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Family of Hannah McGuire make heart-wrenching decision

<p>A tight-knit community have rallied behind the family of Hannah McGuire, a 23-year-old teacher who was allegedly murdered by her estranged partner. </p> <p>Hannah's parents have made the heart-wrenching decision to reopen their family-run pub, the National Hotel in the town of Clunes, north of Ballarat, in the days after Hannah's death. </p> <p>As the hotel reopened, locals came together to lay flowers, buy drinks and share memories.</p> <p>“It’s the saddest thing, I can’t believe it,” one patron told <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/pub-run-by-family-of-hannah-mcguire-allegedly-murdered-by-ex-partner-reopens-in-clunes-north-of-ballarat--c-14266127" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a></em>. “To the young girl, we gave her all the best."</p> <p>In the wake of Hannah's death, the women of Ballarat are set to join together for an emotional gathering to demand an end to violence against women. </p> <p>The Ballarat region's Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire have all allegedly died at the hands of men since the beginning of February.</p> <p>A rally will begin at Ballarat train station on Friday before gathering at Camp Street, family members of the victims, community leaders and family violence specialists will address the gathering.</p> <p>Organiser Sissy Austin, who was herself savagely attacked while on a run in 2023, said the issue was a national crisis.</p> <p>"Us Ballarat women, we're coming together to stand in solidarity, to feel less alone and to show the country that we're united," Ms Austin told <em>AAP</em>.</p> <p>"We're here to fight for our rights to live safely in our community for generations to come.</p> <p>"The Ballarat community aren't going to succumb to the violence that has been perpetrated in our town."</p> <p>Ms Austin said the three killings in a little over two months had stunned the community.</p> <p>"Women are living on eggshells," she said.</p> <p>"The most immediate thing that we need to do, particularly as women, is to unite and show men who choose to use violence in our community that we stand against it," she added.</p> <p>"Enough is enough."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Google Maps / Facebook</em></p>

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"You were our whole damn sky": Tributes flow after alleged murder of young teacher

<p>The family of a young teacher from Victoria are in mourning after the body of 23-year-old was found in a burnt-out car just hours after she was reported missing. </p> <p>Hannah McGuire was found near State Forest Rd in Scarsdale, an area near Ballarat surrounded by bushland, on Friday after her family had reported her missing just before. </p> <p>On Sunday, two young men were arrested over her death, and on Monday, a 21-year-old was charged with one count of murder.</p> <p>The young man is believed to be Hannah's ex-boyfriend, who had been living with Ms McGuire for about a year before their recent separation.</p> <p>Police will allege the man drove her body to a remote national park and set the car on fire, before posting a loving tribute on social media and telling her friends she had taken her own life. </p> <p>The man will appear in Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.</p> <p>As news of Hannah's untimely death broke, her parents shared a heart-wrenching tribute to their daughter on Facebook. </p> <p>Her parents run the National Hotel in the regional town of Clunes, and shared their tribute on their business Facebook page to inform patrons that the pub will remain closed until Wednesday. </p> <p>"Thank you everyone for your love, support and kind words. Our hearts are broken," the post read."</p> <p>"You weren’t just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky. Miss you Princess!"</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-hannah-mcguire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up by the Clunes Cricket Club supporting McGuire’s family, and has already raised over $45,000. </p> <p>“As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude and Fletcher,” the club said.</p> <p>“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe</em></p>

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Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

<p>The armourer on the set of the film <em>Rust</em> has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. </p> <p>Halyna Hutchins, who was 42 and a mother to a young son, died after being fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western movie in October 2021. </p> <p>Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger.</p> <p>Now, armourer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty, with the jury hearing that Gutierrez, 26, had been ultimately responsible for the use of live rounds on set. </p> <p>Over a 10-day trial in New Mexico, the court heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules by leaving guns unattended on set, and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave the weapons around.</p> <p>“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday.</p> <p>“This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.” </p> <p>The judge remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing, which is not expected before next month, as she faces up to 18 months’ prison.</p> <p>Despite Baldwin long claiming his innocence over the shooting, ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way.</p> <p>His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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"It's still there": Karl Stefanovic breaks silence on feud with Michael Clarke

<p>Karl Stefanovic has broken his silence on the status of his friendship with Michael Clarke, almost one year after their infamous brawl made headlines. </p> <p>In December last year while on holiday in Noosa, the <em>Today</em> host and the former Aussie cricketer came to blows as Clarke was at the centre of a blazing row with his ex-girlfriend Jade Yarbrough and her brother-in-law Stefanovic in a public park. </p> <p>The expletive-ridden fight made headlines, with both men keeping relatively quiet about what eventuated from the argument. </p> <p>Now, Stefanovic has broken his silence on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em>, as Kyle Sandilands asked what the status of their friendship was. </p> <p>"Have you reconciled with Michael Clarke yet, your personal self, regardless of the sisters [Jade and Jasmine Yarbrough]?" Kyle asked Karl live on air.</p> <p>"Kyle, it's like a sticker. You rip it off but it's still there," Karl said, revealing peace had not yet been brokered between the pair.</p> <p>"There's still a bit of stick," Jackie O said, and Karl confirmed she was correct.</p> <p>"Is that like one of those stickers they put on your car when you're parked in a No Standing spot and you can't get that bastard off, when you try to pick away?" Kyle asked.</p> <p>"Yeah. That is really, really deep," Karl agreed with a laugh. </p> <p>Karl's admission comes just weeks after Michael Clarke <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/michael-clarke-breaks-silence-on-that-stoush-in-noosa-with-karl-stefanovic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told his side</a> of the story on <em>A Current Affair</em> for the first time. </p> <p>In the interview with Ally Langdon, <span style="caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px;">Clarke began by acknowledging the complexities of handling personal matters in the public eye. </span></p> <p><span style="caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px;">He explained, "A lot of people are involved, you know, there's other families, there's friends. </span>I think it's always important that you do your best to try and respect that as well."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">While dodging questions about the specifics of the argument, Clarke admitted to making mistakes, saying, "I've made, ah, I've made some mistakes, I haven't made mistakes. I've spoken about them, I haven't spoken about them."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"For me, again, I think the most important thing is that you get out of bed every day and try and do your best. I'm not here to blame anyone, I'm not here to blame me. I'm here to learn. I think that's the key; we're all still learning, we're all still trying our best, and yeah, relationships are tough."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><em>Image credits: Today / Getty Images </em></p>

TV

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Michael Clarke reveals serious health scare

<p>Michael Clarke has opened up about a terrifying health scare, which left him needing surgery. </p> <p>The former Australian cricket captain has spoken candidly about discovering a dangerous basal cell carcinoma in his chest, which left him 27 stitches after surgery to remove it. </p> <p>The 42-year-old said being diagnosed with cancer was a major wake up call. </p> <p>“It does scare me,” Clarke told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/michael-clarke-reveals-skin-cancer-battle-after-spending-years-playing-cricket/news-story/5fd388960c6113c7461479522bd18c9d?amp&nk=5bc945873ffec79da7263488711d2aab-1699400816" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a>.</p> <p>“I am a dad ... I don’t want to go anywhere. The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my seven-year-old daughter (Kelsey Lee) and I guess set a good example for her."</p> <p>“To me, making sure I am putting sunscreen on so she can see it is not just me getting her to do it, it is dad doing it as well.”</p> <p>Clarke has had a number of cancers removed since his first diagnosis in 2006, and just last year had a skin cancer removed from his forehead. </p> <p>His extensive history of skin cancer could be a result of spending a lot of time in the sun over his 115 Tests and 245 one-day internationals for Australia, as Clarke pointed out. </p> <p>For that reason, he has recently joined the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation as a national ambassador.</p> <p>“I am excited to partner with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to not only spread the word on skin safety, but to help share the importance of sun protection, getting checked and remembering prevention is better than cure,” Clarke said in a statement.</p> <p>“I know first-hand how important these factors are and I am passionate about raising awareness on this vital subject."</p> <p>“Everyone needs to be aware of the danger of the sun all around the world, but particularly in this country. This is not just about being safe, this is about saving lives.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Michael Clarke breaks silence on THAT stoush in Noosa with Karl Stefanovic

<p>In a candid interview on <em>A Current Affair</em>, former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has broken his silence regarding a distressing incident involving his then-girlfriend, Jade Yarbrough, which circulated online <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/karl-stefanovic-and-michael-clarke-caught-in-public-scuffle-over-cheating-claims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earlier this year</a>.</p> <p>The altercation took place in Noosa in January, and since then, Clarke has maintained a resolute silence about the incident.</p> <p>Clarke began by acknowledging the complexities of handling personal matters in the public eye. He explained, "A lot of people are involved, you know, there's other families, there's friends.</p> <p>"I think it's always important that you do your best to try and respect that as well. So a lot of the time throughout my career I've asked to not speak about my personal life, or I've tried not to talk about it, which has probably been to the detriment of me at some stages because I think the public have wanted to know and the fact I haven't spoken, you know, might look like there's something to hide or 'why can't he just talk about it?' But it's not just about me - like I say, you are trying to respect everyone that's involved."</p> <p>The incident in Noosa involved a confrontation with Jade Yarbrough, who is the sister of Karl Stefanovic's wife, Jasmine. Accusations of an affair between Clarke and a former lover escalated into a heated exchange.</p> <p>In the video, tensions ran high with Clarke and Yarbrough hurling expletives at each other. Even <em>Today</em> show host Karl Stefanovic found himself at the receiving end of Clarke's ire.</p> <p>In his recent appearance on <em>A Current Affair </em>as an ambassador for Australian Bitters, Clarke discussed the challenges of dealing with public and media scrutiny. He stated, "Sometimes it's out of control as well, you know, sometimes unless I stay in my house 24/7, that's the only way I keep control of it."</p> <p>The interview also delved into the incident in Noosa, with the interviewer, Simon Bouda, asking Clarke about any regrets from that time. To this, Clarke replied, "No... listen, I'm here to talk about lemon, lime, and bitters."</p> <p>He emphasised that speaking about personal matters often overshadowed the purpose of his appearances, and he didn't want his experiences to overshadow the brand he was endorsing.</p> <p>The conversation continued to highlight the challenges of fame and the constant public scrutiny faced by sports figures. Clarke admitted to making mistakes, saying, "I've made, ah, I've made some mistakes, I haven't made mistakes. I've spoken about them, I haven't spoken about them.</p> <p>"For me, again, I think the most important thing is that you get out of bed every day and try and do your best. I'm not here to blame anyone, I'm not here to blame me. I'm here to learn. I think that's the key; we're all still learning, we're all still trying our best, and yeah, relationships are tough."</p> <p>Despite the challenges and controversies he's faced, Clarke has moved forward with a new venture, serving as an ambassador for the Australian startup Australian Bitters as it explores opportunities for global expansion. Business development manager Jeremy Allen expressed confidence in the timing of their expansion, citing Clarke's involvement as an essential element of their strategy.</p> <p>In a world where personal matters often collide with the public sphere, Clarke's open discussion about the complexities of fame and relationships sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals in the public eye. His role as an ambassador for Australian Bitters signifies a new chapter in his life, where he's focused on learning from the past while embracing the opportunities that the future holds.</p> <p><em>Image: A Current Affair</em></p>

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"Where's Karlos?": Michael Clarke pokes fun at himself in return to Noosa

<p>Aussie cricket legend Michael Clarke has given his social media followers a chuckle with a self-deprecating update post from Noosa.</p> <p>The post comes three months after his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/karl-stefanovic-and-michael-clarke-caught-in-public-scuffle-over-cheating-claims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scuffle with Karl Stefanovic</a> at the Queensland tourist hotspot that made headlines nationwide.</p> <p>Over the Easter long weekend Clarke returned to the scene of the spat which went viral online, but this time the post saw him with family members as he was off from his hosting duties on the <em>Big Sports Breakfast</em> morning radio show.</p> <p>He posted a sweet family photo, including his daughter, Kelsey Lee, 7, and his mother Debbie.</p> <p>Clarke made fun of himself in the post, pairing the image with the caption, “Back in Noosa, a little more wholesome this time,”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq4nnb3JkMa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq4nnb3JkMa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Clarke AO (@michaelclarkeofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p> His Instagram post attracted hundreds of comments, many making fun of the viral incident with Stefanovic.</p> <p>“Where’s Karlos?” one comment read.</p> <p>“Stefanovic on his way up there surely?” wrote another.</p> <p>Karl Stefanovic was also pictured in Noosa over the long weekend, but there were no signs of him meeting up with the cricket icon.</p> <p>Stefanovic also took to Instagram, looking elated as he shows off a fish he had caught on the beach at Noosa.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cquk0OYuy-f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cquk0OYuy-f/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by karl stefanovic (@karlstefanovic_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Clarke has had a tough 2023 so far, with his Noosa altercation reportedly costing him a $150,000 commentary gig for Australia’s recent cricket tour of India.</p> <p>He also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rip-pop-michael-clarke-reveals-further-heartbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suffered the loss of his best friend </a>in March 2023.</p> <p>Since the Noosa spat, the cricket great has been backed by Tabcorp, the owners of <em>Sky Sports Radio</em>, who have supported Clarke as he continues his role on <em>Big Sports Breakfast</em>.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Game, set, love match! Aussie tennis star debuts new girlfriend

<p>Aussie tennis champion Thanasi Kokkinakis has debuted his new girlfriend after keeping their relationships a secret for "several months". </p> <p>The Adelaide player was spotted with Hannah Dal Sasso in Melbourne, marking the first time they have been spotted together in public. </p> <p>According to reports from the Herald Sun, the loved-up pair attended a gala event ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park. </p> <p>Sasso, a Melbourne-based content creator and social media influencer, confirmed they are seeing each other. </p> <p>“We met a few months ago," she said.</p> <p>“I’ve been travelling with him for a bit.”</p> <p>Dal Sasso also attended the Miami Open in support of her new beau, where Kokkinakis was knocked out in the second round.</p> <p>Kokkinakis has long tried to keep his private life out of the headlines, and quickly had to shut down romance rumours just weeks ago when an innocent tweet sent fans buzzing. </p> <p>The Aussie tennis champ had fans overreacting when he posted a simple but sweet message about Elena Rybakina after she won the Indian Wells WTA title.</p> <p>“Rybakina looks like the nicest girl ever,” Kokkinakis tweeted as Rybakina accepted the trophy.</p> <p>After fans ran wild in the comments, he was forced to add a few minutes later, “Not having a crack (crying laughing emoji) relaaaax.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"RIP Pop": Michael Clarke reveals further heartbreak

<p>Former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke is mourning the loss of his “best mate”.</p> <p>Clarke revealed the extent of his heartache on social media after his grandfather Ray Fox passed away.</p> <p>In a touching post uploaded to Instagram, Clarke can be seen with one hand on the coffin as he walked away from the podium after delivering a eulogy at his grandfather’s funeral.</p> <p>“Never gets any easier,” Clarke wrote.</p> <p>“In losing my Grandfather, I lost a best mate. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so much love on an extremely tough day.</p> <p>“RIP Pop.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Clarke AO (@michaelclarkeofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Friends and family were quick to pass on their condolences and support during this tumultuous time for Clarke.</p> <p>“Sorry to hear that news, mate,” Channel 7’s Larry Emdur commented. “Wishing you and the family all the best.”</p> <p>Businesswoman Erina Peters wrote, “I’m so sorry Michael! He truly loved you so much.</p> <p>“I have so many funny memories with him over the years and he was never short of a cheeky comeback.”</p> <p>Clarke previously said his grandfather was his inspiration behind playing cricket and the hardest part of retiring from the sport was telling Ray.</p> <p>“Definitely telling my grandfather was perhaps the hardest part and he was very emotional,” he said in 2015.</p> <p>“Pop’s made it clear to me over the past 10 years that watching me play cricket is a big part of what keeps him going.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Pip Edwards breaks silence on Michael Clarke scandal

<p>The woman at the centre of Michael Clarke's alleged cheating scandal has spoken candidly about the dramatic events in Noosa. </p> <p>The P.E. Nation fashion designer made a stunning appearance at the Australian Open on Saturday ahead of the women's final, where she was grilled about the now-viral fight. </p> <p>Edwards told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/pip-edwards-hits-out-at-the-carnival-of-the-michael-clarke-scandal-and-says-she-is-focused-on-business-pe-nation/news-story/8d91cfabae96e43b78b24e3414775dbb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>, “It is definitely not my circus and I would like to say the carnival is over.”</p> <p>“The carnival is over and, to be honest, the focus for me is on the global expansion of P.E. Nation."</p> <p>“The carnival is done.”  </p> <p>A video of Clarke fighting with his girlfriend Jade Yarbrough went viral, in which Yarbrough accused the cricketer of cheating on her with his ex-girlfriend Edwards. </p> <p>After the scandal made headlines, photos emerged of Edwards at the pool, and some media outlets published them with a headline reading, “revenge body”.</p> <p>Pip quickly dispelled the sexist headlines, stating, “I have had this body for a very long time.”</p> <p>“I work on my body. It is part of my mental health. It is part of my stability. It is part of how I conquer my day. I live and breathe what I do. I thought that (headline) was a very interesting take."</p> <p>“As a woman in business, as a single mother, as someone who has worked very hard her whole life, the aesthetics of me are literally the cherry on top. It is the iceberg underneath that is what I am doing."</p> <p>“First and foremost I am a mother and a businesswoman, I just come with a body."</p> <p>“It is not out of revenge, it is not out of anything other than being healthy, fit and active.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Peter Stefanovic breaks silence on Karl vs. Michael fight

<p>Peter Stefanovic has lifted the lid on how his brother Karl is doing in the wake of the recent media storm surrounding his fight with Michael Clarke. </p> <p>The younger Stefanovic spoke on Nova FM’s <em>Fitzy and Wippa show</em> on Tuesday morning, sharing how Karl is holding up. </p> <p>“I think he’s going okay, yeah. Yeah, he’s hanging in there,” the <em>Sky News</em> host replied.</p> <p>However, when pressed by Fitzy on whether Karl’s long-standing friendship with the former cricket star was “over”, Peter was vague.</p> <p>“You never know how these things work out. You know, there’s ebbs and flows,” he told the hosts, before adding that Karl was in “(paparazzi) city” at the moment.</p> <p>“And it’s never a flattering photo they take, is it? It’s always mid-stride,” Peter joked.</p> <p>Karl is yet to comment on the public scuffle himself, while Michael Clarke issued a grovelling apology after the footage of the stoush quickly went viral. </p> <p>Earlier this week, he said in a statement to The Daily Telegraph, “I accept full responsibility for this altercation and am shattered by my actions.”</p> <p>“I’m absolutely gutted I’ve put people I hold in the highest regard in this position. My actions in the lead-up to this altercation were nothing short of shameful and regrettable. </p> <p>“I am shattered that because of my actions I’ve drawn women of class and integrity, and my mates, into this situation.”</p> <p>The pair were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/karl-stefanovic-and-michael-clarke-caught-in-public-scuffle-over-cheating-claims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">filmed</a> by a bystander in Noosa which showed a shirtless Clarke being slapped across the face and screamed at by his girlfriend, Karl’s sister-in-law, Jade Yarbrough, over cheating claims.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <div class="media image venti" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 493.639679px; margin: 24px auto;"> </div> <div id="indie-campaign-rHsIzpAmAj7xkA4llYlH-2" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px;" data-campaign-name="NCA ENTERTAINMENT newsletter" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1640955600000" data-to="1677502800000"></div>

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Body language expert reveals “telling” signs Michael Clarke lied

<p>A body language expert has weighed in on the infamous public scuffle where former Cricketer, Michael Clarke, was accused of cheating on his girlfriend, Jade Yarbrough.</p> <p>Louanne Ward, an Australian relationship expert, told <em>The Daily Mail</em> that some of Clarke's words and actions were indicative of him not telling the truth.</p> <p>The first sign that Clarke wasn't being truthful was when he took his shirt off to try and "make himself look bigger".</p> <p>"People....often make really big, bold gestures in an attempt to intimidate, look at the way Michael was walking in that video and you'll notice his arms are rounded and splayed," she said.</p> <p>She also told <em>The Daily Mail</em> that removing his shirt is a "fight response".</p> <p>The second sign the expert identified was the rising inflections in his voice as he pleaded with his girlfriend.</p> <p>"When someone is not telling the truth, their voice goes up a little bit at the end of a word," she highlighted.</p> <p>"You'll notice that you can definitely hear the inflections in Michael's voice when he speaks to Jade".</p> <p>Another "telling" sign was Clarke's choice to deflect the argument back to Jade.</p> <p>"Go, hit me ... do it again. You're wrong, you're f**king wrong," Clarke deflected in the video.</p> <p>The expert said that in choosing to say "you're wrong" instead of "I", "he's not taking any responsibility," which could be "indicative of guilt".</p> <p>Another subtle sign, according to the expert, was that he "kept shuffling his feet while he was standing with Jade", which is a natural response.</p> <p>The expert said that when people are being accused of something, "the limbic brain - which controls our behavioural and emotional responses - switches on and freezes body responses."</p> <p>"So when he can't keep his feet still, that could seem to be a sign of something not quite right".</p> <p>The last tell-tale sign was that he tried to invade Jade's personal space despite her walking away from him.</p> <p>"Clearly, Michael got slapped and that's a big invasion of personal space," said the expert.</p> <p>"But when someone tries to remove themselves from the situation like Jade walked off, and you go and follow them and get back in their space".</p> <p>The expert said that it's impossible to tell if someone is lying based on their body language alone and that we should look out for clusters of behaviours.</p> <p>"If they have three different things, then you can certainly tell that if they're not being dishonest, then there is something that is making them exceptionally uncomfortable, it's important to look at all aspects of their behaviour," she said.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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“Hitting this on the head”: Michael Clarke returns to the air

<p>Michael Clarke appeared with co-hosts Laurie Dailey and Gerard Middleton on <em>Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast</em>, less than one week after footage of an incident with his girlfriend in Noosa was made public. </p> <p>In what was Clarke’s first radio appearance of the year, Middleton wasted no time in stressing to keen listeners that they considered the altercation to be a private matter, and that they would not be addressing it on the show. </p> <p>“We’re just hitting this on the head straight away,” Middleton announced, “it’s a private matter that Clarkey’s obviously been dealing with - a very, very private matter which unfortunately was made public.</p> <p>“There’s a lot of factors in play here and Clarkey’s made his statement last week and due to all the factors in play we are moving forward on <em>The Big Sports Breakfast</em> this morning.”</p> <p>Despite this, the hosts couldn’t help themselves from making reference to Clarke’s hamstring injury - one sustained on January 10, with footage showing him limping and claiming that he had “done my hammy” outside of a Noosa restaurant. </p> <p>“I want to ask you,” Middleton began, “you showed us before, that bruise on your hamstring, that is incredible mate. You won’t be able to walk properly for weeks.”</p> <p>Clarke was quick to downplay the comment, assuring Middleton that he was prepared for “game day”, telling him, “nah, it’s fine buddy. It’s on the mend, I’m good to go. I’m ready, game day, good to go, on the mend.”</p> <p>The former cricketer and his co-hosts stayed true to their word, “moving forward” from there to discuss Australia’s summer of cricket, with Clarke even revealing that he had been approached about commentating for the Pakistan Super League. However, it remains unclear whether or not he will stay on as a commentator for Australia’s upcoming India Test series. </p> <p>The comments made during the radio show were the first public statements of any kind since Clarke apologised last Wednesday for the public upset, when he told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>, “I accept full responsibility for this altercation and am shattered by my actions.”</p> <p>A spokesperson for the company behind Sky Sports Radio, who produce <em>Big Sports Breakfast</em>, appeared to support the show’s decision to keep quiet, stating that “the company doesn’t comment on the personal matters of its employees.”</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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“Keep it in your pants son”: Radio hosts react to Clarke vs. Stefanovic fight

<p>Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has been slammed after the video footage of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/karl-stefanovic-and-michael-clarke-caught-in-public-scuffle-over-cheating-claims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his fight</a> with his girlfriend, Jade Yarbrough and <em>The Today Show</em> host, Karl Stefanovic, went viral.</p> <p><em>2GB Radio</em> host Ben Fordham slammed the former cricketer for dragging Stefanovic into the fight.</p> <p>“Karl Stefanovic’s name has been dragged into it because he happened to be there and Michael Clarke turned on Karl too,” he said on Thursday.</p> <p>“Really, really disgraceful language that was used by Michael Clarke as far as I can see it’s got nothing to do with Karl apart from the fact he happened to be there.</p> <p>“It’s between Michael Clarke and his girlfriends, it’s a shocker and the language used by Michael Clarke in a public place in front of children was utterly disgraceful.”</p> <p>His co-host Ray Hadley also commented on Clarke's behaviour, implying that Clarke should grow up.</p> <p>“I don’t know Michael Clarke but we’ve all had problems in life Michael, me included.</p> <p>“But if I were to give advice to a 41-year-old male adult … it would be along the lines of ‘keep it in your pants son,'" he said</p> <p><em>KIIS106.5 </em>host, Kyle Sandilands, also commented on the drama saying that he "nearly died" when he first found out about the incident.</p> <p>His co-host Jackie O expressed her shock: "my jaw is to the floor and I’m like ‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing’ thinking this is not the Michael Clarke I know".</p> <p>Sandilands claimed that he had been in "thousands of fights like that," and chuckled as he asked the question we've all been thinking: "why are they shirtless in a public park?"</p> <p>“If we all sit around and we think what’s our worst fight we’ve ever ever had with our partner, imagine someone filming that and putting that on The Daily Telegraph … No thanks. I’d disappear forever, you’d never see me again,” he added.</p> <p>His co-host agreed, and said that she would "leave the country for two months".</p> <p>The radio hosts speculated that Karl Stefanovic's involvement in the drama was simply because he was trying to "diffuse" the situation.</p> <p>“Who wants to get up and shoehorn themselves into someone else’s argy bargy? I think Karl was walking away,” said Kyle.</p> <p>"I hope they do alright," he added.</p> <p>Although the public scuffle wasn't mentioned on <em>The Today Show</em>, Stefanovic was asked about it while getting drinks at the <em>Australian Open</em>.</p> <p>"You know what the answer is going to be," he reportedly said to the <em>Herald Sun</em>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Karl Stefanovic and Michael Clarke caught in public scuffle over cheating claims

<p>Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke and TV personality Karl Stefanovic have been filmed in a fight over cheating claims while holidaying in Noosa.</p> <p>The incident occurred on January 10 and was released to <em>The Daily Telegraph</em> on Wednesday.</p> <p>Clarke and Stefanovic were having dinner with their partners, Jade and Jasmine Yarbrough, when their friendly dinner was cut short as Jade confronted Clarke after she reportedly contacted the former cricketer's ex-partner Pip Edwards.</p> <p>“You f**ked her on December 17 … You f**ked her, you’re a f**king dog,” Jade screamed.</p> <p>Clarke vigorously denied the accusations, saying that he was with their celebrity accountant friend Anthony Bell.</p> <p>"Baby, baby, Belly was at the house. I swear on my life, I swear at my life… That's not true, it's not true," he continued.</p> <p>Jade refuted, saying that his ex-partner told her about it: "You're f**king lying to me. You are a piece of s**t. I just spoke to her. What is wrong with you?"</p> <p>At this moment, her sister Jasmine and Stefanovic tried to intervene, which led to Clarke taking his anger out on the TV show host.</p> <p>"Karlos, I can tell you now c**t, don't you f**king walk away. She can, she can punch me, but not you, you c**t," Clarke said.</p> <p>Jade continued to yell at Clarke and hit him.</p> <p>“You piece of s**t, don’t you f**king speak to him,” she defended her brother-in-law.</p> <p>Clarke insisted that Jade was wrong, to which Jade retorted: "Oh am I wrong? You f**ked her [Edwards] on December 17, you f**ked her… you're a f**king dog… I'm going to show her every f**king message you ever f**king sent me".</p> <p>The video footage ended with Jasmine and Bell separating the couple.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>, the former cricketer accepted full responsibility for his actions.</p> <p>“I’m absolutely gutted I’ve put people I hold in the highest regard in this position,” he said. “My actions in the lead-up to this altercation were nothing short of shameful and regrettable.</p> <p>“I am shattered that because of my actions I’ve drawn women of class and integrity, and my mates, into this situation.”</p> <p>“I own this fully and am the only one at fault.”</p> <p>Clarke’s ex, Edward, also released a statement, hitting back with: “This is not my circus"</p> <p>“Yet again, Michael in his true nature has not taken responsibility for his actions and I was blatantly lied to," she said.</p> <p>Karl Stefanovic has yet to release a statement, with the topic being ignored on today's segment of <em>The Today Show</em>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty, The Daily Telegraph, 7News</em></p>

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"Too young to leave us": Aussie woman killed in holiday accident

<p>A young woman from Melbourne has tragically died while on holiday with her family after a devastating motorcycle crash. </p> <p>Saarah Hannah Bulbul, 25, was on the back of the bike when the rider lost control and crashed on July 28 in Istanbul, Turkey, according to <a title="www.heraldsun.com.au" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/saarah-bulbul-tributes-for-mitcham-lawyer-former-vermont-secondary-college-student/news-story/9f4af8645dcf99c1fa8cbf531cf0420b" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="9f4af8645dcf99c1fa8cbf531cf0420b" data-tgev-label="leader" data-tgev-metric="ev">The Herald Sun.</a></p> <p>While the driver managed to escape uninjured, Sarah died from her injuries on the way to the hospital.</p> <p>Ms Bulbul was travelling through Turkey with her parents and two sisters before the tragic accident, as the family will remain in Turkey, confirming Saarah will be buried at a family cemetery there.</p> <p>“We’re all devastated, she genuinely was full of life and had everything she ever wanted and everything was going right for her,” Saarah’s heartbroken sister Nesi told the Herald Sun.</p> <p>“It’s just way too quick and soon, and it doesn’t seem real yet.”</p> <p>Ms Bulbul was about 10 months into her first job as a lawyer with Grindal Legal in South Melbourne, after completing her degree at the city’s Swinbourne University. </p> <p>“She loved her job and she was smashing it, she loved working there and recently they told her she was going places,” sister Nesi said.</p> <p>Ms Bulbul's former high school principal Tony Jacobs described Ms Bulbul as “a vibrant, animated and energetic member of the school community”.</p> <p>“Saarah will always be remembered and sadly missed by all school friends and teachers,” Mr Jacobs said.</p> <p>“Our thoughts go out to the family and closest friends over the loss of someone too young to leave us.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / LinkedIn</em></p>

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How your new haircut could help save the Daintree

<p>The Daintree rainforest is overflowing with flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. It is also believed to be the oldest continual patch of tropical rainforest in existence. With more than half of the world’s rainforests already destroyed, here's why it is imperative to help support the ‘buy back’ process to ensure this spectacular part of our nation can’t be developed.</p> <p>HalfCut is an innovative charity created in 2017 which is helping to save the Daintree rainforest in Far North Queensland. In fact, during the covid lockdowns of 2021, they helped raise more than $1.2m for the Daintree buyback program which protected over 500,000  square metres of endangered Daintree rainforest. This is equivalent to 123.55 football fields worth of tropical rainforest.</p> <p><strong>Here’s what you need to know right now about the Daintree</strong><br />Two-thirds of the Daintree Lowland Rainforest was excluded from inclusion in the Daintree National Park and World Heritage Area that was declared in 1988. A developer created 1,137 blocks in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest. In 1982 a pro-development Queensland State Government re-zoned leasehold and freehold in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest, enabling a developer to subdivide it into 1,137 blocks. </p> <p>This resulted in the building of over 50km of roads and the clearing and development of high conservation value rainforest for housing. The freehold land between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation has World Heritage values and should be protected in the Daintree National Park.</p> <p><strong>Why is this such an important cause right now?<br /></strong>“HalfCut is an environmental not-for-profit that invites people to be visual disruptors to raise the urgent awareness that half the world's forests are destroyed, and regrettably a further 30 percent of the world’s forests are degraded,” explains James Stanton-Cooke (affectionately known as Jimmy HalfCut), who, along with his life partner Jessica Clarke, is the force behind this conversationalist challenge.   </p> <p>He adds, “The latest 2022 State of the Environment Report found that almost half of Australia's land is now used for grazing and the areas committed to forestry and cropping have increased. More than 6.1 million hectares of primary native forest, which is an area more than six times the size of suburban Melbourne, has been cleared since 1990.” </p> <p>Over the five years to 2019, nearly 290,000 hectares of primary forest and 343,000 hectares of regrown forest was cleared. Yet another reason to go to HalfCut to raise this urgent awareness and provide proactive tangible outcomes to addressing these issues. </p> <p>The HalfCut Challenge in August invites the brave to courageously have some hair-larious fun to start conversations about conservation and raise funds for Daintree buyback to be saved from development. </p> <p>“In the midst of the ongoing climate crisis events - drought, fires, and more recent flooding and pandemic events, saving rainforest and rewilding (tree planting) of our rainforests is needed more than ever. The proof is in the trees for carbon drawn down, increasing biodiversity, water cycles, foods, medicines and giving us clean air to breath,” adds Stanton-Cooke.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/HalfCut07_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>James Stanton-Cooke (affectionately known as Jimmy HalfCut) and co-founder Jessica Clarke are the force behind this conversationalist challenge.</em></p> <p><strong>Here’s how the ‘buy back system works<br /></strong>HalfCut and two other NFP’s partners – Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Rainforest 4 – joined together with the unique program "Stronger Together" for the buyback high value conservation Lots in the Daintree to expand back into Daintree National Park. </p> <p>Upon settlement, the title of the property will be transferred to the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, who will then manage the transfer of the title for the land to the Queensland Government. The process of purchasing the property and transferring it into the national parks estate will likely take between six to 12 months. </p> <p>“It is about righting a wrong in more ways than one as money raised also helped the Daintree rainforest now be jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Queensland National Parks. This now means the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) now is an integral part of managing the conservation of the Daintree rainforest so it will always be protected,” says Jessica Clarke.</p> <p>The team behind HalfCut helped to commemorate this achievement with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony with traditional owners.</p> <p>In 2022 the goal is to once again crack a million dollars in donations. There are three Daintree rainforests Lots supporters are aiming to save including:</p> <ul> <li>Lot 6 - 3.75 hectares located in Forest Creek, Daintree Lowland Rainforest, Queensland (<a href="https://go.halfcut.org/halfcut22/posts/help-save-lot-6-new-daintree-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more information here</a>)</li> <li>Lot 93 - 8.09 hectares located in Diwan, Daintree Lowland Rainforest, Queensland (<a href="https://go.halfcut.org/halfcut22/posts/help-save-lot-93-new-lowland-daintree-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more information here</a>)</li> <li>Lot 197 - 1.015 hectares located in Cow Bay, Daintree Lowland Rainforest, Queensland (<a href="https://go.halfcut.org/halfcut22/posts/help-save-lot-197-quandong-road-in-the-daintree-lowland-rainforest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more information here</a>)</li> </ul> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/HalfCut04_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Here’s why these are particularly important lots to save<br /></strong>All 24 lots saved have had intensive surveys by respected ecologist and botanist Kristopher Kupsch who has recently encountered what is thought to be <a href="https://go.halfcut.org/halfcut22/posts/new-species-of-gardenia-thought-to-be-discovered-in-the-daintree" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a new species of Gardenia</a> in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest.  </p> <p>It is Kupsch’s job to determine what endangered and threatened species are on the lots, what invasive species and if a new potential species are potentially found. With 25 years of experience in the Daintree he has never encountered this species before. </p> <p>“When I first saw the Gardenia (Atractocarpus sp. nov.), I wondered what it was because the specimen looked different to all known species in the Rubiaceae family but matched Atractocarpus, being similar to the Hairy Gardenia (Atractocarpus hirtus),” Kupsch says, adding that the Hairy Gardenia is common in the Daintree lowlands.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/HalfCut05_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Ecologist and botanist Kristopher Kupsch with the newly discovered species of Gardenia.</em></p> <p>The iconic and colourful cassowary is one of the most recognisable icons of the Wet Tropics. This striking bird with its brilliant blue and purple head and neck, red wattles, and amber eyes, appears extensively on promotional brochures and souvenirs throughout the region. However, it is an endangered species and its future is uncertain. </p> <p>Saving these lots is providing the much needed habitat required for their survival. Cassowaries prefer lowland Daintree areas, where regrettably cars and pet owners' dogs are impacting cassowaries and chicks' population, along with feral pigs eating the eggs and chicks and competing for their food. It is now estimated that the gardener of the Daintree, the cassowary, a keystone species, numbers less than 2,500 in the Daintree. A male cassowary with three chicks was recently sighted on Lot 93.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/HalfCut06_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The iconic and colourful cassowary is one of the most recognisable icons of the Wet Tropics.</em></p> <p><strong>What exactly is HalfCut about?<br /></strong>HalfCut day is Wednesday 31st August 2022, when anyone wanting to support the plight of the Daintree is welcome to accept a crazy hair challenge. Created by James Standon-Cooke (affectionately known as Jimmy HalfCut) and life partner Jessie Clarke, this environmental activist couple is challenging you to cut off half of your hair, beard or moustache. If you feel like splashing out in colour then dye your locks a different shade or braid half of your hair, undercut or even get a normal haircut showing half of the length removed. More recently half stylish face makeup, baking goods, and even the odd half mowed lawn have been popular. It’s anything HalfCut to help to raise awareness and money for this great cause. Ultimately it’s about raising awareness for conservation. </p> <p>It is all about doing your bit to help to protect the oldest rainforest in the world. Don’t feel like doing the challenge but know someone aged 18+ who will? Then dare them to accept and sponsor them through this registered charity. Dozens of childcare centres, schools, Universities and businesses have rallied behind this campaign to save the Daintree forest. </p> <p>All money donated helps protect Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland which provides crucial habitat for many endangered species such as the Musky-Rat Kangaroo, Waterfall Frog, Southern Cassowary and Northern Quoll. </p> <p>The Daintree is the most biologically diverse in the world with lush fauna and includes wildlife such as 65 percent of different kinds of native butterflies and bats, 35 percent of the world’s types of frogs, and 20 percent of Australian bird species.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/HalfCut03_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Here’s how your new haircut could help<br /></strong>Every $2.50 is one more square metre saved of the world’s oldest rainforest. Shave half your beard, cut, colour, braid your hair or simply get a haircut.</p> <p>World HalfCut Day is on 31st August. Visit <a href="http://www.go.halfcut.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.Go.HalfCut.org</a> to find out more and become an environmentally friendly hero. Then share your new hair do (or hair don’t!) on social media (using the hashtag #HalfCut) with friends and family to help protect the oldest rainforest in the world. It is up to you how long you stay HalfCut. It may be for a day, a week or even a month.</p> <p>It is all about raising money, spreading the word and having fun. The more you raise the more you’ll help this important cause and all donations over $2 are tax deductible. You can even create a team to join together to have a hair-raising adventure and help a great cause.</p> <p>Don’t want to mess with your perfect locks? Then help spread the word by buying a HalfCut t-shirt, bag, hat or hoodie and save 10 square metres of rainforest for life per purchase, or simply make a donation to this great cause. Visit <a href="http://go.halfcut.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">go.halfcut.org</a></p> <p><strong>How can you help save the Daintree?<br /></strong><a href="https://go.halfcut.org/t/over-sixty-60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OverSixty</a> has our very own HalfCut squad to sign up to and/or donate to save the three Lots this August, reaching the $1m target goal. You can engage in the HalfCut Challenge this August and/or donate to the cause. </p> <p>If your interested in saving you very own Daintree lot, please contact <a href="mailto:jimmy@halfcut.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jimmy@halfcut.org</a></p> <p>HalfCut, with partners JYAC and R4, hold annual Save the Daintree tours, with the next tour in October 2022. <a href="https://go.halfcut.org/daintreerainforesttour2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See the previous April 2022 Save the Daintree tour handover of ten Daintree lots here</a> for an idea of the program for all HalfCutters and donors to attend. </p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Donate $2.50 and save a sqm of the Daintree rainforest</li> <li aria-level="1">Donate $62 and save 24.8 sqm of the Daintree rainforest</li> <li aria-level="1">Donate $112 and save 44.8 sqm of the Daintree rainforest</li> <li aria-level="1">Donate $236 and save 94.4 sqm of the Daintree rainforest</li> <li aria-level="1">Donate $516 and save 206.4 sqm of the Daintree rainforest</li> <li aria-level="1">Donate $10,000 and save a space equivalent to the size of a football field</li> <li aria-level="1">$1 million of donations willsave 400,000 sq metres or 98 football fields of Gondwanaland Daintree rainforest</li> </ul> <p>All funds raised will be spent on Daintree land purchase and protection.</p> <p><em>All images: Supplied.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article contains distressing content and descriptions of domestic violence.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">A coroner has recommended widespread changes to domestic violence training and support in Australia while delivering her findings on the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children at the hands of her ex-husband.</p> <p dir="ltr">Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley became emotional while delivering her findings, detailing the final moments of the young family during Rowan Baxter’s “final act of cowardice”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Clarke and her children, six-year-old Aaliyah, four-year-old Laianah, and three-year-old Trey, died after Baxter, her ex-husband, ambushed the family on their way to school in February, 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">After dousing their car in petrol, neighbours watched on in horror as he set the vehicle alight.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Bentley’s findings, published on Wednesday, it was revealed that Clarke died from multi-organ failure as a result of the fire.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley said the three children died at 8.25am on February 19 from the effects of the fire, while Baxter died from a self-inflicted stab wound.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The children died almost immediately from the inhalation of fumes and burns," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Hannah had received full-thickness, non-survivable burns."</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite suffering severe injuries, Bentley said Clarke showed “astounding bravery” and was able to describe what Baxter had done to nearby witnesses.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her findings come three months after the long-awaited coronial inquest into the deaths began.</p> <p dir="ltr">During the inquest, the court was told of how Baxter displayed controlling and abusive behaviour towards Clarke, including controlled what she wore and who she could see, demanding sex every night, and berating her body image.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court was told that Baxter abducted Laianah on Boxing Day 2019, taking her to northern NSW before returning her several days later.</p> <p dir="ltr">In another incident, Baxter assaulted Clarke after she confronted him about why he had explicit photos of her in his car - which was evidence he hoped to use in court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley said she found it unlikely that police, service providers or family could have stopped Baxter from carrying out his “murderous” plans, describing him as a “master of manipulation”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"After Hannah left him and he realised he could no longer control her, he began to rally support from friends he had not seen for years and professionals he considered could advance his cause,” Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">She described him killing himself as a “final act of cowardice” since he was unable to live with the public denunciation and punishment he would be subject to.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The truth is Hannah, who knew him best, was initially in favour of him having contact with the children … but she perceived he was becoming more dangerous," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Her fears were genuine and realistic and ultimately confirmed in the worst way."</p> <p dir="ltr">The coroner said there were missed opportunities to keep Baxter accountable, including their response to his breaching of the domestic violence order.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that training of police officers, particularly frontline officers, around domestic violence was insufficient, and that there was a “significant lack of counselling programmes and support” for perpetrators in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">"However, in this case, I am satisfied that even had it been available, Baxter was not interested in engaging in such programmes unless it furthered his cause … [of] Hannah agreeing to his wishes," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley made four recommendations, including that the Queensland government fund the police to provide "five-day face-to-face domestic violence training programme for all specialist domestic violence police officers", and mandatory face-to-face training for all police officers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My final recommendation is that the Queensland government provide funding for men's behaviour change programmes both in prisons and in the community as a matter of urgency," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I offer my most sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Clarke, other family members and friends and family of their children."</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside court, Hannah’s parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke said they were pleased with the findings.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We expected most of the results," Clarke told reporters.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We need to see everything that's been recommended implemented in every state."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>If you are in need of support or are a victim of domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service on 1800 737 732.</em></strong></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-d0e10153-7fff-5753-895b-89513ece704c"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Supermodel Kristy Hinze Clark makes super profit on Florida mansion

<p dir="ltr">Kristy Hinze Clark and her husband, American tech titan Jim Clark, have just sold their sprawling Florida home for a record-breaking sum.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s 16-acre home in Palm Beach is expected to sell for more than $US 175 million ($AUD 253 million) in an off-market deal, according to <em><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-billionaire-bought-a-florida-home-for-94-2-million-last-year-now-hes-selling-it-for-around-175-million-11655323328" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Wall Street Journal</a></em>, in a deal far exceeding Florida’s current sales record of $US 130 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hinz Clark and her billionaire husband are set to make around $US 81 million ($AUD 117 million) from the sale, which was a “spur of the moment purchase” 15 months ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2000-S-Ocean-Blvd_Lantana_FL_33462_M57433-88058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">property records</a>, the oceanfront home was bought by the couple on March 8, 2021, for $US 94,173,300 ($AUD 136,580,949), when they thought they were going to live in Florida most of the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Clark told the Wall Street Journal that, although they fell in love with the aesthetics and other features the home offered, they decided to stay in New York and enrol their two daughters there.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the end, we sort of thought, ‘How much will we come down here?’” he recalled. “I knew there was someone who wanted it and I beat them to it so I thought, ‘Let’s see if they want it again’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Boasting a total of 30 bedrooms spread across the 12-bedroom main home, two four-bedroom beachside cottages, the seven-bedroom Mango House, and a guest or staff house comprised of four studios.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other luxe features include a swimming pool, tennis court, golfing area, half-basketball court, fitness centre, and a spa, as well as access to a dock and pier on Lake Worth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The home itself has 360-degree views and is surrounded by 1200 feet of beach facing the Atlantic, and 1300 feet of frontage on the lake.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the listing from its 2021 sale, the home is also within a “singular microclimate” created by the Gulf Stream, meaning it is treated to “refreshing breezes and warmer waters, even when cooler weather prevails in Miami”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These unique conditions allowed for the creation of extensive botanical gardens that showcase neqarly 1,500 tropical species that replicate a ‘walk through the Caribbean’,” the listing reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Look, it’s a phenomenal property,” Mr Clark said. “You can’t find anything like that in Florida.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-edce07b8-7fff-9f42-4baa-b880783b24ea"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Realtor</em></p>

Real Estate

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Video shows Rowan Baxter purchasing killing tools

<p dir="ltr">A video showing Rowan Baxter purchasing the tools he would use to kill Hannah Clarke and their three children has played in court.</p> <p dir="ltr">CCTV showed Baxter at a local Brisbane Bunnings store buying zip ties, cleaning fluid and fuel at about 6 pm on February 17, 2020, just two days before the horrific murder.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wearing a black singlet and shorts, Baxter also appeared to wander around before paying for the items.</p> <p dir="ltr">Later that afternoon, Baxter called a men’s support helpline where he said he was the victim.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My wife, to be honest, it's almost like a game to put her in a better position for family court," he was heard saying, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/inquest-into-hannah-clarkes-death-tracks-killers-movements-in-days-before-murder-brisbane-queensland/d882dce1-d321-4cd6-9791-0f37d4892e91" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm not the one who has the problem. I'm just doing what I'm told.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I never even thought my wife was capable of doing anything like this."</p> <p dir="ltr">On 19 February, 2020, before Baxter set alight to the family car with Ms Clarke and their three children - Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey - he was seen at a Caltex petrol station purchasing 4.6L of fuel and three Kinder Surprises.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke was taking her three children to school when Baxter doused them with fuel.</p> <p dir="ltr">The three children died at the scene while Ms Clarke was taken to hospital. Baxter later stabbed himself with a knife and died.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke suffered burns to 97 per cent of her body and, despite her injuries, was able to give police three statements about what happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">The inquest continues.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: CCTV footage</em></p>

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