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Aussie flag bearers for Paris Olympics announced

<p>The Australian flag bearers have been announced for the upcoming opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. </p> <p>Chef de mission Anna Meares officially confirmed the flag bearers for the event on the River Seine to massive applause at a function in Paris on Wednesday, announcing Jess Fox and Eddie Ockenden as the two champions who will carry the flag. </p> <p>Meares admitted that she told Fox, an award-winning canoeist, about the special honour two months ago so she could break the news in person.</p> <p>“Even though I’ve known a little while, it’s really hit me today ... all the emotions came up,” Fox said.</p> <p>“It is probably the greatest moment of my career ... just visualise us, leading our team down the Seine.”</p> <p>History-making Kookaburra Eddie Ockenden, who will become the first Australian hockey player to play five Games, will join Fox in carrying the flag.</p> <p>He also carried the flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham two years ago.</p> <p>“This really means a lot to me ... if I get emotional, it’s because of gratitude, so thank you,” Ockenden said.</p> <p>“I feel special, to represent Tasmania. It’s something that I’ve always felt a real connection to and if I could even say to kids in Tassie - dream big and chase your dreams, sport or otherwise.</p> <p>“It doesn’t feel real yet ... it’s a huge honour. I never thought this was something that could be a possibility.”</p> <p>The opening ceremony of the Paris Games will be like none other in history with boats taking athletes from each county down the Seine River. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

International Travel

Beloved author slams Carrie Bickmore for “schoolyard bullying”

<p>New Zealand author and poet Jessica Urlichs has voiced her extreme displeasure with Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little for her radio program "Carrie & Tommy", claiming that she experienced what amounted to "schoolyard bullying" during a recent segment.</p> <p>Bickmore read one of Urlichs’ poems on air recently while speaking to her co-host, Tommy Little. Urlichs, who has nearly half-a-million followers on Instagram, felt that her work was shamefully mocked during the broadcast.</p> <p>"I don’t have any words left to truly articulate the schoolyard bullying you displayed in your recent segment across multiple radio stations," Urlichs wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday.</p> <p>She continued, "You used my heartfelt poem (without permission) as your very weak punchline. Your co-host wasn’t allowing a voice for post-partum women, nor you for that matter, and as a woman who was once post-partum it was very disappointing to see you reduce yourself to his childlike behaviour on such an important topic."</p> <p>In her caption, Urlichs explained she wrote the poem for herself and for mothers who might be offended by the radio segment. She also mentioned that her requests to have the content removed had been ignored.</p> <p>During the radio segment, Bickmore explained to Little that the poems, written from the perspective of a baby to its mother, frequently appeared in her social media feed. Little responded with skepticism and humour, questioning the premise that a baby could write such a poem.</p> <p>Bickmore defended the work, identifying Urlichs as the author and stressing the poem's emotional significance for mothers dealing with sleepless nights. Despite this, Little continued to mock the poem, suggesting it was written by a middle-aged man pretending to be a baby.</p> <p>The segment continued with Bickmore reading the poem aloud, accompanied by background music, while Little laughed and interjected. This tone persisted throughout the reading, leading to further comments from Little that questioned the poem's authenticity and meaning.</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/C8Q8DaXPMd9/?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/C8Q8DaXPMd9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by J E S S I C A U R L I C H S (@jessurlichs)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Following the broadcast, a video clip of the segment was posted on Instagram, where Urlichs expressed her disappointment in the comments. "If you’d asked for my permission to post this and I’d seen how it was mocked throughout I would have said no," she wrote on the post that has now been removed. She added that while she appreciates people sharing her work to support other mothers, she felt her writing was treated as a punchline in this instance.</p> <p>The full text of the remarkable poem can be read below.</p> <p><iframe style="overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjessurlichs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02jzy9gwBKnMAAX12NYp7XiZ1CpWsgxfd2zyhRaHVQfgLJ3NoB1kCcGXNbhJucZcYNl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="666" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Jessica Rowe fires back at ridiculous Peter Overton claims

<p>Jess Rowe has clapped back at a magazine that claims her marriage to Peter Overton is in "crisis". </p> <p>The presenter made the "shocking" discovery on the front page of a magazine while walking through the shopping centre, and took to her TikTok account to debunk the wild claims. </p> <p>The cover of the <em>Woman's Day</em> mag shows paparazzi photos of the couple looking distressed alongside the title: Pete and Jess in Crisis: Why She’s Standing By Him.</p> <p>“Look at what I learned when I was at the supermarket checkout today,” Rowe said in the opening of the facetious video, which has been viewed more than 40,000 times.</p> <p>“I was staring back at myself on the front of the magazine … According to the magazine, we are in crisis. I had to open the magazine to discover why I’m standing by Petey – let me tell you why.”</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: currentcolor !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: currentcolor !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7376185418213084417&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40craphousewife%2Fvideo%2F7376185418213084417&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2FoMZXsDXJQAQ2OOEEwBeEaagUXI6RgpFBm6BmUf%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-alisg-i-0068%2Fo0A6eXXpDQCZW63mA0FAQrRVtCfxmABIEFgMEX.image%3Fx-expires%3D1717894800%26x-signature%3DXOjZhuATPOIRhqQpkKsQ9VSSCpA%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>She continued to joke about the “flattering photo” that the tabloid used, where she describes herself as “suitably puffy underneath the eyes”, saying pointedly, “I’m looking like I am in crisis."</p> <p>She then shows a photo of the full cover story, titled: Pete and Jess: This Won’t Break Us.</p> <p>“What is going to break us?” Rowe posed. “It turns out, there’s this article all about possible changes to the news that really aren’t based on anything, just some anonymous quotes.”</p> <p>At the video’s conclusion, she read the final quote provided in the “nonsensical article”.</p> <p>“‘But whatever happens they’ll come through it all stronger than ever – that’s just the way they are’,” Rowe quoted. “Oh phew, I was reassured reading that standing at the supermarket line that Petey and I, we’re going to come through it. We’re not in crisis.”</p> <p>The video racked up thousands of likes and comments, with fans of Rowe also condemning the gossip tabloid. </p> <p>“Sometimes you need a magazine to tell you how you’re feeling,” one commenter quipped.</p> <p>“It’s like work gossip,” another said. “I generally need to ask people what is going on in my life that I don’t know is happening.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

Aussie cruising fanatics share their top cruise tips

<p dir="ltr">An Aussie couple who are dedicated to cruising have shared their top tips to keep in mind before setting sail. </p> <p dir="ltr">Marty and Jessica Ansen are about to set off on their 130th cruise and have made headlines around the world for their devotion to spending most of their lives at sea.</p> <p dir="ltr">Together they have sailed roughly 770,000 nautical miles over more than 2,300 days on board, which equates to more than six years spent at sea.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Brisbane grandparents, both 77, have just headed off on their tenth trip around the globe, which is also their 52nd consecutive cruise adventure. </p> <p dir="ltr">During all their time spent at seas, the Ansens have learned a thing or two about life onboard, and have shared their top ten tips to make time on a cruise ship as smooth sailing as possible.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their number one tip for cruise travellers is to take a backup credit or debit card, as Marty told<em> <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/cruising/cruise-tips-couple-princess-cruises-marty-and-jessica-ansen-australia/c61281dd-c47a-41bf-b166-608b581eccdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Travel</a></em>, "Replacing a lost or stolen card while overseas is not for the fainthearted."</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ansens recommend making a clear and legible copy of your passport, as consulates find it a lot easier if you can provide a copy ready to go when you disembark.</p> <p dir="ltr">After all their years at sea, Marty and Jessica are pro-packers, and recommend wearing all your heaviest clothing when you check in to better adhere to a strict weight limit. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Jessica and I have one piece of luggage, usually under 20kg," Marty said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We also each have one bag of hand luggage. Going on board, regardless of weather, I wear my heaviest clothing."</p> <p dir="ltr">When it comes to packing, they also advise leaving your toiletries at home. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Leave consumables like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and any creams and potions at home as Princess (cruise line) provides basic toiletries and anything you do need can be bought at the first port," Marty said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marty and Jessica also recommend packing all your essentials in your hand luggage, as it can often take a while for your checked bags to arrive in your cruise ship cabin. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Place all jewellery, passports, visas, medication money and credit/debit cards in your hand luggage for easy retrieval," Marty said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marty said one thing every traveller must check before setting sail is what electrical connection is used onboard. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Check what electrical connection is used onboard and have the right adapter ready to charge your devices,' Marty said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many ships have American and European plug points, while newer ones may have USB connections too.</p> <p dir="ltr">When it comes to bringing medications, the Ansens said you should always bring extras, as well as the required paperwork.</p> <p dir="ltr">"As an extra precaution carry copies of scripts so that if you do run out or lose your medications it will be easier to prove what you need to overseas pharmacies or doctors," Marty said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lastly, like any overseas adventure, the Ansens said it is important to always have travel insurance, and to make copies of your policy. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)</em></p>

Cruising

Jess Rowe explains her husband's absence from the news desk

<p>Jessica Rowe has shared the reason why her husband Peter Overton has been absent from his presenting duties on the <em>9News</em> desk for the last few weeks. </p> <p>Taking to her Instagram, Rowe explained that Overton has been at home recovering from surgery and will remain on leave for another few weeks. </p> <p>“Many of you have been missing Petee from your TV screens these past couple of weeks & have asked me where he is!” the 53-year-old began in her post. </p> <p>“Well he’s at home recovering from hip replacement surgery & getting lots of TLC. Petee will be back @9newssydney soon!”</p> <p>In her post, the former Studio 10 host shared a photo of her husband, 58, with his feet up on the bed, appearing in good spirits.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5r02QYydV1/?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/C5r02QYydV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jessica Rowe (@jessjrowe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her followers thanked Rowe for the update while also wishing the beloved news anchor a speedy recovery from the extensive procedure. </p> <p>“Oh! We miss seeing you Pete! Get well soon,” wrote one, while another commented, “Thank you we have missed Pete wondering what had happened to him. Wishing Pete all the very best for a speedy recovery.”</p> <p>“Legend! The best in the business! Hope you are back reading the news soon. Miss seeing you read the evening news so much,” wrote yet another.</p> <p>Others who had undergone the same surgery shared their words of encouragement, with one person commenting, “OMG Peter I had hip replacement surgery 5 weeks ago. Hang in there buddy it gets better I promise.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

Peter Overton's adorable photo recreation with his daughters

<p>In the whirlwind world of jet-setting journalists, where passport stamps act as badges of honour, it's easy to become a connoisseur of the globe. Peter Overton, the esteemed newsreader (and now, it would seem, traveller extraordinaire!) knows this all too well.</p> <p>With a career spanning nearly a decade at<em> 60 Minutes</em>, he's seen more corners of the earth than your average compass. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of Namibia, his adventures have been the stuff of envy for many.</p> <p>But hold onto your boarding passes, folks, because Overton recently embarked on a journey of a different kind – one that involved less hard-hitting reporting and more ice skating in Central Park. Yes, you guessed it; he took a trip with his two teenage daughters, Allegra and Giselle, and wife, TV host Jessica Rowe! And yes indeed, it was a whirlwind of teenage thrills and dad jokes.</p> <p>Their escapade took them to the illustrious cities of New York, London and Paris – a trifecta of cultural richness and Instagram-worthy moments. While Overton might have thought he had seen it all, experiencing these iconic cities through the eyes of his daughters brought a whole new dimension to his travels. Forget about uncovering hard-hitting news stories; the real scoop was watching his daughters' faces light up as they devoured their first New York slice or twirled around on the ice in Central Park.</p> <p>As Overton <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/peter-overton-presenter-nine/3665ee64-f361-4e1e-994a-b37b858e0410" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 9Travel</a>, "Every day was a highlight because every day the kids realised what a thrill this was, and they thanked us every day, which just made it so worthwhile." Ah, the joys of teenage gratitude!</p> <p>Now, you might think that being a household name would automatically mean flying first class and staying in penthouse suites. But fear not, frugal travellers, because the Overton-Rowe clan knows how to stretch a dollar. Opting for apartments over hotel rooms, they were able to enjoy the comforts of home away from home without breaking the bank. (Take note, budget-conscious travellers, because this is how you do luxury on a shoestring budget.)</p> <p>And let's not forget about dear old dad's role in all of this. While Jessica handles the packing (because let's face it, dads and folding clothes don't exactly mix), it's Overton who takes the reins when it comes to trip planning and booking. "I'm useless," he confesses with a chuckle. But hey, at least he's honest about it.</p> <p>But the adventure didn't stop at the bright lights of the big cities; they even made a pit stop in Winchester, England, where Overton himself was born. Talk about a blast from the past – in an adorable Overton moment, they recreated a family photo at the village sign, proving that no matter how far you roam, there's always a piece of home to hold onto.</p> <p>As for future travels, Overton has his sights set on exploring more of his home turf in Australia. Forget luxury train rides in Europe; he's all about road tripping through the Riverina with his girls. And who can blame him? With its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, it's the perfect backdrop for some good old-fashioned family bonding.</p> <p>So, here's to Peter Overton, the intrepid newsreader turned family travel guru. May your adventures continue to be filled with teenage thrills, dad jokes and plenty of passport stamps. And remember, no matter where life takes you, there's always room for one more family photo by the village sign.</p> <p><em>Images: 9Travel</em></p>

International Travel

Tragic news after camper missing for 12 days

<p>Human remains believed to be that of missing camper Jessica Louise Stephens have been found by Northern Territory Police. </p> <p>The 35-year-old went camping at Kakadu National Park almost two weeks ago, and was reported missing by her mother on October 18. </p> <p>On Saturday afternoon police released a statement saying that they have recovered the remains on Nourlangie Rock, near where Stephens was believed to be travelling. </p> <p>Police also confirmed that the remains were located within the original search area. </p> <p>In an earlier statement, NT police reported that they found Stephen's belongings “a considerable distance from the walking track in harsh terrain”. </p> <p>It was reported that her vehicle was found <span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">in a car park near Nourlangie Rock. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Acting </span><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">Senior Sergeant Steven </span><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">Langdon said that the search and rescue operation for Stephens, which commenced on the 24th of October, had covered around </span><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">140 square kilometres of the national park. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">Search efforts had been hampered by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 48 degrees Celcius. <br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">Police have reported that they are in contact with Stephens' family and are preparing a report for the Coroner. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;">Image: ABC News/ </span></em><span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif;"><em>Karon Evans/ Getty</em></span></p>

News

Stephen Fry rushed to hospital

<p>Beloved British icon and actor Stephen Fry, aged 66, found himself in a hospital bed following a dramatic tumble off the stage at London's O2 Arena. The incident occurred right after he had delivered a talk about artificial intelligence (AI) at the CogX Festival.</p> <p>Reports indicate that Fry plummeted an alarming six feet to the ground, resulting in injuries to his leg and ribs. A spokesperson for the conference issued a statement expressing their concern and support for Fry, explaining that the unfortunate accident transpired after his inspiring discourse on the influence of AI. They emphasised their collective thoughts and well-wishes for his speedy recovery. They also mentioned that they had initiated their own investigation but were unable to disclose further details at the moment.</p> <p>Prior to his fall, Fry had engaged the audience with thought-provoking ideas, saying, "We have to choose whether we want to be Prometheus or Zeus." He humorously added, "The one thing we can agree on is that it's a f--king weird time to be alive."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks to everyone who joined us at CogX Festival’s 7th AI & Transformational tech event at London’s iconic O2 arena.</p> <p>Watch our quick Day 3 recap and visit our website to be the first to hear about our plans to make it even bigger and better next year!<a href="https://t.co/K1fBIE0R0G">https://t.co/K1fBIE0R0G</a> <a href="https://t.co/IqRwpRwwiZ">pic.twitter.com/IqRwpRwwiZ</a></p> <p>— CogX Festival (@CogX_Festival) <a href="https://twitter.com/CogX_Festival/status/1704538018369954103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>In another intriguing revelation, Fry discussed an incident where a historical documentary utilised an AI-generated replication of his voice without his consent. He clarified to his fans that he had not uttered a single word in the narration; instead, a machine had performed the task.</p> <p>He expressed astonishment at the technology's capabilities, noting that it could potentially manipulate his voice to convey any message, from a call to storm Parliament to explicit content, all unbeknownst to him and without his authorisation. "And this, what you just heard," he said, "was done without my knowledge."</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

"Where did the time go": Jessica Alba's bittersweet update

<p>Jessica Alba has shared a bittersweet post of her two daughters Honor Marie, 15, and Haven Garner, 12, on their first day back-to-school. </p> <p>The doting mum took to Instagram to share the photos of her two girls with the sweet caption: “10th and 7th -where did the time go… (sigh 💔) my baby girls first day of school!"</p> <p>She also added the hashtags #momlifeisthebestlife #summerisofficiallyover #firstdayofschool.</p> <p>In the first photo, her daughters had their arms wrapped around each other as they posed for their mum in front of their house. </p> <p>In the second photo, the pair were cheesing hard, with their arms still wrapped around each other. Honor rocked a pair of baggy mum jeans, a white tank top and matching sneakers, while Haven had a similar aesthetic with pair black cargo pants, a light blue tank top and black and white sneakers. </p> <p>A few of the star's celebrity friends took to the comments to share their sentiment. </p> <p>"Wherever they went; they went beautifully 😍"<em> Basic Instinct </em>actress Sharon Stone wrote. </p> <p><em>How to Get Away with Murder</em> actress Viola Davies commented a few crying and red heart emojis. </p> <p>American actor and TV host Mario Lopez also commented red heart emojis. </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/CwgvQrgLIn2/?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/CwgvQrgLIn2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans also took to the comments to express their shock at how quickly time flies. </p> <p>"WHAT THE HECK!! Haven was just a baby!! 😩😩😩" wrote one person. </p> <p>"They are so cute!!!! And so grown up. Time flies!" wrote another. </p> <p>"Awww ❤️ can’t believe how fast time goes!!" commented a third. </p> <p>Alba shares her two daughters and 5-year-old son Hayes with her husband Cash Warren. The couple first met on the set of Fantastic Four in 2004 and tied the knot three years later. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

"I'm so proud!": Jessica Rowe tears up at daughter's first catwalk show

<p>In a touching moment, Jessica Rowe has opened up about her feelings upon witnessing her daughter, Allegra Overton, embark on her debut catwalk journey – at the Sydney Opera House no less!</p> <p>The 16-year-old Allegra, daughter of Jessica and news anchor Peter Overton, is rapidly making a name for herself in Australian modelling. Despite being a high school student, Allegra is already making strides in the Australian entertainment landscape, a fact that clearly fills Mum with immense pride.</p> <p>Rowe, aged 53, took to Instagram to share poignant snapshots of Allegra's graceful presence on the runway, conveying the profound significance of this pivotal moment.</p> <p>Radiant in her vibrant ensemble, Rowe sat at the forefront of the audience, exuding pride and emotion as she watched her daughter confidently glide down the catwalk, showcasing luxurious activewear by AJE Athletic.</p> <p>Rowe's facial expression said it all, as she witnessed her daughter's inaugural runway appearance. Sharing her feelings on Instagram, the elated mother wrote:</p> <p>"Such an overwhelming day… here I am teary as I watch my darling brave firstborn Allegra- a powerhouse of wonder- do her first catwalk show. And I love the look of joy on her booker @loganemily_ face & @regreta ! Thank you @laudev for holding my hand! @priscillasmodels . Thank you @ajeathletica for such an opportunity- what an amazing team you have 💗💗💗💗 #momager #catwalk #wearingmytracksuit"</p> <p>Rowe's enthusiasm for Allegra's modelling pursuits has been evident through her vibrant online presence. She previously took to Instagram to announce Allegra's signing with Priscilla's Models, sharing Allegra's professional headshots and humorously dubbing herself a "mum-ager," a fusion of mum and manager.</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/CwD9T-9SXzh/?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/CwD9T-9SXzh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jessica Rowe (@jessjrowe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In her newfound role, Rowe wholeheartedly embraces the responsibilities, even documenting Allegra's inaugural major photoshoot in a TikTok video. With unrestrained enthusiasm, Rowe proudly shares her excitement with her followers, exclaiming, “I’m so proud, just quietly!”</p> <p>Behind the scenes, Rowe captures the essence of the photoshoot, covering aspects ranging from hairstyling and makeup to wardrobe selection. While Allegra poses for the camera, Rowe offers gentle guidance, encouraging smiles and sharing her insights.</p> <p>In this heartwarming narrative, Jessica Rowe unveils the emotional spectrum she experienced as she witnessed her daughter take her first steps into the daunting world of modelling. It's a tale of pride, support, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter during a transformative moment in Allegra's burgeoning career.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

5 of the best things to do in Port Stephens

<p>From magnificent coastline to whale watching and sunsets that will take your breath away, these are five of the best things to do in Port Stephens. Be warned: After reading this you’ll want to hop in the car immediately.</p> <p><strong>1. Camp in luxury safari tent (pictured above)</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking for that up-close-and-personal-with-nature feel that goes hand in hand with camping, but don’t want to go with out the luxuries of a resort, the safari tents at <a href="http://www.twsr.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thou Walla Sunset Retreat</span></strong></a> are for you. Labelled as “Glamping Safari Tents,” the experience is just that – camping with all of the glamourous trimmings. From the king-size bed to the large flat-screen TV, you can expect all the features that you get from a luxury hotel room, including an electric fireplace, fridge and a big bathroom with a shower and toilet – they are, however, eco friendly with a few different bells and whistles. The tents themselves are located a stone’s throw from the marina and the calm waters of Soliders Point, which runs alongside one length of the site. Located around 15 minutes from Nelson Bay, the award-winning retreat is home to villas as well as the safari tents. If you are adverse to noises in the night, you may want to pack you earplugs to drown out the noisy birds – but apparently they don’t make a ruckus all year round and in any case, the piece des resistance that is the amazing sunset, enjoyed from your tent’s deck with a tipple in hand, by far makes up for the noise. It is absolute bliss.</p> <p><strong>2. Hike up to Tomaree Head</strong></p> <p>Tomaree Head sits 161 metres above Port Stephens and offers the most incredible views of the region. The track to the summit is just over two kilometres and will take around an hour, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, the lighthouse and WWII gun placements, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, and potentially even whales or dolphins. There’s a picnic table at the top, so bring your lunch for a meal with a view.</p> <p><strong>3. Go whale watching</strong></p> <p>Every year, thousands of humpback and southern right whales make their way past Port Stephens during their annual migration. At this time of year, the southern migration has begun and you’ll see many mothers with newborn calves returning from the breeding grounds. There are plenty of spots to watch the whales from shore, but for the real experience you need to be out on the water. <a href="http://www.imaginecruises.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Imagine Cruises</span></strong></a> runs whale-watching tours every day from May to November. You’ll be sailing on a 16-metre catamaran as the whales swim right alongside or breach from the water in a stunning display of aquatic acrobatics.</p> <p><strong>4. Spend the day at the beach</strong></p> <p>Port Stephens is surrounded by more than 20 golden sandy beaches so enjoy a classic stop on the shore. There’s a beach for just about every kind of water activity you could ask for, from swimming and surfing to snorkelling, parasailing, fishing and jetskiing. Divers can explore the sea caves and shipwrecks of Fly Point Marine Park. Or you can just spread out your towel, pick up a good book and soak up some sun.</p> <p><strong>5. Have dinner by the water</strong></p> <p>The Port Stephens region is famous for its food and wine, and one of the best spots to taste it is the <a href="http://littlebeachboathouse.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Little Beach Boathouse</span></strong></a>. The restaurant sits right on the water at Nelson Bay – but set away from the main shops on the marina. Styled like a cool, breezy beach house, the menu features fresh local produce like rock oysters, fish and prawns, accompanied by wines from the nearby Hunter Valley and Murray Brewery Beers brewed in Port Stephens. Arrive early for dinner to watch the sunset with a glass of bubbles.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><strong>Related links</strong></p> <p><a href="../travel/international/2016/09/10-of-the-most-incredible-landmarks-in-australia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 of the most incredible landmarks in Australia</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="../travel/international/2016/08/10-images-showcase-the-beauty-of-tasmanian-wilderness/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10 images showcase the beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="../travel/international/2016/08/12-aerial-photos-showcasing-south-australias-beauty/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">12 aerial photos showcasing South Australia’s beauty</span></em></strong></a></p>

Domestic Travel

Former beauty queen collapses and dies at just 25

<p>Former beauty queen Jessica Whalley has been named as the woman who died at ex-English soccer star Michael Owen’s stables. </p> <p>The 25-year-old worked at Manor House Stables in Cheshire, northwestern England, as a transport manager. </p> <p>Reportedly, Jessica felt ill at around 8:50am, and emergency services raced to attend to her in the racing yard, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.</p> <p>Police have stated that the tragic incident is not being treated as suspicious, explaining with their own statement that “at around 8.50am today, police were made aware that a 25-year-old woman had collapsed at a stables on Old Coach Road, Malpas.</p> <p>"Emergency services attended the location and, despite the best efforts of all those involved, the woman sadly died at the scene.</p> <p>"The death is not being treated as suspicious and her next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner."</p> <p>Michael Owen is said by <em>The Sun</em> to have been emotional in the wake of the loss, with one woman sharing on Facebook that it was “so sad seeing him and all his staff in tears today … after such a shock to them … [at] such a young age.</p> <p>"No health problems[,] 25 is no age ... life really is too short for we never really know how long we have ... thoughts go out to her family and friends."</p> <p>The National Association of Racing Staff CEO George McGrath had kind words for the late Jessica as well when he explained that she “was a much loved and respected member of the racing community and taken from us at much too early in age."</p> <p>Manor Farm Stables later released a statement, and tribute to their “valued member”, writing that “it is with deep sadness that we have to announce that a much-valued member of our team died at work this morning.</p> <p>"The family have been informed and both the family and the team at Manor House request privacy at this time."</p> <p>Jessica - or ‘Jess’ to her friends - has been remembered as a hard worker, a respected member of the racing community, and a “much loved” friend. But her professional history isn’t limited to the stables, as the young woman once found passion in the beauty circuit. </p> <p>In 2019, Jessica had the honour of representing the United Kingdom in the Miss Tourism Universe pageant, an event that took place in Beirut and aired on MTV. And in the competition, Jessica made it to the final ten. </p> <p>And it was one of Jess’s friends who shared the final picture ever taken of Jessica, taken a mere three days before, writing alongside the picture that it was “heartbreaking to hear Jess lost her life today at the tender age of 25.</p> <p>“She was riding out doing what she loved. We had so many great times working in Dubai.</p> <p>“May she rest in peace.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

News

Jessica Rowe shares fun holiday snaps in her new bikini

<p>Aussie TV journalist Jessica Rowe has shared a rare bikini photo with her followers while holidaying in Thailand.</p> <p>Rowe, who is married to Peter Overton, is on a family holiday with her husband and their two daughters.</p> <p>The 52-year-old regularly posts online using the hashtag #craphousewife to document unorganised pantries and easy dinners, but spiced things up a little sharing a bikini pic.</p> <p>It’s rare for her to post photos of herself in a swimsuit - the last time she did so was in January.</p> <p>In this latest Instagram post, Rowe is seen standing on the beach in a leopard-print bikini by Aussie designer Camilla, accessorised with a straw hat, earrings and a huge smile.</p> <p>The bikini, called For The Love Of Leo, typically retails for $299 but is currently on sale on the designer’s website for $254.</p> <p>“Away at last … hope you’re able to take a breather too as the silly season can get super silly,” she captioned the image.</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/Cl8ZBeSJbi1/?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/Cl8ZBeSJbi1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jessica Rowe (@jessjrowe)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Hundreds of Rowe’s followers rushed to wish her a happy holiday.</p> <p>She received lots of praise for her beach look with plenty of flame emojis populating the comments section.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Hugh Sheridan’s ex-husband’s identity revealed

<p dir="ltr">The identity of the high profile entertainer who was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/zero-regrets-hugh-sheridan-reveals-secret-marriage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">married to Aussie actor Hugh Sheridan</a> has been revealed. </p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Packed to the Rafters</em> actor, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, appeared on Jessica Rowe's <em>Big Talk Show</em> podcast and said they were married for nine years to an unidentified actor. </p> <p dir="ltr">But fans did a little digging and have concluded that Hugh, 37, was married to 35-year-old <em>Dynasty</em> star and Venezualan actor Rafael de la Fuente. </p> <p dir="ltr">It is understood that at the time of the relationship, Rafael was openly gay and Hugh was yet to share that he too was gay.</p> <p dir="ltr">On the podcast, Hugh said he did not want to reveal their former partner’s name but said the pair tied the knot on July 11, 2011 and were married for nine years. </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/Cf14Mh9OQeV/?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/Cf14Mh9OQeV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rafael De La Fuente (@rafaeldlf)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I can't say their name because they were in the same industry, so. Couldn't really be specific about that, but I was married,” Hugh said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We were solidly together for about seven years and then the last couple of years we were travelling a lot and it got too hard and, but we're still very good friends.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Hugh confessed that close family and friends knew about the marriage but they decided to keep it private from the public. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was finding out if you don't speak out about your private life, people can assume that you're ashamed or that you've got some sort of an agenda or that you are denying other people their self expression by not talking about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

"Zero regrets": Hugh Sheridan reveals secret marriage

<p dir="ltr">Hugh Sheridan has revealed they were married to a well-known entertainer for nine years but the pair opted to keep the relationship a secret.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 37-year-old actor, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, appeared on Jessica Rowe's Big Talk Show podcast, and revealed their past relationship. </p> <p dir="ltr">Hugh did not want to reveal their former partner’s name but said the pair tied the knot on July 11, 2011 and were married for nine years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I can't say their name because they were in the same industry, so. Couldn't really be specific about that, but I was married,” Hugh said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We were solidly together for about seven years and then the last couple of years we were travelling a lot and it got too hard and, but we're still very good friends.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Hugh confessed that close family and friends knew about the marriage but they decided to keep it private from the public. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was finding out if you don't speak out about your private life, people can assume that you're ashamed or that you've got some sort of an agenda or that you are denying other people their self expression by not talking about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Hugh and their ex officially got divorced a couple of years ago and revealed they are “very single right now”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am definitely single. I can confirm that right now,” Hugh said. </p> <p dir="ltr">The news comes just months after Hugh announced their split from fiancé Kurt Roberts after just eight months.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an Instagram post, the actor reminisced about their good times and that it was time to move on. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In retrospect, having a first public relationship, that public, that fast, might’ve been too much pressure on us,” they wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Maybe it was COVID or quarantines or us working to (sic) hard (I take the blame for full responsibility for the working hours), maybe it’s dads death or all the above.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The point is Kurt is incredibly kind, someone who is earnestly caring and helped me through a very tough time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Transparency is what I promised you all. For now we didn’t make it, but we tried very, very hard, I’m so sorry for us that it wasn’t easy and I’m sorry for the added pressure.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Lots learned, the heartache is heavy, but zero regrets for the greatest love.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Sarah Jessica Parker's "devastating" family news

<p>Sarah Jessica Parker has shared the news that her step-father, Paul Giffin Forste, has died at age 76. </p> <p>“Our family is sad to announce that after an unexpected and rapid illness, Paul Giffin Forste passed away yesterday at age 76,” the <em>Sex and the City</em> star’s family said in a statement obtained by <a href="https://pagesix.com/2022/09/29/sarah-jessica-parkers-devastating-family-situation-revealed/?_ga=2.259786575.430144023.1664372447-2143273385.1636072101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a>.</p> <p>“In his last moments he was surrounded with the love and gratitude of his adored wife Barbara of 54 years, and children, including Sarah Jessica Parker.”</p> <p>The statement continued, ”Paul will be remembered with the spirit of loving kindness which was his faith, his special delight in his 13 grandchildren, and his sustained belief in making the world a more charitable, tolerant, and beautiful place for all.”</p> <p>According to Page Six, Sarah Jessica Parker abruptly fled New York City Ballet’s 10th Annual Fall Fashion Gala due to a "personal matter". </p> <p>A source first told the outlet that the actress departed the David H. Koch Theatre at New York’s Lincoln Centre just moments after she arrived at the fundraiser, where she was being honoured.</p> <p>Parker is the vice chair of the NYCB Board of Directors. She was also the mastermind behind the Fall Fashion Gala, which was first celebrated a decade ago.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

Oscar-winning actress dead at 88

<p dir="ltr">Oscar-winning actress Louise Fletcher has died from natural causes at the age of 88. </p> <p dir="ltr">The star’s representative confirmed that she died at her home in France, after surviving two bouts of breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Best known for her role as Nurse Ratched in the film <em>One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest</em>, Louise rose to fame thanks to her incredible performance.</p> <p dir="ltr">The film was the second in Oscar award winning history to have won all five major academy awards. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Well, it looks like you all hated me so much that you’ve given me this award for it, and I’m loving every minute of it,” Louise said when she accepted the Oscar awards. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And all I can say is, I’ve loved being hated by you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Louise also appeared in <em>Exorcist II: The Heretic</em> and <em>The Cheap Detective</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was encouraged to act by her Aunty and undertook acting classes at night. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, Louise was deemed too tall to act across from Hollywood’s leading men actors. </p> <p dir="ltr">This however did not stop her from landing TV roles before she eventually met her husband and started a family in 1961. </p> <p dir="ltr">From 1973, she returned to the industry before accepting the role as Nurse Ratchet. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Caring

Lady Louise Windsor has surprising new job

<p dir="ltr">Lady Louise Windsor, one of Queen Elizabeth’s numerous grandchildren, has joined the thousands of young people in a tradition as old as time itself: getting a summer job.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she might be a royal, the 18-year-old’s new job is quite ordinary, with reports that she is earning £6.83 ($AU 11.68 or $NZ 13.03) at a garden centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em>The Sun</em>, Lady Louise was spotted by a shopper, pruning and potting plants, as well as greeting customers and serving them behind the till.</p> <p dir="ltr">The shopper described the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, as “modest”, “sweet” and “polite”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I couldn’t believe it was Lady Louise – I had to look twice,” the shopper told the newspaper.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is a really modest and sweet young woman who is polite and attentive to customers. She seemed to be loving the job.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’d never imagine the Queen’s granddaughter would take on a role working behind a till.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It’s believed Lady Louise is working at the garden centre several days a week, with the news coming after a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed she would be studying English at the University of St Andrew’s after finishing her A-levels in June.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she is 16th in line for the throne, Lady Louise and her brother, James, don’t use an HRH title, nor are they expected to carry out duties when they’re older.</p> <p dir="ltr">As unexpected as the royal’s job appears, it seems to have delighted fans of the monarchy, with one fan telling <em>The Sun</em>: “It’s not every day you buy begonias off a royal.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-40e9b517-7fff-cd84-bd70-3ee69a7e173c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

Jessica Rowe opens up on "bitterness and resentment" towards Karl

<p>On the latest episode of The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, the popular host has spoken out about the feelings of "resentment and bitterness" against former Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic following losing her job with Channel Nine, now 15 years ago.</p> <p>After Rowe took over Tracy Grimshaw's seat on the show in 2006, she was almost immediately criticised for a range of "issues", including not having enough chemistry with Stefanovic, plus attacks over her hair, her laugh and her weight.</p> <p>Taking time off for maternity leave in 2007, she was soon let go over reported "payment disputes”.</p> <p>At the time it was alleged that former CEO of the Nine Network Eddie McGuire – who held the position from 1998-2021 – had pushed for Rowe to be sacked during a meeting with executives. Rowe herself revealed that she had never had a conversation about her departure with Stefanovic until last year, when he appeared on her podcast to apologise for not doing more to protect her.</p> <p>Revealing more details about her history with Stefanovic on her latest podcast episode, Rowe revealed that her time co-hosting was "pretty rocky ... and that's an understatement".</p> <p>She spoke about how Stefanovic "generously" had a conversation with her on her podcast last year, and at the time she was still holding onto her issues.</p> <p>“From my perspective, there was bitterness and resentment,” she said.</p> <p>“And I don’t like feeling like that, because it eats you up. They’re such negative emotions. But for me, I found it hard to move past that. There was always this part of me that felt heavy, or I’d look at Karl’s success and there’d be a part of me that would feel jealous and resentful: ‘Hey, why is that happening to you, and it’s not happening to me?’”</p> <p>During the podcast last year, Stefanovic addressed the issues between them, speaking to her about it for the first time.</p> <p>"There was no protection and there was nothing and, you know, at the end of the day it taught me to be tough and it taught me to have a thick skin and to be able to know where the line is but it did take me a long time to get there," Karl said.</p> <p>"And unfortunately for you, it was like, you didn't have a guy next to you, who could have protected you and helped you in the way that I should have and for that, I'm always sorry."</p> <p>In her latest podcast episode, Rowe said both she and Stefanovic were nervous when he sat down for their chat last year, adding that his apology had finally freed her of the resentment she had been holding.</p> <p>“Hearing those words from Karl meant so much to me and I hadn’t expected it to have the impact that it did,” she said.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Surprise twist in traveller who failed to declare sandwich ingredients

<p dir="ltr">The Aussie<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/traveller-slapped-2-664-fine-for-sandwich" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> traveller who was fined $2,664</a> for bringing in a Subway sandwich and not declaring two ingredients has been given an amazing surprise. </p> <p dir="ltr">Jessica Lee was heading back from Singapore to Perth and purchased a footlong sandwich but only ate half and decided to keep the other for the flight. </p> <p dir="ltr">While on the way back to Australia, Jessica did not eat the sandwich and failed to declare chicken and lettuce when she arrived back in Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 19-year-old was slapped with a hefty $2,664 fine and shared the news on TikTok urging others not to make the same mistake she did. </p> <p dir="ltr">In an update, Jessica announced that she was gifted a $2,664 Subway gift card from the restaurant as well as a box of merchandise. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Subway makes my fine worth every single cent,” Jessica said in the new TikTok video.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Looking at positives over negatives always pays off.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She then proceeded to read the letter the restaurant sent her, thanking her for eating from them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To say thank you for eating fresh, we’ve uploaded a sub card with $2,664 just for you,” the letter read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We hope this covers all your chicken and lettuce needs.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Love your Subway fans.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

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