Travel Trouble

Family’s heartbreak as man dies on flight to Brisbane

An Air Canada flight bound for Australia has been diverted to Honolulu after a passenger died mid-flight. Christopher Woodgate, 38, was pronounced dead when the fight landed in Honolulu on Saturday, said Kira Paiva-Kimura, according to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/man-dies-on-air-canada-flight-to-brisbane-with-family/d82e9073-3439-4d8f-b517-0dfc51e41b8d">9News</a>. The flight departed from Vancouver and was headed to Brisbane but diverted due to a medical emergency, according to Peter Fitzpatrick, an Air Canada spokesman. The man had been sick prior to the flight, according to Jessica Lani Rich of the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii. The man was travelling with five children, his wife and another family member. The organisation, which provides assistance to visitors in distress, organised a nurse to care overnight for an 11-year-old passenger travelling alone. There were 257 passengers and 13 crew members on the flight. The airline provided passengers with hotel and food vouchers and the passengers left Honolulu on Sunday on a different flight. Chris Woodgate’s wife has since explained how her husband died, leaving their three young children without a father. “I have been contacted by the Health Department who informed me that Chris passed away from a non-contagious strand of meningitis,” Ms Woodgate told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/auhome/index.html">The Daily Mail.</a> Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can cause death in a matter of hours if not treated.

Travel Trouble

“I just can’t breathe”: Smoke chokes tennis stars as they slam decision to play Australian Open qualifiers

The tennis world has slammed Australian Open organisers after they chose to proceed with qualifying matches on Tuesday despite Melbourne being covered in hazardous smoke. Due to poor air quality because of bushfires, qualifying matches were forced to be delayed yesterday morning but were later on given the green light to go ahead. But the dangerous conditions affected the players, who came together to condemn the decision to let play unfold. Aussie Bernard Tomic lost in the first round of qualifying for the year’s first grand slam, which begins on Monday, and required medical attention as he struggled to breathe. The former world No. 17 was defeated by American Denis Kudla in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 at Melbourne Park where he slowly lost control after a promising start. Tomic asked to see a doctor at 1-2 in the second set, and said he was having difficulty breathing. The doctor gave him an inhaler and checked his chest with a stethoscope, before allowing him to resume. “I just can’t breathe,” he said. He wasn’t the only one who had difficulty, as Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic fell to the ground on court due to a coughing fit. She was forced to retire from the match which had gone for close to two hours. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Davila Jakupovic retires after suffering a horrendous coughing fit and breathing difficulties in the heavy, polluted air in Melbourne. Awful scenes <a href="https://t.co/EPQUlf9DpF">pic.twitter.com/EPQUlf9DpF</a> — Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/simonrbriggs/status/1216926145507033093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 January 2020</a></blockquote> Jakupovic criticised Australian Open officials, saying the conditions weren’t safe for matches to go ahead. She told CNN players were “p***ed and disappointed because we thought they would take better care of us”. “I think it was not fair because it’s not healthy for us,” she told reporters. “I was surprised. I thought we would not be playing today but we really don’t have much choice. “If they don’t put us on the court, maybe we get fined – I don’t know. “It would be maybe better to see if tomorrow is better. They still have time. “It was really bad. I never experienced something like this and I was really scared. I was scared that I would collapse. That’s why I went on the floor. Because I couldn’t walk anymore. When I was on the ground it was easier to get some air.” The Slovenian then made an appearance on Channel 9’s Today show and further reinstated that she had never faced conditions like that before. “I have no asthma or breathing problems. I never experienced something like this,” she said. “I mean, it was really scary. I couldn’t breathe. “I didn’t know what to do … I was really scared, I have to say. “I understand no one from us had these kind of conditions before. We’re used to pollution, like we play in China and play in more polluted countries. Smoke is something different. For sure we’re not used to it. “Citizens and everyone were advised to stay inside. We didn’t expect we’d be playing yesterday. “It was a bit shocking.”

Travel Trouble

Drought-ravaged town runs out of water after company takes thousands of litres

A town that has been ravaged by drought has run out of water just weeks after a Chinese company was given permission to run a commercial water extraction facility in the area. Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Southern Downs is now dependent on 42 truckloads of water a day that’s brought in from a dam that’s 60 kilometres away. The local dam for Stanthorpe, town of just 5,000, has dipped to 11 per cent of capacity, with those living in the area limited to 80 litres of water per person a day. The Southern Downs Regional Council has tightened water restrictions last month just one day after approving the development of a mining operation 40 kilometres away. The “full-time water carting” from the dam consists of 1.3 megalitres per day and mayor Tracy Dobie says that the operation is the biggest of its kind by Australian local government. “We've now commenced full trucking of water. There's 14 trucks doing three trips a day,'” she <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/MYSDRC/videos/552971542098483/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDcXWPDe0s0EH9mn-pZ3Gv2EYyDt1W7cMdRRAghI-Md33TSStLUPlSWrvCKl_HIhF29fqpJ4mGdCQQdokVuz5b08ROEMqegSat384fT0CQXvGbDkJnLzNO9mzvhwSbCcMuIz-p7GFid-o0Ok2ZviOZG32xr6HUuNWWcIAJ_rrhz5yvEedmUl23hj00PV59GqTxZipMgWshsdyYbOiDepYSUI70XKdFlTuI8_5WluNAXgBCj23PiF_kvrfkny-aj0RApeta0Sms5qK2xfak06-xechWLhjX3OLEmhxXrXdf_mRIsHI44i3OMpmQELdVaPkEeUqvaLkEBEhorR2J9Ele98kkmebPEKAxrDg&__tn__=-R" target="_blank">said</a>. “Council promised the community we would not run out of water. “The initial stages of water carting went extremely well and without incident. We will now move to full-time water carting to provide water to the Stanthorpe Region.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMYSDRC%2Fphotos%2Fa.763794183646647%2F3896869843672383%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="586" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The 80-litre water restriction will remain in place despite the water being imported from the dam. The issue within the town was highlighted further after a farmer was robbed of 70,000 of drinking water by his neighbour. Andrew Todd, 61, had thieves target his property three times over five months, each time stealing a mass amount of water. Todd explained to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/crime-and-justice/desperate-drought-communities-stealing-water/news-story/65a9b1bbe1e68bf0b4f7c2c2e7c4e830" target="_blank">The Courier Mail</a> that he feels sympathetic for his neighbours. “It's just very sad. You've got to lock your gates now,” Todd said.

Travel Trouble

Couple continue with wedding despite volcanic eruption

A couple did not let a major volcanic emergency get in the way of their wedding as they walked down the aisle during an eruption. Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar had been making plans for eight years to tie the knot on Sunday at Savannah Farm in the Philippines, 10 kilometres from Taal Volcano. White smoke came out of the active volcano hours before the ceremony began, but it hadn’t reached emergency level until the wedding was underway. Philippine authorities raised their alert to the second-highest level, and people within a 14km radius of the volcano were told to evacuate. Wedding photographer Randolf Evan told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51087441">BBC</a> they felt “definitely safe as the venue was on higher ground and not directly around the volcano's vicinity”. <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509743393353/?type=3" data-width="auto"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/">Randolf Evan Photography</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509743393353/?type=3">Sunday, January 12, 2020</a></blockquote> </div> <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509883393339/?type=3" data-width="auto"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/">Randolf Evan Photography</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509883393339/?type=3">Sunday, January 12, 2020</a></blockquote> </div> Evan said the wedding guests were “calm and relaxed” despite the imminent danger. “Funny enough, the smoke from the volcano just kind of like served as an entertaining backdrop changing from white, yellow, pink and finally to grey,” he told <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/couple-continue-with-wedding-despite-volcano-erupting-in-the-background/ar-BBYUzCH?li=AAgfYrC">Mirror</a>. <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509706726690/?type=3" data-width="auto"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/">Randolf Evan Photography</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509706726690/?type=3">Sunday, January 12, 2020</a></blockquote> </div> “Our team, as well as the rest of the suppliers, was just getting a feel if the couple wanted to postpone or not. “They ended up going ahead with everything as we later found out that they have been planning for this day for eight years and two kids in the making. “It was going to be a special day for them no matter what, and it definitely was.” <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509730060021/?type=3" data-width="auto"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/">Randolf Evan Photography</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/randolfevanphotography/photos/a.190435824367437/2733509730060021/?type=3">Sunday, January 12, 2020</a></blockquote> </div> Evan said ash rained on their clothes, but “it didn't feel alarming until nighttime came when it became a bit heavier and mud-like”. He confirmed that everyone was now safely out of the danger zone.

Travel Trouble

Qantas passenger heartbroken after dog passes away mid-flight

A man has been left heartbroken after his dog passed away on a domestic Qantas flight. Pet owner Anthony Balletta said that his bulldog Frank, who was two days away from his first birthday, died on QF405 from Sydney to Melbourne while travelling in the plane’s cargo hold. Balletta had paid $1,100 to transport Frank just before Christmas but was told that upon landing in Melbourne that he had passed away. “I dropped to the floor, they had to carry me out of the airport,” Mr Balletta told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/qantas-passenger-heartbroken-after-dog-dies-midflight/news-story/8ab6268bb35e1c08272ddb011255bace">news.com.au</a>. “I never thought I could love someone as much as I loved Frank. He came into work with me every day, he used to make everyone smile. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before in my whole life.” A spokesperson for Qantas explained that a review of the incident had found that Frank had not been mishandled. “We can understand for Mr Balletta and his family that what’s occurred is very distressing,” the spokesman said. “An investigation found there were no issues on-board the aircraft or during the journey with all procedures followed.” Qantas customers who book their pets for travel are informed at the booking process that snub-nosed breeds including bulldogs are considered high risk for air travel due to respiratory issues. Since sharing his story, Balletta has been horrified to discover how many snub-nosed dogs have died during air travel. He also has called for trained vets to check pets before flights. “Why wouldn’t they have at least one vet checking over the dogs and saying ‘yep he’s good’ or ‘no he’s not fit to fly’,” Mr Balletta said. “I don’t want money from Qantas, I don’t want a free flight to Queensland. What I want to do is create awareness for all the dog owners about what they’re in for.” Qantas have since refunded Balletta’s transportation costs.

Travel Trouble

Poll fail! SCOMO takes major hit following bushfire crisis

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has suffered a major hit in the polls while admitting he could have “handled things on the ground much better” after taking a trip to Hawaii with his wife and two children in the middle of the devastating bushfires that have plagued the nation over the last few months. Mr Morrison fronted the media after weeks of dodging criticism, telling ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday that he could have done things “much better”. It is the first time since the federal election in 2018 that the Labor party has been ahead of the Coalition and Mr Morrison’s approval rating has plunged, according to a Newspoll. Labor is in front 51-49 on a two-party-preferred basis in the poll conducted for The Australian. This is a considerable turnaround from the last Newspoll in early December when the Coalition led 52-48. The Coalition’s primary vote has dropped two points to 40 per cent, while Labor’s has increased from 33 to 36 per cent since early December. Mr Morrison’s own approval rating has taken a nose dive in the latest poll. Approval for Mr Morrison tumbled from 45 to 37 per cent, while Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese’s rating has jumped from 40 to 46 per cent. Today host Karl Stefanovic asked Treasurer Josh Frydenberg: “Are you worried?” Mr Frydenberg responded: “We are absolutely just focused on the response and the recovery to this national crisis and as you indicated, Karl, today we are making a significant and initial contribution of $50 million to respond to the ecological disaster that we have seen across many states. “Our focus is on the Australian people. We have heard the message, loud and clear, that when it comes to these national disasters they want the Federal Government to be playing a very district role.” Stefanovic replied: “But Treasurer, the polls are also a sign that people were not happy with the way he handled thing, at least initially. So that has to be a concern for you? “Well, you saw the Prime Minister yesterday in the better view make the point that if he had known know what he knew then he had known know what he knew then he would have done some different things,” Mr Frydenberg said in regards to the PM’s comments to the ABC on Sunday. Speaking on Today, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said the poll result did not come as a surprise. “It doesn’t surprise me because as I move around the country people are telling me they are very disappointed with Scott Morrison since the election. So they are not really happy with him,” she said. Mr Albanese has overtaken Mr Morrison as preferred prime minister and leads the Liberal leader 43 to 39 per cent, according to the survey of 1505 voters conducted from January 8-11. Mr Morrison has admitted he could have handled the happenings of Australia’s current crisis in a much better way. “There are things I could have handled on the ground much better,” Mr Morrison told ABC TV on Sunday. “These are sensitive, emotional environments. “Prime ministers are flesh and blood too in how they engage with these people.” Mr Morrison admitted he would not have taken his family for a holiday to Hawaii, although he had been defensive about it in a radio interview at the time. He said his original intention was to holiday, as was routine for his family, on the NSW south coast. Mr Morrison also discussed climate change as being a driver of the already devastating bushfires, saying the government’s emissions targets need to “evolve” as the summer seasons become longer, hotter and drier. Australia has pledged to cut emissions by 26 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, under the Paris Agreement. However, the prime minister has faced criticism for lacking ambition to cut Australia’s emissions. “It is my intention to meet and beat that target,” Mr Morrison told reporters on Sunday. “We are going to continue to evolve our policy in this area to reduce emissions even further and we are going to do it without a carbon tax, without putting up electricity prices and without shutting down traditional industries,” he added in an ABC TV interview. Asked whether he was open to moving the existing target, he said: “What I’m saying is ‘we want to reduce emissions and do the best job we possibly can and get better and better and better at it’”. Mr Morrison said some within coalition ranks felt climate change had nothing to do with the bushfires. But reaffirmed it was the government’s “uncontested” advice and position that climate change was impacting summer seasons. Mr Morrison went on to say the impact of climate change would be one of the issues explored and discussed by the royal commission into the bushfires.

Travel Trouble

Bette Midler calls out Murdoch while digging deep for bushfire relief

Bette Midler has pledged to donate $500,000 to the Australian bushfire relief efforts in a tweet challenging News Corp boss Rupert Murdoch. Midler said she plans on matching Pink’s donation, who generously gave $500,000 towards “the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines” of the bushfire crisis. “I stand with you Pink,” said Midler. “I will match you, and while I’m at it, what do you think Rupert Murdoch will be doing for the country of his birth?” Midler has not remained silent in the wake of the bushfire tragedy, criticising Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his inability to lead in a tweet earlier this month. The singer and actress joins a long list of celebrities who have donated to the bushfire relief effort. Elton John pledged $1 million as he closed his Sydney show, with actor Chris Hemsworth and reality TV star Kylie Jenner also donating $1 million. Members of metal band Metallica announced that they were contributing $750,000 while Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton pledged close to $730,000. Kylie Minogue’s family and Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban has each said they would donate $500,000. But it was Aussie comedian Celeste Barber that managed to raise the most amount of money, with her fundraiser attracting over $50 million in donations. OverSixty, its parent company and its owners are donating a total of $200,000 to the Vinnie’s Bushfire Appeal. We have also pledged an additional $100,000 of product to help all those affected by the bushfire crisis. We would love you to support too! Head to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw" target="_blank">Vinnie's website</a> to donate.

Travel Trouble

Slow down, Zara! Royal banned from driving for six months

The last few months has been a whirlwind for the royal family, with scandal after scandal plaguing every step they take. This time, just days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announcing they would be officially “stepping back” from their roles as senior members of The Firm, one of the royal family’s most popular and under the radar members has been banned from driving for six months. Zara Tindall, who is currently in Australia with her husband Mike and their children, Mia, five, and Lena, one, for the Magic Millions polo event, has been banned from driving after being caught going a whopping 36 km/h over the speed limit near her home in Cotswald. <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/B61Be0tIX_R/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="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/B61Be0tIX_R/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Windsor krónikák (@windsorkronikak)</a> on Jan 2, 2020 at 11:09am PST </div> </blockquote> The Queen’s eldest granddaughter was caught driving at 91 mph (146 kmh)in England - a speed well above the maximum speed limit of 70 mph (112kmh). Zara, 38, was driving her Land Rover at Daglingworth, near Cirencester, in November when she was caught speeding. After failing to show for court, she was fined £666 (AU$1250), plus ordered to pay legal costs and a victim surcharge of of £151 (AU$275). The offence means Zara has lost four demerit points. However, since she has already lost nine points on her license from various other offences, she has been stripped of her license. <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/B7Gr3wRAX4D/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="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/B7Gr3wRAX4D/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Hugo Burnand (@hugoburnand)</a> on Jan 9, 2020 at 7:47am PST </div> </blockquote> The court prosecutor Farley Turner told reporters: "Because Mrs Tindall already has nine points on her licence she was unable to accept a fixed penalty for this offence." Just like her mother, Princess Anne has been caught cheekily going over the speed limit a few times throughout her years of driving. She's been caught speeding four times during her life - once at age 22 and again at 26, then later at age 40 in 1990 and age 50 in 2000. The former Olympian and her husband Mike Tindall are currently holidaying on the Gold Coast, as they attend the Magic Millions polo tournament.

Travel Trouble

5 things polite people never do on cruises

Cruises are a wonderful opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the water and sun. Don’t let rude people ruin your cruise – better still, before booking a cruise, learn not to be one of those people who ruin someone else’s holiday. 1. Argue in the cabin Especially late at night, be courteous. “Cruise ship rooms tend to have thin walls; therefore you always want to be respectful when you’re walking through hallways so as not to disturb other guests,” says Bonnie Tsai, founder and director of Beyond Etiquette. “This also includes being as quiet as you can when you’re inside your cabin.” Cruisers who really want to avoid as much noise as possible shouldn’t book their room under the gym or pool deck, if possible. 2. Hog lounge chairs It’s impolite to save seats for your family and friends, whether it’s by the pool or in the theatre. Tsai says if you must save a seat, do so for only 30 minutes. Ships have a limited amount of seating, so be mindful. Another important tip to keep in mind is if your group wants to sit together, show up at the same time. “If it’s a situation where every lounger is sure to be occupied by 10 am, many cruises allow guests to place towels on loungers for a maximum of 30 minutes before they arrive,” Tsai says. “Gauge the situation and act with consideration for other guests.” Don’t fall for one of the most common cruise misconceptions, either. 3. Constantly complain There’s no reason to be rude if something doesn’t go your way during the cruise. Polite people never take issues out on crew members, according to Emilie Dulles, an event protocol and etiquette expert. “The crew is there to ensure that every traveller has the best experience onboard possible, yet they are also skilled human beings who should be treated with respect, grace, and kindness,” Dulles says. “Nothing is as tacky as yelling at a server, or complaining at the turn-down staff for forgetting an extra blanket, or hitting on a mixologist after one too many daiquiris.” Pay respect and attention to cruise workers. 4. Hoard food All-inclusive food is very alluring. It’s easy to take things to the extreme. And although the buffet is tempting, remember not to be wasteful. “When it comes to the all-inclusive aspect of cruise voyages, many travellers will see this as an opportunity of getting as much as possible out of their fare,” Dulles says. “By piling more food than they can consume on their buffet plate and ordering cocktail after cocktail just because they can, travellers can be very wasteful and inconsiderate towards the crew who spends a lot of time and energy putting together the meals and drinks available.” Instead, take enough food for one sitting. You can always choose to go back for seconds, but this is more elegant than throwing away platefuls of perfectly good food. 5. Pretend the cruise is a personal yacht The ship is your home away from home for a set amount of time. You should still keep in mind your behaviour and presentation, according to Tsai. “There’s no need to show off your immense collection of expensive jewellery or wear lingerie or PJs in the hallways,” she says. There are plenty of other guests sharing the same space, and they may not want to see your plaid PJs. Source: <a href="https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/things-polite-people-never-do-on-cruises/">RD.com</a> Written by Emily DiNuzzo. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/10-things-polite-people-never-do-on-cruises">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Travel Trouble

Prince Charles and Prince William “incandescent” over Sussexes’ exit plan

Prince Charles and Prince William were reportedly “incandescent” after Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announced their resignation from their royal family roles the day before Duchess Kate’s 38th birthday. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EaGS_Jpb9/">a statement</a> on Wednesday saying they intend to quit as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family, “work to become financially independent” and live between the United Kingdom and North America. A senior royal source told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/prince-charles-and-prince-william-incandescent-over-prince-harry-meghan-statement/news-story/59accf500559b0b8af71bf874020cd07">The Sun</a> that the couple’s announcement had not been approved by the royal family. “Their statement was not cleared with anyone. It breaks all protocol. This is a declaration of war on the family,” the source said. “There is fury over how they’ve done this without any thought for the implications for the institution. The Queen is deeply upset. The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage. “Courtiers can’t believe it. There are so many unanswered questions but they’ve just up and done it without a thought for anyone else.” Prince William was “blindsided” by the statement, a source told <a href="https://stylecaster.com/prince-william-slam-meghan-markle-prince-harry-quit-royal-family-kate-middleton-birthday/">Us Weekly</a>. “Harry and Meghan rubbed salt into the wounds by making the huge announcement a day before Kate’s birthday … It hasn’t gone down well with William,” the source said. According to TMZ, the royal pair was told by Queen Elizabeth II to hold off their announcement until after the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday but decided not to. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7GL07IlnTc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7GL07IlnTc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Thank you everyone for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday! Photo 📷 by @MattPorteous</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Kensington Palace</a> (@kensingtonroyal) on Jan 9, 2020 at 3:07am PST </div> </blockquote> The announcement came amid reports that the Sussexes had plans to move to Canada with their son Archie. “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the pair’s statement read. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family, and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. “We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

Travel Trouble

Greta Thunberg hits back at Meatloaf’s claim she’s “brainwashed”

Singer Meatloaf, 72, made headlines when he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7836977/Self-confessed-sex-god-Meat-Loaf-72-threesomes-losing-70lb-climate-change.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a> that he believes that climate change activist and teenager Greta Thunberg has been brainwashed. The singer also said that he believes that there is no such thing as climate change. “I feel for that Greta. She has been brainwashed into thinking that there is climate change and there isn't,” he explained. “She hasn't done anything wrong, but she's been forced into thinking that what she is saying is true.” The now 17-year-old has since hit back saying that climate change is bigger than the both of them. "It's not about Meatloaf. It's not about me. It's not about what some people call me. It's not about left or right. It's all about scientific facts. And that we're not aware of the situation. Unless we start to focus everything on this, our targets will soon be out of reach," Thunberg wrote. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> It’s not about Meatloaf. It’s not about me. It’s not about what some people call me. It’s not about left or right. It’s all about scientific facts. And that we’re not aware of the situation. Unless we start to focus everything on this, our targets will soon be out of reach. <a href="https://t.co/UwyoSnLiK2">https://t.co/UwyoSnLiK2</a> — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1214150289378435072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote> Meatloaf shares the same view as US President Donald Trump, who tweeted that Thunberg should “stay in school”. The pair have a relationship that stemmed from an appearance from Meatloaf on the 2010 season of Trump’s show The Apprentice.

Travel Trouble

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas hits Dad and gets scolded by Mum

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Greek tennis legend Stefanos Tsitsipas got more than he bargained for when he smashed his tennis racket in anger and accidentally hit his father and coach Apostolos. Tsitsipas was playing against Nick Kyrgios, hot-headed Aussie tennis star, and was furious after losing a set to the Aussie. Tsitsipas slammed his racquet into the bench and accidentally clipped his father and captain Apostolos Tsitsipas on the forearm. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Here's the moment Stefanos Tsitsipas injured his Dad Apostolos when he smashed his racket!! (<a href="https://twitter.com/ATPMedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATPMedia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/primevideosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@primevideosport</a> 📹) <a href="https://t.co/QDLgJlbrOh">pic.twitter.com/QDLgJlbrOh</a> — JC 🎾. (@Joe__Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joe__Tennis/status/1214507999093497856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">7 January 2020</a></blockquote> His dad was not impressed and walked away briefly, before Tsitsipas’ mother Julia emerged from the crowd to yell at him for his behaviour. However, the dressing down from mum did little to ease Tsitsipas’ temper as he received a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct early in the second set. This was after he smashed a ball into the bench, just missing his dad again. Tsitsipas said it was an accident. “It happened accidentally. I didn’t mean to do it and straight away forgot about it and moved on from there,” Tsitsipas said. “I wasn’t aiming to do that, so it went out of control, unfortunately.” Kyrgios, World No. 30, returned from injury claimed a 7-6 (9-7) 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 (7-5) victory in more than two and a half hours against Tsitsipas. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BfZOvJMbZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BfZOvJMbZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">What a night. The vibes are real with this team 🙏🏽👾 So proud of all of you, we are all playing a role!👑 See everyone in Sydney!! Let’s keep pushing and working together to overcome these tragic fires. All love ❤️</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/k1ngkyrg1os/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> NK</a> (@k1ngkyrg1os) on Jan 7, 2020 at 7:22am PST </div> </blockquote> However, Kyrgios doesn’t hold Tsitsipas’ outburst against him. “I didn’t see it (incident). I don’t think he meant it as well. I don’t think you should be giving it too much attention or looking too far into it, to be honest,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve done some stupid things as well in the heat of the moment, so it was obviously an accident.” </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"> <div class="watched-bookmark-container"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

Aussies warned of bushfire appeal scammers

Australia’s ongoing bushfire crisis has prompted great philanthropic efforts around the world for bushfire-affected communities and volunteer firefighters – but authorities are now warning donators to look out for scammers posing as charities or victims. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-07/scammers-targeting-australians-for-bushfire-funds/11849998">ABC</a> it had received 86 reports of bushfire-related scams since September 2019. Some known scams include people impersonating legitimate charities and bushfire victims, fraudulent fundraising pages, and scammers door-knocking homes soliciting donations. The consumer watchdog advised those seeking to donate to check if charities are registered on the <a href="https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity">Australia Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Charity Register</a>, ensure that they are dealing with legitimate organisations and respond to crowdfunding requests only on platforms that guarantee a refund if the page is found to be fraudulent. “If you think you have paid money to a scammer, please contact your bank immediately,” the ACCC said. On Tuesday, the ACCC launched a dedicated hotline for reporting bushfire-related scams. Australians can report suspicious donation appeals on 1300 795 995 or the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/" target="_blank">Scamwatch website</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> You can report suspicious donation appeals related to the bushfires at <a href="https://t.co/sWWNpu8CRr">https://t.co/sWWNpu8CRr</a>. From Tuesday 7 January the ACCC will have a dedicated reporting line for bushfire related scams on 1300 795 995. For more information see <a href="https://t.co/aYNWkmWG5x">https://t.co/aYNWkmWG5x</a> <a href="https://t.co/saSRR8SX4p">pic.twitter.com/saSRR8SX4p</a> — Scamwatch_gov_au (@Scamwatch_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scamwatch_gov/status/1214052923480494082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote> Victoria’s Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said she was aware of the frauds. “We’ve heard that there are some fake charities out there and all I can say is this is the lowest of the low in terms of behaviour,” Neville said at a press conference. “We want to make sure they can’t get away with these sorts of scams. “My advice is don’t give money over the phone. Do it this way, look up the website, pay online, and do it through the proper processes.” OverSixty, its parent company and its owners are donating a total of $200,000 to the Vinnie’s Bushfire Appeal. We have also pledged an additional $100,000 of product to help all those affected by the bushfire crisis. We would love you to support too! Head to <a href="https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw">the website</a> to donate.

Travel Trouble

Passengers outrage as plane aborts take off at the final second twice

Passengers have spoken about the rage they felt after their flight aborted take-off at the final second twice in a row. Travellers were heading to Auckland from Kuala Lumpur when their flight came to a sudden stop, as the plane was unable to take off. Passengers were then put on another flight the following day, only for the same issue to happen again. One passenger was so distressed that an ambulance was called, according to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7858863/Malaysia-Airlines-flight-stops-just-seconds-twice-two-days.html">The Daily Mail</a>. Serjit Singh said that passengers jolted in their seats after the pilot slammed on the breaks. “I was in utter shock and disbelief. The exact same issue that was meant to have been fixed was not and the lives of all passengers and crew on board were risked,” Mr Singh told the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12298558">New Zealand Herald</a>. “I told the head steward that I wanted to get off the plane immediately.” Staff were quick to assure passengers that the problem was being fixed, but passengers refused to board the plane again. “We refused and said we are not getting on the same plane and we are not to be used as crash test dummies. This was the collective view of the entire flight,” Singh said. The plane landed in Auckland 24 hours later than they were expected and passengers have not received an apology from the airline.

Travel Trouble

Holidaying in a disaster zone isn't as crazy as it seems

Holidaying in a disaster zone might seem crazy, but “volunteer tourism” can actually help communities recover from natural disasters. And if can offer a unique and rewarding experience for volunteers, if done carefully. When disaster hits a tourist destination – whether fire, flood, cyclone or earthquake – tourists usually stay away, leaving communities to deal with a loss of income on top of the costs of repair and recovery. On the other hand, people who feel a natural curiosity, as well as a natural desire to help, are keen for experiences where they can interact with locals and make a difference. This “volunteer tourism” should not be confused with “disaster tourism” in which tourists immediately travel to a scene not to help but to look. Nepal shows what can be done We examined volunteer tourism in Nepal in the wake of the April 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people and injured nearly 22,000. We found that when it was done in an ethical manner that considered local conditions and the community, it could aid recovery and resilience. It is important that the process be controlled locally and that the invitation from locals be genuine. It is also important that volunteer tourists be prepared to engage in work that mainstream tourists would not. Our study, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738319301598">Engaging volunteer tourism in post-disaster recovery in Nepal</a>, has just been published in the Annals of Tourism Research. In the four months that followed the Nepal earthquake, international tourism more than halved. Initially most relief organisations asked international volunteers not to come unless they had specific expertise, such as medical skills, building skills, or experience responding to emergencies. Then the Pacific Asia Travel Association and Nepalese tourism industry leaders worked together to produce the report of the <a href="http://pata.org.np/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/A-Report-on-PATA-Nepal-Tourism-Rapid-Recovery-Taskforce.pdf">Nepal Rapid Recovery Task Force</a>, running workshops with more than 200 tourism industry leaders and professionals. Volunteer tourism led the way back The strategy they came up with prioritised potential tourism regrowth markets, including volunteer tourism. Nepal relaxed conditions to allow international tourists to volunteer on a wide range of projects including rebuilding homes and schools, interning in hospitals, supporting non-government organisations and reestablishing sustainable agriculture. It helped that Nepal was set up for it. It had already hosted organisations offering short-term travellers the opportunity to teach English and to work on health projects. In 2015 and 2016 it hosted three global celebrities whose widely-publicised visits raised the profile and popular appeal of Nepal, especially to volunteer tourists. In May 2015, Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon visited Nepal and actively promoted volunteer tourism to the North American market. In mid-2015 Hong Kong based actor Jackie Chan visited and encouraged Chinese tourists and volunteers to come to Nepal. In March 2016, Prince Harry (the younger son of Prince Charles) spent two weeks in Nepal engaged in volunteer programs. Nepal’s tourism recovery since then has been remarkable. In 2015, the year of the earthquake, just under 600,000 international tourists visited. By 2018 the number had reached an all time record of almost 1.2 million. In 2019 it grew further. Volunteer tourism drove the recovery. The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents says almost one third of the tours booked to Nepal in the two years after the earthquake comprised groups who combined tourism experiences with volunteering or philanthropy. It needs to meet local needs In times of national crisis, the priority of a government has to be restoring the welfare of its people. However, the process by which that happens is multifaceted. In destinations that rely on tourism as a primary source of foreign investment, it can make sense to build tourism into the recovery process. A focus on tourism need not detract from other critical processes such as providing health care and emergency services, clearing debris and construction. But that’s easier said than done. Natural disasters by their very nature sow confusion, severely damage infrastructure and impose great strains on emergency management and administration. Volunteer tourism won’t work everywhere, but where conditions are right, international visitors can speed rather than slow recovery.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128841/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-beirman-4852">David Beirman</a>, Senior Lecturer, Tourism, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/simone-faulkner-911263">Simone Faulkner</a>, , <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-wearing-7081">Stephen Wearing</a>, Associate Professor, Management, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/holidaying-in-a-disaster-zone-isnt-as-crazy-as-it-might-seem-128841">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

“It is illegal”: Mum told off in Coles for innocent act

An Aussie mum has been left scratching her head over whether her innocent act at a shopping centre was “illegal” or not. The mother shared a photo of her two children sitting in the front of a Coles shopping trolley and asked if other parents do the same thing. She was left questioning whether she was in the right as another woman said that what she was doing was “illegal”. “I was told off by a lady today and she told me it is illegal,” the mum said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7833737/coles-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ec4a749619ff471d9988980fa475631b" /> “Is she correct?” Others were quick to comment saying that while the children in the trolley probably exceed the weight limit, which is 18 kilograms, it isn’t illegal. “Illegal? Sure they probably exceed the weight limit but who really cares,” one person responded to the concerned mother. “Probably not illegal, but also not a wise idea because of the potential risk of the trolley falling if the weight becomes unbalanced as the kids move,” a Facebook user replied. “It’s kind of a shame the person who told you didn’t try to explain more kindly.” “I don’t know about illegal but if their combined weight is significantly more than the limit stated, your trolley might not be balanced and could tip when you go over a bump if they rock it,” a third person said. Photo credit: <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/sydney-mums-coles-trolley-practice-sparks-debate-202147594.html">Yahoo! News Australia</a>

Travel Trouble

WA shark attack victim identified

The partner of the man who was fatally attacked by a shark off Western Australia’s south coast has released a tribute to the late diver. Gary Johnson died in a shark attack on Sunday near Cull Island off the Esperance coast. His partner Karen Milligan witnessed the attack and put out the mayday alert over the radio. In a statement released on Monday, Milligan paid tribute to her late husband. “Gary was my rock. He was a kind, gentle, strong man,” the statement read. “He only ever saw the best in people. He will be so truly missed by me, by his family and his friends, and the world will be a poorer place without this most beautiful man.” Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley said the state government offered its support to Milligan’s family. “Our thoughts are with her and we are providing any and all support that might be required to assist her to deal with this unmitigated tragedy,” he said. Milligan said diving was her and Johnson’s passion. “He and I were at home in and on the ocean,” she said. “We would go out diving in our boat whenever we could, most weekends. We took photos, not fish. “We were always aware of the risks, and often told each other that if we were attacked by a shark, that would just be unlucky. We were completely against shark culling, and I still am.” Johnson was the president of the Esperance Dive Club. “The man’s knowledge of the ocean, his ability to dive, it’s just unexplainable how come he was taken by a shark,” Esperance Shire President Ian Mickel told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-06/esperance-shark-attack-victim-identified-as-local-gary-johnson/11843148">ABC</a>. “I’m sure there’ll be a lot of support for [his wife] as the survivor, and certainly around the dive community.” WA has now seen 16 fatal shark attacks in 20 years, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/person-killed-by-a-shark-near-esperance-off-western-australia/61215ffc-69c6-4292-8e98-da0d3640b369">9News</a> reported.

Travel Trouble

Nicole Kidman's tearful response to bushfire threat

Nicole Kidman is one of the latest celebrities to reveal she is donating to aid in the bushfire fight. The Hollywood A-lister has pledged she and her husband Keith Urban are digging into their pockets and will donate $500,000 to volunteer firefighters. The donation was revealed by Channel 10 entertainment correspondent and Studio 10 host Angela Bishop. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Australian actress Nicole Kidman spoke exclusively to <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBishop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngelaBishop</a> about pledging half a million dollars in support of bushfire efforts. <a href="https://t.co/Z8VO1R5mDt">pic.twitter.com/Z8VO1R5mDt</a> — 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) <a href="https://twitter.com/10NewsFirst/status/1213714217636974592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote> The actress became visibly affected while speaking about the bushfire disaster at a Golden Globes event in Los Angeles. The actor stopped red carpet interviews and said: “I’m so sorry. I’m so distracted right now with everything that’s happening in Australia.” An insider told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/nicole-kidman-cries-at-event-as-her-australian-home-is-lost-in-bushfires/" target="_blank" title="www.usmagazine.com">US Weekly</a> the star had just found out her country home, which she shares with husband Keith Urban, was in danger. “She just found out and got off a plane right before coming here,” the insider said. “She was crying walking in.” “Their house is not on fire,” a representative for Kidman told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.today.com/news/australian-fires-nicole-kidman-keith-urban-s-home-threatened-t171118" target="_blank" title="www.today.com">Today</a>. “It is under threat, so keeping a close eye on it.” The couple are a few of many other celebrities who have been donating and sharing their heartache amid Australia’s worst recorded bushfire season in history. Superstar Pink revealed that she plans to personally donate a massive $500,000 “directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontline.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires. I am pledging a donation of $500,000 directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/kyjDbhoXpp">pic.twitter.com/kyjDbhoXpp</a> — P!nk (@Pink) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pink/status/1213350834672586752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote> Former model Tara Moss took to social media to share a letter left by firefighters who saved her home in the Blue Mountains from being ravaged by fires. She said the words “brought her tears”, adding on Instagram that one third of her property was destroyed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This note at our home brought me to tears. You absolute champions, thank you for all you do. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Please stay safe out there, everyone. Lives can't be replaced. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Firefighters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Firefighters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaBurning?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaBurning</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bushfirecrisis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bushfirecrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupportOurFirefighters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupportOurFirefighters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grateful?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Grateful</a> (<a href="https://t.co/wDeLHggTUj">https://t.co/wDeLHggTUj</a>) <a href="https://t.co/pbvVJybP6S">pic.twitter.com/pbvVJybP6S</a> — Tara Moss (@Tara_Moss) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tara_Moss/status/1213254134444380160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote> Firefighters thanked Moss for having such a :well-prepared property” and for the “cuppas and amenities”. The note reads in full: “Thanks for such a well prepared property! Shipley RFB. (smiley face). PS Thank you for the cuppas and amenities.” Below that is a line and in another hand the words: “We have spent all afternoon at your house doing property protection. It was open so we let ourselves in to use the toilets and coffee. Thank you again. If you want to contact me Captain — (name blurred out for privacy). We also filled your pumps with petrol just in case.” Other Australian stars including Naomi Watts, Rebel Wilson, Delta Goodrem and Russell Crowe have also posted emotional responses to Instagram. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B60034snNwz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B60034snNwz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">This was my last eve in Byron, NSW, Australia. To get a sense of how beautiful the wildlife regularly sounds... Please turn up the volume. The fires have been truly horrendous. It’s so upsetting and worrying. So much wildlife already lost. And still much of the summer ahead. My heart goes out to those who’ve lost loved ones and homes. Big gratitude to the brave firemen who literally haven’t stopped during the holidays!! 🙏 Heartbroken for all the animals, plants and land... 🙏 for rain 🌧 #tbt ❤️🇦🇺</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/naomiwatts/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Naomi Watts</a> (@naomiwatts) on Jan 2, 2020 at 9:45am PST </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6zXDpJAl7t/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6zXDpJAl7t/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">It’s been a crazy time on the South Coast, with unprecedented conditions and a lot of fear and loss. But there are lots of people doing really awesome work for our community. THANK YOU! ❤️ If you want to help, you can do so by: 1) Supporting local businesses 2) Donating to Treading Lightly (a local grassroots organisation directly getting help where it is needed: Treading Lightly Inc, BSB: 633-000, Account No: 170066377) 3) Donating to the RFS (NSW Rural Fire Service, BSB: 032-001, Account No: 171051)</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/turiapitt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Turia</a> (@turiapitt) on Jan 1, 2020 at 7:39pm PST </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5CIJ2yhhWr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5CIJ2yhhWr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Still burning... they say a wind change might crank things up again in the valley. I hope wherever you are in Australia, or California or anywhere else facing bushfires , that you and yours remain safe.</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/russellcrowe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Russell Crowe</a> (@russellcrowe) on Nov 18, 2019 at 8:15pm PST </div> </blockquote>

Travel Trouble

Jeremy Clarkson sparks outrage over bushfire article

Jeremy Clarkson has been slammed over a controversial article in which he claimed “Australia is God’s laboratory and people were not actually meant to live there”. Clarkson’s column, published in UK newspaper The Sun, said that God “decided to set fire” to Australia because the country “isn’t meant for human habitation”. The 59-year-old described Australia as a continent “far, far away” created by God to house “his experiments that had gone wrong”, such as the saltwater crocodile. “For millions of years, this big, sandy cupboard under the stairs went unnoticed. But then along came Captain Cook and now the world knows all about Oz and its stupid, dangerous creatures,” the former Top Gear host wrote. “It’s been argued the fires raging across the country were caused by global warming or out-of-control barbies. But when you look at the footage, you know something biblical is going on. Those things are huge.” At the end of the article, Clarkson encouraged Australians to ‘return’ to the UK. “So if you’re reading this down there, please come home [to the UK]. You’ll like it. It never stops raining. And we are better at sport.” The opinion piece comes as Australia faces a bushfire crisis, with over 1,300 properties destroyed and more than 450 million animals estimated to have been killed since the start of the fire season. Readers have criticised Clarkson’s article as “tone deaf” and insensitive to the plights of the affected communities. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Hope Jeremy Clarkson doesn’t intend to visit Australia or NZ anytime soon ... this isn’t funny and how tone deaf is he??? <a href="https://t.co/ktKMFAxxNK">https://t.co/ktKMFAxxNK</a> — Lee (@lee_asher) <a href="https://twitter.com/lee_asher/status/1213561752622788609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> What an unscrupulous and grubby attempt at relevancy by an utterly out of touch tosser. Appalling by Jeremy Clarkson and ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TheSun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSun</a>⁩ Australia is God’s laboratory and people were not actually meant to live there – The Sun <a href="https://t.co/czviUAJt5J">https://t.co/czviUAJt5J</a> — Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) <a href="https://twitter.com/Globalgallop/status/1213467501910200321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> When people are losing homes and loved ones, wildlife is dying in droves, heroic efforts being made to fight the fires, and all that goes with that is NOT a time to make jokes about a country and its plight. It's not sensitivity to humour, it's INsensitivity to suffering. — Simon Foley (@simon_foley) <a href="https://twitter.com/simon_foley/status/1213552018889093126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The Jeremy Clarkson piece about Australia being God’s laboratory is reprehensible in its pathetic insensitivity to the current and ongoing bushfire crisis. But also, it is ignorant and disgusting in its complete erasure of 60,000 years of Aboriginal history and culture. — Simon Angilley (@dufussy) <a href="https://twitter.com/dufussy/status/1213658964266631168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>

Travel Trouble

Woman shocked over $114 fine for obscure road rule

A Sydney woman was shocked to learn she had been breaking the law after being pulled over police, who let her know about this relatively unknown road rule. The driver took to Facebook to explain that she was nearly hit with a $114 fine after police noticed she didn’t have any windscreen wiper fluid. Luckily, the woman got off with a minor defect notice and instantly rushed to a mechanic to get the washer refilled so she didn’t have to pay the penalty. NSW Police confirmed to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7845335/Sydney-woman-shocked-copping-114-fine-breaching-little-known-road-rule.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a> that the penalty for having no water in your wipers will result in a $114 fine with no loss of demerit points. The rule comes under the Road Transport Act as a wiper must be able to remove anything that could obstruct the driver’s view. It states that: 'At least one windscreen wiper fitted to the motor vehicle must— be able to remove moisture from the part of the windscreen in front of the driver to allow the driver an adequate view of the road ahead of the motor vehicle when the windscreen is wet.' Another woman was fined after police caught her flashing her lights at other cars to alert them that authorities were in the area. The penalty was a loss of one demerit point and a $110 fine.

Travel Trouble

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Family’s heartbreak as man dies on flight to Brisbane

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Couple continue with wedding despite volcanic eruption

Qantas passenger heartbroken after dog passes away mid-flight

Poll fail! SCOMO takes major hit following bushfire crisis

Bette Midler calls out Murdoch while digging deep for bushfire relief

Slow down, Zara! Royal banned from driving for six months

5 things polite people never do on cruises

Prince Charles and Prince William “incandescent” over Sussexes’ exit plan

Greta Thunberg hits back at Meatloaf’s claim she’s “brainwashed”

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas hits Dad and gets scolded by Mum

Aussies warned of bushfire appeal scammers

Passengers outrage as plane aborts take off at the final second twice

Holidaying in a disaster zone isn't as crazy as it seems

“It is illegal”: Mum told off in Coles for innocent act

WA shark attack victim identified

Nicole Kidman's tearful response to bushfire threat

Jeremy Clarkson sparks outrage over bushfire article

Woman shocked over $114 fine for obscure road rule

News

Shop

Catalogues

Card

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Information

Keep up to date

Travel Trouble

Family’s heartbreak as man dies on flight to Brisbane

“I just can’t breathe”: Smoke chokes tennis stars as they slam decision to play Australian Open qualifiers

Drought-ravaged town runs out of water after company takes thousands of litres

Couple continue with wedding despite volcanic eruption

Qantas passenger heartbroken after dog passes away mid-flight

Poll fail! SCOMO takes major hit following bushfire crisis

Bette Midler calls out Murdoch while digging deep for bushfire relief

Slow down, Zara! Royal banned from driving for six months

5 things polite people never do on cruises

Prince Charles and Prince William “incandescent” over Sussexes’ exit plan

Greta Thunberg hits back at Meatloaf’s claim she’s “brainwashed”

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas hits Dad and gets scolded by Mum

Aussies warned of bushfire appeal scammers

Passengers outrage as plane aborts take off at the final second twice

Holidaying in a disaster zone isn't as crazy as it seems

“It is illegal”: Mum told off in Coles for innocent act

WA shark attack victim identified

Nicole Kidman's tearful response to bushfire threat

Jeremy Clarkson sparks outrage over bushfire article

Woman shocked over $114 fine for obscure road rule

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