Volunteer firefighter celebrates 50 years with message for next generation of volunteers
When James Massey joined the Rural Fire Service at 21, it was almost expected of anyone who lived on the land. But these days, finding young men and women with a similar sense of duty to replace his generation is a difficult task. As the current volunteer force is ageing, Mr Massey says groups like rural firefighters are having a long hard look at their recruitment options. "We used to have a high school program, and I realise that it doesn't cost two-and-six to run it. "But it was a great way of getting kids within the district to participate." "It's a sort of case where we need to try and show that there is a lot to be gained by doing it." Volunteering Australia chief executive Mark Pearce says people don't need to regularly volunteer to feel a part of a community anymore. "Certainly the desire to engage in the community has not diminished," Mr Pearce says.
When James Massey joined the Rural Fire Service at 21, it was almost expected of anyone who lived on the land. But these days, finding young men and women with a similar sense of duty to replace his generation is a difficult task. As the current volunteer force is ageing, Mr Massey says groups like rural firefighters are having a long hard look at their recruitment options. "We used to have a high school program, and I realise that it doesn't cost two-and-six to run it. "But it was a great way of getting kids within the district to participate." "It's a sort of case where we need to try and show that there is a lot to be gained by doing it." Volunteering Australia chief executive Mark Pearce says people don't need to regularly volunteer to feel a part of a community anymore. "Certainly the desire to engage in the community has not diminished," Mr Pearce says.
ABC analyst Antony Green calls tight Terrigal for Liberals after 'rollercoaster' NSW election count
Incumbent Adam Crouch has won the former Liberal stronghold of Terrigal after weathering a big swing to Labor at the NSW election, says the ABC's chief election analyst Antony Green. Green says Mr Crouch won the Central Coast seat by 1,258 votes after the final postal votes were counted, ending a "rollercoaster" of emotions for both sides since the polls closed last Saturday. That night an air of optimism swept the Labor camp as Sam Boughton looked set to unseat Mr Crouch. The 31-year-old is a local physiotherapist who was born and raised on the Central Coast. Early in the night, Green predicted the seat would be retained by the Liberals but by night's end the incumbent was behind and Green was predicting the seat would be an ALP gain. What started as a safe 12.3 per cent margin for Mr Crouch was almost wiped out with a 12 per cent swing to Labor.
Incumbent Adam Crouch has won the former Liberal stronghold of Terrigal after weathering a big swing to Labor at the NSW election, says the ABC's chief election analyst Antony Green. Green says Mr Crouch won the Central Coast seat by 1,258 votes after the final postal votes were counted, ending a "rollercoaster" of emotions for both sides since the polls closed last Saturday. That night an air of optimism swept the Labor camp as Sam Boughton looked set to unseat Mr Crouch. The 31-year-old is a local physiotherapist who was born and raised on the Central Coast. Early in the night, Green predicted the seat would be retained by the Liberals but by night's end the incumbent was behind and Green was predicting the seat would be an ALP gain. What started as a safe 12.3 per cent margin for Mr Crouch was almost wiped out with a 12 per cent swing to Labor.
NSW Labor fails to win majority in election as Terrigal and Holsworthy called for Liberal party
Labor has fallen short of a majority government in New South Wales, with the ABC's election analyst calling two of the remaining three seats for the Liberal party. One week after the state election, Antony Green announced Holsworthy would be retained by Tina Ayyad, while Adam Crouch holds the Central Coast seat of Terrigal with a lead of over 1,000 votes. Terrigal had previously been held by the Liberal party with a margin of 12.3 per cent. Mr Green said around 320,000 postal and declaration votes are being added, and electorate winners are likely to be finalised for all of the Legislative Assembly roles. In Ryde, Labor's Lyndal Howison leads by about 320 votes, but postal votes may favour Liberal candidate Jordan Lane if Saturday's trend is repeated, Mr Green said. The seat was previously held by retiring MP Victor Dominello with a margin of 8.9 per cent.
Labor has fallen short of a majority government in New South Wales, with the ABC's election analyst calling two of the remaining three seats for the Liberal party. One week after the state election, Antony Green announced Holsworthy would be retained by Tina Ayyad, while Adam Crouch holds the Central Coast seat of Terrigal with a lead of over 1,000 votes. Terrigal had previously been held by the Liberal party with a margin of 12.3 per cent. Mr Green said around 320,000 postal and declaration votes are being added, and electorate winners are likely to be finalised for all of the Legislative Assembly roles. In Ryde, Labor's Lyndal Howison leads by about 320 votes, but postal votes may favour Liberal candidate Jordan Lane if Saturday's trend is repeated, Mr Green said. The seat was previously held by retiring MP Victor Dominello with a margin of 8.9 per cent.
Fay Miller, former NT politician and Katherine council mayor, dies aged 75
Former Northern Territory politician and long-serving Katherine mayor Fay Miller has died at the age of 75, just a week shy of her 76th birthday. The prominent community leader died peacefully in Darwin this morning after a years-long battle with myelofibrosis, an incurable type of bone marrow cancer. Originally from South Australia, Ms Miller — whose first name was Christina — was born in 1947 in Ceduna and grew up in Smoky Bay. Moving to Katherine in 1989 when her late husband Mick was transferred to the town for work, she would stay for more than three decades and advocate for the community at multiple levels of government. After the couple lost their caravan park business in the devastation of the 1998 Katherine floods, Ms Miller put her hand up for NT politics.
Former Northern Territory politician and long-serving Katherine mayor Fay Miller has died at the age of 75, just a week shy of her 76th birthday. The prominent community leader died peacefully in Darwin this morning after a years-long battle with myelofibrosis, an incurable type of bone marrow cancer. Originally from South Australia, Ms Miller — whose first name was Christina — was born in 1947 in Ceduna and grew up in Smoky Bay. Moving to Katherine in 1989 when her late husband Mick was transferred to the town for work, she would stay for more than three decades and advocate for the community at multiple levels of government. After the couple lost their caravan park business in the devastation of the 1998 Katherine floods, Ms Miller put her hand up for NT politics.
Mildura motorsport clubs to return to full speed after support from racing fans
A number of major racing events will be held in Mildura over Easter after a tumultuous time for north-west Victoria's rev heads. Timmis Speedway will host its first race in almost a year when the Sprintcars take to the track. "The reason we've been able to complete our catch fencing and safety upgrades is thanks to businesses, fans, and racers from right around Australia," Mr Halacus said. "We're probably sitting around the $60,000 mark at the moment and we've still got donations coming through." The Mildura speedway was underwater when the Murray River burst its banks late last year, forcing the cancellation of several events. Gavin Segmen from the Mildura Motorcycle Club said it took a community effort to get the track back in shape. "Mildura has been the mecca of motorsports for the best part of 40 years," Mr Segmen said.
A number of major racing events will be held in Mildura over Easter after a tumultuous time for north-west Victoria's rev heads. Timmis Speedway will host its first race in almost a year when the Sprintcars take to the track. "The reason we've been able to complete our catch fencing and safety upgrades is thanks to businesses, fans, and racers from right around Australia," Mr Halacus said. "We're probably sitting around the $60,000 mark at the moment and we've still got donations coming through." The Mildura speedway was underwater when the Murray River burst its banks late last year, forcing the cancellation of several events. Gavin Segmen from the Mildura Motorcycle Club said it took a community effort to get the track back in shape. "Mildura has been the mecca of motorsports for the best part of 40 years," Mr Segmen said.
Can a disjointed Fremantle Dockers find their attacking mojo against the West Coast Eagles?
That was Justin Longmuir's frank assessment of his side after it slumped to consecutive losses to start the 2023 AFL season. Considered a finals fancy, the Dockers are staring down the very real prospect of sliding to 0-3 when they play an improved West Coast in the first western derby of the season on Sunday. Since 2012, when the league became an 18-team competition, only two of 28 sides have recovered from a 0-3 start to make the finals – they were Sydney and GWS, in 2017 and 2021 respectively. For a side already grappling with a sub-par start, three losses to open the season would add enormous pressure to the playing group and sharpen scrutiny on Longmuir. The contrast is that winning puts them at 1-2, which provides a far more promising outlook on the season and would instil some belief in the side. The lack of connection between the Dockers midfield and its forward line is stark.
That was Justin Longmuir's frank assessment of his side after it slumped to consecutive losses to start the 2023 AFL season. Considered a finals fancy, the Dockers are staring down the very real prospect of sliding to 0-3 when they play an improved West Coast in the first western derby of the season on Sunday. Since 2012, when the league became an 18-team competition, only two of 28 sides have recovered from a 0-3 start to make the finals – they were Sydney and GWS, in 2017 and 2021 respectively. For a side already grappling with a sub-par start, three losses to open the season would add enormous pressure to the playing group and sharpen scrutiny on Longmuir. The contrast is that winning puts them at 1-2, which provides a far more promising outlook on the season and would instil some belief in the side. The lack of connection between the Dockers midfield and its forward line is stark.
Alone Australia on SBS: From casting to where to watch the survivalist docuseries, we've got you covered
Now that a gripping season of Survivor Australia has wrapped, it's time to take a shot of concrete and tackle Alone Australia. ABC RN's Stop Everything! presenter Beverley Wang describes this docuseries as "one of the most extreme shows on television … this show frankly makes Survivor look like a walk in the park". Her co-host Benjamin Law, fresh off his own stint on Survivor, says: "You would assume that having done Survivor, I would be up and prepared for something like this. But as soon as I watched this, I'm like: 'No, I would absolutely not do this.'" After nine US seasons and a number of Scandinavian iterations, Alone has finally taken shelter here in Australia. The premise of Alone Australia is simple: 10 participants are dropped off in the wilderness, in locations isolated from each other but close to a water source.
Now that a gripping season of Survivor Australia has wrapped, it's time to take a shot of concrete and tackle Alone Australia. ABC RN's Stop Everything! presenter Beverley Wang describes this docuseries as "one of the most extreme shows on television … this show frankly makes Survivor look like a walk in the park". Her co-host Benjamin Law, fresh off his own stint on Survivor, says: "You would assume that having done Survivor, I would be up and prepared for something like this. But as soon as I watched this, I'm like: 'No, I would absolutely not do this.'" After nine US seasons and a number of Scandinavian iterations, Alone has finally taken shelter here in Australia. The premise of Alone Australia is simple: 10 participants are dropped off in the wilderness, in locations isolated from each other but close to a water source.
Ukraine's crop forecast falls as farmers struggle with paddocks seeded with mines
Ukranian farmers are facing a range of challenges and danger as they begin sowing their spring crops. HarvEast Holding director Dmitry Skornyakov spoke to ABC Landline about the slow process of clearing land mines from fields. "When [the] Russian army escaped from Kyiv region in April 2022, they mined our fields very severely," he said. "So far this year we've de-mined almost 9,000 hectares, which was done manually. "But now we have about 1,000 hectares which is the most severely mined — it's been mined almost every metre." He said an armoured vehicle from the army was being used to clear the remaining paddocks. "To de-mine 800 hectares we'll need a year using this machine, but we have no other choice because it's very dangerous to work there," he said. Ukraine's grain output is forecast to decline with farmers unable to access paddocks and struggling with cashflow.
Ukranian farmers are facing a range of challenges and danger as they begin sowing their spring crops. HarvEast Holding director Dmitry Skornyakov spoke to ABC Landline about the slow process of clearing land mines from fields. "When [the] Russian army escaped from Kyiv region in April 2022, they mined our fields very severely," he said. "So far this year we've de-mined almost 9,000 hectares, which was done manually. "But now we have about 1,000 hectares which is the most severely mined — it's been mined almost every metre." He said an armoured vehicle from the army was being used to clear the remaining paddocks. "To de-mine 800 hectares we'll need a year using this machine, but we have no other choice because it's very dangerous to work there," he said. Ukraine's grain output is forecast to decline with farmers unable to access paddocks and struggling with cashflow.
Wollongong Gallery yet to decide fate of artworks donated by suspected Nazi collaborator Bob Sredersas
The problem of what to do with 141 valuable artworks donated by a man suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during World War II is weighing on the minds of some people in Wollongong. Post-war Lithuanian migrant Bronius "Bob" Sredersas donated valuable paintings, wood carvings and ceramics to the city's art gallery in 1976. "The artwork is neutral," Sydney Jewish Museum's resident historian Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet said, during a recent visit to Wollongong to deliver a lecture on the topic. Mr Kwiet is not a lawyer, but he did work as the chief historian with a special investigations unit set up under the Hawke government to prosecute suspected war criminals in Australia.
The problem of what to do with 141 valuable artworks donated by a man suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during World War II is weighing on the minds of some people in Wollongong. Post-war Lithuanian migrant Bronius "Bob" Sredersas donated valuable paintings, wood carvings and ceramics to the city's art gallery in 1976. "The artwork is neutral," Sydney Jewish Museum's resident historian Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet said, during a recent visit to Wollongong to deliver a lecture on the topic. Mr Kwiet is not a lawyer, but he did work as the chief historian with a special investigations unit set up under the Hawke government to prosecute suspected war criminals in Australia.
Life Without Barriers will transfer responsibility of fostered Aboriginal children to Indigenous-led services
A major Australian community service organisation has announced it will transfer its responsibility for the foster care services of hundreds of Aboriginal children to Indigenous-led services, hoping to ensure decision-making about foster care for Aboriginal children is more often made by Indigenous people. Life Without Barriers, which has more than 1,000 Aboriginal children in its care around Australia, says it will start phasing out all foster care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Chief executive Claire Robbs said the move was an acknowledgement of the over-representation of Indigenous children in foster care, and a step toward reconciliation. "What we're doing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the care system is not working — it is not OK," Ms Robbs said.
A major Australian community service organisation has announced it will transfer its responsibility for the foster care services of hundreds of Aboriginal children to Indigenous-led services, hoping to ensure decision-making about foster care for Aboriginal children is more often made by Indigenous people. Life Without Barriers, which has more than 1,000 Aboriginal children in its care around Australia, says it will start phasing out all foster care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Chief executive Claire Robbs said the move was an acknowledgement of the over-representation of Indigenous children in foster care, and a step toward reconciliation. "What we're doing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the care system is not working — it is not OK," Ms Robbs said.
Stolen Generations survivor Harry Mills, twice taken from his family, searches for his sons
As a boy, he was removed from his parents on Yindjibarndi country in Western Australia's Pilbara region and placed in the Carnarvon Mission more than 700 kilometres away. In the mid-1970s, as a young man with a wife and three children, he was working in the Gascoyne region when a senior elder connected to the Yindjibarndi mob told him he must return to the north to be with family and learn their culture. Mr Mills refused, and says he cried for his wife and kids as he was bundled into the back of a Bedford truck. Sitting in the front garden of his brother's Wickham home, Mr Mills sings in the language of Yindjibarndi country, sometimes meandering into his second language, English. Now 80 years old, his hearing and eyesight is fading, but his voice is clear — he calls to see his children. All he wants is to see them before he dies.
As a boy, he was removed from his parents on Yindjibarndi country in Western Australia's Pilbara region and placed in the Carnarvon Mission more than 700 kilometres away. In the mid-1970s, as a young man with a wife and three children, he was working in the Gascoyne region when a senior elder connected to the Yindjibarndi mob told him he must return to the north to be with family and learn their culture. Mr Mills refused, and says he cried for his wife and kids as he was bundled into the back of a Bedford truck. Sitting in the front garden of his brother's Wickham home, Mr Mills sings in the language of Yindjibarndi country, sometimes meandering into his second language, English. Now 80 years old, his hearing and eyesight is fading, but his voice is clear — he calls to see his children. All he wants is to see them before he dies.
Second rotation of ADF troops prepare to fly to UK to train Ukrainian soldiers in Operation Kudu
As winter eases across Europe, more Australian troops are preparing to depart the tropical climes of Darwin to train Ukrainian soldiers to fight. As part of the second rotation of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in They will be contributing to Operation Interflex, a British-led mission which has the ambitious goal of training 20,000 Ukrainian troops this year, some of whom have no combat experience and have never fired a weapon. Australian National University professor John Blaxland, an expert on international intelligence and security, said Operation Kudu, while important, needed to be put in context. "Australia's contribution is significant. But it needs to be kept in perspective," he said. "We are one of a number of contributing nations, and our contribution is a relatively small one."
As winter eases across Europe, more Australian troops are preparing to depart the tropical climes of Darwin to train Ukrainian soldiers to fight. As part of the second rotation of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in They will be contributing to Operation Interflex, a British-led mission which has the ambitious goal of training 20,000 Ukrainian troops this year, some of whom have no combat experience and have never fired a weapon. Australian National University professor John Blaxland, an expert on international intelligence and security, said Operation Kudu, while important, needed to be put in context. "Australia's contribution is significant. But it needs to be kept in perspective," he said. "We are one of a number of contributing nations, and our contribution is a relatively small one."
Australian Grand Prix: Can Formula 1 turn its growing female fan base into higher representation in the sport?
Taking a break in the paddock after watching Max Verstappen during a practice session Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne teenager Kaitlyn Bourne was loving her day at the track. The 17-year-old Bourne, who was wearing a clear plastic poncho over a Red Bull sweater on a wintry day at Albert Park, is a massive fan of Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who is sitting out this season. But Bourne, who comes from a motorsport-loving family and watches every Grand Prix race, hopes that one day she will have the chance to support a female F1 driver. "It is still a very male dominated sport, so it would be good to bring in more females. I think it could happen," she said.
Taking a break in the paddock after watching Max Verstappen during a practice session Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne teenager Kaitlyn Bourne was loving her day at the track. The 17-year-old Bourne, who was wearing a clear plastic poncho over a Red Bull sweater on a wintry day at Albert Park, is a massive fan of Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who is sitting out this season. But Bourne, who comes from a motorsport-loving family and watches every Grand Prix race, hopes that one day she will have the chance to support a female F1 driver. "It is still a very male dominated sport, so it would be good to bring in more females. I think it could happen," she said.
New varieties of hops provide key ingredients for unique and quirky craft beer flavours
"Can I have a beer with citrus, passionfruit, lychee and floral flavours, please?" In past years such a request in a blokey beer barn serving only bitter and lager would have sparked disbelief — and possibly a brawl. Not these days. Liquor stores and pubs are awash with new-age trendy brews. Known as the "craft beer" movement, it's re-inventing and re-invigorating the world of beer. Per capita, beer consumption in Australia has fallen in recent years, but the demographic of drinkers and their taste in beer has changed markedly. "It's definitely got younger over time, and it's definitely broadened its appeal," said Laura Bray, from Bright Brewery in Victoria's alpine region. The brewery was a trendsetter. Close to Victoria's hop fields, it opened in 2005. Until 2006 Australia's hops industry was dominated by bitter varieties, high in alpha acids that act as a bittering agent that gives beer its bite.
"Can I have a beer with citrus, passionfruit, lychee and floral flavours, please?" In past years such a request in a blokey beer barn serving only bitter and lager would have sparked disbelief — and possibly a brawl. Not these days. Liquor stores and pubs are awash with new-age trendy brews. Known as the "craft beer" movement, it's re-inventing and re-invigorating the world of beer. Per capita, beer consumption in Australia has fallen in recent years, but the demographic of drinkers and their taste in beer has changed markedly. "It's definitely got younger over time, and it's definitely broadened its appeal," said Laura Bray, from Bright Brewery in Victoria's alpine region. The brewery was a trendsetter. Close to Victoria's hop fields, it opened in 2005. Until 2006 Australia's hops industry was dominated by bitter varieties, high in alpha acids that act as a bittering agent that gives beer its bite.
Soul Lounge open mic night offers poetry outlet for people of colour
Vivana Luzochimana always had a fascination with poetry, but the writers she studied in the last year of high school lacked cultural diversity. "It didn't really matter to me that that was the way, because I still felt connected, I still felt like these were scholars and I appreciate their work," she said. "But it made me think, 'Are there no other, [person of colour] writers?'," she said. "I think writing from a young age, I always thought that this work will just be for me," she said. "And I never thought about sharing it, because there weren't many outlets for me to share to." That was until she found an Adelaide open mic night catered to people of colour. "It was right after COVID restrictions were being lifted up and a couple of my friends were always talking about Soul Lounge, and finally we were going," she said.
Vivana Luzochimana always had a fascination with poetry, but the writers she studied in the last year of high school lacked cultural diversity. "It didn't really matter to me that that was the way, because I still felt connected, I still felt like these were scholars and I appreciate their work," she said. "But it made me think, 'Are there no other, [person of colour] writers?'," she said. "I think writing from a young age, I always thought that this work will just be for me," she said. "And I never thought about sharing it, because there weren't many outlets for me to share to." That was until she found an Adelaide open mic night catered to people of colour. "It was right after COVID restrictions were being lifted up and a couple of my friends were always talking about Soul Lounge, and finally we were going," she said.
Scientists scan York cemetery for old, unmarked burial sites dating back to the 1850s
It's been labelled by locals as Western Australia's spookiest town, with stories of York, 100 kilometres east of Perth, was settled in 1835, making it one of the state's oldest towns. Some of its earliest deceased have been forgotten in the passage of time, and now technology that's often used in the mining industry is helping to uncover their hidden resting places. Hundreds of headstones mark the burial sites of former residents, split into religious beliefs by concrete pathways. This is the site of some of its oldest burials that date back to 1854, according to York Shire chief executive Chris Linnell. "The original graves that may have been here were marked up with wooden crosses and older material, which has deteriorated over the years," he said. Archaeologists were on-site earlier this week, testing the soil to look for evidence of human remains.
It's been labelled by locals as Western Australia's spookiest town, with stories of York, 100 kilometres east of Perth, was settled in 1835, making it one of the state's oldest towns. Some of its earliest deceased have been forgotten in the passage of time, and now technology that's often used in the mining industry is helping to uncover their hidden resting places. Hundreds of headstones mark the burial sites of former residents, split into religious beliefs by concrete pathways. This is the site of some of its oldest burials that date back to 1854, according to York Shire chief executive Chris Linnell. "The original graves that may have been here were marked up with wooden crosses and older material, which has deteriorated over the years," he said. Archaeologists were on-site earlier this week, testing the soil to look for evidence of human remains.
Rohingya refugees risk their lives on boats as chances of resettlement visas in third nations like Australia diminish
Walking through a refugee camp in Bangladesh not far from where he was born, Samsul Alam could feel the eyes of people on him. People sat on the steps of small makeshift shops crowded by bamboo and tarpaulin huts, a few chewed betel nuts, others had their hands behind their heads, or arms hugging their knees, as they watched the world go by. "This is pretty much what I was doing when I was 14 years old back in my camp," Samsul said. Samsul is a Rohingya Muslim. His family is from the Rakhine state in Myanmar, on the other side of the Naf river, but he was born in the Nayapara refugee camp in 1995, after his parents fled persecution in 1992. His family was one of the lucky few allowed to resettle in Australia in 2009 and 2010. He was 16 years old when he left the camp for the first time before settling in Brisbane.
Walking through a refugee camp in Bangladesh not far from where he was born, Samsul Alam could feel the eyes of people on him. People sat on the steps of small makeshift shops crowded by bamboo and tarpaulin huts, a few chewed betel nuts, others had their hands behind their heads, or arms hugging their knees, as they watched the world go by. "This is pretty much what I was doing when I was 14 years old back in my camp," Samsul said. Samsul is a Rohingya Muslim. His family is from the Rakhine state in Myanmar, on the other side of the Naf river, but he was born in the Nayapara refugee camp in 1995, after his parents fled persecution in 1992. His family was one of the lucky few allowed to resettle in Australia in 2009 and 2010. He was 16 years old when he left the camp for the first time before settling in Brisbane.
Rising star Broc Feeney claims Supercars victory at Albert Park as car fires play havoc
Young gun Broc Feeney has claimed the second Supercars win of his burgeoning career after the 13-lap sprint race started under the safety car, due to two engine fires at Albert Park. Feeney, the youngest pole-sitter in Supercars' history, at 20 years of age, turned his front-row advantage into his first win of the season this morning. The Red Bull Ampol driver and native Gold Coaster finished off his rookie season with a famous win at the Adelaide 500 last December. Feeney let out a, "Oh yeah, baby!" over the team radio as he took the chequered flag in the fourth and final Supercars race of the Australian Grand Prix round. The Chevrolet Camaro driver finished in front of Brad Jones Racing's Andre Heimgartner in second, while Brodie Kostecki capped off an extraordinary weekend by adding another podium to his victories on Friday and Saturday.
Young gun Broc Feeney has claimed the second Supercars win of his burgeoning career after the 13-lap sprint race started under the safety car, due to two engine fires at Albert Park. Feeney, the youngest pole-sitter in Supercars' history, at 20 years of age, turned his front-row advantage into his first win of the season this morning. The Red Bull Ampol driver and native Gold Coaster finished off his rookie season with a famous win at the Adelaide 500 last December. Feeney let out a, "Oh yeah, baby!" over the team radio as he took the chequered flag in the fourth and final Supercars race of the Australian Grand Prix round. The Chevrolet Camaro driver finished in front of Brad Jones Racing's Andre Heimgartner in second, while Brodie Kostecki capped off an extraordinary weekend by adding another podium to his victories on Friday and Saturday.
Tennis legend Pat Rafter shares childhood memories of growing up in Queensland mining city Mount Isa
It's a scorching hot day at the tail-end of the 1970s in a Queensland mining town. A skinny young Pat Rafter hurtles barefoot along the molten asphalt without even a wince. He's led a remarkably unshod existence up to this point, and the soles of his feet are ensconced within a protective layer of heat-hardened skin. The half-pint human dynamo is beating a well-worn path to the tennis courts down the road, and a bit of liquefied tar is not going to stand in his way. Life in Mount Isa is simple for the future grand slam champion, even if his tenure there is short-lived. "I do remember running along the bitumen … in bare feet, no worries," Rafter says. These days, Mount Isa is the mining capital of north-west Queensland, with 20,000 or so residents perched on the banks of the Leichhardt River.
It's a scorching hot day at the tail-end of the 1970s in a Queensland mining town. A skinny young Pat Rafter hurtles barefoot along the molten asphalt without even a wince. He's led a remarkably unshod existence up to this point, and the soles of his feet are ensconced within a protective layer of heat-hardened skin. The half-pint human dynamo is beating a well-worn path to the tennis courts down the road, and a bit of liquefied tar is not going to stand in his way. Life in Mount Isa is simple for the future grand slam champion, even if his tenure there is short-lived. "I do remember running along the bitumen … in bare feet, no worries," Rafter says. These days, Mount Isa is the mining capital of north-west Queensland, with 20,000 or so residents perched on the banks of the Leichhardt River.
Power coach Ken Hinkley bemoans Port's defensive failures in crucial Showdown loss to Crows
Port Adelaide's team defence is a major worry for coach Ken Hinkley after Adelaide cracked through the Power in a pulsating AFL Showdown clash. A week after Collingwood also overwhelmed his team, Hinkley lamented Port's inability to keep the Crows in check for long enough. "We had most things where we wanted them — our game, our home — a pretty good game of football for three quarters and 10 minutes," Hinkley said. "They were probably just a bit more willing to keep going right to the end. They got a bit of belief. "Collectively, we couldn't defend this week and that was last week as well." Hinkley said his players went too man-on-man, rather than sticking to the team defensive structures that served them well earlier in the match. "We got a bit jumpy around what was happening to 'me', more than what was happening 'to the rest'," he said.
Port Adelaide's team defence is a major worry for coach Ken Hinkley after Adelaide cracked through the Power in a pulsating AFL Showdown clash. A week after Collingwood also overwhelmed his team, Hinkley lamented Port's inability to keep the Crows in check for long enough. "We had most things where we wanted them — our game, our home — a pretty good game of football for three quarters and 10 minutes," Hinkley said. "They were probably just a bit more willing to keep going right to the end. They got a bit of belief. "Collectively, we couldn't defend this week and that was last week as well." Hinkley said his players went too man-on-man, rather than sticking to the team defensive structures that served them well earlier in the match. "We got a bit jumpy around what was happening to 'me', more than what was happening 'to the rest'," he said.