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Best friends on the way to a wedding identified in fatal crash

<p>The best friends who were on their way to a wedding when they were struck in a fatal crash in Brisbane have been identified. </p> <p>Lily Galbraith, 24, and Emma McLean, 23, were travelling in a silver sedan through the Legacy Way tunnel on Wednesday at 3pm when they were hit by a black Audi. </p> <p>Ms Galbraith, a South Australian nurse who was originally from the Northern Territory, died in the crash, while Ms McLean is still fighting for her life in hospital after suffering critical injuries. </p> <p>The driver of the Audi, who also died in the crash, has been identified as former police officer Bruce Daley. </p> <p>After the Audi collided with the sedan, police believe the impact of the crash then pushed the sedan into a small truck, causing serious injuries to the driver of the truck.</p> <p>Mr Daley, who was medically retired from the Queensland Police Service in December 2014, had posted online about relationship struggles and loneliness over several years.</p> <p>Inspector Hansel said speed would be a “focus” of the investigation, with claims the Audi hit speeds of up to 200km/h before the crash.</p> <p>The Nurses and Midwives Memorial Page Australia paid tribute to Ms Galbraith on Thursday. </p> <p>“Rest in peace, Lily. Thank you for your service. Condolences to your family, friends and colleagues,” the post read.</p> <p>“All the very best for Emma and sending love to her family as they wait to see how her progress is. We are also thinking of the bride, groom and any wedding guests also mourning.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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“Let’s share it”: Karl’s wild idea to save the Brisbane Olympics

<p>Karl Stefanovic has become the unlikely face of a good idea, pitching a revolutionary way to save the Brisbane Olympics from disaster. </p> <p>The 2032 games will be the first time Australia has hosted the event since Sydney in 2000, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to make the pilgrimage to the sunshine state to watch their favourite sports. </p> <p>Despite the building excitement for the games, the Queensland government has copped backlash in recent weeks over the preparations for the event, after Premier Steven Miles announced he would bin a $3.4 billion plan to build a new inner-city stadium in Victoria Park in time for the Olympics.</p> <p>Instead, the premier plans to use the exisiting Suncorp Stadium to host the opening and closing ceremonies, while the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre will host the athletics events.</p> <p><em>Today</em> host and Brisbane native Karl Stefanovic has labelled the plan as a “seismic international embarrassment” and in a strange turn of events, even offered up a good suggestion for how to fix it.</p> <p>“So how about we share the Olympics across the country, opening ceremonies in all the major already existing stadiums, events split among world-class facilities and the rest of the events showcasing this great country to the world,” he said.</p> <p>“We’ll have the triathlon on the Gold Coast, the cycling in Far North Queensland, the surfing at Bells Beach, the marathon past Uluru, the shooting in Longreach, it could be a magnificent two-week tourism ad for this country, leaving a legacy that’s cheaper."</p> <p>“Our athletes deserve the very best, so if Queensland can’t do it, let’s share it. ”</p> <p>It seems Karl isn't the only one up in arms over the decision to not build a new stadium, as a group of high-profile Aussie Olympians penned an open letter to the premier, imploring him to "revisit the decision". </p> <p>The letter states, "We all remember the magnificent event that Sydney put on in 2000. Queensland deserves something equally spectacular, without a centrepiece that would reek of compromise." </p> <p>The letter was signed by 14 current and former Australian Olympians including Grant Hackett, Sally Pearson, Leisel Jones and more. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Money & Banking

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New details on man killed by snake at childcare centre

<p>A childcare centre in Queensland, where father-of-three suffered a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/dad-dies-after-being-bitten-by-deadly-snake-in-child-care-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatal snake bite</a>, is under investigation by workplace safety officials. </p> <p>Jerromy Brookes, 47, was bitten multiple times on his arm while attempting to remove a snake from the premises on Tuesday afternoon. He was not a qualified snake catcher, and tragically passed away in Townsville Hospital after going into cardiac arrest at his home in Deeragun. </p> <p>“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is investigating an incident that occurred at a business in Townsville,” a spokesperson told 7News. </p> <p>“As this is a current investigation, WHSQ is not able to provide further information at this time.”</p> <p>WHSQ has the power to prosecute allegations of workplace safety breaches. </p> <p>Brooke is survived by his wife and three children. </p> <p>His wife was the person who called emergency services and provided first aid when Brookes began showing symptoms at home. </p> <p>A family friend has paid tribute to the fallen father saying: “Jerromy was helping remove a snake from another childcare centre in Townsville when the incident occurred." </p> <p>“He was doing his very best to keep the children safe.”</p> <p>It was believed that Brookes was trying to remove an eastern brown snake, one of the deadliest in the world, however the species has not been officially confirmed. </p> <p>Police are reportedly not investigating the incident as a criminal matter, but are working to provide a report for the coroner. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Dad dies after being bitten by deadly snake in child care centre

<p>A beloved father has passed away after reportedly trying to remove an eastern brown snake from a child care centre in North Queensland. </p> <p>Jeremy Brookes attended the child care centre on Tuesday afternoon after one of his relatives reportedly called him over to remove the snake, according to <em>The Courier Mail</em>. </p> <p>Brookes was not a qualified snake handler and was bitten multiple times on his hand and arm.</p> <p>According to Queensland Ambulance Service acting district director Paula Marten, Brookes then managed to drive to his Deeragun home but he soon went into cardiac arrest.</p> <p>HIs wife performed CPR until paramedics arrived and he was rushed to hospital, but unfortunately could not be saved. </p> <p>“(He) was found to be in cardiac arrest by our crews,” Marten said. </p> <p>“The call was made by the patient’s wife, who then commenced CPR as the patient went into cardiac arrest.</p> <p>“The information provided to us was that the gentleman had been bitten in a different location and attended back to his residence, where his wife has immobilised his arm and wrapped it, when the onset of the symptoms occurred.”</p> <p>She added that snake bites were common in North Queensland and they were rarely fatal, but advised that if "you’re not aware of snakes, treat them as if they are venomous."</p> <p>“It’s really important that you stay calm and keep the person calm.</p> <p>“Apply basic first aid, which would be immobilisation and using compression bandages, and contact triple-0.</p> <p>“If you are unsure about what first aid measures to take, call triple-0, and they will walk you through what you need to do for the patient.”</p> <p>Eastern Brown Snakes are one of the most deadly snakes in the world, with the second most toxic venom. </p> <p>They can be found across the east of Australia including the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, NSW and the ACT.</p> <p>Brookes is believed to be the first person to have died from a snake bite in Australia this year. </p> <p>Last year, two people died from suspected eastern brown snake bites in Australia. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook/ news.com.au</em></p>

Caring

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“What a legend”: Brave Aussie pensioner saves puppy from a snake

<p dir="ltr">An Aussie pensioner has gone the extra mile to save her terrified puppy from a carpet snake. </p> <p dir="ltr">Anne Murphy, a woman from NSW’s Lennox Head, captured the moment her 80-year-old mother went toe-to-toe with the slippery intruder who was terrorising her dog and shared the interaction on a Facebook page called Australian Country Memes. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to Anne, her mother bolted out the door one Monday evening when she heard her dog “screaming”, when she was confronted with the carpet snake. </p> <p dir="ltr">The non-venomous snake had wrapped around the small dog and bitten it on the chin, when the 80-year-old intervened. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman was “bitten three times” by the snake, before she “caught the snake so it could be taken out to the bush and hopefully not make its way back to her place”. </p> <p dir="ltr">She then took her puppy to the vet, and got home three hours after the incident first happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">The post has since received over 2,000 likes and hundreds comments, hailing the 80-year-old as a “legend“, “gutsy” and a “wonderful woman.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is a true blue here. My hat is off to you, amazing lady,” one person wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another added, “Way to go! That’s just what country people do. God love her, they don’t make them like that anymore.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Teen arrested over alleged stabbing of grandmother

<p>A 15-year-old boy has handed himself in amid the investigation into the alleged murder of Vyleen White, who was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/grandmother-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-granddaughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatally stabbed</a> in front of her six-year-old granddaughter while on a grocery run in Ipswich. </p> <p>The boy, who was allegedly one of four males shown in CCTV footage released by police, has not been charged in relation to the 70-year-old’s death.</p> <p>Instead, he was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle for allegedly stealing the car used by the attackers to flee Redbank Plains Shopping Village on Saturday evening. </p> <p>The boy handed himself into Ipswich Police Station at around 9.30pm on Sunday, and is due to appear at Ipswich Children’s Court on Monday. </p> <p>The 2009 Hyundai Getz the boys used to escape was found in Springfield Lakes on Sunday morning and is being forensically examined.</p> <p>The other four males have not yet been found. </p> <p>White had just finished grocery shopping with her six-year-old granddaughter at Redbank Plains  when she was stabbed in the chest in the centre’s underground carpark at about 6pm on Saturday.</p> <p>The young girl was unharmed but left traumatised after witnessing the violent incident, and was reportedly screaming and crying for help. </p> <p>White died at the scene a short time later, after attempts to revive her failed. </p> <p>While police are still looking for the other attackers, Detective Acting Superintendent Heath McQueen said one man was responsible for the alleged murder. </p> <p>“There is still one person involved in the attack,” he told a media conference on Sunday, and said that robbery was the motive. </p> <p>They are appealing for anyone who might have seen the car between 6pm and 7pm on Saturday to contact them. </p> <p>“It’s a cowardly crime like I’ve not seen in my time as a detective,” McQueen said.</p> <p>“This is a (alleged) murder of a 70-year-old grandmother in front of her six-year-old granddaughter.</p> <p>“Now is not the time to remain tight-lipped. Now is the time ... to provide us with the information we need to identify the offenders who are responsible for this (alleged) murder.”</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook/ Queensland Police</em></p>

Legal

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“I couldn’t believe it": Man's incredible find in client's trash

<p>A rubbish removalist’s tendency to upcycle and recycle his clients' trash has led him to a rare discovery. </p> <p>Jesse Stewart, from Brisbane's Get It Gone Rubbish Removal, recalled the moment he was getting rid of an entertainment unit at the tip, when he found a mistakenly discarded medicine bottle with a wad of cash inside. </p> <p>“I didn’t think too much of it but when I picked it up it was heavy, and I was like, ‘I wonder what’s in there’,“ he told <em>7News</em>. </p> <p>Stewart “couldn’t believe” his luck when he found out the wad of notes amounted to $7000. </p> <p>“I’ve never found anything like that before," he said. </p> <p>But being the good samaritan that he was, Stewart returned the money to its rightful owner, a woman in her 60s and his long-time client. </p> <p>“She was so grateful. She couldn’t believe it,” he said, adding that she did not even realise she had the cash stashed away. </p> <p>“She didn’t think anyone would be that nice to give it back, so she gave me a few hundred bucks, which was nice," he said, revealing that she gave him a $300 unsolicited reward. </p> <p>While he did return the money back to its rightful owner, Stewart shared that he did think about keeping it. </p> <p>“To be honest, my first thought was to keep it,” he laughed.</p> <p>“The person who owned it has treated me really well over the last year of working for her ... I just felt too guilty, I could not keep it.”</p> <p>This is not the Brisbane local's first interesting find, as his tendency to upcycle trash has led to a trove of treasures including <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">a haul of rare Australian stamps, an electric scooter and an antique piano.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">But, the cash definitely </span>“took the cake”. </p> <p>“I don’t think I’ll find something like that again,” he said.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Family of man who was buried alive breaks silence

<p>The family of Josh Taylor, 25, who was buried alive at a beach on Bribie Island on Saturday, have broken their silence as the young man continues to fight for his life. </p> <p>It took 15 people to pull Josh out of the sand pit, after he accidentally fell in head first and knocked over some sand, causing him to briefly be buried alive. </p> <p>A witness who helped rescue Josh said that the group told him they had dug the sand pit to cook a pig, similar to the traditional Maori cooking style of hangi. </p> <p>“He stood up off the chair, the sand had given away a little bit underneath him,” the witness said. </p> <p>“He stumbled back. He’d put his arms out to obviously break the fall. He’s continued going down and knocked sand as he’s put his arms out," he added. </p> <p>When the witness was called over to help, he “realised someone was head first in a hole and I was just digging, digging, digging." </p> <p>“All of his family were screaming at us, telling us to help, telling us to get rope so we could pull him out. It was pretty gruesome,” Nathan said.</p> <p>“There were like 15 men on the rope pulling and he did not budge.”</p> <p>“When I first went up to the hole, I couldn’t even see his foot. That’s how deep it was.”</p> <p>When they managed to pull him out, Josh had sustained further injuries from the force of the pull, and he was without a pulse for 45 minutes after the horrific incident.</p> <p>His friends and family took turns giving him CPR until he was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where he currently remains in a critical but stable condition. </p> <p>On Wednesday Josh's uncle, Barry Taylor, spoke to 7NEWS about his nephew who was “fighting hard” to stay alive.</p> <p>“He’s still critical, he’s in ICU, and we’re awaiting the results of more tests,” he said. </p> <p>“He’s fighting hard mate, he’s really fighting hard, his heart’s still beating.</p> <p>“We’re devastated — it’s really been hard for us to comprehend what’s happened to Josh.”</p> <p>Barry described his nephew as a “vibrant” and “energetic” person who “loves the outdoors, fishing and camping”.</p> <p>“We’re still able to see him now and we’re very grateful for their help,” he added.</p> <p>A family-friend has started a GoFundMe to help relieve Josh's family of some of the costs of his medical care, with almost $58,000 raised of its $70,000 goal. </p> <p><em>Images: Nine News/ Yahoo News</em></p>

Caring

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Radio host mourns passing of wife after 30-year marriage

<p>Queensland radio host Bill McDonald is mourning the loss of his wife following her "courageous battle" with cancer. </p> <p>He and Julianne had been married for 30-years before her tragic passing on Wednesday and share four sons together. </p> <p>Their eldest son, Jordan, shared the sad news on Facebook, with a heartbreaking photo of him holding his mother's hand on the hospital bed. </p> <p>“On behalf of the McDonald family, we are deeply saddened to share that Mum passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer,” he wrote. </p> <p>“We love you and will miss you dearly.”</p> <p>McDonald took some time off his new role as Ray Hadley's Brisbane <em>4BC radio </em>replacement following the devastating news.</p> <p>His colleague Gary Hardgrave covered for him and broke the news to 4BC listeners. </p> <p>“Gary Hardgrave here in the chair this morning for Bill McDonald. Look, I have some sad news to share with 4BC listeners this morning,” he said. </p> <p>He then explained the situation and shared Jordan's Facebook post, before adding: “We are thinking of Bill and his four sons at this dreadful and difficult time.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">McDonald </span>and Julianne share four sons together, Jordan, Hamish, William, and James.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">McDonald</span> was  Channel Seven newsreader for Brisbane before he took over Hadley‘s radio slot on 4BC, after Hadley's long-running morning program was discontinued.</p> <p>McDonald was named the new host of the 9am-noon slot on weekdays in September. </p> <p><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Caring

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"Coca coila": Robert Irwin rescues a python stuck in a vending machine

<p>Robert Irwin has successfully rescued a carpet python stuck a vending machine at Australia Zoo. </p> <p>The young conservationist took to Instagram to share the moment he rescued the snake with the caption: "So this was a first for me…"</p> <p>The carpet python was visibly stuck behind a few soft drink bottles, and as the vending machine was being opened, the 19-year-old joked, "here's our chance, free Coca Cola!"</p> <p>He then got down to business, trying to coax the snake out while explaining, "what we don't want is for him to go up into the wiring.</p> <p>"We don't want to make him too upset, 'cause we want him to come out nice and smooth," he added as he pulled the snake out of the vending machine. </p> <p>The young conservationist sounded exactly like his late father, Steve Irwin, as he tried to calm down the non-venomous snake. </p> <p>"Keep coming, mate, keep coming. Nearly there buddy, nearly there," he said. </p> <p>As he examined the snake, he pointed out that the snake must have gotten injured before. </p> <p>"This bloke has obviously got a spirit of getting himself caught in weird situations, 'cause he's missing the end of his tail. </p> <p>"We'll relocate this guy," he assured, as the snake wrapped around his arm, Robert wags a finger at him and jokingly says: "don't go in any more vending machines, alright?!"</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/reel/Cw7cZl4hX4C/?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/reel/Cw7cZl4hX4C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans were in awe at Robert's striking resemblance to his late dad, and praised him for skills. </p> <p>"God you are the spitting image of the old man. He would be proud as punch," commented one fan. </p> <p>"I can hear his dad, “no more being a naughty boy!”" wrote another. </p> <p>"Call him coca coila," another quipped. </p> <p>"Watching you is like watching your dad many years ago. You're just such an incredible human," commented a fourth.  </p> <p>"Your dad must be screaming in the high heavens “that’s my boy” look at him fearless with the snake!" wrote another. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Shocking moment Glenn McGrath grabs three snakes with bare hands

<p>Aussie Cricket legend Glenn McGrath has turned into a part time snake wrangler after having to remove three snakes from his rural Queensland property with his bare hands.</p> <p>McGrath found the carpet pythons slithering inside his home on Wednesday, and decided to share the footage of him removing the unwelcome guests in different locations in his house. </p> <p>One python was inside his pantry, another was in the living room and third was making its way across the hall.</p> <p>"After plenty of encouragement and support from my wife, all three Coastal Carpet Pythons that were in the house were safely released back into the bush," he captioned the video. </p> <p>In the video, his wife Sara screamed in absolute horror as he removed one of the snakes by grabbing its tail, carefully wrapping it around a mop, and taking it outside.</p> <p>"You're going to get bitten," she screamed. </p> <p>McGrath calmly reassured her that he had it all under control. </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/reel/Cw3aLO5yCV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw3aLO5yCV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fortunately, the carpet pythons are a non-venomous breed, so there was no real threat to McGrath. </p> <p>However, many fans of the cricketer still applauded his bravery in the comments. </p> <p>"Haha good technique mate. Steve Irwin couldn't have done it any better," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"This is better than his 50 he scored against New Zealand," quipped another. </p> <p>"Keeping a good line and length between self and snake! Good work!" wrote a third. </p> <p>"This 🐍 knows he’s being handled by a CHAMP.. " commented a fourth. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Dave was the best of us": Friends raise over $79,000 for young dad's family

<p>David (Dave) Orange, 38, has been remembered as an "amazing family man" after he died suddenly, leaving behind his wife Kerry and their seven-month-old daughter, Eleya. </p> <p>The father, affectionately nicknamed “Mango” by his friends and family, passed away at around 8am on Wednesday, August 9, due to natural causes. </p> <p>Dave grew up in Toowoomba and played A-grade cricket for four years.</p> <p>In 2007-2008 he played for University Cricket Club in Toowoomba and led his team to a premiership win with a record-breaking 199 innings, the highest score ever by a university player. </p> <p>Later on in his career, the young dad became a successful entrepreneur, after selling his business Glow Worm Lighting and running a second business, Orange Electrical.</p> <p>His best mate, Mitch Connell, who he met at school, paid tribute to him and started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dave-oranges-legacy-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to help the grieving family, successfully raising $79,000. </p> <p>"We believe Dave was the best of us,” Mitch said about his late friend. </p> <p>“He was an aspiring entrepreneur, avid sportsman, great loyal friend, and an amazing family man,” he added and said that Dave was a “cheeky larrikin” who was “positive and infectious”.</p> <p>“He was incredibly honourable, trustworthy and loyal,” he said in the touching tribute. </p> <p>“He was also a great boxer and well known around many Toowoomba and Brisbane boxing clubs.He ran a bar in New Farm called Calgety for a bit … he did a bit of everything and was just so much fun to be around.</p> <p>“Mango was also known for his modern day sense of fashion … he liked to dress well and was somewhat of a fashion icon among his mates.</p> <p>“He had such an infectious smile. I used to call him ‘shiny teeth’. He was also known for his great sense of humour and positivity.”</p> <p>Dave and Kerry had been together for seven years and tied the knot just three years ago. The couple were also reportedly getting ready to try for another baby. </p> <p>“Kerry is just so heartbroken and devastated,” Mitch said. </p> <p>“They were the perfect couple and were incredibly happy.</p> <p>“They had their entire life ahead of them and were loving being new parents and a little family. He was a very doting and loving dad and (Eleya) was such a daddy’s girl … He was very fun and patient with her.</p> <p>“It’s just not fair and so sad for those two to be left on their own … It feels so cruel.”</p> <p>Although Dave's seven-month-old daughter won't be able to remember him, his friends are doing everything they can to make sure his legacy lives on. </p> <p>“All of his best mates and I are planning on creating 52 videos of us talking about and sharing stories about her dad,” Mitch said. </p> <p>“We want to present these to her on her eighteenth birthday, one to watch every week, so she knows the kind of man her father was.”</p> <p>Dave's sister, Madeline Bertram, revealed that the family is heartbroken and that he was loved by all. </p> <p>“We ask you to keep us in your thoughts and prayers throughout this time. We are completely shattered," she said.</p> <p>“May you fly high Dave.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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“Absolute nonsense”: Annastacia Palaszczuk slams Brisbane renaming

<p dir="ltr">Annastacia Palaszczuk has slammed the idea that Brisbane would be renamed ahead of the city hosting the Olympics in 2032. </p> <p dir="ltr">On Wednesday, <em>4BC</em> radio host and journalist Peter Gleeson shared that he has heard whispers that the Queensland premier and her government are “working behind the scenes” to change the name of Brisbane to its traditional Indigenous name of “Meanjin”. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, Palaszczuk said rumours of the renaming are untrue. </p> <p dir="ltr">“No, that is absolute nonsense,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite quashing the rumours, many are still up in arms over the potential renaming. </p> <p dir="ltr">Furious One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was asked about the rumours shared on 4BC of the possible name change and described the idea as “ridiculous”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“How insane is this, to actually want to change the name of Brisbane, that's been called Brisbane for what 150 years plus,” Senator Hanson told <em>Sky News Australia</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And we're going to change it to a name that – I can’t even remember what you said, within a matter of a few seconds – I can't remember.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I have no intention of actually wanting to remember. So the fact is, to me it will be Brisbane. Wanting to change it to some Aboriginal name is absolutely ridiculous.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The name Meanjin is derived from the Turrbal word for the spike of land on which parts of Brisbane was built.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Brisbane officer captured punching and tasering motorist

<p>Footage of a brutal altercation between a police officer and a motorist has surfaced online following a catastrophic three-car crash.</p> <p>The Queensland Police officer is captured on video punching the motorist through the window of his car in Strathpine in Brisbane’s north.</p> <p>Police allege the “highly agitated” man was drinking from a wine bottle and was under the influence when the officer arrived on the scene.</p> <p>“After the officer attempted to take the bottle away several times, it was allegedly thrown towards him,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said.</p> <p>“After giving numerous directions for the man to remain in the car, it will be alleged he continued to attempt to leave the vehicle by kicking the door into the officer, who used physical force to contain the man in the vehicle.”</p> <p>The heated exchange occurred around 1:45pm on June 22 after a collision at the intersection of Gympie and Samsonvale roads.</p> <p>The officer is seen in the video approaching the passenger side of a white car where the motorist tries to leave the vehicle through the open window.</p> <p>The officer is then seen grabbing at an object the motorist is holding, which police allege was a wine bottle, before allegedly hitting him multiple times.</p> <p>The video shows the man retreat inside the car before making another attempt to exit through the window, where he is then struck again.</p> <p>The motorist falls back again before trying to exit for a third time, blocked once again by the officer.</p> <p>Police allege the man continued to try and leave the car and “after several verbal warnings, a taser was deployed”.</p> <p>“Additional officers arrived on scene and another officer was allegedly spat on by the man,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>The man has since been taken to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital while in custody to treat minor wounds.</p> <p>The scene was not short of witnesses, with several firefighters seen approaching the officer.</p> <p>“He needs to stop,” the woman filming the clip is heard saying.</p> <p>“Stop hitting him!”</p> <p>Senior police have reviewed body cam footage of the altercation as investigations continue.</p> <p><em>Image credit: 9News</em></p>

Legal

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Queensland MP pleads with Taylor Swift to bring her tour to town

<p dir="ltr">When international music sensation <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/taylor-swift-s-massive-news-sends-aussie-fans-into-a-frenzy">Taylor Swift announced her international tour dates</a>, most Australian fans fell into one of two categories: delighted or devastated.</p> <p dir="ltr">For while the star was answering the prayers of thousands and bringing her Eras Tour down under, she was only set to play in Sydney and Melbourne, leaving a number of other major cities out of the loop. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while most took to social media to share their heartbreak, some even <a href="https://www.change.org/p/get-taylor-swift-to-brisbane">launching a change.org petition</a> to bring her their way, one Queensland MP and Swift superfan opted instead to share his heartbreak with reporters down in Canberra. </p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew Wallace, who joined the Swiftie ranks thanks to car rides with his daughters and a soundtrack courtesy of the singer-songwriter’s impressive catalogue, also seized it as an opportunity to beg Taylor to reconsider her tour dates, and bless Brisbane with her presence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Interestingly, there is about a week in between her three concerts in Sydney and two concerts in Melbourne. That is the perfect opportunity,” he pointed out. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Taylor, I’m asking you, begging you, I’m pleading with you. I’ll get down on my knees if I have to. Please come to Queensland. There are so many Swiftie fans in Queensland. I am one of them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As he went on to note, addressing “the guys at Frontier Touring”, it wasn’t clear why Queensland had been left out, as “it’s the first time Taylor will be visiting Australia and not Queensland.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Wallace wasn’t the only one with strong feelings on the matter either, with Sports Minister - and fellow Queenslander - Anika Wells dropping by the press conference to announce that it was an “outrage” to be excluded, and Taylor should know that all too well. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, Wallace wasn’t going to hold it against Taylor, promising that their love story would continue as “no one would ever be able to develop ‘Bad Blood’ between myself and Taylor Swift. It just would not be possible.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He even went on to dedicate <a href="http://andrewwallacemp.com.au/taylorswift/">an entire section of his own website</a> to the cause, where he reiterated that he was “the dad of four daughters, and I’m an unashamed Swiftie. And I’m a proud Queenslander who knows that thousands of fans are disappointed to see Queensland left off the Eras Tour map.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m calling on Frontier Touring to extend Taylor’s tour to Queensland – and particularly to the Sunshine Coast, the heart of Queensland’s Swiftie population … we know that a visit to the Sunshine Coast would mean the world to tens of thousands of Queenslanders who think the absolute world of Taylor Swift.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Music

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Snake catcher’s “hilarious” find in homeowner's toilet

<p>Adelaide man Rolly is no stranger to catching and safely relocating venomous snakes, but a recent job had him in stitches.</p> <p>He has been a snake catcher for over five decades and revealed to <em>Yahoo News Australia </em>that it’s not often the reptiles that shock him the most, rather it's his insight into other people’s lives.</p> <p>"I've seen everything," he said. "From whips and chains in the cellar to dope crops in a shed.”</p> <p>The most recent and “hilarious” insight came from a phone call he received from a panicked resident who asked him to retrieve a snake from her toilet. After receiving an image of the “reptile”, Rolly called the resident back immediately.</p> <p>"Look it's not a snake, it's some type of tapeworm... and it's probably come out of your bum," he recalled himself telling her. "I think you need to go to a chemist.”</p> <p>Rolly uploaded the image of the creature and shared the conversation with followers.</p> <p>“As snake catchers we do quite often get unusual phone calls and findings - so this one we just add to the list…,” he began his caption.</p> <p>“phone call “I’ve got a snake in my toilet”. Snake Catcher “Ok can you send me through a photo and I’ll call you back”.”</p> <p>“Caller “Sure I’ll do that now”.”</p> <p>“Snake Catcher “Ah I think you need to go to the chemist and ask for some Conbantrin - it’s not a snake”.”</p> <p>“Caller “Con wha”.”</p> <p>The post, which attracted more than 3,000 reactions on the social media site was instantly flooded with comments.</p> <p>“I'd rather see a snake in my loo then that lol,” one wrote.</p> <p>“At least the toilet is clean !” another joked.</p> <p>A person with seemingly first-hand experience chimed in and said, “I went on a call out years ago and had the same thing. I didn't know what to say to them.”</p> <p>The situation did not deter Rolly from his job and he seemed in good spirits.</p> <p>"I was going to ask her if she wanted to go fishing and she could have stood next to me and supplied the worms," he joked.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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25 craziest things Aussies have left behind in an Uber

<p dir="ltr">There’s nothing worse than leaving behind the love of your life’s number in the back of an Uber, but that’s not the only thing Aussies have left behind this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">"From a Harry Styles concert ticket to a taxidermied cat, Aussies have really outdone themselves when it comes to forgetfulness this year," Hoa Nguyen, Head of Rider Operations at Uber ANZ said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Uber’s annual lost and found index has revealed that Perth is the most forgetful city in Australia for a second year in a row, and Brisbane is the most organised.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although some Aussies lost their chance to meet the love of their life, others are blinded by love, to the point that they’ve left behind wedding bands, wedding dresses and marriage certificates.</p> <p dir="ltr">But not all is lost, Nguyen has said that there are steps you can take if this has happened to you.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The important thing to remember is that we do have a process if you suddenly realise you've left your phone, wallet or Harry Potter wand in your driver's car, head to the app for help and follow the prompts to retrieve your items,” Nguyen said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Here are the 25 most 'unique' lost items:</p> <ol> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">A girl's number on a piece of paper who "might be the love of my life"</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Wedding dress</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Adult toys</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Rabbit's medication</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Harry Styles concert ticket</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Olympic gold medal</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Taxidermy cat</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Segway scooter</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">A painting of Marilyn Monroe</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Harry Potter wand</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Nduja (sausage paste)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">False teeth</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Cockpit trainer poster</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Wedding band</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Cattle whip</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Chainsaw</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">A lectern</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Number plates</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Birth certificate</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Tray of lasagne</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">DJ decks</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Hair extensions</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">A jockstrap</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Robotic pool cleaner</p> </li> <li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Leather bunny ears</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Woman “sickened” over tradie’s gross act caught on CCTV

<p dir="ltr">CCTV inside a Brisbane woman’s home has captured the shocking moment a plumber was snooping through her bedroom, and the “sickening” act he committed.</p> <p dir="ltr">The plumber, who was recommended by the woman’s friend, was called in to fix the bathroom’s toilet and shower.</p> <p dir="ltr">But when the woman checked her security cameras, she found out that instead of doing his job, he was up to no good.</p> <p dir="ltr">Footage shows the man in the woman’s bedroom, allegedly going through her drawers, before heading to the kitchen and taking utensils from there.</p> <p dir="ltr">The plumber then allegedly used a wooden rolling pin to fix the toilet before putting the dirty utensil back, unwashed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm really upset by this… how many other people has he done this to?" she told <em>9News</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm sickened by him using my utensils on my toilet," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman also said that the lack of hygiene could make someone “desperately ill” and that she’s mostly “sickened about the cleanliness issues”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The distressed homeowner also alleged that a pair of earrings located near her bedside table also went missing after the incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s so personal, your bedroom drawers are so personal and there’s a camera like half a metre from his face,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The incident has since been reported and the tradie, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Channel 9/ 9News</em></p>

Real Estate

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How to snake-proof your house and garden

<p>If there’s one thing that strikes fear into many Australians, it’s snakes. Sure, some of them are harmless but they are still the last thing you want to see in your home or garden. There are some ways to make your home less inviting to these reptiles.</p> <p><strong>1. Block their entrance</strong></p> <p>Snakes like to hide in quiet places such as your roof, garage or underneath the house. Try to make it harder for them to get in by covering any holes leading in or out, and ensuring that screens and doors are kept shut.</p> <p><strong>2. Keep your garden tidy</strong></p> <p>Snakes like to hide, so keep things neat in the backyard to stop them finding a place to do so. Keep your lawns mowed, and garden beds weeded. Keep your shed locked, and be sure to have a clear out regularly to remove any old boxes. If you have wood stored outside try to have minimal space between each piece so that they can’t use it as shelter. Avoid keeping grass clippings and mulch in a pile as snacks find the warmth appealing.</p> <p><strong>3. Seal holes in walls</strong></p> <p>Snakes love rock and brick walls as they can use them to keep warm, provide shelter, and find food. Block up any holes that they could hide in by filling them in.</p> <p><strong>4. Reduce the rodent population</strong></p> <p>Snakes like houses that have mice and rats, so try reducing their numbers. Place bait in your house and garden (ensure it is pet-friendly) and this should reduce the chances of snakes hanging around.</p> <p><strong>5. Keep birds safe</strong></p> <p>Ensure any chook pens or bird cages are well protected from snakes entering them. Also be sure to keep them clean so that rats and mice aren’t entering the pens either.</p> <p><strong>6. Keep your bins tidy</strong></p> <p>When you dispose of food scraps, always ensure they are in a sealed garbage bag in your bin, rather than just loose. This will keep rats and mice away, and therefore snakes too.</p> <p><strong>7. Watch your plant choice</strong></p> <p>Think about the types of plants in your garden if snakes are an issue. Low shrubs and bushes are the ideal spot for a snake. Taller trees and flowers could be a better option. Also be sure to keep leaf litter to a minimum as it’s the perfect hiding spot for snakes.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Aussie town offers $20,000 for people to move in

<p dir="ltr">An outback Queensland town is so keen to get new residents that it’s offering people $20,000 to move in.</p> <p dir="ltr">The catch? You’ll have to live in the middle of a partial desert.</p> <p dir="ltr">The new scheme aims to grow the population of the Quilpie Shire, located 1000 km west of Brisbane and close to the Northern Territory border, by 20 per cent from around 800 residents to 1000.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were the first council in Outback Queensland to introduce such a policy, and it was a huge success – we had interest from all around Australia as well as globally from the US, India and Ireland,” Quilpie Shire Council CEO Justin Hancock told the <em>Western Times</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our new $20,000 grant will cover most of the price of their land if they build and live on it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Shire council first introduced the Home Owner Grant in 2021, with the initial limit of $12,500. But the rise in land value led to an increase in the grant as well.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You would be hard pressed to find a better deal anywhere in Australia,” Hancock said in 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Depending on the cost of the land chosen, it can equate to us essentially giving land away,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The original grant has already resulted in seven blocks of land sold on a new estate that’s developing the town’s south.</p> <p dir="ltr">People who receive the grant will have to build a home valued at less than $750,000 and live in it for at least six months, with the grant limited to new homeowners.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Quilpie Shire’s economy is mostly based on farming and mining, with some of the world’s largest deposits of boulder opals.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are two small supermarkets in town, a regional hospital, a couple of schools, and a few culinary options offered at the Imperial Hotel and Old Empire Café.</p> <p dir="ltr">For those who require travel, there are two weekly flights which connect Quilpie with Brisbane.</p> <p dir="ltr">Quilpie Shire mayor Stuart Mackenzie has said that despite a recent baby boom with some of their existing residents, they hope to see new people move in to help them support their goal.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As a friendly community we look forward to welcoming any new residents into the shire,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: news.com.au, Leon O'Neil</em></p>

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