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Victorian man rides lawn mower for 800km to speak to the PM

<p>You know the saying: mow big or mow home. And one man risked it all in hopes of scoring a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.</p> <p>In an incredible 11-day journey Warren "Woz" Acott  made the 800km journey from Central Victoria to Canberra to try and speak with the Prime Minister about motor neurone disease (MND). </p> <p>He left his home in  Toolleen in Central Victoria on March 11, with no guarantee that anyone was going to meet him at the end of his journey. But his efforts have been fruitful, because by the time he arrived in Canberra this morning, he had a booking with the PM. </p> <p>"I've shuffled my schedule around to fit him in. I'd better go see him," Woz joked when he was told he had a meeting with the PM</p> <p>Albanese met met Woz in the Prime Minister's courtyard, and a crowd of families affected by MND were also waiting outside parliament to welcome Woz. </p> <p>"I'm overwhelmed. But it's not about me. It's about MND and the families and the carers and everybody else," Woz told <em>A Current Affair</em>.</p> <p>Woz, who lives with MND, wants the condition to be added to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). </p> <p>This is because NNDSS conditions "a threat to public health in Australia" and are given additional funding for research." </p> <p>"We'll give consideration to all these things. You're a champion, mate," Albanese said.</p> <p>"It's all over my head. I mean, I'm a truck driver at the end of the day. But I know that if (MND is added to the NNDSS), it's more trackable, more funding, and everything else," Woz said.</p> <p>Robyn Sneddon, who lost her husband Ian to MND, praised Woz for his effort. </p> <p>"The effort he has made has been incredible. He is just a champion," she told <em>A Current Affair</em>. </p> <p>"I'm very proud of him," Snedden added.</p> <p><em>Images: A Current Affair</em></p>

Caring

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Iconic Victorian Sphinx Hotel up for sale

<p>The iconic Sphinx hotel is in Geelong, Victoria is up for sale for the first time in over 50 years. </p> <p>The Ramia family, who built a 14m-high replica sphinx on the roof of their pub, are looking to sell their property after 53 years of ownership. </p> <p>“We’ve got to the stage where we all want to do our own thing and it’s quite a large family,”  George Ramia, the owner of the hotel said. </p> <p>“We’re up to nearly 53 years here and I think we’re getting a bit tired.</p> <p>“I started work here when I was about 14. I recall those days I wasn’t allowed in the pub but I used to do all the beer lines.</p> <p>“Johnny O’Keeffe used to play a lot and he always asked me to play pool, and I was a pretty good player because it’s all I was allowed to do.”</p> <p>Ramia who started working at the former Golf View Hotel when he was 14, saw the venue change throughout the decades from a home for live music to a bistro and recently renovated sports bar.</p> <p>He also saw the venue grow in popularity, after a period of financial difficulties, when the pub was remodelled with the 14m-high Sphinx on the roof, completed with Egyptian-style motifs including hieroglyphics and even a mock gold pharaoh’s tomb in the 1990s. </p> <p>The pub continues to host live bands and events, including the Geelong Elvis Festival.</p> <p>The Sphinx Hotel is positioned on a 15,000sq m freehold land parcel, with 16-rooms of various configurations, with approvals in place to develop a further 24 rooms.</p> <p>It also features 67 electronic gambling machines, multiple bar areas and function rooms, an outdoor beer garden, a TAB and a recently renovated sports bar.</p> <p>The sale of the property also include the drive-through bottle shop and a licence capacity for 1010 patrons.</p> <p>The hotel is available as either a new long-term lease or a freehold going concern, which is currently being managed by CBRE Hotels’ senior director Scott Callow. </p> <p>“Geelong’s Sphinx Hotel presents a compelling investment opportunity in the thriving gaming and entertainment industry,” the CBRE Hotels’ senior director said. </p> <p>“We anticipate strong interest from a range of investment segments seeking to gain a significant foothold in Victoria’s tightly held gaming market.”</p> <p><em>Images: Sphinx Hotel / Facebook</em></p>

Real Estate

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"What gives?" Victorian MP slams "photoshopped" image

<p>A Victorian MP has slammed Channel Nine for airing a "photoshopped" image of her, in which her outfit was made more "revealing" and her breasts were "enlarged". </p> <p>Georgie Purcell, an MP for the Animal Justice Party, was featured on Nine News on Monday night during a segment about duck hunting, with the network using a promotional image of the MP for the TV package. </p> <p>However, Ms Purcell claims the major news work altered the photo, and took to social media to share a side by side comparison of the original image and the one Nine aired. </p> <p>“I endured a lot yesterday. But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card,” she wrote alongside the images. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I endured a lot yesterday.</p> <p>But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card.</p> <p>Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing. </p> <p>Can’t imagine this happening to a male MP. </p> <p>What gives? <a href="https://t.co/NhnkDRMidc">pic.twitter.com/NhnkDRMidc</a></p> <p>— Georgie Purcell (@georgievpurcell) <a href="https://twitter.com/georgievpurcell/status/1752088649527853107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing," she added, pointing out that her white top had been altered to look like a crop top, showing off her midriff.</p> <p>“Can’t imagine this happening to a male MP. What gives?”</p> <p>In a second tweet, Purcell pointed out her stomach has been tattooed since 2020 and the photoshopped image did not show any tattoos, despite her outfit being changed to show her stomach.</p> <p>On Tuesday, a statement was issued from Nine News Melbourne news director Hugh Nailon apologising for the “graphic error”.</p> <p>“Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting,” he said.</p> <p>“As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs. During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original.</p> <p>“This did not meet the high editorial standards we have and for that we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly.”</p> <p>Purcell told 7News that she only realised her image had been photoshopped when she watched Nine’s bulletin.</p> <p>“I noticed because my stomach didn’t have a tattoo on it. So I found the original photo and noticed not only had they given me abs and the crop top, but they’ve enlarged my breasts as well,” she said.</p> <p>“Seeing your own body altered on TV on the big screen is very confronting and I hope lessons are learnt from it."</p> <p>“This has affected me in some way and it could affect other women even more and it should never happen again.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)</em></p> <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px; font-size: 1.125rem; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33;"> </p>

Body

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Music and mental health: the parallels between Victorian asylum treatments and modern social prescribing

<p>Music has a powerful effect on the listener. It is linked to <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01483-8">better mental health</a>, and it has been shown to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0305735617703811?journalCode=poma">alleviate loneliness, pain, anxiety and depression</a>. </p> <p>For this reason, it is increasingly being prescribed by doctors as a form of medicine. This practice – where patients are referred to various activities such as running groups, art classes and choirs – is known as <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/">social prescribing</a>.</p> <p>Music-based activities may be prescribed to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13612-016-0048-0">help support</a> patients’ <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08098131.2018.1432676">mental health</a>, <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-76240-1_9">combat isolation</a>, encourage <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2020.1732526">physical activity</a>, and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.693791/full">keep an active brain</a>.</p> <p>While social prescribing is a relatively new practice, the use of music as a therapeutic tool is not. The first widespread use of music as a therapeutic tool can be traced back to the 19th century, where it was used in Victorian asylums to support patients’ treatment. </p> <h2>Music in asylums</h2> <p>Victorian asylums are usually associated with poor sanitation, overcrowding, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/0308018813Z.00000000063">danger</a> and patients held against their will. Indeed, the Victorians had little understanding of mental illness and the brain, which meant <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/030802269005301009">many treatments </a>considered barbaric today were used on patients – including bleeding, leeching, shaving the head and bathing in ice.</p> <p>From the end of the 18th century, however, practitioners moved away from the worst types of physical restraint. A new practice emerged, known as “<a href="https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/medicine/victorian-mental-asylum#:%7E:text=The%20Victorian%20mental%20asylum%20has,humane%20attitude%20towards%20mental%20healthcare.">moral management</a>”, which placed a focus on using employment, diet, surroundings and recreational activities as <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/research/inclusive-heritage/disability-history/1832-1914/daily-life-in-the-asylum/">forms of therapy</a>.</p> <p>When state-run asylums were first introduced in Britain in the <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/cure-comfort-and-safe-custody-9780718500948/">early 19th century</a>, music soon became included as a <a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-78525-3">form of moral management</a> to distract patients outside of working hours and keep them occupied. Both music and dance were efficient ways of entertaining large numbers of patients. </p> <p>By the middle of the 19th century, almost all the larger asylums in the UK had their own band and would often organise dances, attended by over a hundred patients. Asylums also hosted concerts by travelling performers, from comic sketches to solo singers and amateur choirs. Dances and concerts were usually the only opportunities for patients to meet in a large group, providing important social interaction.</p> <p>Among the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/royal-musical-association-research-chronicle/article/music-as-therapy-for-the-exceptionally-wealthy-at-the-nineteenthcentury-ticehurst-asylum/CBB82DA05DAB7A9D47636BCE2DF9DBB7">smaller asylums</a>, chiefly catering for wealthier patients, patients had more options to create music as part of their treatment. They would often bring instruments with them. And small concerts put on by patients and staff were common.</p> <h2>The benefits of music</h2> <p>Much of the therapeutic value of music was attached to its social function. Accounts suggest that patients benefited from the anticipation of these social engagements and that events were used to reward good behaviour. Music was also used to break up the monotony of asylum life.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-78525-3_11">at one private asylum</a>, Dr Alfred Wood, wrote, "These entertainments involved a great amount of trouble in their preparation and arrangement and, I may add, considerable expense; but they are invaluable as a relief to the monotony of life in an Asylum. The pleasure they afford as well in anticipation as in reality, is ample to compensate for the efforts made to present them …"</p> <p>Dances, in particular, offered exercise and enjoyment, and even patients who were unable to dance enjoyed the music and watching fellow patients. </p> <p>Musical events also carried strict expectations of behaviour. Patients needed a good deal of self-control to participate and behave appropriately. It was this process of conforming to expectations that formed an important part of rehabilitation. William A.F. Browne, one of the most noteworthy asylum doctors of the era, wrote in 1841 about the <a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/dkxnvx35/items?canvas=91">self-control</a> needed before, during and after amusements. </p> <p>Others suggested that music would help <a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/vmmq4wv8/items?canvas=216">remind patients of happier days</a> and give them hope and pleasure during their treatment. Browne also cited the “powers of music to soothe, enliven, rouse, or melt”. He suggested that even difficult patients may benefit from music, <a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/far6jdph/items?canvas=26">writing</a>: “There is or may be a hidden life within him which may be reached by harmony.”</p> <p>The writer James Webster <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/s1-5/114/197.2">recorded in 1842</a> that: “In many, the effect produced by the music upon their countenances and behaviour was often quite apparent.” Records include many stories of patients seemingly cured by music. </p> <p>Webster cites the example of a young girl, previously “morose” and “stupefied”, who under the influence of music, seemed “pleased” and “cheerful” – appearing “altogether a changed creature”. Browne also wrote in one of his books of the <a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/far6jdph/items?canvas=26">miraculous effect</a> music had on one patient who awoke, cured, the morning after listening to a performance of Scottish traditional melodies. </p> <h2>Music as treatment</h2> <p>In the 1890s, many doctors carried out experiments on the relationship between music and mental illness. Herbert Hayes Newington, medical superintendent of one of the era’s most prestigious asylums, used music to diagnose patients and <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-mental-science/article/abs/some-mental-aspects-of-music/A87C190163A86070D4445A830E656557">help develop theories</a> on how the brain works. Reverend Frederick Kill Harford, who campaigned to provide music in public hospitals during the early 1890s, believed music could <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/2/1603/667">treat depression</a>, alleviate physical pain and help with sleep. </p> <p>Although music remained in asylums as a form of <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-life-was-like-in-mental-hospitals-in-the-early-20th-century-119949">therapy</a>, interest in it as a large-scale treatment waned as innovations such as <a href="https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2020.160103">electroconvulsive therapy</a> emerged in the 20th century.</p> <p>For patients in Victorian asylums, therefore, music was an important part of mental health treatment – not only providing an opportunity for creative engagement but also fulfilling a range of social, emotional and intellectual needs. Given what we know now about the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01483-8">benefit of music on mental health</a>, it’s no wonder doctors are making use of it again.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/music-and-mental-health-the-parallels-between-victorian-asylum-treatments-and-modern-social-prescribing-200576" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Music

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“You won’t believe it”: An a-moo-sing new addition for one Victorian farm

<p>Megan and Barry Coster, two dairy farmers from Victoria’s West Gippsland region, were given the smiling surprise of a lifetime during their latest round of calving. </p> <p>“My husband was collecting calves to bring in for the day,” Megan told ABC’s rural reporter Annie Brown. “And I think I was off with the kids at sport, and I just got this text message of this calf, and he’s [Barry] like ‘you won’t believe it’.</p> <p>“Originally when he got the calf up he didn’t notice, and then he turned around and looked on the other side, and couldn’t believe it.” </p> <p>The calf, affectionately named ‘Happy’ by the family, had been born with an award-winning grin - just not where one would expect. On his side was a very unique marking - two eyes, a nose, and a big smile. </p> <p>When asked how old Happy was, Megan explained that he had only been born three or four days prior to the discovery, and went on to add that they had a lot of calving going on, so it was a busy time for them, and likely why they hadn’t immediately noticed what made Happy so special. </p> <p>“We’ve seen some number sevens, or love hearts on the head, and a few strange markings but we’ve never seen anything that resembles a smiley face before … we’ve had thousands over the years, and we’ve never had anything like it,” Megan said. </p> <p>“I couldn’t believe it,” she went on, before admitting she’d checked to ensure none of their staff had added any of the lines to the young cow. “And then I was pretty quickly sharing it with some of my friends - none of them could believe it either.” </p> <p>Megan went on to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1591950161115622/permalink/3523334507977168/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post to Facebook</a>, sharing a photo of their spectacular latest addition with the caption “the funniest marking we’ve had for a while”, to the delight of fellow dairy fans around the world. </p> <p>“They look fake! How awesome,” wrote one individual, who seemed to share Megan’s initial disbelief, “best marking I’ve seen.”</p> <p>“I guess that's his good side,” joked another. </p> <p>“Love it. That's got to be a keeper as a pet,” said one, unaware that the family had every intention of keeping Happy on a pet - though he might also have to pull his weight as a lawn mower.</p> <p>“One very happy calf,” came one declaration. </p> <p>One person hit the nail on the head when they said “this one will always put a smile on your face every time u c [you see] it.” </p> <p>Although not everyone was quite so onboard with the lovefest, with one woman admitting that she found it to be “a little bit clown-creepy”. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Best baked goods in Australia crowned

<p>The Victorian Baking Show, held by the Baking Association of Australia, has enjoyed another year of treats and celebration in 2023. </p> <p>The annual show took place in Bendigo for the second time, with judges enjoying their share of 590 different baked goods from 143 passionate bakers across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. </p> <p>And despite the very difficult task ahead of them, the panel were able to crown winners in numerous bread, pastry, and sweet categories. </p> <p>The show’s most sought after titles? Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun and Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice. </p> <p>North End Bakehouse in Shepparton, Victoria, seized victory with their vanilla slice. The Australian classic typically features a thick layer of vanilla custard between layers of puff pastry, most often with icing sugar sprinkled on top. But North End Bakehouse opt to shake things up, with their slice showcasing a sleek coating of white fondant instead. </p> <p>“This was an absolute stand out,” executive officer of the Baking Association, and host of the Victorian Baking Show, Tony Smith declared, “the judges couldn’t believe how creamy the custard was, and the fondant was tempered perfectly on top. The pastry was crisp and thin, not soggy.” </p> <p>“John Humphrey, one of the main judges - along with Stewart Latter, Chief Judge for the BAA - judged the vanilla slices and stated that sometimes it’s very hard to temper the fondant and allow it to sit perfectly on top,” he continued “along with this, some people have custard filling that leaves a gritty or grainy feeling in your mouth.</p> <p>“But this was perfect!”</p> <p>North End Bakehouse’s success didn’t stop there, either, with the bakery also taking home a win for its 680g sourdough loaf. And although they didn’t snag the coveted first place prize for their hot cross buns, they did secure the title of “Best Innovative Hot Cross Bun” for their Vegemite-flavoured treat. </p> <p>Meanwhile, the accolade of Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun went to South Australia’s Banana Boogie. And not only did they seize first place, but also the second-place trophy. </p> <p>“The Hot Cross Bun Competition is judged over several sections by two judges,” Tony explained, “the main thing is the judges cut one in half across from left to right, and then another on a diagonal. This allows the judges to see the fruit distribution in the bun and make sure it is evenly spread.</p> <p>“Of course, there is spice aroma and then mouth feel, making sure it is fresh and doesn’t stick to the roof of your mouth.”</p> <p>The baked goods just kept coming from there, with winners across all of the show’s categories announced. </p> <p>For the category of 2 Small Individual Fruit Tartlets, Mildura’s Sunraysia Bread and Butter Bakery claimed the top spot. They also now boast the title of having Australia’s best pasties.</p> <p>Melbourne’s Country Cob Bakery had the best meat pies, as well as the judges’ favourite gourmet pies. </p> <p>Victoria’s McKinnon Village Bakery found their claim to fame with everyone’s favourite: Australia’s Best Sausage Rolls.</p> <p>And last but not least, Mooroopna Bakery - also in Victoria - set tastebuds tingling with their iced doughnuts.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Rare Victorian home boasts its own gold mine

<p>“Sitting on a gold mine” is a common expression for property buyers who are excited by the prospect of capital growth.</p> <p>How perfect then that this unique secluded property in a picturesque pocket of Victorian Alpine forest is sitting literally on top of a gold mine!</p> <p>Situated at 7522 Mansfield-Woods Point Road in the town of Gaffneys Creek, the small town is a mining region in the mountains of the Mansfield Shire, which sits at the gateway to the popular Mount Buller ski fields.</p> <p>Aside from the usual details - bedrooms and bathrooms, the listing reveals the cabin is plonked on a gold seam, in a state forest setting with only ten local residents.</p> <p>Activities for the buyer include "digging for gold in back yard mine site (with gold), or within the local gold bearing area", the listing says.</p> <p>"Enjoy your time in this tranquil bush setting. Fishing local creeks and Upper Goulburn River for plentiful trout. 4WD and motorbike tracks abound. Play in the snow a couple of times a year.”</p> <p>The property's gallery includes a hole in the side of a red-dirt slope - the entry to the mine.</p> <p>The cottage is tucked in the forest, serenely quiet and away from civilisation. A journey to Melbourne will take two-and-a-half hours by car.</p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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Victorian man’s anti-Dan Andrews plates deemed “offensive” by government

<p dir="ltr">A Victorian man could lose his personalised number plates referencing Premier Daniel Andrews after the state government’s transport body said they had deemed them to be “offensive” and “inappropriate”.</p> <p dir="ltr">In September, Peter Dunlevie received plates that read, “DANOUT”, from VicRoads and attached them to his 2003 Commodore ahead of the state election on November 23.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Well, I want Andrews gone,” he told <em>7NEWS</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m just sick of him.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-907adc51-7fff-b3f2-85a0-ade8c73e54ba"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The plates are accompanied by other anti-Andrews messages, including stickers reading, “Save Victoria” and “SACK ANDREWS”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/danout1.jpg" alt="" width="880" height="495" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Peter Dunlevie attached plates reading ‘DANOUT’ to his white Commodore. Image: 7NEWS</em></p> <p dir="ltr">However, VicRoads has since written to the Gippsland man and told him to return the plates, writing that the plates are “negative”, “offensive” and “inappropriate”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A review of our records has identified that the combination ‘DANOUT’ has specific negative references, and may be considered offensive by the broader community,” the letter read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dunlevie has questioned VicRoads’ assessment of the plates, telling the news outlet that it’s just “a bit of fun”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What’s offensive about them?” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is just an old bloke having a bit of fun.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While VicRoads has the authority to cancel personalised plates, Dunlevie said he felt like the transport authority was “trying to gag me”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the letter from VicRoads, the state’s Department of Transport has begun a review into the decision to remove the plates from Dunlevie.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2976ccdd-7fff-1b07-2086-9bc20f7378ca"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7NEWS</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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First look inside record setting Victorian mansion

<p dir="ltr">A lavish Victorian mansion in Melbourne’s posh suburb of Toorak has finally hit the market for the first time in 50 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">Blair House located at 17 St Georges Road, Toorak is expected to sell for between an eye-watering $60 million to $70 million. </p> <p dir="ltr">The “once in a lifetime” opportunity was designed by Melbourne architects Hughes and Orme and has not been sold since the 1970s.</p> <p dir="ltr">Boasting 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a tennis court, Victorian glasshouse, and separate guest house among its botanic gardens. </p> <p dir="ltr">The spacious home is perfect for entertaining in the grand formal dining room with a fireplace.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is a stunning kitchen with six ovens, a breakfast room, as well as a butler’s pantry. </p> <p dir="ltr">On the second floor there is a library area, retreat and a study, while on the third level there are beautiful views overlooking the garden through evocative dormer windows.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another spacious living room/studio or bedroom is accompanied by a large dressing room and bathroom, perfect for some quiet time. </p> <p dir="ltr">Blair House is being sold by the family of late engineer Radovan Basil Nanut, who died in 2004.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Nanut left the mansion to his wife, Marguerite, and three children James, Pia and Elizabeth.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Marshall White</em></p>

Real Estate

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Why this new mum lay down with her baby daughter in front of a train

<p dir="ltr"><strong>CONTENT WARNING: Distressing content</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A Victorian courtroom has heard further details surrounding an incident in which a new mother struggling with postpartum depression killed her daughter by laying down with her on train tracks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Melissa Arbuckle appeared in the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday where she pleaded guilty to infanticide over the tragic incident at a train station in July last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">Defence barrister Megan Tittensor told the court that Arbuckle suffered severe postpartum depression and psychosis when she tried to kill herself and her daughter, Lily.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that Arbuckle thought Lily was suffering from shaken baby syndrome and that she would eventually die.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This act was committed by someone with a significantly disturbed mind,” Tittensor told the court, <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/court-justice/vic-court-told-of-mums-disturbed-mind-c-6341505" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She had a fixed delusional belief she had harmed her child and they were both broken.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She had a perfectionist personality and need for control...she wanted to be the perfect mother.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Arbuckle was struggling with Lily while taking her for a walk when she began looking at train timetables, the court heard.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then messaged her husband saying their daughter was unsettled, before placing Lily on the train track and laying down next to her.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were struck but Lily died while being airlifted to hospital, and Arbuckle survived with fractures and internal bleeding.</p> <p dir="ltr">Arbuckle remains on bail and will be sentenced on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Lifeline 13 11 14</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>beyondblue 1300 22 4636</em></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-24028b0b-7fff-a14b-36d0-4e28f7f0372d"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Seven News</em></p>

Mind

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Guy Pearce sells unusual home in Victorian bush

<p dir="ltr">Hollywood star and Geelong local Guy Pearce <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/hollywood-star-guy-pearce-sells-bushland-retreat-near-geelong/?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa:strap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has sold</a> his secluded property less than a year after buying it as a family retreat.</p> <p dir="ltr">The five-bedroom home, which sits on a sprawling seven-hectare property in Beremboke, in central western Victoria, boasts views of the Brisbane Ranges and is built on a hillside with turrets, glass walls, and seven decks and verandahs to soak up the views from.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pearce has <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-beremboke-138584531" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> the home for between $1.0 and $1.15 million, despite having spent $1.2 million on it last April, only for it to be snapped up for $1.27 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, any profits he might have made from the sale will likely be spent on stamp duty and other buying and selling costs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dozens of buyers inspected the home - which is split into three interconnecting pods - in February, but the agent selling the property withheld the true identity of the home’s owner from potential buyers and simply said it was an “overseas owner”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The “main house” is where you’ll find the lounge room with a wood heater, the atrium-styled dining room, curved kitchen, and loft bedroom with upper and lower balconies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Connected to this is the octagonal “bedroom house”, with its dual balconies, geometric main bedroom, and a lower-level bedroom with a kitchenette.</p> <p dir="ltr">The final self-contained “cottage” features a sunken lounge, main bedroom, a loft bedroom and even more balconies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having owned the property for a short time and during the pandemic, Pearce never had the opportunity to take up residence in the unusual home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Last year also proved to be a busy year for Pearce and his investment portfolio, having sold a four-bedroom home for $4.2 million just weeks after buying the Beremboke home.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cca2cc87-7fff-bdb5-e58d-3f0e400cdeea"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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Labor in shock over sudden death of Victorian senator

<p>Victorian Labor senator Kimberley Kitching has suddenly died at the age of 52.</p> <p dir="ltr">Senator Kitching suffered a suspected heart attack on Thursday afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">A politician, lawyer, and trade unionist, Senator Kitching began feeling unwell while driving between two meetings.</p> <p dir="ltr">She pulled over to the side and called her husband, Andrew Landeryou.</p> <p dir="ltr">An ambulance was called but tragically she could not be resuscitated.</p> <p dir="ltr">Politicians around their county mourned for their colleague, with Labor leader Anthony Albanese in “shock” upon hearing the devastating news.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Labor family is in shock tonight at the tragic news that our friend and colleague Senator Kimberley Kitching has died suddenly in Melbourne. My sincere condolences to her family. Kimberley will be missed by us all,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Deeply saddened at the news Victorian Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching passed away suddenly today, aged just 52. Our deepest condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Terrible news tonight about Senator Kimberley Kitching. My thoughts are with her family at this very sad time,” Victorian Premier Dan Andrews tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So sad to lose Kimberley Kitching. She was a true patriot and had so much to give,” wrote former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To know Kimberley was to be touched not just by her serene intellect but her incredible warmth and vivacity,” former Labor leader Bill Shorten began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her passing is an immense loss to Labor and the nation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the words of Shakespeare - Your cause of sorrow Must not be measured by (her) worth, for then, It hath no end.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

News

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Prized Victorian beach boxes under threat

<p dir="ltr">The popular yet pricey bathing boxes in Melbourne’s southeast are facing threats of erosion and choppy water - which could see them become inaccessible.</p> <p dir="ltr">With water lapping at the edges of the colourful Brighton beach boxes, many appear to be sandbagged and some appear to be totally inaccessible.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite that, and concerns of erosion in the area,<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne/brighton-beach-boxes-in-melbourne-under-threat-due-to-tide-and-erosion-issues-c-4572768" target="_blank">locals claim</a><span> </span>that several of the 82 boxes on the foreshore have been built and sold by Bayside Council.</p> <p dir="ltr">One box was recently snapped up for a whopping $650,000, despite it being unlivable.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Well that’s the price of a house, isn’t it?” one shocked local<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne/tiny-beach-box-in-mount-martha-on-melbournes-mornington-peninsula-sells-for-650k-c-4485584" target="_blank">told<span> </span></a><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/melbourne/tiny-beach-box-in-mount-martha-on-melbournes-mornington-peninsula-sells-for-650k-c-4485584" target="_blank">7NEWS</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">At just 25 square metres in size, the tiny beach box would have cost $26,000 per square metre. At the same cost rate, an average-sized house would cost around $6 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">With only 120 of the colourful boxes between Mount Eliza and Portsea, the rare occasions where one hits the market sees them sell for more than $300,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though anyone who can afford it can purchase a bathing box in Mount Martha, the Mornington Peninsula Shire only wants local ratepayers to be able to own them.</p> <p dir="ltr">But by spending a similar amount, people can purchase a full-sized home in suburbs including Craigieburn, Deer Park, Werribee and Pakenham.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Quite often boxes along the peninsula have notes put under their doors asking if they’re for sale,” said Mark Davis from the Mornington Peninsula Beach Box Association.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s only so many of them and they aren’t being built anymore.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 7NEWS</em></p>

Real Estate

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Police make major breakthrough in search for missing Victorian campers

<p dir="ltr">Police have made a breakthrough in the case of missing Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hill and Clay were both aged in their 70s when they disappeared from a remote Wonnangatta campsite on March 20 last year. Their campsite at Dry River Creek Track was discovered burnt out, and Hill’s abandoned Toyota Landcruiser was located nearby.</p> <p dir="ltr">Detectives say they have now ruled out the possibility that the pair staged their disappearance, and believe that it’s most likely they were murdered after an altercation with a stranger.</p> <p dir="ltr">Authorities say a car spotted near the campsite, a dark blue mid-1990s Nissan Patrol with a trailer attached, around the time the pair disappeared could help them crack the case.</p> <p dir="ltr">Victoria Police Detective Inspector Andrew Stampers told<span> </span><em>60 Minutes,<span> </span></em>“Everything seems to point towards this being some sort of confrontation, which has started as an argument maybe.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“But my belief is that the person that carried out this is probably just an ordinary member of the community, who’s operating in a normal job, but carrying this significant load on their mind.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that police have received reports that a vehicle attempted to leave the valley late on the night the pair vanished. Witnesses say the vehicle was forced to make a complicated turn back in the direction it came because of a closed gate. Stampers continued, “That same vehicle is also spotted on two cameras at the top of Mount Hotham, consistent with where a vehicle would exit the valley given the closure of the Myrtleford gate.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We understand that initially, given the confusion around COVID-19 and state-wide lockdowns that people may have been reluctant to come forward, or that someone may simply have missed our repeated appeals for information.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Authorities also revealed that charred camping chairs, a burnt-out battery, and a bucket used for Hill’s gas canister were located inside the pair’s burnt tent. They believe it’s unlikely that these items would have been put there by the missing pair. “It certainly builds that picture for us that potentially someone was trying to cover their tracks.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stampers encouraged anyone who recognises the car or who may have more information to speak to police. “If you are the driver of this blue Nissan Patrol, or you know who is, we would urge you to come forward – if nothing else, so we can eliminate you from our inquiries and move forward.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Both families are still desperate for answers about what happened to Russell and Carol and why, and I know our investigators are doing all they can to try and get those answers for them.”</p>

Legal

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Victorian radio duo under fire for “cruel” prank on unsuspecting NSW resident

<p dir="ltr">Victorian radio duo Will and Woody, who were looking to prank Sydneysiders enjoying ‘Freedom Day’ on Monday, came unstuck after their stunt backfired.</p> <p dir="ltr">The duo had posted on social media asking listeners to ‘dob in’ friends in NSW they wanted to prank on Monday, the first day of many COVID-19 restrictions easing in NSW. They explained, “On behalf of a Victorian we are going to stitch up someone in NSW who is enjoying their freedoms”.</p> <p dir="ltr">One such Victorian was Annaleigh, who was feeling “a bit salty” that her NSW-based best friend Mia had dinner plans that evening. She explained that like many other NSW residents, Mia had recently moved her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine forward so she could take advantage of the eased restrictions on Monday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Woody then called an unsuspecting Mia, introducing himself as “Trent Summers from the NSW Health department” and warning that he was “unfortunately not calling with great news”. He informed Mia that a number of people during her booking window had been injected with saline solution instead of the vaccine, but kindly reassured her that it wasn’t harmful, “it just means that you potentially haven’t had the second vaccination”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the only way to confirm would be to perform a blood test, and then, after asking if she had plans that evening, proceeded to suggest she wear a “hazard suit, face shield and gloves” to dinner with her friends. To this, she responded, “Oh, really? Umm, I’d probably just rather not go out.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The host continued, saying, “You’d probably also have to bring your own drinks and food. And you’d probably have to sit by yourself.” At this point, all she managed was a, “Yep,” her voice breaking – at which point Woody revealed it was a “stitch up” and let Mia know her friend was on the line. “What the hell? I’m literally tearing up in the gym. My god,” Mia said. “I was thinking, ‘I’ll have to cancel everything!’ I hate needles! That was so mean.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Listeners were quick to share their thoughts on social media, with one describing it as “not funny at all” and wondering if it was “potentially an offence”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/willandwoody?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@willandwoody</a> calling young woman - as a prank - impersonating <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWHealth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSWHealth</a>, telling woman that her second dose may have been saline, not vaxx, has to get a blood test, wear full PPE and stay away from other people when out in public. Pretty fucked up. She was distressed, crying.</p> — Shane Bazzi (@shanebazzi) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanebazzi/status/1447439206888837120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Another user pointed out that<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/impersonation-commonwealth-public-officials#:~:text=Impersonating%20Commonwealth%20public%20officials%20is,that%20may%20lead%20to%20prosecution" target="_blank">impersonating Commonwealth public officials</a><span> </span>was certainly an offence under the<span> </span><em>Criminal Code Act 1995</em>, Division 148. A Melbourne man was<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/abdulfatah-awow-faces-extraordinarily-serious-allegations-for-posing-as-a-health-official-for-sex/news-story/5c28e4896baa68a06d8a05616df46f14" target="_blank">charged in August</a><span> </span>for impersonating a health worker and threatening her if she didn’t perform certain sex acts. Per the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2010-127#sec.115" target="_blank">NSW<span> </span><em>Public Health Act 2010</em></a><em>,<span> </span></em>it is an offence to impersonate an authorised officer, as well as under the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/phawa2008222/s184.html" target="_blank"><em>Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008</em></a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/Aaron_OBrien9/status/1447472128702369795" target="_blank">tweeted</a><span> </span>that the stunt “wasn’t remotely funny”, and that there was a<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/Schmallky/status/1447507276223299589" target="_blank">time and a place</a><span> </span>for jokes, “and this ain’t it, Chief.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: KIIS FM</em></p>

Legal

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Victorian cop under scrutiny for vicious takedown

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">WARNING: DISTRESSING FOOTAGE</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Victorian police officer will be investigated after footage has emerged showing an officer slamming someone to the ground in Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The footage was posted to Twitter late Wednesday night, seemingly captured from a Facebook post, and depicts a man talking to a police officer before another officer walks up behind him, grabs him, and throws him to the ground. </span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🚨⚠️WARNING ⚠️🚨<br />GRAPHIC CONTENT <br />at Flinders St Station <br /><br />When Shane Patton said they won’t hesitate to use force <br /><br />I think this was his vision 😬😬😬 <a href="https://t.co/zpdLDa5ttL">pic.twitter.com/zpdLDa5ttL</a></p> — Dee (@_Dee_1982) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Dee_1982/status/1440715488821055489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The original caption says the man was unconscious, with blood and urine everywhere, but as no victim has come forward, these details remain unconfirmed. </span></p> <p><a href="https://www.3aw.com.au/shane-patton-says-confronting-vision-will-be-investigated/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appearing on 3AW</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Thursday, Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Professional Standards Command would likely look into the matter. “We’ll investigate it with an open mind and look at it to determine whether they’ve acted appropriately,” Patton told 3AW. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the alarming nature of the footage, Patton also said they would not be “jumping to conclusions” about what happened. “There is always a before and after with these matters, and context, and I think that’s important.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victoria Police also released a statement, saying that the exact circumstances are yet to be determined and are under investigation by both the Transit Safety Division and Professional Standards Command. The spokesperson added that police were keen to speak to the person who filmed the incident, as well as the person who was thrown to the ground.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The footage comes amidst several days of ongoing protests in Melbourne, including outside the CMFEU offices and at the </span><a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/not-a-place-for-protest"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shrine of Remembrance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews </span><a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/appalling-dan-andrews-rips-into-protestors-after-nurses-are-spat-on"><span style="font-weight: 400;">criticised</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> the “appalling behaviour” of some protestors after there were reports of nurses being spat on near Melbourne Town Hall. In addition, the Victorian Department of Health confirmed that one of the protestors who was in the CBD on Wednesday has tested positive for COVID-19, and is now being treated in a Melbourne hospital.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Diego Fedele/Getty Images</span></em></p>

News

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Scott Morrison announces cash bonus for Victorians

<p>Scott Morrison has announced a disaster payment of $500 for eligible workers stood down without pay in Victoria, but it comes with strings attached.</p> <p>The funding will apply to Commonwealth-determined hotspots across the country for any lockdowns longer than seven days to "avoid any unnecessary hardship for Australians".</p> <p>The payment will be $500, made on a week-by-week basis, for people who normally work 20 hours a week or more, or $325 for those who work less than 20 hours.</p> <p>Only workers aged 17 or older and employed before lockdown will be eligible, and they must be unable to work due to the restrictions in their home or place of business.</p> <p>Those who are already claiming other special pandemic leave will not be eligible and they must self-declare if they have liquid assets of less than $10,000.</p> <p>“We are talking about somebody getting through the next week,”<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/topics/scott-morrison" target="_blank">the Prime Minister</a><span> </span>said. “Who would normally be in an economic situation where every dollar counts.</p> <p>“Where those have independent means of supporting themselves for a week then I think they would agree that reaching out for Commonwealth taxpayer-funded assistance is not something they would consider reasonable for such a short period of time.”</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="http://news.com.au/" target="_blank">News.com.au</a><span> </span>reported on Thursday morning that the Morrison Government was considering cash disaster payments to the vulnerable that would include an income loss eligibility test.</p> <p>Despite ruling out a JobKeeper scheme, Morrison acknowledged the extended lockdown had changed the game.</p> <p>“The challenges keep coming,” he said. “And we know that Victoria, more than anywhere, has suffered greater than any other part of the country.</p> <p>“That is a simple fact. And they are going through that even again now.”</p>

News

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Dan Andrews reveals new milestone after nasty fall

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has updated Aussies on his condition after he slipped on wet stairs on March 9.</p> <p>He suffered from broken ribs and a fractured T7 vertebra, but in a sweet Easter update, he let everyone know how he's doing.</p> <p>"Thanks for all your messages of support over the past couple of weeks. They’ve really helped to keep my spirits up in what’s been a pretty painful time," he tweeted.</p> <p>"I’m making steady progress and being diligent with my physio exercises.</p> <p>"Also building up my walking and am up to about 18 minutes on my daily walk.</p> <p>"If you’re giving, receiving, hunting, decorating or eating eggs today – enjoy."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I’m making steady progress and being diligent with my physio exercises. Also building up my walking and am up to about 18 minutes on my daily walk.<br /><br />If you’re giving, receiving, hunting, decorating or eating eggs today – enjoy.</p> — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1378607371669303297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>Andrews has taken six weeks off to recover, with Deputy Premier James Merlino as acting premier in his absence.</p> <p>Andrews narrowly avoided permanent damage to his spinal cord and thanked the community for their well wishes as he recovers.</p> <p>"They've really helped me to keep my spirits up in what's been a pretty painful time," he said.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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Margaret Court responds to Australia Day honour backlash

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Tennis legend Margaret Court has been slammed by politicians after the decision was made to honour Court on Australia despite her well-known views on the LGBTQIA community.</p> <p>Court will receive the AC - Companion in the General Decision from the Governor-General David Hurley and the Council for the Order of Australia.</p> <p>The decision that she's being honoured on Australia Day has angered many, including Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.</p> <p>“I do not support that. You know my views on a whole range of issues. I’m being honest with you, I do not support that,” he told reporters.</p> <p>“I don’t believe that she has views that accord with the vast majority of people across our nation that see people particularly from the LGBTIQ community as equal and deserving of dignity, respect and safety.</p> <p>“I don’t believe she shares those views and I don’t believe she should be honoured because of that.”</p> <p>The AC is awarded to individuals for “eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large”.</p> <p>Due to the backlash, Court has claimed she is being "bullied" for her views.</p> <p>“All I know is over the last few years, I’ve never had anybody out in community come to me and say ‘we don’t like you’, or ‘we don’t like your beliefs’. I’ve had thousands come to me and tap me on the shoulder and say ‘thank you, we really appreciate you,’” Court told The West Australian.</p> <p>“Over the years, I’ve taken a lot, and I think I’ve been bullied in one way, and I think, you know, it’s time to stop,” Court said.</p> <p>“Always remember I’m a minister of the gospel and have been for the last 30 years, I always say what the Bible says.</p> <p>“I love people, people come in from all backgrounds, I’m there to help, I’m not there to put people down in that way but I’ll always say what the Bible says.”</p> <p>Court also makes headlines every summer due to increasing pressure to rename the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, but Daniels is tired of talking about it.</p> <p>“I’m quite sick of talking about that person every summer,” he said, refusing to address Court by name.</p> <p>“We finish up having this discussion in one form or another every single summer. I would prefer not to be giving oxygen to some of those views</p> <p>“Do we really have to do this every single summer? But apparently we do.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

News

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Why Victorian retirees are chasing the sun north to Queensland's Hervey Bay

<p><strong>With State borders once again open, there’s never been a better time for Victorians to enjoy a warmer climate and become part of a friendly community by moving north to Queensland’s stunning Hervey Bay.</strong></p> <p><strong>Why Hervey Bay?<span> </span></strong> </p> <p>Located just a three-and-a-half hour drive or 40-minute flight from Brisbane, and with a population of around 50,000 people, Hervey Bay is renowned for its visiting humpback whales and pleasant climate.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839405/hervey-bay-is-known-as-a-whale-watching-mecca.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1a61ad41a7f9404d926326585ac73922" /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>Hervey Bay is known as a whale watching mecca</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <p>Hervey Bay boasts average high temperatures of 23 degrees, which compares very favourably to average August high temperatures of a chilly 16°C in Melbourne.</p> <p>Hervey Bay’s relaxed appeal and pleasant climate makes it a perfect year-round destination for swimming, sailing, fishing, yachting, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and more.</p> <p>The township’s golden beaches stretch for about 14 kilometres, with the gorgeous calm waters sheltered from winds and swells by Fraser Island.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839404/hervey-bay-has-14km-of-stunning-beaches-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/37cacecda4db4a419e2a6fe2cd688146" /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>Hervey Bay has 14km of stunning beaches</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <p>The cosmopolitan and alfresco cafes on the main Esplanade running alongside the bay also add a further seaside charm.</p> <p><strong>About the Fraser Shores retirement villages in Hervey Bay</strong></p> <p>Many of Hervey Bay’s incoming residents are finding their way to the two conveniently located<span> </span><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/" target="_blank">Fraser Shores retirement villages.</a></strong></p> <p>Operated by Blue Care (a service group of UnitingCare Queensland), these two villages are collectively home to some 441 single-storey homes.</p> <p>Importantly, these villages are providing the social benefits and community interaction that research shows many over 50s are craving in the post-COVID-19 environment.</p> <p>Residents at the Fraser Shores retirement villages came together to have fun and support each other during the worst of COVID-19.</p> <p>This same great sense of community means it is easy for incoming residents to meet new friends and be part of an active and supportive network.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839403/the-fraser-shores-villages-have-a-great-community-spirit-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4565e66373aa4b4d937344c679290fb8" /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>The Fraser Shores villages have a great community spirit</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <p>A well-organised residents’ committee arranges functions and social activities, including outdoor and indoor bowls, pool and billiards, movie nights, tai chi, line dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, exercise and computer classes.</p> <p>Residents at the Fraser Shores villages can also receive individually tailored support and care for peace of mind from a range of Blue Care community services, if and when they need it.</p> <p>In addition, the homes at Fraser Shores are surrounded by amazing resort style facilities, giving residents unlimited use of the full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, licensed bar, fitness centre, craft and computer room, outdoor barbeque areas, libraries and so much more.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839402/enjoy-the-full-sized-bowling-green-at-fraser-shores.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0cce54b726094314ab79aa779a2e7827" /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>Enjoy the full-sized bowling green at Fraser Shores</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <p><strong>Room to move in the Fraser Shores homes </strong></p> <p>COVID-19 has<span> </span><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/787/Downsizing-no-more-Australian-over-50s-want-more-living-space-and-independence-due-to-COVID-19" target="_blank">accelerated</a></strong><span> </span>many over 50s housing trends already underway, including the desire for independent living and more personal space in or around the home.</p> <p>More than half of respondents to a survey of over 50s Australians say two or more bedrooms are essential, up from 48 per cent in a survey undertaken before the pandemic.</p> <p>At Fraser Shores, incoming residents can choose from a wide selection of spacious brick-and-tile, two- and three-bedroom homes – including an executive model with three bedrooms, two en-suites and a hobby room. Home prices range from $250,000 to $505,000.</p> <p>All designs offer careful orientation and large doors and windows for maximum cross-ventilation. This helps village residents take advantage of coastal breezes. All homes are built at ground level for easy access and feature spacious modern kitchens, bedrooms and living areas.</p> <p>Finally, each home is equipped with an emergency call system, which is monitored on-site 24 hours a day by trained staff with first aid certification.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839401/enjoy-a-dip-at-the-fraser-shores-swimming-pool.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/024a264bcaf449f28148d7de045f3580" /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>Enjoy a dip at the Fraser Shores swimming pool</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <p><strong>Your perfect grey nomad adventure starting point</strong></p> <p>For the grey nomad brigade chasing fun, sun and adventure, the Fraser Shores villages represent the perfect home base. It’s an ideal starting point to explore the rest of Queensland’s coast and highly diverse inland environment. </p> <p>For instance, Bundaberg, home to the famous rum, sugar cane industry and the Mon Repos turtles, is little more than an hour's drive away.</p> <p>Maryborough, one of Queensland's most historic towns, is also a short trip, while further south, you can take in the natural beauty of the Great Sandy National Park with its massive dunes, wide ocean beaches and towering cliffs.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839400/the-great-sandy-national-park-is-a-fantastic-spot-for-grey-nomads-to-explore.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9fb6f28f80bd4debb7c14058e118cbeb" /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>The Great Sandy National Park is a fantastic spot for grey nomads to explore</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <p>Fraser Shores residents can utilise onsite recreational vehicle, caravan and boat storage, while also knowing their home will be in a safe and secure environment when they leave to go on their travel adventures.</p> <p>The villages are also close to a commercial and professional centre, housing medical specialists, a large general medical practice and a wide variety of shops and services. The new state-of-the-art St Stephen’s Hospital is also just down the road.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>Given the above, it’s no surprise that so many over 50s are making the move north to Queensland.</p> <p>In fact, during 2018-19, Queensland’s over 50 population swelled by 6,970 - more than any other State - thanks to interstate migration. At the same time, Victoria’s over 50 population dropped by 650 due to interstate migration.</p> <p>Fraser Shores Retirement Villages embody quality, resort-style living among a friendly and like-minded community, in an attractive coastal environment which is the envy of the rest of Australia.</p> <p>To make an inquiry about Fraser Shores,<span> </span><strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839399/the-mini-golf-course-and-full-sized-bowling-green-at-fraser-shores.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/770aad7d1a1746aeb75ec801257f0d66" /></strong></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>The mini-golf course and full-sized bowling green at Fraser Shores</em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"><em><span>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frasershores.com.au/" target="_blank">Fraser Shores. </a></span></em></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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