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Housemates charged with murder of missing teen Pheobe Bishop

<p>Two housemates of missing teenager Pheobe Bishop have been charged with her murder, exactly three weeks after she vanished on her way to the airport in what police have called a suspicious disappearance.</p> <p>James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were arrested in the Bundaberg area on Thursday night. They have each been charged with one count of murder and two counts of interfering with a corpse.</p> <p>Despite the arrests, Queensland Police said Pheobe’s remains have not yet been found.</p> <p>“The remains of Pheobe Bishop have not been located to date,” police said in a statement late Thursday. “Detectives continue to investigate this matter, and physical searches will continue as needed as information is provided.”</p> <p>Wood and Bromley are expected to appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday.</p> <p>Seventeen-year-old Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg Airport at around 8:30am on May 15. She had booked a flight to Western Australia to visit her boyfriend but never checked in, and CCTV confirmed she never entered the terminal.</p> <p>Her disappearance triggered a major police search across parts of southern Queensland, including the Gin Gin property where she lived with Wood and Bromley. That house, along with a grey Hyundai ix35 believed to have been used to take her to the airport, was declared a crime scene early in the investigation.</p> <p>The search also extended to Good Night Scrub National Park, about an hour from Bundaberg. Cadaver dogs, divers, and homicide detectives combed the remote bushland, seizing items believed to be linked to the case. Police believe some evidence may have been removed from the area before their arrival.</p> <p>Wood was briefly taken into custody on Wednesday before being released without charge – until his re-arrest the following evening.</p> <p>Both he and Bromley had previously faced unrelated weapons charges.</p> <p>Pheobe’s mother, Kylie Johnson, has been posting emotional updates on social media since her daughter disappeared, pleading for answers and clinging to hope. On Thursday night, after news of the murder charges broke, she said her family had been “shattered”.</p> <p>“Our world has just been shattered into the most horrific place I’ve ever been,” she wrote. “I need my baby home to put her to rest! I’m absolutely begging anyone that knows anything to come forward. We need to put her to rest, we need to put her to peace.”</p> <p>Throughout the past three weeks, Johnson has shared memories of Pheobe. “I don’t know if life will ever be the same again,” she wrote on Wednesday. “The emotional connection, love and friendship has always been unmatched and unquestioned.”</p> <p>Police have urged anyone with information about Pheobe’s disappearance or the whereabouts of her remains to come forward as the investigation continues.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / Qld Police</em></p>

Legal

Housemate arrested as search for missing Qld teen enters third week

<p>The housemate of missing Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop has been arrested as part of the police investigation into her disappearance, three weeks after the 17-year-old vanished.</p> <p>James Wood, 34, was taken into custody in Bundaberg on Wednesday and is assisting police with inquiries. While no charges have been laid, his arrest marks a significant development in a case that has gripped the state and devastated Pheobe’s family.</p> <p>Pheobe was last seen on May 15 when she was due to board a flight at Bundaberg Airport but failed to show. Her disappearance prompted an intensive search of her home in Gin Gin, near Bundaberg, and surrounding bushland, including the vast Good Night Scrub National Park.</p> <p>That physical search, involving Queensland Police and the State Emergency Service (SES), was officially suspended on May 28 after five days of combing through the rugged terrain. Police say that, while ground operations have paused, the investigation remains active and multiple leads are still being followed.</p> <p>“There are currently no physical searches for Pheobe at this stage, however physical searches will happen as needed and as information is provided,” a police spokesperson said.</p> <p>The arrest of Wood comes amid mounting public scrutiny and a desperate plea from Pheobe’s mother, Kylie Johnson, who posted an emotional update on Facebook as the search entered its 20th day.</p> <p>“I don’t know if life will ever be the same again,” she wrote. “What I do know is that people have information on where you are, Phee, and we need that reported to police.”</p> <p>Ms Johnson also shared a photograph of Pheobe and urged the public to come forward with any sightings or footage of a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/people-don-t-vanish-police-step-up-search-for-missing-teen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grey Hyundai ix35 with Queensland registration 414 EW3</a> – a vehicle owned by Wood, which police believe Pheobe was travelling in before her disappearance.</p> <p>Pheobe’s case has attracted widespread attention and support online, but it has also exposed Ms Johnson to heartless trolling – particularly after she appeared in a police video appeal asking for information. Despite the backlash, Ms Johnson has continued to post daily messages in the hope of keeping her daughter’s case in the public eye.</p> <p>“My posts aren’t public to defend myself or react to negative comments,” she wrote. “In fact, negative comments also draw conversations and that’s what we as a family need to bring Phee home.”</p> <p>She has called for empathy amid the criticism, writing: “Show me how to navigate this? Show me how to deal with the unknown and the uncertainty? Show me how to use perfect language and emotion in a situation that no parent ever wants to be in.”</p> <p>Queensland Police reiterated that the greater Gin Gin area remains a focus of the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local police station.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police / Facebook</em></p>

Legal

Why do some people need less sleep than others?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Have you ever noticed how some people bounce out of bed after just a few hours of sleep, while others can barely function without a solid eight hours?</p> <p>Take Margaret Thatcher, for example. The former British prime minister was known for sleeping <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22084671">just four hours a night</a>. She worked late, rose early, and seemed to thrive on little sleep.</p> <p>But for most of us, that kind of sleep schedule would be disastrous. We’d be groggy, unfocused, and reaching for sugary snacks and caffeinated drinks by mid-morning.</p> <p>So why do some people seem to need less sleep than others? It’s a question that’s fascinated scientists for years. Here’s what we know so far.</p> <h2>Natural short sleepers</h2> <p>There is a small group of people who don’t need much sleep. We call them <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6879540/">natural short sleepers</a>. They can function perfectly well on just four to six hours of sleep each night, often for their entire lives.</p> <p>Generally they <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/44/Supplement_2/A154/6260529">don’t feel tired</a>, they don’t nap, and they don’t suffer the usual negative consequences of sleep deprivation. Scientists call this the natural short sleep phenotype – a biological trait that allows people to get all the benefits of sleep in less time.</p> <p>In 2010 researchers discovered genetic mutations that help explain this phenomenon. Natural short sleepers carry rare variants <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884988/">in certain genes</a>, which seem to make their sleep more efficient.</p> <p>More recently, a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/epub/10.1073/pnas.2500356122">2025 study</a> assessed a woman in her 70s with one of these rare mutations. Despite sleeping just six hours a night for most of her life, she remained physically healthy, mentally sharp, and led a full, active life. Her body, it seems, was simply wired to need less sleep.</p> <p>We’re still learning about how common these genetic mutations are and why they occur.</p> <h2>Not everyone who sleeps less is a natural short sleeper</h2> <p>But here’s the catch: most people who think they’re natural short sleepers aren’t. They’re just chronically sleep-deprived. Often, their short sleep is due to long work hours, social commitments, or a belief sleeping less is a sign of strength or productivity.</p> <p>In today’s hustle culture, it’s common to hear people boast about getting by on only a few hours of sleep. But for the average person, that’s not sustainable.</p> <p>The effects of short sleep build up over time, creating what’s known as a “sleep debt”. This <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763417301641">can lead to</a> poor concentration, mood swings, micro-sleeps (brief lapses into sleep), reduced performance and even <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945716301381">long-term health risks</a>. For example, short sleep has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).</p> <h2>The weekend catch-up dilemma</h2> <p>To make up for lost sleep during the week, many people try to “catch up” on weekends.</p> <p>This can help repay some of the sleep debt that has accumulated in the short term. Research <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352721823001663?via%3Dihub">suggests</a> getting one to two extra hours of sleep on the weekend or taking naps when possible may help reduce the negative effects of short sleep.</p> <p>However, it’s not a perfect fix. Weekend catch-up sleep and naps may not fully resolve sleep debt. The topic remains one of ongoing scientific debate.</p> <p>A recent <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/11/zsae135/7696120">large study</a> suggested weekend catch-up sleep may not offset the cardiovascular risks associated with chronic short sleep.</p> <p>What’s more, large swings in sleep timing can disrupt your body’s <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03171-4">internal clock</a>, and sleeping in too much on weekends may make it harder to fall asleep on Sunday night, which can mean starting the working week less rested.</p> <p>Increasing evidence indicates <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/1/zsad253/7280269">repeated cycles of irregular sleep</a> may have an important influence on general health and the risk of early death, potentially even more so than how long we sleep for.</p> <p>Ultimately, while moderate catch-up sleep might offer some benefits, it’s no substitute for consistent, high-quality sleep throughout the week. That said, maintaining such regularity can be particularly challenging for people with non-traditional schedules, such as shift workers.</p> <h2>So, was Thatcher a true natural short sleeper?</h2> <p>It’s hard to say. Some reports suggest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/aug/27/from-aristotle-to-einstein-a-brief-history-of-power-nappers">she napped during the day</a> in the back of a car between meetings. That could mean she was simply sleep-deprived and compensating for an accumulated sleep debt when she could.</p> <p>Separate to whether someone is a natural short sleeper, there are a range of other reasons people may need more or less sleep than others. Factors <a href="https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/how-much-sleep-do-you-really-need">such as age</a> and underlying health conditions can significantly influence sleep requirements.</p> <p>For example, older adults often experience changes in their circadian rhythms and are more likely to suffer from fragmented sleep due to conditions <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-019-02067-z">such as arthritis</a> or <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11886-023-01939-x">cardiovascular disease</a>.</p> <p>Sleep needs vary from person to person, and while a lucky few can thrive on less, most of us need <a href="https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/how-much-sleep-do-you-really-need">seven to nine hours</a> a night to feel and function our best. If you’re regularly skimping on sleep and relying on weekends to catch up, it might be time to rethink your routine. After all, sleep isn’t a luxury – it’s a biological necessity.<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/256342/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kelly-sansom-2390567">Kelly Sansom</a>, Research Associate, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Research Associate, Centre for Healthy Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-eastwood-2316718">Peter Eastwood</a>, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</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/why-do-some-people-need-less-sleep-than-others-a-gene-variation-could-have-something-to-do-with-it-256342">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em></p> </div>

Body

“We miss her every day": Arrest made in 30-year cold case breakthrough

<p>In a major breakthrough in a decades-old missing persons case, a 64-year-old man has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder in connection with the disappearance of Illawarra mother Pauline Sowry, last seen in 1993.</p> <p>Sowry, also known by her married name Pauline Lawrence, was 49 years old when she vanished from the northern suburbs of Wollongong in December 1993. Despite an unconfirmed sighting in 1994, a 2008 coronial inquest concluded she had likely died. Her case was reopened in 2022 under Strike Force Anthea, leading to Thursday’s arrest at a unit on Murphy's Avenue in Gwynneville.</p> <p>Police allege the man charged had a connection to Ms Sowry. He has also been charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.</p> <p>“The reason for his arrest is specifically in relation to the suspected disappearance of Pauline,” Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said during a press conference. “This is a significant development, and we wanted to tell the public as soon as possible.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Cassar declined to provide details about what led to the arrest but confirmed that investigations would continue “until we can locate Pauline”.</p> <p>Earlier this year, police and the Sowry family announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. While the reward has not yet been paid, Cassar acknowledged it acted as a catalyst for new leads in the case.</p> <p>One such lead included the discovery of clothing in bushland in Wollongong’s south, uncovered during a search nine months ago. The garments are still undergoing forensic examination, and authorities have not confirmed if they belonged to Ms Sowry.</p> <p>“We’ll continue to analyse that clothing and any additional items recovered from today’s search warrant,” Cassar added.</p> <p>Ms Sowry had recently separated from her husband at the time of her disappearance. He has since been ruled out as a person of interest. Her son, Jason Lawrence, welcomed the news of the arrest in a statement released Thursday.</p> <p>“We have waited more than 30 years to hear today’s news,” he said. “We miss her every day, and her disappearance has taken a huge toll on myself and our entire family. We thank the police officers for never giving up hope and we look forward to the outcome of this investigation.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Cassar acknowledged the emotional weight of the developments, calling it a “bittersweet time” for the family.</p> <p>The investigation remains active as police continue to search for answers and work towards justice for Pauline Sowry.</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police</em></p>

Family & Pets

"People don't vanish": Police step up search for missing teen

<p>The search for 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop has entered its second week, as Queensland Police continue to investigate her suspicious disappearance from Bundaberg.</p> <p>Pheobe was last seen on May 15, when her housemates claimed they dropped her off at Bundaberg Regional Airport around 8:30am. She was due to fly to Western Australia via Brisbane to visit her boyfriend, but police have since confirmed that she never entered the airport terminal or boarded her flight.</p> <p>Detectives have declared two active crime scenes: the Gin Gin home where Pheobe lived with a couple, and a grey Hyundai ix35 believed to have transported her to the airport. Investigators are combing both locations for clues.</p> <p>“Police have reviewed CCTV from the airport, which indicates that she did not enter the terminal,” said Detective Acting Inspector Ryan Thompson during a press conference. “This is a suspicious disappearance, and we’re treating it very seriously.”</p> <p>While no arrests have been made, police are speaking with individuals who knew Pheobe and are appealing to the public for help.</p> <p>Authorities are specifically requesting dashcam or CCTV footage of the grey Hyundai ix35, Queensland registration 414EW3, in the vicinity of Airport Drive and Samuels Road in Bundaberg, as well as the Gin Gin area on the day Pheobe vanished.</p> <p>“You may have the small piece of information that leads us to finding Pheobe,” said Thompson. “People don’t vanish – someone knows something, and we’re urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.”</p> <p>Pheobe’s family has distributed more than 400 missing person flyers across Bundaberg and Gin Gin and have been conducting their own searches through local rivers and bushland.</p> <p>She is described as being approximately 180cm tall, with a pale complexion, long dyed red hair, and hazel eyes. She was last seen carrying luggage and wearing a green tank top and grey trackpants.</p> <p>Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via the Queensland Police website.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Caring

More people are trying medicinal cannabis for chronic pain. But does it work?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>More Australians than ever are being prescribed <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medicinal-cannabis">medicinal cannabis</a>.</p> <p>Medicinal cannabis refers to legally prescribed cannabis products. These are either the plant itself, or naturally occurring ingredients extracted from the plant. These ingredients, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are called cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids are also made in labs to act like the ones in the plant.</p> <p>Medicinal cannabis comes in different forms, such as oils, capsules, dried flower (used in a vaporiser), sprays and edible forms such as gummies.</p> <p>Since regulatory changes in 2016 made medicinal cannabis more accessible, Australia’s regulator has issued <a href="https://dashboard-data.health.gov.au/single/?appid=1066afbe-2b37-427d-8c47-2caa5082cccc&sheet=088f611b-10de-4d72-be68-ccf8d12c54e9&select=clearall">more than 700,000 approvals</a>. (But approvals for medicinal cannabis don’t reflect the actual number of patients treated. One patient may have multiple approvals, and not all approved products are necessarily prescribed or supplied.)</p> <p>Around half of the approvals have been for chronic pain that isn’t caused by cancer.</p> <p>In Australia, chronic pain affects around <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-pain-in-australia/summary">one in five</a> Australians aged 45 and over, with an enormous impact on people’s lives.</p> <p>So what does the current evidence tell us about the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for chronic pain?</p> <h2>What the evidence shows</h2> <p>A <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1034">2021 review of 32 randomised controlled trials</a> involving nearly 5,200 people with chronic pain, examined the effects of medicinal cannabis or cannabinoids. The study found a small improvements in pain and physical functioning compared with a placebo.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29847469/">previous review</a> found that to achieve a 30% reduction in pain for one person, 24 people would need to be treated with medicinal cannabis.</p> <p>The 2021 review also <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1034">found</a> small improvements in sleep, and no consistent benefits for other quality of life measures, consistent with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29847469/">previous reviews</a>.</p> <p>This doesn’t mean medicinal cannabis doesn’t help anyone. But it suggests that, on average, the benefits are limited to a smaller number of people.</p> <p>Many pain specialists have <a href="https://theconversation.com/medicinal-cannabis-to-manage-chronic-pain-we-dont-have-evidence-it-works-157324">questioned</a> if the evidence for medicinal cannabis is sufficient to support its use for pain.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/recommendations/fpm6">Faculty of Pain Medicine</a>, the professional body dedicated to the training and education of specialist pain physicians, recommends medical cannabis should be limited to clinical trials.</p> <h2>What does the regulator say?</h2> <p>Guidance from Australia’s regulator, the <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-guidance-documents/guidance-use-medicinal-cannabis-treatment-chronic-non-cancer-pain-australia">Therapeutic Goods Administration</a> (TGA), on medicinal cannabis for chronic non-cancer pain reflects these uncertainties.</p> <p>The TGA states there is limited evidence medicinal cannabis provides clinically significant pain relief for many pain conditions. Therefore, the potential benefits versus harms should be considered patient-by-patient.</p> <p>The TGA says medicinal cannabis should only be trialled when other standard therapies have been tried and did not provide enough pain relief.</p> <p>In terms of which type of medical cannabis product to use, due to concerns about the safety of inhaled cannabis, the TGA considers pharmaceutical-grade products (such as nabiximols or extracts containing THC and/or CBD) to be safer.</p> <h2>What about people who say it helps?</h2> <p>This evidence may feel at odds with the experiences of people who report relief from medicinal cannabis.</p> <p>In clinical practice, it’s common for individuals to respond differently based on their health conditions, beliefs and many other factors. What works well for one person may not work for another.</p> <p>Research helps us understand what outcomes are typical or expected for most people, but there is variation. Some people may find medicinal cannabis improves their pain, sleep or general well-being – especially if other treatments haven’t helped.</p> <h2>What are the side effects and risks?</h2> <p>Like any medicine, medicinal cannabis has <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-guidance-documents/guidance-use-medicinal-cannabis-treatment-chronic-non-cancer-pain-australia#s9">potential side effects</a>. These are usually mild to moderate, including drowsiness or sedation, dizziness, impaired concentration, a dry mouth, nausea and cognitive slowing.</p> <p>These side effects are often greater with higher-potency THC products. These are becoming more common on the Australian market. High-potency THC products represent <a href="https://dashboard-data.health.gov.au/single/?appid=1066afbe-2b37-427d-8c47-2caa5082cccc&sheet=088f611b-10de-4d72-be68-ccf8d12c54e9&select=clearall">more than half of approvals in 2025</a>.</p> <p>In research studies, generally <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29847469/">more people experience side effects</a> than report benefits from medical cannabis.</p> <p>Medical cannabis can also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36317739/">interact with other medications</a>, especially those that cause drowsiness (such as opioids), medicines for mental illness, anti-epileptics, blood thinners and immunosuppressants.</p> <p>Even cannabidiol (CBD), which isn’t considered intoxicating like THC, has been linked to serious drug interactions.</p> <p>These risks are greater when cannabis is prescribed by a doctor who doesn’t regularly manage the patient’s chronic pain or isn’t in contact with their other health-care providers. Since medicinal cannabis is often prescribed through separate telehealth clinics, this fragmented care may increase the risk of harmful interactions.</p> <p>Another concern is developing cannabis use disorder (commonly understood as “addiction”). A 2024 study found <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624001844?via%3Dihub">one in four people</a> using medical cannabis develop a cannabis use disorder. Withdrawal symptoms – such as irritability, sleep problems, or cravings – can occur with frequent and heavy use.</p> <p>For some people, tolerance can also develop with long-term use, meaning you need to take higher doses to get the same effect. This can increase the risk of developing a cannabis use disorder.</p> <h2>How does it compare to other treatments?</h2> <p>Like many <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chronic-pain">medicines for chronic pain</a>, the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis is modest, and is not recommended as a sole treatment.</p> <p>There’s good evidence that, for conditions like back pain, interventions such as exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy and pain self-management education can <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-any-non-drug-treatments-help-back-pain-heres-what-the-evidence-says-253122">help</a> and may have fewer risks than many medicines.</p> <p>But there are challenges with how accessible and affordable these treatments are for many Australians, <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/getattachment/e0603085-695c-4fbb-b7d9-ba77057e5a97/Management-of-chronic-pain-in-a-rural-Australian-s.aspx">especially outside major cities</a>.</p> <h2>So where does this leave patients?</h2> <p>The growing use of medicinal cannabis for chronic pain reflects both a high burden of pain in the community and gaps in access to effective care. While some patients report benefits, the current evidence suggests these are likely to be small for most people, and must be weighed against the risks.</p> <p>If you are considering medicinal cannabis, it’s important to talk to your usual health-care provider, ideally one familiar with your full medical history, to help you decide the best approaches to help manage your pain.<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/256471/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/suzanne-nielsen-35849">Suzanne Nielsen</a>, Professor and Deputy Director, Monash Addiction Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/myfanwy-graham-2392855">Myfanwy Graham</a>, NHMRC Postgraduate Scholar and Fulbright Alumna in Public Health Policy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</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/more-people-are-trying-medicinal-cannabis-for-chronic-pain-but-does-it-work-256471">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em></p> </div>

Caring

Why do some people get a curved back as they age and what can we do to avoid it?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>As we age, it’s common to notice posture changes: shoulders rounding, head leaning forward, back starting to curve. You might associate this with older adults and wonder: will this happen to me? Can I prevent it?</p> <p>It’s sometimes called “hunchback” or “roundback”, but the medical term for a curved back is kyphosis.</p> <p>When the curve is beyond what’s considered normal (greater than 40 degrees), we refer to this as hyperkyphosis. In more <a href="https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2010.3099#_i12:%7E:text=gold%2Dstandard%20radiograph.-,Clinical%20Consequences%20of%20Hyperkyphosis,-Functional%20Limitations">severe cases</a>, it may lead to pain, reduced mobility and physical function, or lower quality of life.</p> <p>Here’s how it happens, and how to reduce your risk.</p> <h2>What causes a curved back?</h2> <p>A healthy spine has an elongated s-shape, so a curve in the upper spine is completely normal.</p> <p>But when that curve becomes exaggerated and fixed (meaning you can’t stand up straight even if you try), it can signal a problem.</p> <p>One common cause of a curved back is poor posture. This type, called postural kyphosis, usually develops over time due to muscle imbalances, particularly in younger people who spend hours:</p> <ul> <li>hunched over a desk</li> <li>slouched in a chair, or</li> <li>looking down at a phone.</li> </ul> <p>Fortunately, this kind of curved back is often reversible with the right exercises, stretches and posture awareness.</p> <p>Older adults often develop a curved back, known as age-related kyphosis or hyperkyphosis.</p> <p>This is usually due to wear and tear in the spine, including vertebral compression fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones of the spine (vertebrae).</p> <p>These cracks are most often caused by osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more fragile with age.</p> <p>In these cases, it’s not just bad posture – it’s a structural change in the spine.</p> <h2>How can you tell the difference?</h2> <p>Signs of age-related hyperkyphosis include:</p> <ul> <li>your back curves even when you try to stand up straight</li> <li>back pain or stiffness</li> <li>a loss of height (anything greater than 3-4 centimetres compared to your peak adult height may be considered outside of “normal” ageing).</li> </ul> <p>Other causes of a curved back include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30407981/">Scheuermann’s kyphosis</a> (which often develops during adolescence when the bones in the spine grow unevenly, leading to a forward curve in the upper back)</li> <li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4347150/">congenital kyphosis</a> (a rare condition present from birth, caused by improper formation of the spinal bones. It can result in a more severe, fixed curve that worsens as a child grows)</li> <li>scoliosis (where the spine curves sideways into a c- or s-shape when viewed from behind), and</li> <li>lordosis (an excessive inward curve in the lower back, when viewed from the side).</li> </ul> <p>In addition to these structural conditions, arthritis, and in rare cases, spinal injuries or infections, can also play a role.</p> <h2>Should I see a doctor about my curved back?</h2> <p>Yes, especially if you’ve noticed a curve developing, have ongoing back pain, or have lost height over time.</p> <p>These can be signs of vertebral fractures, which can occur in the absence of an obvious injury, and are often painless.</p> <p>While one in five older adults have a vertebral fracture, as many as two-thirds of these fractures are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002934315010128?casa_token=DzXngmS6GIoAAAAA:3ub0V4PuHbKjrqO9xYDo8vx2m9k6tbOtmz4yIVzkQvH-VylhgO_KnKaTYDLXpiHc9_4Jz0iNdQ">not diagnosed and treated</a>.</p> <p>In Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Healthy Bones Australia <a href="https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/oa-racgp-osteoporosis-clinical-guidelines-2nd-ed.pdf">recommend</a> a spine x-ray for:</p> <ul> <li>people with kyphosis</li> <li>height loss equal to or more than 3 centimetres, or</li> <li>unexplained back pain.</li> </ul> <h2>What can I do to reduce my risk?</h2> <p>If you’re young or middle-aged, the habits you build today matter.</p> <p>The best way to prevent a curved back is to keep your bones strong, muscles active, and posture in check. That means:</p> <ul> <li>doing regular resistance training, especially targeting upper back muscles</li> <li>staying physically active, aiming for at least <a href="https://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/physical-activity">150 minutes per week</a></li> <li>getting enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support bone and muscle health</li> <li>avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to reduce risk factors that worsen bone density and overall wellbeing</li> </ul> <p>Pay attention to your posture while sitting and standing. Position your head over your shoulders and shoulders over your hips. This reduces strain on your spine.</p> <h2>What exercises help prevent and manage a curved back?</h2> <p>Focus on <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5112023/">exercises that strengthen the muscles</a> that support an upright posture, particularly the upper back and core, while improving mobility in the chest and shoulders.</p> <p>In general, you want to prioritise extension-based movements. These involve straightening or lifting the spine and pulling the shoulders back.</p> <p>Repeated forward-bending (or flexion) movements may make things worse, especially in people with osteoporosis or spinal fractures.</p> <p>Good exercises include:</p> <ul> <li>back extensions (gently lift your chest off the floor while lying face down)</li> <li>resistance exercises targeting the muscles between your shoulder blades</li> <li>weight-bearing activities (such as brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing, or dancing) to keep bones strong and support overall fitness</li> <li>stretching your chest and hip flexors to open your posture and relieve tightness.</li> </ul> <p>Flexibility and balance training (such as yoga and pilates) can be <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3700806/">beneficial</a>, particularly for posture awareness, balance, and mobility. But <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31034509/">research</a> increasingly supports muscle strengthening as the cornerstone of prevention and management.</p> <p>Muscle strengthening exercises, such as weight lifting or resistance training, reduces spinal curvature while enhancing muscle and bone mass.</p> <p>If you suspect you have kyphosis or already have osteoporosis or a vertebral fracture, consult a health professional before starting an exercise program. There may be some activities to avoid.</p> <h2>Can a curved back be reversed?</h2> <p>If it’s caused by poor posture and muscle weakness, then yes, it’s possible.</p> <p>But if it’s caused by bone changes, especially vertebral fractures, then full reversal is unlikely. However, treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and slow further progression.</p> <p>Protecting your posture isn’t just about appearance. It’s about staying strong, mobile and independent as you age.<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/252811/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jakub-mesinovic-2351870">Jakub Mesinovic</a>, Research Fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-scott-1258511">David Scott</a>, Associate Professor (Research) and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</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/why-do-some-people-get-a-curved-back-as-they-age-and-what-can-i-do-to-avoid-it-252811">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Life Care Home Health</em></p> </div>

Body

Missing mum of two found after 60 years

<p>In a stunning breakthrough to one of America's longest-running cold cases, a woman who disappeared more than 60 years ago has been found alive and well – living in another state and expressing “no regrets” for leaving her past behind.</p> <p>Audrey Backeberg was just 20 years old when she vanished on July 7, 1962, from her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, where she lived with her husband, Ronald Backeberg, and their two young children. Her sudden disappearance launched a decades-long search that ultimately went cold – until now.</p> <p>In a press release issued Thursday, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ms Backeberg had been located alive following a renewed investigation into her case earlier this year.</p> <p>“Through diligent investigative work, which included a thorough re-evaluation of all case files and evidence, combined with reinterviewing witnesses and uncovering new insights, the Sheriff’s Office is now able to report that Audrey Backeberg is alive and well,” the department announced.</p> <p>The cold case was reassigned in March to Detective Isaac Hanson, who led the breakthrough investigation. His review included interviews with old witnesses, analysis of historical evidence, and a key lead involving a relative’s Ancestry.com profile.</p> <p>“That was pretty key,” Hanson told WISN, describing how the online genealogy database helped him trace public records that eventually led to a current address. Once the address was identified, Hanson contacted the local sheriff’s department in the area. “Ten minutes later, she called me,” he said.</p> <p>In a 45-minute phone conversation with Detective Hanson, Ms Backeberg confirmed her identity and shared that she left her family to escape what she described as an abusive and dangerous home environment.</p> <p>“She sounded happy. Confident in her decision. No regrets,” Hanson said.</p> <p>Just days before her disappearance in 1962, Ms Backeberg had filed a criminal complaint alleging that her husband had beaten her severely and threatened her life. Despite this, the couple remained in the home together, with their children.</p> <p>On the day she vanished, Audrey reportedly left to collect a paycheck from her job at a woollen mill – but never returned. Rumours and conflicting accounts emerged over the years, including claims from a 14-year-old babysitter who said she saw Ms Backeberg hitchhike to Madison and take a bus to Indiana. Later, the same individual, when re-interviewed as an adult, claimed Audrey may have ingested pills before departing and might have connected with local construction workers.</p> <p>For decades, her family believed Audrey would never willingly abandon her children. Her husband reportedly spent years chasing leads, but no trace of her was ever found – until now.</p> <p>While authorities have not disclosed the state where Ms Backeberg currently resides, Detective Hanson said she had been living safely and independently all these years.</p> <p>“She just moved on from things and led her life,” he said.</p> <p>Authorities have closed the case with the confirmation that Audrey Backeberg left of her own volition and was not in danger at any point during the six decades she was missing.</p> <p><em>Images: Wisconsin Police</em></p>

Family & Pets

Does technology cause ‘digital dementia’ in older people?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1181712/full">how we learn</a> and creating considerable <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240197">philosophical and legal challenges</a> regarding what it means to “outsource thinking”.</p> <p>But the emergence of technology that changes the way we live is not a new issue. The change from analogue to digital technology began around the 1960s and this “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/digital-revolution#:%7E:text=Explained%20by%20the%20online%20encyclopedia,and%20proliferation%20of%20digital%20computers">digital revolution</a>” is what brought us the internet. An entire generation of people who lived and worked through this evolution are now entering their early 80s.</p> <p>So what can we learn from them about the impact of technology on the ageing brain? A comprehensive <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02159-9">new study</a> from researchers at the University of Texas and Baylor University in the United States provides important answers.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=818&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=818&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=818&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1028&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1028&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1028&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A man wearing a suit speaking into a microphone." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Manfred Spitzer first introduced the ‘digital dementia’ hypothesis in 2012.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MJK62574_Marc_Reichwein_und_Manfred_Spitzer_(Frankfurter_Buchmesse_2018)-A.jpg">Marc Reichwein/Wikipedia</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Published today in Nature Human Behaviour, it found no supporting evidence for the “digital dementia” hypothesis. In fact, it found the use of computers, smartphones and the internet among people over 50 might actually be associated with lower rates of cognitive decline.</p> <h2>What is ‘digital dementia’?</h2> <p>Much has been written about the potential <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/memory-mind-and-media/article/media-technology-and-the-sins-of-memory/4F169E671DFA95639E971B43B5E4D57A">negative impact from technology on the human brain</a>.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.imrpress.com/journal/jin/21/1/10.31083/j.jin2101028">“digital dementia” hypothesis</a> introduced by German neuroscientist and psychiatrist <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/3426276038?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au">Manfred Spitzer</a> in 2012, increased use of digital devices has resulted in an over-reliance on technology. In turn, this has weakened our overall cognitive ability.</p> <p>Three areas of concern regarding the use of technology have previously been noted:</p> <ol> <li> <p>An increase in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2021.600687/full">passive screen time</a>. This refers to technology use which does not require significant thought or participation, such as watching TV or scrolling social media.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17470218211008060">Offloading cognitive abilities</a> to technology, such as no longer memorising phone numbers because they are kept in our contact list.</p> </li> <li> <p>Increased <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36256-4">susceptibility to distraction</a>.</p> </li> </ol> <h2>Why is this new study important?</h2> <p>We know technology can impact how our brain <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hbm.24286?casa_token=982zQ5d6qNoAAAAA%3ALwtDMOIwyaXWJVj-NuiT9_JVhXbWtytWOu5saKJE9xsbPzlisGxdE7-gLnWcvQthoHQvXZX_NbINyE8">develops</a>. But the effect of technology on how our brain <em>ages</em> is less understood.</p> <p>This new study by <a href="https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/clinical-neuropsychologists">neuropsychologists</a> Jared Benge and Michael Scullin is important because it examines the impact of technology on older people who have experienced significant changes in the way they use technology across their life.</p> <p>The new study performed what is known as a <a href="https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current/chapter-10">meta-analysis</a> where the results of many previous studies are combined. The authors searched for studies examining technology use in people aged over 50 and examined the association with cognitive decline or dementia. They found 57 studies which included data from more than 411,000 adults. The included studies measured cognitive decline based on lower performance on cognitive tests or a diagnosis of dementia.</p> <h2>A reduced risk of cognitive decline</h2> <p>Overall, the study found greater use of technology was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431098/">Statistical tests</a> were used to determine the “odds” of having cognitive decline based on exposure to technology. An odds ratio under 1 indicates a reduced risk from exposure and the combined odds ratio in this study was 0.42. This means higher use of technology was associated with a 58% risk reduction for cognitive decline.</p> <p>This benefit was found even when the effect of <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">other things</a> known to contribute to cognitive decline, such as socioeconomic status and other health factors, were accounted for.</p> <p>Interestingly, the magnitude of the effect of technology use on brain function found in this study was similar or stronger than other known protective factors, such as physical activity (approximately a 35% risk reduction), or maintaining a healthy blood pressure (approximately a 13% risk reduction).</p> <p>However, it is important to understand that there are <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">far more studies</a> conducted over many years examining the benefits of managing <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.821135/full">blood pressure</a> and increasing <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10828294/">physical activty</a>, and the mechanisms through which they help protect our brains are far more understood.</p> <p>It is also a lot easier to measure blood pressure than it is use of technology. A strength of this study is that it considered these difficulties by focusing on certain aspects of technology use but excluded others such as brain training games.</p> <p>These findings are encouraging. But we still can’t say technology use <em>causes</em> better cognitive function. More research is needed to see if these findings are replicated in different groups of people (especially those from <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(20)30062-0/fulltext">low and middle income countries</a>) who were underrepresented in this study, and to understand why this relationship might occur.</p> <h2>A question of ‘how’ we use technology</h2> <p>In reality, it’s simply not feasible to live in the world today without using some form of technology. Everything from paying bills to booking our next holiday is now almost completely done online. Maybe we should instead be thinking about <em>how</em> we use technology.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30284-X/fulltext">Cognitively stimulating activities</a> such as reading, learning a new language and playing music – particularly in early adulthood – can help protect our brains as we age.</p> <p>Greater engagement with technology across our lifespan may be a form of stimulating our memory and thinking, as we adapt to new software updates or learn how to use a new smartphone. It has been suggested this “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494322002643?casa_token=-z-X7mF4Ar0AAAAA:X2UXk92rbfa8uXdJFltbUhBonZqRl4b2dTaJyZdKogQiPXR9b6maghPnZll5VQwoVVL6_3uW#bib0032">technological reserve</a>” may be good for our brains.</p> <p>Technology may also help us to stay <a href="https://aging.jmir.org/2022/4/e40125/">socially connected</a>, and help us stay <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40985-020-00143-4">independent for longer</a>.</p> <h2>A rapidly changing digital world</h2> <p>While findings from this study show it’s unlikely all digital technology is bad for us, the way we interact and rely on it is rapidly changing</p> <p>The impact of AI on the ageing brain will only become evident in future decades. However, our ability to adapt to historical technological innovations, and the potential for this to support cognitive function, suggests the future may not be all bad.</p> <p>For example, advances in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/1/43">brain-computer interfaces</a> offer new hope for those experiencing the impact of neurological disease or disability.</p> <p>However, the potential downsides of technology are real, particularly for younger people, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44159-024-00307-y">poor mental health</a>. Future research will help determine how we can capture the benefits of technology while limiting the potential for harm.<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/254392/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nikki-anne-wilson-342631">Nikki-Anne Wilson</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</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/new-study-finds-no-evidence-technology-causes-digital-dementia-in-older-people-254392">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Mind

"Miss you so much": John Travolta's touching family tribute

<p>Hollywood icon John Travolta has posted an emotional tribute to his late son, Jett, in honour of what would have been his 33rd birthday.</p> <p>Travolta, 71, took to Instagram to share a touching throwback photo of Jett as a young child, accompanied by a simple but deeply moving caption: "Happy birthday Jett – I miss you so much! Love you forever!"</p> <p>Jett, the eldest child of Travolta and his late wife, actress Kelly Preston, tragically passed away in 2009 while the family was on holiday in The Bahamas. He was just 16 years old. An autopsy later revealed that Jett had suffered a fatal seizure.</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/DIZIjRwpbbp/?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/DIZIjRwpbbp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The loss devastated the family, who described Jett as "the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for", in a statement at the time. "He lit up the lives of everyone he encountered," they added. "We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time that we had with him for the rest of our lives."</p> <p>Jett had battled multiple health challenges throughout his life. In a 2012 interview on <em>The Doctors</em>, Preston revealed that her son had been autistic and had a history of seizures. She also shared that he had suffered from Kawasaki Syndrome as a young child, and that the couple believed environmental factors may have contributed to his health issues.</p> <p>The family found hope again in 2010, when they welcomed their youngest child, Benjamin, 18 months after Jett's passing. Travolta and Preston also shared their daughter, Ella, now 25.</p> <p>Preston herself faced her own private battle with illness, passing away in July 2020 at the age of 57 after a quiet fight with breast cancer.</p> <p>In 2021, Travolta opened up about a heartbreaking conversation he had with Benjamin, who had expressed fear of losing his father after his mother’s passing. "Ben said to me once, 'Because mum passed away, I'm afraid you're going to,'" Travolta recalled during an appearance on Kevin Hart’s <em>Hart to Heart</em>.</p> <p>Travolta gently explained life’s uncertainties to his young son. "Nobody knows when they're gonna go or when they're going to stay," he told Ben. "You just do your best at trying to live the longest you can."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Sad end to search for missing Queensland mother

<p>The family of Tayla Spies, a 29-year-old mother-of-three who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/major-breakthrough-over-mother-of-three-missing-for-two-months" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vanished over two months ago</a>, has confirmed the devastating news that human remains found near her abandoned vehicle belong to her.</p> <p>Her sister, Rebecca Spies, shared the heartbreaking update in an emotional post on Facebook on Sunday.</p> <p>“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the devastating loss of our beautiful Tayla,” she wrote. “Although she may no longer be here with us, she will always be in our hearts and I will carry her with me wherever I go.”</p> <p>Rebecca expressed deep gratitude to the many people who supported the family throughout the agonising search for Tayla.</p> <p>“We truly will be forever grateful to our family and friends for surrounding us, supporting us, picking us up when we fell down and for never letting us walk one step of this alone," she said. "Tayla was and always will be so incredibly loved, more than she would ever know. Please bear with us as we grieve and navigate through this excruciating loss as a family.”</p> <p>Tayla’s disappearance on February 2 sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Roma. She had been on a weekend trip with her partner in Dalby, several hours from home, when she was last seen. After leaving the Windsor Hotel, she set off alone in her white 2017 Toyota HiLux, while her partner travelled separately.</p> <p>She was later seen refuelling at a service station in Condamine. However, in a puzzling turn of events, Tayla did not follow her usual route home to Roma. Instead, she unexpectedly turned onto the Carnarvon Highway towards the New South Wales border after reaching Surat – a decision that left her family baffled.</p> <p>“Nobody knows why she turned left in Surat to head south instead of north to Roma,” Rebecca had previously told the <em>Brisbane Times</em>. “A number of people had heard from Tayla over the weekend that she disappeared, and she had told everybody on Sunday, February 2, that she was coming home to Roma.”</p> <p>In the painful weeks that followed, there had been no activity on Tayla’s bank accounts or phone, and she heartbreakingly missed her 29th birthday. Police mounted an intensive search, scouring a sprawling 9,000 square kilometres across Western Downs, from Yuleba and Wullumbilla South to Teelba, Glenmorgan and Meandarra.</p> <p>Hope turned to heartbreak on April 3, when Tayla’s HiLux was discovered. Human remains were located nearby shortly after.</p> <p>In a tearful TikTok video, Rebecca revealed that she received the devastating call on Friday. “The police and my family do believe those remains are Tayla’s,” she said. “I was told, at 12.25, that they found remains and it’s most likely my sister.”</p> <p>As of now, police are yet to formally confirm the identity of the remains.</p> <p>Loved ones remember Tayla as a devoted mother and cherished sister whose life was tragically cut short. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and begin the painful journey of healing.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p>

Caring

Major breakthrough over mother of three missing for two months

<p>Authorities have located a ute believed to belong to Tayla Spies, a Queensland mother of three who vanished more than two months ago.</p> <p>Spies, 29, was last seen on CCTV footage at a service station in Condamine on Sunday, February 2. She had spent the weekend with her partner in Dalby but failed to return home to Roma. Since her disappearance, she has not contacted any family or friends, heightening concerns for her safety.</p> <p>Police confirmed on Frida morning that they discovered Spies’ white Toyota Hilux in Noorindoo, approximately 40km north-east of Surat. Officers were alerted to the vehicle’s presence on a property along Yuleba-Sarat Road at about 3pm. A search of the vehicle revealed some of Spies’ belongings inside, though authorities have not disclosed specific details about the items found.</p> <p>Before its recovery, the ute was last seen on CCTV traveling down Surat’s main street at 11:10am on the day she went missing. This sighting remains a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have since resumed extensive searches in the area in hopes of finding further clues about her whereabouts.</p> <p>Spies is described as Caucasian, approximately 170cm tall, with a slim build, brown shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. She has the word "KARMA" tattooed across her chest. Her family and friends continue to plead for any information that might help locate her.</p> <p>Police and local search teams have been scouring the surrounding area, using drones, tracking dogs, and ground search crews to cover as much terrain as possible. Despite these efforts, there have been no confirmed sightings of Spies since she was last seen on CCTV in Condamine.</p> <p>Authorities urge anyone with information regarding her disappearance to come forward. Whether it be a small detail or a major lead, investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen Spies or her vehicle. Those with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or their nearest police station immediately.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p>

Legal

5 mistakes people make setting financial goals

<p>In discussions around money and goal setting, people talk a lot about financial freedom. What does that mean to you, though? We might redefine money as ‘a unit of choice’, because the more money you make, the more choices you have. Everyone’s aspirations are different, which is one reason why there’s no one-size-fits- all approach to wealth.</p> <p>It’s time to begin to understand what financial freedom means to you, because how on earth are you going to get there, if you don’t know where <em>there</em> is? How will you craft a strategic wealth-building plan when you don’t know what your target is? How will you know if you are making the right decisions in the right areas, decisions that are intentionally and systematically advancing you towards your outcomes. Here are some of the big mistakes I see people make when setting financial goals.</p> <h2>Mistake #1: They have none!</h2> <p>Without a goal, how will you know what to steer towards? You are left just ‘hoping’ that one day things will work out. With no clear direction to head towards, any actions you take are more or less random. You’re often left sitting idle and going nowhere fast, just swept along by whatever current comes your way.</p> <h2>Mistake #2: They make them too big</h2> <p>This might seem counterintuitive, especially since the typical conversation about personal development emphasises aiming for big, ambitious goals. And while these can be valuable, helping to elevate your thinking and giving you something inspiring to work towards, the problem arises when they are your only focus. Without smaller, achievable milestones to serve as stepping stones, the gap between where you are now and your ultimate goal can feel overwhelming. This can make it hard for your subconscious mind to fully commit, leading to procrastination or self-sabotage due to fear of not knowing how to get there. </p> <h2>Mistake #3: They make them too small</h2> <p>While small goals may seem manageable, they can lack the power to ignite your motivation or emotional drive or to be the catalyst that pulls you towards something greater than who and where you are in life right now. Small, uninspiring goals can make it easy to remain complacent. Without a purpose or vision that stretches you, there’s no real incentive to pursue them with passion. They don’t create the emotional connection that’s essential for driving sustained effort and overcoming obstacles. As a result, you may never fully commit to these goals, and they end up being more like tasks to check off a list than meaningful milestones on your path to success.</p> <h2>Mistake #4: They are vague and wishy-washy</h2> <p>When your goals are unclear and lack focus, they are difficult to achieve. Goals like ‘I want to be rich’ of ‘I want more money’ are too broad to provide any real direction. Without concrete details – such as specific numbers, deadlines or actionable steps – you don’t have a clear path to follow. Vague goals make it hard to measure progress or stay motivated, because there’s nothing tangible to work towards. As a result, your efforts can become inconsistent, and it’s easy to lose focus. Without clarity, you can’t point your actions in a specific direction, which makes it unlikely you’ll make any meaningful progress. A well-defined goal, on the other hand, creates a roadmap and keeps you accountable along the way.</p> <h2>Mistake #5: They have no plan to make it real</h2> <p>Setting a clear goal is undeniably important but it’s only part of the process. Just because someone says they want a specific outcome does not mean they will achieve it. Yet many people fixate solely on the goal itself, or they try to manifest wealth and happiness through the ‘law of attraction’ alone.</p> <p>Most people spend 95 per cent of their time focusing on setting the goal and only 5 per cent on the actions needed to achieve it. Do you see the flaw in that approach? Instead, reverse the focus. Spend 5 per cent of your time defining the goal, and 95 per cent of your time working towards making it a reality. This is where having the right system becomes crucial.</p> <p>How do we break free from impotent goal setting and instead craft a set of financial goals that are not only big, beautiful and inspiring, but achievable. By setting targets that are tangible and tactical and are going to set you up to win, you become more than who you are right now.</p> <p>In the end, a goal without a plan is just an idea. A plan without a goal is simply directionless effort. It may keep you busy, but it won’t lead you anywhere meaningful. Both the goal and the plan must work together – one providing the destination, the other offering the roadmap. I always tell my clients they will never out-earn themselves. If you want to level up your results in life, you have to first level up as a person and raise the standards in how you choose to play the game.</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from Escape the Middle (Wiley $32.95) by Todd Polke. Todd is an investor, entrepreneur and international educator in investing and wealth creation. For over two decades, he has guided thousands of individuals in growing and scaling their wealth to achieve financial independence. Find out more at <a href="https://www.portfoliowealth.com%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.portfoliowealth.com </a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

"Future leader": Search resumes for missing police officer

<p>Authorities are set to resume the desperate search for a Queensland police officer who went missing while surfing in New South Wales.</p> <p>Detective Inspector Jay Notaro was last seen surfing before his surfboard and keys were discovered at Broken Head in NSW’s Northern Rivers region at approximately 12:40pm on Tuesday.</p> <p>Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers described Mr Notaro as a highly regarded officer with a promising future in the force.</p> <p>“Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police,” Leavers told <em>The Courier Mail</em>. “He is not only a friend, he is one of the future leaders of the organisation. I’m praying, he’s just a champion.”</p> <p>The extensive search operation on Tuesday involved Tweed/Byron Police, Police Rescue, Marine Area Command, Queensland PolAir and Surf Life Saving NSW.</p> <p>A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that search efforts would continue on Wednesday morning, focusing on areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, with particular attention to Broken Head.</p> <p>Authorities and colleagues remain hopeful as the search continues for the experienced officer, with many praying for his safe return.</p> <p><em>Images: 9News</em></p>

Caring

More young people are caring for a loved one with dementia. It takes a unique toll

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Dementia is a growing health problem, affecting more than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia">55 million people</a> around the world.</p> <p>In Australia, an estimated <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures">433,300 people</a> are living with dementia. This figure is projected to rise to 812,500 by 2054.</p> <p>Dementia <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia">refers to brain disorders</a> that are not a normal part of ageing. These disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, cause a decline in cognitive function and changes in mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. Ultimately they affect a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks.</p> <p>In Australia, around <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2020/10/06/research-backs-home-based-program-for-people-living-with-dementi.html">75% of people with dementia</a> live at home.</p> <p>While dementia care at home has traditionally been associated with older spouses or middle-aged children, it seems an increasing number of young adults in their 20s and 30s, and <a href="https://www.ncb.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/young_people_caring_for_adults_with_dementia.pdf">even teenagers</a>, are stepping into this role to care for grandparents, parents or other loved ones.</p> <p>In Australia, 3 million people (11.9% of the population) are carers. This includes <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release">391,300 under 25</a> – a sharp rise from 235,300 in 2018.</p> <p>How many young carers are specifically caring for a loved one with dementia is unclear, and something we need more data on. Young dementia carers remain largely invisible, with minimal recognition or support.</p> <h2>Unique challenges and the burden of responsibility</h2> <p>Unlike older carers, who may have more financial stability and free time, young carers often must balance caregiving with university, early-career pressures, and personal development, including maintaining social relationships, pursuing hobbies, and prioritising mental welling.</p> <p>In Australia, where <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/media/more-young-adults-living-parents">51% of men and 43% of women</a> aged 20–24 still live with their parents, many young carers will have limited experience in managing a household independently.</p> <p>They’re often thrust into <a href="https://www.ncb.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/young_people_caring_for_adults_with_dementia.pdf">complex responsibilities</a> such as cooking, housework, managing the family budget, coordinating medical appointments and administering medications.</p> <p>Beyond that, they may need to provide physical care such as lifting or helping their loved one move around, and personal care such as dressing, washing, and helping with toileting.</p> <p>All this can leave young carers <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/PROM.S499063">feeling unprepared</a>, overwhelmed and isolated.</p> <p>While general support groups exist for dementia carers and young carers more broadly, few cater specifically to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9819145/">young adults caring for someone with dementia</a>.</p> <p>This lack of targeted support is likely to heighten <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13676261.2024.2390899?casa_token=6Q73sIFsfssAAAAA:1rQ7NyiiHkwTwIk4mkk6d2r5tiUxeXJDCKTfIohKmHzCue9xvuj5r4e8-fowJGQeIYKe6afuO9FT">feelings of isolation</a>, as the young person’s friends struggle to relate to the emotional and practical burdens <a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12877-020-01976-z.pdf">young carers face</a>.</p> <p>The demanding nature of caregiving, combined with the difficulty of sharing these experiences with peers, means young dementia carers can become <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/14713012211023653?src=getftr&utm_source=tfo&getft_integrator=tfo">disconnected socially</a>.</p> <h2>The psychological toll</h2> <p>These challenges take a profound <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/carers-statistics">psychological toll</a> on young carers.</p> <p>Research shows young carers are <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9263065/">35% more likely</a> to report mental health issues than their non-caregiving peers. These can include <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1471301220980243">depression</a>, anxiety and burnout.</p> <p>Again, we don’t have data on mental health outcomes among young dementia carers specifically. But <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/carers-and-care-needs-of-people-with-dementia/impact-of-the-caring-role-on-carers">in Australia</a>, 75% of dementia carers reported being affected physically or emotionally by their caring role. Some 41% felt weary or lacked energy, and 31% felt worried or depressed.</p> <p>Also, there are negative stereotypes about ageing – that people turn forgetful, frail, and need constant care. For young carers whose loved ones have dementia, these stereotypes <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01662.x?casa_token=w0MW7GGY80gAAAAA:szB0XyXKPG_XMqAVyAHLm0Tye8yH3TYXK9X5cFCSIRkorhsNHx4Wgurmy_oAuZKsTsskS6kBw9Vr">can be reinforced</a> by their experience. This could shape young carers’ perceptions of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2025.2464705?utm">their own future health</a> and wellbeing and increase anxiety about ageing.</p> <p>Caregiving may also affect <a href="https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/faq/health-effects">physical health</a>. Research suggests carers often sacrifice <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyg.12354">healthy habits</a> such as exercise and a balanced diet. What’s more, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyg.12354">carers report symptoms</a> including poor sleep, fatigue, headaches and back pain due to the physical demands of caregiving.</p> <h2>Caring for a parent – a role reversal</h2> <p>This emotional burden is particularly acute for those caring for a parent. These young carers are likely to experience the progressive loss of parental support, while simultaneously assuming the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1471301220988231">demanding role of caregiver</a>.</p> <p>A significant portion of young dementia carers support parents with <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/dementia-in-priority-groups/population-health-impacts-of-younger-onset-dementi">young-onset dementia</a>, a form of dementia diagnosed before age 65. These <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1471301220988231">young carers</a> face the shock of a diagnosis that defies typical expectations of ageing.</p> <p>The burden may be compounded by fears of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0038026119874280?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.9">genetic inheritance</a>. Young onset dementia often has a <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet">hereditary component</a>.</p> <p>This means young carers may have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves – a concern spousal carers don’t have. This fear can fuel health anxiety, alter life planning, and create a pervasive <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26560507/">sense of vulnerability</a>.</p> <h2>How we can better support young dementia carers</h2> <p>Despite their growing numbers, young dementia carers <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JMDH.S464195">remain largely overlooked</a> in research, policy and support services. This is partly due to the challenges in engaging this demographic in research, as these young people juggle busy lives <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/gps.4502?casa_token=5-Ih4KcUejwAAAAA%3AOvuh8ghI_ednIzRZmHdUl-_C7EQ8IUw2Qp7E0-0Z9abjV0xT6I4WK17V2U8JMCcxMl9yvpawBeT-l7c">balancing caregiving</a> with education and work.</p> <p>Many young carers also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36353077/">don’t self-identify as carers</a>, hindering their access to support and resources. This could be because of the stigmatising label, or a feeling they’re <a href="https://www.ncb.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/files/young_people_caring_for_adults_with_dementia.pdf">not doing enough</a> to qualify as a carer. It could even be because of cultural norms which can frame caregiving as a family obligation, rather than a distinct role.</p> <p>Nonetheless, young dementia carers require <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/127">targeted support</a> beyond generic caregiving resources.</p> <p>This support might include specialised <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JMDH.S464195">peer networks</a>, educational programs, and practical skills training. Tailored programs and resources should ideally be <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/127">co-designed with young dementia carers</a> to ensure they meet their unique needs and preferences.</p> <p>With dementia cases in Australia and elsewhere <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures">projected to increase</a>, the demand for informal carers – including young adults – will continue to grow.</p> <p>Without intervention, these young carers risk burnout, social isolation, and long-term health consequences. We must ensure flexible, age-appropriate support for this often invisible group. Investing in young dementia carers is not just a moral imperative – it’s a crucial step toward a sustainable, compassionate care system for the future.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/family-friends-and-carers">Dementia Australia</a> offers a national helpline, information sessions, and a peer-to-peer connection platform for carers.</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/">The Young Carers Network</a>, run by <a href="https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/">Carers Australia</a>, offers mental health resources, financial guidance, and respite care information, plus bursaries young carers can apply for to reduce financial pressure.</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/249361/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katya-numbers-784650">Katya Numbers</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow & Lecturer, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/serena-sabatini-2320527">Serena Sabatini</a>, Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-surrey-1201">University of Surrey</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/more-young-people-are-caring-for-a-loved-one-with-dementia-it-takes-a-unique-toll-249361">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Caring

Tragic end in search for missing six-year-old

<p>A desperate search for a missing six-year-old girl in southern New South Wales ended in tragedy on Sunday after authorities discovered a body in bushland.</p> <p>Airlie Montgomery was reported missing in North Nowra at around 2:15 pm, prompting an urgent police appeal for public assistance. Given her young age and medical conditions, authorities expressed grave concerns for her welfare.</p> <p>The little girl was last seen wearing a hot pink jumpsuit and no shoes, and police launched an extensive search operation to locate her. However, later that afternoon, a body was found in nearby bushland.</p> <p>While formal identification is yet to be completed, police believe the body belongs to the missing child. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death is now underway.</p> <p>NSW Police confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner as part of the ongoing inquiry.</p> <p>More details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police</em></p>

Caring

"Miss you every day": Brooke Warne's tribute to Shane

<p>Brooke Warne has shared an emotional tribute to her father Shane on the three-year anniversary since his sudden death. </p> <p>Cricket legend Shane died on March 4th 2022 in Ko Samui, Thailand, at the age of 52 following a suspected heart attack.</p> <p>Brooke, 26, wrote a heart-wrenching post about her dad, saying she misses him every day since his passing. </p> <p>She shared a series of photos with her dad throughout her life, captioning her post, "3 years without you Dad ❤️‍🩹 I miss laughing with you about the little things and there is so much I want to show you🤍."</p> <p>Brooke, who is the eldest of Warne's three children, added: "I know you're always with us, I love you ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 I miss you every day."</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/DGwBd3Vz43h/?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/DGwBd3Vz43h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by B R O O K E 🍿 W A R N E (@brookewarne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The post was flooded with comments, with Brooke's brother Jackson Warne commenting a red love heart underneath the post. </p> <p>In the years since his death, the sporting legend's children have honoured him and support the Shane Warne Legacy foundation as ambassadors.</p> <p>As the news of Shane's death first broke in 2022, Brooke admitted in a candid post that it didn't "feel real ".</p> <p>"It doesn't feel right, you were taken away too soon and life is so cruel," she said.</p> <p>"We were so similar in so many ways and I always use to joke that I got your genes and I use to joke about how much that annoyed me!! Well now I couldn't be happier and prouder that I have your genes."</p> <p>"And I was lucky and will forever be, so proud to call you my dad. I love you to infinity and back and I will miss you forever."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Search for missing fisherman called off

<p>Police have suspended their search for fisherman Paul Barning who fell overboard his boat during a fishing competition in New South Wales. </p> <p>The 58-year-old was competing in the Game Fishing Association state tournament off the Port Stephens coast on Sunday, when he fell overboard while trying to reel in large mako shark. </p> <p>Barning was helping his crew when became entangled in fishing wire and was dragged into the water as the shark darted back into the ocean.</p> <p>After a major three-day search, NSW Police have called off the search on Tuesday morning, with his family saying they “have no words” to describe how they are feeling. </p> <p>“Despite the efforts of searchers, the man has not yet been located and the search was suspended at 5pm today and will not resume (on Wednesday),” NSW Police said.</p> <p>The fisherman's wife, Leonie told <em>7News</em> that the family have mixed emotions after the search was suspended, but are extremely grateful to everyone involved. </p> <p>“We just want to send out a huge thank you to everyone involved in the search and rescue, we were informed every step of the way,” she said.</p> <p>“And a huge thank you to the whole fishing community. We have been overwhelmed with kindness from everyone.</p> <p>“Our family meant everything to Paul, he would never hesitate to do the same for anyone else.”</p> <p>It is understood the fisherman was not wearing a life jacket when he went overboard. </p> <p>Barning, a father-of-three, was an experienced game fisherman and the secretary and past president of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-barning-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe </a>has since been launched by NSW Game and Fishing Association president Steve Lamond, to assist Barning's family during this difficult time, with over $148,000 raised. </p> <p>“We are raising funds to assist the family through this tragic time so they can focus on processing their grief," the fundraiser read. </p> <p>“Anything you could give to assist will be greatly appreciated.”</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Marine Rescue/ Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

NT Chief Minister defends not acknowledging Indigenous people

<p>Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has defended her decision to not acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land during an emotional ceremony.</p> <p>Finocchiaro was one of eight speakers, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, at the event marking 83 years since Darwin was attack by Japanese aerial forces during WWII.</p> <p>Of the eight speakers, Finocchiaro was the only one to not acknowledge the Larrakia people at the beginning of her address. </p> <p>Explaining her decision on Tuesday, the minister said “I just don’t think every speaker needs to do it”.</p> <p>“The feedback I get from the community on acknowledgments of country is that Territorians ... feel like it’s been rammed down their throat,” she told <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/darwin-breakfast/chief-on-a-tuesday/104979612" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">ABC Darwin</a></em>.</p> <p>“This is how people talk to me about it so in my acknowledgment I acknowledged the veterans, I acknowledged all Territorians, I acknowledged serving men and women in our defence force and I was so proud.”</p> <p>Finocchiaro recalled the Welcome to Country given by Larrakia man James Parfitt prior to her speech, saying anything more from her was “tokenistic”.</p> <p>“People find it very divisive,” she said.</p> <p>“I think it’s very fair to have a welcome to country and they absolutely have their place but we’ve just been indoctrinated by a Labor government over eight years who have shamed people into feeling like they have to do something that lacks a genuine nature and is tokenistic.”</p> <p>Larrakia elder Richard Fejo, who was at the ceremony, was one of many who were appalled by the minister's actions, and described her decision as “embarrassing”.</p> <p>“(My grandfather and his brother) were down there at the wharf, pulling men out of the waters that were injured, and then they had to clean up the deceased,” he told the ABC.</p> <p>“When the chief minister fails to acknowledge Larrakia people at the Bombing of Darwin, she’s directly talking about my grandfather … and the other Larrakia men that fought side-by-side with non-Aboriginal people … we fought as one.”</p> <p>Labor MP Manuel Brown said on Facebook it was “very concerning when the chief minister doesn’t acknowledge the traditional owners in her speeches as she did today”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

Mystery illness kills more than 50 people within hours

<p>An unknown illness has killed more than 50 people in northwestern Congo over the past five weeks, according doctors on the ground and the World Health Organisation (WHO). </p> <p>The interval between the onset of symptoms - which include fever, vomiting and internal bleeding - and death has been 48 hours in the majority of cases, and “that’s what’s really worrying”, according to Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring centre.</p> <p>The outbreak began on January 21, with 419 cases recorded including 53 deaths.</p> <p>According to WHO's Africa office, the outbreak began in the town of Boloko after three children ate a bat and died within 48 hours following the “hemorrhagic fever” symptoms. </p> <p>While these symptoms are commonly linked to known deadly viruses, such as Ebola, dengue, Marburg and yellow fever, researchers have ruled these out following a series of tests of more than a dozen samples collected so far. </p> <p>The tests were conducted after the second outbreak of the mystery disease in the town of Bomate on February 9, with samples from 13 cases sent to the National Institute for Biomedical Research in DR Congo’s capital Kinshasa for testing, the WHO said.</p> <p>All samples were negative for common hemorrhagic fever diseases, although some tested positive for malaria.</p> <p>The number of outbreaks from diseases spreading from animals to humans in places where wild animals are popularly eaten has been a concern, with outbreaks in Africa surging by more than 60 per cent in the last decade, the WHO said in 2022.</p> <p>Last year, another mystery flu-like illness that killed dozens of people in another part of Congo was determined to be likely malaria. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

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