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Tragic update in drowning of 7-month-old after man arrested

<p>A community is in mourning after a seven-month-old baby boy died in a suspected drowning at a popular campsite near Gympie, north of the Sunshine Coast.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to the Chatsworth Park rest area about 10.30am on Saturday, after the boy’s mother found him in a nearby lake, roughly 50 metres from their campsite.</p> <p>Bystanders desperately performed CPR while waiting for paramedics, who rushed the critically injured child to Gympie Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, the baby died later that night.</p> <p>The family had stopped at the free campground for the night while returning to their home in North Queensland.</p> <p>Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield said on Monday that the death was being treated as “unexplained”, and that investigations were ongoing.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">However, on Tuesday, a 42-year-old man – who police say is known to the child – was arrested in Bundamba, west of Brisbane. He has since been charged with manslaughter (domestic violence).</span></p> <p>The man is due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court.</p> <p>The heartbreaking case has shaken locals and left many seeking answers about how such a tragedy could unfold during what was meant to be a peaceful family stopover.</p> <p><em>Images: WIN TV / 7 NEWS</em></p>

Legal

‘It feels like I am being forced to harm a child’: Why Aussie teachers are burning out

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Australia is in the grip of a <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/national-teacher-workforce-action-plan">teacher shortage</a>. Teachers are <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-am-exhausted-australian-teachers-speak-about-how-compassion-fatigue-is-harming-them-and-their-work-244519#:%7E:text=I%20found%2073.9%25%20of%20respondents,Victorian%20teachers%20reported%20similar%20rates.">burning out</a>, warning the job is no longer sustainable and leaving the profession.</p> <p>We know this is due to <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-like-banging-our-heads-against-the-wall-why-a-move-to-outsource-lesson-planning-has-nsw-teachers-hopping-mad-188081">excessive workloads</a>, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00049441221086654">stress</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/make-me-a-sandwich-our-surveys-disturbing-picture-of-how-some-boys-treat-their-teachers-228891">abuse</a>. But research suggests there is another element at play: some teachers are also experiencing moral injury.</p> <p>Moral injury occurs when teachers are forced to act against their values – leaving them feeling disillusioned and complicit in harm. In <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2025.2504523">my study</a> of 57 Australian teachers, many shared emotionally-charged accounts of being put in impossible situations at work.</p> <h2>What is moral injury?</h2> <p>Moral injury is when professionals cannot act in line with their values due to external demands.</p> <p>It differs from burnout or compassion fatigue: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303817089_Understanding_the_burnout_experience_Recent_research_and_its_implications_for_psychiatry">burnout</a> stems from chronic stress and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/compassion-fatigue">compassion fatigue</a> comes from emotional overload.</p> <p>Moral injury was initially developed in <a href="https://moralinjuryproject.syr.edu/about-moral-injury/">military psychology</a> but has since been applied to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0969733020966776">healthcare</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2237202#abstract">education</a> – professions where high-stakes ethical decision-making and institutional failures often collide.</p> <p>Previous studies on <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/0002831219848690">moral injury in schools</a> have shown how rigid disciplinary policies, high-stakes testing regimes and chronic underfunding often force teachers to act in ways that contradict their professional judgement. This can lead to frustration, guilt and professional disillusionment.</p> <p>Recent studies have <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2237202">reframed moral injury as a systemic issue</a> rather than an individual psychological condition. This is because institutional constraints – such as inflexible accountability measures and bureaucratic inefficiencies – prevent teachers from fulfilling their ethical responsibilities.</p> <h2>My new study</h2> <p>This research stems from an <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13384-024-00755-8">initial study</a>, which looked at burnout in Australian teachers.</p> <p>The initial study included a national sample of 2,000 educators. This <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2025.2504523">new study</a> is a subset of 57 teachers who participated in follow-up surveys and focus groups. The teachers were a mix of primary and secondary teachers and some also held leadership positions within their schools.</p> <p>While the original study focused on compassion fatigue and burnout, a striking pattern emerged: teachers repeatedly described moral conflicts in their work.</p> <h2>‘It feels like I’m being forced to harm a child’</h2> <p>A key theme of the new research was teachers having to enforce school or departmental policies they believed were harmful. This was particularly the case when it came to discipline. As one teacher described:</p> <blockquote> <p>The policy says I should suspend a student for attendance issues, but their home life is falling apart. How does that help? It feels like I’m being forced to harm a child instead of helping them.</p> </blockquote> <p>Others talked about having to focus on standardised tests (for example, NAPLAN), rather than using their professional judgement to meet children’s individual needs. This is a <a href="https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/opinion-the-fundamental-flaws-of-standardised-testing/273711">contentious issue for teachers</a>.</p> <p>As one high school teacher told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>We’re asked to push students through the curriculum even when we know they haven’t grasped the basics […] but we’re the ones who carry the guilt.</p> </blockquote> <p>A primary teacher similarly noted:</p> <blockquote> <p>Teaching to the test means leaving so many kids behind. It’s not what education should be.</p> </blockquote> <h2>‘It’s heartbreaking’</h2> <p>Teachers also spoke about teaching in environments that were not adequately resourced. In some schools, teacher shortages were so severe that unqualified staff were delivering classes:</p> <blockquote> <p>We’ve got classes being taught by teacher aides […] but that’s because we don’t have enough staff.</p> </blockquote> <p>Or in other classes, students were not getting the help they needed.</p> <blockquote> <p>Larger class sizes and fewer staff mean that the kids who need the most attention are getting the least. It’s heartbreaking.</p> </blockquote> <p>The emotional impact was profound, as one high school teacher told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>At some point, you stop fighting. You realise that no matter how many times you raise concerns, nothing changes. It’s like the system is designed to wear you down until you just comply.</p> </blockquote> <h2>What can schools do to prevent moral injury?</h2> <p>While these findings are confronting, teachers also gave positive examples of what can buffer against moral injury in the workplace. This involved listening to teachers and including them in policies and decisions.</p> <p>One primary teacher told us how their school had changed their disciplinary approach:</p> <blockquote> <p>Our school’s push for restorative justice instead of punitive measures has been a game changer. It lets us address the root causes of issues instead of just punishing kids.</p> </blockquote> <p>Others talked about being asked to collaborate with school leadership to address discipline issues. As one primary teacher said:</p> <blockquote> <p>We helped create a new behaviour management framework. Having a say in the process made all the difference.</p> </blockquote> <h2>What now?</h2> <p>My research indicates when teachers are consistently asked to compromise their ethics, they don’t just burn out, they question the integrity of the entire system.</p> <p>This suggests if we want to keep teachers in classrooms, we need to do more than lighten their workloads. We need to make sure they are no longer placed in positions where doing their job means going against their professional values.</p> <p>This means teachers need to feel heard, respected and empowered in classrooms and schools.<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/258821/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glenys-oberg-1334483">Glenys Oberg</a>, PhD candidate in education and trauma, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></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/it-feels-like-i-am-being-forced-to-harm-a-child-research-shows-how-teachers-are-suffering-moral-injury-258821">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em><em>Andrea Piacquadio</em></p> </div>

Caring

1200 children to undergo testing after child abuse charges laid

<p><em><strong>Warning: This article contains details of alleged child sexual abuse which may be distressing to some readers.</strong></em></p> <p>More than 1,200 children are being urged to undergo precautionary health screening after a former childcare worker was charged with more than 70 offences relating to alleged child sexual abuse at a centre in Melbourne’s south-west.</p> <p>Joshua Dale Brown, 26, from Point Cook, has been charged over alleged sexual offences against eight children – aged between five months and two years – at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook, where he worked between April 2022 and January 2023.</p> <p>Victoria Police revealed Brown has worked at 20 childcare centres between 2017 and 2025, with investigations ongoing and additional allegations, including one involving a centre in Essendon, being pursued.</p> <p>Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said the case is “incredibly distressing”, describing the allegations as confronting and involving “some of our most vulnerable people in our community”.</p> <p>The charges laid against Brown include sexual penetration of a child, producing child abuse material, and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety.</p> <p>Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad began investigating in May after they allegedly uncovered child abuse material and executed a search warrant at Brown’s Point Cook home. He had not previously been known to police and held a valid Working with Children Check at the time of his employment.</p> <p>Police said the families of the eight alleged victims were notified last week.</p> <p>“As you can imagine, this was deeply distressing for the families to hear,” said Acting Commander Janet Stevenson, adding that not all centres where Brown worked are believed to be connected to the alleged offences.</p> <p>In a coordinated response, Victoria Police and the Department of Health have contacted more than 2,600 families whose children may have been at centres during Brown’s employment. About 1,200 children have been recommended for infectious disease testing “out of an abundance of caution”, authorities said.</p> <p>Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath said while the public health risk is low, the testing was being recommended due to a potential exposure risk during the relevant period.</p> <p>“We do understand this is another distressing element to the situation and we’re taking this approach as a precaution,” Dr McGrath said, assuring families that any infections could be treated with antibiotics and that there is no broader risk to the public.</p> <p>Letters sent to families on Tuesday stated: “At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that your child has been offended against. If this changes, you will be contacted directly by Victoria Police.”</p> <p>Support lines staffed by professionals have been established, and the government has promised free testing and assistance for affected families.</p> <p>G8 Education, the operator of the Point Cook centre, said it was “extremely distressed” by the allegations and is fully cooperating with authorities. In a statement, the company said all legally required employment and background checks were carried out during Brown’s employment.</p> <p>“G8 Education has no tolerance for any behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children,” the company said.</p> <p>Brown has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court in September.</p> <p>The investigation remains ongoing.</p> <p><em>Images: ABC News / Supplied</em></p>

Caring

Young Aussie doctor arrested after alleged discovery of thousands of child abuse files

<p>A young Australian doctor has been charged with multiple child abuse offences after police allegedly uncovered more than 5000 files of explicit material on his mobile phone.</p> <p>Gregory John Couch, 37, was arrested at a home in Albury, on the New South Wales–Victoria border, at 6am on Tuesday following a joint investigation between state police and federal border authorities.</p> <p>Detectives from the NSW Sex Crime Squad allege Couch’s phone was seized by Australian Border Force officers at Melbourne Airport in May. A forensic examination of the device allegedly revealed thousands of images and videos depicting child abuse.</p> <p>Footage released by NSW Police shows Couch – dressed in track pants, a jacket and ugg boots – being led from the home by Strike Force detectives before being taken into custody.</p> <p>He was later charged at Albury Police Station with three offences: possession of child abuse material, use of a carriage service to access child abuse material, and intentionally importing prohibited tier two goods.</p> <p>Police have confirmed there is no suggestion at this stage that any of the offences involved patients, with authorities stressing that no alleged misconduct is linked to his clinical work.</p> <p>Couch had recently been working as a locum orthopaedic registrar at Albury Wodonga Health (AWH), engaged through a third-party medical workforce agency. In a statement issued Wednesday, AWH confirmed the doctor is no longer employed by the service.</p> <p>“We understand the seriousness of the charges and the matter is now before the courts,” the statement read. “AWH has no indication that any alleged misconduct occurred at our facilities or involved our patients or staff. All standard background checks, including Working with Children and police checks, were passed prior to his commencement.”</p> <p>Originally from Sydney, Couch previously worked at Liverpool Hospital and had recently relocated to the Gold Coast. His social media presence includes photos from his wedding in 2021 and family images taken in the years prior.</p> <p>Tragically, his twin brother Andrew – also a doctor – died suddenly in his sleep in 2017. That same year, Couch accepted Andrew’s posthumous Master of Medicine degree from the University of Sydney, surrounded by family. Memorial awards have since been established in Andrew's honour by both the university and the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.</p> <p>Couch remains before the courts and the investigation is ongoing.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police Force</em></p>

Legal

Baby Lightning strikes! Aussie Olympian gives birth to fifth child

<p>Aussie Olympic champion Libby Trickett has shared some joyful news – her family has grown with the arrival of baby number five!</p> <p>The 40-year-old swimmer took to Instagram to announce the birth of her newest bundle of joy, revealing his beautiful name and details of his arrival. Trickett and her husband, Luke, proudly welcomed Archie Wilson Lightning Trickett into the world at 7:51am on April 3rd, via an elective caesarean. Baby Archie weighed in at a healthy 3.99kg and measured 53cm long.</p> <p>"The shape of our family is complete," Trickett wrote, beaming with happiness. "Definitely promise it’s for reals this time! I’m really almost certain this time... though I’ve come to realise that I probably would have babies forever. I know that I’ve pushed my body to its absolute limits with this one."</p> <p>Trickett shared that Archie’s arrival was a calm and joyous experience, filled with laughter and love. "Every birth I’ve had has been extraordinary and this one was no different. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to meet our baby boy," she added.</p> <p>The couple’s new arrival is already adored by his siblings, as Trickett sweetly noted that Archie is being "suitably smothered" by his three big sisters and big brother. "We have all been struck with love," she gushed.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIF32JMxCiX/?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/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Libby Trickett (@libby_trickett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In a fun twist, Trickett revealed that they never found out the gender of any of their children during pregnancy – and she managed to guess wrong every single time! "I didn’t predict a single one and I feel so lucky because I couldn’t have wished for more," she laughed.</p> <p>The heartwarming announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from friends, fans and fellow athletes. Surfing legend Mick Fanning commented, "Congratulations," while fellow swimming great Grant Hackett wrote, "Woohoo 🎉 A massive congratulations." Olympian Jana Pittman also chimed in, saying, "Enormous congrats xxxxx."</p> <p>With their growing family now complete, the Tricketts are soaking up every moment of love and joy with little Archie.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

66-year-old woman reveals why she just gave birth to her 10th child

<p>In a remarkable turn of events, 66-year-old Alexandra Hildebrandt gave birth to her 10th child, a healthy baby boy named Philipp, on March 19 at Charité Hospital in Berlin. The birth, carried out via cesarean section, saw Philipp weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces.</p> <p>Hildebrandt, a well-known human rights activist and the director of Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie Museum, insists that she conceived naturally, without the aid of fertility drugs, and faced no difficulties during the process.</p> <p>Baby Philipp joins an already large and diverse family, including siblings Svitlana (46), Artiom (36), Elisabeth (12), Maximilian (12), Alexandra (10), Leopold (8), Anna (7), Maria (4), and Katharina (2). Remarkably, eight of these children were born after Hildebrandt turned 53, all during her second marriage to former CDU politician Daniel Dormann.</p> <p>For Hildebrandt, having a big family is both fulfilling and fundamental. “A big family is not only something wonderful, but above all, it is important for raising children properly,” she told <em>The Today Show</em>. Despite her age, she has received only positive feedback from friends and family regarding her pregnancy and childbirth.</p> <p>Dr Wolfgang Henrich, Hildebrandt’s OB/GYN, described her pregnancy as “largely uncomplicated”. However, medical experts caution that pregnancies at such an advanced age come with significant risks. Dr Brian Levine, a fertility specialist based in New York City, notes that the biological likelihood of a woman conceiving naturally at 66 is extremely low. Additionally, the risks of hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome rise significantly with age.</p> <p>Hildebrandt is not alone in making headlines for late-life motherhood. In 2023, 70-year-old Safina Namukwaya from Uganda gave birth to twins via in vitro fertilisation using donor eggs and her husband’s sperm. Despite concerns about her age, Namukwaya expressed joy at her newfound motherhood, saying that age should not be a barrier to having children.</p> <p>As for Hildebrandt, she credits her lifestyle for her ability to conceive and carry a child at her age. “I eat very healthily, swim regularly for an hour, walk for two hours,” she shared in an interview with <em>Bild</em>. She also noted that she has never smoked, consumed alcohol or used contraceptives.</p> <p><em>Images: The Today Show</em></p>

Family & Pets

Man convicted of stealing $9m golden toilet

<p>In a heist that sounds more like the fever dream of a mischief-loving magpie than a real-life crime, a British man has been convicted for pilfering an 18-carat golden toilet from Winston Churchill’s birthplace.</p> <p>Yes, you read that right. A fully functioning, solid gold loo. Some people steal hearts, others steal diamonds – these guys stole a throne fit for, well, a rather ostentatious king.</p> <p>The golden commode, a conceptual masterpiece titled "America" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, had been proudly displayed at Blenheim Palace just north of Oxford in the UK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, up until 2019, a place where even the most refined guests could contemplate the intersection of art and plumbing. But on September 14 of that year, a group of highly motivated men drove two stolen vehicles through the palace’s locked wooden gates, demonstrating a particular lack of subtlety.</p> <p>Once inside, they broke a window, smashed down a wooden door and ripped the toilet from the wall with what one can only assume was the determination of someone who just realised they were late for work. The entire escapade lasted five minutes.</p> <p>The golden lavatory, weighing a hefty 98kg and insured for a staggering $US6 million ($AUD9.4 million), is believed to have been melted down and sold off in smaller pieces. We can only hope its new form is as artistically significant as its previous one, though it’s far more likely that some of it is currently jingling around in someone’s pocket as loose change.</p> <p>At Oxford Crown Court, 39-year-old Michael Jones was found guilty of burglary after his rather ambitious attempt at indoor redecorating. His associate, Fred Doe, 36, was convicted of conspiracy to convert or transfer criminal property – namely, the gold. Meanwhile, 41-year-old Bora Guccuk walked free, having been acquitted of that charge, presumably to pursue other, less toilet-related endeavours.</p> <p>The ringleader, James Sheen, had already pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy and the conversion of the gold, proving that while he may have been skilled at lifting toilets, he wasn’t quite as adept at covering his tracks. Text messages between Sheen and Doe revealed their not-so-cryptic code for the golden loot, referring to it as a “car”.</p> <p>“I’ll link up with ya, I got something right up your path,” Sheen texted Doe, a message that is oddly poetic for a toilet heist.</p> <p>Doe’s reply, equally inspired, read, “I can sell that car for you in two seconds … so come and see me tomorrow.” One can only assume the conversation continued with at least one instance of, “Mate, why do you keep calling a car a toilet?”</p> <p>Shan Saunders of the Crown Prosecution Service called the theft “an audacious raid which had been carefully planned and executed”. Unfortunately for the thieves, their execution left a trail of forensic evidence, CCTV footage and phone data, ensuring their time in the spotlight would be less <em>Ocean’s Eleven</em> and more <em>World’s Dumbest Criminals</em>.</p> <p>Despite authorities never recovering the gold, Saunders remains confident that the prosecution “has played a part in disrupting a wider crime and money-laundering network”. </p> <p>For now, the golden throne remains lost to the ages, a cautionary tale for aspiring art thieves and a lingering question for the art world: when does a toilet become more than just a toilet? The answer, it seems, is when it’s worth six million dollars and inspires one of the strangest heists in British history.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Major inquiry launched into Northern Beaches Hospital following child's death

<p>A parliamentary inquiry into the Northern Beaches Hospital’s services will be launched following the tragic death of two-year-old Joe Massa.</p> <p>NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced on Friday that he has asked parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to investigate the safety and quality of care provided by the hospital.</p> <p>The inquiry will examine services dating back to the hospital’s opening in October 2018 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Joe Massa suffered a cardiac arrest at the hospital and died in September last year. His parents, Elouise and Danny Massa, claim Joe was incorrectly triaged and left waiting for hours, leading to brain damage.</p> <p>The grieving parents have urged the state government to review the hospital’s systems and protocols and take immediate action to upgrade its facilities.</p> <p>“We want change at that hospital so no other parent, no one of our family or friends, has to go through what we’ve gone through,” they said.</p> <p>The couple met with Minister Park, Premier Chris Minns, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce in February, when the parliamentary inquiry was discussed. On Friday, Park confirmed the inquiry would investigate accessibility issues that contributed to Joe’s death.</p> <p>“We made a commitment to Elouise and Danny to undertake the necessary reviews to understand how they and their son have been let down, as well as to learn what changes need to be made to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again,” Park stated.</p> <p>The inquiry will scrutinise past incidents at the hospital, including those subject to serious adverse event reviews (SAERs), assess the hospital’s responses, and determine whether necessary improvements were implemented. Additionally, it will examine patient and carer escalation systems, particularly the REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) protocol, which was found to be insufficiently accessible in Joe Massa’s case.</p> <p>The inquiry will also evaluate the hospital’s measures to prevent adverse events, as well as staff standards and capabilities. Park noted that a previous parliamentary inquiry in 2019 examined the hospital’s operations and management. The upcoming inquiry will specifically focus on patient safety and care quality while considering whether past recommendations have been acted upon.</p> <p>Public Accounts Committee chair Jason Yat-Sen Li expressed his commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation. “I understand the strong community interest in this matter, and I am confident the committee is well placed to undertake this important inquiry,” he said. “I am determined to get this inquiry underway as quickly as possible, but I also want to get it right. We will announce the opening of submissions as well as hearing dates in due course.”</p> <p>The NSW Health Services Union (HSU), which has raised concerns about the hospital’s operations since its opening in 2018, said the investigation is long overdue. “We have consistently seen evidence that Northern Beaches Hospital prioritises commercial interests over patient care,” said HSU secretary Gerard Hayes.</p> <p>“From renting out maternity wards to film crews while mothers struggle with understaffed services, to charging grieving families unnecessary fees to release their loved ones’ bodies – these practices reveal a disturbing pattern.</p> <p>“We hope this inquiry will finally address the systemic issues our members have been reporting for years and put patients before profits at Northern Beaches Hospital.” </p>

Caring

Brittany Higgins celebrates birth of first child

<p>Brittany Higgins and husband David Sharaz, have announced the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>The former Liberal Party staffer took to Instagram to share her baby joy, with a photo of her newborn son asleep in a hospital cot. </p> <p> “Last night we welcomed our little boy into the world," she began in the caption. </p> <p>“A huge thank-you to the amazing midwives, nurses and doctors for their care and kindness,” Higgins continued. </p> <p>“We’re both looking forward to getting to dote on the newest member of the family — forever grateful for all the love and support we’ve received.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGsdv2DJh-n/?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/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her comments were flooded with messages of congratulations from friends and followers, with one writing: "Very lucky little man to have you both as his parents" </p> <p>Another commented: "So lovely. Congrats to you both. You will be fabulous parents." </p> <p>"Omg!!!!! Best news. Congrats to you both let the fun begin 🫶🏼" a third wrote. </p> <p>Higgins revealed she was pregnant with her first child in July 2024, three months later she shared an emotional update, saying that she had a pregnancy health scare during her second trimester. </p> <p>"A fortnight ago, David Sharaz and I had the scare of our lives after the midwife told us halfway through my second trimester my blood test had raised red flags," she said at the time. </p> <p>“Our baby had a high probability of a genetic disorder — which wouldn’t have mattered to us — but scarily could mean he may be incompatible with life outside of the womb.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Fortunately, doctors had since given the all-clear, and her baby is now "perfectly fine and healthy." </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Instagram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

Aus Post worker jailed after stealing from packages

<p>An Australia Post contractor has been jailed after stealing $400,000 worth of luxury goods from packages. </p> <p>According to the Australian Federal Police, items such as jewellery, luxury watches, alcohol and gift cards were among the “significant number” of goods stolen from packages between November 2021 and May 2023.</p> <p>The 43-year-old man from Bexley in Sydney was sentenced to imprisonment for two years and three months when he faced the Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday.</p> <p>He is able to be released after serving 15 months on the condition he is then of good behaviour for two years.</p> <p>An investigation began into the thief in May 2023 after a report of “a man tampering with postal packages” was filed. </p> <p>A search warrant executed at the man’s Bexley home uncovered $398,000 worth of stolen items and $39,000 in cash which was the “proceeds of crime from the sale of tobacco the man had taken from mail packages,” AFP said.</p> <p>Police found an estimated $138,000 worth of alcohol, $124,000 of luxury watches, $52,000 of gift cards, and $43,000 of jewellery in the man's home. </p> <p>Police also seized 24g of methamphetamine, 17.8g of ketamine and small quantities of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis during their search of the property.</p> <p>The man pleaded guilty to three charges related to the postal theft, drug possession, and proceeds of crime.</p> <p>AFP acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the man abused his trusted position with Australia Post for his own personal gain. </p> <p>“Criminals are motivated by profit and greed, and the AFP has zero tolerance for those who abuse employment access for their own illegal pursuits,” he said.</p> <p>“This was an opportunistic attempt to use a trusted position within Australia’s mail delivery system to profit, with no regard to its impact on the community."</p> <p>“People with trusted access are critical to the successful operation of Australia’s trade sectors, but the AFP will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who abuse this trust."</p> <p>“The AFP works closely with Australia Post to ensure trusted insiders abusing their position for criminal endeavours are dealt with swiftly to ensure public confidence in the Australian postal system.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: AFP</em></p>

Legal

Mum furious over grandmother’s refusal to use car seat for her child

<p dir="ltr">A mother has voiced her frustration over her own mother’s major babysitting error. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman, who has a son of her own, shared that her parents regularly look after their grandchild, but has grown more and more annoyed that one request has been ignored. </p> <p dir="ltr">In her lengthy post on Reddit, the woman wrote that her mother has taken her grandson in a car without a car seat more than once. </p> <p dir="ltr">She wrote, "I'm livid and won't be letting her take him out again but needed to vent. My parents look after my son for me now and again, he loves them, and they love him, but my mom is really testing me. Twice now she has had him in someone's car without his car seat."</p> <p dir="ltr">She continued: "The first time it happened, I didn't let her see him for a month. I knew they were taking him out and had left his car seat for them, but she didn't use it as they were only 'going around the corner.' I screamed and shouted about her putting my son at risk.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“She tried to backtrack and lie her way out of it, but at the end of the day, she disrespected me."</p> <p dir="ltr">"That was almost a year ago; yesterday, she had him as I had work in London, and hubby was at work; she said they were taking him out and promised she would use the car seat. I stressed to her how she won't see him again if they don't use it and guess what, they didn't use it."</p> <p dir="ltr">The end of the post reads: "I'm livid, I'm going to see her today to shout and give an ultimatum, why don't people listen?! 'Oh, he was fine. We only went two streets away. You're being dramatic…'"</p> <p dir="ltr">"'Dramatic' when there's an insane storm going on, and anything could have happened. [She] won't be having him again. I feel like a d*** for trusting and believing her.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Hundreds of comments poured in from other mothers backing up the woman’s decision, as one person wrote, "She is playing Russian roulette with your child's life. Stay strong in this decision."</p> <p dir="ltr">Another simply wrote, “Why even take the risk? Why?!"</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p></p>

Family & Pets

"29-year-old child": Footy great slams Nick Kyrgios

<p>AFL Premiership winner Kane Cornes has slammed Nick Kyrgios after the tennis superstar has been making headlines for his Australian Open exit. </p> <p>There have been plenty of stories about the tennis player's fitness and his future in the sport, and Cornes, who is now one of the most outspoken members of the sporting media has had enough of the Kyrgios drama.</p> <p>“I just feel we talk about this guy too much,” Cornes began on SEN 1116 radio.</p> <p>“I understand why, but he’s absolutely dominated the headlines in the last two-to-three weeks in the lead-up to the Australian Open.</p> <p>“That’s not unusual, that happens, and we’re not going to hear the last of him.</p> <p>“I feel like his role in the game will be significant whether he’s playing or not because he is box office.</p> <p>“And despite him being our most disappointing Australian athlete ever, he will still have a role to play because people are interested in him.”</p> <p>“This is a guy who sits there and criticises everyone else,” Cornes continued.</p> <p>“He sits on his high horse and criticises everyone, be that ball kids, line judges, other opponents.</p> <p>“Look at the class which Roger Federer or other players with a similar level of talent as Nick carried themselves.</p> <p>“He’s a child. He’s a 29-year-old child. The way that he carries himself, the ambassador that he’s been, put all that in the mix, I think no one has disappointed more.</p> <p>“No one has been spoken about more with less results than this guy over a long period of time.</p> <p>“Yet still, here we are, and I get it and it’s a credit to him that people are interested in him, that we’re still talking about him.”</p> <p>Kyrgios has hit back at the comments on X, saying that Cornes' criticism was unfounded. </p> <p>"Gotta love comments from an athlete who didn't play a global sport," he posted. </p> <p>Social media users were quick to share their own opinions on disappointing athletes in response to Cornes' comments, with one person writing: “He’s not even the most disappointing tennis player. Tomic has him well covered.”</p> <p>Another sports fan said: “Cmon guys... Nick is Nick but that Raygun could not even be defined as an athlete so she leads the list of ‘international disgraces’ and its daylight to second, whoever that may be.”</p> <p>However others backed Kyrgios, with one writing: “Nick has played in an era where there are 3 absolute legends of the game who have dominated and he’s beaten all 3 something no one else has managed to do!! Wake up you clowns comparing Nick to Raygun, Ben Simmons, Tomic, Jarryd Hayne etc absolute disgrace you guys are!”</p> <p><em>Image: Channel 7/ </em><em>Rachel Bach/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Retirement Life

AFL star welcomes first child after devastating loss

<p>AFL star Harry Himmelberg and his wife Taylia have announced the birth of their first child. </p> <p>The couple, who tied the knot in October, announced the birth on Instagram and revealed their newborn daughter's sweet name.</p> <p>"12.12.24 Hazel Olive Himmelberg 🤍," they wrote in their joint post, underneath some sweet family pictures.</p> <p>Their post was flooded with messaged of congratulations from friends and fans, with Kellie Finlayson, the wife of Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson, writing, "Welcome to this big world you special little soul <3."</p> <p>GWS Giants, the team Himmelberg plays for, added, "Congratulations <3."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?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/DDtJ7XFviYJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Taylia Himmelberg (@taysarris)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The baby girl's arrival comes after the pair revealed they had suffered two devastating miscarriages prior to welcoming their daughter.</p> <p>"I had two miscarriages prior, one like the month before I fell pregnant with our little girl now and our problem was definitely not getting pregnant, just trying to hold on to it," Taylia told <a title="The Herald Sun" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Fconfidential%2Fgws-giants-defender-harry-himmelberg-says-miscarriage-isnt-spoken-about-enough%2Fnews-story%2F6fc19034578dd92607965594b32c6519&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><em>The Herald Sun</em>.</a></p> <p>"It is pretty scary, the whole process, until she's born, and we get to hold her I don't think that anxiety will go away because you never know what can happen."</p> <p> </p> <p>Himmelberg added, "There is a stigma about it and the doctors said it's quite common and were really positive, which eased our mind as well."</p> <p>The new parents are believed to have first started dating back in 2020.</p> <p>They got engaged in a romantic proposal in Paris in October 2023, and tied the knot at a registry office in October.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Purple Wiggle welcomes first child

<p>Purple Wiggle John Pearce is officially a dad!</p> <p>Pearce welcomed his first child together with his wife Jessie on Monday and recently shared the news to fans on social media. </p> <p>“Welcome to the world our beautiful angel,” they wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“We have never felt a love like this.”</p> <p>They shared an adorable family photo of them holding their baby boy, Henry Nicholas Adamo Pearce, and another photo of their sleeping bub.</p> <p>Pearce’s fellow Wiggles members congratulated the couple, who have been married since 2019.</p> <p>“Congratulations John and Jess. So happy for you both and can’t wait to meet Henry. Lots of love,” Red Wiggle Simon Pryce said.</p> <p>“Beautiful boy welcome to the world! Congratulations Jesse and Johnny,” veteran Blue Wiggle Anthony Field wrote.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDtPAO-yRvM/?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/DDtPAO-yRvM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Adamo Pearce (@johnpearce)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Youngest member Tsehay Hawkins added: “Congratulations you two!!! So happy for you guys. Love lil Henry already.”</p> <p>"Gorgeous boy little Henry 😍 congratulations Mama and Papa, can’t wait to meet the little treasure 💜" added Red Wiggle Caterina Mete, who also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/double-the-joy-red-wiggle-welcomes-twin-daughters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently gave birth</a> to identical twin girls, Dolly and Gigi, in July.</p> <p>"Jess, Johnny and Henry sending you all the love in the world 💜💜💜" commented veteran Purple wiggle Lachlan Gillespie.</p> <p>Pearce first started capturing hearts all over Australia as a member of the Aussie pop band Justice Crew before joining The Wiggles in 2021.</p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Couple accused of faking six-year-old child's cancer

<p>South Australian couple has been arrested after allegedly faking their child’s cancer diagnosis.</p> <p>A man and woman, both aged 44, allegedly requested donations to fund ongoing medical treatments for their six-year-old child. </p> <p>They even allegedly shaved their child's head, eyebrows and placed them in a wheelchair with bandages to imitate the effects of cancer treatment, but their child was healthy. </p> <p>“Our investigation has confirmed the child is not seeking medical treatment,” Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said.</p> <p>“We believe this farce illness is causing significant and serious psychological harm to the child and their sibling.”</p> <p>The pair allegedly received around $60,000 in donations over a two-week period. </p> <p>The allegations were first reported to police on November 26, with the couple being arrested and charged with two counts of criminal neglect and deceiving another to benefit self on Friday, according to SA Police. </p> <p>Both of the couple's children have been removed from their custody and are now staying with a relative. </p> <p>The parents were refused bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday.</p> <p>Anyone who may have donated money or has further information have also been asked to contact police. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Legal

Margot Robbie welcomes first child

<p>Margot Robbie has reportedly given birth to her first child with her husband, British filmmaker Tom Ackerley.</p> <p>According to <em>People</em>, the 34-year-old Australian actress gave birth to a baby boy on October 17 in Los Angeles. </p> <p>Her family is reportedly in the process of planning to travel out to the US.</p> <p>The actress known for her iconic roles in films like<em> I, Tonya, Wolf of Wall Street </em>and <em>Barbie</em>, has kept a low profile throughout her pregnancy, with friends and family also remaining tight-lipped on news of the baby.</p> <p>Ackerley was spotted carrying a box of nappies on the streets of LA on October 30, sparking speculation they had welcomed their baby. </p> <p>Robbie and Ackerley, met on the set of<em> Suite Française</em> in 2013, where he was an assistant director and she starred as Celine Joseph. </p> <p>They then married in December 2016 during a private ceremony in Byron Bay. </p> <p>Robbie's pregnancy was made public in July, with the couple enjoying a romantic babymoon to Sardinia, Italy a month later. </p> <p>The actress made her last red carpet appearance on September 9, when she attended the screening of the comedy movie she produced with her husband. </p> <p>Robbie has previously revealed how much she enjoys working with her husband. </p> <p>“I’m a great advocate of doing business with your partner,” she told <em>Porter </em>in 2018.</p> <p>“Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow. I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better." </p> <p><em>Image: CraSH/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Child dies after car crashes through school gate

<p>One child has died and another four kids have been left injured after a car crash through a school gate in the east Melbourne suburb of Auburn. </p> <p>Emergency services were called to Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East on Tuesday afternoon after a car veered off the road and into the primary school's gate.</p> <p>The car collided with a table where five children were sitting. </p> <p>Two 11-year-old girls, one 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were all taken to hospital with serious injuries.</p> <p>An 11-year-old boy was taken to hospital with critical injuries, and later died.</p> <p>The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 40-year-old woman who was local to the area, and was arrested at the scene. </p> <p>A primary school-aged was also in the car at the time of the crash but remained unharmed. </p> <p>Victoria Police Inspector Craig McEvoy said the driver was attempting a U-turn before veering off the road, and it appeared the crash was an accident.</p> <p>"It's tragic circumstances ... really tough for everyone involved," McEvoy said. "It's always a tough time when children are involved."</p> <p>"The ongoing investigation will take days, weeks, months," Inspector McEvoy added.</p> <p>Premier Jacinta Allan also commented on the incident, saying it should have been an "unremarkable sunny day" at the school.</p> <p>"Instead, a dark shadow has been cast over our city and state," she wrote on X.</p> <p>"I'm sending my love and thoughts to the students, their families and the whole school communityAnd my thanks to the first responders on the scene," she said.</p> <p>"I know tonight Victorians will be thinking of Auburn South Primary, and holding our kids even closer."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News / Nine News </em></p>

Caring

Stranger wanted after assaulting child in mother's arms

<p>Police are searching for a woman who callously attacked a toddler who was being carried by her mother through a busy shopping centre in Western Australia.</p> <p>The shocking act unfolded in East Victoria Park shopping centre, in south-eastern Perth, with CCTV capturing the distressing moment. </p> <p>In the security footage, a mother can be seen holding her two-year-old daughter near the entrance of the shopping centre, who are then approached by the woman who lunges at the child before fleeing. </p> <p>Staff working in the surrounding shops say it all happened incredibly quickly, one only hearing a scream from the mother, as nearby shoppers rushed to help.</p> <p>The little girl has been left with facial injuries, as well as the mother and daughter being left shaken and scared by the incident.</p> <p>Police said the child sustained "facial injuries", adding, "A female approached a mother who was holding her child, before assaulting the child and leaving the area.”</p> <p>“The female is not known to the mother and child.”</p> <p>The woman behind the attack has not been found, as police have called on the public for information. </p> <p>The attacker is described as having a medium build and a shaved head, and was wearing a pink singlet and grey shorts.</p> <p>Police are asking anyone who recognises the woman or who witnessed anything in the area at the time to come forward, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.</p> <p><em><strong>Editor's note:</strong></em> On Wednesday morning, Western Australian police said they want to speak to 21-year-old Pamila-Raye Jetta over the attack, and appealed for public help in finding her.</p> <p>"Jetta is described as female, olive skin, 170cm tall, heavy build, shaved head and was last seen wearing green coloured shorts with white stripes, pink coloured singlet and blue trainers," police said.</p> <p>"Jetta has also recently been observed wearing a fluorescent pink wig."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

Caring

Why do I have hay fever? I didn’t have it as a child

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/janet-davies-103598">Janet Davies</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joy-lee-1480523">Joy Lee</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) is a long-term inflammatory condition that’s incredibly common. It affects about <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey-state-and-territory-findings/latest-release">one-quarter</a> of Australians.</p> <p>Symptoms vary but <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/fast-facts/hay-fever-allergic-rhinitis">can include</a> sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny or blocked nose. Hay fever can also contribute to sinus and ear infections, snoring, poor sleep and asthma, as well as lower performance at school or work.</p> <p>But many people didn’t have hay fever as a child, and only develop symptoms as a teenager or adult.</p> <p>Here’s how a combination of genetics, hormones and the environment can lead to people developing hay fever later in life.</p> <h2>Remind me, what is hay fever?</h2> <p>Hay fever is caused by the nose, eyes and throat coming into contact with a substance to which a person is allergic, known as an allergen.</p> <p>Common sources of outside allergens include airborne grass, weed or tree pollen, and mould spores. Pollen allergens can be carried indoors on clothes, and through open windows and doors.</p> <p>Depending on where you live, you may be exposed to a range of pollen types across the pollen season, but grass pollen is the most common trigger of hay fever. In <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122010891?via%3Dihub">some regions</a> the grass pollen season can extend from spring well into summer and autumn.</p> <h2>How does hay fever start?</h2> <p>Hay fever symptoms most commonly start in adolescence or young adulthood. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S170285">One study</a> found 7% of children aged six had hay fever, but that grew to 44% of adults aged 24.</p> <p>Before anyone has hay fever symptoms, their immune system has already been “sensitised” to specific allergens, often allergens of grass pollen. Exposure to these allergens means their immune system has made a particular type of antibody (known as IgE) against them.</p> <p>During repeated or prolonged exposure to an allergen source such as pollen, a person’s immune system may start to respond to another part of the same allergen, or another allergen within the pollen. Over time, these new allergic sensitisations can lead to development of <a href="https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(12)00959-1/fulltext">hay fever</a> and possibly other conditions, such as allergic asthma.</p> <h2>Why do some people only develop hay fever as an adult?</h2> <p><strong>1. Environmental factors</strong></p> <p>Some people develop hay fever as an adult simply because they’ve had more time to become sensitised to specific allergens.</p> <p>Migration or moving to a new location can also change someone’s risk of developing hay fever. This may be due to exposure to different <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969722076884">pollens</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724060194?via%3Dihub">climate and weather</a>, green space <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/all.14177">and/or</a> air quality factors.</p> <p>A number of studies <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0105347">show</a> people who have migrated from low- and middle-income countries to higher-income countries may be at a higher risk of developing hay fever. This may due to local environmental conditions influencing expression of genes that regulate the immune system.</p> <p><strong>2. Hormonal factors</strong></p> <p><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2015.04.019">Hormonal changes</a> at puberty may also help drive the onset of hay fever. This may relate to sex hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9392967/#R55">affecting</a> histamine levels, immune regulation, and the response of cells in the lining of the nose and lower airways.</p> <p><strong>3. Genetic factors</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.3985">Our genes</a> underpin <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542187/">our risk</a> of hay fever, and whether this and other related allergic disease persists.</p> <p>For instance, babies with the skin condition eczema (known as atopic dermatitis) have a <a href="https://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(21)00172-1/abstract">three times greater risk</a> of developing hay fever (and asthma) later in life.</p> <p>Having a food allergy in childhood is also a risk factor for developing hay fever later in life. In the case of a peanut allergy, that risk is more than <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27542726/">2.5 times greater</a>.</p> <h2>What are the best options for treatment?</h2> <p>Depending on where you live, avoiding allergen exposures can be difficult. But <a href="https://auspollen.edu.au/auspollensitesmap/">pollen count forecasts</a>, if available, can be useful. These can help you decide whether it’s best to stay inside to reduce your pollen exposure, or to take preventative medications.</p> <p>You may also find <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-risk-forecast">alerts on thunderstorm asthma</a>, where pollens combine with specific weather conditions to trigger <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-could-see-thunderstorm-asthma-in-south-eastern-australia-this-season-heres-how-to-prepare-215793">breathing difficulties</a>.</p> <p>If you have mild, occasional hay fever symptoms, you can take non-drowsy antihistamines, which you can buy at the pharmacy.</p> <p>However, for more severe or persistent symptoms, intranasal steroid sprays, or an intranasal spray containing a steroid with antihistamine, are the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-i-take-antihistamines-everyday-more-than-the-recommended-dose-what-if-im-pregnant-heres-what-the-research-says-228390">most effective treatments</a>. However, it is important to use these <a href="https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergic-rhinitis-treatment/">regularly and correctly</a>.</p> <p>Allergen immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation, is an <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.13201">effective treatment</a> for people with severe hay fever symptoms that can reduce the need for medication and avoiding allergens.</p> <p>However, it involves a longer treatment course (about three years), usually with the supervision of an allergy or immunology specialist.</p> <h2>When should people see their doctor?</h2> <p>It is important to treat hay fever, because symptoms can significantly affect a <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/11/e038870.long">person’s quality of life</a>. A GP can:</p> <ul> <li> <p>recommend treatments for hay fever and can guide you to use them correctly</p> </li> <li> <p>organise blood tests to confirm which allergen sensitisations (if any) are present, and whether these correlate with your symptoms</p> </li> <li> <p>screen for asthma, which commonly exists with hay fever, and may require other treatments</p> </li> <li> <p>arrange referrals to allergy or immunology specialists, if needed, for other tests, such as allergen skin prick testing, or to consider <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-immunotherapy">allergen immunotherapy</a> if symptoms are severe.</p> </li> </ul> <hr /> <p><em>More information about hay fever is available from the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/fast-facts/hay-fever-allergic-rhinitis">Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy</a> and <a href="https://allergyfacts.org.au/">Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia</a>.</em><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/239409/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/janet-davies-103598">Janet Davies</a>, Respiratory Allergy Stream Co-chair, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Professor and Head, Allergy Research Group, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joy-lee-1480523">Joy Lee</a>, Respiratory Allergy Stream member, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Associate Professor, School of Translational Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash 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/why-do-i-have-hay-fever-i-didnt-have-it-as-a-child-239409">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Real estate agent flees the country after stealing from clients

<p>A real estate agent from Melbourne has allegedly fled the country after reportedly taking off with hundreds of thousands of dollars she stole from clients and employees. </p> <p>According to <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/real-estate-agent-debra-lawry-accused-of-stealing-hundreds-of-thousands-from-clients-and-employees/29121a3e-546c-44fe-8dff-70253c14a8b0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a></em>, Debra Lawry, who traded as Debra Watchman with Ray White Romsey, has been accused of stealing money from her clients and staff by emptying the company's trust accounts and telling her colleagues she was in hospital while actually flying to Europe at the end of last month.</p> <p>One of Lawry's alleged victims is primary school teacher Shay Preston, who had just sold her family home with the estate agency. </p> <p>While she got the deposit back from Ray White, the theft cost the single mum thousands of dollars in extra expenses in the meantime.</p> <p>"It was very hard, very anxious, very stressful," Preston told 9News. "It's been a very stressful month."</p> <p>While clients are among those who have been stolen from, employees have also been impacted and are allegedly owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid super, leave entitlements and commission, including from Ms Preston's sale.</p> <p>"I felt horrible, they have done, they were doing a job for us and regardless of who they were working under, they did a job," Preston said.</p> <p>Staff at the agency claim they discovered their boss had been trying to book long-term accommodation in Italy after they found her office cleared out.</p> <p>"I hope she steps one toe out of wherever she is and just they get her, because that's a lot of people that she's hurt," Preston said.</p> <p>In the lead-up to Lawry's disappearance, Consumer Affairs Victoria publicly announced it was looking to suspend or cancel her estate licences, alleging she had deliberately failed to comply with auditing obligations over the last four years.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ray White </em></p>

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Why do I have hay fever? I didn’t have it as a child

Real estate agent flees the country after stealing from clients

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