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"Non-fixable": Neighbours icon reveals terminal diagnosis

<p>Veteran actor Ian Smith, beloved for his role as Harold Bishop on the long-running soap <em>Neighbours</em>, has filmed his final scenes, marking an emotional farewell to the show and his career.</p> <p>At 85, Smith revealed his decision to step away from acting follows a terminal diagnosis of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.</p> <p>“It isn’t just my last day in <em>Neighbours</em>, it’s my last day of work,” Smith <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/aussie-tv-icon-ian-smith-shares-tragic-health-update/news-story/3edbe4d153e7f322b08258ec86360bba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 10 News First reporter Angela Bishop</a>. “I found out a few months back that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer, and they expect me to die.”</p> <p>Smith, who has undergone three rounds of treatment, including immunotherapy, expressed his determination to maintain his quality of life for as long as possible. “I’ve really put my hand up just to be a guinea pig, I think, plus the fact I don’t want to die. I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can,” he said. “I wake up every morning hoping there’s no pain because I know that’s the beginning of the bad part.”</p> <p>Smith, a staple of Ramsay Street since 1987, was honoured by cast and crew on his final day of filming. The emotional farewell included heartfelt speeches, tears and hugs, reflecting the profound impact Smith has had on the<em> Neighbours</em> family.</p> <p>“There were real tears,” Smith shared. “In fact, one young fella worried me a bit. I had to follow up and make sure he was alright the next day. It knocked me out a bit honestly.”</p> <p>Smith’s final storyline features the return of Anne Charleston, who famously played Harold’s wife, Madge. Charleston will reprise a new role in the upcoming episodes. Executive Producer Jason Herbison praised Smith’s contributions, saying, “The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn’t love him more than we do.</p> <p>“Despite the challenges he was facing with his health, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off. It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show.”</p> <p>Smith’s personal life has been marked by loss, having endured the passing of his wife, Gail, of five decades, and several family members to cancer. His own health battles have included prostate cancer and a stroke, yet he has remained a resilient and cherished figure in Australian television.</p> <p>Network 10 expressed their sorrow over his diagnosis and immense gratitude for his contributions. “Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades,” a spokesperson said. “Along with the cast and crew and all his fans from around the world, we will support Ian in any way we can during this difficult time.”</p> <p>Smith’s final scenes on Neighbours will air in April 2025, bringing a 30-year chapter of television history to a close.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Neighbours star under investigation after alleged Nazi salute

<p>Former <em>Neighbours</em> star Damien Richardson is under investigation by police after allegedly performing a Nazi salute at an event in September. </p> <p>Richardson, who played Gary Canning in seven seasons of <em>Neighbours</em>, was recorded performing the gesture during a speech at an event run by the National Workers Alliance (NWA), who bills itself as a nationalist organisation dedicated to the "preservation of Western Culture and Identity".</p> <div> </div> <p>In an excerpt of his speech, which was aired as part of an <em>ABC 7.30</em> investigation into the rise of the far-right movement in Australia, the actor is heard stating, "There is a war on men".</p> <p>"I thought it was a war on Western tradition, Western values… and actually it's an anti-white-male-agenda," the actor said at the event.</p> <p>He is then seen appearing to perform a Nazi salute and mockingly asking if he would be locked up for it, saying, “Am I allowed to do that? Am I allowed to do that, or am I going to be fined now? Am I going to go to jail for five years?” </p> <p>“Oh, Richardson did the salute. I mean, really. I mean this is absurd. This is insane. It’s crazy. It’s so crazy you can’t believe it’s even happening.”</p> <p>In October 2023, laws came into effect making it an offence to perform a Nazi salute in public or in public view.</p> <p>A person who commits an <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/fact-sheet-nazi-symbol-prohibition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offence</a> could face fines of $23,000, 12 months in prison, or both. </p> <p>Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident, saying in a statement, “Police are investigating vision which shows a person performing a Nazi salute, believed to be in Victoria."</p> <p>“The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.”</p> <p>While Richardson's actions were applauded by neo-Nazi organisation National Socialist Network (NSN), both Richardson and the organiser of the NWA said they are not neo-Nazis. </p> <p>"There has been a lot of misinformation spoken about the event, Damien, the National Workers Alliance and myself," Matt Trihey told the <em>ABC</em>.</p> <p>"Neither Damien or I have ever been members of Nazi organisations and we have no connection with the NSN. I am a free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC</em></p>

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Neighbour's "petty" act against "obnoxious" driver

<p>A Sydney resident has detailed her "petty" move against her neighbour after becoming fed up with his "obnoxious" parking.</p> <p>Venting about her neighbour online, the Manly resident claimed the man's "over loud, oversized vehicle permanently sticks out from his property, partially blocking footpath". </p> <p>While he was parked in his own driveway, blocking the footpath is illegal and can attract a $283 fine, sometimes more in other council areas across the country. </p> <p>"This noise-polluting monstrosity should be banned, or at least parked on the street (preferably not ours)," she said, attaching a picture of a large ute with its tray sticking out on the footpath. </p> <p>In an attempt to put an end to the "grubby" behaviour, the resident said she reported her neighbour to the Northern Beaches council. </p> <p>The council website states: "residents must not park in or across a driveway (even your own)," to ensure pedestrian safety and access.</p> <p>"Ensure your car is within the front boundary of the property or parked safely in the street."</p> <p>The council told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em> that after the incident was reported via Snap, Snap, Solve, the driver was fined.</p> <p>Officers have reportedly been proactively patrolling the area since, and found no repeated instances. </p> <p>However, the woman was shocked to see  see the driver's "pride and joy still there" in the driveway. </p> <p>"Today I received an email from council saying the matter has been resolved. Do council not care or is this an insufficient crime for any action to be taken?" she asked other residents on Facebook. </p> <p>Her post has divided residents, while most people agreed with her, others told her to mind her business. </p> <p>"I’m surprised he doesn’t get booked as he is blocking the footpath for prams and wheelchairs," one person said.</p> <p>"That’s kind of dangerous. Plus disabled or kids on bikes could slam into it," another added. </p> <p>"Car park is sh*te but it doesn’t seem like it’s affecting you. Take a deep breath and stop working yourself up over things that really don’t matter," someone else argued. </p> <p>"You sound like one of those neighbours that sticks their noses into other people's business," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock/ Facebook</em></p>

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"Wasn’t my choice": Star spills on Neighbours exit

<p><em>Neighbours</em> star Ryan Moloney has revealed the truth about his surprise exit from the soap opera after almost 30 years on the show. </p> <p>The actor made the announcement that he would be leaving the show, and his character Toadfish, in a video posted to <em>Neighbours'</em> Instagram account in late June. </p> <p>In a recent interview with Australian soap opera website <em>Back to the Bay</em>, he finally opened up about leaving Toadfish behind after all these years. </p> <p>“Well, it actually wasn’t my choice. It was their choice,” he told the outlet.</p> <p>“So, yeah, I’ve been wanting to leave for quite a long time, but <em>Neighbours</em> is one of those jobs that you work with awesome people. You get paid really well. And if you had a mate who had one of these jobs, you’d be saying, ‘oh, mate, what are you doing? You’ve got to stay there. See it out for as long as you can.’”</p> <p>The actor said that he felt pressure to “suck it up and stay” despite wanting to move on - so in the end, he was “quite grateful that they actually made that decision for me because I don’t think that I could ever say no to a contract.”</p> <p>“And that’s kind of not the way you want to be doing Neighbours. You don’t want to have that kind of level of resentment in there. So I was very grateful for it,” he said.</p> <p>Moloney made his debut on <em>Neighbours</em> as a teen in 1995, and stayed with the show until it was axed in 2022.  He was then a  returning cast member when the show was rebooted a year later.</p> <p><em>Image: Network 10</em></p>

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Beloved Neighbours star passes away

<p>Janet Andrewartha, best known for her role as Lyn Scully on <em>Neighbours </em>has passed away aged 72. </p> <p>Social media accounts for the show confirmed her death on Sunday night. </p> <p>"Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha," they said in the statement. </p> <p>"Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time." </p> <p>Andrewartha started her career as a music teacher before rising to prominence in the early 198-s after starring in Aussie TV and theatre productions. </p> <p>Tributes have poured in from former cast members, with fellow actress Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan Kennedy on <em>Neighbours</em>, describing her as "one of the finest actors of her generation", saying that she will miss Andrewartha "every day". </p> <p>"She was an extraordinary woman," said. </p> <p>“Passionate, political, curious, delightfully eccentric, generous and fun. To me she was a steadfast friend for over 45 years. I will miss her every day.”</p> <p>Stefan Dennis, known for playing Paul Robinson on <em>Neighbours</em>, shared a similar sentiment. </p> <p>“So very upset to lose the lovely Janet. As Jackie said, she truly was an exceptional actress who was a pleasure work with and to be around. We will all miss you dear girl,” he wrote on the social media post. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Everyone at Neighbours is deeply saddened by the passing of Janet Andrewartha. Beloved by viewers for her role as Ramsay Street’s Lyn Scully, Janet will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and loved ones at this time. <a href="https://t.co/tBWlE8iTZ5">pic.twitter.com/tBWlE8iTZ5</a></p> <p>— Neighbours (@neighbours) <a href="https://twitter.com/neighbours/status/1817444180072780019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson on the show, said: “I remember when I first saw her on Prisoner... she lit up the screen, and continued to grace us with her exceptional talent in so many interesting and unique characters. Vale Janet."</p> <p>“So very sad to hear this news, such a memorable actress who performed her role effortlessly,” Candice Leask, who plays Wendy Rodwell said. </p> <p>Former <em>Neighbours</em> casting director Jan Russ also shared his devastation. </p> <p>“I had cast Janet in the role of Reb Kean in Prisoner having been a fan of her work and confident she would take in that role and make it her own,” he began on social media. </p> <p>“(I) also cast her as Lyn Scully in Neighbours where once again she excelled in her role. Of course her theatre successes were also superb and many theatre goers will remember her work at the MTC," he continued. </p> <p>“It was devastating to hear this news (of her passing). She was such a vibrant, serene person and she will be greatly missed in the industry.</p> <p>“RIP dearest Janet. Forever in our hearts and great memories.”</p> <p>Andrewartha reportedly died peacefully surrounded by family in Melbourne on Friday, according to <em>The Herald Sun</em>. </p> <p><em>Image: X</em></p>

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Neighbour's "selfish" parking act sparks outrage

<p>A resident in Leichhardt, Sydney, has taken matters into their own hands and decided to deal with the lack of parking by using orange traffic cones to reserve a space for themselves. </p> <p>But frustrated neighbours were not pleased with this act, as parking on the the busy street is already difficult to find. </p> <p>"It's been ongoing for months and doesn't look renovation-related," they wrote on social media. </p> <p>It is understood that there are no parking restrictions on the street, meaning that residents can park there for as long as they like, if they're lucky enough to find a spot. </p> <p>Social media users were quick to share their thoughts, with many suggesting to just move the "witches hats."</p> <p>Others slammed the resident's parking act as "outrageous" and called him out for his "rude" and "selfish" behaviour. </p> <p>"I've noticed that for months and wondered why people have been so observant of them," one person wrote. </p> <p>"I guess if you're self-entitled and can get away with it," another added. </p> <p>"Remove them when they aren't there, someone will park there," a third wrote. </p> <p>While there were a few others who supported the act, and said that residents were entitled to reserve a parking spot, the Inner West Council has debunked it. </p> <p>They said that reserving street parking using objects like traffic cones or other items and then leaving these objects unattended is prohibited. </p> <p>"Unfortunately, this type of thing does happen in our local government area," a spokesperson told <em>Yahoo</em>.  </p> <p>The council has also urged anyone who sees someone using their belongings to obstruct public use of amenities to report it, with fines ranging from $330 to $660. </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

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Neighbours fan favourite leaving Ramsay Street after 30 years

<p>After 30 years on Ramsay Street, a fan favourite actor is saying goodbye to <em>Neighbours</em>. </p> <p>Ryan Moloney, known for his longstanding role as Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi, announced that he would be leaving the show in an announcement video posted to the <em>Neighbours</em> Instagram page. </p> <p>The 44-year-old actor introduced himself as “formerly Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi" before clarifying, "That’s right, I did say formerly, because after 30 years playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsay Street.”</p> <p>“I can’t tell you what is happening to the character – maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson. Or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and just keep popping back over the 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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8tUG1GScZq/?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/C8tUG1GScZq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Neighbours (@neighbours)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Moloney hinted at his career change saying he wanted to spend more time behind the camera and start working as a director. </p> <p>As part of his new career move, he shared that he’d just finished on his first <em>Neighbours</em> episode as a director.</p> <p>“Thank you all so much for all the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years. For three decades, in fact. I’m going to miss you, I’m going to miss him, and I’m going to miss Erinsborough. But whatever you do, make sure you do not miss what is going to happen on Ramsay Street,” he said. </p> <p>The sudden news sent fans into a tizzy, with many sharing emotional reactions to the news as they prepared to farewell a character who has been with them since the 90s. </p> <p>“Omg What?! Toadie is iconic. Won’t be the same. Hopefully he comes back to Erinsborough for a visit,” wrote one viewer.</p> <p>“This is so sad! I hope he keeps ‘popping back’ to the street rather than die. I am going to miss toadie,” said another.</p> <p>Moloney made his <em>Neighbours</em> debut in 1995 as a teenager and stayed with the show until it was axed in 2022.</p> <p>He was then one of the returning cast members when the show was rebooted a year later.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Andy Barnes / FameFlynet.uk.com/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p> </p>

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"Welcome home, Harold": Iconic Neighbours actor returns to Ramsay Street

<p>More than 15 years after his departure, Harold Bishop is returning to Ramsay Street. </p> <p>Ian Smith's character has long been a fan favourite on <em>Neighbours</em>, after originally starring on the soap between 1987 and 1991, before he returned in 1996 until his departure in 2009. </p> <p>Since then, Harold has made multiple guest appearances, including in the 2022 finale.</p> <p>When Amazon picked up the Aussie show, Smith rejoined the cast for a short time but quickly left after a health scare.</p> <p>But now, Harold is making another comeback. </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/C5fVoAlvJEJ/?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/C5fVoAlvJEJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Neighbours (@neighbours)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The official <em>Neighbours</em> Instagram shared the exciting news of his return, writing, “After 15 years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough."</p> <p>“We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs.”</p> <p>Fan were quick to flood the comment section with excitable messages, rejoicing in the fact that a fan favourite character was returning. </p> <p>“The best news. The show misses an elder character like Harold,” one person wrote.</p> <p>Another commented, “Absolutely amazing news to wake up too. Welcome home, Harold.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / YouTube </em></p>

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Neighbours star’s cause of death revealed

<p>The entertainment industry continues to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/gone-way-too-soon-neighbours-star-dead-at-48" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mourn the loss of Australian actor Troy Beckwith</a>, best known for his iconic roles in <em>Neighbours</em> and <em>Pugwall</em>.</p> <p>The news of his passing at the age of 48 has left his friends, family and fans devastated. Beckwith's career, marked by his mischievous charm and infectious laughter, will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and admired him. Following widespread conjecture as the cause of Troy's death, one of the actor’s relatives, Shane Beckwith, finally addressed the rumours head on.</p> <p>“The family would like everyone to know that Troy fought a tough battle with cancer,” he said.</p> <p>Troy Beckwith's sister, Juanita Sanger (pictured), also took to social media to mourn her brother's passing. In a heartfelt post, she fondly recalled the joyous moments they shared growing up, highlighting Troy's free spirit and the countless stories that could fill a book. </p> <p>"I know Mum will be so happy to be reunited with her boy. Peace at last," she wrote, concluding the post with the poignant hashtag, "#cancersux".</p> <p>The news of Beckwith's death reverberated through social media, with friends and former co-stars sharing their grief. Selina Bonica, a friend and colleague, acknowledged the pain of losing Beckwith but expressed relief that he was now free from suffering. Kym Valentine, who worked with Beckwith on <em>Neighbours</em>, lamented the loss of a dear friend, saying that there would be no funeral, respecting Troy's wishes.</p> <p>Brett Blewitt, who played alongside Beckwith on <em>Neighbours</em>, remembered him as a "lovely person" with a deep sense of thoughtfulness and empathy. Lucinda Cowden, another <em>Neighbours</em> actress, conveyed her sadness with broken heart emojis. Ricky Fleming, Beckwith's co-star on the children's series <em>Pugwall</em>, shared a touching tribute, describing their adventures and the infectious joy Beckwith brought to those around him.</p> <p>Beckwith's acting career spanned several notable roles, including his portrayal of Michael Martin on <em>Neighbours</em> from 1991 to 1998, earning him recognition as one of the soap's most iconic villains, 'Sicko Micko'. He also made appearances in Blue Heelers and State Coroner. His talent extended to the realm of children's television, where he played Jeremy 'Bazza' Bazlington on Pugwall from 1989 to 1991.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

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"Gone way too soon”: Neighbours star dead at 48

<p><em>Neighbours </em>star Troy Beckwith, who immortalised the infamous villain Michael Martin, has passed away at the age of 48.</p> <p>The news was confirmed by his former co-star, Kym Valentine, leaving the <em>Neighbours</em> community and fans around the world mourning the loss of a talented actor and cherished friend.</p> <p>Valentine took to social media to share the heartbreaking news, saying, “It pains me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away.” The void left by his departure is felt deeply by those who knew him, with Valentine expressing sorrow over the untimely loss of another member of their TV family.</p> <p>“Another member of our TV family gone way too soon. There will be no funeral as per Troy’s request. Thanks for all the memories my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.”</p> <p>Troy's character, "Sicko Micko", became an iconic figure in the world of <em>Neighbours</em> during his run from 1992 to 1998. Ausculture even likened him to "the Charles Manson of Ramsay Street" because of the profound impact he had on fans and the show's legacy. His portrayal of Michael Martin earned him a special place in the hearts of viewers, and he remains a fixture in lists ranking the best <em>Neighbours </em>characters of the 1990s.</p> <p>As the news spread, tributes poured in from fellow cast members and friends. Brett Stark actor Brett Blewitt, currently part of the <em>Neighbours</em> revival, shared his thoughts, describing Troy as a "lovely person" who was "deeply thoughtful and empathetic". The pain of the loss is palpable in Blewitt's words, echoing the sentiments of many who had the privilege of knowing Troy.</p> <p>Even as the <em>Neighbours</em> family grapples with the shock, Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson, expressed her sorrow through a series of broken heart emojis. The collective grief is evident, as the cast and crew mourn the departure of a talent gone too soon.</p> <p>Troy's friend Selina Laine Bonica reflected on the complexity of their relationship, saying, “Troy, you were a pain in my a**, but I loved you dearly. I’m just glad you’re free from pain.”</p> <p>Beckwith's impact extended beyond <em>Neighbours</em>, as evidenced by his role in the series <em>Pugwall</em>. Ricky Fleming, his co-star, paid tribute by remembering the mischievous adventures they shared, saying, “May you be in peace and still be the infectious joy of those who are in your presence now.”</p> <p>The absence of a cause of death only deepens the sense of loss, leaving fans to remember a talent that graced their screens and a person who touched the hearts of many. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Aussie mum's outrage over neighbour's "creepy" act

<p>An Aussie mum has slammed her neighbour for being a "creep" after spotting a surveillance camera which she claims is pointed directly into her bathroom window. </p> <p>A photo taken of the set-up showed the camera poking out from underneath the blinds behind a window on the property next door. </p> <p>"It was facing the car park, and now it's facing my window [and it has] been there for the last four days," she wrote in the Facebook post, adding that she lives on private property and is not sure what to do. </p> <p>"It's facing my bathroom window. Disgusting. I have two young kids here."</p> <p>The post blew up, with hundreds of locals urging the mum-of-two to speak to her neighbour, put privacy screens, or tint her windows, to which the mum responded: "I shouldn't have to tint my windows to feel safe enough to have a shower." </p> <p> "I live on private property, he comes off as a creep."</p> <p>Despite revealing that she had issues with the neighbour in the past over her dog, the woman went and talked to the neighbour. </p> <p>"[I] went and spoke with them," she wrote. </p> <p>"Apparently it's not facing my backyard, only theirs, but clearly it is, so I will be taking it further.</p> <p>"It isn't for a backyard, it's for a car park that never gets used, only during the weekdays, but it's not even pointing anywhere near that direction anymore. It's legit right into my windows."</p> <p>Property lawyer Monica Rouvella told <em>Yahoo News</em> that there are several things the woman could do if this continues.</p> <p>"One of them is to contact the local police and they can come out and actually request to view that person's footage to see exactly what's been looked at," she said. </p> <p> "And then the police can actually, I believe, request that the camera be taken down or repositioned."</p> <p>She also said the Hunter Valley mum could try going through local councils, but they might refer back to the police. </p> <p>"The other takeaway is, you know, these days everybody has a camera on their house," she told the publication. </p> <p>"So you know, if you don't like that then don't do things you shouldn't be doing. But yeah, if it is directed at a person's house or window then that's a violation of that person's privacy." </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

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Former Neighbours star’s stunning Yarra Valley wedding

<p>In a celebration filled with love, laughter and music, singer and former <em>Neighbours</em> star Bonnie Anderson tied the knot with her beau, Samuel Morrison, in a breathtaking ceremony at the enchanting Acacia Ridge Vineyard in Yarra Valley, Victoria.</p> <p>The 29-year-old songstress and her landscaper husband exchanged vows in the presence of their closest family and friends, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.</p> <p>The radiant bride walked down the aisle in a sleeveless, halter-neck lace gown crafted by the talented Australian designer Jason Grech, while the dashing groom looked ever so handsome in a classic black tuxedo. The picturesque vineyard provided the perfect backdrop for this special day, creating an atmosphere of pure magic and romance.</p> <p>Sharing their joy with the world, Anderson captioned the first wedding photo on Instagram with the simple yet powerful words, "Mr and Mrs Morrison."</p> <p>The newlyweds flooded their social media with countless photos and videos, giving fans a glimpse into the magical celebration of their love.</p> <p>During the reception, the talented bride took the stage once again, not only as a singer but as a romantic lyricist. Anderson serenaded her new husband with a heartfelt song she had written especially for him, creating an unforgettable moment as their guests gathered around to witness their love story unfold.</p> <p>The celebration continued inside a marquee on the sprawling estate, where the bridesmaids, adorned in elegant black satin gowns, kicked off the festivities with a rehearsed entrance set to the iconic Beyoncé hit, "Single Ladies". Dinner was served, and the atmosphere was electric as the bride treated the guests to her musical prowess before the DJ took over, transforming the evening into a dance-filled extravaganza.</p> <p>In a pre-wedding interview with the <em>Herald Sun</em>, Anderson expressed her desire for the celebration to be a "big party" filled with entertainment and music, and she certainly delivered on that promise. Life may be chaotic as a mum, singer and wedding organiser, but for Bonnie Anderson, the chaos is well worth the joy that comes with looking forward to the future.</p> <p>The couple, who had already welcomed their bundle of joy, Bobby, in December the previous year, radiated happiness and love throughout the day. Anderson, who found fame at the tender age of 12 as the first winner of <em>Australia's Got Talent</em> in 2007, has come a long way, gracing the screens of <em>Neighbours</em> from 2018 to 2021. Now, as Bonnie Morrison, she begins a new chapter in her fairy tale alongside Samuel.</p> <p>As they dance into the rest of their lives together, Bonnie and Samuel Morrison serve as a testament to the enduring power of love, the magic of music, and the joy of sharing life's grandest moments with those who matter most. Cheers to the newlyweds, and may their journey be filled with endless love, laughter, and, of course, more unforgettable music!</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Aussie couple touched by neighbours kind response to crying baby

<p>A Western Australia mum has shared the incredibly touching response her neighbour gave in response to her baby's crying. </p> <p>Amy Mark took to Facebook to share a photo of the note and a bundle of baby supplies that was left by her neighbour at her front door on Wednesday. </p> <p>"Hey, we are your neighbours from behind you," the note read.</p> <p>"We have heard your little bub crying a few times and thought we would drop off some nappies and wipes as we know how tough the early days are!</p> <p>"We hope this brightens your day," the note concluded. </p> <p>Amy captioned the photo: "Our neighbours left this note at our front door along with some nappies and wipes. Thank you for your kindness and being patient with the noise of a crying newborn." </p> <p>The mum told <em>Daily Mail Australia </em>that their newborn is often restless and night and struggles to fall asleep until 10pm. </p> <p>"We were worried about keeping the neighbours awake but it’s warming to know that some people understand the nighttime struggle," she told the publication. </p> <p>"A lot of parents have it harder than we do so we are grateful for the kind gesture and plan to pay it forward."</p> <p>Thousands of Aussies took to the comments to applaud the kind neighbours and also offered their sympathy for the new parents. </p> <p>"More people should be neighbours like this," one wrote. </p> <p>"What wonderful neighbours to have. That brought tears to my eyes," another commented. </p> <p>"Gifts and understanding, what more can you ask for?" a third added. </p> <p>A few other mum's took to the comments to share their experiences with thoughtful neighbours. </p> <p>One mum wrote: "I had a lovely neighbour who used to come hold and cuddle my twins while we chatted and it helped me get a few things done." </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

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Former Neighbours star admits to assault

<p>Former <em>Neighbours</em> star Scott McGregor will have to write a formal apology letter to a female patron at an iconic Melbourne pub after admitting to assault. </p> <p>The 42-year-old actor returned before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, supported by his wife and father-in-law. </p> <p>McGregor was initially charged with intentional sexual touching without consent in November last year, after an incident at the iconic St Kilda beachside pub “The Espy”. </p> <p>However, the charge was formally withdrawn after the prosecution accepted it was a “non-sexual episode”, and substituted it with a common law assault charge, which McGregor accepted. </p> <p>Although details of the incident were not aired in court, Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said there was no “sexual element” in the incident. </p> <p>“The summary I have taken account of is one momentary very slight touch – that’s all,” he said.</p> <p>“Its an appropriate matter for diversion, no doubt about that.”</p> <p>The Magistrate placed McGregor on diversion, where no criminal conviction is recorded if he complies with a number of conditions as part of the diversion plan/</p> <p>The prosecution, defence and the complainant all accepted this as a "favourable" and appropriate course of action. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Diversion means that he did not plead guilty and was not formally found guilty, but he will have to write a letter of gratitude to the police informant, an apology letter to the woman and donate $300 to his charity of choice. </span></p> <p>If he complies with these conditions by December, his charges will be formally struck out. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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How a garden hose dispute between neighbours ended with a 30-year jail sentence

<p>An Aussie man has been sentenced to 30 years in jail after shooting two of his neighbours, in a months-long dispute that began over a disagreement over a garden hose. </p> <p>Rodney John Lee, a 74-year-old from Melbourne's south-east, was sentenced to 30 years behind bars in court on Monday, after showing little remorse for pulling out a shotgun and murdering Saumoto Gasio and Tibor Laszlo, who lived in the same unit block. </p> <p>The dispute between the neighbours began several months ago, with tensions escalating quickly in the lead up to the shooting, which occurred on January 13th 2022. </p> <p>Lee had accused one neighbour's grandson of being a drug dealer, and was angry others would turn off a hose he used to water a communal garden.</p> <p>On the day of the killings, Lee left the hose running and went inside his apartment, later screaming in anger when he realised that the water had been shut off.</p> <p>According to court documents, Lee yelled to his neighbours, "You turn the hose off again you bastards, I'll f***ing kill you."</p> <p>Later that night, Lee confronted residents in the garden when he got into an argument with Mr Gasio, who told him he would ignore demands about the hose because he was wasting water by leaving the hose running unattended.</p> <p>Lee then went back to his apartment and armed himself with his grandfather's shotgun, before he headed back to the group and from close range fired at Mr Gasio, who was sitting on a bench.</p> <p>Other residents of the building fled the scene looking for safety, while a badly injured Mr Gasio stumbled into a neighbour's unit. </p> <p>As neighbours tried to help Mr Gasio, Lee came through the door and fired the shotgun again, this time hitting Mr Laszlo.</p> <p>Both men died at the scene.</p> <p>Before handing down the sentencing, Justice James Elliott described the killer's actions as "senseless and brutally violent".</p> <p>"Nothing could justify the disproportionate, senseless and brutally violent way in which you responded," Justice Elliott said.</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"You murdered two people in their places of residence, where they were entitled to feel safe, in the presence of other residents of the unit complex."</p> </div> <p>"Both victims were completely defenceless against you."</p> <p>Lee is likely to die in jail,  as h<span style="font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">e will be aged 97 by the time he is eligible for parole in early 2046.</span></p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"You'll almost certainly be imprisoned for the remainder of your life," Justice Elliott said.</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;"><em>Image credits: ABC News</em></p>

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“Shocked and amazed”: Neighbours raise over $50,000 for bullied boy

<p dir="ltr">A couple from Texas has helped raise over $55,000 for their young neighbour who was being bullied.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their story began when young Shayden Walker knocked on the door of Brennan Ray and Angell Hammersmith, looking for friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">The conversation was captured on their home’s video doorbell system, as Walker asked if they knew any children between the ages of 11 and 12 because he “needs some friends really bad”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Walker, who approached their house wearing a Jaws t-shirt, explained that some neighbourhood kids had been bullying him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could hear the innocence and vulnerability in his voice,” Ray told DailyMail.com. “All I knew is that I wanted to help the kid.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has since been viewed on TikTok more than 66 million times, with TikTokers from across the world commenting that they hope he finds some “REAL friends soon” and saying “I have never wanted to hug a kid so bad in my life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ray and Hammersmith decided to start a GoFundMe page for Walker, asking people to “spread kindness for Shayden” and give what they can to help provide for the boy, while encouraging people to “come together and show him he's got some friends.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are raising money to help buy him a gaming system, school clothes and hopefully some amusement park tickets and anything else he may want or need,” the fundraising page reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">In just four days of the fundraising page being online, people from around the world have helped donate more than $55,000AUD to Shayden and his family, with the organisers saying they are “shocked and amazed” at people’s generosity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many of the donations came with messages for Shayden, saying “You have a friend in me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Walker's stepfather now says Shayden's a “totally different kid” than he was just last week, while the young boy said in a video posted to his father's TikTok page that “Y'all have touched my heart so much, it's just literally to the point where I want to cry.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The family have requested that the donations be turned off on the donations page, saying they are not seeking any money.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many people commented on Shayden’s message, praising his bravery and sending messages of support.</p> <p dir="ltr">One person wrote, “Shayden, you are a strong kid. No one deserves to be bullied or made fun of.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are incredibly brave to be putting yourself out there and actively looking for friends instead of staying in the house.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know you are young, but the best advice I can give you is that you do not need anyone's validation but your own to know your worth. If you love yourself, you will never be alone.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

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Woman hit with six-figure fine after using social media to lay false claim against neighbours

<p>A Queensland woman has been slapped with a nearly $280,000 fine after she falsely branded her neighbours as paedophiles in a post to a local Facebook group.</p> <p>Zoe Anne Gooding was ordered to pay de facto partners Mianka Rodgers and Michael Usher $200,000 in compensatory damages, $65,000 in aggravated damages and $14,179.32 in interest by the Queensland District Court on June 23 2023 after the couple sued Gooding for defamation in February 2022.</p> <p>The court heard how much the false claims impacted the couple’s life, including forcing them to abandon their plans to become foster parents.</p> <p>The $280,000 fine included a $15,000 compensation payment to Usher for Gooding running him over with her car after he sued her, leaving him with a fractured rotor cuff and three broken ribs.</p> <p>The parties had been neighbours in the close-knit coastal suburb of Bushland Brach in Townsville’s north and had gone to several barbecues and other social gatherings in their peaceful cul-de-sac, where about 50 residents were well acquainted.</p> <p>In September 2023, Gooding posted to the Bushland Beach Crime Alert group, which had close to 5,000 members, “Paedophile 12 Holbourne Street.”</p> <p>She then posted two follow-up comments.</p> <p>“When it’s your kid being touched then you wouldn’t be saying it’s a wild accusation,” she responded to a query.</p> <p>“We know cos they tried getting our six-year-old to go with them multiple times,” she said in a separate comment.</p> <p>Several members of the group responded with comments like, “Are the cops doing anything about it?”, “Have they been arrested?” and, “That’s disgusting. Please report to police.”</p> <p>About 90 minutes after her initial post, Gooding took to the group again claiming she had been “hacked”, writing, “Hi everyone. So looked [sic] like my FB had been hacked. Neighbour just went mental and we were wondering why. Have reset my settings. Apologies.”</p> <p>Members were sceptical, with one writing, “You put a post up about a paedophile and there [sic] apparent address. Gonna need a bit more explaining than ‘we got hacked’.”</p> <p>District Court Judge John Coker said it was “noteworthy” that, amid Gooding’s later admission, the statement that she had been hacked was “demonstrably false”.</p> <p>“It is also clear that the consequences for the first and second plaintiffs has been significant,” he said.</p> <p>Usher was only made aware of the post after a friend he was with received a text message with a screenshot from the group and showed him.</p> <p>Rodgers, who was working as a FIFO chef at the Moranbah North Coal Mine found out after she finished her shift and received a message from Usher.</p> <p>The couple told the court how their “life changed following the defamatory post”, with them fearing leaving home or socialising with neighbours.</p> <p>Mick did not want to leave the house,” Rodgers said in her affidavit.</p> <p>“He closed all the curtains and would not go outside to mow the grass. He told me repeatedly that he felt ashamed and embarrassed. He became progressively more withdrawn from communicating with me, his friends and neighbours. Our social life in Holbourne Street stopped dead.”</p> <p>She noted that she had changed where she goes shopping, travelling an additional 10 to 20km to go to a different Coles where she wouldn’t be recognised.</p> <p>“The defamatory post has changed me,” she said.</p> <p>“Whereas I was previously quite an outgoing person, I am now more shy of social interaction. I don’t like telling people about what happened with the defamatory post. Also, I will not touch anybody’s child. Due to the impact of the defamatory post Mick and I have abandoned our plans to become foster parents.”</p> <p>After launching the defamation proceedings in June 2022, Usher said Gooding struck him twice with her car on Holbourne Street.</p> <p>“I have been interviewed by the police in respect to the incident and they have advised me that Zoe Gooding has been charged with various offences,” Usher said in his affidavit. “I am awaiting further details of those charges.”</p> <p>Rodgers added that the pair felt they had “no choice but to take steps to try and restore our reputation as best we could in the circumstances”.</p> <p>“The allegations made against Mick and I are dreadful and have left a terrible stain on our reputations and on our address,” she explained.</p> <p>“It is important that people understood clearly that Mick and I are not paedophiles. However, I do not believe that whatever we do we will ever be able to wash the stain away entirely.”</p> <p>Gooding gave a voluntary admission in April 2022 to confirm she was the sole publisher of the post, leading to a default judgement being entered in July 2022.</p> <p>The next step was an assessment of damages.</p> <p>Lawyers for the couple had trouble contacting Gooding, who eventually responded in an email in November 2022 to say she was “currently residing in a women’s shelter in North Brisbane and have no capacity to return to Townsville to attend”.</p> <p>“I have no assets to my name,” she wrote.</p> <p>“The only income I receive is $300 per fortnight through family tax benefit $175 of which goes to paying for my accommodation and food. I would be willing to submit the remainder of this as a payment plan for the defendants until the court appointed amount is payed [sic]. To be blunt it was foolhardy of your clients to proceed with the matter as it was known to them that I was poor.”</p> <p>In the ruling, Judge Coker said the couple’s reputations had been “gravely injured” by Gooding’s conduct and there was “the need for a very real penalty to be imposed in relation to the aggravated nature of the publication”.</p> <p>“Of particular significance here, is that the subsequent conduct of the defendant in running the second plaintiff over in a motor vehicle, following the institution of these proceedings is evidence, or it can be inferred from it, of the defendant’s improper motivations and intentions,” he said.</p> <p>“In that regard, the conduct of the defendant, it is said, simply reaffirms the defamatory statement that she made and her actions.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Neighbours star's AVO nightmare after magistrate’s “wrong” call

<p>Former <em>Neighbours</em> star Madeleine West has won an appeal to overturn an AVO taken out against her on behalf of the father of her ex-husband, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett.</p> <p>West, 42, was described by a magistrate as “evasive, almost aggressive and frightening” when giving evidence about an altercation involving her ex-husband’s father Benny Clifton Bennet at his son’s Byron Bay home on May 4 2022.</p> <p>The AVO was granted after the Local Court hearing.</p> <p>However, West appealed the decision in the NSW District Court after being granted a temporary stay on the two-year order, which bans her from Bennett’s Byron Bay property while her father-in-law comes to visit her children.</p> <p>Although the Local Court found West had “barged” onto her ex-husband’s property, Judge Jonathan Priestly ruled the magistrate had made a “wrong” decision based on “erroneous finding”.</p> <p>Judge Priestly found Bennett’s father was acting out of loyalty for his son during the incident.</p> <p>West’s lawyers amid the appeal argued that the magistrates “erred in finding the fears of the older Mr Bennett were reasonably based”.</p> <p>They claimed the conduct, taking the surrounding circumstances into consideration “did not amount to harassment”.</p> <p>The judge said the grandfather’s “fear of harassment” was an outcome of being “distressingly” caught in the middle of a dispute between his son and West.</p> <p>He admitted to the court that he had spoken to her amicably one day before the alleged “barging”.</p> <p>Bennett’s father described West as “uncontrollable” and “irrational”, but Judge Priestly said these claims were not supported by CCTV footage.</p> <p>“I accept that the magistrate was wrong to find that the appellant (West) barged into the property,” he ruled.</p> <p>“A number of errors of the magistrate have been identified. By basing her decision on those erroneous findings her Honour’s decision is wrong.”</p> <p>Judge Priestley found Bennett's father had been “unwittingly involved” by his son and the chances of reoccurring disputes were “negligible”.</p> <p>“There is no need for the order,” the judge said.</p> <p>The AVO was dismissed and Judge Priestly called on lawyers to prepare arguments on costs to be heard in July.</p> <p>West was on <em>Neighbours</em> for six years over two periods of time, from 2000 to 2003 and 2017 to 2020.</p> <p>She appeared in hundreds of episodes as characters Dee Bliss and then Andrew Somers.</p> <p>West was hit by a bus while filming for the soap and suffered head injuries which resulted in her having to relearn motor skills.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Everything you need to know about Qantas’ new ‘Neighbour Free’ initiative

<p dir="ltr">Qantas has unveiled a new initiative that gives passengers the chance to travel without having to sit next to someone for their journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Neighbour Free program, which was previously reserved for high-tier frequent flyer members only, gives travellers the option of booking not only their own seat on an upcoming flight, but also to reserve the seat next to them to remain empty.</p> <p dir="ltr">The announcement of the initiative already has travellers excited, with people wanting to know more about how to stay neighbour-less for their next plane journey. </p> <p dir="ltr">Here’s everything you need to know to have a peaceful and quiet trip without risking a pesky seat neighbour. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>How do you book an empty seat?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">When you initially book your flight, you won’t be able to instantly request an empty seat next to you. </p> <p dir="ltr">The “Neighbour Free” initiative is only available on certain routes, so if your flight is eligible, you will be sent an email invitation where you can purchase a Neighbour Free seat between 48 hours until one hour before your scheduled flight departure.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you choose to request an empty neighbour seat, you will see a highlighted Neighbour Free option you can select before providing your payment details and submitting the request.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/qantas-neighbour-pic.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Passengers will then be able to see both their own seat and the Neighbour Free seat reservation appear on their boarding pass.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the airline has noted the spare seat can't be used "for infant seating or to place items such as carry-on baggage, or musical instruments."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>How much does a neighbour Free seat cost?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The cost of the empty seat varies depending on your route. </p> <p dir="ltr">Each flight can range from $30 to $65 on top of your standard economy fare, and you cannot use your Qantas points to pay the extra fee as Neighbour Free can only be reserved using an eligible credit or debit card.</p> <p dir="ltr">You also won't earn any additional points or status credits by booking the empty seat. </p> <p dir="ltr">Neighbour Free seats are subject to availability and may need to be changed "for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding the aircraft", Qantas explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">If that is the case, the fee paid to reserve that spare seat will be automatically refunded within two weeks. And if your flight is cancelled your reservation will not carry to your new flight so you'll also receive a refund.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>On which routes can I request a Neighbour Free seat?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The initiative is currently only available on select Qantas operated Australian domestic flights.</p> <p dir="ltr">At this stage there are 14 domestic routes that could offer the choice to pay for an empty seat at the following cost:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sydney - Gold Coast: $30</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adelaide - Melbourne: $30</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adelaide - Sydney: $45</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adelaide - Brisbane: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adelaide - Darwin: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adelaide - Perth: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Brisbane - Darwin: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Brisbane - Perth: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Darwin - Melbourne: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Darwin - Sydney: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Melbourne - Gold Coast: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Perth - Darwin: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Perth - Melbourne: $65</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Perth - Sydney: $65</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">While the Neighbour Free initiative is currently limited to travel within Australia only, a Qantas spokesperson told <em><a href="https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-empty-seat-neighbour-free">Executive Traveller</a></em> there are "plans to further expand the initiative to other domestic routes in the months ahead."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Qantas</em></p>

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