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"I am so heartbroken": Tributes flow for bride-to-be stabbing victim

<p>Family and friends of Dawn Singleton are in mourning after the 25-year-old was one of the six people stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi in Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday. </p> <p>The 25-year-old was planning her wedding at the time of the stabbing, and was in the shopping centre looking for wedding makeup. </p> <p>Dawn, daughter of Aussie millionaire businessman John Singleton, had purchased her wedding dress just days before her life was tragically cut short.</p> <p>“Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech, but instead I sit here sobbing,” Friend Jade O’Connor wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life — I’m so heartbroken and (I) can’t believe this reality.”</p> <p>Friend Emmi Shannon told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/heartbreaking-detail-emerges-after-john-singletons-daughter-dawn-singleton-named-as-bondi-junction-westfield-stabbing-victim-c-14313870" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>, “She was just the most perfect human being that I’ve ever met. She’s so sweet, so humble, so down to earth.”</p> <p>Dawn was engaged to her high school sweetheart Ashley Wildey, a police officer who had reportedly been on the scene at the shopping centre, attending the scene after finishing another shift. </p> <p>"He had arrived at Westfield when officers realised his fiancée was one of the victims," a source told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>.</p> <p>Mr Wildey was then allowed to leave the scene to be comforted by family and friends, as is procedure.</p> <p>Singleton worked at White Fox Boutique, with colleagues saying they were “devastated” by her death.</p> <p>“We are all truly devastated by this loss,” the company said on social media. </p> <p>“Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing."</p> <p>“We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.”</p> <p>Dawn was one of six women killed by Joel Cauchi in the callous attack, which left several others injured. </p> <p>Cauchi's victims included Pikria Darchia, 55, Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; and Yixuan Cheng, 25.</p> <p>A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s nine-month old baby girl.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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Tennis star "heartbroken" as injury puts life on hold

<p>Aussie tennis star Storm Hunter has suffered a devastating injury just one day before the nation's qualifying tie against Mexico. </p> <p>The 29-year-old has had to put her Olympic dream and plans to crack the world’s top 100 on hold, after she fell and ruptured her right Achilles tendon. </p> <p>The incident occurred on Thursday’s final practice session for Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup qualification tie against Mexico on Friday. </p> <p>Hunter took to Instagram to announce the bad news, with a picture of herself during one of the games.</p> <p>“I am devastated and heartbroken but incredibly grateful to be around the team and I know I have a great group of people around me that will help me get back on court as soon as possible,” she wrote. </p> <p>“Thank you so much everyone for the messages of support and love, I’m excited to stay for the tie and support our Aussie girls.”</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/C5pE4RDPdpG/?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/C5pE4RDPdpG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by STORM HUNTER (@stormcsanders)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In a following update, she shared a photo of herself in crutches holding a bouquet of flowers that she received from the rival team. </p> <p>"Thank you team Mexico for the flowers" she captioned the photo, with a heart emoji and the Mexican flag. </p> <p>Recovery time for a ruptured Achilles is at least four months, but can take up to a year depending on the injury. </p> <p>This means that the tennis star is set to miss the Olympic Games in Paris later this year, where she could've featured in all three disciplines.</p> <p>She was set to team up with Ellen Perez for the clash with Mexico, but has since been replaced with Daria Saville. </p> <p>“Storm went to take off for a ball and unfortunately has sustained a very serious injury, so she’s going to be getting an MRI tonight,” Team captain Sam Stosur said on Thursday. </p> <p>“Obviously the tie still continues and we’ve made a decision. Dasha’s going to go in place of her to play tomorrow, but obviously we’re all rallying behind Storm and wishing her the very, very best and the quickest recovery possible.”</p> <p>Hunter has had a career-high singles mark of 114 at the start of April, and finished 2023 as the world No.1 in doubles alongside Elise Mertens. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

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Samantha Murphy’s heartbroken family mark first birthday without her

<p>In a heart-wrenching saga that has gripped the community of Ballarat and beyond, the disappearance of Samantha Murphy continues to haunt her husband, Michael Murphy, and all those who knew her.</p> <p>Two months have passed since Samantha vanished without a trace, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled. As the days stretch into weeks and the weeks into months, Michael clings to hope, fervently believing that one day Samantha's body will be found, bringing closure to this harrowing ordeal.</p> <p><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/michael-murphy-i-need-to-be-strong-myself-and-look-after-everyone-around-me/news-story/f653bc98fcca22a81eac34c270a7d8bd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaking to the Herald Sun</a>, Michael expressed the pain of his daily reality, where the absence of Samantha looms large. Despite his grief, he strives to maintain a semblance of optimism, eagerly awaiting any glimmer of positive news from the ongoing police investigation. Yet, as time wears on and the investigation inches forward, the anguish only deepens.</p> <p>The arrest and charging of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/everything-we-know-about-samantha-murphy-s-accused-killer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22-year-old Patrick Stephenson</a> with Samantha's murder provided a brief moment of reckoning. However, since then, the progress has been slow, and Michael understands that justice may elude them until Stephenson chooses to cooperate. Acknowledging the arduous nature of the legal process, Michael remains steadfast in his support for the detectives tirelessly working on Samantha's case.</p> <p>August 8 looms on the horizon as the date when Stephenson is slated to appear before the Ballarat Magistrates' Court. For Michael and the Murphy family, it's a pivotal moment in their quest for justice, a step towards closure in a saga fraught with uncertainty.</p> <p>For Michael, the passing of milestones like Samantha's birthday – she would have turned 52 on Saturday – serves as a stark reminder of her absence. The pain of marking such occasions without her presence is a burden he carries with stoicism, determined to navigate life's challenges for the sake of his family. </p> <p>“It’s the first things," Michael told the <em>Herald Sun</em>. "The first birthday without Sam … any anniversaries without Sam. That’s a hard thing but we’ve gotta face reality and realise she’s just not coming back ... I need to be strong myself and look after everyone around me.” </p> <p>The timeline of events leading to Samantha's disappearance remains etched in the minds of those who knew her. Two months ago, she was captured on CCTV, embarking on her routine morning run around Woowookarung Regional Park. Little did anyone know that it would be the last sighting of her, plunging her loved ones into a nightmare from which they are yet to awaken.</p> <p>The community's response to Samantha's disappearance has been one of unwavering solidarity. During the initial days, emergency services and local volunteers mobilised in a coordinated effort to search for any trace of her. Their commitment to finding Samantha has not waned, as evidenced by ongoing searches organised by community groups like the Ground Crew.</p> <p>While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, the community's commitment to finding Samantha remains resolute. As they continue their search for answers, they do so with the unwavering belief that Samantha Murphy will not be forgotten, and that one day, her family will find the closure they so desperately seek.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

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Heartbroken parents of slain Melbourne doctor break silence

<p>Dr Ash Gordon's heartbroken parents have spoken out about the moment they found out their son had died. </p> <p>The Melbourne GP was allegedly killed after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/major-update-in-tragic-death-of-young-melbourne-doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confronting two teenage</a> boys who had allegedly broken into his home in Doncaster in the early hours on Saturday, January 13.</p> <p>Dr Gordon’s grieving mother Catherine, recalled the moment she was woken by the phone call no parent wants to receive. </p> <p>“He said that Ashley had gone. And I said gone where? He’s gone. He’s no longer with us,” Mrs Gordon told <em>A Current Affair </em>about the moment her son's housemate delivered the devastating news. </p> <p>“I said, ‘Don’t lie, you’re joking.‘ And I hung up on him."</p> <p>Holding back tears, Mrs Gordon also shared the denial she went through as she received the call from a detective. </p> <p>"Then the detective rang and I told him that I didn’t believe him, and he said 'how can I get you to believe?', I said 'until there is a police person in uniform in front of me, it's not happening'"</p> <p>"Well you don't want to believe do you?" <em>A Current Affair </em>host Ally Langdon replied, and both parents shook their heads. </p> <p>“We saw the police car coming up, and I just prayed to God they’d just keep going. I didn’t want them to turn into the driveway, but unfortunately, it happened.”</p> <p>Ally Langdon who was brought to tears during the interview added: “It’s a cruel contrast isn’t it? That Ash has dedicated his life to saving lives, yet his was taken in this horrible way." </p> <p>The 33-year-old doctor was found by police less than a kilometre from his home, but unfortunately he died at the scene. </p> <p>In the days following the incident, two 16-year-old boys with Dr Gordon’s murder as well as aggravated burglary and theft.</p> <p>Dr Gordon's family have since held a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/i-ll-see-you-again-one-day-sister-of-slain-doctor-s-emotional-tribute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">memorial service</a> for him to honour the slain doctor. </p> <p><em>Image: A Current Affair</em></p>

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"I was heartbroken": Why Sam Kerr had to hide her gender

<p>Sam Kerr is known as one of the greatest strikers in women's football. And now, with the Matlidas on the way to the World Cup semifinals, we are learning more and more about the challenges Kerr faced as a junior Aussie Rules player in South Fremantle, WA</p> <p>Kerr, who grew up in East Fremantle, south of Perth, did not have an easy start to what would be an exceptional football career, as she initially started playing for the boys' team when she was around five or six.</p> <p>Kerr, was the only girl who played junior Australian rules football for South Fremantle, but that didn't deter her from fulfilling her dreams.</p> <p>“I knew I’d be the only girl on the team but that didn’t worry me at all,” she wrote in her new book My Journey to the World Cup.</p> <p>Kerr said that her teammates assumed she was a boy because she had “short hair and blonde tips”, but didn't do anything to correct them as she was comfortable with it.</p> <p>So she decided to keep her gender a secret.</p> <p>"I didn’t want them to treat me any differently just because I was a girl," she said.</p> <p>“I remember one of the boys crying when he found out.</p> <p>“But as good as I was out on the field, and as much as I loved playing the game, the physical differences between the guys and me eventually became too pronounced and the play was too rough," she added.</p> <p>“One day, I came home from a game with yet another black eye and bloody lip, and that’s when my dad and brother both said, ‘Nup, this isn’t happening anymore’.</p> <p>“I was getting battered around so much out on the field that it was getting to be a big problem. Dad and my coach both sat me down then and said it was getting far too dangerous for me to continue to play," she said.</p> <p>Kerr revealed that she was devastated that she wasn't allowed to play football anymore because there were no girls' teams in her area for her to join.</p> <p>“They said they were sorry, but that I wasn’t allowed to play football any more. I understood the reasons why, but I was heartbroken.</p> <p>"Back then, there were no girls’ teams in my area for me to join, and to know that I’d never play a sport that I loved so much ever again was devastating.”</p> <p>By the age of 12, she switched to association football, but a year later she was spotted by Perth Glory striker Bobby Despotovski who has fascinated by her raw talent and athleticism.</p> <p>By the age of 15 she made her professional soccer debut and earned her maiden Matildas cap and the rest is history.</p> <p><em>Images: Ryan Pierse Getty Images/ Nine</em></p>

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"I don't understand": Heartbroken bride mourns husband's passing mere hours after wedding

<p dir="ltr">A bride has been left heartbroken as she mourns the death of her new husband just hours after they tied the knot. </p> <p dir="ltr">Oklahoma singer-songwriter Jake Flint and his fiancée Brenda Wilson said their vows in a beautiful ceremony on November 26.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair then went home and Flint just never woke up again after dying in his sleep. However the cause of death has still not been confirmed. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We should be going through wedding photos but instead I have to pick out clothes to bury my husband in. People aren't meant to feel this much pain,” a devastated Brenda wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My heart is gone and I just really need him to come back. I can't take much more. I need him here.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbrenda.wilson.14224094%2Fvideos%2F4989810367788613%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">Flint’s longtime publicist Clif Doyal confirmed the horrific news and said that he was “loved by everybody”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was not only a client, he was a dear friend and just a super nice guy,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As you can see from the outpouring on social media, he was loved by everybody. I think a lot of it was just that he was a people person, and he had an amazing sense of humor. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He made everybody laugh, and he made everybody feel welcome.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Flint's manager, Brenda Cline, also confirmed his death in a sad social media post. </p> <p dir="ltr">“With a broken heart and in deep grief I must announce that Jake Flint has tragically passed away,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I've tried several times today to make a post, but you can't comment on what you can't process.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Heartbroken father of shot girl speaks out

<p dir="ltr">The heartbroken father of one of the women who was showered with gunshots while sitting in a car has spoken out about his “beloved angel”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lametta Fadlallah, 48, and Amy Al-Hazzouri, 39, were gunned down as they sat in a car on Hendy Avenue, Panania in Sydney’s inner south-west about 10 pm on Saturday.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is believed that Ms Fadlallah had some information about underground figures and was targetted to be kept quiet. </p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, Ms Al-Hazzouri was in the wrong place at the wrong time and succumbed to her wounds, dying a short time later. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her grieving father, Khaled, broke down as he described her as an “angel, friendly and beautiful”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Beautiful, beautiful," he told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/double-sydney-murder-family-of-innocent-hairdresser-caught-up-in-panania-execution-speaks-out/12288bff-40fa-4e60-8441-be817c69fe33?ocid=Social-9NewsS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Anyone who used to be upset, depressed, anything would go to Amy and she would give them the support, the power and energy.</p> <p dir="ltr">"They would go to Amy, Amy was everything to them, that's the kind of person she was."</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Al-Hazzouri said that he wished that it was him that died instead of his daughter. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her sister, Manal Raunegger, launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/amy-hazouri-transfer-her-body-to-lebanon?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> in hopes of raising enough money to help transport Amy to Lebanon to be laid to rest. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Amy, you left us too soon my darling. May Allah have mercy on you, the heart of your sister. I can’t believe it, you’re done, you won’t tell me again,” her post read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Amy Hazouri was my beautiful sister, who was an innocent party who was murdered in southwest Sydney on Saturday 13th August 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Amy was the sole provider for our family in Lebanon that is currently struggling with the economic crisis in Lebanon. We require urgent funds to carry out funeral services and transfer her body to Lebanon to lay at rest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our mother is not well and cannot travel to Australia to see her daughter. We are asking family, friends and the community to donate what they can and share this page around as we require urgent funds during this time as we cannot afford this service.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Every dollar and support is appreciated. May her soul rest in peace.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are investigating the shooting which they have described as an “assassination”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Four torched cars were found nearby in Presland Ave in Revesby, Devlin Drive in Wattle Grove and Elizabeth Crescent in Yagoona, with police hoping to find any links relating to the shooting. </p> <p dir="ltr">NSW Police Force Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty described the shooting as a "organised, methodical murder".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is an appalling attack on two women who have lost their lives in a planned murder, an assassination really, that's happened in a public street in Sydney," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's not acceptable by any standards. It's unprecedented, really and we're determined to get the answers for the family.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Nine/Supplied</em></p>

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Heartbroken husband speaks after honeymoon tragedy

<p>Grief stricken and heart-broken, the husband of Marina Morgan has shared an emotional tribute following the death of his new wife.</p> <p>Robbie Morgan was driving the buggy last Monday the 20th of June, when he and his wife of 10 days were involved in the tragic incident.</p> <p>Robbie is believed to have been performing a U-turn when it tipped over, resulting in Marina suffering fatal injuries.</p> <p>The 30-year-old Sydney man took to Facebook over the weekend to share a touching post in memory of his wife.</p> <p>“My heart is broken and my world shattered with the tragic loss of the most beautiful girl in the world.. my angel.. my saint.. my wife Marina Hanna,” he said..</p> <p>“My rock, my partner, my confidant, my angel, my saint, my everything! The world will never be the same…</p> <p>“I will love you forever and ever and EVER!”</p> <p>Meanwhile, Marina’s family have also shared their heartache following the tragic loss.</p> <p>“I will always love you sis. You will always be our angel. We miss you and are shattered,” her brother Mark Hanna posted on Facebook.</p> <p>Her brother-in-law Matthew Morgan paid tribute to the new wife of his brother Robbie Morgan.</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/CfGU9NDJSlJ/?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/CfGU9NDJSlJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Matty Morgan (@matty.morgan1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“May your soul rest in paradise for all of eternity as you watch over us in the heavens above. I love you forever sis.”</p> <p>On Wednesday the 22nd of June, Hamilton Island resort operators issued a fresh statement, saying guests were encouraged to safely use golf buggies.</p> <p>“A number of different registered vehicle types including golf buggies operate to service the Island, all in accordance with Queensland Government road rules and requirements,” they said in a statement.</p> <p>“These are underpinned by our highest priority which is the safety and well-being of our guests, residents and staff.</p> <p>“Golf buggies on Hamilton Island, like other vehicles, are equipped with appropriate safety equipment including seatbelts and rules for operation.</p> <p>“Hamilton Island and Queensland Police enforce these rules and regulations and actively encourage all our guests, residents and staff to adopt a safety-first mindset when operating any vehicle on Hamilton Island."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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"Heartbroken": High-profile women react to landmark Roe v Wade decision

<p>When the US Supreme Court made the landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on Friday June 24, women across America and all around the world took to social media to express their anger, disgust, sadness and outrage.</p> <p>A range of celebrities and high-profile women spoke out over the decision, as they grieved the loss of fundamental women's right and bodily autonomy in the eyes of the law.</p> <p>Roe v. Wade was implemented to grant women in the US the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, regardless of their reasoning.</p> <p>The landmark abortion ruling, which has been in place since 1973, was officially overturned last week, meaning individual states in America now have the right to ban women from seeking legal abortions – which several states have now already done.</p> <p>Australian model Robyn Lawley made a statement on her Instagram as she wrote on her torso, "My body my choice".</p> <p>The model shared her disgust for the ruling, while also empathising with women living the US of the challenges they are about to face.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfOyiHmO1ud/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfOyiHmO1ud/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robyn Lawley (@robynlawley)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Former First Lady Michelle Obama posted an emotional statement online, which has been shared millions of times by men and women alike who are in disarray over the ruling.</p> <p>In the statement she wrote, "I am heartbroken that we may now be destined to learn the painful lessons of a time before Roe was made law of the land - a time when women risked their lives getting illegal abortions."</p> <p>"That is what our mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers lived through, and now we are here again."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfMSJTKu_XY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfMSJTKu_XY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Pop star Taylor Swift was one of the many who reposted Obama's message, adding, "I'm absolutely terrified that this is where we are – that after so many decades of people fighting for women's rights to their own bodies, today's decision has stripped us of that."</p> <p>Kim Kardashian echoed the thoughts of many as she shared that "In America, guns have more rights than women," as the overturning of Roe v. Wade has somehow taken priority over tighter gun restrictions, despite there being over <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/06/02/mass-shootings-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">250 mass shootings in 2022</a> so far.</p> <p>Hillary Clinton also chimed in on the decision, saying overturning Roe v. Wade is "a step backward".</p> <p>"Most Americans believe the decision to have a child is one of the most sacred decisions there is, and that such decisions should remain between patients and their doctors," Clinton said.</p> <p>"Today's Supreme Court opinion will live in infamy as a step backward for women's rights and human rights."</p> <p>Everyday women across America shared their fear over the ruling, with many encouraging others to delete their period tracking apps, to have real conversations with their partners about their intimacy, and to start savings accounts to travel out of their state for an abortion if needed.</p> <p>As protestors took to the steps of the Supreme Court to protest the overturning of Roe v. Wade, online spaces were dominated with anger, as "my body, my choice" began trending on Twitter and became the battle cry for the women of the United States and around the world.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Heartbroken dad opens up on losing daughter in campsite tragedy

<p dir="ltr">An Australian family has been left picking up the pieces of their life after seven-year-old Khaleesi Roser died in a freak accident during a family adventure in the Northern Territory.</p> <p dir="ltr">Khaleesi and her family had just arrived at a campsite in Central Australia when she fell from their Nissan Patrol while it was still in motion.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her dad, Kim Roser, told <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/nt/aussie-dads-frantic-plea-to-daughter-7-as-she-lay-dying-in-campsite-tragedy--c-7188939" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a></em> the kids had just jumped in the car to go get water when the tragic incident occurred.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The kids jumped in the car and we went to get water and I don’t know what happened, I think she tried to jump out the window before the car stopped to be the first open the gate,” he recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We would’ve been doing 15km/h or slower … my 13-year-old daughter was sitting beside her and my friend was sitting there too and I just hear him yell, ‘Kahleesi’ and I just looked back and got out and ran to her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She had blood coming out her ears, she was all twisted up. I don’t know if her head knocked the wheel or what happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just scooped her up and drove as fast as I could to get help.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Being in the remote outback, the family had no reception and had to go on a mad dash for help.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All I could do was hold my little girl’s hand and look into her eyes and say, ‘Kahleesi, just look into my eyes baby’ and say ‘I love you, you’re a big girl. You’re tough, it’s OK’,” Roser said.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to NT Police, the group was travelling 25km east of Harts Range on June 5 when Kahleesi fell.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was taken to the Harts Range medical clinic before being flown to the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.</p> <p dir="ltr">A spokesperson for NT Police told <em>7News </em>the matter was still under investigation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since the tragedy, Mr Roser, a single dad, has been trying to make sense of the tragedy while keeping his family together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s just been the kids and I,” he said. “I w</p> <p dir="ltr">as with the kids every day of the week, every minute. Kahleesi was the youngest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her sister was like a mum to her. They’d sleep together all the time like best friends. It’s hit her hard, too.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We just want to wake up from this nightmare.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As the family navigate their heartbreak, Kahleesi’s legacy will continue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She donated all her organs to save other kids’ lives - she would’ve wanted that,” Roser said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just know that’s what kind of person she was and she’d say, ‘Dad, if I can save other people’s lives, do it’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was just like me, a mini me - I’d do anything for anybody too.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-family-who-have-just-lost-a-little-girl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fundraiser</a> has also been set up by a friend of the family to help them cover funeral expenses.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d5d84aaa-7fff-c3f0-709c-83a7846541c3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Heartbroken mum turns off teen son's life support 

<p dir="ltr">Two teenagers who stabbed a boy multiple times just days before his 18th birthday have pleaded guilty.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alith Wal and Nyol Myianol, who are now 20 and 21, were just 17 when they stabbed Mohammad Mohammadi.</p> <p dir="ltr">The boys had not met before but agreed to meet up at a Geelong shopping centre car park in August 2020 for a one-on-one fight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mohammad was stabbed in the heart, and then stabbed again multiple times in the arm and leg.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery but was declared brain dead.<br />Tragically, Mohammad’s life support was turned off just days after his 18th birthday.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, Wal and Myianol pleaded guilty to causing injury and affray. They also pleaded guilty to charges of affray and committing offences on bail.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mohammad’s heartbroken mother and sister broke down in court when they heard Mohammad’s last words which were: "I am going to die. Please take off my shoes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Not only did the stabs that punctured Mohammed's heart and body kill him, but they also broke my heart into a thousand pieces and killed my hope for living," his mother said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's unbelievable. He was very generous, and didn't want to hurt anyone,” his sister told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/teenagers-plea-for-help-met-with-a-further-stabbing-attack/e8455bbf-bb06-474f-8e1b-351232910bf5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The men will be sentenced at a later date.</p> <p dir="ltr">Image: Nine News</p>

Caring

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"He couldn't yell for help": Heartbroken dad speaks out

<p>The heartbroken father of six-year-old Joey Vines has spoken out about the tragic death of his young son. </p> <p>Joey's father Steven told police that while they were searching for the young boy while he was missing, he would not answer as he was non-verbal and unable to call for help. </p> <p>Police joined the frantic search for Joey on Sunday afternoon after he was reported missing in the Perth suburb of Booragoon. </p> <p>Just 90 minutes later, he was found unresponsive in their neighbours' swimming pool and tragically died later in hospital. </p> <p>Steven said life would never be the same without his "beautiful boy". </p> <p>“He was a beautiful little autistic boy, who couldn’t yell for help because he was non-verbal,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/wa/six-year-old-boy-couldnt-yell-for-help-after-falling-into-neighbours-pool-in-booragoon-c-6234952" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>.</p> <p>“He was a bloody special, special kid.”</p> <p>"We loved him to death and everyone that was in his life, he melted their bloody hearts."</p> <p>Joey leaves behind five siblings, who have all been left devastated by the accident. </p> <p>Steven said, “He couldn’t talk but we knew how to communicate with him. We loved him to death.”</p> <p>The six-year-old had just started school again at a facility for special needs children and was coming along in “leaps and bounds”, according to Steven. </p> <p>WA premier Mark McGowan offered his condolences to the grieving family. </p> <p>“Obviously a shocking thing and we were all hoping for the best, but it didn’t turn out that way. So can I pass on all our thoughts to little Joey’s family,” he said.</p> <p>Police say the death is not suspicious and a report will be prepared for the State Coroner.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News footage / WA Police</em></p>

News

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Heartbroken tradie's ute stolen with mother's ashes in glovebox

<p>A man from Queensland has been left heartbroken after his ute, with his mother’s ashes in the glove box was stolen.</p><p>Carpenter Kayden Holmes had left his key in the ignition of his white Holden Colorado as he loaded tools into the boot when a thief jumped in and sped off on Sunday.</p><p>The incident was captured on a neighbour’s security camera and the footage was shared on social media. The clip shows Mr Holmes’ attempt to stop the grab and dash before he was dragged along the road in Holmview, a residential suburb of Logan.</p><p>The tradie was left with an ankle injury after his foot was run over during the scuffle. He is now desperate for the return of his mother’s ashes, which had been placed inside a piece of jewellery following her death from cancer in 2015.</p><p>It’s unlikely the alleged thief knew the precious item was inside the glove box of the ute when it was taken.</p><p>“The car is replaceable, everything in that car is replaceable, but the ashes aren’t,” he told 7NEWS on Tuesday.</p><p>“I need them back, I don’t want them, I need them.”</p><p>Mr Holmes told Sunrise that he was now offering “a reward to anyone that comes forward with information leading to the name or the arrest, even just the ashes”.</p><p>“That’s just the last thing I have of mum and it takes a lot to make me upset, and we’ve gone through a lot of humps in this road, but this one has knocked me about a bit.”</p><p>Mr Holmes said he kept the ashes in his car as he liked to have his mother near him at all times.</p><p>“I just thought that having her in the car with me, she can come everywhere I go kind of thing, just to have that kind of reassurance.”</p><p>Queensland Police are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact them.</p><p><em>Image: 7 News</em></p>

Legal

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Prince Harry “heartbroken” over family divide

<p><span>Prince Harry may be happy and loved up with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie, in California – but reports say the family is reportedly “heartbroken” over family tensions that have raised since the pair decided to step down as senior members of the royal family.</span><br /><br /><span>A friend of the couple, journalist Tom Bradby — who toured southern Africa with the Sussexes for their documentary, Harry &amp; Meghan: An African Journey — shared his own personal thoughts on the move during Sunday’s episode of ITV’s Love Your Weekend.</span><br /><br /><span>When asked if he believes the pair are happier in California, he said: “I think they are feeling better, yes … So are they unhappy? No, I think they are content, the things they are doing they are quite excited by.”</span><br /><br /><span>“I think he is heartbroken by the situation with his family. You don’t necessarily need to have knowledge to know that, but I think it is true.”</span><br /><br /><span>Bradby went on to say, “The situation with the family clearly isn’t ideal and it has been a very difficult year for them all, but are they unhappy out there? No, I don’t think that’s right, I think they are pretty happy actually, but I think they wrestle with their position in life, I think they all do. I think William does too, I don’t think he finds it easy.”</span><br /><br /><span>“There were phone and video calls over the Christmas and New Year holiday and the Sussexes sent presents to the Cambridges and vice versa,” royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET. “Things are a lot better between William and Harry. If you go back a year at that stage, these brothers were barely on talking terms.”</span></p>

Family & Pets

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Heartbroken grandmother of baby shaken to death by dad speaks out

<p><span>The heart stricken grandmother of a murdered newborn says she feels sick in the stomach that his killer could spend less than seven years behind bars.</span><br /><br /><span>Joseph McDonald, 23, was sentenced in Victoria’s Supreme Court on Tuesday to nine years’ jail after he pleaded guilty to child homicide.</span><br /><br /><span>The man will serve six years and eight months behind bars before he will be eligible for release on parole.</span><br /><br /><span>McDonald is a cannabis and video game addict, and shook seven-week-old Lucas in a fit of anger before returning to his video games at their Benalla home in Victoria’s northeast in October 2019.</span><br /><br /><span>The baby died five days later at a Melbourne hospital from severe head injuries.</span><br /><br /><span>When he was contented by Lucas’ mother at the hospital, McDonald ran off and hid in a horse shed in the southeastern suburbs for two days.</span><br /><br /><span>“He’s taken my grandson’s life away forever,” grandmother Sharon Mills said to <em>7NEWS.</em></span><br /><br /><span>Baby Lucas’ mother, Samantha Duckmanton, has been left devastated by the minimum jail term of six years and eight months along with Ms Mills.</span><br /><br /><span>“She just can’t stop crying. She just can’t believe how,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>Family friend Maddy Newell described McDonald as “gutless” and “weak” and said she believes he would “think he really hasn’t done the damage that he’s done to us”.</span><br /><br /><span>Justice Stephen Kaye accepted McDonald showed some remorse for his violent actions.</span><br /><br /><span>He has already spent 410 days behind bars and this will count towards his sentence.</span></p>

Caring

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The letters to Santa that will leave you heartbroken

<p>A little boy’s sweet letter to Santa has broken the hearts of thousands online after he admitted he just wants to be loved.</p> <p>The young boy, known as Will, wrote a letter to Father Christmas as part of the US Postal Service’s “Operation Santa”, an initiative that helps children and families in need at Christmas.</p> <p>In his handwritten note, Will said all he wants for Christmas is to be loved the way he is.</p> <p>He wrote: “Dear Santa, do you support the LGBTQ community?</p> <p>“And if you can speak to God can you tell him I love him and [ask] if he loves me for being gay?</p> <p>“Thank you. Love, Will.”</p> <p><img style="width: 325.47169811320754px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838953/screen-shot-2020-11-27-at-114254-am.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0038ae4a3d224784aafff131860dcfb3" /></p> <p>The heartwrenching message was posted to the postal service’s website, which then made its way on to Twitter.</p> <p>“This letter to Santa broke my heart,” wrote Twitter user Nancy.</p> <p>Her tweet ended up going viral and garnered 200,000 likes and over 22,000 retweets.</p> <p>“This hurts my heart so much. I hope Will and all the other little LGBTQ+ babies know (and get told) they’re so, so loved,” one person wrote.</p> <p>“Being a queer kid is so difficult. I hope this little boy knows that God does love him no matter what,” another said.</p> <p>Others said they were “crying” and a “blubbering mess” after reading the note.</p> <p><img style="width: 320.4272363150868px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838954/screen-shot-2020-11-27-at-114306-am.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bbaf55a583dd49d2bbaf5d4fb1d43e60" /></p> <p>Some of the other emotional letters including a child asking for help to pay his parent's bills.</p> <p>“We also need internet so I can study,” the child said.</p> <p>One girl called Kayla asked Santa to bring her a sofa bed, saying her parents spell on a sofa in their one-bedroom unit.</p> <p>She added that her dad “works a lot” and she doesn’t want him to wake with “back pain”.</p> <p>Another child, Almir, spoke about his mum who recently passed away from cervical cancer, and said how hard it has been on his entire family.</p> <p>He asked Santa to help his loved ones at Christmas, and also asked for some gloves and a coat to keep him warm.</p> <p>“These break my heart,” one person declared.</p> <p>“This is the most heart breaking thing,” another agreed.</p> <p>Operation Santa began in the US in 1912 when Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorised local Postmasters to allow postal employees and citizens to respond to the letters – a program that eventually became known as Operation Santa.</p>

Caring

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Heartbroken mum shares warning after son dies of carbon monoxide poisoning

<p>A family day out boating has turned into tragedy for the Free family after her 9-year-old son died of carbon monoxide poisoning.</p> <p>Despite each adult on board having 20+ years of boating experience, the death has come to a shock as the family.</p> <p>Andy spent the day at the rear of the boat and fell unconscious into the lake.</p> <p>His mother, Cassandra Free, had no idea that could happen.</p> <p>“One of the things we hadn’t considered was the long no-wake zone,” Free explained, referring to the area of the lake where boats must maintain slower speeds.</p> <p>“We had no idea it was so dangerous. Prior to that we had been out doing our normal stuff, tubing, wakesurfing.” Wakesurfing is a water sport where a rider trails behind the boat, riding the boat’s wake.</p> <p>"I didn’t know this. No one I know knew this. It’s called open-air carbon monoxide poisoning. Another friend looked into and found that it can also happen on other recreational vehicles like 4-wheelers. Our little Andy, our Dude, was probably slowly dying that afternoon/evening and we didn’t know it. He would’ve been tired. His head would’ve started to hurt. Sounds like too much sun after a long, physically draining day of wakeboarding, wake surfing, and tubing," she shared in a heartbreaking post on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/cassi.free/posts/10224706671240635" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">Facebook</a>.</p> <p>Gasoline powered boats can emit carbon monoxide, and as many boats' generators vent toward the back of the boat, this is how Andy passed away.</p> <p>“Looking back, hindsight is 20/20,” said Free tearfully.</p> <p>“It was not unusual for our kids to be tired and cranky. You’re out in the sun all day,” she said, as the parents initially thought he was tired from the sun.</p> <p>She and her husband Brett are parents to sons Johnathan, 15, and Blake, 13.</p> <p>“We were packing and cleaning up and the kids are groaning that they don’t feel good, just want to take a nap,” she recalled.</p> <p>“My husband got Blake, my middle son, up.</p> <p>“When he tried to get Andy, the boat just rocked and Andy rolled off. My husband, he was like, ‘What the heck?’”</p> <p>Brett and two other men were able to find Andy, but he was unresponsive.</p> <p>“They were able to recover him but he never breathed another breath,” said Free.</p> <p>“They did CPR forever, it seemed before emergency services came. The doctors said there is zero brain activity. Even if they got a single breath, there would have been no quality of life.”</p> <p>She shared a Facebook post outlining her story to raise awareness about death due to carbon monoxide poisoning on boats.</p> <p>“It’s not common knowledge and we are going to have to be more proactive in sharing these stories,” she said.</p> <p>“Somebody is going to have to take a closer look at boat emissions. We post road signs to let people know there might be falling rocks or a sharp curve. But there are no signs to tell people to turn off their boats or warn people of the danger of carbon monoxide.”</p> <p>“Andy was supposed to grow up and save the world,” she said. “He still can. He can never grow up, but he can still save the world. His name will be forever tied to the lives he saved. That has become my mission. To make sure that no mom stands in my shoes.”</p> <p><em>Photo credits: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/mum-shares-warning-after-son-9-dies-of-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-on-boating-holiday-c-1346775" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">7News</a></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"Beautiful and caring": Dad pays tribute to autistic son

<div class="body_text "> <p>The father of an autistic teenager who was found dead after a two-day search in Victoria's Yarra Ranges has given a touching tribute to his son.</p> <p>William Wall, 14, went missing after he left his home to go for a walk and was tragically found dead around 34 hours later.</p> <p>William’s dad Shane Wall gave a touching tribute to his “beautiful and caring son” on Thursday morning via Facebook..</p> <p>“I wish I had better news regarding our beautiful and caring son and brother William Wall, unfortunately he is no longer with us,” Mr Wall wrote.</p> <p>“We don’t know how to begin to thank everyone who searched and supported us in the last 48 hours.</p> <p>“The list is endless. We are so fortunate to live in an amazing and supportive community.”</p> <p>Mr Wall told reporters that his son wanted to join the airforce, loved dogs and exercise and was energetic.</p> <p>“He loves exercise, 15 minutes to an hour, it’s not unheard of, he’s a decent-sized kid, very energetic, athletic,” Mr Wall said.</p> <p>“He’s a kid that sticks to himself, does all his school work, so this (his disappearance) is really out of the ordinary.”</p> <p>Friends and family are devastated and have passed on their condolences to the Wall family.</p> <p>“I’ve got no words, we are thinking of you all, and will treasure the memories of Wil as a little boy,” Maria Niksic posted.</p> <p>Tony Carden said Mr Wall was one of the “most dedicated dads” he knew.</p> <p>“My heart breaks for you and your family,” he said.</p> <p>“This is the cruellest blow to one of the most dedicated dads I know. Know that Will and you are loved by many.</p> <p>“I wish you and your family all the very best in drawing on your great strength to move forward.”</p> <p>Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews passed on his condolences at his daily media briefing.</p> <p>“On behalf of all Victorians I would like to send our love and support, our condolences and best wishes to the family of William Wall,” he said.</p> <p>This is a terrible tragedy and one that has touched every single Victorian.</p> <p>“To every member of William’s family we say how sad we are, we’re sharing your grief, your loss and any support that we can provide to you we stand ready to do that.”</p> <p><em>Photo credits: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/dad-shane-wall-pays-tribute-to-beautiful-and-caring-son-william/news-story/d6da6fbee2e700f734e671e7940e48d4" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">news.com.au</a></em></p> </div>

News

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Moving photo shared by heartbroken Lisa Curry

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Former Australian Olympian Lisa Curry is struggling to cope with her daughter Jaimi Curry Kenny's death after attending her funeral.</p> <p>The 33-year-old died of an undisclosed illness last Monday and was farewelled at a small event on the weekend.</p> <p>Lisa shared a touching photo of the two of them with her Instagram colours.</p> <p>“I don’t know what to do...” the heartbreaking caption read.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFaecAADrFo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFaecAADrFo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">😞💔👼 I don’t know what to do....</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/lisacurry/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Lisa Curry AO</a> (@lisacurry) on Sep 21, 2020 at 2:28pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Lisa shared her daughter's funeral, describing it as "perfect, beautiful, quiet, pretty and sparkly".</p> <p>“Yesterday, as the sun was setting, we said goodbye to you, our Jaimi,” Curry wrote on Sunday.</p> <p>“As the last sun rays filtered through the trees onto you, fairy lights flickering everywhere around, with the most divine flowers surrounding you, and a room full of unconditional love, we farewelled you.... always our bubba.</p> <p>“It was just perfect... beautiful, quiet, pretty and sparkly... just the way you would have wanted it.</p> <p>“Our little angel, you can now rest peacefully. Free of pain, free to flourish and free to grow, free to just be...</p> <p>“Jaimi...as dad and I lovingly held you when you took your first breath, we lovingly held you as you took your last.</p> <p>“Jaimi, my love, our hearts are aching, but know you will be forever with us, and forever loved wherever we go.</p> <p>“Goodnight sweet girl... we hope you have a nice long sleep.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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MasterChef fans left heartbroken after fan favourite goes home

<p><em>MasterChef</em><span> fans have been left reeling after fan favourite Reece Hignell was eliminated from the competition over a mediocre vegetarian dish, tearing up as he was told to hang up his apron.</span></p> <p><span>Reece, who originally appeared on the show in season 10, became flustered in the last elimination before finals week, as he fumbled over a beetroot and goats cheese starter that Jock Zonfrillo labelled “just nice”.</span></p> <p><span>As he exited the kitchen, he said he was “heartbroken” by the call.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">OMG!! I'm so devastated that <a href="https://twitter.com/reece_hignell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reece_hignell</a> has gone home. I just wanted to reach through the TV and give him a great big hug!! 😭😭😭 I'm gonna miss you so much Reece!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a></p> — Beki Pennywise-Myers 🔪 (@PennywiseMyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/PennywiseMyers/status/1282271554630369281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Hard luck <a href="https://twitter.com/reece_hignell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reece_hignell</a> it’s such a high standard. You should be super proud mate, you were awesome - catch up soon xx <a href="https://twitter.com/masterchefau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@masterchefau</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a></p> — Darren Purchese (@DarrenPurchese) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenPurchese/status/1282271524351688706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">First Poh, now Reece. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a> really out here trying to kill me before COVID does.</p> — Courtney Gould (@heyycourtt) <a href="https://twitter.com/heyycourtt/status/1282271158717435904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <p><span>It came after a challenge that saw the contestants serve up their creations to six of Australia’s top chefs, with Orana chef Jock particularly unimpressed by the plate of food, deeming it “not finals worthy”.</span></p> <p><span>The four cooking contestants; Callum, Emelia, Laura and Reece – with Reynold watching from the gantry – were asked to make a four-course meal for the judges and six other high-profile guest chefs from across the country.</span></p> <p><span>Emelia managed to nab dish of the day with her barramundi and leek course, with Laura’s lamb a close second.</span></p> <p><span>But between Callum’s overpowering, “confused” dessert and Reece’s underwhelming veggies, it was Reece who was forced to say goodbye.</span></p> <p><span>“Reece your portions were just not quite right, your seasoning was out, and we all felt it just wasn’t finals worthy. So I’m sorry Reece, that’s why you’re going home,” Jock had said of the beetroots with hazelnut, chocolate, goats cheese with a lemon myrtle vinaigrette.</span></p> <p><span>“OK,” responded a visibly upset Reece, as he hung his head.</span></p> <p><span>While tasting the dish, Jock had been the most damning, telling the fellow judges and guest chefs: “It’s a nice dish, but we weren’t looking for nice today, somebody’s going home today and I don’t think nice is good enough.”</span></p> <p><span>After hearing the verdict, Reece said: “I just love everyone in this room. I’m so grateful to meet you guys and have that support.</span></p> <p><span>“Obviously these guys,” he added, gesturing to his fellow contestants, “So much inspiration from each and every one of you, and to call them my friends is unreal. Overall this experience just means a lot to me.”</span><br /><span>Speaking to the camera of his eviction, Reece said he was “heartbroken".</span></p> <p><span>“It’s a sad, sad moment, but I really appreciate what I’ve done since I’ve been there … To do it twice is special.”</span></p> <p><span>“And I got to meet Katy Perry, and I’m still star struck,” he added with a laugh.</span></p>

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