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Restaurant's "brutal" note divides customers

<p>A restaurant has come under fire for their "brutal" note to difficult patrons, encouraging "privileged" customers who wish to "customise or modify" their menu, to stay home instead. </p> <p>A sign posted to the restaurant's front door urged customers with allergies to eat elsewhere as staff simply cannot "provide the service they require".</p> <p>While some applauded the restaurant's no-nonsense stance, others were shocked by the "rude and disgusting" message. </p> <p>"No means no. Are you one of the small group of people who have been living and entitled and privileged life?" The sign reads.</p> <p>"Maybe your mother has taken the onions out of your salad, put the dressing on the side, or substitute your vegetables. Here, however, all meals are served precisely the way we prepare them. We do not offer custom meals."</p> <p>"Remember, we are not your mother and we are definitely not genies that will make your every wish come true."</p> <p>Chef Jozef and restaurant owner Nathalie listed alternative choices for the "privileged" few including hiring a private chef, cooking for themselves "precisely the way you like", trying another establishment or accept their hospitality as it is offered. </p> <p>"We have been cooking for almost 50 years. We have many kind, friendly people, acquaintances and families that have been coming for many decades," they wrote. </p> <p>"So look around, it is a pleasure to see their happy smiles and provide them with our best food possible."</p> <p>The message also called out those with allergies and food sensitivities, encouraging them to take their business elsewhere. </p> <p>"It is simply not possible to guarantee each product used in this kitchen. Furthermore, we do not have the qualifications to provide you with the service you require," they said. </p> <p>The strongly worded sign caught the attention of many online, with some praising the restauranteurs as "honest" and "brilliant". </p> <p>"Amen, the public is not always right. And actually most of the time they're not. This establishment is well within their right to post this," one person commented. </p> <p>"You know from the very start how things are. It's one restaurant. If you don't like it, there are so many others you can go to instead... No need to have a sook. Just go elsewhere. Some of us would enjoy a restaurant like this," a second pointed out. </p> <p>Despite some support for the restaurant's honesty, others were taken aback with lots of people criticising the hard-line stance for being "snarky" and "rude".</p> <p>One disgruntled person commented, "If you are not able or willing to provide what your guests need or even give service, it might seem better to be honest but this message is rude and disgusting. Don't seek employment in service roles and then complain."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook</em></p>

Food & Wine

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“What do I actually do?”: Woman’s costly chocolate-coated crisis

<p>A woman in the United States has been left with quite the mess on her hands after her cake order took a questionable - and rather expensive -  turn. </p> <p>In a video posted to TikTok, by user @libbycarlsonn, she revealed what had become of her $300 USD (~$443 AUD/NZD) request after it had been dropped off by the baker.</p> <p>The clip featured her with a hand covering her face and the text “guys I paid $300 for this and the lady just dropped it off what do I actually do” across the top of the screen. </p> <p>It continued on to show an image of a carefully constructed chocolate cake, the one that the TikToker had been hoping to receive, and concluded with what she’d actually been delivered: something best described as a sort of chocolate avalanche, with chocolate melting down haphazardly placed chunks of cake, and a dusting of sprinkles over it all. </p> <p>“TikTok, work your magic because I need advice right now," her caption read. </p> <p>The video gained over 3.7m views, and over 4,000 comments, though most weren’t offering advice so much as commiserating with her, or poking fun at the sillier side of her situation, and many were of the opinion that she should demand a refund immediately. </p> <p>“When you say dropped it off, did she literally drop it?” one user wanted to know. “Also how is that the same as the one in the photo??? HOW?”</p> <p>Another pressing concern came soon after, with someone asking “why are there sprinkles???”</p> <p>“Put it in the fridge probably just melted a bit,” one suggested. </p> <p>“No way that’s what they gave you!! I would’ve flip[ped] that cake onto their face. Wow!!” another said. </p> <p>“Tbf…. I prefer the disaster cake,” one shared, “it looks tastier but I’d definitely ask for a refund.”</p> <p>Another felt quite strongly about that, telling the TikToker “well obviously it's false advertising and that's illegal”.</p> <p>One, however, simply refused to accept that the story was true, writing “I’m sorry I literally do not believe you”.</p> <p>“Girl you made that. Quit playing! Lol,” another agreed. </p> <p>And as one said, “honestly, there’s no way this is true or you dropped it before posting.”</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Streaming service giant pays woman 5 figures to watch content

<p dir="ltr">If you think you spend too much time on Amazon Prime, think again as one lucky lady has snatched up her “dream” job with the streaming service.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman, Alex Bain, 36, has been dubbed Prime Video’s “Buff”, and her job entails reviewing content for Amazon Prime, which came after the platform searched nationwide to fill the role of watching new content.</p> <p dir="ltr">Here’s the real kicker, the 36-year-old will be paid $40,000 for three months of viewing new content and sharing her opinions. </p> <p dir="ltr">She is not new to the scene of content review as she frequently posts to her Instagram, TikTok and Youtube reviewing various TV shows and movies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Upon seeing the advertisement from Amazon Prime, one of Bain’s friends encouraged her to apply.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everything on it, it was like seeing a list of what would be my ideal job,” Ms Bain told NCA <em>NewsWire</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m 36, so I want to do something I’m passionate about, so I decided to just go for it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I got a phone call from Amazon saying I’d been short-listed, and I was like, ‘Oh my God!’”</p> <p dir="ltr">She said the time between applying for the role and being told she was successful went “so quickly”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c71ed23d-7fff-9bd9-8a5d-10ebabd22f11"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Not long after, she received the news she was the lucky one chosen to fill the role.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Subway falls a foot short for one customer

<p>A woman has run into some trouble with her Subway sandwich after taking to it with a measuring tape. </p> <p>The irate customer had been suspicious about the supposed dimensions of her “6-inch sub”, and decided the only thing to do was to find out for herself if she was on to something or not. </p> <p>However, the woman didn’t succeed in putting her fears at rest, instead proving them to be right. </p> <p>The sandwich, advertised as being six inches long, measured up to be just over five. </p> <p>In her annoyance, she told the company that they should be doing better - in her words, “to up your game” - if they expected to be charging extra for what customers weren’t actually receiving. </p> <p>“Usually I wouldn't really care,” she noted, and then explained in some of the world’s most relatable terms, “but I was super hungry today.”</p> <p>To add insult to injury, she also revealed how she’d gotten "one less piece of salami and pepperoni” than usual, and noted that this was simply not up to standard, and that she had inside intel to prove it - her sister had been a Subway manager for years. </p> <p>This wasn’t the first time Subway had run into trouble over the size of their sandwiches - a customer in Australia once took their anger straight to court, going so far as to sue the company in 2013. His photo, posted to Facebook, showed that his footlong sandwich was not the promised 12 inches, but instead 11. </p> <p>That case was settled for a staggering $525,000 (approximately $798,042.00 AUD), and in 2015, Subway introduced new in-store regulations towards ensuring their products measured up, as well as additional disclosures for their consumers.</p> <p>At the time, Subway acknowledged that the media buzz surrounding the case had motivated its decision to settle the case, while the judge was firm in his belief that the smaller sandwiches actually contained no less food in terms of weight.</p> <p>“The settlement acknowledges as much when it says that uniformity in bread length is impossible,” he said, “due to the natural variability of the bread-baking process.”</p> <p>To many, however, this was not - and seemingly never will be - good enough. And to others, it’s a tale as old as time that they’d tired of hearing. </p> <p>“It's clearly a ‘SUBWAY 6 INCH’ and meant as a description rather than a measurement of length,” wrote one fed up individual on yet another related story, this time posted to Reddit. </p> <p>“In that case,” mused another, “there should be a new policy wherein every Subway employee should be required to do air quotes when using the term ‘Footlong’.”</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Olivia Newton-John's daughter's emotional memorial tribute

<p>Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi has delivered an emotional speech at her mother’s memorial service, saying she “feels like a little girl”.</p> <p>Almost six months after her death at the age of 73, Newtown-John was remembered at a star-studded service at Hamer Hall in Melbourne.</p> <p>She passed away on August 8, 2022, after battling breast cancer for three decades.</p> <p>Newtown-John’s husband John Easterline spoke at the beginning of the service followed by his daughter’s emotional tribute.</p> <p>“My heart is broken in two. The other half is with my Mumma,” Lattanzi said with tears.</p> <p>“I know she is holding it for me until we meet again. I stand here before you so desperately wanting to feel strong and confident and speak eloquently. But the truth is, I feel like a little girl lost without her mother.</p> <p>“She was my safe space, my guide, my biggest fan and the Earth beneath my feet.”</p> <p>Lattanzi also said she knew her mother was “standing beside her” and could hear her voice telling her not to be afraid.</p> <p>The grieving daughter mentioned her and her mother had the same “cackle,” and revealed although her mother would never tell a dirty joke, she would “laugh the hardest at them”.</p> <p>“I loved making her tea and then making it five times again until I got it right. I loved our snuggles. I would crawl into bed with her late at night even until I was 20 years old. I loved the way that she smelled,” Lattanzi said.</p> <p>“I loved writing music and singing with her and how she would always notice if I was slightly off-key.</p> <p>“She cherished her friends and her family and she was so grateful to her fans and she loved you all so dearly. She would want us all to laugh and reminisce together, enjoy and celebrate her life.”</p> <p>Aussie singer and actress Delta Goodrem broke down at Newtown-John’s memorial service as she was giving a speech about how the late actress was so special to her.</p> <p>“It’s beautiful to see everybody,” Goodrem said as she was interviewed at Hamer Hall in Melbourne, ahead of a moving performance.</p> <p>“It’s beautiful,” Goodrem continued, flooded with emotion. “Sorry.”</p> <p>“I’m so happy to see everybody coming together on a day to celebrate someone who touched all of our lives,” she said when asked why she was so emotional. “I think that’s really what it is.”</p> <p>In a video shown at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, Dolly Parton said, "The world lost one of its greatest talents when Olivia left us.”</p> <p>Nicole Kidman also paid tribute, saying that Newton-John was "just a light in the world" and that growing up, she "wanted to be Olivia Newton-John.”</p> <p>Some of the other celebrities and friends who paid tribute to Newtown-John during the service included Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, RuPaul, Pink and Sir Elton John.</p> <p>Image credit: Getty</p>

Family & Pets

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“Very questionable”: Kmart mocked after customer's "ridiculous" delivery

<p>A woman has taken to Facebook to mock Kmart over her recent delivery.</p> <p>The shopper shared on Facebook she had ordered a 20mm combination padlock from Kmart and was caught by surprise when it was delivered to her home on February 13. </p> <p>The woman had received a large cardboard box, and when she opened it, it was filled to the brim with plastic wrap to protect the item. However, once she dug out the plastic, she saw a small padlock at the bottom of the unnecessarily large box.</p> <p>“My delivery arrived today,” the woman said on Facebook.</p> <p>Other Kmart fans were shocked by the large box for such a small item, with many users deeming it “ridiculous.”</p> <p>“Omg! Seriously,” a user commented.</p> <p>"Ridiculous honestly yet a pair of jeans get scrunched up into a bag for delivery," another added.</p> <p>"It's absolutely rubbish that they waste like that," a third chimed in.</p> <p>Another comment read, ”How ironic ... how easy is it to break this lock that it needs to be so protected when shipped? Would you need it if it is so fragile? Very questionable Kmart ... What a waste,”</p> <p>Many other users joined in on the teasing, claiming they also received small items delivered in unnecessarily large boxes. </p> <p>"This happened to us recently with a car air freshener," one shopper said.</p> <p>"Yeah they keep sending me one item in a stupidly big box. I’d be much more appreciative of multiple items jammed into a big box to stop wastage or happy to wait for all items to be ready together," another claimed.</p> <p>"I thought my three bowls packed like this was bad!" another commented.</p> <p>Back in May 2021, another Kmart shopper complained that she received a small book in a “huge box.”</p> <p>Although some said it was “terrible”, other users claimed the size of the box shouldn’t matter because it’s recyclable. </p> <p>A Kmart spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle that the complaints have been forwarded to Kmart’s online team, and they will reassess how they manage and replenish packaging materials. </p> <p>"Regrettably, in this instance, it appears the team member who has packed this order did not have available or use the most appropriately sized packaging components," the spokesperson said.</p> <p>"While our team are trained and aim to minimise packaging use and waste, it is likely that they did not have access to appropriately sized packaging options so used what was available in an effort to pack and dispatch this order as quickly as possible."</p> <p>Image credit: Facebook</p>

Food & Wine

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Loyal service dog's emotional final flight

<p>A service dog has been honoured on her final flight after being diagnosed with an untreatable cancer. </p> <p>German Shepherd Kaya was trained to support veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and was in the care of handler Cole Lyle.</p> <p>After years of loyal service to Cole, Kaya was diagnosed with terminal cancer and recently boarded a South West Airlines flight in the US to live out her final days at home by Cole's side. </p> <p>Kaya received the very best treatment on the flight, and was honoured by the pilot and her fellow passengers in a heart-warming moment that has since gone viral online. </p> <p>"We have a special guest on today's flight," the pilot said. "Kays is a German Shepherd service dog who has been with her handler, Cole, since 2014. She was specifically trained to help veterans cope with mental health issues."</p> <p>"Since the integration of the PAWS act, it is federal law that allows us to unify service dogs with Veterans with post-traumatic stress which was signed into law in 2021," continued the pilot.</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 617px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7197534710090812715&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40southwestair%2Fvideo%2F7197534710090812715&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2Fea43bd3c48f54df8b328f42f35d8665a_1675806650%3Fx-expires%3D1676246400%26x-signature%3Drrq5YNMF5lC2JmunRKdaFD4SFQ4%253D&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>"Sadly, Kaya was recently diagnosed with an untreatable cancer so we have the solemn honour of taking her on what will be her last flight as she goes home to rest where she was born and first met Cole."</p> <p>The pilot then encouraged the passengers to "show her some love", as cheering and applauding erupted for Kaya. </p> <p>The tear-jerking moment was captured and posted to TikTok by the airline, with the video racking up over 18 million views. </p> <p>The video was shared along with the caption:"We were honoured to fly our loyal friend and hero, Kaya, home to rest after a lifetime of hard work. Throughout her career, Kaya flew with us over 250 times to help establish the PAWS Act which united Veterans with service dogs."</p> <p>"We are so grateful to be a part of her legacy, and we thank her and her owner, Cole, for their many years of service."</p> <p>The comments were flooded with praise for the canine, with one person writing, "Bawling my eyes out. God bless you Kaya".</p> <p>Another wrote, "I'm literally in a puddle we Stan kaya she's so beautiful and perfect we love you sweet girl."</p> <p>"We don't deserve dogs," another simply said.</p> <p>It was later revealed in the comments of the video the Kaya had passed away at home by Cole's side. </p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Top tips for avoiding scams

<p>Falling victim to a clever scam artist is something we all fear! With these top tips we show you how to avoid getting ripped off.</p> <p>Statistics show that unfortunately older Australians are often the target of scam artists looking to make a quick buck off someone else’s hard-earned cash. They’ve had help.</p> <p>With technology evolving and more people going online to pay bills, communicate with friends and family, and to find love, there have been a number of reported cases of people sending money overseas or elsewhere never to see it again. However, there are ways to outsmart those who would try to trick you out of your retirement savings.</p> <p><strong>What to look out for</strong><br />Financial fraud can come in any form. It can be an email from a stranger asking for a donation to a charitable cause or a phone call promising a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity. However, as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it’s because it probably is.</p> <p>According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) SCAMwatch site, a one-stop information shop on how to recognise, avoid and report scams, almost everyone will be approached by a scammer at some stage in their life. That’s a scary pronouncement, but one that’s very much evident in the growing number of stories of people who have fallen victim to a scam.</p> <p>While some scams are easy to spot, others appear to be genuine offers or bargains. There’s a number of different types of scams too, from investment and superannuation scams to ones involving your bank or credit card. It can even look as innocent as a supermarket customer satisfaction survey.</p> <p>At the end of last year, the ACCC spread the news of a fake Woolworths’ customer satisfaction survey, which asked shoppers for their bank account details in exchange for a $150 gift voucher. Scammers sent the survey out mostly via social media or email, and asked people to complete all of the questions before saying they could claim their voucher. However, when people did try and claim the voucher, they found it was fake.</p> <p>“Scammers impersonate well-known businesses to get their hands on your personal details,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said at the time. “Once you have unknowingly sent your details to a scammer, they can steal your money – and possibly even your identity.”</p> <p><strong>Warning signs</strong><br />Scams can target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels. The reason many people fall victim to a scam is because they look like the real thing. They could look like a legitimate business email or letter, with logos, contact details and genuine information that could be targeting a specific need or desire. It’s not until you dig a little deeper that you find something is not right.</p> <p>Scammers can also manipulate you by “pushing your buttons”, according to the ACCC, to get an automatic response. This is not based on you personally but on how society works as a whole. It’s not until after you have acted in the way they want that you find something is wrong.</p> <p>The best way to spot a scam is to be vigilant and cautious, especially when it comes to giving out personal details over the internet or the phone. Most scams will need you to do something before they can work. It may ask for your bank or credit card details, or for you to send money based on a promise of significant financial reward that turns out to be false. Some scams also rely on you to agree to deals without getting advice first or to buy a product without properly looking into it.</p> <p><strong>Don’t be a victim</strong><br />The first step in protecting yourself against scams and other forms of financial fraud is to be aware that it can happen. Some people hold certain perceptions that make them more susceptible to being scammed, such as the belief that all companies or organisations are legitimate or that all internet sites are legitimate. Both are myths.</p> <p>Consumer protection agencies try to weed out dodgy operators before they have an impact, but sometimes one can slip through the net. Most of these fake sites will be taken down after a few days, but that is still long enough for someone to have bought into a dodgy deal or to have provided their bank details to a scammer.</p> <p>The second step is to be cautious and protective of your personal details. This includes your contact details and bank or credit card details. Always seek independent advice before agreeing to any sort of money commitment and remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes. Check your bank statements regularly and if you see a transaction that you’re not sure about or cannot explain, contact your bank or credit union. Also, keep your bank cards and personal identity number safe and secure.</p> <p>Be cautious and question everything. It’s the best approach to make sure you don’t become a scam victim.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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“People are going to die”: Over 1000 uncared for after council aged care services end

<p dir="ltr">More than 1000 elderly residents on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula have been left without care after the local council stopped providing care services and made more than 110 staff redundant.</p> <p dir="ltr">In July, private aged care service providers took over the care of more than 3500 residents who had previously been cared for by the council, with 2063 people transferred to Mecwacare and 1554 to Bolton Clarke, per <em><a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/victoria/nobody-s-checked-i-m-alive-more-than-1000-stranded-as-council-retreats-from-aged-care-20220808-p5b81l.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WA Today</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Aimee Bonfield, a spokeswoman for Bolton Clarke, said “essential services” were being provided for 300 residents, with services starting or scheduled for another 200.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All remaining clients have been contacted and we remain in touch on a regular basis to update on progress and to address any immediate needs,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Bolton Clarke has a strong track record of understanding local needs and supporting wellbeing and independence for older people on the Mornington Peninsula.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But, at least 1000 residents have been left without care, including Barbara Rimington, who has a fused back from spinal surgery and has undergone surgery for lung cancer and was receiving assistance with cleaning from the council.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since Bolton Clarke took over on July 1, the 77-year-old said she hasn’t received any care and is “one of the luckier ones” because she is still relatively independent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The council said they are monitoring,” she said. “Pig’s arse they are. Nobody has contacted me to see if I am still alive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rimington said she was worried for others who needed help with shopping, since there are limited delivery options available on the peninsula.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Are any of these people eating?” she said. “People are going to die. Some people are totally isolated. It’s an indictment on the whole of society.”</p> <p dir="ltr">89-year-old Michael Nolan said he and his wife, 85, were left in the lurch by Mecawacare and haven’t received care for more than a month.</p> <p dir="ltr">The council used to provide assistance to Nolan once a fortnight, helping with cleaning and tasks around the home, such as checking smoke alarms, changing light bulbs, and changing bed sheets.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Mecwacare] has been on the job since July 1 and nothing is happening,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We have to try and do the cleaning ourselves and we tackle it a little bit at a time, but it takes us days and days to do because I can’t bend down, otherwise I fall over.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Mecwacare has had months and months to prepare for this. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is typical of the former federal government, they want to give everything over to private enterprise.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony Marsh, the mayor of Mornington Peninsula, said the council decided to “transition” away from using its own staff to prepare for the federal government’s open-market system, and that the council had no say in the providers that would replace them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The peninsula had no provider other than council delivering these services and we needed to ensure our residents had choice and the advantage of a competitive market environment,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We did not get a say in the appointment of new providers; that was done by the federal government.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Marsh said the council was assured by both providers and the government that essential services would continue from July 1, and that an offer to keep some staff on “to help with the transition” was turned down.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The welfare of our older residents is a major priority for council, and we will continue to advocate to the federal government to make sure older people receive the support they need to remain independent and involved in the community,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">A government spokesman said the government was “continually reviewing” the transition and selection process for councils that chose to exit the Commonwealth home support program and was aware of the situation on Mornington Peninsula.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e0887fa8-7fff-732a-46d4-1c85b94eac52"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“The department is aware of the transition of clients from Mornington Peninsula Shire council to Mecwacare and Bolton Clarke and is actively working with My Aged Care and the providers on outstanding transition issues,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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The downside of digital transformation: why organisations must allow for those who can’t or won’t move online

<p>We hear the phrase “digital transformation” a lot these days. It’s often used to describe the process of replacing functions and services that were once done face-to-face by human beings with online interactions that are faster, more convenient and <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/%7E/media/mckinsey/industries/public%20and%20social%20sector/our%20insights/transforming%20government%20through%20digitization/digital-by-default-a-guide-to-transforming-government-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“empower” the user</a>.</p> <p>But does digital transformation really deliver on those promises? Or does the seemingly relentless digitalisation of life actually reinforce existing social divides and inequities?</p> <p>Take banking, for example. Where customers once made transactions with tellers at local branches, now they’re encouraged to do it all online. As branches close it leaves many, <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/123302983/asb-set-to-close-another-23-branches-as-customers-move-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener">especially older people</a>, struggling with what was once an easy, everyday task.</p> <p>Or consider the now common call centre experience involving an electronic voice, menu options, <a href="https://theconversation.com/sorry-i-dont-understand-that-the-trouble-with-chatbots-and-how-to-use-them-better-171665" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chatbots</a> and a “user journey” aimed at pushing customers online.</p> <p>As organisations and government agencies in Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere grapple with the call to become more “digital”, we have been examining the consequences for those who find the process difficult or marginalising.</p> <p>Since 2021 we’ve been working with the <a href="https://www.cab.org.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citizens Advice Bureau</a> (CAB) and talking with public and private sector organisations that use digital channels to deliver services. Our findings suggest there is much still to be done to find the right balance between the digital and non-digital.</p> <p><strong>The ‘problematic’ non-user</strong></p> <p>The dominant view now suggests the pursuit of a digitally enabled society will allow everyone to lead a “frictionless” life. As the government’s own policy document, <a href="https://www.digital.govt.nz/dmsdocument/193%7Etowards-a-digital-strategy-for-aotearoa/html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Towards a Digital Strategy for Aotearoa</a>, states:</p> <blockquote> <p>Digital tools and services can enable us to learn new skills, transact with ease, and to receive health and well-being support at a time that suits us and without the need to travel from our homes.</p> </blockquote> <p>Of course, we’re already experiencing this new world. Many public and private services increasingly are available digitally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2014/jan/07/new-zealand-uk-digital-revolution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by default</a>. Non-digital alternatives are becoming restricted or even disappearing.</p> <p>There are two underlying assumptions to the view that everyone can or should interact digitally.</p> <p>First, it implies that those who can’t access digital services (or prefer non-digital options) are problematic or deficient in some way – and that this can be overcome simply through greater provision of technology, training or “nudging” non-users to get on board.</p> <p>Second, it assumes digital inclusion – through increasing the provision of digital services – will automatically increase social inclusion.</p> <p>Neither assumption is necessarily true.</p> <p><strong>‘Digital enforcement’</strong></p> <p>The CAB (which has mainly face-to-face branches throughout New Zealand) has documented a significant increase in the number of people who struggle to access government services because the digital channel was the default or only option.</p> <p>The bureau argues that <a href="https://inclusioncampaign.cab.org.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">access to public services is a human right</a> and, by implication, the move to digital public services that aren’t universally accessible deprives some people of that right.</p> <p>In earlier research, we refer to this form of deprivation as “<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/isj.12306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital enforcement</a>” – defined as a process of dispossession that reduces choices for individuals.</p> <p>Through our current research we find the reality of a digitally enabled society is, in fact, far from perfect and frictionless. Our preliminary findings point to the need to better understand the outcomes of digital transformation at a more nuanced, individual level.</p> <p>Reasons vary as to why a significant number of people find accessing and navigating online services difficult. And it’s often an intersection of multiple causes related to finance, education, culture, language, trust or well-being.</p> <p>Even when given access to digital technology and skills, the complexity of many online requirements and the chaotic life situations some people experience limit their ability to engage with digital services in a productive and meaningful way.</p> <p><strong>The human factor</strong></p> <p>The resulting sense of disenfranchisement and loss of control is regrettable, but it isn’t inevitable. Some organisations are now looking for alternatives to a single-minded focus on transferring services online.</p> <p>They’re not completely removing call centre or client support staff, but instead using digital technology to improve <a href="https://deloitte.wsj.com/articles/at-contact-energy-digital-powers-human-centric-cx-01643821371" target="_blank" rel="noopener">human-centred service delivery</a>.</p> <p>Other organisations are considering partnerships with intermediaries who can work with individuals who find engaging with digital services difficult. The Ministry of Health, for example, is supporting a community-based Māori health and social services provider to establish a <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/digital-health/digital-enablement/digital-enablement-stories/digital-health-hub-supports-taranaki-whanau-access-services-closer-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital health hub</a> to improve local access to health care.</p> <p>Our research is continuing, but we can already see evidence – from the CAB itself and other large organisations – of the benefits of moving away from an uncritical focus on digital transformation.</p> <p>By doing so, the goal is to move beyond a divide between those who are digitally included and excluded, and instead to encourage social inclusion in the digital age. That way, organisations can still move forward technologically – but not at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/23/the-guardian-view-on-digital-exclusion-online-must-not-be-the-only-option">expense of the humans</a> they serve.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/186905/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/angsana-a-techatassanasoontorn-1292067" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angsana A. Techatassanasoontorn</a>, Associate Professor of Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/antonio-diaz-andrade-1361842" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antonio Diaz Andrade</a>, Professor of Business Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bill-doolin-1361879" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bill Doolin</a>, Professor of Technology and Organisation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/harminder-singh-1361833" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harminder Singh</a>, Associate Professor of Business Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-downside-of-digital-transformation-why-organisations-must-allow-for-those-who-cant-or-wont-move-online-186905" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Technology

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Daniel Johns ordered to complete community service over drunk driving incident

<p>Daniel Johns has narrowly avoided jail time with a 10-month intensive corrections order to be served in the community over a high-range drink-driving car crash.</p> <p>The former Silverchair frontman has also been disqualified from driving for seven months and ordered to fit an alcohol-reading interlock device to his car for 24 months when he gets his driver's licence back.</p> <p>In March this year, Johns was charged with high-range drink driving after a head-on crash at North Arm Cove, north of Newcastle.</p> <p>When tested, he returned a blood alcohol reading three times the legal limit.</p> <p>The police report states that Johns was heading north when his SUV crossed onto the wrong side of the Pacific Highway and collided with a light commercial truck travelling in the opposite direction.</p> <p>Both vehicles ended up on a nearby nature strip, with the 51-year-old driver of the van and his 55-year-old female passenger being treated at the scene by paramedics. </p> <p>Johns entered rehabilitation of his own will for four weeks after the crash and the court was told he had not touched alcohol since.</p> <p>In his sentencing submission, defence lawyer Bryan Wrench said his client suffered from complex mental health issues from his time as a child musical star.</p> <p>"He was a very successful musician. He was 14 when that came to him in an unwanted fashion and that came with attacks and vitriol," Mr Wrench said.</p> <p>"He is a recluse, his house is his only safe place."</p> <p>These defence submissions are what helped Johns avoid time behind bars, as Magistrate Ian Cheetham said Johns was best served to continue with psychiatric treatment in the community.</p> <p>"There is no doubt a custodial sentence will not achieve an appropriate result for him or the community," Magistrate Cheetham said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Loved ones remember newlywed bride who died on her honeymoon in moving funeral service

<p>Family and friends have gathered to commemorate the “kind-hearted spirit” and “unconditional love” of the newlywed bride who tragically died in a golf buggy accident on her honeymoon in an emotional funeral service</p> <p>Marina Morgan, 29, had only been married to husband Robbie Morgan for 10 days when she died in a freak accident on the couples honeymoon in Hamilton Island.</p> <p>At 9 am on Saturday the 2nd of July, hundreds of friends and family filled St Mary & St Merkorious Coptic Orthodox Church in Rhodes – the same place Marina and Robbie were married.</p> <p>A funeral notice posted to the church’s Facebook page in Arabic and English referred to her as the “bride of heaven”.</p> <p>Several men, including her husband, carried her coffin into the building and onto the altar, where a photo of Marina on her wedding day was placed on top of the casket.</p> <p>After prayers filled the church, friends and family shared their memories of Marina’s life.</p> <p>Marina’s brother, Mark Hanna, described his sister as a “sweet, young, independent woman who was loved by everyone.”</p> <p>“She was beautiful inside and out, loved to laugh, and always had a positive outlook on life.”</p> <p>In his emotional eulogy, Mr Hanna described the strong bond he shared with his sister.</p> <p>“I've lost someone who I shared so many things … we always shared with each other our hidden fears, and now it feels as though I’ve lost a part of myself, leaving a wound that stretches from the middle of my ribcage to the bottom of my gut,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s very difficult to accept that our gorgeous Marina is no longer here with us.</p> <p>“I will do my best to not let this scar be the death of me,” he promised as he broke down in tears.</p> <p>“Mum, dad, husband Robbie, me, your extended families, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and everyone who knew you will never forget you.”</p> <p>While Mr Morgan did not stand to speak during the funeral, he briefly spoke to media after.</p> <p>“I can’t explain the sadness in my heart, my wife was loved by so many,” Mr Morgan said told reporters after the funeral.</p> <p>Cousin Miriam remembered her “partner in crime” who lived her life “fearlessly” and vowed to do the same.</p> <p>In a bespoke poem, Miriam also described how Marina fulfilled her life’s goal of getting married, filling her family with pride.</p> <p>“We never thought that day would be your last,” she recited.<br />“To marry her soulmate Robbie and to be a bride, while always filling her family with so much love and so much pride</p> <p>While Mr Morgan did not get up to speak, the priest told the church how he had recalled the couple’s last few days together.</p> <p>“Please see this as a celebration. She is in a better place now alongside God and his angels.”</p> <p>Mrs Morgan’s casket was carried outside and placed into the back of a hearse, before it was driven to Rookwood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Andrew Symonds laid to rest in private service

<p dir="ltr">Cricketing icon Andrew Symonds has been farewelled in a private funeral on Friday morning, ahead of a public service later that afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Symonds’ wife and children were seen clutching his beloved Akubras as they gathered with friends, teammates and other family members of the cricketer at Riverway Stadium on the outskirts of Townsville, Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">The memorial comes <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/gone-too-soon-tributes-flow-for-andrew-symonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nearly a fortnight after Symonds veered off a remote road</a> and fatally crashed his car.</p> <p dir="ltr">His wife Laura and their children Billy and Chloe were among the first to arrive at 10am, just an hour before the service began, and were followed a short time later by Symonds’ best friend and former teammate Jimmy Maher.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other cricketing greats also attended the service, including Adam Gilchrist, Ian Healy, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Glenn McGrath and Micthell Johnson, as well as West Indies batsman Brian Lara and NRL player Darren Lockyer.</p> <p dir="ltr">A note sent to guests told them “no tie necessary”, reflecting Symonds’ casual personal style and his frequent appearances at semi-formal events in shorts and t-shirts.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-415ebf7c-7fff-9359-b419-4c0d8fa0f917"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Some guests took the brief seriously, arriving in chinos and button-up shirts, while others wore three-piece suits.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andrew Symonds will be publicly farewelled this afternoon in Townsville.</p> <p>Fans are welcomed to join the service online from 2:30pm AEST on <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketcomau</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxCricket</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> <a href="https://t.co/E4rR5Sae18">pic.twitter.com/E4rR5Sae18</a></p> <p>— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1530015862995816448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In lieu of flowers, guests were encouraged to donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nigel Fairbain was the first to speak at the service, welcoming attendees to celebrate Symonds’ life.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The gratitude his family extends to you all, with the acknowledgement to people who have travelled long distances.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rejoice in the life he led. Celebrate it and learn from it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew’s life was a life well-lived, albeit cut short too early.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Symonds’ two children both spoke after, followed by his mother Barbara and sister Louise.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5e66cd3d-7fff-adb7-0e5e-ef28e74008d3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">A video tribute was also delivered by former teammate Matthew Hayden.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/andrew-symonds-service1.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Photos of Andrew Symonds, cricket hats and his cricket bat surrounded his coffin. Image: Twitter</em></p> <p dir="ltr">After the service, Gilchrist told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10859363/Andrew-Symonds-funeral-Townville-Riverway-Stadium-Australia-cricket-greats-wife-Laura-farewell-Roy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail Australia</a></em> that Maher delivered the best eulogy he’s ever heard.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He looked at the kids in the eyes and told them exactly what he thought Roy would want him to say,” Gilchrist told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The service was simply beautiful. I’ve not seen a congregation as moved as they were today - full of sadness, but also such beautiful memories of a guy who just gave so much of himself to so many people, unconditionally.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was loyal, almost to a fault. Mischievous character, but he would do whatever it took to help others - in and off the field.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve all spoken so much about Roy, and there’s barely been a mention of his cricketing exploits and he was one of the game's great exploits. Ricky Ponting said he’d pick him in any team in any format.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Following on from the morning’s service, a public service will be livestreamed on <a href="https://www.cricket.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cricket.com.au</a>, <a href="https://kayosports.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kayo Sports</a>, and <a href="https://www.foxsports.com.au/?_gl=1*qteu7l*_ga*YW1wLU50aDlQVWR6Yk41MU11RW5FRjdQRVE." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox Cricket</a> from 2.30pm.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-27946453-7fff-c75e-9e42-41ed3e5d6eeb"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Bunnings forced to recall electric blower

<p>Bunnings has recalled a popular gardening tool that poses a risk of electric shock and injury.</p> <p>Some models of Ozito's portable electric blower are being taken off the shelves due to a defect with the impeller that can break during use and rupture the casing, releasing sharp objects at high speed and showing live parts.</p> <p>"Bunnings is promoting the recall of a Ozito portable Electrical Blower, model number OZBL1800WA and is green in colour, which customers were first advised about in 2015," Adrian Pearce, Bunnings general manager of merchandise, said.</p> <p>"Bunnings supported our supplier Ozito with their initial voluntarily recall and since then the recall has been advertised many times including on radio, print, and emails to our customers, with the current advertising designed to address any outstanding purchases made between 2009 and 2015.</p> <p>"Bunnings takes the safety of its customers very seriously and we encourage any remaining owners of this model to return the product to their nearest Bunnings."</p> <p>People who have purchased the product have been asked to stop using the blower immediately. They are encouraged to return it to their nearest Bunnings store for a full refund.</p> <p>For further information, customers are urged to contact Bunnings' customer relations team on 1800 811 436.</p> <p><em>Image: Bunnings</em></p>

News

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Furore erupts after RSL member refuses to allow Indigenous flag at ANZAC service

<p dir="ltr">A NSW woman had the police called on her after she attempted to drape an Indigenous flag honouring First Nations diggers at her local war memorial service in Lismore.</p> <p dir="ltr">Cindy Roberts tried to display her flag beneath the Australian flag before the service began, but a local RSL member allegedly stopped her twice and called the police, according to the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10753649/Anzac-Day-2022-fury-memorial-service-hit-row-Indigenous-flag.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The incident has sparked outrage among those in attendance and online, with former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell describing it as a “huge overreaction”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It wasn’t a huge protest in any way and was absolutely done respectfully,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was embarrassing and awkward and it should have just been allowed to pass without the fuss from the RSL member.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Roberts, whose daughter, grandparents and uncles have served in Australia’s armed forces, had taken part in the dawn service and the march to Lismore Memorial Baths for the ceremony.</p> <p dir="ltr">When she arrived, the only flag flying was the Australian flag, despite other venues displaying the Aboriginal, Australian, and Torres Strait Islander flags side by side.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just wanted to remember my ancestors that had fought in every single war, including the frontier war,” she told <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So I stood and I felt a spirit in my heart tell me to just lay the flag out. I didn’t put it on the flagpole, I just placed it on the ground underneath the Australian flag.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Then I was approached by a member from the RSL and asked to remove the flag.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I said, ‘But my grandfathers and my uncles and my ancestors fought in the wars of this country’. He said, ‘This is not the time or the place’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought, ‘Well, when is the time to bring unity?’”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Roberts said she then picked the flag up and went to the spot where the wreaths were laid, where she was confronted again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Then (the RSL member) approached me again and told me to remove the flag again and with the police this time,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When this happened, I cried. I broke down and everyone saw me but I still stood there in the crowd behind the children with the Aboriginal flag.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Robert’s daughter Skye, who served as a ship technician in the Australian Navy for five years, was with her mother when the incident occurred.</p> <p dir="ltr">Celebrated Indigenous soldier Clarrie Combo, who fought for Australia in Egypt, Libya, Crete, Syria, Greece, Sri Lanka and New Guinea during WWII, was one of Ms Roberts’ great uncles.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our people have been through so much and I’m tired of them not being acknowledged,” Ms Roberts said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“First Nations people who fought in these wars deserve more respect because they put their lives on the line.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Dowell said she tried to reason with the RSL member and that she couldn’t understand why they were treating Ms Roberts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I saw the reaction from a member of the RSL who was saying repeatedly, it’s not appropriate, it’s not appropriate,” she told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t quite know what was not appropriate. I thought it was very disappointing - and not one speaker in the whole ceremony even acknowledged country.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought that was poor. The situation could have easily have escalated if Cindy had chosen to do so but she didn’t and many there may not have even noticed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought she was very respectful and hopefully we can all learn from this incident - and that it doesn’t happen again.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The incident caused intense debate in the town’s Facebook group, with many supporting Ms Roberts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To the beautiful Indigenous woman advocating to raise the Indigenous flag today at the service following the march, I am beyond apologetic for the utter disrespect you were shown,” one local wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others insisted that the Australian flag should cover everyone since soldiers all fought under it in wartime.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They fought under the Australian flag. We are all Australians,” one person said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-596180ea-7fff-cebf-ca7d-1e543ffdf614"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Daily Mail</em></p>

Caring

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“Arrogant selfish brat”: Ben Fordham calls out Prince Harry

<p dir="ltr">Ben Fordham has dubbed Prince Harry an “arrogant, selfish brat” after he didn’t attend his late grandfather’s memorial at Westminster Abbey.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You know what? I’m gonna say this pretty bluntly about Prince Harry and his decision not to attend,” Fordham said on Ben Fordham Live with Adam Gilchrist during the UK Report.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I mean this is in respect for his grandfather and also he could have been there to support his grandmother,” he continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Prince Harry’s decision not to attend just goes to show what an arrogant, selfish brat Prince Harry is. I cannot believe it Adam.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Gilchrist went on to agree with Fordham, adding that Harry should remember that there would only be so many more chances for him to be there for his grandmother due to her ongoing health concerns.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For him not to pitch up as you say for his granddad and to not be there in support of his grandma, there aren’t going to be many more of these events Harry, in case nobody told you that,” Gilchrist said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Queen was escorted to the abbey by Prince Andrew, a move which many - including Gilchrist - have criticised, considering he only recently settled the sexual assault case launched against by Virginia Roberts Giuffre.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The thing is it wasn’t a completely public event. If it had been, by and large, a state funeral or a state service, I don’t think Prince Andrew could have possibly turned up,” Gilchrist said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But because it was a sort of semi-private thing, albeit with pictures beamed around the world, essentially a family event with others attending, then you can sort of get away with Prince Andrew being there.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Plus, he clearly is still one of the Queen’s favourites and whatever else he’s done in life, your mother always loves you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Prince Harry has also attracted much criticism since announcing l said he wouldn’t attend the service for Prince Philip.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former royal said it was because he was told he wouldn’t be granted royal security protection, even if he paid for it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Richard Griffin, Prince Philip’s former protection officer, said Harry’s excuse for not attending was “pathetic”, as reported by <em><a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/prince-philip-memorial-ben-fordham-takes-issue-with-prince-harry/2db86cd3-30de-40f9-9cd7-8cdd6ae5b252" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All this nonsense about he couldn't’ get protection, as far as I’m concerned that was a pathetic excuse, he should have been there to honour his grandfather,” Griffin said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Griffin added that Harry could have been covered by the security details for his father Prince Charles or his brother Prince William, meaning he didn’t need one of his own.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3776b103-7fff-d9dc-4b16-8f0d86ba9a37"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images / 2GB</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Warnie's memorial service is today: What you need to know

<p>Almost a month on from the sudden death of cricketer Shane Warne, the Spin King will be honoured with a celebration in the heart of Melbourne at the MCG, in front of fans and family alike.</p> <p>Those closest to Warne farewelled him at a private service earlier this month and those wishing to pay their respects can now watch or attend a state memorial service today.</p> <p><strong>When and where is the service?</strong><br />The service will be at the MCG, home to some of Warne's greatest cricketing triumphs.<br />The gates of the MCG are due to open at 5:30 pm for a 7 pm start, and the state memorial service is scheduled to run for about two hours.</p> <p>A stage will be set up on the grounds of the MCG and upwards of 40,000 people are expected to fill the stadium's stands. The service will feature performances, tributes and reflections recognising Warne's big personality and charisma as well as his enormous contributions to Australian sport.</p> <p><strong>Who will be attending?</strong><br />A long and impressive list of high-profile people will take part in the service, but not everyone will appear in person. Some guests and performers will appear either via live video links or pre-recorded segments.</p> <p>Musical entertainment will be a huge part of the service. Performers are expected from those Warne counted among his friends including Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran. Local acts will include Anthony Callea and musician Jon Stevens, slated to perform covers of "bangers" that were among Warne's favourites, including songs by INXS and Noiseworks. Kylie and Dannii Minogue will also be part of the proceedings, but it's unclear whether or not they will perform.</p> <p>The biggest names in cricket in Australia and overseas will take part, including Wasim Akram, Allan Border, Ian Botham, Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Clarke, Stephen Fleming, Merv Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Glenn McGrath and Mark Taylor.</p> <p>AFL great Dermott Brereton and Aaron Hamill, a long-time close friend of Warne, will take part, as will actors Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Other prominent people making appearances are golfer Greg Norman, surfer Kelly Slater and comedian Andy Lee.</p> <p>The people most important to Warne, his immediate family, will also speak as part of the evening's proceedings. His three children, Brooke, Jackson and Summer, his father Keith and brother Jason are due to appear on stage.</p> <p><strong>Can I still get a ticket?</strong><br />More than 50,000 tickets have already been nabbed, but another 10,000 spots were released through the MCG website on Wednesday.</p> <p>Tickets to the event are free and in recognition of Warne's contributions to the game, his family requested that fans come along to the memorial dressed in their cricket gear.</p> <p><strong>How can I watch it?</strong><br />Eddie McGuire, who will MC the event, said all free-to-air TV channels will be broadcasting the service, there will be radio channels airing it as well, and there will be multiple places to live stream the proceedings online. Coverage will begin on ABC News Channel and on iview from 6:30 pm AEDT, with the memorial broadcast live on ABC Local Radio (except SA and Perth metro) and ABC Sport Digital.</p>

TV

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Queen makes emotional appearance at memorial service for Prince Philip

<p>Queen Elizabeth has made her first public appearance in over five months as she attended St. George's Chapel for a memorial service marking one year since Prince Philip's death.</p> <p>Her Majesty was joined by other members of the royal family and other dignitaries for the emotional service in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh. </p> <p>The Queen looked lonely and solemn as she entered the church to pay her respects, as she sat alone to reflect on her life with her husband. </p> <p>Prince Philip, who was by his wife’s side for more than seven decades, passed away at their Windsor Castle home in April 2021, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.</p> <p>Due to strict coronavirus rules, only 30 people were able to be in attendance at the service, meaning the Queen said poignantly alone as her husband of 73 years was lowered into the Royal Vault of St George’s Chapel of the castle.</p> <p>Another memorial service was held at London's Westminster Abbey and was a much larger event, with royals Prince Charles and Camilla, and Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children all in attendance. </p> <p>The event also marked the first public appearance of Prince Andrew since settling his lawsuit over sexual assault allegations, as Andrew accompanied the Queen into the church.</p> <p>“A man of rare ability and distinction, rightly honoured and celebrated, he ever directed our attention away from himself,” David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, said of Philip.</p> <p>The Dean went on to say it was a "long life lived fully".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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“Smooth” barista writes secret message to customer

<p dir="ltr">A woman joked that she would not go back to Starbucks after the barista left her a compliment on her coffee cup.</p> <p dir="ltr">Captioning her <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@chance_twins/video/7072141664227200261?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> video “AHAHAHA never going back there” the woman shared with her followers the barista’s message.</p> <p dir="ltr">On her coffee cup, the words “secret message” were written on the cup with an arrow for her to turn and follow.</p> <p dir="ltr">There the barista had crossed out some words from the warning message so instead it read, “Careful you’re extremely hot.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has already been viewed more than 10 million times and received almost two million likes, with many supporting the barista’s “smooth” move. </p> <p dir="ltr">“That was smooth though not gonna lie,” one person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Be glad someone made their shot. It’s rare these days!” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Be careful, coffee, she’s too hot,” another joked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Spill it on yourself and sue Starbucks because the safety info was blocked. Use the money for your honeymoon,” someone else suggested.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

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Preparations begin for the Queen ahead of Philip’s memorial service

<p dir="ltr">After her recent mobility issues, a huge operation is underway <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-elizabeth-plans-to-make-monarch-comfortable-at-prince-philip-memorial-westminster-abbey/fea7f70c-1c00-47cb-8573-d9cbd674aa15" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to ensure</a> Queen Elizabeth II is as comfortable as possible ahead of her late husband’s memorial service.</p> <p dir="ltr">The service to commemorate Prince Philip one year after his death is due to take place at Westminster Abbey on March 29, but the Queen may be taking a different route than usual in and out of the Abbey.</p> <p dir="ltr">Buckingham Palace aides are said to be considering several options to allow the Queen to attend the mass without being seen walking with difficulty, including entering the Abbey via the Poet’s Corner or arriving by helicopter, per <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/18003126/queen-prince-philip-memorial-service-military-operation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The monarch was last seen at the Abbey in October 2021 for the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, where she was spotted using a walking stick.</p> <p dir="ltr">Soon after that event, which saw her take her usual route into the Abbey, the Queen was forced to cancel a number of events on her doctors’ orders.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the publication, staff have ruled out using a wheelchair, and are considering using privacy screens to shield the monarch from cameras as she walks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another idea could see the Queen break with tradition and arrive before the other guests to take her seat early.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everything is being looked at to make sure the Queen makes it to Philip’s service,” a source told <em>The Sun</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But the most important thing is to make sure she is comfortable.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A 15-minute flight is better than an hour in the back of a car. Some days she can walk around easily. Other days she cannot. It varies day by day.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Queen, who turns 96 next month, is hoping to lead the mourners at Prince Philip’s service.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other senior royals in attendance will include Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as European royals who were unable to attend the funeral and surviving members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s family from Germany.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e1e08641-7fff-b7b9-a787-cd58dd2d94af"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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