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9/11 victim’s remains identified nearly 23 years after terror attack

<p dir="ltr">Almost 23 years on from the deadly attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, a victim’s remains have been identified. </p> <p dir="ltr">John Ballantine Niven, 44, was an executive at Aon Risk Services, an insurance firm on the 105th floor of Tower Two of the Trade Centre complex in September 2001. </p> <p dir="ltr">Niven is the 1,650th victim identified from the deadliest act of terrorism on American soil, when hijackers crashed planes into the Twin Towers, killing 2,753 people on September 11th. </p> <p dir="ltr">At the time of his death, he left behind a wife and an 18-month-old son, with his body remaining unidentified until now. </p> <p dir="ltr">“While the pain from the enormous losses on September 11th never leaves us, the possibility of new identifications can offer solace to the families of victims,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m grateful for the ongoing work from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner that honours the memory of John Ballantine Niven and all those we lost.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In recent years, the medical examiner’s office has been utilising modern advanced DNA technology to identify victims through their remains. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We will forever remember our heroes who perished on 9/11 and we appreciate the continuous efforts of forensic experts to help identify victims,” Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said in a separate statement. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re hopeful that this amazing advance in technology helps bring peace to Niven’s family and allows him to eternally rest in peace.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Roughly 40 percent of victims of the World Trade Centre attack have yet to have their remains identified, as few full bodies were recovered when the towers collapsed.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 13pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / legacy.com </em><span id="docs-internal-guid-d265186e-7fff-17e5-ac35-9495d9fb314a"></span></p>

Caring

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"Shameful": Betting company slammed for 9-11 themed "Never Forget" promo

<p>DraftKings, a prominent sports betting company in the US, has found itself in hot water on social media this past Monday when it featured a parlay with a 9/11 theme on its mobile app – on the 22nd anniversary of the infamous terror attacks of September 11.</p> <p>Social media users were quick to share screenshots of the DraftKings app late on Sunday night, revealing a parlay named "Never Forget". This special parlay entailed wagering on the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and New York Jets to secure victories on Monday, marking the 22nd anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.</p> <p>The parlay's description urged users to "Bet these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11," drawing sharp criticism from the online community. Many expressed their disapproval of DraftKings seemingly attempting to profit from the solemn occasion.</p> <p>The parlay remained accessible on the app throughout Sunday night and into Monday morning, further fuelling public discontent over the sports betting company's decision.</p> <p>However, DraftKings eventually removed the parlay on Monday and issued an official apology for its inclusion. Their statement read, "We sincerely apologise for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11. We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected."</p> <p>Bret Eagleson, who leads the 9/11 Justice organisation, an advocacy group representing families and first responders, strongly condemned DraftKings' offer as "tone-deaf".</p> <p>Eagleson, whose father, Bruce, tragically lost his life in the World Trade Centre attacks, emphasised to the Associate Press: "It is shameful to use the national tragedy of 9/11 to promote a business. We need accountability, justice, and closure, not self-interest and shameless promotion."</p> <p>DraftKings did not disclose how many individuals placed bets as a result of the 9/11-themed offer, leaving questions unanswered regarding the status of those wagers - whether they remain valid or if they have been cancelled.</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter (X)</em></p>

Legal

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How to double your money just by shopping during Super-September

<p>Did you know you can effortlessly boost your retirement savings simply by shopping – no strings attached? It might sound too good to be true, but thanks to <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Super-Rewards</a>, a leading cashback provider, this is now a reality. And what's more the process is free, with no ongoing costs, and is incredibly simple.</p> <p>Super-Rewards, a widely recognised program in the industry, operates much like typical cashback programs – but with one key difference: instead of receiving cash in your pocket immediately, your earnings are <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed into your superannuation fund</a> for later use. </p> <p>The best part? There are no fees or hidden costs; it's essentially free money when you shop at one of Super-Rewards' 500 <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC/category/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online partner stores</a> or 1,000 <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC/category/instore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">physical stores</a> across the country – including big names like Apple, Catch, eBay, EnergyAustralia, Virgin Australia, The Good Guys, Petbarn, Big W, Appliances Online, BWS, Adore Beauty and more.</p> <p>Spanning categories like food and drink, health, automotive, clothing, beauty and more, you are literally being paid towards your retirement just for doing the shopping you were going to do anyway.</p> <p>The beauty of Super-Rewards <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC/how-it-works/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lies in its versatility</a>; you can link your cashback to any super account with ease. All you need to do is shop through the Super-Rewards app, website, or in-store, using their browser extension.</p> <p>"Boosting your super contributions has never been more crucial, especially in light of recent ASFA research showing an increase in retirement living costs," says Pascale Helyar-Moray, CEO of Super-Rewards.</p> <p>Super-Rewards presents a simple and effective solution for accumulating wealth in your super through everyday spending.</p> <p>"Whether you're male or female, employed or not, earning super has never been this straightforward," adds Helyar-Moray. "Super-Rewards is a 'set and forget' strategy for wealth-building, accessible to all Australians. It's incredibly user-friendly."</p> <p>And now Super-Rewards has launched <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Super-September"</a>, during which users can earn a $10 bonus in their Super-Rewards account once they accumulate $10 in cashback between September 1st and October 31st. This offer is open to all Super-Rewards users, and cashback from all Super-Rewards retailers, both online and in-store, is eligible.</p> <p>Helyar-Moray explains, "We want to reward users with $10 for making responsible super contributions through Super-Rewards. While immediate cashback might be tempting, we understand that money spent today can't grow. Our mission is to foster responsible and sustainable wealth creation; we're excited to reward prudent super behaviour by contributing to our users' superannuation accounts."</p> <p>“This is about being smart in how you spend your money. You’re already buying groceries with MILKRUN, purchasing pet food at Petbarn, acquiring appliances at The Good Guys. It’s a no-brainer; you’re undertaking these activities anyway so you may as well be rewarded into your super for doing so, and let the power of compound interest help create a more financially secure retirement for you. It’s super – easy.”</p> <p><a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Super-Rewards</a> app is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.</p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://go.linkby.com/SNUFMPYC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Super-Rewards</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Income

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Say what? Here’s why you should check your hearing this September

<p dir="ltr">With Women’s Health Week held every September, it offers us a chance to really focus on the different aspects of our health that we might not think about in our day-to-day lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">For Lauren McNee, a clinical trainer and audiologist at Audika, this week provides the opportunity to check in with something many of us ignore: hearing loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Overall, Australians are not taking action to look after their hearing, with only one in five planning a hearing test in the next 12 months - compared to 39 percent who intend to get an eye test in the same period,” she tells <em>OverSixty</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over 1.5 billion people live with some form of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound loss that can affect one or both of your ears.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though we might not think about it all that much, we rely on our ability to hear to interact with the world around us, with the <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/hearing-loss#tab=tab_1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organisation</a> reporting that hearing loss can result in social isolation, loneliness and frustration, as well as $US 980 billion cost to the global economy each year.</p> <p dir="ltr">McNee says that taking the chance to check up on our ear health is particularly important as we age too, and should be among the various tests and check-ups we do to monitor our health.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we age, most of us will lose our hearing in some way, in a condition called presbycusis. According to the <a href="https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institue on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders</a>, most of us will experience a combination of noise-induced hearing loss - from listening to sounds that are too loud or last too long - as well as age-related hearing loss which can occur because of changes to our inner ear.</p> <p dir="ltr">For women, McNee says that those with hearing loss are <a href="http://archotol.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1835392">more likely to suffer from depression</a> - but there are some key signs to look out for to catch hearing loss early.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Some key signs to look for include difficulty following conversations, phone conversations may be unclear, people seem to be mumbling, difficulty locating where sounds are coming from, ringing or buzzing in the ears, or even finding that you have to keep turning up the volume on the TV or radio,” she explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When a person’s communication becomes limited due to hearing loss, this can result in withdrawal from social activities and can lead to isolation – which we know can be a gateway to experiencing symptoms of depression.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Who’s at risk of hearing loss?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Though McNee says hearing loss “doesn’t discriminate”, there are some factors that can increase your risk of losing your hearing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It depends on a few factors, including your age and risk factors such as family history, occupation, and any pre-existing conditions like diabetes – which is known to be linked to hearing loss,” McNee explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whether our hearing loss is due to exposure or age, the damage and changes in our ears can’t be reversed.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, there are ways to protect your ears from other causes of hearing loss and reduce your risk of further loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are exposed to loud noises regularly, like renovations, loud music or engines,  make sure you are taking steps to protect your ears at those times by wearing appropriate hearing protection,” McNee suggests.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you like to listen to music, especially with ear bud headphones, make sure the volume is such that you can still hear others around you or keep listening time down.”</p> <p dir="ltr">McNee also suggests checking your hearing regularly, and that an annual check-up if you’re over the age 50 is best.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We usually recommend that people that aren’t exhibiting hearing loss, but are over the age of 50, get screened once a year just to be safe,” McNee says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are at high-risk of hearing loss, or you are exhibiting symptoms, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Early detection can help reduce the risk of other related conditions such as depression.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, checking your hearing is a pretty quick and simple process, with tests offered in-person and online for free.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d617c227-7fff-f427-1c2a-dd98fef58d30"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Hearing

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Here’s what’s happening across Australia in September

<p dir="ltr">Spring has well and truly sprung, which means there’s plenty to do wherever you are in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">From festivals celebrating spring blooms to displays of Aussie art and theatre, here’s what’s happening this September.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Adelaide</strong></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-061e444a-7fff-b159-0725-b65e46b9cd4e">Enjoy a taste of Sicily's finest art without needing your passport at <em>Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition</em>. The exhibit, running until October 9, includes all 34 of the frescoes Michelangelo painted across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, reproduced in life-size form using special printing techniques.</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sistine-chapel1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The art is accompanied by an audio guide that will give visitors an insight into the artist's life.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hosted at Adelaide's Rundle Place, seeing the exhibit will set you back $30.20 for adults, $23.50 for seniors or $21 for kids, with tickets available <a href="https://feverup.com/m/116574" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sydney Fringe Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">After a two-year hiatus, Sydney’s celebration of the arts is back for another year, with the 2022 program boasting its longest ever runtime.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9ffdfa1d-7fff-d002-5355-b08c93560c1f"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">From August 16 til September 30, nine festival hubs around Sydney will host more than 500 events, with over 80 percent of the program being world premieres.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sydney-fringe.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">L<em>ocal talent and entertainers across all art forms will be featured in this year’s program. Images: Sydney Fringe Festival (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Films, theatre, musical acts, spoken word, comedy shows, and visuat art la will form the bulk of the program, with highlights including Sydney Fringe Sideshow, top-notch local talent at Made in Sydney, and Global Fringe - an online program taken straight from Edinburgh Fringe Festival.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find out what’s happening near you and lock in tickets, head <a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Darwin International Film Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Australia’s Top End will be welcoming a flood of cinema from all over the world for the Darwin International Film Festival.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3a04e626-7fff-3038-8c9e-3889e7383363"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The annual film festival will be showcasing 50 films from over 20 countries, with a focus on South-East Asian cinema, as well as Northern Australian and Indigenous stories and some of the NT’s top talent.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/darwin-film-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Darwin International Film Festival (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Kicking off from Thursday, September 15, the 11-night festival will be taking place across multiple venues, including a deckchair cinema, sundown screen on the Darwin waterfront and the Darwin Ski Club.</p> <p dir="ltr">To get tickets and scope out the full program, head <a href="https://www.diff.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Brisbane Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">For the entire month, Brisbane will be hosting a bounty of installations, theatre, circus acts, and more, with hubs in South Bank, Northshore Brisbane, West Village, and another seven mini-festivals in the surrounding suburbs.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f7160de1-7fff-6fea-f954-add3a1cbc8e3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">This year’s Brisbane Festival offers more than 580 performances across the city, including 230 free events, as well as the premiere and return of top-notch theatrical events at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/bris-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>This year’s program is packed with jawdropping installations and top-notch shows. Images: Brisbane Festival (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Highlights include:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/boq-festival-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBQ Festival Garden</a>, the all-ages playground offering plenty of food, wine and entertainment</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/west-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Village</a> - the home to larger-than-life installations of the planets, including the Museum of the Moon, Mars, and Gaia.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/2022/brisbanes-art-boat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane’s Art Boat</a>, a celestial floating art experience that boasts a unique water bar and performance program of sunset and sunrise cruises inspired by this year’s artwork, called The Spheres.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/brisbane-serenades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane Serenades</a> - a summery series of festivals heading to the suburbs - including block and warehouse parties, the MOSAIC Multicultural Festival, and music and food enjoyed in nature or by the water.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">To find out more about this year’s program and secure tickets, head <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>S&amp;R Blossom Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">What better way to celebrate spring than with some bright and cheerful blooms, and the <a href="https://www.srorchard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">S&amp;R Blossom Festival</a> in Walliston, Perth, has you covered.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7eb648d2-7fff-cacd-7a8f-317220e9ac1d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The three-week celebration of all things flowery - running from September 5-26 - is also packed with plenty of activities, including free tractor rides, bouncy castles and an animal farm, as welt as on-site food trucks, flower crown making on the weekends, and rides for the kids to enjoy.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/blossom-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: S&amp;R Orchard Perth (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Pets and picnic blankets are welcome, with tickets setting you back $12 for adults and $5 for kids over three.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Wisdom and Light</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The rooftop of Melbourne’s Golden Square parking lot will be taken over by a multi-sensory audio and visual experience called <em><a href="https://www.wisdomandlight.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisdom and Light</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-002b251c-7fff-17ff-b2a5-3283933bf2d1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Relying on cutting edge tech and fusing light, art and sound, the exhibit promises to take visitors through the story of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Buddhist organisation Fo Guang Shan, and his artwork.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/wisdom-light.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Wisdom and Light (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Once you’ve had your fill of vegetarian delicacies and enjoyed the illuminated Lotus Flower Sanctuary, the celebration continues in the adjacent gallery exhibiting his rare one-stroke calligraphy artwork - and the chance to try your hand at creating your own art.</p> <p dir="ltr">Running from September 1 until October 2, the exhibit will be open from 10am until 10pm daily, with tickets starting at $22 for concession, $27 for adults and free entry for kids under seven.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c0ff0410-7fff-584b-b982-93a4a84e0105"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Supplied / S&amp;R Orchard Perth (Facebook)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Aussies rush to claim refund before September 30 deadline

<p>NSW drivers could be owed up to $120 which could be theirs almost instantly – but time is running out.</p> <p>The NSW Government is offering a refund scheme on compulsory third party (CTP) green slips for those residing or have their car registered in the state.</p> <p>If eligible, motorists can claim up to $120, but the deadline is quickly looming as you have till September 30.</p> <p>So far, the NSW Government have refunded close to $195 million to 3,234,862 policyholders.</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/aussies-rush-to-claim-refund-before-september-30-deadline/news-story/c38defeccc35d58286701152e0d7e738" target="_blank"><em>news.com.au</em></a>, NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello urged all those eligible to claim their money.</p> <p>“Vehicle owners have just one week left to claim their refund worth up to $120. Don’t miss out – check your eligibility and claim your money via Service NSW,” he said.</p> <p>“Any unclaimed money will go back to drivers through reduced Green Slips levies in January 2020.</p> <p>“The refund is a double win for drivers who are now paying $490 on average for their Green Slips – the most affordable since 2011.”</p> <p>In order to claim, you’ll need to make sure you have your bank details on hand as well as a MyServiceNSW account.</p> <p>For more information, visit<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/fraud-and-regulation/reforms/ctp-green-slip-reforms/green-slip-refunds" target="_blank">Green Slip refunds</a><span> </span>at the State Insurance Regulatory Authority’s website.</p>

Money & Banking

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Never seen before video footage of Duchess Meghan emerges

<p>It may have been only a few seconds the camera graced the Duchess of Sussex’s face, but it sure was memorable for royal fans.</p> <p>In a short video to launch UK<span> </span><em>Vogue’</em>s September issue, the Duchess – who was reportedly around five months pregnant with baby Archie at the time the clip was shot – is shown working alongside the magazine’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful.</p> <p>With her baby bump on show to the world, the 37-year-old described working with the<span> </span><em>Vogue</em> team as “rewarding.”</p> <p>“These last seven months have been a rewarding process, curating and collaborating with Edward Enninful, British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, to take the year’s most read fashion issue and steer its focus to the values, causes and people making impact in the world today,” she said in a statement.</p> <p>The<span> </span><span>@</span>SussexRoyal Instagram account said of the partnership: “Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex is the first Guest Editor for British Vogue’s September Issue and for the last seven months has worked to create an issue of inclusivity and inspiration, focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ff0ctlVYT/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ff0ctlVYT/" target="_blank">A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)</a> on Jul 29, 2019 at 12:26am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Through this lens I hope you’ll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light.</p> <p>“I hope readers feel as inspired as I do, by the 'Forces for Change' they’ll find within these pages.”</p> <p>Duchess Meghan’s two brief appearances in the short film was purposeful and aimed to keep the attention away from herself and on the 15 women selected as “Forces for Change" for the empowering September issue of UK <em>Vogue</em>.</p>

Books

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This new road rule starts on September 1 – and comes with a hefty fine

<p>A new road rule designed to protect emergency service workers is coming in to effect from September 1 in New South Wales.</p> <p>Under the new law, drivers must slow to 40km/h when passing stationary emergency vehicles – which includes police cars, fire engines and ambulances – displaying red and blue flashing lights.</p> <p>Failure to comply with the rule will cost you $448 and three demerit points.</p> <p>The rule applies to drivers travelling in either direction unless the lanes are divided by a median strip.</p> <p>“The new road rule will provide extra protection for all emergency workers and volunteers who respond to crashes and other incidents on our roads,” said Bernard Carlon, head of the NSW Centre for Road Safety.</p> <p>“When you see the blue or red flashing lights on an emergency vehicle stopped on the road, safely reduce your speed so that you are not exceeding 40km/h when you pass.</p> <p>“Keep to 40km/h until you’ve safely passed all people and emergency vehicles.</p> <p>“We want to ensure that people protecting us on our road network don’t become casualties while doing their jobs. This rule will give extra protection and confidence that at the end of a shift they can go home safely to families and friends.”</p> <p>The new road rule will be trialled for 12 months before authorities decide whether or not to make the law permanent.</p> <p>Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia have similar rules in place whereas South Australia requires motorists to slow to 25km/h. Queensland has rejected calls for a similar road rule.</p>

Legal

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Analyst warns up to 1 million homeowners on the edge of mortgage default by September

<p>An independent analyst has warned that almost one million Aussie homeowners are “on the edge” of mortgage default in the next two months.</p> <p>Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North explained that if the big four banks go ahead and increase their standard variable rates by as little as 0.15 percentage points over the next few months, homeowners could default.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-11/up-to-1-million-households-may-go-into-mortgage-default-by-sept/9976268" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ABC</span></strong></em></a> reported that a number of Australian banks – such as Macquarie Bank, AMP, Bank of Queensland, Suncorp and ME Bank – have already started raising their interest rates on their ‘occupier loan’ products.</p> <p>Mr North told <em>ABC News</em> rate rises were almost a certainty, while Aussie Home Loans chief executive James Symond fears the repercussions of this will be locking out potential borrowers from obtaining a mortgage.</p> <p>“I'm almost certain they'll be forced to lift those rates, it's a question of timing, and of course the political reaction when it happens,” Mr North said</p> <p>Now, experts are looking to ANZ, Westpac, CBA and the NAB to make their next move.</p> <p>Mr North believes the rate rises will be in place by September, unless there is an unforeseen change in the global financial market that changes the course.</p> <p>“Today 975,000 households across Australia with owner-occupier mortgages are right on the edge, and there are around 50,000 who are already over the edge and are looking like they could default,” he said</p> <p>The ABC spoke to Commonwealth Bank chief economist Michael Blythe on some of the contributing factors to the predicted interest rise.</p> <p>“Well look all banks are facing the same issue, part of that funding pool that they draw on, be it domestically or overseas, we have seen some upwards pressures on interest rates in those areas,” he said. </p> <p>Mr North said borrowers would be given very little wiggle room with even just a very small interest rate change.</p> <p>With just an interest rate rise of 0.10 per cent, a homeowner in Sydney with a $750,000 mortgage would be required to pay an extra $60 a month.</p> <p>Aussie Home Loans chief executive James Symond told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/aussie-chief-warns-buyers-en-masse-won-t-be-able-to-afford-a-home-20180710-p4zqm5.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Sydney Morning Herald</span></strong></em></a> that a number of people would be “locked out” of the property market if banks continue to tighten credit access.</p> <p>“I’m hoping everyone is looking at it very, very carefully, because I’m seeing a credit marketplace tightening a lot, a real lot. And if we saw it tighten any more, I think that you mightn’t get the desired outcomes you want,” he said.  </p> <p>“You might get, en masse, a whole bunch of people that just simply can no longer afford a home, full stop. The big banks are concerned.”</p>

Money & Banking

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Australia’s new $5 banknote will arrive in September

<p>Australia’s new five-dollar banknote could be in your wallet in less than seven months.</p> <p>The next generations of fivers will fitting be released on National Wattle Day, September 1, as the new notes will feature native wattle.</p> <p>Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens said the notes will have a range of new security features.</p> <p>"The new series will also include a `tactile' feature to help the vision-impaired community distinguish between different denominations of banknotes," he said in a statement.</p> <p>The notes will still have the same colour, size and people portrayed on each denomination.</p> <p>"The public will recognise the new banknotes," Mr Stevens said.</p> <p>The release of the new notes marks the 50th anniversary year of Australia's conversion to the decimal currency system, where the nation switched to dollars and cents from pounds, shillings and pence.</p> <p>The full details of the new notes will be revealed in the middle of the year.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/01/financial-risks-of-finding-love-later-in-life/">The financial risks of finding love later in life</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/01/app-shows-you-where-the-rich-invest/">New app reveals where rich people invest</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/01/differences-in-how-we-use-credit-cards-and-cash/">Surprising differences in how we use credit cards and cash</a></em></strong></span></p>

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