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What is allyship? A brief history, present and future

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-marie-cumming-potvin-542762">Wendy Marie Cumming-Potvin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a></em></p> <p>Despite social change, LGBTQI+ people still face discrimination <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2019/10/inclusion-lgbt-people-education-settings-paramount-importance-leaving-no-one">at school</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10304312.2023.2296344">in the community</a>.</p> <p>Language for diverse genders and sexualities is continually changing. LGBTQI+ allyship is part of this change. But what is allyship?</p> <p>Allyship refers to people outside of a group – say, straight people – who actively support and work with people inside a group – say, LGBTQI+ people.</p> <p>It can also mean people from different groups working together to support each other’s goals. A key example of this was at the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10304312.2023.2296344">Stonewall riots in 1969</a>, when lesbians, gay men and transgender people joined with Black Panthers and civil rights activists in New York City to protest against police brutality.</p> <p>But defining allyship can be challenging. Some people disagree about who an ally is. Others disagree about what an ally does.</p> <h2>What is an ally?</h2> <p>The term “ally” first appeared in US universities among students <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED336682.pdf#page=215">in the early 1990s</a>. It was used to describe how majority group members (straight students) helped minorities (gay, lesbian and bisexual students), by advocating to end sexuality-based oppression in higher education.</p> <p>For many years, scholars have seen straight allyship for lesbian, gay and bisexual people as helpful for activism. Straight allies have played important roles in <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7pf5j">policy</a> and in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19361653.2014.969867">combating prejudice</a> on high school and university campuses.</p> <p>Research has shown university and high school gay–straight alliances <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19361653.2017.1326867?casa_token=A6nQuWeFBIYAAAAA%3Ad-Tg1edyeiOyRDuHKyeHDcWuvqLLVhAFqyhXMjOe8RtWJH6pdwxUpES759QaY_zacNUS-TtqMXYK">have contributed</a> to more positive campus environments and a reduction in gender- and sexuality-based discrimination.</p> <p>Over many years, gay–straight teacher alliances have <a href="https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA227011983&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=10813004&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E40663b6e&aty=open-web-entry">successfully used</a> inquiry groups to combat homophobia and explore <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-intersectionality-mean-104937">intersectionality</a> (the way different facets of someone’s identity intersect) within their schools. These groups highlighted LGBTQI-themed literature in English class, and encouraged teachers to be outspoken in their support by attending community events, such as pride parades.</p> <p>But allyship can be exclusionary. While early perspectives of allyship focused on helping gay or lesbian university students, transgender or non-binary folk <a href="https://www.routledge.com/LGBTQI-Allies-in-Education-Advocacy-Activism-and-Participatory-Collaborative/Cumming-Potvin/p/book/9781032298832">were often ignored</a>.</p> <p>There is also contention about <a href="https://www.queensjournal.ca/justin-timberlakes-queer-allyship-strips-ally-of-its-meaning/">how much “work”</a> a straight ally has to do to earn recognition. Some people say that for someone to be called an ally they need to actively work for change, not just say they support others.</p> <p>As allies, we are continually learning. And sometimes we get it wrong. When we make mistakes, it’s important to apologise and continue supporting those we wish to serve.</p> <h2>Allyship from within the community</h2> <p>Many current definitions of allyship only encompass allies outside of the group they are supporting. But a broadened definition of allyship would be useful.</p> <p>LGBTQI+ people, especially with leadership roles, can be strong allies in their communities. Laverne Cox uses her stardom <a href="https://ccrjustice.org/home/blog/2019/08/02/evening-activism-laverne-cox">to advocate</a> for her community of transgender women of colour and other LGBTQI+ people. Georgie Stone made medical processes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/sep/07/it-takes-a-lot-of-courage-rebekah-robertson-on-raising-transgender-activist-georgie-stone">easier for transgender children</a> in Australia.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-_dpLOXfOUE?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Because identities can shift, identifying who sits inside and outside LGBTQA+ communities can be challenging. Sometimes, there are clear social group insiders. Sometimes, there are clear outsiders. Other times, things are less clear. A person might hover inside and outside minority groups. They may not identify as straight, but they may not live publicly as LGBTQI+. Or a bisexual person may live in a straight relationship for many years.</p> <p>This means allyship is also dynamic. It <a href="https://www.suu.edu/pridealliance/pdf/reynolds.pdf">shifts</a> depending on power, privilege and life experiences. For example, in one social context, a white, heterosexual woman may have power as a LGBTQI+ ally. But in a professional setting where the majority of attendees are white heterosexual men, this same woman may not be as powerful.</p> <h2>An intersectional process</h2> <p>Allyship needs to understand that many people’s gender and sexuality interact with language fluency, class, geography, race, age and disability.</p> <p>This means that despite victories such as marriage equality, LGBTQI+ people who are homeless, transgender or people of colour may face <a href="https://theconversation.com/despite-recent-victories-plights-of-many-lgbt-people-remain-ignored-49273">significant barriers</a> in society. For example, as of May 2024, <a href="https://translegislation.com/">550 anti-trans bills</a> have been introduced in US legislatures.</p> <p><a href="https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/lgbti-aboriginal-people-diversity-at-the-margins">Because of</a> discrimination, racism and a silencing around Black queer history, LGBTQA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can receive inappropriate services, for example, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/10497323211069682">in healthcare and education</a>.</p> <p>Understanding the multiple identities of LGBTQI+ people will support strong allyship to reduce <a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/national-survey-reveals-mental-health-burden-on-first-nations-lgbtqa-youth">negative health outcomes</a> for Aboriginal communities.</p> <h2>What’s next for allyship?</h2> <p>Recent Canadian work has grouped researchers, school boards and teacher federations to make <a href="https://trans-affirm.edu.uwo.ca/toolkit/Trans-Affirming%20Toolkit.pdf">ally resources</a> for supporting trans and gender-diverse students in Ontario.</p> <p>This tool kit includes modules for having conversations about gender identity and teaching about transgender policy. The final module introduces action plans for supporting transgender students through whole school approaches.</p> <p>History has shown coming together can lead to social transformation and better outcomes for marginalised groups. In 2016, US President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/24/obama-announces-stonewall-inn-national-monument">a national US monument</a> to celebrate gay history.</p> <p>Apart from acknowledging evolving ideas about gender and sexuality, future LGBTQI+ allyship needs to be intersectional. This means that factors like age, social class, geography, race, language and disability count. And when barriers are broken down across sectors, like healthcare, education and housing, allies become stronger.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/220668/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-marie-cumming-potvin-542762">Wendy Marie Cumming-Potvin</a>, Associate Professor/ Director of Research (School of Education), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-allyship-a-brief-history-present-and-future-220668">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Channel 10 presenter exposes on-air dress shaming

<p>Channel 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs has exposed a “humiliating” email she received from a viewer who commented on an outfit she wore on-air Tuesday. </p> <p>The Australian journalist, who hosts <em>10 News First</em>, wore a v-neck blouse and patterned blazer when she was reporting that day, when the unsolicited "feedback" came through. </p> <p>Jacobs shared a screenshot of the email that was sent to the Ten News group on Instagram. </p> <p>“Inappropriate dress sense for reading the news. Cleavage is for the nightclub,” the email read. </p> <p>Addressing the email, Jacobs began:  “Yes, we still receive emails like this. Yes, it went to the entire newsroom." </p> <p>“Yes, I was on air at the time. Yes, it is intended to shame and humiliate me," the 48-year-old added. </p> <p>“No, what I’m wearing is not inappropriate but your email sure is.”</p> <p>Followers took to the comments to back Jacobs, with fellow journalists sharing their own experience of receiving sexist criticism. </p> <p>Retired swimmer Giaan Rooney wrote:  “Yep. The number of emails the newsroom used to get attacking everything about my appearance when I was presenting the weather was incredible.” </p> <p><em>The Guardian</em> journalist Amy Remeikis recalled how “not that long ago” a woman felt that she had to “hide” her nine-year-old son from the TV when she was on-air.</p> <p>“Because he wanted to know why that woman (me) had ‘sex face’ and what my boobs were,” Remeikis wrote. “Had never seen breasts apparently, but could use the phrase ‘sex face’.”</p> <p><em>ABC Radio</em> host Yumi Stynes joked, “How dare you cleavage?” before complimenting Jacobs for her radiant look, while <em>Dessert Masters</em> judge Melissa Leong wrote, “File under ‘When you really hate yourself, so you decide to email random strangers to tell them.’”</p> <p>Comedian Janelle Koenig slammed the ‘feedback’ as “absolute insanity.”</p> <p>This comes after thousands attended <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/it-s-up-to-men-anthony-albanese-joins-violence-against-women-rally" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rallies</a> in late April calling on the government to take action against the recent spate of acts of violence against women. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Sunrise rocked by allegation of "fraud"

<p><em>Sunrise</em> and the Seven Network have been rocked by an investigation by their biggest competitor, who exposed both allegations of "fraud", as well as threatening emails to a young journalist at Nine who was chasing the story. </p> <p>The scandal began when a reporter for the <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/new-seven-expenses-affair-rocks-sunrise-top-network-executives-20240408-p5fi6w.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em> was alerted to an investigation being conducted by an independent law firm into the Sunrise program. </p> <p>According to reports by Nine, the law firm began an investigation, which was also conducted by a financial and corporate auditor, into reports that Sunrise staff members had grossly misused travel benefits. </p> <p>The allegations claimed that a small number of Sunrise staffers, as well as some of their friends and family, had taken flights and stayed in hotels on trips not related to their work duties, using benefits provided to the network by Qantas as part of a multimillion-dollar advertising and sponsorship deal.</p> <p>When business reporter for the<em> Australian Financial Review</em> Zoe Samios, a publication owned by Nine, reached out to Seven’s long-time commercial director Bruce McWilliam to chase the story, she was allegedly met with threatening emails saying her probes into the allegations had caused Seven’s star executive producer Michael Pell to self-harm.</p> <p>“This is what your unfounded reports have caused Michael to do,” Mr McWilliam wrote to Ms Samios in October last year.</p> <p>Attached to the email was a graphic image of him, bloodied and in a hospital gown, with a noticeable head wound.</p> <p>“Why don’t you keep it up so he kills himself. You are a complete disgrace. That law firm you name didn’t conduct any investigation. If you publish untrue allegations … and he tops himself. It’s on you. We are determined to protect him,” the email read.</p> <p>Speaking exclusively to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/sunrise-rocked-by-fraud-investigations-that-top-tv-exec-tried-to-keep-secret/news-story/4b755d82167f825140c63b6e07107745" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> on Thursday as the investigations were made public for the first time, Mr McWilliam defended the email and said he was defending a colleague and “friend” against “false allegations”.</p> <p>However, several months before the email, Mr Pell had stepped down as the boss of Sunrise and was appointed Seven's Senior Vice President of Entertainment Content in North America, and he moved to Los Angeles shortly after.</p> <p>On Thursday, Mr McWilliam told <em>news.com.au</em> that he became incensed when Mr Pell’s name was linked to the investigation, prompting his fiery email to Samios.</p> <p>“The accusations against Michael were exaggerated,” he told <em>news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>“I make no excuse for having acted to protect a colleague, against whom false allegations were being made. Michael Pell has been a friend of mine for many years.”</p> <p>The newspaper subsequently agreed to kill the story over concerns for Mr Pell’s mental health and wellbeing.</p> <p>While the findings of the alleged expenses investigation were delivered to Seven and described as "serious", a source close to the investigation insists that while the accusations are significant, they do not constitute "fraud" in the legal sense. </p> <p>Despite that, it’s understood that a small number of staff left the network following the findings being delivered to Seven, with the staffers signing nondisclosure agreements upon their departure.</p> <p>The scandal's reemergence comes 18 moths after the initial allegations, as Seven finds itself in another controversy over its flagship current affairs program <em>Spotlight</em> and its handling of an exclusive interview with Bruce Lehrmann.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise</em></p>

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Nat Barr breaks down as more details revealed on co-star’s tragic passing

<p>Nat Barr has broken down in tears while paying tribute to Nathan Templeton after his sudden passing. </p> <p>The body of Templeton, a 44-year-old father of two and regular <em>Sunrise</em> reporter, was found on Monday evening after he suffered a medical incident while walking his dog in Geelong. </p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> panel confirmed the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sunrise-reporter-found-dead-at-age-44" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a> of their friend and co-host on Thursday morning, playing a montage of Templeton's time on the program, including him reporting from football games, flood zones, Covid labs and at swimming competitions.</p> <p>Barr's voice over could be heard saying, "Thank you, Tempo, for brightening our lives. We are so fortunate to have known you and worked alongside you. You will be missed."</p> <p>Following the montage, Barr cried as she paid tribute to the father-of-two and thanked him for "brightening everyone's lives". </p> <p>"We know you had more stories to tell them (our viewers). We are sorry you can't tell them. Our hearts go out to our family, your two little boys, Kate, and everyone who knew you inside this building and across the Seven Network," she said.</p> <p>"But also so many of you who have written in and just said that you felt like you knew him because of how he... How he conducted himself on-air."</p> <p>The on-air tribute comes after Templeton's family broke their silence on Nathan's tragic passing, issuing a statement saying the "adoring father and wonderful friend" will be sorely missed. </p> <p>"Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who'll be missed by many," the statement read.</p> <p>In the wake of his untimely death, it has been revealed that Templeton had recently dialled back his time on screen to deal with personal issues. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise / Instagram</em></p>

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Sunrise reporter found dead at age 44

<p><em>Sunrise</em> reporter Nathan Templeton has tragically died at the age of 44. </p> <p>The father of two was found near Barwon Rover in Geelong on Monday evening after he suffered a medical episode while walking his dog. </p> <p>Templeton was a regular reporter on the Channel 7 morning show, making a name for himself as poolside reporter at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and again in Tokyo in 2020. </p> <p>In recent years, Templeton dialled back his on screen reporting and stepped away from the camera to deal with personal issues. </p> <p>Seven Network issued a statement early Wednesday expressing their sorrow at the sudden passing of the much-loved reporter.</p> <p>“The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Seven profoundly saddened,” Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Network Head of Sport Lewis Martin said.</p> <p>“Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for <em>Sunrise</em>, 7News and multiple Olympic Games." </p> <p>“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his two young sons, during this difficult time.”</p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> Instagram page posted a tribute to Templeton, writing, "The tragic news of Nathan’s passing has left us all at Sunrise and Seven profoundly saddened." </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/C5j-NKnvPBz/?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/C5j-NKnvPBz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Nathan was a respected journalist whose passion for storytelling was evident in all his years reporting for <em>Sunrise</em>."</p> <p>"Love you Tempo ❤️" </p> <p><em>Sky News Australia</em> host Laura Jayes remembered Templeton as “one of the nicest people you could ever hope to work with.”</p> <p>Perth broadcaster Tim Gossage recalled the time he worked with Templeton, writing, “So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of former colleague Nathan Templeton. Hard working, humorous, respectful and much loved.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Sunrise </em></p>

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Veteran Channel 7 news presenter announces shock departure

<p>Longtime presenter of Channel 7 news Jodie Speers has announced her departure from the program after 15 years. </p> <p>Jodie has long been the face of the early morning <em>7News</em> bulletin, but has decided to step back after a decade and a half behind the desk. </p> <p>Taking to Instagram on Friday, she announced it would be her final day on the job. </p> <p>Jodie shared a series of photos documenting her highlights from her many years in the role, while candidly sharing why she was calling it quits. </p> <p>“The end of an era! I didn’t expect to feel so emotional today! 💓” she said.</p> <p>“This job has given me so much over the past 15 years. From a stint in federal parliament, another one in the courts, and everything from crime scenes to red carpets, bushfires to brain surgeries, every day was different."</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/C4yhod8yjcd/?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/C4yhod8yjcd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jodie Speers (@jodiespeers)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Sometimes sad, often stressful, at times hilarious or completely bizarre 🤪”</p> <p>Speers then spoke of how the job impacted her family life, admitting it had been difficult balancing the unusual hours and being a mother to three kids, who she shared with husband Ben Fordham. </p> <p>“I’ve since spent years reading the early news ... juggling babies and toddlers, getting up at an ungodly hour ... but getting home in time to see my babies wake up."</p> <p>“I’ve been chipping away at a law degree for the last year and now looking forward to a new season ... getting back to court in a different capacity!"</p> <p>“As always, the people make the place — I’ve worked with so many over the years — and can’t think of a single bad egg. It’s these guys I will definitely miss the most ❤️🙏.”</p> <p>Friends and colleagues flocked to the comment section to send their well wishes to Jodie on her next venture, while congratulating her 15-year stint with Channel 7. </p> <p><em>Sunrise</em> weather presenter Sam Mac said, “Going to miss starting our day with you 🙌 But your new profession may come in handy for me one day 🤷🏽‍♂️ congratulations & well done 👏.”</p> <p>“You are incredible! I always loved seeing you if i was ever in Sydney. You are so warm, genuine and kind! Cannot believe you’ve been working, studying law and juggling 3 kids! Amazing! Big love and best wishes for the next chapter x,” former <em>7News </em>presenter Kendall Gilding said.</p> <p>“One of the best in TV! Absolute class act,” <em>Sunrise</em> presenter Shaun White said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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Beloved ABC presenter reveals cancer diagnosis

<p>ABC radio listeners received some sobering news as James Valentine, the familiar voice behind the Afternoons show, revealed his battle with oesophageal cancer.</p> <p>The announcement, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-21/james-valentine-cancer-abc-radio-sydney-surgery-oesophagus/103603786" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made on Thursday, March 21</a>, sent shockwaves through his audience, who have grown accustomed to his wit, humour and insightful commentary over the years.</p> <p>Valentine's journey with cancer began approximately four months ago when he received the diagnosis. Since then, he has been thrust into a whirlwind of medical appointments and treatments. "Immediately it was meetings with oncologists, radiologists and surgeons," he recounted in a statement <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-21/james-valentine-cancer-abc-radio-sydney-surgery-oesophagus/103603786" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted on the ABC website</a>. In January, he embarked on a gruelling regimen of chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for the upcoming surgery.</p> <p>"Everyone's thinking it's an old man reflux kind of condition," Valentine said with his trademark candour. "I have a fun conversation with the anaesthetist about Taylor Swift and the next thing I know my eyes are opening and across the room I can see my wife, my son, my sister-in-law, and the gastro doctor."</p> <p>"The doctor comes over."</p> <p>"It's bad. You've got a 4-centimetre tumour where your oesophagus meets your stomach."</p> <p>The forthcoming surgery looms large for Valentine, as it represents the primary treatment option for his condition. Describing the procedure, he explained, "The surgery will remove my entire oesophagus and then stretch my stomach up and attach it to my throat." It's a daunting prospect, compounded by the expectation of a challenging recovery period. "After that, I'm very likely to feel like absolute crap for quite some time," he candidly admitted.</p> <p>Valentine's dedication to his audience is unwavering, but he recognises the necessity of stepping away from the microphone to focus on his health. His last radio show aired on Thursday, marking the beginning of a hiatus that could last up to three months. "I'm going to make sure I'm fully recovered and my stomach is going to stay attached to my neck before I attempt broadcasting again," he assured his listeners.</p> <p>Despite the optimism about his long-term prognosis, Valentine acknowledges that this experience will change him. The road ahead is uncertain, but his resolve remains steadfast. With more than 27 years of service to the national broadcaster, he is no stranger to challenges. From his early days as a reporter on <em>Sunrise</em> and <em>Good Morning Australia</em> to his recent tenure as host of Afternoons, Valentine has left an indelible mark on Australian radio.</p> <p>Beyond his broadcasting career, Valentine is also known for his musical talents, having toured with bands as a saxophonist. Even in the middle of his health battle, he continues to find solace in music, performing at gigs whenever possible.</p> <p>Valentine's absence from the airwaves will undoubtedly be felt, but his resilience serves as an inspiration to all who admire him. Here's to a speedy recovery for one of Australia's most cherished radio personalities.</p> <p><em>Image: Suddenly Senior</em></p>

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BBC presenter passes away at just 32

<p>BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan has passed away at the age of 32, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from his devastated colleagues. </p> <p>Sheridan reportedly "collapsed while running" for the second time in recent weeks, after suffering a brain aneurysm. </p> <p>After several days in intensive care, the journalist died on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. </p> <p>Head of News at BBC Scotland shared an emotional tribute to Sheridan, saying Nick had been a "wonderful colleague to those of us who have worked with him".</p> <p>He added, "He was a hugely talented journalist, presenter and author - and one of those rare people who light up the lives of everyone around them. Funny, clever, kind. A lovely man.</p> <p>"Our hearts go out to his parents, who have been with him over the past ten days, to his partner, Lewis, and to all the rest of his family and friends."</p> <p>First Minister Humza Yousaf also paid tribute to Sheridan in the Scottish Parliament chamber, describing him as an "extremely talented journalist and author".</p> <p>"My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and indeed his colleagues. It will undoubtedly be a very sad time for them," he said. </p> <p>Since joining the corporation in 2018, Sheridan presented programmes including <em>Reporting Scotland</em>, <em>Drivetime</em>, the <em>Nine</em> and <em>Seven Days, </em>before dialling back his time on screen to pursue his passion of writing children's books.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

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"Eventful walk home": Barnaby Joyce explains why he was found collapsed on footpath

<p>Barnaby Joyce, the Nationals frontbencher, has recently found himself at the centre of public attention after a video surfaced showing him lying on a footpath in Canberra, seemingly in an inebriated state.</p> <p>In a statement to Seven's <em>Sunrise</em> on Monday morning, Joyce attributed the incident to mixing alcohol with prescription medication.</p> <p>“It was a very eventful walk home, wasn’t it,” he said to host Nat Barr. "I’m on a prescription drug, and they say certain things may happen to you if you drink, and they were absolutely 100 per cent right. They did.”</p> <p>Barr then replied: “So you mixed alcohol with prescription medication, did you, and this is what happened?”</p> <p>“That’s exactly what I said, yep,” Joyce responded.</p> <p>In the video footage captured on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, initially obtained by <em>The Daily Mail</em>, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Joyce can be seen lying on his back, mumbling into his phone, prompting concerns from passersby.</span></p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Joyce to provide a credible explanation. “People will certainly make their own judgements on that," Albanese told the ABC. "People will see that footage, they will look for an explanation that has some credibility and they’ll look for leadership from the leader of the Liberal Party and the leader of the National Party about this.”</p> <p>Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed concern for Joyce's wellbeing, calling for an explanation while refraining from personal attacks.</p> <p>The incident has prompted discussions within political circles, with Nationals leader David Littleproud stating that Joyce would receive the necessary support. However, Joyce's decision to skip a party meeting where the incident was to be discussed indicates ongoing uncertainty surrounding the situation.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise / Seven</em></p>

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Nat Barr cowers during fiery interview with WWE guests

<p dir="ltr">Nat Barr and Matt Doran have been forced to intervene when a heated interview with two WWE stars turned sour. </p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Sunrise</em> hosts welcomed Australian wrestler Grayson Waller and his rival American wrestler LA Knight onto the show for chat, but things quickly devolved. </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair soon began trash talking each other, with a visibly shaken Barr admitting, “I'm getting a bit scared here – I'm glad I'm sitting on this side of the couch.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The interview then went completely off the rails when Matt Doran asked the WWE champions to demonstrate their wrestling abilities live on the show. </p> <p dir="ltr">When the pair refused to demonstrate on each other, Natalie suggested that they instead demonstrate using a <em>Sunrise</em> floor manager. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2I7CeFCfWn/?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/reel/C2I7CeFCfWn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The male staffer then confidently strutted onto set and jokingly prepared to face off with Waller, who quickly became frustrated that the man and the <em>Sunrise</em> hosts weren't taking it seriously. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I don't think you understand, because if I go over there we're gonna have the police here, because I'm not gonna give you some fake punch,” Waller ranted at the man, standing up from his seat. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm gonna punch you straight in the jaw. The disrespect that you give me when you act like this isn't real. Don't act tough. You guys disrespect us, are you kidding me?” he continued. </p> <p dir="ltr">Natalie was visibly shocked by the outburst, nervously telling Waller. “I'm not disrespecting you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Matt diffused the situation, doing his best umpire impersonation before escorting the floor manager off set. </p> <p dir="ltr">The hosts quickly wrapped up the interview moments later, with the tense interview later being shared on social media. </p> <p dir="ltr">The video was flooded with comments of confusion, as one person wrote, “The guy needs to lighten up, learn to have a laugh!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Sunrise</em></p>

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Sam Mac's big announcement

<p>Sam Mac has announced that he is ready to make his grand return on <em>Sunrise</em>, after one month of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/sam-mac-takes-a-break-from-sunrise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paternity leave.</a></p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> weather presenter said goodbye to viewers in October to help take care of his one-year-old daughter Margot, as his partner returned to work. </p> <p>“I know there’s been a huge build-up for this and I’m very excited to announce...I’m back at work on Monday,”  he announced the news via a live call in his home. </p> <p>The doting dad was seen playing with his daughter as he shared the news of his comeback, and opened up on his experience of paternity leave. </p> <p>He said that he “knew it would be hard, but it’s been so relentless”.</p> <p>“I hate to say this in front of her, she’s listening, but she’s such hard work,” he joked about his one-year-old who played with her toys beside him.</p> <p>“She is such a diva.</p> <p>“When I’m lucky enough to get her down for a sleep for about 45 minutes during the day, that 45 minutes is not spent relaxing.</p> <p>“It’s spent doing her washing, preparing her next meal," he added before applauding all the stay-at-home parents who work tirelessly to take care of their kids.</p> <p>"I want to take this opportunity to bow down to all the stay-at-home mums and also the dads who do it. You guys are the true heroes,” he said bowing down to the camera. </p> <p>“I’ve had a real taste of it over the last month and don’t get me wrong, it’s been magical.</p> <p>“I’ve got to see her learn how to walk, she’s doing her gardening now, she’s been reading lots of books.</p> <p>“It's been magic every day, but it’s also been super hard work.</p> <p>“So absolute respect to all the stay-at-home mums and the single mums and dads out there! You guys are legends.”</p> <p>The father-of-one couldn't help but show off his daughter's new skill, as the young tot stuck her tongue out at him after he asked: “Where’s your tongue?”. </p> <p>“I’m so glad she didn’t let me down with that,” he laughed.</p> <p>“She’s a Mac, she’s a performer. She turns it on when it matters." he quipped before sharing that she has learnt that most important word. </p> <p>“Can you say dada?” Mac asked her in a video clip he couldn't help but share to the world. </p> <p>The Sunrise weather presenter cheered when she echoed him, before asking if if she could say “Mamma,” to which she responded, “Dada”.</p> <p><em>Image: Seven</em></p>

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Matt Shirvington joins the cast of Home and Away

<p>Sunrise host Matt Shirvington has secured a role in one of Australia's iconic shows, <em>Home and Away</em>. </p> <p>The former Olympian turned TV presenter has secretly been filming scenes for the show, which will air some time next year. </p> <p>According to <em>7News</em>, Shirvington will be playing himself and recently shot a few scenes at Sydney's iconic Palm Beach. </p> <p>“As a kid who grew up watching Home and Away, it was all a bit surreal to be in Summer Bay with Alf Stewart!” he told the publication. </p> <p>“What a fun experience. The entire cast and crew were so welcoming and generous with acting tips and advice for this novice.</p> <p>“I think this will be one of those things my kids are never going to let me live down!”</p> <p>Although the storyline is still being kept a secret, viewers can expect to see the former athlete in “scenes which will air later next year”. </p> <p>The official Instagram page for <em>Home and Away</em> also teased Shirvington's appearance on the show. </p> <p>"Look who’s coming to Summer Bay in 2024 👀 ☀️" they captioned a photo of him at the beach with Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart.</p> <p>Shirvington has been booked and busy this year, after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/kochie-s-sunrise-replacement-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">replacing David Koch</a> as <em>Sunrise</em> host alongside Nat Barr back in June. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ 7News/ Home & Away</em></p>

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Nat Barr overwhelmed by Police Commissioner's heartbreaking letter to his fallen son

<p>Nat Barr broke down live on <em>Sunrise</em> after hearing the heartbreaking letter from grieving police commissioner Grant Stevens, who lost his son just days ago in an <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-commissioner-s-son-killed-during-schoolies-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alleged hit and run</a> during schoolies. </p> <p>Charlie Stevens, 18, died on Saturday night surrounded by friends and family in Goolwa, 90km southeast of Adelaide, just a day after he celebrated finishing high school.</p> <p>Charlie's parents penned a letter to their youngest son, with the purpose of introducing South Australians to the 101st life lost on the state’s roads this year.</p> <p>On Tuesday morning, Matt Shirvington read an excerpt of the letter, and both hosts were equally emotional, with Shirvington's voice breaking at one point. </p> <p>“I am writing this sitting in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, six drinking glasses lined up on the bedside table, an empty KFC box next to the glasses, wardrobe doors left open and a row of skateboards leaning on the wall – it is a mess and it’s perfect. This is where 101 lived,” the letter read. </p> <p>“101 is Charles Stevens – Charlie, Charlie Boy, Chas, Links, Steve. You lived life and gave so much to so many. You were a force of nature and we will never forget your beautiful cheeky, disarming smile.</p> <p>“Son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, friends, workmate, teammate. So much more than just a number on a tragic tally.”</p> <p>His heartbroken parents described him as a "Cheeky, intense and funny" boy, who was loveable from the moment he could talk. </p> <p>"He was as frustrating as hell, but he was also the kid who would look after others, befriend the lonely, and help those who were struggling,” they added. </p> <p>“Intensity shone through as 101 committed to each new passion — Lego, BBL, scooters, footy, cricket, basketball, surfing, downhilling, Fortnight and his skateboard — it was all or nothing and it was always all.”</p> <p>His parents also shared stories about their son's passion for his work as an apprentice carpenter. </p> <p>“ … On a good day, we would be lucky to see 101 for half an hour between him getting home from work and heading out with his mates, but it was enough," they wrote. </p> <p>After sharing the emotional tribute, Nat Barr was choking back tears and had to cut to an ad break. </p> <p>The letter comes after the 18-year-old driver accused of being behind the wheel during the alleged hit-and-run was granted bail. </p> <p>On Monday, three witnesses stated in court that the driver performed a U-turn and hit Charlie, who was waiting for the Schoolies shuttle bus to take him and his friends to Victor Harbor from Goolwa Beach. </p> <p>It is alleged that the 18-year-old was speeding and  travelling on the wrong side of the road before hitting Charlie. </p> <p>Another witness from inside the car said that a group of young men were on the west side of the road, partially on the footpath, and that there was a single male on the other side.</p> <p>She told the court that the male on the east side ran across the road and into the incoming car. </p> <p>The driver allegedly drove a short distance before calling his mum and asking her if he should turn himself in or call the police, before he was arrested. </p> <p>He was granted bail, with the condition that he forfeits his passport, live with his mum, and set aside $15,000 as a guarantee. </p> <p><em>Images: SA Police/ Channel 7</em></p>

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Sam Mac takes a break from Sunrise

<p><em>Sunrise</em> weather presenter Sam Mac is taking a break from the screen so he can take care of his one-year-old daughter, Margot. </p> <p>Sam revealed that he is looking forward to enjoying one month of parental leave to help out his partner,  Rebecca James, who is planning to go back to work.</p> <p>“She’s been thinking about it for the past few months and now that Margot is over a year old she’s ready to properly get back into the workforce,” he told <em>7Life</em>. </p> <p>The<em> Sunrise </em>presenter also thanked his team for allowing him to take so much time off to focus on his family. </p> <p>“It’s my turn to be getting Margot up, feed her and basically becoming her personal assistant/servant,” he joked.</p> <p>He added that Margot is “at a really good age right now”, and the doting dad can't wait to take her to the zoo, aquarium and spend more time with her. </p> <p>“She’s walking now which is awesome but it’s a bit daunting because we have to childproof the house … but really exciting times,” he said. </p> <p>“Margot’s changed so much even in the past couple of months.</p> <p>“So it’s super-exciting to have some proper quality time with her.”</p> <p>Sam and his partner also have a few exciting trips planned, including trips to  to Melbourne, where Rebecca’s family is, and Adelaide, where Sam’s parents are, just in time for Christmas. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Sam Mac under fire for excluding mum from once-in-a-lifetime concert

<p>Sam Mac <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">had all the best intentions when he planned the surprise announcement for his dad's 70th birthday, but his execution had fans bombarding his page with furious comments. </span></p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> weatherman posted a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sammactiktok/video/7295241603319368962" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> on Monday of him walking with his parents moments before he surprised his dad with tickets to former Beatles member Paul McCartney’s Sydney Concert. </p> <p>"I told my parents we were walking to a bar called SPM," the text overlay read on the TikTok. </p> <p>“I’ve been lying to you both – there is no bar,” Sam told his parents, who believed they were heading there to celebrate his dad's birthday. </p> <p>“There is no bar called SPM … SPM stands for Sir Paul McCartney,” he said.</p> <p>“Paul McCartney!” his mum exclaimed, but her excitement was short-lived. </p> <p>“Sorry mum, you’re not coming,” he laughed.</p> <p>“I’ll get you an Uber mum, it’s fine, you came to the Logies.”</p> <p>Sam's dad was clearly stunned as he teared up while hugging his son. </p> <p>The rest of the video showed Sam and his dad having a blast as they sang along to a few classic Beatle's songs like <em>A Hard Day’s Night, Hey Jude</em> and <em>Let it Be</em>.</p> <p>But fans couldn't let go of his snub. </p> <p>“Having sat through the Logies myself, it’s just not a fair comparison," one wrote. </p> <p>“Worse still, he brought her all the way there first and made her go home,” added another. </p> <p>"Should have given your mum your ticket. Date night for mum and dad," a third commented </p> <p>"She got dressed up for nothing. At least include her in the surprise. This isn't heartwarming, it's rude," a fourth commented. </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/reel/Cy-A67_JJn5/?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/Cy-A67_JJn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sam Mac (@sammacinsta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sam then clarified his actions in the comments. </p> <p>“Mum is normally the one getting spoiled. We had a great dinner,” he explained.</p> <p>“Dad and I rarely get one-on-one time. This was dad’s night, dad’s birthday. So special.”</p> <p>Despite the confusion of some fans after the snub, many of them also praised Sam. </p> <p>"Your dad will be talking about that for weeks!!" one wrote. </p> <p>“How beautiful you are to surprise them … you will always have that moment,”  added another. </p> <p>"Sam this is the best! You are such a special son. The look on your Dad’s face said it all. What a special memory for you both to treasure forever ❤️" </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“A bit of news…”: Sunrise star shares heartwarming announcement

<p dir="ltr"><em>Weekend Sunrise</em> weatherman and presenter James Tobin has revealed that he is engaged. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Channel Seven personality announced the heartwarming news to his Instagram followers, sharing the details of his proposal. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tobin wanted to share the “bit of news” with his followers as he gushed over his long-term partner Farrah. </p> <p dir="ltr">“A bit of news… we’re getting married ❤️,” he began. </p> <p dir="ltr">“A lot of my life is lived out on TV, but I’ve also kept some things private because, well, not everything needs to be out there,” he captioned the post on Sunday night.</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/Cy-l71zJSC9/?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/Cy-l71zJSC9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Tobin (@james_tobin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I’m thrilled to tell you I asked Farrah to marry me and she said ‘yes’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“For those who don’t know Farrah, she’s a ray of sunshine in this world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She’s brilliant and beautiful, funny and clever, a kind heart who saves lives and runs ultra marathons in her spare time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The last couple of years of our relationship have been long distance while Farrah has been in Perth completing a fellowship in interventional cardiology and I couldn’t be prouder of her,” James said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Finally she’s coming home to our little place and we’re looking forward to starting the next chapter of our lives together. I’m the happiest man alive 💫,” he ended his post.</p> <p dir="ltr">James’ Channel 7 colleagues were quick to take to the comments, congratulating him on the news.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m glad you waited til I met her and officially approved. I know it slowed things down but it was the right thing to do... but more importantly wooohooo!!!! Much love to you both James and Farrah ❤️❤️❤️,” <em>The Morning Show</em> co-host Larry Emdur said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So happy for you two, mate. Absolutely glorious news 🤍,” <em>Sunrise</em> weatherman Sam Mac said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"I'm officially cutting ties": Sunrise star quits media for glittering new career

<p>Former <em>Weekend Sunrise</em> TV presenter Talitha Cummins is embarking on a new chapter in her life, bidding farewell to her 20-year-long media career.</p> <p>Cummins, widely recognised for her role as a newsreader on <em>Weekend Sunrise</em> and more recently as a newsreader on Triple M Sydney, recently shared on social media her decision to step away from the media industry. Her departure is driven by her passion for a new venture in the world of jewellery.</p> <p>In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 43-year-old former journalist reflected on her two decades in journalism and television while also announcing her exciting shift toward launching her own diamond and jewellery business:</p> <p>"It’s a big day for me today," she wrote. "I’m officially cutting ties with a 20 year career in journalism/television + media consulting and launching my business in diamond and jewellery creating.</p> <p>"It’s a big shift, but the move to launching my own business has given me an energy and drive like never before.</p> <p>"Our family has been creating diamond jewellery for 50 years and I’ve joined forces with my uncle Craig and cousin Kara to create @thecutjewellery - Bespoke diamond ring and fine jewellery using lab diamonds - all crafted by our team of jewellers in Sydney....</p> <p>"I’m excited to be a part of what’s proving to be the biggest disruptor to the jewellery industry."</p> <p>Cummins gained widespread acclaim as a member of Seven's <em>Weekend Sunrise</em> team in 2014, where she assumed the role of newsreader following Jessica Rowe's departure. However, her journey took an unexpected turn in early 2017 during her maternity leave with her first child, Oliver. She received a call from Seven News chief Craig McPherson, who informed her that her contract as a newsreader on the show had been terminated.</p> <p>This abrupt decision was met with astonishment and disappointment, especially as Cummins had anticipated resuming her role on the popular weekend breakfast show. Instead, she was offered a weekday 5am time slot, leaving her feeling blindsided by the sudden change.</p> <p>The timing of this development was particularly challenging for Cummins, as she was gearing up to promote her episode on <em>Australian Story</em>, aired on ABC, in which she candidly shared her personal battle with alcoholism and her remarkable four-year journey to sobriety.</p> <p>Cummins contested her dismissal, asserting that it had been unjust. In a mere four months, the Seven network and Cummins reached a confidential settlement, putting an end to the legal dispute.</p> <p>Cummins' departure from the media world marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in her life as she immerses herself in the world of diamonds and jewellery, following in her family's tradition and pursuing her passion.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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TV presenter drops F-bomb in front of Anthony Albanese

<p><em>The Cheap Seats</em> co-host Melanie Bracewell found herself in an awkward predicament when she accidentally dropped the F-bomb during a live interview with Anthony Albanese. </p> <p>The prime minister joined the show as a special guest on Monday to discuss the Voice to Parliament and G20 Summit.</p> <p>Bracewell, who is from New Zealand, was caught-off guard when her microphone pack unexpectedly slipped off, creating a loud bang. </p> <p>“Sorry, sorry, f***," the host promptly apologised for the mishap. </p> <p>Albanese and the audience burst into laughter as Bracewell fumbled over herself, and co-host Tim McDonald covered his face.</p> <p>“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she said.</p> <p>“I didn’t mean to swear in front of you, that’s embarrassing.”</p> <p>McDonald then handed over his co-host's fake citizenship papers to the prime minister and quipped, “feel free to write ‘denied’ on that now”.</p> <p>An amused Albanese played along, and proceeded to flip the page and draw a straight line through the papers. </p> <p>“Good call,” McDonald said.</p> <p>“If we denied Australian citizenship (to people) who said that word, we’d really struggle,” the prime minister quipped.</p> <p>“We’d really have a skills crisis."</p> <p><em>Image: Ten News</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Matt Shirvington's secret health battle

<p>Matt Shirvington has opened up about a secret health condition that he's been battling for years. </p> <p>The Sunrise host made the admission on Tuesday, while speaking to a paramedic about how asthmatics can stay safe during the thunderstorm season. </p> <p>"I've got sports-induced asthma, so when I exercise it gets worse. Especially in the cold. Go and get tested for that," the athlete turned TV host said. </p> <p>"That is a good warning for so many people," co-host Nat Barr added. </p> <p>There are many factors that can trigger an asthma attack, thunderstorms are one of them, and they can be very serious for asthmatics.</p> <p>The high levels of grass pollen in the air can be carried by a storm and the tiny pollen particles can be breathed deep into your lungs triggering a flare-up or attack, according to <a href="https://asthma.org.au/triggers/thunderstorm-asthma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asthma Australia</a>. </p> <p>Sports-induced asthma is another condition that is a long-term problem for some athletes when they exercise, as it makes it difficult for them to breathe. </p> <p>However, anyone suffering with these conditions can usually relieve their symptoms and stay active with proper care and the help of an inhaler. </p> <p><em>Images: Seven/ Sunrise</em></p>

Caring

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Matt Shirvington reflects on becoming a father

<p>Matt Shirvington has reflected on the moment he knew he was going to become a father, and the "life-changing" decision he had to make about his future. </p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> co-host recalled when his wife Jessica told him she was pregnant 18 years ago with the couple's first child when they were living abroad in London. </p> <p>The couple then had to decide if they would stay in the UK when their first child was born, or return home to Australia. </p> <p>Chatting with <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/sunrise-star-matt-shirvington-opens-up-on-family-and-fatherhood-c-11769794" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7Life</em></a>, Shirvo said, “We were living in London doing our own thing and we’d always planned to have a family but it was just an amazing surprise.”</p> <p>“It was a game changer for us because we were living in London and, although we had kind of had family come and go over there, we were away from home.”</p> <p>Ultimately, Matt and Jess chose to stay in London to welcome their elder daughter, Sienna, and remained there until Jess was expecting their second child.</p> <p>“Sienna was about two years old and Jess was actually pregnant when we came home and we had our second baby here in Australia,” Shirvo explains.</p> <p>The proud parents now have three children, Sienna, 17, Winnie, 15 and Lincoln, five.</p> <p>Acknowledging the age gap with their youngest, Shirvo says it’s a “different dynamic in our family, but a great one”.</p> <p>Now a seasoned dad celebrating his 17th Father's Day, Shirvo said the arrival of his first child changed his life "completely". </p> <p>He explained that they went “from being a couple to having someone else in your life that you have to look after”.</p> <p>“After that it’s kind of like, ‘Well, we’ve done this before we can do it again’... It’s pretty special.”</p> <p>Reflecting on his years of fatherhood, Shirvo says watching his kids grow up and finding their life passions has been what he loves most.</p> <p>“I’ve watched my kids grow up and see them have a passion for something and invest themselves and love something so much,” he shares.</p> <p>“As a parent, you’d do anything to allow them to do it and allow that to blossom."</p> <p>“That’s the bit that really gets me.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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