see you soon. I’ll see you again one day,” Ms Gordon said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And, when I do, I can't wait for you to tell me how bad my wrinkles are and for you to give me a big hug. Until we meet again Brother Bear.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ash’s other sister Tammy Gordon said she “cannot express” how proud she is to call Dr Gordon her brother.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Losing a sibling is losing the person you can truly be yourself with,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the passing of Dr Gordon, two 16-year-olds were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-update-in-tragic-death-of-young-melbourne-doctor">charged</a> with murder, aggravated burglary and theft over his death. </p> <p dir="ltr">The teenagers allegedly broke into the home of 33-year-old Dr Ash Gordon, when the doctor then pursued the intruders after they fled the house. </p> <p dir="ltr">The teens then became violent, allegedly stabbing Dr Gordon several times and leaving him to die a kilometre from his home. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: YouTube</em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-aab57aa9-7fff-de2f-7f15-6813b34ca13d"></span></p>

Caring

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Major update in fatal stabbing of young Melbourne doctor

<p dir="ltr">The 16-year-old accused of stabbing a young Melbourne doctor to death had allegedly committed a similar crime just months prior. </p> <p dir="ltr">The teenager was allegedly involved in the home invasion of Dr Ash Gordon, which turned fatal after the doctor chased the intruders from his home, ending when Dr Gordon was stabbed and left for dead. </p> <p dir="ltr">As the teens now <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-update-in-tragic-death-of-young-melbourne-doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">face charges</a> for his death, an alleged previous victim of the same teenager has come forward, claiming the young man left him with serious head injuries after robbing his house in October. </p> <p dir="ltr">His alleged previous victims claim that the Victorian government has “blood on its hands” and that the boy should not have been released on bail.</p> <p dir="ltr">The victims told<a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/we-feel-anxious-helpless-and-frustrated-with-the-broken-system-alleged-victims-speak-out/news-story/c05575a0908bf85f014217bb4fda7fa4"> <em>the Herald Sun</em></a> that Dr Gordon's death has left them traumatised and struggling to move on from their own terrifying encounter.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an emotional statement, the alleged previous victims pleaded with Victorian premier Jacinta Allan to reconsider the state's planned youth justice reform. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are trying to move on with our lives, however, when a case on (alleged) teen crime is reported, we feel anxious, helpless and frustrated with the broken system," they told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Allan government and the justice system have blood on their hands, and ultimately should be held accountable.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Under the terms of the 16-year-old’s bail, he was to adhere to a strict nightly curfew, but still managed to allegedly break into Dr Gordon's home shortly before 5:30am on January 13th. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Allan has faced increasing pressure to abandon Victoria's overhaul of the youth justice system which would see the age of criminal responsibility raised.</p> <p dir="ltr">The government has committed to raising the age that a child can be arrested, jailed or charged from 10 to 12 by the end of 2024, and again to 14 by 2027, with serious crimes such as homicide being exempt from these changes. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Allen however has insisted that the reforms are a key priority of her government and that they will help prevent future criminal ­activity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s a huge amount of work that’s being undertaken by Victoria Police to work with those young people ... [and] that sort of prevention-based activity is the best way to address future youth crime,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the same time, when offences are made, Victoria Police have the tools and resources to deal with those.”</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-deb8779e-7fff-f1a9-74f6-d47cadad48af"></span></p>

News

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“They have stolen everything”: Slain doctor’s partner speaks out

<p dir="ltr">Dr Ash Gordon’s long-term girlfriend has broken her silence after her partner’s untimely death, saying she expects her boyfriend’s killers to be dealt “the maximum punishment”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 33-year-old doctor was left for dead after a home invasion went wrong, with two teenagers now facing <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-update-in-tragic-death-of-young-melbourne-doctor">murder charges</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Two 16-year-olds have been charged with murder, aggravated burglary and theft after breaking into the young physician’s home, before allegedly stabbing him. </p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Dr Gordon’s grieving girlfriend Dakota Nagel has spoken out for the first time, telling <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/ash-gordons-partner-dakota-nagel-speaks-after-teens-charged-over-alleged-murder/news-story/c5bf92f8f14ba87b0c3efd0cd8d1f1e7">news.com.au</a></em> she was grateful for the work of police in the days since the alleged murder.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Nagel said those allegedly responsible “deserve the maximum punishment and I will accept nothing less”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They are heartless enough to take a life that meant so much to all of us,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Nagel said her partner of almost six years was the “light of my life” and “irreplaceable”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ve stolen more than just belongings, they have stolen everything from myself and his family and friends, he was our world,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was the most beautiful, kind, patient and understanding person I’ve ever met and I’m just lucky to have spent my life with him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Miss Nagel told the <em>Herald Sun</em> that her boyfriend should be remembered for the positive impact he had on everyone he knew, including his patients.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We wish for Ash to be remembered for the loving kind person he was and the impact of good he made on the world,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He died a hero and the people responsible will be held accountable, and justice will be served for Ash and his loved ones.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Superintendent Janet Stevenson said police worked “tirelessly” to “apprehend those responsible for his tragedy”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We know that Ash’s family and loved ones are grieving. This arrest will not take away the tragedy of this dreadful situation, but we hope that it will alleviate some of their distress,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will continue to provide all the support they require during this difficult time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The alleged attackers will face children’s court at a later date. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram / Nine</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Major update in tragic death of young Melbourne doctor

<p dir="ltr">Two teenage boys have been charged with murder just days after the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sister-of-slain-doctor-calls-for-killers-to-turn-themselves-in">death</a> of a Melbourne doctor. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 16-year-old boys allegedly broke into the home of 33-year-old Dr Ash Gordon on Saturday, when the doctor then pursued the intruders after they fled the house. </p> <p dir="ltr">The teens then became violent, allegedly stabbing Dr Gordon several times and leaving him to die a kilometre from his home. </p> <p dir="ltr">As his heartbroken family continue to grieve their loss, homicide detectives confirmed that the two 16-year-olds have been charged with murder, aggravated burglary and theft and will face a children’s court at a later date. </p> <p dir="ltr">Superintendent Janet Stevenson said police worked “tirelessly” to “apprehend those responsible for his tragedy”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We know that Ash’s family and loved ones are grieving. This arrest will not take away the tragedy of this dreadful situation, but we hope that it will alleviate some of their distress,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will continue to provide all the support they require during this difficult time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Tributes have poured in for the young doctor, with his sister Natalie describing the 33-year-old as her “world”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m his older sister, but I looked up to him for so much, as did our other siblings. He’s the youngest, but we all looked up to him. Mum and dad would ring him for advice,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was just so sure of himself. Such a confident person and so willing to help anyone and everyone.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Friends have also flooded social media with their grief, sharing words of condolences for his loved ones while posting kind words about their fallen friend. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for the many unforgettable memories, you were one of a kind,” one friend wrote on Facebook.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You were definitely such an inspiration to others, you worked so hard to get where you are! Life’s just not fair.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Nine / Instagram </em></p>

News

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"Hopefully it's permanent": Karl's surprise holiday replacement announced

<p>Karl Stefanovic's Christmas leave replacement on the Today show was announced on Monday, when it was revealed that Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia's former deputy chief medical officer, would be filling Stefanovic's hosting shoes from December 26, granting the veteran host a well-deserved New Year's rendezvous with his family.</p> <p>However, the digital realm erupted with mixed emotions following the news, with some online users not just celebrating Stefanovic's temporary absence but actively calling for the replacement to be made permanent.</p> <p>Social media platforms buzzed with comments like, 'Please make it a permanent break', and 'Complete overhaul needed', suggesting a desire for a fresh face at the helm of the popular morning show. One disgruntled user even quipped, 'Hopefully it is permanent; the only one who thinks he is funny is him. Poor co-hosts with their fake laughs.'</p> <p>As the summer breeze of change swept through the <em>Today</em> show, co-host Sarah Abo found herself replaced for the holiday season by regular <em>Today</em> show reporter Mia Glover, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the show's temporary makeover.</p> <p>The real thunderstorm, however, came with the surprising decision to appoint Dr Coatsworth as the temporary host. A prominent figure in the medical field, Coatsworth had been a regular contributor to Channel Nine, particularly on matters of medicine.</p> <p>Reports surfaced of disquiet among viewers, claiming 'plenty of noses are out of joint' over this unconventional choice. This sentiment likely stems from the fact that Dr Coatsworth, despite his frequent appearances as the show's medical expert during the pandemic, has never before taken on the role of the show's host.</p> <p>Dr Coatsworth also has a new show in the pipeline titled <em>Do You Want to Live Forever?</em>, set to be broadcast on Nine next year. This unexpected move only adds to the intrigue surrounding the doctor's stint as a morning show host.</p> <p>This shakeup comes at a critical juncture for the <em>Today</em> show, as its arch-rival, <em>Sunrise</em>, gears up for its 20th year of dominating the breakfast ratings war. According to the 2022 OzTam survey, Sunrise boasted an average national daily audience of 397,000 viewers, proudly claiming to be '31 per cent bigger than its nearest competitor.' <em>Today</em>, on the other hand, has struggled in recent years to close the gap with <em>Sunrise</em>, facing challenges exacerbated by a revolving door of presenters on the Nine show.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

TV

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Devastating update after doctor attacked at home

<p>Prominent Adelaide doctor and former head of the intensive care unit at Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Dr Michael Yung, who fell victim to a brutal assault during a home invasion, has tragically succumbing to life-threatening injuries at the age of 61.</span></p> <p>The news of Dr Yung's death sent shockwaves through the medical community, with the state's Health Minister, Chris Picton, expressing profound sorrow. In a statement, he spoke of Dr Yung's unwavering dedication to healing others, particularly the most vulnerable children in South Australia. The abrupt loss has left the entire SA Health family grappling with grief, as they remember a man who dedicated his life to serving those in their darkest times.</p> <p>As the investigation into the incident unfolds, Detective Superintendent Des Bray revealed a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/prominent-aussie-doctor-fighting-for-life-after-violent-home-invasion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chilling sequence of events</a> leading up to the fatal assault. In the days preceding Dr Yung's attack, a wave of home break-ins and car thefts plagued the affluent suburbs. The community of Medindie, adjacent to Dr Yung's residence, witnessed a series of intrusions, with surveillance capturing the haunting image of five youths attempting to break into a home.</p> <p><strong>IMPORTANT EDITOR'S UPDATE:</strong></p> <p>South Australian Police have swiftly taken action, announcing the arrest of a 22-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman from Thebarton in connection with the crime. The arrests took place in Torrensville, where the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday evenin. The charges laid against the pair include not only murder but also aggravated serious criminal trespass and committing theft using force.</p> <p>Police have indicated that the investigation is progressing, with detectives diligently working on the case. Authorities have reassured the public that no additional suspects are being sought in connection with Dr Yung's alleged murder. Furthermore, there appears to be no discernible link between the arrested individuals and those sought in connection with a recent crime spree across Adelaide, providing a measure of relief to residents.</p> <p>While the Adelaide Major Crime Unit continues to work on the case, authorities are urging anyone with further information or dashcam footage from the vicinity to come forward.</p> <p><em>Images: SA Police / Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital</em></p>

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