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Coroner finally reveals Sinead O’Connor’s cause of death

The cause of Sinead O'Connor's unexpected death in July 2023 has been officially disclosed by a coroner, initiating a global response of grief for the renowned Irish music icon known as the "Daughter of Ireland". According to British authorities, the 56-year-old singer died of natural causes, a revelation that has led to an extensive outpouring of condolences and remembrance from her admirers worldwide. <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/sin-ad-o-connor-passes-away-at-just-56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discovered unresponsive in her London home last July</a>, the sudden passing of O'Connor prompted an emotional worldwide reaction. John Thompson, a clerk of Southwark Coroners Court in London, confirmed the natural cause of death, leading to the cessation of the coroner's involvement in the case. A prior statement on the Coroner's website had indicated that a decision regarding the need for an inquest would be made once the cause of death was determined. O'Connor was pronounced dead at the scene in her Herne Hill penthouse in South London, with no immediate disclosure of the medical cause of death. The Coroner opted not to provide additional details regarding the specific circumstances of her passing following the autopsy. In the period leading up to her death, O'Connor had taken to social media to share personal updates, expressing a newfound sense of happiness after moving back to London. This phase marked a fresh start for the singer following the tragic loss of her son Shane, who, at the age of 17, took his own life in January 2022 after escaping hospital while under suicide watch. A year later, in January, O'Connor was admitted to the hospital after revealing on social media that she had decided to follow her son's path. The singer had been open about her mental health struggles, using platforms like Twitter to convey the depth of her grief, referring to herself as an "undead night creature" since the loss of her beloved son, whom she described as "the love of my life, the lamp of my soul". A funeral procession for O'Connor through her hometown in Bray, Ireland, witnessed a gathering of thousands of mourners. Draped in blue, white and pink flowers, her coffin rolled through the streets after a private memorial service attended by family, friends and fellow musicians such as Bono and Bob Geldof, the latter observed riding behind the cortege. Geldof, reflecting on O'Connor's tumultuous life, spoke of the "terrible loneliness and terrible despair" that had haunted her many times. The procession, passing along the seafront south of Dublin, where O'Connor had lived for 15 years, marked the final chapter in the life of a music legend whose legacy will forever be intertwined with the pain and beauty she brought to the world. Image: Instagram

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Tragic update on man buried alive on Bribie Island

Vibrant and energetic 25-year-old Josh Taylor, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-man-who-was-buried-alive-breaks-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who found himself buried</a> in the sandy depths of Bribie Island, Queensland, has succumbed to the severe injuries sustained during the tragic incident. After five days of battling for his life, Josh's family made the agonising decision to switch off his life support. Josh's untimely demise stemmed from a seemingly innocent gathering on Bribie Island, where he and his friends were digging a sand pit to cook a pig in the traditional Maori style of hangi. Witnesses recalled the horrifying moment when Josh, while standing on a chair, lost his footing, and the sand beneath him gave way. He stumbled backwards into the deep hole, disappearing from view. It took a team of 15 people to pull him out. An off-duty paramedic and loyal friends resorted to using ropes tied to Josh's feet, pulling him free from the suffocating grip of the sand, but despite their valiant efforts, Josh had already endured significant injuries during the ordeal. As they pulled him from the hole, the force of the rescue exacerbated his injuries, leaving him without a pulse for a gut-wrenching 45 minutes. The nightmare unfolded before the eyes of Josh's family, who were also on the scene. Josh's father, Peter, was among those frantically digging to free his son. In their grief, following the decision to switch off Josh's life support, the Taylor family expressed gratitude for the compassionate efforts of those who helped to pull him from the sand, attempted to revive him at the scene, and provided care at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. “Without these people, Josh would not have had the opportunity to recover or give our family and friends these last precious days with him to say goodbye,” the Taylor family said in a statement. “He fought as hard as he could and is the most courageous person we will ever know. "Unfortunately, the injuries he received were too severe for him to overcome. We will somehow find a way to move on from this terrible tragedy. “He was the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for. We love you Josh and will miss you every minute of every day. Goodbye mate until we see each other again.” Images: Facebook / 7News

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Sinead O'Connor was once seen as a sacrilegious rebel, but her music and life were deeply infused with spiritual seeking

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brenna-moore-1457909">Brenna Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/fordham-university-1299">Fordham University</a> When news broke July 26, 2023, that the gifted Irish singer <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66318626">Sinead O’Connor had died</a>, stories of her most famous performance circulated amid the grief and shock. Thirty-one years ago, after a haunting rendition of Bob Marley’s song “War,” O’Connor ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television. “Fight the real enemy,” she said – a reference to <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-catholic-church-sex-abuse-crisis-4-essential-reads-169442">clerical sex abuse</a>. For months afterward, she was banned, <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sinead-o-connor-booed-pope-bob-dylan-concert-1176338/">booed and mocked</a>, dismissed as a crazy rebel beyond the pale. Commemorations following her death, however, cast the protest in a very different light. Her “Saturday Night Live” performance is now seen as “invigorating,” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/arts/music/sinead-oconnor-snl-pope.html">the New York Times’ pop critic wrote</a>, and “a call to arms for the dispossessed.” Attitudes toward Catholicism, sex and power are far different today than in 1992, whether in New York or O’Connor’s native Dublin. In many people’s eyes, the moral credibility of the Catholic Church around the world <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/245858/catholics-faith-clergy-shaken.aspx">has crumbled</a>, and trust in faith institutions of any sort is <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/1597/confidence-institutions.aspx">at an all-time low</a>. Sexual abuse, once discussed only in whispers, is now beginning to be talked about openly. I join the chorus of voices today who say O’Connor was decades ahead of her time. But leaving it just at that, we miss something profound about the complexity and depth of her religious imagination. Sinead O’Connor was arguably one of the most spiritually sensitive artists of our time. I am <a href="https://www.fordham.edu/academics/departments/theology/faculty/brenna-moore/">a scholar of Catholicism in the modern era</a> and have long been interested in those figures – the poets, artists, seekers – who wander <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo90478851.html">the margins of their religious tradition</a>. These men and women are dissatisfied with the mainstream centers of religious power but nonetheless compelled by something indelibly religious that feeds the wellsprings of their artistic imagination. Throughout her life, O’Connor defied religious labels, exploring multiple faiths. The exquisite freedom in her music cannot be disentangled from <a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2021/09/16/sinead-oconnor-rememberings-memoir-moore-241369">that something transcendent</a> that she was always after. <h2>‘Rescuing God from religion’</h2> Religion is often thought about as discreet traditions: institutions that someone is either inside or outside. But on the ground, it is rarely that simple. The Catholic Church had a strong hold on Irish society as O’Connor was growing up – a “theocracy,” she called it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/10/sinead-oconnor-pope-visit">in interviews</a> and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/126006/sinead-oconnor">her memoir, “Rememberings</a>” – and for many years she <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oconnor/singer-sinead-oconnor-demands-pope-steps-down-idUSTRE5BA39Y20091211">called for more accountability</a> for the clerical abuse crisis. But she was also open in her love of other aspects of the faith, albeit often in unorthodox ways. She had a tattoo of Jesus on her chest and continued to critique the church while appearing on television with a priest’s collar. Ten years after her SNL performance, O'Connor took courses at a seminary in Dublin with a Catholic Dominican priest, Rev. Wilfred Harrington. Together, they read the prophets of the Hebrew Bible and the Psalms: sacred scriptures in which God’s voice comes through in darker, moodier, more human forms. Inspired by her teacher, she made the gorgeous album “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xncY5WP12BQ">Theology</a>,” dedicated to him. The album is a mix of some of her own songs inspired by the Hebrew Bible – like “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/wat,h?v=Kf24-rgyOeI">If You Had a Vineyard</a>,” inspired by the Book of Isaiah; and “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7s5BKphw8">Watcher of Men</a>,” which draws from the biblical story of Job – and other tracks that essentially are sung versions of her favorite Psalms. In <a href="https://wfuv.org/content/sinead-oconnor-words-and-music-2007">a 2007 interview</a> with Fordham University’s WFUV radio station, O'Connor said that she was hoping the album could show God to people when religion itself had blocked their access to God. It was a kind of “rescuing God from religion,” to “lift God out of religion.” Rather than preaching or writing, “music is the little way that I do that,” she said, adding, “I say that as someone who has a lot of love for religion.” <h2>Reading the prophets</h2> In doing so, she stood in the long line of the prophetic tradition itself. The great Jewish thinker <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/abraham-joshua-heschel-a-prophets-prophet/">Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s</a> book “<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-prophets-abraham-j-heschel?variant=40970012721186">The Prophets</a>” begins with this sentence: “This book is about some of the most disturbing people who have ever lived.” Over and over, the Bible shows the prophets – the prophets who inspired “Theology” – mounting bracing assaults on hypocrisies and insincerities in their own religious communities, and not politely or calmly. To many horrified Catholics, O’Connor’s SNL appearance and her many other criticisms of the church were blasphemous – or, at best, just throwing stones from outside the church for attention. Other fans, however, saw it as prophetic condemnation. It was not just a critique of child abuse but of church officials’ professed compassion for children – sanctimonious pieties <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/26/catholic-church-ireland-child-abuse">as they covered up the abuse</a>. In calling this out and so much more, O’Connor was often seen as disturbing: not just the photo-of-the-pope incident, but her androgyny, her shaved head, her openness around her own struggles with mental illness. But for many admirers, as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VLy1A4En4U">the documentary “Nothing Compares</a>” makes clear, all this showed that she was free, and like the prophets of old, unashamed and unafraid to provoke. <h2>Rasta to Islam</h2> At the same time, O’Connor’s religious imagination was so much more than a complex relationship with Catholicism. Religion around O’Connor was eclectic and intense. She was deeply influenced by <a href="https://theconversation.com/reggaes-sacred-roots-and-call-to-protest-injustice-99069">Rastafarian traditions</a> of Jamaica, <a href="https://wfuv.org/content/sinead-oconnor-words-and-music-2007">which she described</a> as “an anti-religious but massively pro-God spiritual movement.” She considered Sam Cooke’s early album with the Soul Stirrers the best gospel album ever made. She counted among her spiritual heroes Muhammad Ali – and <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-45987127">converted to Islam in 2018</a>, changing her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat. Yet O’Connor’s vision was not fragmented, as if she were constantly chasing after bits and pieces. The miracle of Sinead O’Connor is that it all coheres, somehow, in the words of an artist who refuses to lie, to hide or not say what she thinks. When asked about spirituality, O’Connor once said that she preferred to sing about it, not talk about it – as she does in so many songs, from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkP-0rnr_Gw">her luminous singing of the antiphon</a>, a Marian hymn sung at Easter services, to her Rasta-inspired album, “<a href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5945-throw-down-your-arms/">Throw Down Your Arms</a>.” In “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haYbyQIEgQk">Something Beautiful</a>,” a track from the “Theology” album, O’Connor speaks both to God and the listener: “I wanna make/ Something beautiful/ For you and from you/ To show you/ I adore you.” Indeed she did. To be moved by her art is to sense a transcendence, a peek into radiance.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210540/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brenna-moore-1457909">Brenna Moore</a>, Professor of Theology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/fordham-university-1299">Fordham University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sinead-oconnor-was-once-seen-as-a-sacrilegious-rebel-but-her-music-and-life-were-deeply-infused-with-spiritual-seeking-210540">original article</a>.

Music

"Insultingly stupid": Rock legend slams tributes to Sinead O'Connor

Morrissey has taken aim at some "disingenuous" people who have paid tribute to Sinead O'Connor in the hours after her death. The Irish singer was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/sin-ad-o-connor-passes-away-at-just-56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragically passed away</a> at the age of 56 on Thursday, after a statement from her family confirmed the devastating news. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time," the singer's family said in a statement, prompting a wave of homages online from her fans. However, the former frontman of The Smiths has shared a furious note on his website, criticising some of the tributes which he described as "sterile slop". He wrote that he believes people are only praising her work and activism now that she has passed, and the gushing tributes have largely come from people who criticised her career while she was alive. He wrote, “She was dropped by her label after selling 7 million albums for them.” “She had proud vulnerability … and there is a certain music industry hatred for singers who don’t ‘fit in’ (this I know only too well), and they are never praised until death – when, finally, they can’t answer back. The cruel playpen of fame gushes with praise for Sinead today … with the usual moronic labels of 'icon' and 'legend'." “You praise her now ONLY because it is too late. You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you.” He also blasted others in the wider industry for not giving O’Connor props while she was alive. “The press will label artists as pests because of what they withhold … and they would call Sinead sad, fat, shocking, insane … oh but not today! Music CEOs who had put on their most charming smile as they refused her for their roster are queuing-up to call her a ‘feminist icon’, and 15 minute celebrities and goblins from hell and record labels of artificially aroused diversity are squeezing onto Twitter to twitter their jibber-jabber … when it was YOU who talked Sinead into giving up … because she refused to be labelled, and she was degraded, as those few who move the world are always degraded.” He went on to compare O’Connor to other entertainers who died at a young age, such as Judy Garland, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse, asking “why is ANYBODY surprised” that they died. “Where do you go when death can be the best outcome?” he asked. He finished with an instruction to those who had offered the “insultingly stupid” and "disingenuous" tributes that O’Connor was an “icon” and a “legend”, saying “Sinead doesn’t need your sterile slop.” Morrissey's rant was met with a mixed response from fans, while other celebrities shared their support of his sentiment. Boy George tweeted his agreeance, shared a photo of himself with Sinead and writing, “Morrissey is both wrong and right. Most people had zero influence over Sinead. She was her own person with her own issues. At time like this you can only offer prayers because we are out of solutions. My mum and I had great chats about Sinead. We all wanted her fixed.” Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Sinéad O'Connor's tragic final post just days before passing

The world is mourning the loss of Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, whose life <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/sin-ad-o-connor-passes-away-at-just-56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ended in tragedy</a> at the tender age of 56. In her final tweet, just days before her passing, O'Connor bared the unbearable pain of losing her beloved son Shane to suicide. Responding to a simple prompt on Twitter, she conveyed her inner turmoil through tearful emojis and the heart-wrenching hashtag "Lostmy17yrOldSonToSuicidein2022". Since that heart-rending loss, she declared that she felt like an undead night creature, haunted by the emptiness left by her dear son's departure. “Been living as undead night creature since,” O'Connor added to the emotional tweet on July 17. “He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally I am lost in the bardo without him.” Alongside her poignant words, she shared a photo of happier times, where she and Shane were captured smiling, arms wrapped around each other, seemingly unbreakable. But fate had a cruel twist, as the troubled 17-year-old tragically left this world in Dublin last January, slipping away from suicide watch in the hospital in which he was being cared for. It marked the culmination of multiple attempts to escape his inner demons. In the wake of the loss of Shane, O'Connor poured out her heart in an Instagram post, speaking of her precious boy's decision to end his earthly struggles and find solace with God. “The very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God,” she wrote. “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace.” As the news of O'Connor's passing spread, her family released a statement expressing profound sadness and requesting privacy during this challenging time. The loss of their beloved Sinéad left a void that could never be filled, and the world felt a little dimmer without her radiant presence. Throughout her life, O'Connor had wrestled with her mental health, and her struggles were no secret to her devoted fans. On numerous occasions, she had shared public messages on social media that hinted at her inner battles, and concern for her well-being had grown. Yet, in 2016, she had defiantly declared her happiness, dismissing any notion of attempting suicide. Despite the pain and hardships, she left behind three remaining children, Jake, Roisin, and Yeshua. If you or anyone you know needs help, you don't have to go it alone: Lifeline: 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au</a> Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au</a> Headspace: 1800 650 890 or <a href="https://headspace.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headspace.org.au</a> Image: Twitter

Caring

Sinéad O'Connor passes away at just 56

Sinéad O'Connor, the exceptionally talented Irish singer-songwriter who skyrocketed to fame in her mid-20s, has tragically passed away at the age of 56. While she was celebrated for her powerful and emotive music, she was equally known for her personal struggles and provocative actions throughout her life. The news of her death was announced by her family, who requested privacy during this difficult time. The cause of her passing has not been disclosed. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time," the singer's family said in a statement. O'Connor courageously shared her battle with mental illness, revealing that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In 2017, she posted a poignant video on Facebook while staying in a New Jersey motel, expressing that she was holding on for the sake of others and admitting her own struggles. In 2022, she faced immense heartache when her teenage son, Shane, died by suicide. O'Connor's emotional response on Twitter at the time – that there was "no point living without him" – led to her hospitalisation. From humble beginnings singing on the streets of Dublin, O'Connor rose to international stardom with her debut album "The Lion and the Cobra" in 1987. However, her most iconic hit came in 1990 with her rendition of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U," which resonated with audiences worldwide. The accompanying music video, featuring O'Connor's intense close-up, further cemented her status as a sensation. Despite her undeniable talent, O'Connor's career was often overshadowed by her unconventional nature, outspoken political views, and troubled personal life. She became a vocal critic of the Catholic Church long before sexual abuse allegations surfaced widely. Notably, she caused controversy in 1992 by tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a live appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." Throughout her career, she engaged in feuds with several prominent figures, including Frank Sinatra and Prince. Her support for the Irish Republican Army and her affiliation with the Latin Tridentine Church also sparked public outcry. In 2018, O'Connor announced her conversion to Islam, adopting the name Shuhada' Davitt (later changed to Shuhada Sadaqat), while continuing to use her professional name. Born on December 8, 1966, O'Connor had a challenging childhood marred by alleged abuse from her mother. Despite the hardships, music provided an escape, and she began performing on the streets of Dublin, drawing inspiration from artists like Bob Dylan and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Her debut album, "The Lion and the Cobra," propelled her to fame, and subsequent albums like "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" solidified her reputation as an artist with substance and integrity. O'Connor received multiple Grammy nominations and won in 1991 for best alternative musical performance. In 2003, she announced her retirement from music, but later returned to the studio to release new material, including the album "I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss" in 2014. She remained active in the music industry, even contributing to the theme song of "Outlander" season seven. Throughout her life, O'Connor experienced several marriages and had four children. In her passing, Sinéad O'Connor leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary musical talent and a life marked by challenges, triumphs, and the unwavering spirit of an artist who refused to compromise. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed his condolences, praising her unmatched talent and global impact. Sinéad O'Connor's extraordinary journey may have come to an end, but her music and influence will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. Images: Instagram

News

The Block winners reveal adorable new baby’s name

Elyse Knowles and Josh Barker have welcomed their second child - an adorable baby boy. The couple took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the exciting news in a sweet video of their newborn son, and unveiled the sweet meaning behind the tot's name. "Zaii Barker 🤍 To love and protect. 18th May 🐚," the couple captioned the video. The parents are clearly in awe of their baby boy, as they used the song 'Eyes on You' by Ed Patrick in their announcement video. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csfz4H8g2s2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csfz4H8g2s2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elyse Knowles (@elyse.knowles)</a> </div> </blockquote> The Block 2017 winners’ friends, family and fans shared their love in the comments. "The cutest little squish going around," Elyse's sister Tahlea Knowles wrote. "Congratulations ❤️ Zaii you're perfect! Enjoy this special time! So happy for you all!” commented their friend Lana Wilinson. "Well done mama! And the name is heaven. Xx," commented Lisa Wilkinson with a bunch of red heart emojis. Zaii’s birth comes two years after the couple welcomed their first-born son, Sunny. The couple announced their pregnancy earlier this year, with Elyse revealing that she was halfway through her second pregnancy. "Very, very grateful for baby number 2. Half way until Sunny is a big brother," she captioned the post. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Life support of 12-year-old turned off after devastating accident

The parents of 12-year-old Josh Field have made the heart-breaking decision to switch off their son's life support, after he was left fighting for his life following a devastating accident. They said their "Joshy" would be remembered as a "hero", as the young boy would live on through donating his organs to help others live. Josh suffered catastrophic head injuries when he fell from an unfinished home at a construction site in Maddington, Western Australia, on Monday. The 12-year-old was with his cousins and little brother, who looked on as he fell from a wall and was struck on the head by a metal beam. He was rushed to Perth Children's Hospital with critical injuries and has remained on life support until his family made the difficult decision to say goodbye. “Words can’t even explain it, he’s so much more than anyone can imagine,” older sister Charnte told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/wa/life-support-to-be-switched-off-for-josh-field-12-after-tragic-maddington-construction-site-fall--c-6761586" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “Even though we’ve lost him, he’s still here, he will still live on." “He’s a hero, he’s donating his heart, his lungs, his kidneys to save others.” Joshy’s older brother Jady said it was hard for it to sink in, adding the family felt “broken”. “It still feels like I’m dreaming,” he told 7News “We’ve lost the most exciting, happy person in our life... he helped us." His family have said that Joshy was a "beautiful soul" who was taken too early by the devastating accident. The family have set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jyrte-joshuas-funeral?utm_source=facebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> account to help cover Joshy's funeral costs. Image credits: 7News

Caring

Budget winners, losers and one key absence

On Tuesday night, the Morrison government shared their 2022 Federal Budget, with Aussies everywhere hoping for general living costs to be addressed. With the government feeling the pressure to help everyday Australians with the burden of living costs and soaring fuel prices, the main takeaway from the budget came in the form of a one-off payment to low income earners at tax time. For those earning under $126,000 a year, a one-off payment of $420 will be delivered in your tax return. Over the last two years, this payment was previously $1,080, with the payment designed to help being slashed by over half. In terms of petrol costs, the government has assured motorists that the price of fuel will drop in two weeks after slashing the fuel excise – the main tax on petrol – in half. Currently paid at 44.2 cents per litre, the fuel excise will be cut in half from midnight tonight to 22.1 cents per litre, saving motorists next time they go to fill up. The government has also pledged a one-off payment of $250 to eligible pensioners and and welfare recipients to help with living costs, which is expected to be paid in April. The budget also outlined $156.5 million in assistance to Ukraine, to help the nation fight an unsanctioned invasion by Russia, with at least $500,000 to help resettle Ukrainian refugees in Australia. While the Morrison government has previously committed to net zero emissions by 2050, there was nothing in the budget to dictate how this plan would be put into action. The budget bottom line will see future generations paying back Australia’s debt for decades to come, as net debt will reach $714.9 billion by June 2023 and is still growing. Despite all the promises from the budget, experts say there is one key missing element, as wage growth is tipped to increase by only half a percent despite major increases in living costs. The Opposition overnight criticised the government over failing to address the issue of Australian wages, calling it a “big challenge and big risk in the economy”. In a post on Twitter, Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said “what this Budget represents is again after almost a decade in office, they want a second decade, but with falling wages and with a trillion dollars of debt, with nothing to show for it”. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

What Aussie's want (and can expect) from the Federal Budget

As the government prepares to announce the 2022 Federal Budget, everyday Aussies are hoping that soaring fuel prices, the surging cost of living and support for small businesses will be addressed. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is set to announce the Government's new fiscal policies on Tuesday, just weeks ahead of the expected election, which is rumoured to be held in May. Tax cuts are likely on the table for the budget, which include slashing the 44 cents-a-litre fuel duty by up to 20 cents and slashing beer duty by 30 cents, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison also hinting at one-off cash handouts for low income earners. More than 2.3 million small businesses nationwide are expected to receive $1.85 billion in cash support after spending the last two years struggling to stay afloat from the pandemic. Welfare and pension payments are also expected to be increased, with childcare subsides expected to be revamped. Cash injections are also on the cards for the defence and construction industries, while family, domestic and sexual violence prevention organisations should also see a boost in vital funding. The government's big picture According to Frydenberg, the budget deficit is forecast to be about $70 billion. The nation's debt continues to trend towards $1 trillion, but the government ensures this number is stabilising. The unemployment rate will settle at 4 percent, which Frydenberg claims is the equal-lowest mark in 48 years. Professor of Economics at UNSW Richard Holden said the economy was in better shape than had been expected, which could lead to more government spending. “So one way that [the treasurer] can frame it is, well, we did better and we have this spare money lying around, we’ll give some of that back,” Professor Holden said. The impact on everyday Aussies With a steep increase in fuel and living prices, most Australians are worried about how the budget will affect their own spending. 7News has earlier reported that the federal government is considering a one-off payment, in the range of $200 to $400, to address cost-of-living issues. It is expected that Australians earning under a certain amount per year will be offered the payment. “So every household, every income earner under a certain level of income will get some sort of direct payment. You know, a few hundred dollars or something like that." To put this figure into perspective, it is currently costing Australians approximately $100 minimum to fill their petrol tanks. There is also a growing likelihood that the low- and middle-income tax offset (LMITO), which sees taxpayers earning under $126,000 receive up to $1080 in their tax return, will not be extended. Tax cuts In addition to the whispers of the LMITO not being extended, it is expected the government will not bring forward stage-three tax cuts for Australia's uber wealthy. These changes mean that the highest earners in the country would be eligible for up to $9,000 come tax time, while low income earners would be left with very little. “I think that we should have a very close look at the tax system and the offsets that are available,” Chief Economist at the Australia Institute Richard Denniss said. “There’s no doubt that over the past decade, the shape of tax cuts that have been introduced have been for people who are higher-income earners disproportionately than lower-income earners.” Labor's rebuttal Last week, shadow Treasure Jim Chalmers told the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that an Albanese government would deliver a "proper" budget in 2022 if elected to correct the “decade of rorts and waste” delivered by the Morrison government. Vowing to avoid drastic change that pits people against each other, Mr Albanese plans to outline ways to increase prosperity with a $15 billion reconstruction fund, more spending on training and a climate policy he says can create jobs. He has also previously cited previous Labor prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating and their economic strategies when creating the shadow budget. Albanese's initial promises to the Australian public include drastic action on climate change, more tax cuts for the wealthy and more money in the pockets of everyday Aussies, and a huge boost in education funding. The budget is expected to be delivered on Tuesday night. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Sinead O’Connor shares emotional tributes after her son is found dead

Sinead O'Connor's son has been found dead in Ireland just days after he was reported missing. Police said the missing case was closed after the body of 17-year-old Shane was found in the town of Bray, 20km south of Dublin. The singer shared a series of emotional tweets saying how her son "decided to end his earthly struggle" and urged others not to do the same. “My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God,” she said. “May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace.” It is believed that Shane went missing after escaping from hospital while on suicide watch. In Sinead's series of tweets, she vowed to "never forgive" the authorities who were caring for Shane before his untimely death. She said, "I have now formally identified the remains of my son, Shane. May God forgive the Irish State for I never will." "I’m going to take private time now to grieve my son. When I am ready I will be telling exactly how the Irish State in the ignorant, evil, self-serving, lying forms of Tusla and the HSE (Health Service Executive) enabled and facilitated his death." Shane was under the care of child and family agency Tusla when he escaped, as Sinead claims the organisation has "too many kids dying on their watch." Shane was one of four of Sinead's children, and his father was Irish musician Donal Lunny. Finishing her tributes to her late son, Sinead dedicated the Bob Marley song Ride Natty Ride to Shane, adding "This is for my Shaney. The light of my life. The lamp of my soul. My blue-eye baby. You will always be my light. We will always be together. No boundary can separate us." Image credits: Getty Images / Twitter @OhSineady

News

The Block star’s worrying revelation

Block contestant Josh Packham has revealed he has tested positive for COVID-19 after a trip to Melbourne. In a video posted to Instagram, the reality star urged the many people he encountered during his trip to get tested immediately. Packham, who competed on the most recent season of The Block with his twin brother Luke, had travelled from Sydney to Melbourne last week to watch Luke compete in a celebrity boxing match. In the video, Packham said it was “no surprise” he’d been diagnosed with COVID-19 following the trip, saying, “I just got my results back and no surprises guys, I’m positive. Obviously it sucks that I’m not spending Christmas with family and friends, but I do have my roommate isolating with me, so we’re doing it together.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXu4rWQLiAs/?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> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXu4rWQLiAs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Josh Packham (@packham_pear)</a> </div> </blockquote> He said that he wasn’t feeling too sick, just dealing with a “bit of a cough, bit of a head cold”, and was hoping to be freed from isolation by New Years. He went on to encourage anyone he interacted with in Melbourne to get tested, saying, “Obviously, I came in contact with a lot of friends while I was in Melbourne. So if you’re watching this, probably go get tested immediately, guys. Don’t muck around with it. There was obviously a lot of people when I was in Melbourne coming up to say hi, which is completely fine – but yeah, you should probably go get tested straight away, if you’re watching this. “If you do want to spend Christmas with your family, it’s probably best to keep your distance from people you’re not really close with, and keep that close circle as small as possible. Chances are you will catch it, because it’s running rampant through Sydney and Melbourne right now. If you want to spend Chrissy with your family, just do the right thing.” Numerous reality stars competed at the event alongside Luke, including The Bachelorette stars Ciarran Stott and Shannon Karaka, Married at First Sight contestant Sam Carraro, and Love Island’s Todd Elton. The event previously made headlines because of an ugly spat Carraro got into with fellow MAFS stars Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson. Rawson was reportedly injured after stepping in to diffuse tensions between Ruthven and Carraro, whose on-air grudge has evidently spilled over into real life. Josh and brother Luke were two of The Block’s most controversial contestants due to their involvement in the cheating scandal that unfolded; despite that, they finished second, netting $530,000 for their renovation. Image: Instagram

News

Josh Cavallo becomes Australia's first openly gay footballer

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has become the first openly gay male footballer in Australia during his active years on the field. The 21-year-old Socceroo made the announcement on his social media on Wednesday, saying, "I am proud to publicly announce I am gay," in an emotional statement. By coming out as the first openly gay male athlete to play in the A-League competition, Josh said he wants to help create a safe space for others to come out. Other active and openly gay males playing professional football elsewhere in the world include Collin Martin, who plays for San Diego Loyal in the second tier of football in the USA, as well as Phuti Lekoloane, who plays in South Africa’s third tier. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVg4B1PBanS/?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> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVg4B1PBanS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by J O S H C A V A L L O (@joshua.cavallo)</a> </div> </blockquote> In his emotional statement, Josh recognised he may be subject to negativity and homophobia following his announcement, but he hoped his decision would inspire other male athletes in the closet to come out and “show that everyone is welcome in the game of football”. Josh wrote, “It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out,” he said. “I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest." “For the people that know me personally, you’ll know I’m a private person. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed. Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality. “Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before." “In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career." “I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community." Josh has received an outpouring of love from his football club, Adelaide United, as they shared a video of Cavallo on their Twitter account called "Josh's Truth". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Josh's Truth <a href="https://t.co/NKSEP2kVWV">pic.twitter.com/NKSEP2kVWV</a> — Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited/status/1453173351396958208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> Pride Football Australia also shared messages of support, as they said "everyone deserves to be themselves." Many other Aussie sporting personalities commented on Josh's post, calling him an "inspiration", and commenting on his bravery. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Everyone deserves to be themselves. Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdelaideUnited</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/aleaguemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ALeagueMen</a> player <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshuaCavallo</a> on your bravery to come out to the world. Everyone at Pride Football Australia is right behind you. <a href="https://t.co/is9mSSA2MO">pic.twitter.com/is9mSSA2MO</a> — Pride Football Australia (@PrideFootballOz) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrideFootballOz/status/1453173651197415424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> Image credits: Instagram @joshua.cavallo

News

Block team hits bottom after “pigsty” home reveal

Two contestants on The Block have received one of the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/the-block-2021-episode-45-reveal-josh-and-luke-receive-one-of-the-lowest-scores-in-block-history/news-story/feeb7bba580b988ce54579390bbdea80" target="_blank">lowest scores</a> in the show’s history, after their messy and cramped spaces were revealed. Despite having to complete the garage, study, and wine cellar, twins Josh and Luke received a total score of 8, and didn’t take the judges’ criticisms well. “It’s completely awkward and weird space. We’re really pissed off,” Josh said on the show. “I have nothing to say to them,” Luke added. “It’s completely disrespectful and they can go and get f****d.” Though the judges approved of the pair’s garage door, which had pedestrian access inside, and their wallpaper, they noted that the space seemed basic and unfinished. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZ-KmYs_Yn/?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> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZ-KmYs_Yn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Block (@theblock)</a> </div> </blockquote> When they reached the lounge room, the judges shared their disgust. “Where is the bloody respect?” Judge Neale Whittaker yelled while throwing his hands in the air. The space included a mattress balanced on top of a lounge suite, rolls of toilet paper and dirty tools on chairs, and pieces of insulation piled next to furniture. The judges were also concerned the state of the room would damage the house, with dust covering everything and boxes and dirty dishes everywhere. “What message is this sending out? It’s saying: ‘we don’t give a flying …” Neale trailed off. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVSEduOAZYY/?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> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVSEduOAZYY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Block (@theblock)</a> </div> </blockquote> Though Neale was the most vocal with his criticisms, judge Darren Palmer also had something to say. “This is inexcusable. It is a pigsty.” The judges were also critical of the unfinished ensuite that was attached to the lounge room/study. “That bathroom needs to go. It’s a planning disaster,” Darren said. In the basement, the judges found a carpeted wine bar, minus plumbing or a fridge and more dust covering everything. “Nothing functions. It’s all useless.” Neale said. “If Neale wants to complete four areas in a week, I will give him a brush and see how he goes,” Josh countered. “He can come and paint. I’d love to watch him paint,” Luke added. “And until then, he can shut up.” The pair also took to social media to share their feelings and shed some light on what happened behind the scenes. “Another rinsing this week,” Josh wrote on Instagram. “Contrary to what was shown, Luke and I were up till 5am doing as much as possible to present the rooms for judging.” He also promised that things would be looking up for the pair in the next challenge. “As for the remainder of the home which had nothing to do with the judges, get ready for the facelift of the century. We will also be transforming the study this week into a big bedroom! “Another massive week from our team with the finish line now in sight. Can’t wait to share everything we achieve over the coming week 😁.” <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845053/josh-luke1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a7517f89ca9341a68cd9a78c43f1d260" /> Image: @luke.packham / Instagram Luke added more to the story on his own social media page, writing: “We worked really hard this week and came up short, unfortunately the editing team like to show us sleeping instead of showing us going to bed at 5am after working all night.” <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845054/josh-luke2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5f198ac7c4e64655bbb5274af673e021" /> Image: @luke.packham / Instagram The brothers shared what the lounge/study area looked like after it was completed, with soft carpet, plush footstools, a pool table and a popcorn machine. Ronnie and Georgie ended up claiming victory in the huge Garage, Study and Wine Cellar Week challenge with a score of 27. Image: @packham_pear / Instagram

Real Estate

"Cold and brutal": Karl grills treasurer over scrapping of disaster payments

Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic has criticised the federal government over its plan to scale back, and eventually scrap, COVID-19 disaster payments. It was announced on Tuesday that the government will begin winding down the payments, which give $750 a week to people who have lost at least 20 hours of work, and $450 a week to those who have lost between eight and 20 hours, as each state and territory reaches their 70 and 80 per cent vaccination targets. Per the changes, once a state or territory reaches 70 per cent fully vaccinated, people will have to reapply each week for the payment, instead of it being automatically renewed. At 80 per cent, the payment will be phased out entirely within two weeks. For states and territories like NSW or the ACT, which are <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyBriggs/status/1442700206420549636/photo/1">estimated</a> to reach 80% fully vaccinated by October 18th and 21st respectively, this change means the scrapping of the payment is imminent. Talking to treasurer Josh Frydenberg on the Today Show on Wednesday morning, co-host Karl Stefanovic called the decision “cold and brutal”, telling Frydenberg, “I get that you can’t keep it going and going but many industries won’t be back to normal at 70 or 80 per cent – you have the arts, nightclub, hospitality and tourism, especially in Far North Queensland … to cut them off is kind of cold and brutal, isn’t it?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “We can't continue with these emergency payments indefinitely.” The Federal Government will announce today that COVID disaster payments will be wound back as each state hits the 80 per cent double-dosed vaccination target. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/jHMFvZtDSH">pic.twitter.com/jHMFvZtDSH</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1442976255402340363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2021</a></blockquote> In response, Frydenberg outlined the government’s partnership with the Queensland Government to support Queensland businesses, concluding that, “It’s those sorts of direct economic payments that complement what we’ve been doing at higher, broader level with the Covid disaster payment and other economic support.” Frydenberg failed to address how the federal government would provide support to those who have lost work as a result of COVID-19 and are not able to find replacement work in between now and the looming deadline. Many anti-poverty advocates and welfare campaigners expressed concern about the phasing out of the payments online, including the Antipoverty Centre, who tweeted, “They’re making a huge gamble with our lives, betting that jobs will magically return overnight.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The government has started the poverty clock ticking. They’re making a huge gamble with our lives, betting that jobs will magically return overnight. All that will come of this is more people in poverty and more lives destroyed. The disaster payment living up to its name. <a href="https://t.co/LtwzgMXotU">https://t.co/LtwzgMXotU</a> — The Antipoverty Centre (@antipovertycent) <a href="https://twitter.com/antipovertycent/status/1442856771341664264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2021</a></blockquote> Image: TODAY Show/Nine

Money & Banking

“Sh*ts me up the wall!” Scott Cam’s furious ramble over cheating scandal

The Block host Scott Cam has spoken up about the cheating scandal that has plagued the show, complaining that he has been “scrambling to save” the program. While having a chat with Fitzy and Wippa on Nova on Wednesday morning, Cam unleashed when questioned about the controversy. Several contestants admitted to viewing and sharing a photo of the show’s secret production schedule. Having access to the schedule earlier than other contestants gives an unfair advantage, as it would allow them to plan their rooms weeks in advance. “I love The Block and I don’t love anyone messing with it, and that’s messing with it. This is a competition to win $100,000 plus more – up to $900,000 is the record. People have left their homes, their kids, in an attempt to make some life-changing money,” the TV host said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843609/the-block-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/51f46743ad8c44cda2bbcb9b5898b95d" /> Left to Right: Kirsty and Jessy, Josh and Luke, Tanya and Vito on The Block. “[Contestants] Kirsty and Jesse, the country singing duo – these guys are battlers and this is a really big moment for them. “And to have someone cheat and get an advantage, to me is un-Australian, no good and it’s got to be weeded out.” Twins Josh and Luke were the first to be called out for cheating, and later they demanded couple Tanya and Vito come forward as well. Tanya went on to claim the photo had been sent to her “anonymously” by an ex-tradie on The Block. “We’ve never seen anything like it on The Block before,” he said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843610/the-block-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b2833f1e475f4daba088064e408d73ab" /> Tanya and Luke. Image: The Block The radio hosts also played Cam an audio clip of Josh and Luke’s interview on Tuesday. It revealed the twins had accused Cam of “going easy” on other contestants who also had knowledge of the photo. The twins went on to say Cam allowed them to “get away with it”. Cam also refuted the twins’ claim that they’d done anything wrong. “Those boys are absolutely kidding themselves,” Cam said of Josh and Luke’s remarks. “I am scrambling to save this series, that’s what I’m doing, because people at home will be going ‘this whole thing is not fair, this whole thing is a joke’. “So I’m scrambling to save my show because of what they have done.” “And if he’s referring to Ronnie and Georgia, you’ve got to be joking. Tanya and Vito had the photo, the boys had the photo, they knew all along what the schedule was. “The ball was in their court, certainly not mine and for them to say that that sh*ts me up the wall.” Meanwhile, Tanya, who is at the centre of the cheating scandal, told news.com.au that she believes the entire controversy had been a “set up.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843608/the-block-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2a58281d055842748465bb9495971675" /> Tanya and Vito. Image: The Block The contestant says the production schedule had been placed in an easily accessible area, which could perhaps have been purposeful in an effort to tempt contestants. “Obviously the photo did end up in my possession, but it was actually in a really obvious spot,” she said. “Most of us came by [the schedule] because it was right by the toilet, it was right there on a massive board. “It was right there in front of us, so I felt very singled out, like I was the only one who saw it but plenty of others used the toilet that day. “It felt almost like it could have been set up.”

News

Ronnie and Georgia let loose on The Block: “Biggest cheating scandal in TV history”

Fellow contestants on The Block, Ronnie and Georgia, have let loose on Josh and Luke. The twin brothers, who previously made a splash on Love Island, have become embroiled in the “biggest cheating scandal in TV history” after they were accused on Sunday’s episode. The controversial boys have made themselves a reputation of bending the rules on The Block, including leaving their tradies to paint while they went partying and even having Luke’s fiance to help style their master bedroom and wardrobe. The brothers scooped up the win for week three, and gained praise for their risky design which saw them build on the designated garage space. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843548/the-block-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/96889c31c5af43f1bdd4ca29c542b9c0" /> George and Ronnie came fourth place, and were quick to call the boys out for allegedly cheating. “I guess it helps to cheat,” Ronnie said in a post-judging interview. The long-time couple delivered a master bedroom with lofted ceilings and impeccable finishes, earning Neill Whittaker to dub it the “best room in Block history”. However the couple lost points with their walk-in wardrobe as it was not quite completed. The pair struggled to hide their fury after being beaten by the rookie twin brothers, with Ronnie claiming the boys had a secret advantage that helped them win. “It’s amazing that you know exactly the full schedule of what rooms are coming up, they know when the challenge days are coming up … so I guess it helps to cheat. That’s great, beautiful,” Ronnie said sarcastically as Georgia begged, “Don’t go there.” The producer asked: “Do you think they’ve found out some way,” to which Ronnie responded: “They’ve known from day one.” “So you really think the boys have found out?,” the producer went on to press. “Mate, I don’t f**ing really think, I know for a fact,” the reality star shot back in a furious reply. The new episode is set to air on Monday night and it will be jam packed with drama. A wild confrontation between Mitch, Mark, Luke and Josh was also shown in the promo video. “You disgusting ignorant young piece of filth,” Mitch is seen yelling in the promo. “Rude, rich, snob,” Josh fired back.

Hope Gap shows what can happen when a marriage ends

A couple's visit with their son in the quaint seaside town of Seaford in England, takes a dramatic turn when the father tells him he plans on leaving his mother. As well-trodden as this subject might be, there’s still something terribly compelling about watching the end of a marriage play out on screen. Annette Bening plays the woman whose life crumbles as her husband leaves her and Bill Nighy plays the husband. Josh O'Connor plays the couple's son. This drama is tastefully restrained to a fault in a particularly British manner. Veteran screenwriter William Nicholson, a two-time Oscar nominee, based the film on his Tony-nominated play The Retreat from Moscow – shows his talents here. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oAP1fA-bp5k" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> The title of the film was inspired by Napoleon’s invasion of—and messy withdrawal from—the Russian city, a subject which fascinates Nighy’s character and serves as an obvious metaphor for the destruction of his own marriage. It’s obvious we have all the makings of a genuine story here in Hope Gap but some reviewers have said the film doesn't have the emotional depth for the areas being covered. As well, Annette Bening has come in for some criticism about her ill-fitting British accent. But there are glimmers of insight along the way, particularly in how Grace (Bening’s character) compares a divorce to a murder and how spurned women are devalued in comparison with widows. Throughout the story, we're served up some stunning coastal vistas from Seaford which is close to Brighton in southern England. Hope Gap is worth it if just for these vistas and the great performances from Nighy and Bening. Hope Gap is streaming now on Amazon Prime. Photo: Amazon Prime

Movies

Leigh Sales slams Josh Frydenberg over Budget "assumptions"

<div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in element-type-p"> ABC's 7:30 host Leigh Sales wasn't thrilled with the current Federal Budget and grilled Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday night about the range of "assumptions". “The budget is based on a series of assumptions, and they are that the whole Australian population will be vaccinated by the end of the year, that there’ll be no sustained state border closures this year and no major COVID outbreaks, and that international borders will start to operate reasonably normally by the middle of next year,” Sales said. “Those are very uncertain and heroic assumptions, aren’t they?” Frydenberg said that the government is staying cautious due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic, and making assumptions during normal times is difficult – to make them during the middle of a pandemic is even more so,” he said. “Those assumptions are based on the best available evidence to us. “We know that more than 10 per cent of the Australian population has now received their first dose. “We’ve seen 30 per cent of those aged over 70 or above receive a dose. “We saw more than 400,000 doses rolled out over the course of the last week. More supply is coming online. So that is the assumption about vaccines. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> WATCH: Treasurer <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshFrydenberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshFrydenberg</a> joins <a href="https://twitter.com/leighsales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leighsales</a> for his first post-budget interview, after he declared Australia's economic engine is "roaring back to life" and unveiled tens of billions in new spending. <a href="https://t.co/Hny0pkGhKf">https://t.co/Hny0pkGhKf</a> — abc730 (@abc730) <a href="https://twitter.com/abc730/status/1392085762472960001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2021</a></blockquote> “With respect to international borders, it’s quite a conservative, cautious assumption that international borders will gradually reopen from the middle of next year.” It's been a slow start to the national vaccination program, with numbers trailing behind what's required. “The mass vaccination centre will be able to administer up to 30,000 vaccines per week once it is up and running, that means around 5000 vaccinations per day,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. “The centre, combined with the more than 100 NSW Health run clinics and hubs, means NSW Health can administer around 60,000 vaccines each week across the state.” 50 million doses are required to vaccinate everyone over the age of 16 in Australia, but authorities have managed to deliver 2.7 million doses. </div>

News

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg releases long-awaited Retirement Income Review

Recently, <a href="https://nationalseniors.com.au/">National Seniors Australia</a> welcomed Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's Retirement Income Review. However, the document has been critiqued for lack of clear recommendation and understanding for the problems at hand. An overly complicated system is much to blame. The report predicts the cost to the taxpayer for funding the Age Pension will decrease. The Age Pension is expected to “fall from 2.5 per cent of GDP to 2.3 per cent by 2060.” <a href="https://nationalseniors.com.au/">National Seniors</a> Chief Advocate Ian Henschke notes that while a equity in the home is a key factor in more successful retirements, a key barrier was not acknowledged. “<a href="https://nationalseniors.com.au/">National Seniors</a> has long been calling on the government to cut the interest rate for the existing Pension Loans Scheme (PLS). It’s a clear barrier.” Mr Henschke also noted that the report didn't adequately understand why Australians may not be making better use of their savings as they age. “Seniors tell us time and again they are petrified of running out of money. They fear the pension, health and aged care systems, which are essential components of the retirement income system won’t meet their needs. Acknowledging these fears is an important first step in reforming the retirement income system." “If you look at aged care, for example, we are currently in the middle of the Royal Commission because, to use the Prime Minister’s own words, people have lost ‘faith’ in the aged care system.” Mr Henschke said that the scheme "is especially important for those receiving aged care, who could be using it to live more comfortably staying in their own home and out of residential aged care. “The PLS has seen a three-fold increase in demand but only 2,288 people used the scheme as of March 2020. “Lowering the 4.5% interest rate should be a priority and certainly must be cut in the next Federal Budget." said Mr Henschke. “We urge the Treasurer to recognise the vital role older Australians could play in the economy and the COVID recovery by helping them release the equity in their homes.”

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