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Escaped race horse shocks commuters at suburban train station

<p>An escaped race horse has been spotted at a suburban Sydney train station, bamboozling confused commuters. </p> <p>CCTV footage captured the moment a retired racehorse wandered into Warwick Farm train station around midnight on Friday, as confused commuters hid from the animal. </p> <p>Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said they were alerted to the unexpected passenger, and notified train drivers to keep a look out for a passenger that was "horsing around".</p> <p>“Thankfully we were able to warn our train drivers to take extra care to look out for animals on the tracks” Longland said.</p> <p>“A train stopped at the station, (but) didn’t open its doors.”</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/C5mXYfHSINA/?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/C5mXYfHSINA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 7NEWS Australia (@7newsaustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>After pacing the platform for almost 30 minutes, the horse was reunited with its owner, top Australian horse racing trainer Annabel Neasham.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, we had an intruder break-in to one of our stables,” Neasham said. “In the meantime, he managed to let our stable pony out.”</p> <p>“(Our) horse is back at home, none the wiser, not even a scratch on him.”</p> <p>Stable hand Keith Morrison said it was “highly unusual” that the horse ended up on the platform and left him with unanswered questions.</p> <p>“I still want to know how it got up the stairs and onto the platform — it didn’t use the lift!”</p> <p>Langland said Sydney Trains were giving the horse, now affectionately nicknamed “Mr Red” by train staff, a “stern warning” for “failing to tap-on at the station”.</p> <p>"It's not every day you see a horse on the platform, but that's what we saw at Warwick Farm," NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.</p> <p>She said the horse was a well-behaved passenger, adding, "It kept its hooves behind the yellow line, which is a good thing."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

<p>British TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has passed away aged 50 following a battle with terminal cancer. </p> <p>Irwin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020, when the disease spread from his lungs to his brain. </p> <p>He was initially given just six months to live, but managed to defy the odds and made his illness public after two years of keeping it a secret. </p> <p>The TV presenter rose to fame in the UK for his roles on shows including <em>A Place in the Sun </em>and <em>Escape to the Country</em>. </p> <p>A statement was shared to Instagram on Friday announcing his death, where he was described as "a truly remarkable soul." </p> <p>"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing," the statement began. </p> <p>"A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit."</p> <p>“At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss," the statement continued. </p> <p>“Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts.”</p> <p>“Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jonnie Irwin (@jonnieirwintv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Following his death, BBC have paid tribute to the fallen host and described him as an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”.</p> <p>“He brought such warmth and fun to Escape To The Country where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too," head of BBC daytime Rob Unsworth said.</p> <p>“More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for <em>Morning Live</em> about his illness, tackling taboos around end-of-life care and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did.”</p> <p>Irwin’s longtime co-star Jasmine Harman, also shared a tribute on Instagram.</p> <p>“I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness,” she wrote. “The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.” </p> <p>Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children, Rex, five and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Tourists' narrow escape after Great Barrier Reef plane crash

<p>Nine tourists and a pilot on board a plane that flipped and crashed while trying to land on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef are "lucky to be alive". </p> <p>The light plane bound for Cairns, was carrying nine adults and one 14-year-old girl, when it crashed shortly after 7:30am on Monday morning. </p> <p>It is believed that the plane tried to return to the Island after a mechanical malfunction, colliding with trees as it came down. </p> <p>Queensland Ambulance operations sent two rescue helicopters to the Island, shortly after the accident, and four passengers were flown back to Cairns Hospital for treatment.</p> <p>Royal Flying Doctor Service nurse Stephanie Beatty said it was remarkable that they managed to come out of the crash relatively unharmed. </p> <p>"Minor injuries, minor head injury and a fractured arm, otherwise most shaken but okay," she said.</p> <p>"I think the people are very lucky to be alive." </p> <p>Queensland Ambulance Service Acting Assistant Commissioner Brina Keating also said that it was "incredible" they managed to walk out alive. </p> <p>"All were walking — they were able to get out of the aircraft," she told ABC News. </p> <p>"To walk away from something like that is incredible."</p> <p>Ms Keating also said that the cause of the crash was being investigated. </p> <p>Footage of the wreckage shared on <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaRawlings_/status/1744170681749946773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1744170681749946773%7Ctwgr%5E4bc69f9710cd8300d7b1080153bf7dc1e4e405d4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.9news.com.au%2Fnational%2Fplane-crash-lizard-island-great-barrier-reef%2F78af78a6-2df7-4ad3-86ce-57e724512856" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media</a> show the mangled plane lying upside down with broken propellers, and emergency tape closing off the area. </p> <p>According to the Cairns Hospital and Health Service, all 10 people are in a stable condition. </p> <p><em>Images: Anna Rawlings/ X</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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"I fell asleep in the fire escape": Grant Denyer's pain meds confession

<p>Grant Denyer has opened up about the "horrific" time he was on strong pain medication, which at the peak of his reliance, led him to wander off in only his underwear and socks. </p> <p>The former<em> Sunrise</em> presenter recalled the incident on the <em>Jess Rowe Show Podcast</em> and how it left his then-girlfriend Chezzi, with "PTSD" after she spent four hours looking for him in the Sydney CBD.</p> <p>The pair were staying at a hotel in Sydney’s Chinatown when the incident occurred. </p> <p>“I wanted some scotch one night, for whatever reason, and just went wandering around town in my undies, got lost in the fire escape on the way back to the apartment,” he said in the podcast. </p> <p>“I did not know where my apartment was and fell asleep in the fire escape.</p> <p>“It took Chez three or four hours to find me.”</p> <p>In another part of the interview he opened up on the effects of the medication. </p> <p>“When you are under the influence of that kind of power of medication and in that much pain, when you close your eyes at night you go into your worst nightmares immediately and it is every night,” he explained. </p> <p>“So I would come down and think there was a home invasion, I would be crawling down with a broken back to fight off people I thought were there attacking and raping Chez.</p> <p>“This would happen daily.”</p> <p>He added that the pain meds left him in such a daze that whenever he woke up couldn't "differentiate what was real and what wasn’t.”</p> <p>At the time, Denyer had a reliance on both endone and morphine following a monster truck accident in 2008 which left him with a severe spinal injury.  </p> <p>The former <em>Sunrise </em>presenter was training for the Monster Truck Championships at Dapto Showground when the accident occurred, and had only been dating Chezzi for "a couple of weeks", which forced her "straight into carer nurse mode”.</p> <p>Denyer also opened up about the incident on the couple's podcast <em>It’s All True?</em></p> <p>“As soon as you close your eyes you go into your worst nightmares. The things that you are afraid of the most are the first things that happen the moment you fall asleep and you start dreaming.</p> <p>“It is traumatic as every time you sleep and then when you wake up you can’t tell what is real and what isn’t," he said in 2020.</p> <p>Chezzi also explained her side of the story and said that when she found him in the fire exit, he was covered in filth. </p> <p>“It was pretty gross and it broke my heart,” she said.</p> <p>Despite the challenges, the couple's love has prevailed as the pair have been married since 2009 and share three daughters, Sunday, Sailor and Scout.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Update on distraught mother who escaped deadly house fire

<p dir="ltr">A heart-broken mother has been left “hysterical” after her five sons and their “excellent” father were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/6-beautiful-souls-family-break-silence-after-tragic-house-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed in a house fire</a> in north Queensland on Sunday. </p> <p dir="ltr">The family home was engulfed in flames, with the blaze claiming the lives of Zackary, 11, Harry, 10, four-year-old twins Kyza and Koah and Nicky, 3, and their father Wayne Godinet. </p> <p dir="ltr">The children’s mother, Samantha Stephenson, was able to escape the fire, with witnesses saying Godinet ran back into the home to save Stephenson and the boys when he became trapped.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the wake of the tragedy, family friend Simon Gordon said the “kids came first” for Godinet and his partner. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She was a loving mother to the children,” Gordon told <em>Sunrise</em> on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What she is going through is unbelievable.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Every time I ever met the family, the kids came first. They love the kids.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another family friend, Peter MacLoughlin, told <em>7NEWS</em> Godinet was an “excellent father”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The people in this community will miss him walking the children to school,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They loved those kids.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to say that Stephenson was “hysterical” as the tragedy unfolded.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gordon said Stephenson was being supported by a “close-knit network” of loved ones, while Godinet’s family travelled from New Zealand and other parts of Australia to Russell Island. </p> <p dir="ltr">He said the family wanted to express gratitude to first responders to the emergency, including members of the community, some of whom are volunteer firefighters.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With the limited resources we’ve got on the island, people need to remember that the first people on the scene were the neighbours ... and the volunteer firefighters,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Some of these firefighters were friends of the family. Their kids know their kids. They were on the scene and they must be going through hell right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Escape to the Country star’s heartbreaking cancer update

<p>Jonnie Irwin, star of Escape to the Country, has shared a heartbreaking update on his battle with terminal cancer. </p> <p>The TV star - who was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer and given only six months to live in 2020 - sat down for an interview with <em>The Sun </em>after early 50th birthday celebrations, where he opened up about his diagnosis, and the impact it has had on himself and his young family.</p> <p>Jonnie is the father of three young boys with his devoted wife, Jess. Rex - the couple’s eldest - is four, while their twins Rafa and Cormac are only two. And he was recounting a football game with his eldest son, Rex, when he revealed that he’s feeling the physical weight of his ongoing fight, explaining that he “tried to play football with Rex the other day and was in goal and I couldn’t get near the ball. It was so frustrating.</p> <p>“I’m very sporty and suddenly it’s just like … it was as if it was the first time I’d attempted football. I felt like a granddad. And that broke me a bit.</p> <p>“I always thought, ‘I’m an older dad but I’ll be leading from the front’.</p> <p>“But I’m now at the back.”</p> <p>“I’m weak now, fragile, and my memory is terrible,” he later added, “but I’m still here.”</p> <p>Jonnie only announced his diagnosis in 2020, when his appearance change had become noticeable. </p> <p>“People didn’t know for such a long time, which helped with not having the conversation for some time,” Jess explained. </p> <p>“Our friends knew, but not the severity of it, and Jonnie looked well so it was never really a topic we discussed. The physical side of it came more recently. Now it’s all we talk about at home.”</p> <p>Jess went on to explain that while she knows Jonnie is trying to “cross every T and dot all the I’s” for their family, she’s been trying to stress to him that he should “do what makes you happy. If you want to do something, just do it.”</p> <p>“I just want to be able to bring any bit of fun and enjoyment back into his life,” she added, “which is really hard to do, especially with the reality of how much he’s struggling on a day-to-day basis.”</p> <p>Their children have served as something of a distraction for them, although Jess admits they haven’t quite been able to wrap their heads around the enormity of the truth. </p> <p>“I don’t have time to think to be honest,” Jess said, “and I know that Jonnie is doing all that he can with the diet, the resting, the supplement, research, [and] looking into treatment. Jonnie is partly still here because of sheer willpower. </p> <p>“He’s stubborn and determined and he’s a scrapper. </p> <p>“I think I’m still in denial about a lot of it if I’m honest.”</p> <p>Despite the weight of their situation, Jonnie, Jess, and their loved ones recently came together to celebrate - although he won’t be turning 50 until November, the couple decided to celebrate his birthday early with over 150 of their nearest and dearest friends and family. </p> <p>“It was a great night,” Jonnie recalled. “I chose a playlist with some great tunes from the 90s and 2000s and people came from all over the country and abroad.</p> <p>“I didn’t know the extent of the loyalty and generosity that my friends would exhibit.</p> <p>“I’ve been dumbfounded and spellbound by their support, as well as that of our families, who have been amazing. I just wanted to do something to celebrate my birthday and had no idea how many people would actually turn up. It was incredible.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"I had to escape": Hugh Sheridan drugged and held captive

<p>Hugh Sheridan has shared the details of a terrifying ordeal when they were given a date-rape drug and held captive for eight hours. </p> <p>The Aussie star, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, revealed the encounter to 88.3FM radio show, <em>Sounds Good With Donna Demaio</em>, recalling the moment they knew they were in trouble.</p> <p>They claim they woke up dazed and confused as a result of the Rohypnol in an unknown Sydney apartment, after being incapacitated by a couple.</p> <p>"I knew one of the people [involved], I just never thought it would happen, and it was a very scary situation," they said on the show.</p> <p>Sheridan, 37, said it wasn't until the drug wore off that they conjured up a plan.</p> <p>"It was like, 'Oh my God, how could this be happening to me? How could this situation happen? What do they think they're getting away with?'" they recalled.</p> <p>"I had to get out. I had to escape. When I left I had no phone, no wallet, no shoes."</p> <p>After being "stuck for eight hours", Sheridan managed to escape the Double Bay property and seek refuge at their sister's home in nearby Randwick.  </p> <p>It was Sheridan's sister who went back to the property to collect the star's belongings from the property.</p> <p>"She went [to the property], [and said] 'I am here for my brother's things', and marched on in, and got my stuff," they said. "I was very scared, but she wasn't. She's very tough, my sister."</p> <p>Sheridan still has no recollection of what happened when they were under the influence of the drug, but chose not to press charges against the "manipulative" couple. </p> <p>But the star is speaking out now about the incident to "shine a light" on what happened to them and raise awareness. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Sydney lions’ great escape finally explained

<p dir="ltr">The mystery surrounding the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/five-lions-escape-from-taronga-zoo-enclosure">five lions that escaped from their enclosure</a> at Taronga Zoo has been solved, after the zoo revealed the big cats were able to roam free due to a small gap in the fence.</p> <p dir="ltr">Male lion Ato and 16-month-old cubs Khari, Luzuko, Malike and Zuri sent the Sydney zoo into lockdown last week after they got out of their enclosure.</p> <p dir="ltr">The five lions were found in an area adjacent to the main exhibit and returned to their enclosure before the zoo opened to the public.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement on Thursday, officials said that clamps used to join wire cables together had “failed”, leading to a cable unravelling to create a gap in the fence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Preliminary independent engineering advice has confirmed that swages (clamps that join wire cables together) failed, enabling a lacing cable that connects the fence mesh to a tension cable to unravel,” <a href="https://taronga.org.au/media-release/2022-11-01/statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the statement read</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">”The lions were then able to create and squeeze through a gap.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The review into the incident found that the lions were “playing and interacting” with the fence for around 20 minutes before the gap formed.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the lion and cubs took the opportunity to escape, “lioness Maya and one cub chose to remain in the exhibit”, according to officials, and were later called back into their dens by keepers.</p> <p dir="ltr">While families who were camping at the zoo overnight were taken to a safe area by staff, other Taronga Zoo employees worked to bring the lions back safely and used vehicles to “monitor and control the situation”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This enabled keepers to use their relationships with the lions, as well as their training for such incidents, to calmly call the lions back to their exhibit, ensuring a peaceful and safe outcome for all people and animals,” the zoo said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The four other cubs and adult male lion appeared to remain calm and investigated the other side of the main containment fence, remaining within metres of their exhibit, before actively trying to find their way back under the fence.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After the five lions escaped, two cubs then breached a second fence while trying to find access back into the exhibit, with one walking back to the exhibit without issue and the other needing to be tranquillised by vets and returned.</p> <p dir="ltr">The zoo concluded the statement by saying the lions would “remain in an outdoor, back-of-house holding area pending specialist engineering advice”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ongoing review of the incident has recommended that the fence be investigated by an independent tensile-structure engineer, who would advise the zoo on how the clamps broke and how the fence can be fixed.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-bbc3bb5a-7fff-23af-6c43-dd3f90bf6372"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Fence and digging marks at the centre of lion’s escape

<p dir="ltr">A fence and digging marks are at the centre of an investigation into how five lions managed to escape their enclosure at Taronga Zoo.</p> <p dir="ltr">One lion and four cubs were roaming around the Sydney tourist destination prompting emergency alarms to go off and people to run to safety. </p> <p dir="ltr">A family who was sleeping overnight at the zoo as part of the “Roar and Snoar” program were ordered to run as alarms blared “code one”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily no one was injured and the lions are back in their enclosure with a statement revealing what caused the animals to escape. </p> <p dir="ltr">“An initial review of this morning’s incident has confirmed that an integrity issue with a containment fence enabled five lions to temporarily exit their main exhibit,” Taronga said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The lions are now in a back-of-house holding area while a full review continues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A full report will now be prepared for the NSW Department of Primary Industries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Keepers and vets report all lions are doing well.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Taronga Zoo remains open and is extremely grateful to its staff and the community for their support today.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

News

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Five lions escape from Taronga Zoo enclosure

<p>Sydney's Taronga Zoo was placed under heavy lockdown on Wednesday morning as five lions escaped from their enclosure. </p> <p>At 6:30am on Wednesday, one adult lion and four cubs were spotted outside of their main enclosure, but were still separated from the rest of the zoo by a six-foot fence.</p> <p>When the animals were discovered, a full scale emergency response was enacted in the zoo. </p> <p>Locals from the area reported loud alarms and directions for all staff apart from the lion keepers to go to "safe havens".</p> <p>A Sydney family who were staying overnight at the zoo as part of its luxury "roar and snore" program told the <a title="" href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/taronga-zoo-put-into-lockdown-after-five-lions-escape-enclosure-20221102-p5buua.html" target="" rel="">Sydney Morning Herald</a> they were told to leave their tent and run.</p> <p>"They came running into the tent area saying, 'this is a Code One, get out of your tent and run, come now and leave your belongings'," Magnus Perri said.</p> <p>"We had to run to this building, it was only 50 or 70 metres. They counted us, then locked the door."</p> <p>Taronga Zoo's Executive Director Simon Duffy confirmed that one of the cubs was tranquillised by a veterinarian on site. </p> <p>Taronga Zoo issued a statement just before 9am confirming the lions had escaped but they had been returned to their enclosures with no further issues.</p> <p>"An emergency situation occurred this morning at Taronga Zoo Sydney when five lions were located outside their enclosure. The Zoo has strict safety protocols in place for such events," the statement read.</p> <p>"All persons on site were moved to safe zones and there are no injuries to guests or staff. All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored."</p> <p>"The zoo will be open as normal today. Further details will be provided when possible."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Nine News</em></p>

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Underbelly actor narrowly escapes jail time

<p dir="ltr">Actor Vincenzo Colosimo has been slapped with a $2,500 fine after pleading guilty to drug driving.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Underbelly</em> actor appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to drug driving, driving while unlicensed and giving police false details. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 55-year-old was driving his silver Peugeot in April last year when police ran a plate number check and found that he was unlicenced, the court heard. </p> <p dir="ltr">Upon being stopped, police questioned the actor who said he did not have his licence on him and that he was Anthony Colosimo and had a twin brother. </p> <p dir="ltr">Officers ran a drug test on Vincenzo despite his pleas not to and they found methamphetamine in his system. </p> <p dir="ltr">His car was impounded on the spot and it was found that he had in fact lost his licence back in 2017 and that he had two prior offences for driving while suspended.</p> <p dir="ltr">The last time Vincenzo appeared in court in 2017, he was warned that if he reappeared for a fourth time he would face imprisonment. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, magistrate Olivia Trumble decided against sending the actor to jail because his past offences are “similar”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My view is though that a term of imprisonment is not appropriate in this situation,” she told the court, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/underbelly-star-vince-colosimo-pleads-guilty-to-drugdriving/news-story/4b5669efe26bbd1d13e4c810ea64fbfb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My view is that while a somewhat merciful disposition in the circumstances, an aggregate financial penalty is appropriate.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Those matters date back to 2017, so they are somewhat aged.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It demonstrates that while you may not be completely there, you are on a particular path to recovery.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The court also heard that Vincenzo currently has 169 outstanding penalties with Fines Victoria totalling $65,215.</p> <p dir="ltr">Vincenzo was subsequently fined $2,500 and was banned from driving in Victoria for 16 months.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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"If we stop communicating, Putin wins. Propaganda wins": how a Norwegian organisation is supporting Russian protest art

<p>As an international student at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow in 2012, I remember studying <em>Rekviem</em> (requiem) by Russian poet <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anna-akhmatova">Anna Ahkmatova</a>, an elegy she penned in secret as a tribute to the countless victims of Stalin’s murderous purges. </p> <p>Akhmatova’s writing revived the atrocities, delivering their darkness into the light.</p> <p>Her words spoke of constant fear permeating lives; of distrust, anxiety and betrayal; of the secret police arriving to drag you or your family away. </p> <p>To avoid detection and retribution, Ahkmatova whispered the poem to her friends who committed it to memory. She burned the incriminating scraps of paper.</p> <p>In the first four-and-a-half months following Putin’s attack against Ukraine, over 13,000 anti-war protesters <a href="https://ovdinfo.org/articles/2022/03/07/cracked-heads-and-tasers-results-march-6th-anti-war-protests">were detained</a> in Russia.</p> <p>Some estimates are that <a href="https://meduza.io/feature/2022/05/07/skolko-lyudey-uehalo-iz-rossii-iz-za-voyny-oni-uzhe-nikogda-ne-vernutsya-mozhno-li-eto-schitat-ocherednoy-volnoy-emigratsii">hundreds of thousands</a> fled Russia in early 2022, among them thousands of artists who no longer felt safe in the climate of increasing censorship.</p> <p>Some of these artists have found themselves in Kirkenes, a small Norwegian town 15 kilometres from the Russian border.</p> <h2>Russia’s protest art</h2> <p>Russian and Soviet artists have a long history of art as protest.</p> <p>The poem <em><a href="https://poets.org/poem/stalin-epigram">Stalin’s Epigram</a></em> (1933) authored by <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/osip-mandelstam">Osip Mandelstam</a> depicted Stalin as a gleeful killer. Authorities imprisoned and tortured Mandelstam, then deported the poet to a remote village near the Ural Mountains. </p> <p>After returning from exile, he persisted writing about Stalin until he was sent to a labour camp in Siberia, where he died in 1938 at the age of 47. </p> <p>Under the comparatively liberal rule of Stalin’s successor <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/131346?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents">Nikita Khrushchev</a> from 1953, the Soviet Union began to enjoy previously unimagined freedoms.</p> <p>Protest art reflected these newfound liberties, becoming increasingly provocative and experimental. </p> <p>Many famous art movements surfaced during this period, including <a href="https://www.moscowart.net/art.html?id=SotsArt">Sots Art</a> — a fusion between Soviet and Pop Art — as Russian artists tested the boundaries, exposing the grim realities and unhappiness of life under Stalin’s regime. </p> <p>In 1962, the legendary composer Shostakovich set his <a href="https://theconversation.com/decoding-the-music-masterpieces-shostakovichs-babi-yar-82819">13th symphony</a> to a series of poems by his contemporary, Yevgeny Yevtushenko. One of these poems was Babi Yar, which criticised the Soviet government for concealing the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/babi-yar-ukraine-massacre-holocaust-180979687/">massacre of 33,371 Jews</a> in a mass grave outside Kyiv.</p> <p>In contemporary Russia, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/10/world/europe/pussy-riot-russia-escape.html">Pussy Riot</a> came to the attention of the world in 2012 when members stepped behind the altar in Moscow’s golden-domed Christ the Saviour Cathedral wearing neon-coloured balaclavas to deliver a “punk rock prayer”. </p> <p>Their voices echoed off the cavernous, hand-painted ceilings, raging against Putin’s affiliation with the Orthodox church and the homophobic, anti-feminist policies that followed. </p> <p>They were sentenced to two years imprisonment.</p> <p>Today, <a href="https://artreview.com/amidst-a-crackdown-russia-anti-war-artists-and-activists-try-to-reclaim-the-streets/">pictures from Russia</a> reveal anonymous anti-war graffiti on the sides of buildings, “no war” chiselled into a frozen river, and yellow and blue chrysanthemums and tulips left at the feet of Soviet war memorials.</p> <h2>Cross-border collaborations</h2> <p><a href="https://www.pikene.no/">Pikene på Broen</a> (girls on the bridge) is an arts collective based in Kirkenes.</p> <p>They have spent the past 25 years curating art projects to promote cross-cultural collaboration and tackle political problems in the borderland region. </p> <p>Pikene på Broen is host to the the annual art festival <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barents_Sea">Barents</a> Spektakel (spectacle), an international artist residency including Russian, Norwegian and Finnish creatives, the gallery and project space Terminal B in Kirkenes town, and the debate series Transborder Café.</p> <p>The venue has become a hub for open discussions relating to current political and cultural issues, drawing contributions from artists, musicians, writers, politicians and researchers.</p> <p>Evgeny Goman, an independent theatre director from Murmansk, Russia – about 200 kilometres from Kirkenes – has been collaborating with Pikene på Broen for over 10 years.</p> <p>After moving to Norway in early 2022, Pikene på Broen worked with Goman to organise Kvartirnik (from the word kvartira, meaning apartment), an online talk group for Russian and Norwegian artists to exchange ideas. </p> <p>Following Putin’s attack on Ukraine, Kvartirnik shifted to an underground movement for dissident artists. Ironically, the name Kvartirnik derives from the clandestine concerts arranged <a href="https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/ciee-kvartirnik-understanding-through-music">in people’s apartments</a> during the Soviet Era when musicians were banned from performing in public.</p> <p><a href="http://deadrevolution.tilda.ws/?fbclid=IwAR2PcaqY7VdLtS1zYUu4JCbD6F36KZ8JKv_FEIYsNeSTE4aKokhV7YpITas">Party of the Dead</a> is one of several Russian protest art groups who participated in Kvartirnik. </p> <p>Pictures from the snow-decked Piskaryovskoye Cemetery in Saint Petersburg reveal members dressed as skeletons, holding placards reading: “are there not enough corpses?”.</p> <p>I spoke with Goman about the art coming out of Kvartirnik today.</p> <p>“In peaceful times, art is more about entertaining,” he says. </p> <p>"But in war and conflict, art is more important because it’s the language we use to express our pain. And through metaphors and symbolism, it allows us to speak about things that are censored."</p> <h2>Countering propaganda</h2> <p>Kvartirnik collaborators in Murmansk have also produced and distributed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samizdat">Samizdat</a> (self-publishing), an anonymous newsletter containing art suppressed by the state. </p> <p>“We have to be really smart now about how we do things in Russia,” Goman says. “Subtle.”</p> <p>Goman is pessimistic about Russia’s future. But he believes the key to moving forward is keeping communication open. He tells me the West’s decision to <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/right-way-cancel-russia/627115/">ban Russian culture</a> has backfired on their plan to pressure Putin into ending the war against Ukraine. </p> <p>Instead, he says, the divide is steadily increasing, leaving dissident artists isolated inside a country operating on fear and propaganda, furthering Putin’s agenda. </p> <p>“Putin wants us to not affect Russian minds. And that’s why we have to keep the dialogue going,” he says of the importance of cross-border collaborations like those he has undertaken in Kirkenes.</p> <p>"If we stop communicating, Putin wins. Propaganda wins."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/if-we-stop-communicating-putin-wins-propaganda-wins-how-a-norwegian-organisation-is-supporting-russian-protest-art-186911" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Art

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See inside Lleyton Hewitt’s coastal escape

<p dir="ltr">Like thousands of other Aussies, Lleyton and Bec Hewitt made the migration from the country’s southern capitals to sunny Queensland - and it wasn’t long until they snapped up a new coastal home.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former world number one made the move with his family last year, at the same time as he was due to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF).</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hewitt’s induction celebrations were deferred to 2022 due to travel restrictions,” a statement from ITHF read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having finally <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/lleyton-hewitt-s-huge-career-moment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">received the prestigious award</a> on Saturday (Eastern Time), the tennis legend and his family will be returning to their Gold Coast home <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/lleyton-and-bec-hewitt-s-secret-rental-hideaway-goes-under-the-hammer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">they secured</a> for a hefty $4.305 million in September last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">The home, which had been sold just three months prior for $3.75 million, is in the heart of cosmopolitan Burleigh Heads and boasts plenty of luxe features.</p> <p dir="ltr">Conal Martin, the listing agent for Kingfisher Realty Burleigh Heads who sold the home prior to the Hewitts purchasing it, describes it as having a Palm Springs coastal design with irrigated greenery, natural stone feature walls and an open plan that flows from inside to outside and sold it as a “place where you can escape the bustle of everyday life”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Spend your summer nights by the outdoor kitchen, BBQ and beer fridge, watching your family play in the pool through the custom infinity glass pool window or around the fire roasting marshmallows on those cosier winter nights,” the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-burleigh+heads-137338154" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a> reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside, the home features timber flooring, high ceilings, a wine cellar, three ensuite bedrooms, and a media room or second living space with stunning hinterland views.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though it doesn’t come with a tennis court, the home is just a short walk from the famed Burleigh Beach and the area’s buzzing restaurant and bar scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the ITHF, Hewitt will be the 34th Australian to be entered into the Hall of Fame, describing it as the “ultimate honour” in tennis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is tennis’ ultimate honour, representing the sum of a person’s accomplishments as being among the greatest and most impactful in sport’s history,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just 267 athletes and contributors from throughout tennis history have received this honour.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a speech during the ceremony, Hewitt said it was an “incredible honour” made all the more special by having his family and friends with him on the court in Newport, Rhode Island, where he won his first ATP grass court match 24 years ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To think where it all began for me on junior tennis courts in the middle of nowhere in Adelaide in Australia, with no one watching, no TV cameras, and then to make the full tennis journey and actually now be coming into the Hall of Fame,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“For me, this is such a special place here in Newport.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-87de6f95-7fff-7d3c-6a79-c0084861f20c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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Meet the women who helped Afghanistan’s women's soccer team escape

<p dir="ltr">When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, a goalkeeper for the country’s female soccer team had to make the decision whether she and her teammates should stay in their home country or leave it and their loved ones behind.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fati, whose name and age have been withheld to protect her family’s identity, played with her teammates for years, representing an Afghanistan where women had more opportunity and freedom - and was free of the Taliban’s rule.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I accepted that Afghanistan was over,” Fati told the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61744830" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought there’s no chance for living, no chance for me to go outside again and fight for my rights. No school, no media, no athletes, nothing. We were like dead bodies in our homes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For two weeks I never slept. I was 24 hours with my phone, trying to reach out to someone, anybody for help. All day and all night, awake, texting and searching social media.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fati and her teammates managed to escape, thanks to an invisible, international network of women.</p> <p dir="ltr">Haley Carter, a 37-year-old goalkeeper, former US marine and Afghanistan’s assistant coach from 2016 to 2018, described it as a “little virtual operation running out of WhatsApp”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Never underestimate the power of women with smartphones,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Using WhatsApp and other encrypted messaging apps, Carter was sharing intelligence about the situation in Kabul with other marines and National Security staff in an operation dubbed ‘Digital Dunkirk’.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-be646504-7fff-57a9-37d6-18d21379c571"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">She had been enlisted to help Fati and the team flee by Khalida Popal, a former national team captain who left Afghanistan in 2011 because of death threats over her involvement in the sport, and has lived in Denmark since.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/khalida-popal.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Khalida Popal knew time was of the essence for Fati and her teammates, and enlisted the help of Haley Carter to secure their escape. Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p dir="ltr">With time not on their side, Popal knew Fati and her teammates had to act quickly, with their sporting involvements making them particularly vulnerable to Taliban investigations.</p> <p dir="ltr">She told the team to delete their social media accounts, burn their soccer gear and bury their trophies - a decision Fati said was hard to do.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Who wants to burn their jerseys?” she said. “I thought, if I survive, I will make [the achievements] again.”</p> <p dir="ltr">At the same time, Carter was working to get the team onto a military plane out of Afghanistan at the earliest opportunity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Khalida texted all of us saying, ‘girls, be ready to leave the airport together, just one backpack each’,” Fati recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She said: ‘We can’t tell you that we are even sure that you will go inside the airport. But if you fight, you will survive’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When it was time to go, Fati carried as little as possible and wrote Carter’s phone number on her arm in case her phone was stolen or confiscated. Carter also told Fati that they should rotate having their phones on to preserve battery life.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the airport, they were among thousands who had congregated with the hope of leaving - but for many, the struggle would be in vain.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If your name was not on a list, or there wasn’t somebody inside the airport coming out to get you, you weren’t going in,” Carter said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So we had to work extra hard to make sure that marine counterparts at the gates had their information to make sure that they could get in.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Carter told Fati to meet “a guy” at the airport’s north gate with a password that would get them in.</p> <p dir="ltr">When they were turned back, Carter had to recalibrate the plan all the way from Houston.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Fati decided she and the players would try again at the south gate - though they would have to get past the two Taliban checkpoints in the way.</p> <p dir="ltr">After being separated from her brother - who was badly beaten - at the first checkpoint and being kicked and hit herself by men with rifles at the second, Popal’s text message gave her the push to keep going forward.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was a thing that lighted up that darkness,” Fati said. “Suddenly, there was something telling me to get back up and I started again in a strong way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The team regrouped, taking advantage of a moment when the Taliban guards were distracted to make a dash for Australian soldiers at the south entrance.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There were so many people but we managed to get past the last checkpoint,” Fati said. “We saw the Australian soldiers and shouted phrases like, ‘national team players’, ‘Australia’ and ‘football’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They looked at our documents and let us through.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with some Afghan Paralympians, Fati and her teammates boarded a C-130 military transport plane heading to Australia. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The plane just took off and there was just noise and the fear that we had. Looking around, there were just scared faces,” Fati said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was thinking, you will never be able to see this beautiful place where you made memories and grew up. It’s your last time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-993ff729-7fff-85b3-88bc-c37f1809f0a1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">She sent a photo and message to Carter, reading: “I made it. We made it”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">“I still can’t get my head around what they’ve been through &amp; what they’ve come from but they just turn up to every session, always have a smile on their face”</p> <p>For <a href="https://twitter.com/gomvfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gomvfc</a> coach Hopkins, working with <a href="https://twitter.com/AfghanWnt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AfghanWnt</a>’s reminded him why he got into coaching.<a href="https://t.co/vf0w0B7y8g">https://t.co/vf0w0B7y8g</a> <a href="https://t.co/mT7rIcRrte">pic.twitter.com/mT7rIcRrte</a></p> <p>— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sachk0/status/1530135643128745985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In February, Fati and her teammates trained together for the first time, after Melbourne Victory provided facilities and coaches. She described the feeling as “amazing” and a source of “new hope” for the team.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve locked those smiles in my memory. And I thought, I’m successful. We will not be lost,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two months later, they played their first match against a local non-league team, though the backs of their jerseys had no names and just numbers out of concern for the safety of their relatives back home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though their chances of competing internationally in an official competition requires the backing of the Afghan Football Association and the Taliban, Fati still has hope.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The goals instead will be for us to make the national teams of Australia or the country that we are in. Still we are Afghans and, somehow, we will be the representatives of our nationality,” Fati said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c8bda40-7fff-9d8b-890a-cbdfe5706f00"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Why Norway should be No.1 on your cruising bucket list

<p><strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The borders are open. The Fjords are calling. From stunning Northern Lights to breathtaking landscapes, here are our Fab Four must-do experiences in the land of the Midnight Sun...</span></span></em></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">International cruising is now back on the agenda and it’s time once again to start ticking off all those incredible destinations you’ve always dreamed of seeing one day.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">We’ve got some good news for you, cruise fans: Norway, the home of spectacular cruising experiences, is now open, safe and ready to welcome you back to experience all of its delights, from the fjords to the stunningly breathtaking Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun in summer.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">To sweeten the deal, Norway has now completely removed its entry restrictions, so it’s the perfect time to experience all of the majestic landscapes and beautiful opportunities this country has on offer.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Hurtigruten's <em>Norwegian Coastal Express</em> has been cruising the coast since 1893 and will give you access to small fishing villages, locally sourced cuisine and off-the-beaten-track excursions, allowing you to really explore the country like a local. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">So, what are you waiting for? Book before April 30 on selected departures in 2022 and you may receive <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/au/share-the-most-beautiful-voyage/?_ccid=20927&_ccst=1000&_hrgb=2utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to 50% OFF</a> the second guest.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Here we’ve outlined just a few of the things you can expect on one of these must-do cruises.</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">1. Explore the majestic fjords</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 16.8667px; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/FJORD_Geiranger-Norway-HGR-49268.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Yes, <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/inspiration/experiences/where-to-find-norways-best-fjords/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Fjords are calling</a> – and if you’re still unsure of what that is after reading this, then here's a little explainer. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland, and is made when a glacier retreats, resulting in an incredible U-shaped valley with soaring cliffs on either side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Cruising in Norway will take you to the heart of these jaw-dropping natural creations which you can finally tick off your bucket list. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Some of the best and most unmissable fjords in Norway are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord with its spectacular waterfalls, the epic 180km long Hardangerfjord, the pretty Trondheimsfjorden that’s home to the gorgeous port city of Trondheim, and the unspoilt surrounds of tiny Trollfjord – which, while only 3km in length and just 100 metres wide at its mouth, contains enough jaw-dropping scenery to leave you in awe.</span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">2. Gaze up at the Northern Lights</span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/LIGHTS_Northern-lights-Norway-HGR-104675_1920-Photo_Photo_Competition.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Yes, you are actually <em>guaranteed</em> to experience the <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/inspiration/experiences/northern-lights/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northern Lights</a> during their spectacular winter viewing season in either September or next year in March. If the lights don’t present on your cruise, you’ll be given a free 6 or 7 day voyage the following season with Hurtiguten's amazing ‘Northern Lights Guarantee’.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Known as nature's own mesmerising light show, the <em>Aurora Borealis</em> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">lasts up to 15-30 minutes, and what we see from the ground is caused by electrically charged particles from space entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere at a very high speed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Interestingly, the famed Northern Lights also look substantially different to all who view them, with some people seeing different colours making their way across the sky, or rays of light going up into space. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Another item to check off your bucket list? We think so!</span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">3. Experience the land of the Midnight Sun</span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/SUN_Passenger-on-deck-Norway-HGR-12274_1920.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">What do you think of when you read the words “Midnight Sun”? We are betting it is <em>exactly</em> what you think it is. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">If the words of <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/destinations/norway/the-original-norwegian-coastal-express/sailing-under-the-midnight-sun/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">past guest of Hurtigruten Bronwen Pyle</a> are anything to go by, experiencing this phenomenon from the deck of the <em>Norwegian Coastal Express</em> is something you will never forget. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">“The day kept on going and going, never getting dark, even all through the night. The non-stop day actually gave us even more time to admire the scenery on the route,” she says. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bronwen says that the crew and passengers were all lovely, saying it was definitely the almost never-ending sunlight that helped everyone’s mood.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">She suggests staying on the ship’s deck to secure a seat and enjoy the Midnight Sun as much as possible. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">A word of caution from Bronwen, though: Don’t get stuck behind the camera; enjoy what is actually there in front of you in the present moment, and create some memories that will last a lifetime.  </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">And one last tip: If you feel like you’re struggling to sleep because of the extra hours of sunlight, then the awesome onboard gym is the place for you before knocking off! </span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">4. Dine on delicious locally sourced meals</span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/FOOD_MS-Polarlys-King-Crab-HGR-116417_1920-Photo_Carsten_Pedersen.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Hopping on board the <em>Norwegian Coastal Express</em> will help you not only see the dramatic coast in all its splendour, but taste it too – thanks to the <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/norways-coastal-kitchen/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">delicious onboard meals</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">All food is locally sourced, with its provenance resting in very ports that the ship pauses at along the way, making it an even more special experience to appreciate the freshness and flavours.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Other than the food, you can choose to get involved in endless excursions (there are more than 70 on offer!), learn about regional specialities, discover how food is at the heart of local life, and listen to the life stories of brewers, chefs, farmers and more. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">So, are you ready for the cruising experience of a lifetime and to fall in love with the beauty and people of Norway? If you are, don’t forget to share the adventure with a friend and get up to <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/au/share-the-most-beautiful-voyage/?_ccid=20927&_ccst=1000&_hrgb=2utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50 per cent off</a> for a second guest on summer voyages if you book before the end of April. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Check out the gallery below for more stunning images of what to expect on a Hurtigren <em style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">Norwegian Coastal Express</span></em> cruise. </span></span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/destinations/norway/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hurtigruten</a>.</span></span></strong></em></p>

Cruising

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“Lucky escape”: Man’s “red flag” called out

<p dir="ltr">A man has been slammed for his unnecessary response to a potential date which he claimed was a “red flag”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony Gilét took to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@giletslays/video/7080582251351674118?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> to share his story of how he was blocked after calling out a potential date for suggesting a place near his. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Here is the one thing I would not accept from a potential date and you shouldn’t either,” he began his video. </p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony had agreed to go out on a date with a man called Luke but was unsure of where they should go.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I said ‘sure, where should we go?” Anthony asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">Luke then suggested a pub in the area that he lives in which did not impress Anthony at all.  </p> <p dir="ltr">“Now I’m not expecting him to take me up to the top of the Shard, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be original,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“However the line for me was suggesting somewhere on your doorstep and expecting the other person to do 95 per cent of the travelling.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony said he rejected Luke’s offer by texting him: “I think I’m gonna pass, but thanks Luke. Feels like you’ve just picked an area that is convenient for you…and when a guy expects the other to do all of the travelling (to go to a pub, of which there are hundreds of) it reads as either inconsiderate or low effort/not that into.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No hard feelings and I hope you find what you are looking for”</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony confessed that he thought he had been “quite polite” in his response to Luke but was shocked with his response.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are mental. I hope you find some help,” Luke responded.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony did not let it go and replied once again: “It’s really not hard to select a pub that’s in between both of us, that should come naturally if you’re a considerate person. </p> <p dir="ltr">“But yeah, call me ‘mental’ because other little boys tolerate your bare minimum. It’s just not sometime I vibe with! And the fact that you’ve resorted to being rude quickly … another red flag.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has already been viewed more than 180,000 times and received 20,000 likes with many calling Anthony out for his behaviour.</p> <p dir="ltr">“By all means stick to your boundaries. But you could have just suggested somewhere else?” someone asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m with him on this one. You asked him to pick the place - don’t get mad about the decision. Reads really dramatic on your part,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Maybe he wanted a venue where he felt safe in case the date turned out abusive, psychotic or over dramatic? *cough*” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Can’t help but think it was a lucky escape…for the other chap,” someone else commented.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

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Five incredible new tiny houses in Victoria, perfect for a rural escape

<p>Ecotourism tiny house company Tiny Away has added new tiny houses to its portfolio of rural getaways and they’re ready to welcome travellers looking for that perfectly quaint escape. The new houses span Mount Alexander and Moorabool Shire, the High Country, and the Macedon and Yarra Ranges. With the idea of seclusion and switching off becoming a modern-day luxury, these sustainable tiny getaways are perfect for a couple’s escape or for solo travellers looking for the ultimate me-time break. Some houses even have a little more room so you can plan a getaway with the kids, and even your furry friend.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/tiny-house1.jpg" alt="‘The Sanatorium’, Yackandandah" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>The eco-friendly tiny houses are perfect for travellers seeking alternative and unique accommodation experiences. A step up from glamping, each tiny house offers hot showers, air conditioning, a cosy queen bed, and a kitchenette. Tiny Away now has over 100 unique short-stay tiny house accommodation options across Australia. Its tiny architecturally designed houses are set on private land in rural and regional locations and are designed to get visitors out of the city and into the outdoors.</p> <p>Tiny Away was created for guests to truly disconnect, recharge, and enjoy a minimalist lifestyle with loved ones. “All the properties offer something different. Some are only semi-secluded and close to activities, and others are in the middle of nowhere,” says Jeff Yeo, co-founder of Tiny Away.</p> <p><strong>Quantum Field, Toolangi</strong></p> <p>Located in Toolangi, in the stunning Yarra Valley, <a href="https://tinyaway.com/listing/quantum-field/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this house</a> is surrounded by a charming mix of native and exotic European and Japanese flora, backdropped by a picturesque, swimmable pond. Guests will enjoy a truly tranquil and remote getaway with world-famous wineries and activities right on the doorstep.</p> <p>The property follows ecologically sustainable principles, including a waterless eco-friendly compost toilet and a natural water spring that feeds the property's filtered water. </p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/tiny-house2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>The Ridge, Korweinguboora </strong></p> <p>Set on farmland in Central Victoria’s Wombat Forest, <a href="https://tinyaway.com/listing/the-ridge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ridge</a> is surrounded by productive gardens, including a fruit orchard, veggie garden and avenues of deciduous trees, all surrounded by tall eucalypt forests. The farm is home to a small flock of sheep, chickens, a (very) friendly border collie, and abundant birdlife. The rear of the property has 5 acres of forest to explore with elevated views beyond to the Wombat Forest. The nearby forest includes lush fern-covered gullies which form the headwaters of the Moorabool River.</p> <p>Just 10 minutes from the house is the thriving township of Daylesford, and close to all that the Macedon Ranges has to offer including mineral springs, truffle farms, wineries, organic produce, day spas, and fine dining. </p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/tiny-house3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>The Sanatorium, Yackandandah </strong></p> <p>Tucked in a stunning, elevated bushing seeing with panoramic views cradled above the Yackandandah Valley lies <a href="https://tinyaway.com/listing/the-sanatorium/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sanatorium</a>. The tiny house’s panoramic views allow guests to experience clean mountain air, abundant wildlife and birdlife, enjoyed within a well maintained and beautifully presented farm setting.</p> <p>The house is framed perfectly by cattle grazing, meandering horses and surrounding countryside. The nearby Stanley Range provides mountain biking, horse riding and trail bike activities, as well as boutique breweries, distilleries, wineries and restaurants found in and around Yackandandah.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/tiny-house4.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Tiny Hideaway, Newham </strong></p> <p>Hidden in a 97-acre property surrounded by farmland on all sides, <a href="https://tinyaway.com/listing/tiny-hideaway-at-cloverhills/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tiny Hideaway</a> is surrounded by long winding roads, perfect for walking experiences - or bring your bike, go horse riding, or just simply appreciate nature. The Cobaw Ranges are just a short drive for those who want to do some serious hiking.</p> <p>The house is in Newham, a small hamlet in the Macedon Ranges, nestled between Woodend, Kyneton, and Lancefield, making it an ideal position to explore the country town hospitality of the regions’ cafes and restaurants, as well as wineries and gin distilleries. Newham is close to the iconic Hanging Rock and nearby Hanging Rock Winery.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/tiny-house5.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Treetops Trail, Walmer </strong></p> <p><a href="https://tinyaway.com/listing/treetops-trail/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Treetops Trail</a> is set in a beautiful bush setting, amongst the trees, just five minutes from the historical town of Maldon. The property offers a plethora of activities from bushwalks and discovering hidden gold mines to local towns boasting fairs, festivals and local produce.</p> <p>The friendly wildlife and remote setting will guarantee a relaxing getaway and to get a taste of the area, visitors can easily follow the Maldon Taste of Gold food and wine trail, sampling the area’s best local wines and produce from farm gates and cellar doors.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/tiny-house6.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>About Tiny Away </strong></p> <p>Founded in 2018, the Tiny Away network includes a range of comfy eco-friendly ‘tiny houses’ for travellers seeking alternative and unique accommodation experiences.</p> <p>Tiny Away offers adventurous road-trippers and weekenders the chance to immerse themselves in Australia’s vast flora and fauna, without compromising on comfort. A step up from glamping, each tiny house offers hot showers, air conditioning, a cosy queen bed, and a kitchenette.</p> <p>Using a profit-sharing arrangement that sees landowners earning up to 45% of rental revenue, Tiny Away considers itself a partner with landowner hosts on a mission to create rare and exceptional accommodation experiences.</p> <p>The sustainably built tiny houses are typically positioned on a working farm, often totally offgrid, and hosts offer all sorts of unique activities that give guests a taste of rural life.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/image001.png" alt="" width="250" height="137" /></p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Bizarre search for escaped kangaroo in Denmark

<p>Police in south-east Denmark have appealed for public help to track down a kangaroo that was filmed hopping across a field.</p> <p>Police said on Facebook that a driver saw the marsupial "hopping around" near Oster Ulslev, a village 16km from the port city of Rodbyhavn where ferries connect to northern Germany.</p> <p>They said the driver, whom they did not identify, had the presence of mind to film the animal although they acknowledged the three-second video they posted was "short and grainy."</p> <p>The South Zealand and Lolland-Falster Police requested any sightings or information on the animal's whereabouts to be reported using non-emergency number 114.</p> <p>The kangaroo is not considered to be dangerous and was not reported as missing.</p> <p>Despite the fact that kangaroos are not common in northern Europe, it is the second time the same police district has reached out for help in finding one: in 2014, a kangaroo escaped from a private animal farm in the same area.</p> <p>In July 2018, a kangaroo was on the run elsewhere in Denmark for half a day before its owner found it.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“Bail, bail, bail!”: Robert Irwin’s narrow croc escape

<p>Robert Irwin was left running for his life from a 350-kilogram crocodile in a heart-stopping clip.</p><p>After one of Australia Zoo’s crocs ignored the bait offered to him - instead making a beeline for Robert - the 18-year-old was forced to “bail” the exercise.</p><p>In the clip from Crickey! It’s the Irwins, Robert detailed one of the zoo’s “biggest and challenging moves,” switching one of their “wildest crocodiles Casper” to the “Crocoseum” enclosure.</p><p>“Before Casper makes his debut in the Crocoseum we need to do a bit of a test, just to make sure that he’s settling in nicely to this new enclosure,” Robert said.</p><p>“If he’s coming out of the water giving big strikes, that means he’s going to be ready for the Crocoseum show.”</p><p>Robert explained that one brave zookeeper would have to jump into Casper’s brand-new environment.</p><p>He shared that the croc has displayed “wild behaviour since [his late father Steve Irwin] first got Casper,” admitting that the task ahead of him was “quite terrifying”.</p><p>Robert bravely stepped into the enclosure, approaching the water with bait ready.</p><p>Suddenly, the croc leaped out of the water, snapping its jaw towards the food Robert was using as bait.</p><p>“Yeah, he’s keen, jeez he’s keen,” Robert said reacting to the croc’s speed and intensity.</p><p>Things went downhill very quickly as the croc was clearly uninterested in the bait Robert was offering.</p><p>“Bail, bail, bail, bail, bail, bail,” Robert repeated as he ran across the exhibit in a heart-stopping moment.</p><p>The clip shows Robert running from a birds-eye view, clearly showing his narrow escape.</p><p>The full video was shared on social media by Robert, and is taken from the season finale of the TV show Crickey! It’s the Irwins.</p><p><em>Images: Animal Planet </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Why Aussie fugitive turned himself in 30 years after escaping

<p><em>Image: Getty / AFP</em></p> <p>A fugitive has turned himself in to police almost 30 years after escaping from a correctional centre on the NSW North Coast.</p> <p>Darko Desic, then 35, allegedly used tools including a hacksaw blade and bolt cutters to free himself from the Grafton Correctional Centre, which is now known as the Grafton Intake and Transient Centre. He had served a little more than a year of the three-and-a-half-year sentence when he made his escape in the early hours of August the 1st, 1992.</p> <p>Initially charged with two counts of cultivating cannabis, he has been living a quiet life on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, working odd jobs for cash-in-hand pay.</p> <p>Since the most recent outbreak of COVID, cash work was no longer viable, leaving the fugitive homeless for the past two weeks – sleeping on the beach.</p> <p>Desic managed to evade authorities for just under 30 years, not once drawing attention to himself or causing problems. He decided to put his freedom to an end when he turned himself into authorities on Sunday. Now aged 64, Desic attended Dee Why Police Station and surrendered to police.</p> <p>He’s been charged with escaped prisoner from lawful custody and has faced court, where he was formally charged and will next appear at Central Local Court on September 28th.</p>

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