Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSTwo young boys have been found dead at a home in a small regional town
with police arresting a woman believed to be their grandmother
Officers visited the property at Coonabarabran
following reports of a concern for their welfare
was taken to hospital for further assessment where she remains under police guard
The deaths are being investigated under Strike Force Darnum
assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad
Premier Chris Minns described the discovery of the boys' bodies as heartbreaking
"What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them," he said."I can not begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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The woman in her 70s purchased the winning ticket worth $1.6 million from the Lucky Charm Pinjarra while stopping in the town to buy some cat litter.
“I needed kitty litter, and thought I’d go to Pinjarra to avoid the busy traffic,” she said.
“I usually buy tickets at places around Mandurah, Halls Head or Silver Sands, but while I was in Pinjarra I thought I’d stop at the newsagent there.”
Thanks to the woman registering the ticket to her Lotterywest membership, she received a phone call from Lotterywest the following day with the good news.
“I got a call from the Lotterywest customer services team while driving and I quickly pulled over,” the winner said.
“I couldn’t believe it, you never expect it to happen to you. I’m still processing it to be honest.
“I was worried it was a scam, so I called Lotterywest right back on their main number to confirm.”
Lotterywest spokesperson Zoe Wender said registering your ticket is a great way to keep it safe, and WA players can sign up to a Lotterywest membership for free, online or through the Lotterywest App.
“All Lotterywest members can receive a physical or digital membership card that can be shared with their local retailer prior to purchasing a ticket, so the ticket can be registered for safe keeping,” she said.
“When a registered ticket matches the numbers to a Division One prize, the player receives a phone call first thing the next business day.
Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have looked into a message sent by Willie Rioli
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSWillie Rioli has apologised for a private message sent to a Western Bulldogs player that caused a stir and was referred to the AFL
The league will take no further action after the Port Adelaide forward contacted a teammate of Bulldogs opponent Bailey Dale
It's an unwelcome distraction for the Power ahead of next Saturday night's Showdown against Adelaide
"Port Adelaide is aware of a private message sent by Willie Rioli to a Western Bulldogs player following Saturday afternoon's game between the two clubs," the Power said in a statement on Monday evening
"The matter has now been resolved privately after Willie contacted Bailey Dale from the Bulldogs."
saying it had "reminded both clubs to ensure any communications remain respectful"
Port are coming off a 90-point thrashing from the Bulldogs on Saturday in Ballarat
which featured an on-field skirmish between Rioli and Dale
Rioli can accept a $1000 fine for striking Dale off the ball in the third term
Once the Bulldogs became aware of the text
The Bulldogs will head to Darwin to play Gold Coast on Saturday night
Rioli posted on Instagram after Port's emotion-charged win over Hawthorn
and the backlash prompted him to briefly take leave from the club
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Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSSEAT COUNT IN 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION
* Labor - 85 seats (+7 from 2022 election)
* Independents/Minor parties - 10 seats (-1)
with 77.8 per cent of the national tally counted
* Melbourne (Vic) - Greens leader Adam Bandt is in danger of losing his seat to Labor challenger Sarah Witty
A high number of postal votes are flowing to Labor over the Greens
* Kooyong (Vic) - Independent MP Monique Ryan faces a challenge from Liberal Amelia Hamer
with the teal leading 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent
* Bradfield (NSW) - Just 501 votes separate independent challenger Nicolette Boele and the Liberals' Gisele Kapterian in the former safe seat for the coalition
* Bullwinkel (WA) - Barely anything splits Labor and the Liberals in the newest WA seat
with Labor's Trish Cook leading by just 85 votes over Liberal Matt Moran
* Goldstein (Vic) - A razor-thin margin of 95 votes separates leading independent MP Zoe Daniel and Liberal challenger Tim Wilson
with the result to come down to preferences
* Longman (Qld) - Coalition MP Terry Young is ahead of Labor's Rhiannyn Douglas by a mere 102 votes in a seat previously held by the LNP with a margin of 3.1 per cent
* Wills (Vic) - Labor MP Peter Khalil faces a challenge from Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam
with the incumbent ahead 51.6 per cent to 48.4 per cent
* Ryan (Qld) - A three-way contest has emerged in the Brisbane-based seat between Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown
the coalition's Maggie Forrest and Labor's Rebecca Hack
but the result will come down to preference flows from the party that finishes third
* Fremantle (WA) - A close battle in one of Labor's safest seats
with Labor MP Josh Wilson under threat from independent challenger Kate Hulett
* Bean (ACT) - The Labor stronghold held by MP David Smith is being challenged by independent Jessie Price who is leading 50.1 per cent to 49.9 per cent for Smith
who previously held the seat by more than 12 per cent
Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSA maintenance worker accused of killing gangland lawyer Joseph Acquaro has walked from court a free man after his murder charge was dropped
was accused of shooting dead Mr Acquaro as he left his East Brunswick gelato store on March 15
He pleaded not guilty to murder and was awaiting trial in the Victorian Supreme Court but prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams on Monday confirmed the case had been discontinued
Joseph Acquaro was shot dead in front of his East Brunswick gelato shop in March 2016
(Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)Mr McWilliams did not detail in court the reason why prosecutors dropped the murder charge
Justice Jane Dixon confirmed Mr Crupi was not in custody on any other matters so she allowed him to the leave the dock for the rest of the brief hearing
Mr Crupi hugged his lawyers outside the courtroom but declined to comment
He was first charged in 2018 with Mr Acquaro's murder and was committed to stand trial in the Victorian Supreme Court the following year
But the case was repeatedly delayed due to a legal fight over confidential material
Victoria Police sought to withhold more than 600 pages of documents from Mr Crupi's lawyers
arguing it could identify a police informant known as Informer Z
A Supreme Court judge ruled against the police in 2018
saying the documents could substantially assist Mr Crupi in his defence
always denied shooting Joseph Acquaro dead
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)The police commissioner then appealed the decision to the High Court
with three justices overturning the judge's original ruling in September 2024
The case was sent back to the Supreme Court but no new trial date was listed
always denied the allegation he shot dead Mr Acquaro
Police had alleged Mr Crupi carried out the murder following a dispute over payment for tiling work he carried out at Mr Acquaro's gelato store
But Mr Crupi claimed Mr Acquaro was an informer and it was reasonably possible he was killed by someone who had learnt of his discussions with police
Mr Acquaro had represented prominent gangland figures during his time as a lawyer and he had strong ties with Melbourne's Calabrian community
it was revealed he had shared information about at least one of his clients to police although he was never formally registered as an informer
Photo: Ethan James/AAP PHOTOSThe closure of a youth detention centre with an "ongoing abuse risk" has been further pushed back as part of broad justice reforms
Tasmania's Ashley Youth Detention Centre was in 2023 recommended to be shut as soon as possible in the final report of an inquiry into institutionalised child sexual abuse
the subject of horrific stories of mistreatment
which had previously pledged to shut the centre by the end of 2024
later said it would be closed in 2026 once replacement facilities had been established
Minister for Children Roger Jaensch says the centre can't close until a new one is up and running
that date was pushed back to early 2028 as part of the release of a master plan for the construction of a more therapeutic centre north of Hobart
"We cannot (close the centre) before we have a new functional detention facility," Minister for Children and Youth Roger Jaensch told reporters
"We believe … we can see the new facility built before the end of 2027 and then the closure of Ashley shortly thereafter."
Labor opposition MP Sarah Lovell said there was no clear plan for what would happen in the meantime
"The (inquiry) made it crystal clear: Ashley must close as soon as possible," she said
"Community safety is directly linked to effective
we are failing both the young people in the system and the communities they return to."
A master plan for a new facility has been released but it won't be built before the end of 2027
(Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)A parliament committee was last week told the government was investigating recent complaints from detainees about the use of isolation and restraints
Mr Jaensch acknowledged Ashley had not produced good outcomes for young people and hadn't reduced re-offending
the state government was providing diversionary programs for young people and the centre was safer than ever before
"We're not seeing an increase in reports of sexual abuse
although we leave the channels open for anyone with concerns to report them
there hasn't been a recent concern raised about recent sexual abuse matters at Ashley Youth Detention Centre."
The new centre will have 16 residential beds
plus two for new arrivals and two medical beds
Of 111 state servants suspended since late 2020 because of child sexual abuse allegations
41 remain subject to ongoing investigations by the government
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCanterbury are set to lose Jacob Preston for at least three weeks as Melbourne forwards Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu breathe a sigh of relief after the NRL charge sheet came out
Star second-rower Preston will cop three weeks on the sidelines with an early guilty plea for a grade-two crusher tackle on Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui late in the Bulldogs' 38-18 win at Magic Round
The Bulldogs are already missing suspended forwards Sitili Tupouniua and Josh Curran for their away clash with Canberra on Saturday
The Storm lost 20-18 to the Raiders in golden point in a controversial Sunday night finish to Magic Round
they led 18-12 and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen kicked a field goal in the 75th minute that would have taken them to 19-12
the Bunker found an elbow to the head of Raiders captain Joseph Topine by Storm lock Loiero in a previous play when Melbourne had the ball
The Raiders then levelled through a scintillating try to fullback Kaeo Weekes
but the Storm were in position for a field goal in golden point when prop Utoikamanu was pinged and sin-binned for stomping on hooker Tom Starling in the play-the-ball
Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu (right) has escaped charge from the fiery loss to Canberra
(HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOS)"The game was in the balance and ..
"I was trying to play the ball and move Tom Starling out of the way
especially when you have been warned from the refs about that sort of stuff."
Raiders skipper Jamal Fogarty then landed the winning penalty after Loiero was ruled to have taken Hudson Young high
While coach Craig Bellamy was scathing post-match of his side's lack of discipline
he also suggested the officiating did his side no favours when asked if the Storm were "hard done by"."You can say that if you like," Bellamy replied
That sentiment could well be enhanced on Monday after both Loiero and Utoikamanu were cleared by the match review committee to play in the home game against Wests Tigers on Sunday
Papenhuyzen spoke to ABC Radio Sport after the match
and his assessment of the Utoikamanu incident proved prophetic
"You are trying to get a quick play-the-ball
while admitting he didn't know his opponent
Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOSAnthony Albanese has held a "warm and positive conversation" with US President Donald Trump following his decisive election victory
The two leaders discussed the election outcome as well as tariffs imposed by the US on allies including Australia
"I had a very warm and positive conversation with President Trump," Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra
"I thanked him for his very warm message of congratulations
We talked about AUKUS and tariffs and we'll continue to engage
"We will engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future ..
and I thank him for reaching out in such a positive way
"He was fully aware of the (election) outcome
and he expressed the desire to continue to work with me in the future."
"He's very good," President Donald Trump said of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)It was the third time the leaders have spoken
and the first since tariffs of 10 per cent were imposed on all Australian exports to the US
The two leaders will come face-to-face at the upcoming G7 meeting in Canada
after Mr Albanese was invited to the summit by newly elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney
The phone call comes as Mr Trump praised Mr Albanese after Labor's landslide election win
with the US leader not addressing suggestions his presidency contributed to a drop in coalition support
Speaking to the media at the White House on Monday
Mr Trump said he had a good relationship with Australia's re-elected leader
I don't know anything about the election other than the man that won
"I have no idea who the other person is that ran against him
and you know (Albanese and I) have had a very good relationship."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton sought to distance himself from Trump policies during the campaign
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Mr Trump did not respond to questions on whether his policies had caused a rethink from voters in Australia on support for the coalition
Peter Dutton sought to distance himself from Mr Trump's agenda
But the coalition was criticised for attacking the public service and taking inspiration from Mr Trump's 'department of government efficiency'
Mr Trump's policies were a key factor in the recent election in Canada
which returned its centre-left government and punished the right-wing opposition
Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton had campaigned on who would be best placed to deal with the Trump White House
following the president's imposition of tariffs on US allies
their latest win a convincing victory over the Gold Coast Suns
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSThe Brisbane Lions' premiership defence is hitting somewhere near top gear and there's plenty in reserve for Chris Fagan
who is forecasting selection headaches for the table-toppers
A 12th win from the last 13 encounters with Gold Coast on Sunday at the Gabba followed the Lions' dominance of St Kilda a week earlier
They're now 7-1 and back on top of the AFL ladder
despite acknowledging struggles with team defence and consistency around the stoppages
Fagan's side were ominously dominant in those two areas on a wet night in Brisbane on Sunday
a ruthless third term setting up a comfortable 9.12 (62) to 7.7 (49) scoreline that flattered the Suns
Brisbane's Will Ashcroft had a huge impact in the Lions' win over the Suns at the Gabba
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Midfielders Will Ashcroft
Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley put on a clinic as the Lions won clearances 47-28
Charlie Cameron ended a three-game goal drought with a trio of majors
the small forward also missing two set-shot snaps he would normally swallow up
And Jack Payne returned from illness to put the clamps on Coleman Medal leader Ben King
who didn't touch the ball until the third term
Suns coach Damien Hardwick tipped his cap to the "humming" Lions
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the table-topping Lions still have plenty in reserve
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"The past two weeks we're getting back to somewhere near what we look like when we play our best footy," the coach said
"The boys have embraced the pressure stuff and team defence side of things
and we've got good results on the back of that."
That effort came hours after Keiden Coleman's impressive return from a knee reconstruction in a two-point VFL win against the Suns
10 marks and five tackles in his first game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in round one last year
Keidean Coleman made an impressive return to the Lions' VFL side 14 months after an ACL rupture
(Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Fellow defender Tom Doedee also starred
the Adelaide recruit playing his fourth game since overcoming back-to-back knee reconstructions
Doedee had initially been reluctant to put his name forward for AFL selection
but has told Fagan he is ready for a recall
Sam Day (hamstring) will likely be sidelined
but the coach said forwards Kai Lohmann (shoulder) and Logan Morris (calf) should both be available to face North Melbourne in Hobart next week
It creates a selection headache for the coach
who took his side to the flag with Coleman
Darcy Gardiner and Lincoln McCarthy all sidelined by knee injuries last year
"We've got a few coming at us," Fagan said
"He (Coleman) has got to push his way into the side ..
I'm reluctant to change a group that's doing a good job
and sometimes it's good to get a second game
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken his election landslide as a mandate to press ahead with key reforms as he stares down the Greens on housing
Mr Albanese insists the government would turn to priority reform and not get ahead of itself
Legislation to slash student debt by 20 per cent will be the introduced when parliament resumes
"I didn't get ahead of myself in the last three years
we had a lot to turn around," he said in Canberra on Monday
Housing will remain a major priority with the prime minister ready to take on the Greens
who still hold the balance of power in the Senate despite losing two seats to Labor in Brisbane
Greens leader Adam Bandt has pledged to use the balance of power to force progressive reform but the prime minister took a stern tone after the Liberals and Greens lost their housing spokespeople
"We have a clear mandate to build more housing
criticising the Greens and coalition for stalling Labor's housing policies
then they'll receive the same response that the housing spokespeople for the Liberal Party and the Greens got on Saturday."
Mr Albanese also outlined his priorities abroad
He will travel to Canada for a G7 summit in June
with Indonesia to be his first international bilateral trip
Mr Albanese's ministry is expected to showcase many new faces in the party room
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)The prime minister has spoken with a number of global counterparts including US President Donald Trump since his re-election and more conversations have been lined up as his leadership team meets on Monday to decide on a new cabinet
the delicate factional balance in the ministry could stir a wider reshuffle under an ascendant left wing
Caucus will also meet after the final ballots have been counted and seats determined
Labor picked up in excess of a dozen seats
with more on the table as ballot counting continues
The government needed at least 76 out of 150 lower house seats to win and could end up with 85 or more
The government faces a weakened opposition with the battered Liberals losing at least 13 seats and as many as 19
Peter Dutton is the highest-profile casualty among the Liberals who could lose as many as 19 seats
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Peter Dutton was the highest-profile casualty
becoming the first opposition leader to lose his seat as three Liberal frontbenchers were booted from parliament by Labor candidates
the leadership frontrunners include shadow treasurer Angus Taylor
defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and immigration spokesman Dan Tehan
Some Liberal senators concede the coalition had failed to offer voters a substantial policy platform
"You've got to have the ambition to lead on the economy and ..
I don't think that's been evident over the last few years," Liberal senator Andrew Bragg told ABC radio on Monday
Angus Taylor is among leadership contenders but is under fire for the Liberal election campaign
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)The coalition needed to avoid culture wars that target minorities and become more inclusive to win back the middle ground
while branding a decision to preference One Nation as "misguided"
was scathing of Mr Taylor's role in the defeat saying "the economic narrative was just completely non-existent"
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it would be "extraordinary if Angus Taylor was rewarded with a promotion after the diabolical contribution that he made to this history-making coalition defeat"
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSMelbourne captain Max Gawn has dismissed the latest trade speculation around Clayton Oliver and expects the star midfielder will to return to the AFL club imminently
Oliver missed the Demons' win over West Coast last round due to personal reasons
granted temporary leave after what the club described as "a difficult week personally"
Gawn expects the 27-year-old to re-join his teammates when Melbourne resume training on Tuesday in preparation for the clash with Hawthorn at the MCG in round nine
Max Gawn says it was a mature decision for Oliver to take a break for personal reasons
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)"There is going to be stories about him until we're done," Gawn said on Triple M on Monday
"He's an elite player who's on a good pay packet
and those guys are always going to have stories written about them
"He made a very mature decision to spend the week off this week
It's been a big first eight weeks (of the season) for him
"He came to the club and they organised a good situation
He felt like he was getting a bit overwhelmed and just wanted a week off from the club
"He'll be in tomorrow and I actually really applaud the mature decision from both the club and Clayton."
Oliver had a desire to be traded to Geelong at the end of last year
but Melbourne held firm on their contracted four-time best-and-fairest winner
A Nine report on Sunday night claimed Oliver will again seek an early release from the multi-million dollar deal
"I am literally week-to-week with both the footy club and with Clayton
so all I care about is him getting up for Hawthorn and him doing it with a smile on his face
Oliver has been the subject of more trade speculation but skipper Gawn dismisses it
(Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)Gawn said the latest Oliver trade speculation won't be an issue for Melbourne this week as they seek to extend a three-match winning streak
"I've lived with so many of these stories ..
"It's all a beat-up in May because anything can happen in May
"Let's say I have made a decision that I want to go next year and to somewhere else
I'm going to pretend it hasn't even been written - nothing to see here - and continue my relationship with Clayton."
After last Saturday night's win over West Coast
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said he hopes Oliver will be in the mix to play against Hawthorn
But Goodwin stressed Oliver's wellbeing is "the biggest thing for us" and said the club won't put any pressure on him to play
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOSA man who stabbed six weekend shoppers could have been reconnected with mental health support well ahead of the tragedy after a plea by his mother for assistance
Joel Cauchi was known to Queensland police for suspected mental health concerns more than a year before he armed himself with a 30-centimetre long knife and launched his unprovoked and deadly mall attack
the 40-year-old killed six people and injured 10 others in Sydney's Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13
2024 before being shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott
Cauchi called police to his family home in Toowoomba
after his father Andrew took his collection of knives
This included a knife that was the exact type used in the mall attack
body-worn video from a senior constable called to the Toowoomba house was played in the NSW Coroners Court on Monday
It's pretty expensive and he won't give it back," Cauchi says on the roadside outside the home as the officer approaches
He is seen persistently urging the officer
to talk to his parents and get the knives back right away
Inspector Amy Scott shot Joel Cauchi dead after he had killed six people in the mall
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)While claiming he would become financially broke or homeless without the knives
a female constable was chatting with the then-39-year-old's mother Michele who said her son had stopped taking his medication years before and was now believed to be hearing voices
"She was asking for help," the officer told the court
Cauchi was a "high-functioning" schizophrenic who had a university degree
could speak two languages and was studying to become an English teacher
His parents told police attending their home they held concerns for their son's mental health
including that he had been up at 3am pacing around
Michele Cauchi told the officers her husband Andrew took the knives out of concern
Cauchi was "in a rage" after they were taken
pushing his father and swearing at his mother
In an email sent that night to the Queensland police mental health incident co-ordinator
the more senior officer requested a follow-up
"It's likely we will have further calls for service to the house," he wrote
"If a follow-up could be made of the family … that would be great."
State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan is overseeing the inquest
(HANDOUT/NEW SOUTH WALES DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE)But nothing was organised after an "oversight" meant the email was seen but then forgotten about by a co-ordinator after being called to another job
Cauchi had been successfully treated for decades through anti-psychotic medication and psychiatric visits
But by March 2020 he had been completely detached from the mental health system
When asked by police about his mental health at the January 2023 call-out
Cauchi said he felt "really good" and "terrific"
He also said he felt much better since ceasing his medication which he claimed caused numerous side-effects
the inquest also heard evidence from a Brisbane highway patrol officer who pulled Cauchi over in September 2021 because of "erratic driving"
saw Cauchi "brake checking" his silver Toyota sedan by stopping and starting the vehicle before swerving sharply into the right-hand lane
He activated lights and sirens before pulling the vehicle over
Cauchi told the officer he did not realise how he was driving
The officer said when he searched for prior history
he was unaware there had been a pattern of behaviour with the then 38-year-old pulled over for similar driving twice before
The inquest before State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan continues on Tuesday
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSA brazen serial groper who preyed upon 18 women in a nightclub has avoided jail time after a judge found his risk of reoffending was low
was facing up to 10 years in prison but was instead sentenced to a two-year community corrections order on Monday
He dodged reporters' questions as he left the Victorian County Court
The former PwC IT worker pleaded guilty to 17 charges of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault over the attacks at Revolver Upstairs in Melbourne's inner east
CCTV footage from the nightclub showed Rayan groping his victims on the buttocks
stroking their backs and kissing them on the arms and shoulders
The attacks happened on three separate occasions in September and October 2023
Rayan admitted to police he touched one of the women accidentally
but claimed he could not remember the other incidents because he was too drunk
Victorian County Court Judge Peter Rozen said he held reservations about those claims as he sentenced Rayan over the "brazen" attacks
The attacks occurred at Revolver Upstairs in Melbourne's inner east
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"Your offending was deliberate and you knew what you were doing," he said
The women were entitled to feel safe in the nightclub and the scale of Rayan's crimes was concerning
He noted that three victim impact statements were read to the court
where the women described their ongoing anxiety and shattered sense of security
Judge Rozen also decided Rayan's moral culpability was considerable and said the 34-year-old lacked insight into his offending
But the judge accepted the sexual assaults were at the lower end of seriousness
given Rayan's victims were adults and the attacks were fleeting
The sentencing judge said David Rayan's offending was out of character
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)His risk of reoffending was also low
no pending charges and no diagnosed mental health conditions
"I accept this offending was out of character for you," the judge said
Rayan was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order with 180 hours of unpaid community work
He will also have to complete treatment for alcohol abuse and programs to reduce his risk of reoffending
Photo: HANDOUT/World Surf LeagueStephanie Gilmore and the dozen local hopes have had their Gold Coast Pro campaigns paused for at least three days after conditions at Burleigh Heads fell flat
Men's round-of-32 and women's round-of-16 heats won't be contested until at least Thursday after officials made the Monday morning call to place competition on hold
The initial plan was to assess conditions on Tuesday for a possible start
but the hold was later extended until at least Thursday
"There were a few waves on offer this morning
which is what we expected," WSL deputy commissioner Renato Hickel said
"We are expecting this trend to continue for the coming days and even get a bit smaller
and with another great-looking swell expected for the end of the week
we will come back on Thursday and make another call for competition to potentially resume
The Gold Coast Pro is on hold until at least Thursday
(HANDOUT/World Surf League)"The swell for the weekend looks great
so we are looking forward to riding some great waves here at Burleigh Heads."
Back on the Championship Tour for the first time since 2019
the Gold Coast stop produced an eventful opening weekend that saw Jack Robinson bundled out and veterans Julian Wilson and Gilmore progress in their top-level returns
They are two of 12 Australian hopes still alive
Molly Picklum and Sally Fitzgibbons all impressive in the opening round on Saturday
will face world champion Caity Simmers when action resumes
then scored a 15.47 in Sunday's elimination round to knock out compatriot Robinson
slated to face Brazil's series leader Italo Ferreira
whose aerial prowess makes him tough to stop on the Queensland coast
"I just really wanted the opportunity to get that match-up ..
I can showcase something that can challenge him."
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSDamien Hardwick has called for better "protection" of Matt Rowell after the Gold Coast midfielder's quiet night against Brisbane and argued the result wasn't indicative of the gap between his Suns and the best
Gold Coast looked up for the fight at the Gabba on Sunday when they finished the first half with some momentum and trailing by just 11 points
the third quarter one-way traffic as the Lions shot clear for a 12th win from the last 13 encounters
Three late goals papered some cracks for the Suns in a 9.12 (62) to 7.7 (49) loss in wet conditions
Hardwick's side falling to 5-2 while the reigning champions (7-1) regained top spot on the ladder
Rowell and Lachie Neale having a not so friendly conversation in the QClash
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"We were hoping to be better," the coach said
"We saw the demolition of the Saints (by the Lions) last week and similar today
"We've got some things we can get to work on and we know the answers."
Lachie Neale (25 and 10) and Hugh McCluggage (30 and eight) showed their class while Josh Dunkley (26 disposals) kept Suns stoppage king Rowell to just 16 touches and one clearance
off contract beyond this year and in demand
began the season brilliantly but was also kept relatively quiet in a 16-disposal game against Sydney last week
He'd had at least 10 clearances in three of his previous six games and averages 6.4 in his 91-game career
"He does battle and he doesn't get a lot of protection (from officials)
I'm not going to lie," Hardwick said of the 23-year-old
The coach believes his midfield bull could be appealing for more free kicks given the man-handling he receives around the contest
I'm talking throughout the course of the year,' he said
"He doesn't get enough protection for a ball player
did some stuff up there as well (to try to get into the contest)
Suns players took the field with plenty of hope before the reality check came
very good year and a couple of quieter weeks."
will play sixth-placed Western Bulldogs and third-placed Hawthorn at home-away-from-home Darwin in the next fortnight
"That's the best place to be," Hardwick said of the challenge ahead
"Instead of running away from it you step straight into it."
He didn't agree that the one-sided loss to the Lions
you don't give yourself a chance," he said
but when they absolutely destroy you in that part of the ground ..
Photo: AP PHOTOPresident Donald Trump has announced a 100 per cent tariff on all films made outside the United States
saying the US movie industry is dying a "very fast death" because of the incentives offered by other countries
"This is a concerted effort by other Nations and
messaging and propaganda," Trump said in a post on Truth Social
Trump is authorising the relevant US government agencies to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States
Trump added: "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick posting on X said: "We're on it"
Neither Lutnick nor Trump provided any details on how the tariffs would be implemented
Trump appointed three Hollywood veterans Jon Voight
Movie and TV production has been exiting Hollywood for years
heading to locations with tax incentives that make filming cheaper
Crew members were hoping for a rebound in Los Angeles after strikes by writers and actors in 2023
but statistics show the comeback has been slow
The wildfires that destroyed sections of Los Angeles in January accelerated concerns that producers may look elsewhere
sound technicians and other behind-the-scenes workers may move out of town rather than try to rebuild in their neighbourhoods
Donald Trump asked Mel Gibson to make Hollywood "bigger
better and stronger than ever before"
(AP PHOTO)Film and television production in Los Angeles has fallen by nearly 40 per cent over the last decade
a non-profit that tracks the region's production
Governments around the world have offered more generous tax credits and cash rebates to lure productions
and capture a greater share of the $US248 billion ($A385 billion) that Ampere Analysis predicts will be spent globally in 2025 to produce content
The post by Trump comes after he has triggered a trade war with China
and imposed global tariffs which have roiled markets and led to fears of a US recession
Former senior Commerce official William Reinsch
a senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies
said retaliation against Trump's foreign movie tariffs would be devastating
We have a lot more to lose than to gain," he said
adding that it would be difficult to make a national security or national emergency case for movies
Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOSYears after his wife died while kayaking
a man has been accused of murder and trying to claim more than $1 million in life insurance
has been charged over the death of his wife Jacqueline
drowned while kayaking with her husband at Lake Samsonvale
She could not be revived when they returned to shore and died at the scene despite onlookers and emergency services performing CPR
Her death was considered an accidental drowning
But police investigations for a report to the coroner uncovered further evidence and a homicide probe was launched "18 months to two years" after her death
"Police are alleging the male person was involved in the drowning in the lake," Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters on Monday
Graeme Davidson was charged with murder and fraud after a 'complex and lengthy' investigation
(HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE)Under Operation Victor Harlow
detectives gathered witness and expert statements including information about the lake's conditions at the time of Ms Davidson's death
The "complex and lengthy" probe led to Davidson being charged with murder
fraud and attempted fraud following his arrest in Brisbane on Sunday
"The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious," Insp Windsor said
"Incidents are not always what they initially seem
so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation."
Insp Windsor said the married couple were living together but police would allege there was "some form of breakdown in the relationship" at the time of Ms Davidson's death
He said police would allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after his wife's death
confirming they related to the fraud charges
"The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million," Insp Windsor said
Police evidence included the lake's conditions at the time of the woman's death
(Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)He said Davidson had been living in Thailand for a "number of years"
But Insp Windsor said police chose "not to go down that path" and instead charged Davidson when he visited Brisbane for family reasons
Davidson was refused police bail and his matter went before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday
He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody after his matter was adjourned until May 19
Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOSKEY NARRATIVES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 10 OF THE NRL
The Panthers' 32-8 defeat of Brisbane at Magic Round was their most complete performance of a poor season to date
Nathan Cleary was at his creative best playing off the back of his physical and defensively enthusiastic teammates
but coach Ivan Cleary shrugged at suggestions the four-time reigning premiers were back to their best
The Panthers face North Queensland this Saturday
Jye Gray and Peter Mamouzelos joined a South Sydney casualty ward now bursting at the seams
Wayne Bennett tipped only Latrell Mitchell (suspension) would return for this weekend's clash against Brisbane
meaning they'll be without more than 1,000 games of NRL experience
Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam has cleared the nine-game suspension he incurred for drug driving so is available for selection in Friday night's clash against Souths
The severely understrength Rabbitohs loom as an easy kill to help Mam get his eye in
but coach Michael Maguire has not yet made a decision as to whether the five-eighth will return via reserve grade
Canberra's golden point win over top-four hopefuls Melbourne improved their record to 7-2 and lifted the Raiders to second place on the ladder
they'll face the only side higher on the ladder - Canterbury - for a test of their heavyweight status and could finish the round atop the ladder with a win
There's two rounds left for players to push their cases for State of Origin
Mitch Moses and Jarome Luai were both strong at Magic Round in pursuit of a NSW halves spot
while Tom Dearden and Cam Munster are jostling for the five-eighth position next to Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans
Jacob Kiraz and Terrell May are leading contenders for NSW debuts as well
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCanterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is in top form in the top-of-the-table team and good judges are backing him to make a NSW debut in State of Origin
The 23-year-old missed the opening four rounds of the season with injury but his hat-trick display in the 38-18 win over Gold Coast at Magic Round on Sunday was top-shelf
Kiraz has the qualities Origin coaches and selectors look for
although his selection for game one of the series on May 28 will likely depend on the availability of injured duo Brian To'o and Zac Lomax
who both shone in last year's series win for the Blues
Kiraz made 228 metres of headway in his brilliant performance
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Kiraz made 228m from 22 runs against the Titans and had two line breaks
The Canterbury flyer is tough and willing out of the back-field with the ball
and he's also dynamically dominant in the air
just like his captain Stephen Crichton who is one of the first picked for the Blues
Crichton was asked why Kiraz would look good in a Blues jersey
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo says "everything" about Kiraz screams Origin
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"He has good high-ball awareness and the way he carries the footy
He is really focusing on playing his best footy for the Dogs."
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said Kiraz had the key qualiity of being able to change momentum and not be dictated by it,
That's a great trait to have for any Origin prospect
Ciraldo had no doubt Kiraz was in the sights of Blues' selectors
"If he keeps playing like that he is going to be banging the door down for Origin," Ciraldo said
"We missed him at the start of the season and he was working away hard in the background to get himself right to come back in and play
He's come back and played at an exceptional level
"Some of our attack at the start of the game was a little bit clunky but he was coming up with plays at the back end of the set to get the scoreboard ticking over
Kiraz has done a great job to get himself ready to play and he can keep improving."
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOSBig-name international music concert tours will get discounted arena hire fees at some of Australia's largest venues if they choose home-grown Australian acts to open their shows
The Australian live music industry is struggling against streaming services that favour American tunes
and the local scene in NSW has taken a hit over the years since the pandemic and lockout laws
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that giving Aussie artists their first big break in front of thousands of locals will help them get high rotation on playlists
Global artists playing at NSW stadiums like Accor will get an incentive to use local opening acts
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)"The Hoodoo Gurus got their first big break after they performed with Lou Reed in 1984," Mr Minns said
Mr Minns dedicated the incentive to the late Michael McMartin
who managed the Hoodoo Gurus and had a passion for pushing Aussie talent to be included on the stadium tours
"We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity
performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists," Mr Minns said
WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre and the Sydney Opera House
the NSW Government will reduce the venue hire fee by $20,000 for each eligible show across various NSW venues and will offer a $5,000 reduction at the Sydney Opera House
at least one Australian artist must be included as a support act on an international artist's headline tour
The Australian performer or band must appear on the same stage as the international artist and be announced at the same time as the tour
The measure kicks off Monday and spans an initial two years
"There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024," Arts Minister John Graham said
"This represents a crisis for Australian music."
Australia's Ball Park Music is set to open for Oasis during their tour Down Under
(EPA PHOTO)Oasis is touring Australia in October and November and has asked Australia's Ball Park Music to open for them
"There's no denying the benefit of a big support slot
The opportunity to play your music live in front of a new audience is the best marketing we have as artists
the chance to showcase what we're all about in the most real and authentic fashion," Ball Park Music said
"Any initiative that can help amplify Australian talent
and aid in building a long-term and engaged audience is a massive step in the right direction."
The 19-year-old was selected with pick 16 in the 2024 draft and will become the 300th AFL player to represent the Eagles
Allan played 11 league games for Peel Thunder last year including their premiership win as well as starring for WA in the under-18s championships
all the emotions are flowing at the moment," Allan said
"There was a little meeting in the gym and 'Bunga' (Shannon Hurn) broke the news to me
"I called my dad first and it went to voicemail
Allan said fellow defender Liam Baker has had a big influence in his career so far
I think it's great and I've been trying to take a leaf out of his book," Allan said
West Coast take on Melbourne in front of their home fans on Saturday night
and Allan said he's looking forward to the atmosphere.
but it's going to be unreal with a great atmosphere," he said
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSIt's not naturally his style
but Australia boss Tony Popovic has welcomed the subtle digs at his selection policy from overlooked players craving the chance to be a part of his Socceroos set-up
Popovic left three of the A-League Men's form attacking talents - Western Sydney's Nicolas Milanovic
Sydney FC playmaker Adrian Segecic and Western United striker Noah Botic - out of his Socceroos squad for March's World Cup qualifiers
who all finished the regular season with double-figure goal hauls
each sent Popovic a reminder of their talents in the weeks that followed their Socceroos omissions which essentially said: Why didn't you call me up
Western United's Noah Botic reminds Socceroos coach Tony Popovic not to forget about him
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)Botic and 20-year-old Segecic
who finished joint first in the Golden Boot race
while Milanovic ripped off his shirt and held it aloft to the crowd in fixtures in March
Popovic may have the reputation as being a tough taskmaster
but there was part of him that enjoyed their celebratory pot-shots
"I may have performed well enough to think I should have been in
but I wouldn't have had the confidence to do that," Popovic said
"When I was playing we all had personality
belief and nothing would waiver that - I feel we probably lost that
"These boys have shown they've got some personality
but then you've got to be the best player in the park every week."
The trio are all expected to move on from the ALM over the off-season
but Popovic has cautioned that they may actually strengthen their claims of a national team call-up by remaining in Australia
Nicolas Milanovic (pictured) hopes Tony Popovic recognises the bare facts about his scoring prowess
(Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)Insisting there was no "blanket response" to how he'd advise Botic
"If I'm going overseas (am I going) to be a bit part player
or am I going somewhere where I know the sporting director
"Those discussions are very important … (and) if that's not clear and they're doing well in the A-League
we are showing A-League players that they will get a chance to play for the Socceroos
"It's proven now you can be an A-League player
and not only play for the Socceroos but make major contributions."
Popovic left the door ajar for Nestory Irankunda after leaving the ex-Adelaide United winger for the March window
Nestory Irankunda is on Tony Popovic's radar for potential Australian selection
has been on loan with Swiss outfit Grasshopper since late January
"He's got more of a chance (of a call-up) now than before because he's playing regularly," Popovic said
it's a really important step and we'll keep watching him to the end of the year."
The self-described nerd took out the title at one of the biggest pop culture conventions in the US
dressed as hunky 300-year-old elf Halsin from the video game Baldur's Gate 3
"It's kind of the world's best cosplay crafters all in one space," explained Beaton
from the costume and prop-making studio Hench & Scrap
Cosplay involves dressing up as characters from films
books and video games - often in costumes that feature obsessive levels of detail
It's a relatively small movement in Australia when compared to the US and Japan
but local cosplayers have been making an impact internationally
Australian cosplay designer Clare Beaton has been crowned a global champion
Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOSBeaton's winning Halsin outfit included silicon prosthetic elf ears and facial scars
a glowing lantern with flexible resin spikes and shoulder pieces constructed from more than 100 individually embossed leather leaves
She said she felt a connection to the seven-foot tall polyamorous game character
who has the power to transform into a bear
due to Halsin's kindness and affinity with nature
She completed the project in her spare time over about two years
using skills that ranged from metalwork to resin moulding
the Halsin costume helped her to take out the Australian Cosplay Central Crown Championships title for a second time at the nation's biggest gaming convention
That win came with a ticket to represent the nation at the US event
Beaton is well aware that from the outside
cosplayers can seem obsessive and eccentric
it's the antidote to a more widespread pop-culture fandom that is based in consumerism
"You can be creative and contribute back to fandom
and express something you love through doing something constructive," she said
Video game costume design is an unusual niche but also a growing industry
(Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)Her cosplay artistry has taken years to develop after getting her start at 14 working alongside her father at renowned special effects and animation studio Weta FX
Her first job was working on Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy
but she soon found the film industry too specialised for her unique combination of skills
she met her business and life partner Oarin Tremont - otherwise known as Scrap - at a gaming convention
where they bonded over their cosplay outfits from the same video game
Having realised they could make a living creating costumes and props
the couple moved from Sydney to Adelaide so they could afford a large fabrication workshop with space for their equipment
Most of the clients at Hench & Scrap are video game companies
"It's an unusual niche but it's definitely a growing industry," Beaton said
"We'll build a project and show off on social media how we make things
Beaton will join the cosplay judging panel at the upcoming PAX Aus convention
Photo: AP PHOTOBrazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro says he expects to be discharged from hospital soon and may attend a rally backing a proposed amnesty for supporters
at 10am (1300 GMT)," the 70-year-old wrote in a post on social media platform X
his medical team had said his release was expected "in the coming days" after major abdominal surgery in April to treat an intestinal obstruction
My next challenge: joining the Peaceful March for Humanitarian Amnesty on Wednesday
Bolsonaro was hospitalised for his sixth surgery related to a 2018 stabbing that left lasting injuries
He was admitted to a hospital in Brasilia after experiencing severe abdominal pain during a political event in Brazil's northeast
That cut short a tour aimed at drumming up support for the amnesty initiative targeting those convicted over the January 2023 riots after his narrow election loss to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022
Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro should stand trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the election result
Photo: EPA PHOTORomania's far-right presidential candidate George Simion has won the first round of the country's repeated presidential election by a wide margin
The election took place months after an annulled vote plunged the European Union and NATO member country into its worst political crisis in decades
The ballot is seen as a test of the rise of Donald Trump-style nationalism in the European Union
Ballots from nearly 98 per cent of voting stations showed Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan
if final results confirm the reading after diaspora votes are counted
An independent running on an anti-corruption platform
a centrist candidate backed by the three parties in the pro-western coalition government for his spot in the run-off
A Simion victory could isolate the country
erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank
where Ukraine is fighting a three-year-old Russian invasion
It would also expand a cohort of Eurosceptic leaders in the EU that already includes the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers at a time when Europe is struggling to formulate its response to Trump
It is the victory of those who have not lost hope
Benefiting from a wave of popular anger against mainstream leaders
opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine
is critical of the EU leadership and says he is aligned with the US president's Make America Great Again movement
The presidential election in Ukraine's neighbour is being closely watched by other European countries
since the post holds strong influence over foreign and security policy
Sunday's vote came five months after a first attempt to hold the election was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu
Georgescu was banned from running for president again and has been under investigation by the public prosecutor's office since February for making false statements about his campaign financing
Simion says his aim is to ensure "justice" for Georgescu if he wins the election
He has not ruled out helping Georgescu into the office of prime minister
Photo: HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOSMelbourne coach Craig Bellamy wants his players to take ownership after poor discipline while in possession of the ball cost the Storm victory against Canberra
"One thing we can control is our actions," Bellamy said
"To give away penalties when you have got the ball
The Storm lost 20-18 in golden point in the final match of Magic Round on Sunday
the Bunker found an elbow to the head of Raiders captain Joseph Topine by Storm lock Trent Loiero in a previous play when Melbourne had the ball
But the Storm were in position for a field goal in golden point when prop Stefano Utoikamanu was pinged and sin-binned for stomping on hooker Tom Starling in the play-the-ball
He'd already given away a penalty in the first-half while in possession
after wrangling with Canberra prop Joseph Topine
Loiero again transgressed when he hit Raiders forward Hudson Young in a high tackle in the 85th minute
with Jamal Fogarty landing the winning penalty
Trent Loiero (13) cost Melbourne with his poor discipline
(HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOS)Storm captain Cameron Munster
"I said to him to just take some learnings from it
I have been in those situations before," Munster said
"You don't what to be the guy that clips a chin and they go for two and get the penalty
I have been in grand finals where I have done some silly stuff
"He's a great player and we've all had those opportunities and lost those moments
Storm coach Craig Bellamy wasn't happy with his side's ill-discipline
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"I'm not going to sit there and bag him
He's done some great stuff for us as a player
A lot of people will be on his back but as a group we have got to stick together and learn."
Bellamy also weighed in on Utoikamanu's actions
I'm not exactly sure what happened," he said of the stomp
"To turn the ball over when you've got the ball 15m from their line ..
if he was in the wrong he needs to pick his discipline up
I don't know exactly who was the instigator
You show me a bloke that gives away two penalties when you've got the ball in a game
You are not looking at too many people."There was a sense the Storm had been hard done by but Bellamy wasn''t going down that path."You can say that if you like," he said
Munster was also careful about commenting on the officiating
"I can't remember the last time a team got penalised with the ball but ...we played some dumb footy tonight," Munster said
"As much as it looked like it was in the hands of the ref
As part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the sale and supply of illicit drugs in the area
Mandurah Police executed two search warrants on March 26
1kg of cannabis and over $80,000 was seized
The street value of the methylamphetamine is over $2 million
A 49-year-old man from Parklands has been charged with seven offences including possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply
He is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on May 22
A 33-year-old man from Dudley Park has been charged with six offences including possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine and stealing a motor vehicle
He is due to appear before the Mandurah Magistrates Court today
A WA Police Force spokesperson said this will be a clear message that illicit drugs will not be tolerated in the community and they will remain committed to targeting anyone involved in the supply or distribution of drugs.
Photo: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSRichmond coach Adem Yze will wrap his arms around Noah Balta in the face of ongoing jeers from opposition supporters
Balta returned to the sound of boos from Hawthorn fans in the Tigers' 16.13 (109) to 6.8 (44) loss at the MCG on Sunday
after spending a week on the sidelines because of his court-imposed curfew
It was his first match since being sentenced last month for assaulting a man on December 30 last year
Balta was also targeted during a win over Gold Coast - his only other appearance this season after serving a four-match suspension related to the assault - three days before he was sentenced
"Every supporter group can do what they want
but what we can do is put our arms around him and support him," Yze said after Sunday's match
"We've just got to make sure that doesn't tip over the edge and create any anxiety and pressure for him
"We've got to support him as best we can throughout the week and he knows how much we love him
every supporter group can do what they want
but I would be hoping the Tiger Army don't do that to other players."
Balta had a solid game with eight marks and 14 disposals before being subbed out in the last term
who is free to play against winless West Coast next Sunday
limped off in the final minutes against Hawthorn after appearing to roll his ankle
"He was trying his best to get our ball movement going from our back half
Yze also backed Tim Taranto despite the experienced midfielder gifting Hawthorn a goal by shoving James Sicily over and giving away a 50-metre penalty
Sicily had thrown Maurice Rioli to the ground after catching the Tiger holding the ball
Most players on the ground became involved in the ensuing melee
"Sicily's a fiery character and he got into one of our younger players
so for our vice-captain to step in and fly the flag ..
when one of your players is going in to help one of your younger players and fly the flag and lead by example ..
he might have overstepped it but I'd rather him do that than not go in there at all."
No.3) celebrates one of her two goals as Victory beat Adelaide 3-1 away
Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOSMelbourne Victory have one foot in the A-League Women grand final after defender Claudia Bunge delivered a 3-1 win over Adelaide United in their away semi-final leg
But coach Jeff Hopkins insists the job is only half-done
The Victory will host Adelaide at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora next Saturday with a two-goal advantage after Bunge struck twice in the second half in front of 4372 fans at Coopers Stadium on Sunday
The winner will face either Melbourne City or Central Coast
who play at Casey Fields next Sunday after drawing 2-2 in Gosford
"Really happy with the performance and the result as well," Hopkins told Network Ten
"But the job's only half-done and you can see by how close the game was for most of the game that the tie's not over
"Got a huge amount of respect for Adelaide
Erin Healy scored Adelaide's goal to make it 1-1 (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)Adelaide will have to beat Victory in Melbourne for the first time in nine years to reach the decider
attack," Adelaide coach Adrian Stenta told Network Ten
"So I think that's what we need to do because we've gotta chase a two-goal deficit."
Sunday's game burst into life when Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon found Emily Gielnik with a wonderful defence-splitting pass
Gielnik let rip with a wonderful left foot strike that clattered home
Fiona Worts won the ball in midfield and worked it out wide to Emily Hodgson
Emily Condon forced a good save from Newbon but Victory's defence were unable to clear it quickly enough and an unmarked Erin Healy nipped in to score
Reds goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins pulled out a world-class save to turn a ripping free kick from Alana Jancevski over the bar
Adelaide defender Tiarna Karambasis was replaced by Chelsie Dawber after a head knock in the 62nd minute
which Hopkins said was precautionary due to cramp
Victory's winner came after Jenkins denied Sara D'Appolonia in the 76th minute
Alana Murphy whipped in a flat delivery to the back post and Bunge powered home a bullet header
"The deliveries today on our set pieces were good
Photo: Scott Radford-Chisholm/AAP PHOTOSReuben Cotter is set to miss North Queensland's last two games before State of Origin after being charged for a high tackle
All eyes had been on how the NRL would police high tackles at Magic Round after 18 sin bins last weekend
While the league's match review committee and on-field referees were on the same page for the first four games of the weekend
Cotter was not sin-binned for his shot but has now received a grade-two careless high-tackle charge
Cotter went on report for his high shot on Marata Niukore ahead of the Warriors' first try in their 30-26 win on Saturday night
But the Cowboys co-captain was not penalised on-field
despite the shot looming as the most serious of the weekend so far
Cotter will miss clashes against Penrith and Manly
the Cowboys' last two games before Billy Slater names his team for the Origin series opener
Former Wally Lewis Medallist Cotter had been expected to feature
but he would head into the game on May 28 having not played in almost a month
In the highly unlikely event he opts to fight the charge at the judiciary
Cotter would risk missing Origin I altogether
given his suspension would be increased by one game
The Cowboys will draw strength from their ability to beat the Panthers without Cotter earlier in the season
with the lock missing that game in Sydney through illness
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSGWS coach Adam Kingsley admits Jake Stringer could spend more time on the bench after opting to use the star forward as a substitute against Sydney
Stringer started as a sub for the first time and kicked three goals as the Giants went down by 14 points at the SCG
Kingsley said he had started Stringer on the bench in a bid to help the former Essendon spearhead increase his fitness
Stringer had been kept goalless in last round's defeat to the Western Bulldogs after playing with sickness
He had been dogged by illness in the pre-season
missing two simulation matches before a hamstring strain forced him out of the first two home-and-away rounds
"Ever since he got quite crook a week and a half before the opening round
(his preparation) has just been a bit patchy," Kingsley said
"He got crook again last week and played crook (against the Bulldogs) and so I made an error of judgment there
"We need to get some work into him to get him near his best
"If that means he misses a week and we use that extra week to train him and get some work into him
Stringer replaced Toby Bedford after the star tagger was caught high by Sydney defender Lewis Melican
Melican will face scrutiny after Bedford was forced out of the game with blurred vision
Kingsley said Bedford did not suffer a concussion
which was obviously quite disappointing for us," Kingsley said
"He'd started on (Isaac) Heeney and didn't start particularly well
but he'd shifted to (Chad) Warner after probably five minutes of that quarter and was doing a really good job
"I don't think Warner had touched the ball and maybe had one for the remainder of the quarter - no doubt it was certainly a little bit crippling for us
"When it's a really important player to the way that you play structurally
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSNationals MP Barnaby Joyce has revealed he will undergo surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer
The former deputy prime minister comfortably won his regional NSW seat of New England at the federal election
received the diagnosis following a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
The test came back with an "elevated" result and the subsequent MRI and biopsy revealed the prostate cancer
He told ABC News he would have an operation on Monday followed by a short stay in hospital
Mr Joyce said he kept the diagnosis private to not distract from the election campaign
"I knew it would turn into a bit of a circus," he said
"I wanted the campaign to focus on the campaign and I didn't think this issue needed to be a part of that."
Labor had a landslide victory at the election
reducing the coalition to one of their worst performances at the polls and the loss of leader Peter Dutton in the process
Photo: Sarah Rhodes/AAP PHOTOSCome down for air
the island state has been officially recognised for its sustainability credentials
The city of Launceston has been named the national winner of Keep Australia Beautiful's Tidy Towns Award
The honour recognises sustainability efforts in regional and rural Australia
environmental innovation and community engagement
Launceston has been lauded for its environmental and social works
(Sarah Rhodes/AAP PHOTOS)Launceston was announced the winner at a ceremony in Beechworth
"This award isn't just about one town - it's a celebration of every community working to build a cleaner
kinder future and we're proud to support that mission," Keep Australia Beautiful's chief executive Val Southam said
the Tidy Towns Awards show the best of regional Australia - not just in sustainability but in spirit
"These winners show that when locals come together with purpose
Ikuntji in the Northern Territory and the Pilbara towns of Port Hedland and South Hedland in Western Australia were the other finalists
Launceston's Rocherlea Action Project was singled out for its community work
1.7 tonnes of waste and three tonnes of scrap metal from the region
The volunteer group brings residents together for regular clean-up days
barbecue breakfasts and children's activities to foster connection
Launceston has previously been named Australia's town of the year and most livable regional city
(Sarah Rhodes/AAP PHOTOS)More than 4000 volunteers were involved in community environmental
heritage and cultural projects across the six finalist cities and towns
"Regional towns are stepping up in powerful ways," Ms Southam said
"They're not just protecting their environments - they're showing what's possible when resilience
purpose and local leadership come together for a better future."
During earlier rounds of Tidy Towns voting
mayor Matthew Garwood hailed the recognition of Launceston's environmental and social initiatives as an "incredible honour"
"This Council is committed to doing whatever we can to help ensure our beautiful region is protected now and into the future," he said
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff who've worked so hard to make these projects what they are and Keep Australia Beautiful for recognising us in this way."
Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOSStar New Zealand goalshooter Grace Nweke has produced yet another dazzling display to help lead the NSW Swifts to a 71-63 win over the Queensland Thunderbirds at Ken Rosewall Arena
Scores were level at half-time of Sunday's Super Netball match
but the Swifts broke the contest open with a 23-13 third quarter to improve their season record to a perfect 4-0
The 23-year-old shot 148 goals across her first three games for the Swifts
"I'm learning on the job and really enjoying it," Nweke told Fox Sports
I think it's a pretty standard game for me
Just wanting to be a bit better in that regard
"I feel like I was available to the ball and pretty accurate with my shots
Nweke has been working on her movement in order to become a more complete player
"I'm not wanting to be a one-trick pony," she said
"I want to be able to diversify my skill sets
and know that in moments where I need to change up what I'm doing
Swifts wing attack Paige Hadley was also a powerhouse
earning player of the match honours for her 32 feeds and just one turnover
"I was just so in the moment," Hadley said
I'm really proud of the girls in that third quarter
Firebirds goalshooter Mary Cholhok led the way for the visitors with 42 goals from 50 attempts
with Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale instrumental
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCharlie Cameron has burst to life as the Brisbane Lions shot to the top of the AFL ladder and put Gold Coast in their place in a lopsided QClash
sitting third with ambition to prove their mettle against the reigning premiers
in driving rain and after a hard-fought first half
the Lions' midfield dominated the clearances and their small forwards profited in a 9.12 (66) to 7.7 (49) Sunday night Gabba win
Lions coach Chris Fagan was thrilled with how his side shut down the Suns' strong midfield and restricted their free-flowing attack as he declared: "We knew tonight we were probably facing the best Gold Coast team we've ever faced."
Three late goals flattered the Suns and helped them narrowly avoid their lowest score in 28 meetings as a QClash record crowd of 33,612 gathered to watch the Lions' 12th win from these teams' past 13 meetings
Will Ashcroft and Hugh McCluggage had 27 of the Lions' 47 clearances
Will Ashcroft won the medal for best afield in a QClash
Josh Dunkley kept Matt Rowell quiet to complete the Lions' midfield masterclass
Cameron (three goals) hadn't kicked a goal in three games but had two in as many minutes in the second term thanks to some quick footwork and a handy grubber off the deck
He missed two snaps he would usually swallow up but marked strongly and moved well to look back to his threatening best after a quiet start to the season
Charlie Cameron was back near top form for the Lions
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Fagan hailed Cameron
who had also kicked 0.4 last week in their big victory against St Kilda
"I sort of knew once he'd kick one he'd kick a few more," said Fagan
a bit flat by his performances but tonight in probably our biggest game for the year he produced and that's no surprise."
The margin had been just 11 points at halftime and the Suns looked ripe to push the Lions
But they wasted opportunities with long bombs into the Lions' defensive zone
who repelled and allowed Cameron and Callum Ah Chee (three goals) to prosper
A 12-clearance difference in the third term was the biggest for the Suns since 2019 and led to a five-goals-to-one quarter that ended the fight
wearing their inaugural 1987 Brisbane Bears guernsey in a retro throwback
jumped to first after Collingwood's loss to Geelong on Saturday
Will Ashcroft won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal after gathering 34 possessions
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Former Suns forward Sam Day had a forgettable night against his old team
subbed out with a hamstring injury in the first quarter
Lachie Weller (hamstring) was also an early casualty for the Suns
Bailey Humphrey added a quirky chapter to the QClash's history book
gifting Jarrod Berry a goal after his bizarre antics on the mark gave away a 50 metre penalty
hadn't made the distance from outside the arc but got another chance from the top of the goal square after Humphrey had grabbed a handful of turf and under-armed it towards him as he kicked for goal
It was the Lions' only goal in a hotly-contested first quarter
Coleman Medal leader Ben King was well held by the returning Jack Payne
and was unable to get a touch until kicking his first goal in the third quarter
Suns' coach Damien Hardwick could only tip his cap to the Lions
"You get taught a lesson … they're humming at the moment," he said
"We couldn't control the midfield battle at all
Photo: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSStar goalshooter Sophie Garbin has produced a match-winning display to ensure the Melbourne Vixens maintained full bragging rights over the Melbourne Mavericks with a 67-59 Super Netball win
Garbin nailed 45 goals from 52 shots and Kiera Austin chipped in with 16 goals and three Super Shots to ensure the Vixens improved their head-to-head record against the Mavericks to 3-0
it squared up the Vixens' season record at 2-2
helping to make up for last week's 10-goal home loss to the West Coast Fever
"I thought everyone did an amazing job," Garbin told Fox Sports after Sunday's match at John Cain Arena
we've probably been focusing a bit too much on trying to change and have a bit of variety
and we got to the grand final last year doing that
having our own individual strengths and working to them
"We know we've got a really tough month coming up with the Swifts
but getting the win today was the start of it."
(Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said a win over the team's cross-town rivals was always significant
"It's a rivalry that's growing," McKinnis said
"We don't want to get beaten by the Mavericks
You know that's something they really want
"They fought really hard and they were going for it out there today."
"That's Sophie at her best - when she's demanding that ball in that circle
and sometimes you'll hear her screaming for it," McKinnis said
and when she's positioned and takes that on
The Mavericks are now 1-3 and face a battle to work their way back into the finals mix
The Mavericks' Shimona Jok was a handful for her rivals
(Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)The opening quarter was an even affair
with the Vixens just doing enough to take a 16-15 lead into the first break
It was late in the second quarter when the Vixens flexed their muscles
The Mavericks trailed by just three goals entering the five-minute Super Shot period
but two long-range bombs from Austin helped inspire a 9-3 run to give the Vixens a 35-26 lead at half-time
Although star Mavericks goalshooter Shimona Jok (43 goals from 47 attempts) was proving hard to stop
Vixens duo Garbin and Austin were just as lethal at the other end
The lead swelled to 13 by late in the third quarter
with the Mavericks unable to launch any meaningful fightback
Photo: AP PHOTOLady Gaga has given a free concert in front of at least a million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career
"Thank you for making history with me," Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd on Saturday night
kicked off the show with her 2011 song Bloody Mary
Cries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand
Some fans arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot
(AP PHOTO)Lady Gaga performed her classic hits
switching between an array of dresses including one with the colours of the Brazilian flag
Some fans - many of them young - arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot
Madonna also turned Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor last year
The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Years' Eve festivities and the upcoming month-long Saint John's Day celebrations in June
Rio's City Hall said in a recent report that around 1.6 million people were expected to attend Lady Gaga's concert and that the show should inject at least 600 million reais ($A164 million) into Rio's economy
Rio officials have a history of organising huge concerts on Copacabana Beach
Madonna's show drew an estimated 1.6 million fans last year
while four million people flooded onto the beach for a 1994 New Year's Eve show by Rod Stewart in 1994
that was the biggest free rock concert in history
Photo: AP PHOTOBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer flagged
during a phone call to congratulate Anthony Albanese on his historic election victory
that he would shortly dispatch a top defence adviser to Australia to discuss the AUKUS submarine program
Starmer spoke to Albanese on Sunday morning after the Australian leader won a second term in government
"Australia and the UK have a strong and enduring friendship
and the prime minister said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese in the years to come
including through increased trade and economic security for working people in both countries," a Downing Street spokesperson said
including shared support for Ukraine and agreed to "increase ambition" on the AUKUS submarine program
Starmer said he would ask his AUKUS adviser
to travel to Australia in the coming weeks to discuss the programme further
AUKUS is a trilateral naval security alliance between Australia
Australia is set to acquire three Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet of boats is built for delivery from the 2040s
But the US is behind in its production of the boats needed
the American president can sink the deal if his navy's capabilities are at risk
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in February said the president supported supported the $368 billion deal after Australia made an $800 million down payment for the plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines
Albanese also had phone conversations with other world leaders on Sunday
including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Annette’s death is examined in this week’s Cold Case Western Australia podcast
which is hosted byveteran crime reporter and former WA Police Force media advisor Neil Poh
Annette met friends in Mandurah on Saturday 13 September 1980
and she was last seen talking to anunidentified man after 11pm that night near the Mandurah Post Office
Her remains were found by trailbike riders near Pinjarra on Sunday 4 July 1982
family and detectives close to the case told Poh that Mandurah was a vastly different place in1980 to the bustling city that it has become today
“I think most of these people know...when you read their statements back in the early 80s
it was a party town,” Cold Case Investigation Squad Detective Sergeant Peter Sloan told podcast host Neil Poh
We’ve stillgot a family out there that still wants answers
“A couple of these persons of interest were persons of interest back then but all the friends vouched forthem
providing what they believed were airtight alibis
Further information has come forwardrecently...those alibis have fallen down
And whether there was a threat therepreviously
so people are not hesitant in coming forward.”
Annette’s brother Michael “Digger” Deverell urged anyone with information to come forward and bringhis family answers
and so my Mum can go to her grave knowingwho done it,” Mr Deverell said
and them themselves know who did it - just give yourselfup basically.”
Poh also spoke to Annette’s friend Wendy Wintle
who believes only a person with local knowledgewould have known about the Pinjarra site where Annette's remains were found
“Everybody thought that it had to be a local person
all of the Mandurah young ones...we’d go up there most weekends
or they’d ride motorbikes,” Ms Wintle said
everyone thought it has to be a local person
Det-Sgt Sloan said it was highly likely Annette knew her killer
and the unidentified blonde man was akey focus in the investigation
"Identifying that person remains a focus of the ongoing investigation into Annette’s murder,” Det
Det-Sgt Sloan also tells the podcast the squad is re-examining the alibis of the 51 persons of interestidentified by the original investigators
There’s a $1 million reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person or persons whowere responsible for Annette's death
Annette was 19-years-old and described as 167cm with a small build
She was dropped off at the Boathouse Tavern
Mandurah about 8pm on Saturday 13September
and went to a number of venues before arriving at the Brighton Hotel
She left the Brighton Hotel by herself about 11pm
and was seen talking to the unidentified blonde manabout 11.20pm
She again was seen by herself in that location about 11.30pm
Her remains were found next to a large log in burnt out forest area near Scarp Road
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The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land
We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present
Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSRising star Darcy Jones is drawing inspiration from reigning premiers Brisbane as GWS look to end their early-season form slump with a derby win
The Giants are 4-3 and risk damaging their top-four ambitions if they again give up bragging rights to Sydney at the SCG on Sunday
While Jones admits back-to-back defeats have sent his sixth-placed side slightly spiralling
the small forward says pointing to Brisbane's run to the 2024 AFL flag has helped them refocus
The Lions were 13th (2-5) heading into round eight last year and only made it into the top eight in round 16 after overcoming a spate of injuries
Darcy Jones can't wait to tackle the Swans
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)"It's not the end of the world - in our minds
so we just need to stay positive," Jones told AAP
"I look back at Brisbane last year - they were not in a very good stage this time of year
I said as soon as I got on the bus in Canberra after the Bulldogs game ..
"And what better game to win than against the Swans
We'll be ready to get one on the board again."
Sydney defender Lewis Melican says it's the same story across the city
with last year's beaten grand finalists also bent on resuscitating their season
are 14th (2-5) and on a three-game losing streak
Sydney at least have recent derby history on their side
having won their past four meetings with GWS
we'll reach a stage where it might be too far to come back from
so we've got to start playing the footy we want to play soon," Melican told AAP
"I wouldn't really say there's much of a grace period (adjusting under Cox)
"We just need to really knuckle down because he's (Cox) had a pretty clear mindset that he wants to be a defence-first team
we probably haven't been able to do that the way we want to and the scoreboard's been showing it."
dropping forward Tom Hanily and back-up ruck Peter Ladhams
while defender Ben Paton is out with a calf injury
Fellow defender Sam Wicks returns from his own calf injury
alongside midfielder Angus Sheldrick and defender Joel Hamling
Josh Kelly (hip) and Conor Stone (omitted) out of the side
Giants rookie and Western Sydney local Josaia Delana will make his AFL debut
joined by fellow forward Callum Brown and defender Joe Fonti
Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSAnthony Albanese has won a second term as prime minister
with Labor claiming victory in the federal election
While it is unclear whether Labor will be able to govern in its own right or be forced to seek a minority arrangement with the crossbench
the centre-left party is the only one able to form a government
Mr Albanese is the first prime minister to win two elections in a row since John Howard in 2004
Trailing in the polls going into the start of year
Labor regained ground on the coalition throughout 2025 following global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump and his tariffs on trading partners
Anthony Albanese put Medicare at the heart of Labor's re-election campaign
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)Campaigning on reducing living costs
Mr Albanese made health a focal point during the election
frequently brandishing his Medicare card and pledging to expand access to bulk billing and urgent cares clinics
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was considered the frontrunner going into the election
but a lack of detail surrounding key policy costings and a voter association with the policies of Mr Trump caused his his poll numbers to plummet
Mr Dutton urged voters throughout the election to ask themselves if they were better off now compared to three years ago
but the public has opted for a second term of the status quo
Peter Dutton promised voters cheaper petrol and a tax rebate
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)The election was dominated by issues on the cost of living
following several interest rate rises and high inflation
with the prime minister also going on the attack of Mr Dutton's record as health minister during the previous coalition government
Despite being ahead throughout the campaign
Mr Albanese still sought to play the underdog card
with Labor still scarred by its 2019 election loss which polls predicted it would win easily
Labor has exorcised its demons of the electoral past and will look to implement its second-term agenda
Around 40 people entered the City's foyer on Friday
Ms Bennell and the group requested to meet with CEO Casey Mihovilovich in order to hand her a letter which called for the City to immediately cease the proposed development due to the Aboriginal cultural significance of the site
Mayor Knight said they had no prior knowledge of the planned protest
a group of people entered our customer service foyer unannounced with raised voices and protest signage," Mayor Knight said
"While we now understand this was intended as a peaceful action
disrupted services and left staff and members of the public feeling unsafe
"Police were contacted to ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of everyone present."
Ms Knight said the CEO was in a meeting at the time and the group had no appointment to meet with her
which had already been received via email the previous day
and they were intent on handing it only to the CEO while filming the interaction
presumably to publicise their cause," she wrote in a comment on her Facebook post
and instead the group chose to record Mrs Ivy Bennell placing the letter on the counter."
Ivy Bennell places the letter on the counter at the City of Mandurah building
The Mayor also reiterated that Hall Park is not a registered Aboriginal Heritage site which has been confirmed in writing by the State Government multiple times
Ms Knight said the City remains committed to "open