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PALACE CONFIRMS

MEGHAN

ORDERED BACK TO LONDON

DIVORCE! WHY MICHAEL & KYLY

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E RICHARD WILKINS

FERGIE’S

EDEN & CYRELL’S BABY BOY

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CONTENTS

Baby joy for Cyrell Paule and Eden Dally.

All the gowns and gossip from this year’s Oscars.

10 PALACE CONFIRMS DIVORCE; PLUS, HARRY & MEGHAN’S NEWS 12 FERGIE’S NEW TOY BOY 14 MICHAEL & KYLY CLARKE SPLIT 16 TZIPORAH & RICHARD WILKINS 18 MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT SCANDALS

Download the New Idea app to enjoy the magazine on your tablet or smartphone.

Eight ways to wear new-season denim.

40 Kids’ cakes that’ll get the party started!

A E D I W E N THIS WEEK IN

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eaking news! Never miss any br page and Like our Facebook ram and Twitter follow us on Instag ine, or head to @newideamagaz idea.com.au. our website, new

OSCARS RENÉE & BRADLEY REUNITE

Long-lost lovers or long-time friends? Renée Zellweger caught up with ex-boyfriend Bradley Cooper at the Oscars, sharing an intimate moment together. The pair dated from 2009 to 2011. The couple reportedly split due to Bradley becoming a household name at the same time Renée took a break from acting. Now that she’s back in Hollywood, could a reunion be on the cards for the pair?

Reese Witherspoon sparkles in a silver Dolce & Gabbana cocktail gown.

GOWNS, GOSSIP & IT WAS HOLLYWOOD’S NIGHT OF NIGHTS!

rda i t h ow rs

n .

Rebel Wilson radiates old Hollywood glamour vibes in a glittering Jason Wu gown. ss

At 86, Joan Collins proves she still has it.

James Corden and Rebel Wilson’s costumes are purr-fect!

Chrissy Teigen adds a pop of colour in a mint gown.

Elton John celebrates his Oscar win for best original song.

BRAD AND JEN’S OSCAR BABY BOMBSHELL

Family showdown? Angelina Jolie’s dad Jon Voight was at the same party as Brad.

Fans of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston went wild when the former couple reunited at the SAG Awards last month and now, the pair caught up once again at an Academy Awards afterparty! And, just days after their clandestine meet-up, the pair have some exciting family news to share. In a candid chat with Sandra Bullock for Interview magazine, Jen revealed her shock plans for the future, and, they involve children. “It’s not so much what I see myself doing, but it’s more like a little screenshot in my brain, where I hear the ocean, I see the ocean, I hear laughter, I see kids running, I hear ice in a glass, I smell food being cooked,” she said. “That’s the joyous snapshot in my head.” It’s clear that babies are on the brain for both Brad and Jen at the moment. During Brad’s acceptance speech for his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood the veteran actor became emotional as he dedicated the achievement to he and ex-wife Angelina Jolie’s kids: Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 13, and 11-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox. “This is for my kids, who colour everything I do. I adore you,” the proud dad gushed. With all this talk of children, could Brad and Jen be hinting at a blended family in their future? Despite Brad attending the Vanity Fair afterparty, while Jen attended the Netﬂix party with her pal Courteney Cox, the duo clearly wanted to celebrated his win together, reportedly meeting up later in the evening at Guy Oseary’s afterparty. 5

S ’ R E L D N & CHA

Y B A B R U O NEWS series of cryptic so m posts have fans going wild that Australian sweetheart Bindi Irwin and her partner Chandler Powell could soon be set to make another surprise announcement – they’re expecting a baby. The exciting news comes after the couple hinted they secretly tied the knot in a private ceremony last month at a romantic venue near the Glass House Mountains

in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland. C oast hinterla d An early wedding makes sense, after all, Chandler’s entire family travelled from America to visit the lovebirds in January – and in all their snaps at Australia Zoo, Bindi appears to have strategically covered her stomach with her furry friends. Adding further fuel to the fire, Chandler recently instagrammed a beautiful photo overlooking the Glass House Mountains, which just happens to be a five

Bindi and Chandler may have secretly wed when Chandler’s family (above) visited.

THE LOVEBIRDS REPARE TO WELCOME ADDITION TO A NEW N HE IRWIN FAMILY TH

nute drive from Beerwah Hideaway – a private rainforest wedding venue. And on February 10, Bindi’s mum, Terri Irwin, tweeted an image of Bindi and Chandler with the biggest grins on their faces. “Fun day to celebrate!” she wrote. Two days earlier, Bindi shared a professional photo with her, Chandler and her pug, Stella, captioning it, “So much love and endless smiles with these two cuties.” In both of the photos, Bindi is again covering her

stomach with her dogs. Terri also recently retweeted an image of Bindi and Chandler and gushed about their relationship. “Enjoy each and every day of your happily ever after.” So are they already husband and wife?

PRINCESS MARY’S HEARTACHE: ‘I FELT VERY ALONE’ In a deeply personal speech, Crown Princess Mary revealed the immense grief she experienced following the death of her mother in 1997. Mary was only 25 years old when her mother, Henrietta Donaldson, tragically passed away – seven years before Mary would make her ascent

Princess Mary was only 25 years old when she lost her mother, Henrietta.

Fans are shocked by the singer’s dramatic change.

into a royal family by marrying Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark. Now, having spent most of this year in Switzerland where her four children, Prince Christian, 14, Princess Isabella, 12, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 9, are attending the LemaniaVerbier International School, Mary brieﬂy returned to Denmark to resume her royal duties. As part of her work for the Mary Foundation, the princess spoke to high school students at an awards ceremony about serious illness, death and grief. Drawing on her own experience of losing her mother, Mary told students that “loss and grief are a part of life, and both are more easily carried if you have someone to share it with”. She added that, in hindsight, having struggled with loneliness, she believes she “would have beneﬁted from opening up more and involving others in my grief”.

ADELE’S

SHOCK WEIGHT LOSS Revenge bodies are one thing, but has Adele taken her weight loss too far? The singer was seen at the Oscars looking extremely slender, following her split from husband Simon Konecki last year. Wearing a form-ﬁtting leopard-print dress, Adele’s shrinking ﬁgure was on show as she posed for photos at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s afterparty. The star has reportedly lost around 45kg, and former personal trainer Camila Goodis previously revealed how she achieved her insane results. Speaking on British TV show Lorraine, Camila said Adele undertook an extreme diet. “Ninety per cent of what she did was diet – she started doing the Sirtfood Diet and now she’s maintaining eating healthy,” Camila said. Last year, a source told People that “[Adele] wants to stay healthy for her son’s sake”.

DELTA LOOKS LOVED UP

The couple that shops together, stays together. Delta Goodrem looked very much in love with her boyfriend Matthew Copley as the couple shopped for groceries in Sydney last week. The Voice coach cuddled up to her man as they picked up some essentials. She’s clearly needing some company while she’s here to ﬁlm this season of the singing show. Delta’s also buoyed by the thought of having her bestie, Renee Bargh, who’s co-hosting The Voice, in town. 7

ctress Kate Ritchie’s marriage has been surrounded by controversy since the NSW police took an AVO out on her behalf against her husband, Stuart Webb. But desperate to give their relationship another shot, Stuart begged his wife of nine years for another chance before the pair jetted off to Fiji with family in January in the hope of a fresh start.

“My wife pointed it out and we were both surprised,” reveals a fellow traveller staying at the Sheraton Denarau. “There were other family members on the trip. Someone escorted them around almost the whole time, it was like they didn’t want to leave them alone for long.” But Kate and Stuart were also seen engaged in “heated exchanges around the resort”. “They excused themselves a couple of times and moved to a quieter area of the pool where they looked pretty stressed,” says the onlooker. “Everyone was pretty shocked to see them there and they didn’t look happy.”

Kate and Stuart were seen in Fiji together last month.

STUART BEGS KATE:

TAKE ME BACK! RAFTERS HEARTBREAK

Shocked cast members of the Packed to the Rafters reboot, Back to the Rafters, comforted each other last week, following sad news beloved actress Jessica Marais had quit the series for “personal reasons”. Stars Rebecca Gibney and Hugh Sheridan hugged each other on set after Jessica’s management said she would not be making her anticipated return to television – much to the disappointment of fans of the Aussie drama. “Jessica Marais has decided to step away from the new series Back to the Rafters for personal reasons,” her management said. “She 8

thanks everyone involved on the show for their ongoing support and love, especially her ‘Rafters family’, and sends them her very best wishes for the production.” Meanwhile, in a further statement, Seven Studios and Amazon Prime, which is set to air the reboot later this year, thanked Jessica “for her work to date on Back to the Rafters” and said they “fully support Jessica’s decision”.

The cast was also shocked to hear the news.

Jess (right) has pulled out of her role citing “personal reasons”.

The couple didn’t attend the Oscars this year.

NICOLE FLEES

HOLLYWOOD

While they normally appear rock solid, there are fears Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s marriage could be in trouble. It comes as the couple were a no-show at this year’s Oscars. The fact they skipped the awards surprised a lot of people in Hollywood, as it was thought Nicole would be there to support her Bombshell co-stars Charlize Theron and Australia’s Margot Robbie, who were both nominated.

So, what’s going on? Some insiders say Nicole is tiring of the LA scene and is keen to move to Australia with her and Keith’s children, Sunday Rose, 11, and Faith Margaret, 9. Keith, however, wants to stay in the US, where the country musician enjoys huge success. Keith did give some insight as to where he and Nicole were on Oscars night, telling Taste of Country that the family were at home.

“We made a big game out of it, Nic and I and the two kids,” he said. “We had a sheet each and we had to ﬁll it all in before the thing started. And obviously a lot of the categories none of us have a clue, we just pick at random.” They’ll have to enjoy the family time while they can, as Nicole will soon head to Europe to ﬁlm the movie The Northman with her former Big Little Lies co-star Alexander Skarsgård.

Nasser claims that the marriage is a sham.

JULES & CAM BOMBSHELL:

EXCLUSIVE They got married d for f reall last l year after ﬁnding love on the show, but in outrageous claims made by former MAFS contestant Nasser Sultan, the marriage between Cam Merchant and Jules Robinson is a sham and they will announce their break-up soon.

IT’S ALL FAKE!

“I checked h k d for f marriage certiﬁcates and they don’t have one!” he tells New Idea. Convinced news of a split is imminent, Nasser continues: “There’ll be an announcement that they will break up, coming shortly,” he says.

“They will stay friends, but the relationship is fake. “Let’s not forget they are under contract with Channel Nine and were paid $70,000 for the farce!” Nasser also thinks Jules only agreed to do it for the fame and

Cam, who is a “doormat”, just went along with her. Nasser ends his rant by saying of the couple: “She ain’t Meghan Markle and he’s no Prince Harry.” Despite Nasser’s claims, Jules and Cam seem to be in love. 9

QUEEN HARRY MEGHA

DIVO THE COUPLE HAVE BEEN TOLD TO WORK ON THEIR MARRIAGE

The Queen is devastated over Peter’s divorce and is now concerned for Harry and Meghan.

ressure is on Prince Harry and his wife Meghan to strengthen their relationship amid the surprise news the Queen has been upset by Peter and Autumn Phillips’ split. While the Sussexes made the bold choice to step down as senior royals and live a more independent life, a palace insider now tells New Idea that the Queen is concerned about the state of the young royals’ marriage. “The Queen is now very nervous about Harry and Meghan’s relationship – this new divorce announcement puts a lot of pressure on them to stay together. She’s told them that they must work on their marriage in Canada and put each other first because the monarchy cannot handle more drama.” Last week came the surprise announcement that Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn were divorcing after almost 12 years of marriage. An official spokesperson issued a statement that said: “After informing HM The Queen and members of both families last year,

WARNS & AN

NO ORCE! Peter and Autumn jointly agreed to separate.” It added: “They had reached the conclusion that this was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship. The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and, although sad, is an amicable one.” It’s been reported the couple informed the Queen while visiting Balmoral late last northern summer and, according to royals correspondent Richard Kay, she urged them not to make a hasty decision. While there was immediate speculation that Autumn could return to her home country – and Meghan and Harry’s current base – Canada, this has been refuted by royal sources.

the perfect family with t lovely daughters. But he is now in total shock.” Behind closed doors, the monarch is privately more than a little upset about the split. “The Queen is furious over Peter and Autumn’s divorce,” says a royal insider. “She can’t believe the royal family is having to endure more bad news.” “She’s still dealing with the fallout from Harry and Meghan’s break from the royal family – to have to deal with such a public and messy divorce with young children involved is incredibly disappointing for her. Now was the time for

“THE QUEEN IS FURIOUS OVER PETER AND AUTUMN’S DIVORCE” For the time being Autumn is remaining with their daughters, Savannah, 9, and Isla, 7, at the family’s country home on Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate. Peter bases himself in London, in a Kensington apartment, for work during the week and will continue to return to the Cotswolds barn conversion at weekends. A friend close to Peter told The Sun that the split had been initiated by Autumn. “Peter is absolutely devastated by this and just didn’t see it coming,” said the pal. “He thought he was happily married and had

solidarity and calm in the royal family, not scandal.” To show a united front, the Queen has demanded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return home. “Another split would be an absolute nightmare for the royal family and the pressure is now on for Meghan and Harry to stay together,” says the source. “The Queen has also ordered Harry and Meghan home so they can make a public appearance at an event. With this recent divorce scandal she wants a public show of solidarity, and a visit back home to the UK will do just that.”

EGHAN & HARRY’S

FEARS Since packing a year,” Matt reveals. But the their bags and question on everyone’s lips is, moving to who will pay for this? Canada, rumours “I would imagine what will about Harry and happen is the Queen will keep Meghan’s security [their security] in place until plans have been rife. they build up their income,” Now, former bodyguard predicts Matt. to Michael Jackson, celebrity “It’s knowing who to trust, but adviser and self defence expert knowing Harry I think he would Matt Fiddes (above left) has take his current team and put revealed to New Idea exactly them on a private salary.” how much security the couple Of course, there’s public will need in their new home. feeling that the couple shouldn’t “They are going to become be entitled to security paid for by the biggest superstar couple the monarch, but Matt disagrees. in history,” Matt says. “Harry was born into royalty; “There will be a hunt for them he can’t help it. He didn’t try to wherever they go. They’re going become a star,” he explains. to need three bodyguards per “So, I think the UK needs person including Archie as he to keep him safe. After what is going to need security too.” happened to Diana … had she Matt reveals they may be had her royal protection she looking at a security staff of at would still be alive.” least 10 and will need bulletproof cars for public outings. And the danger surrounding their son Archie is a real threat. “The issue for them is more like a kidnap and ransom attempt,” says Matt. “Like with Michael’s kids, they had Meghan and their own security team Harry will and bodyguards.” need tight And all that security security at doesn’t come cheap. their new “They are looking at home in Canada. between $13-19 million 11

FERGIE STEALS

BEA’S WEDDING THUNDER Beatrice is concerned all eyes will be on the mother of the bride.

THE PRINCESS IS WORRIED ABOUT HER MUM’S NEW FRIEND

Peregrine with his father, above. “Fergie’s smitten,” a source says of their bond.

or years it’s been rumoured that Sarah Ferguson’s heart still belongs to Prince Andrew. But amid the ongoing scandal and disgrace surrounding her ex-husband, it seems Fergie’s set her sights on a new man. New Idea has learnt that amid the planning disaster that has been Princess Beatrice’s upcoming wedding, her mother, Sarah, could be about to steal her daughter’s wedding thunder by showcasing her new friend at the glittering event. A source tells New Idea that Fergie has developed a close friendship with Peregrine Kitchener-Fellowes, the 29-yearold son of her good friend and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes. “Fergie’s smitten with Peregrine – or ‘Peri’ as she calls him – after first striking up a spark with him at her 60th birthday party last October,” reveals the royal insider. “She’d met him on a few occasions, but after the drinks started flowing at her birthday bash, Peri

made a play for her and was incredibly complimentary, telling her how young she looked for her age and boosting her confidence.” Peregrine, who works in film production, already has royal connections – his mum, Emma Joy Kitchener, is an earl’s niece and was lady-in-waiting to Princess Michael of Kent, who is also Peregrine’s godmother. “Peri and Fergie spoke on the odd occasion after that. “He started off being her rock of support amid Andrew’s scandal … growing closer and closer over the following weeks.” Sarah has kept a relatively low profile since the extent of Andrew’s questionable friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed and the senior royal stepped away from his duties. But with the announcement that she’s signed a seven-book deal with an Australian publisher to produce a series of children’s books, along with the news she’s setting up a lifestyle brand called Duchess Inc., it seems Fergie is more than ready to return to the spotlight.

After years of being unlucky in love, Fergie is ready to find happiness again.

THE NEW

FOUR Meanwhile, it appears her relationship with Prince Andrew may now be strained. She was photographed alongside him, both looking stony-faced as they left their Windsor house last week. The previous day, however, they had been all smiles alongside Princess Beatrice and her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, as the family attended a new year celebration at the Chinese ambassador’s London residence. But now Fergie is back in the news with Peregrine. “They kept it quiet for as long as they could, knowing the uproar it would create with both their families – potentially destroying [Sarah’s] long-term friendship with Julian too – but they have got to the point where they’re sick of hiding it and just want to enjoy the friendship without feeling guilty,” says the source. But it appears not all of Sarah’s family are happy about the news. “Bea and Eugenie were in a state of shock,” says the source. “Beatrice flew into a furious rage as she accused Fergie of trying to steal her spotlight before bursting out in tears and sobbing that her wedding was being destroyed by bombshell after bombshell.”

It’s likely Beatrice is feeling the pressure as the countdown to her May 29 nuptials begins. The wedding will be a far less extravagant event than her sister’s 2018 celebration. It won’t be televised, is set to be smaller and will be held behind closed doors at St James’s Palace, followed by a reception at Buckingham Palace. The couple’s original plan to marry in Italy had to be reconsidered as the Queen no longer travels overseas. Andrew has been linked with numerous women over the years. Nevertheless, he is reported to be unhappy at the thought of his ex-wife developing a close relationship with another man. “Andrew was in shock and attempted to label his ex as having some sort of middle-age breakdown,” reveals the insider. “But Fergie was adamant he was just jealous and insisted it’s her turn for happiness.”

On February 11 the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall stepped out with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their ﬁrst joint engagement in nine years at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Loughborough, England. As Charles joked with his son, who was sitting in one of the facility’s wheelchairs, the pair looked happy and at ease with one another. They have reportedly grown closer since Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle decided to quit their roles as senior royals and move to Canada. Indeed, the display of joviality left onlookers to wonder if this will be the new fab four from now on. The public certainly approved of their appearance as words of

praise quickly ﬂooded the royal Instagram account. “I watched the video of William in the wheelchair with Charles giving him a reassuring pat on the back! Lovely father and son moment!” wrote one user. Former major Peter Norton, a triple amputee, also spoke fondly of his encounter with Kate. “She was asking me about the mental health and welfare aspect of the work here which is a huge part of the care you receive. It’s a very natural process here. They know the two go hand in glove.” Overall the event was a huge success with the royals appearing as a solid family unit.

HEAD TO AUSTRALIA! Prince William and Duchess Kate are due to visit Australia for a bushﬁre recovery tour. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to issue a formal invitation to the couple this week, allowing the tour to proceed. The royals are expected to visit towns in NSW and Victoria that were worst hit by the bushﬁres. During the crisis, the popular royals shared a message of support. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people and communities who are affected by this devastating event.”

SHOC DIVOR

Michael and Lara dated for three years.

fter seven years of marriage, former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly have announced their divorce amid claims they’ve been living separately for months. The couple issued a joint statement last week explaining they’d made the “difficult decision” but were separating “amicably”. They added, “With the greatest of respect for each

WHY IT REALLY other, we’ve come to the mutual conclusion that this is the best course for us to take while committed to the co-parenting of our daughter.” While Kyly remains living in the family home in Vaucluse with their 4-year-old daughter Kelsey Lee, Michael is based in the same seafront Bondi apartment he once shared with his former fiancée, Lara Worthington. A close friend of the couple believes their marriage came under strain after Michael

WHO IS SASHA?

Michael Clarke’s personal assistant Sasha Armstrong is engaged. Her ﬁancé is Tyler Robinson. Blonde bombshell Sasha, who has worked for Michael as his executive assistant for nearly six years, became engaged to her long-term boyfriend in June 2019. It came only months after Sasha and her cricket star boss Michael were spotted getting cosy together on Anthony Bell’s 14

Michael with assistant Sasha.

superyacht in Sydney Harbour, in November 2018. At the time of her engagement, Michael posted a gushing message to Sasha. “Absolutely pumped for these two lovebirds,” wrote Michael. “Congratulations guys!” After news of Michael and Kyly’s shock split last week, perhaps his close pal Sasha will rush to be by his side.

became increasingly focused on having a bigger family at a time when Kyly was attempting to build her career. “Michael has always said he wanted a big family. He wants three kids at least. He is super close to his own sister but Kyly was not as keen,” says the friend. “He adores his daughter and would love nothing more than some more.” Back in January 2018, Michael admitted he wanted lots of children. “I’d like to have 10 more, I’d like a full cricket team,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “But I don’t think Kyly feels the same.” The year before, however, Kyly said she hoped for a sibling for their daughter, but hinted Michael’s hectic work schedule was a stumbling block to their plans. “He needs to be in the country first,” she said, adding, “But we both have siblings and we want Kelsey Lee to have one, I think it’s all in the timing.” Since then, however, it appears the couple have struggled to make their relationship work, especially as Kyly’s career in interior design and presenting took off. “Michael doesn’t really have a lot of close friends. He doesn’t catch up with any of the cricket guys any more. It’s just work and home life for him. Kyly is very social. She always had her heart set on being someone and is very focused on her blog

and YouTube channel.” Last year, it was reported that Kyly was struggling to balance family life and the demands of work, which included her “dream job” as a judge on Channel Seven’s House Rules. Meanwhile, Michael’s own TV career has floundered with his cricket commentary work largely drying up since 2018. Now the close friend believes that watching his former partner Lara transform her life over the past few years has been the final straw. “To make matters worse Lara is about to have her third child. She is living the life he always wanted to,” says the pal. “Lots of their old mates think he still has a place in his heart for Lara. You never forget your first love and it’s even harder when they are in the public eye showing off their kids and happy life. He is jealous of Sam and what they have.” No doubt adding strain to Kyly and Michael’s relationship, in November 2018, the former cricketer was photographed sunbathing alongside his assistant Sasha Armstrong on a friend’s superyacht. They denied anything romantic was going on and since then Sasha has announced her engagement. Two months later, Kyly told Mail Online that reports of her marriage being in trouble were incorrect, saying, “We’re not, never were and never will be splitting.”

CK RCE:

THE SEEMINGLY HAPPY COUPLE COULDN’T MAKE IT WORK

ENDED While Kyly and Michael’s followers on social media sent messages of support, the couple paid tribute to their daughter Kelsey Lee, who they will continue to co-parent, by posting sweet photos of themselves alongside her.

oa ing u he sun on th each, Kyl peare limmer han e e .

TZIPORAH

‘DICKIE TO ROM

Below: Tziporah with Richard’s son Christian ‘The Prince’ last week while appearing on Studio 10.

MALKAH

THE FORMER SUPERMODEL ON THE MOMENT HE MADE HIS MOVE

E WANTED MANCE ME!’ T

ziporah Malkah can still vividly recall the time Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins told her he wanted to spend the night in her arms. “How could any woman forget being approached by Richard!” giggles the flamboyant actress, who after more than 15 years has finally broken her silence on persistent gossip linking her and the entertainment guru. “For years people have asked me if Richard and I were ever intimate and I’ve always changed the subject. Now, I’ve decided to tell the truth,” she shrugs. Then still known as Kate Fischer, she was in her early 30s and single. Having broken up with fiancé James Packer five years earlier, the statuesque brunette had been the VIP guest at an event hosted by Sydney “jeweller to the stars” Nic Cerrone. “That night I was wearing a fetching cocktail dress, at the invitation of Nic, and I gave a speech about diamonds in exchange for a little bauble Nic gave me, and was just milling around, talking to people like Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Alan Jones,” Tziporah, 46, recalls. “At the time, I was based in LA, just flitting back to Sydney from time to time for work so I certainly wasn’t looking for a relationship.” “But that night, Richard seemed to have been hit by Cupid’s [arrow]. I remember seeing him across the room in a suit similar to the kind Don Johnson used to wear in Miami Vice. He spotted me and headed

over to have a chat. I already knew Richard through TV circles and was happy to see him, at first. We had a good conversation.” She says Richard soon began flirting with her. “At first I was a little taken aback,” Tziporah remembers of Richard whom she says was

the boudoir together – and he is an attractive, knowledgeable fellow. “But really, where could it have gone? I was living in LA.” Now, 15 years on, Tziporah says: “Surprisingly, over the years people have persistently asked me if Richard and I were ever more than friends .

“I WAS WEARING A FETCHING COCKTAIL DRESS” oozing with charm. As the night continued, Tziporah says Richard explained to her how much he loved his family. “He told me he was really way more a family man than a showbiz man. Then he looked me in the eye and blurted, ‘why don’t we get out of here and go somewhere else?’” Despite being flattered, Tziporah is adamant the night ended with the pair going home separately. In fact she spent the rest of the evening mingling with the crowd and chatting with Alan Jones. “I spotted Alan in the corner of my eye so I dashed over and struck up a conversation with him.” Adds Tziporah: “I mean, I was quite surprised that the dashing Dickie wanted to romance me. I guess it made sense that two tall TV types could end up in

“I know plenty of women who have fallen for his charms, but no, he and I never were an item!” While it’s been a long time since

Richard and Tziporah have seen each other, she says she recently bonded with Richard’s risingstar son Christian, 24, who’s landed a role on Dancing with the Stars. “I met him a few days ago when he and I both appeared on Studio 10 to talk about the Oscars. “What a divine handsome and charming chap he is, just like his father. I think he’s destined to go far in showbiz, perhaps even further than his old man!” She adds with a chuckle, “Just think, if I’d got together with his dad 15 years ago, perhaps it would have led to something big, and I’d have become Christian’s step-mummy!”

Above left: Richard Wilkins. Above: Tziporah, aka Kate Fischer, with Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Left: Tziporah with jewellery designer Nic Cerrone. 17

heir relationship has been hot and cold and now New Idea can reveal that Natasha and Mikey were in fact sent packing two-thirds of the way into the filming of this season’s Married at First Sight. According to insiders, despite having not been at all happy about being paired with Natasha, Mikey wanted to stay in the experiment. However, he was forced to leave by default. And while fellow participants have been quick to suggest that the couple’s time on the show was cut short due to Natasha suffering from

EXCLUSIVE

NATASHA & MIKEY

WHY THE COUPLE WERE FORCED TO LEAVE

KICKED OFF

mental health issues, the brunette beauty is adamant this is not the case. She says she felt immense pressure from producers to reveal personal details about herself – ultimately forcing her to pull the pin on her time in the experiment. “I have had a lot of things happen in my past, which were brought up on the show, which is the reason I left,” she says. “Things happened in my childhood, which I didn’t want brought up. I was just anxious.” It’s believed the pressure got so bad for Natasha that at one point she suffered a terrible panic attack. “I had a panic attack on there because I had a failing relationship and production was pushing me to tell [her husband Mikey’s] parents what a terrible partner he was. I lost it and started crying.” Natasha says the pressure of 15-hour filming days and producers saying her parents weren’t

able to visit her, eventually pushed her over the edge. Meanwhile, insiders say production bosses are said to have become so concerned about Natasha’s mental health, they thought she may have had to be hospitalised. “If that happened the show wouldn’t have been able to go to air so [the producers] cut their losses and took her off the show to save the show,” said the anonymous contestant. Natasha was upset producers dredged up memories from her painful past. “Childhood trauma is nothing we can control and it was wrong of them to bring it up,” she says. Meanwhile, in a video obtained by New Idea, Mikey confirms he was unfairly booted off the show and has blamed the experts for matching the pair in the first place. “I don’t know how I can be kicked off the show when I haven’t done anything wrong,” he says in the 12-second clip. “I’ve given myself 100 per cent to the experiment … they think she’s not well. Well, it’s like they’ve f--king given me the wrong person. Such a stitch-up.”

MAFS’ Mikey says he was unfairly booted off the reality show.

Head to newidea.com. au/married-at-ﬁrstsight to watch the footage

Even optimist Hayley found the experience a huge life test.

HAYLEY QUITS! She’s one of the most talked about stars of the season. But former drug addict Hayley admits she almost packed her bags and left the show for good. Speaking to New Idea, she said her time on Married at First Sight was one of the most demanding things she’s ever experienced and even harder than quitting drugs! In fact, she wanted to leave at “a couple of points”. “It was just so mentally and physically draining. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, from start to ﬁnish,” she says. “It was tougher than getting off drugs!” she adds. “It just exceeds anything else I’ve ever done.” She reveals that things eventually get so bad with Stacey, the pair almost come to blows. “Stacey hates me,” Hayley laughs, adding that things are set to get super heated. “Throughout the whole show you guys will deﬁnitely see that,” she says.

“I can’t stand her. It wasn’t until she found out Michael had money that she wanted to be with him. “I think she tried very hard to have this certain image of herself and I think that house of cards is going to come crumbling down.” Hayley also admits she’s had enough of her MAFS husband, David, trying to bring down her reputation. “He needs to have a look in his own backyard ﬁrst.” Despite this, Hayley says she doesn’t regret going on the show. “I’m an optimist so I see a silver lining in every situation,” she says. “When I ﬁrst got off, I wondered if it was really worth it, but I’ve made some of the best girlfriends that I’m going to have forever out of this experience.” She says being able to share her story and make a difference has been cathartic for her. “I’ve had people message me and tell me that they’ve heard my story and that they’re going to get help,” she says. “So many people have shared their stories with me.”

F THE SHOW 19

David and Stacey had no idea their partners had been spending time together behind their backs.

EXCLUSIVE

CHEATING SCANDAL EXPOSED

alk of multiple affairs has been circulating ever since the new season of Married at First Sight arrived on our screens. And now we have proof ! In images obtained by New Idea, the reality show participants Michael Goonan and Hayley Vernon can be seen getting extremely close with one another, despite having been paired with other people in the experiment. “I swear on my life Hayley and Michael hooked up,” declares Vanessa, who is married to Chris on the show. “It definitely happened.” In fact, Vanessa goes as far as to claim the duo “hooked up multiple times”. “They were fooling around on the bed and dry humping. Shoes were flying everywhere,” she adds. According to on-set insiders, the alleged affair took place in Vanessa’s room at a hotel while Michael’s experimental wife Stacey was in Adelaide 20

spending time with her two children. Vanessa continues to explain the circumstances around the incident: “Michael walked into our room. He was really drunk; so was Hayley. She said, ‘my (experimental) husband (David) doesn’t want to f--k me’. And I said, ‘mine doesn’t either’. [Michael] turned around and said, ‘I would f--k both of you’.” Hayley reportedly doesn’t deny kissing Michael, although it’s been maintained she didn’t initiate what happened. Meanwhile Michael has denied any wrongdoing and even threatened to leave the show as the rumours amped up, despite apparently admitting his guilt to another cast member, who asked not to be named. “They’re going to sweep it under the rug and act like it never happened,” Vanessa claims. “They will pretend it didn’t happen so they can stay on the show for as long as possible.”

Despite allegedly snogging Michael, Hayley says she wasn’t attracted to any of the men on the show.

THE SHOCKING MOMENT HAYLEY AND MICHAEL CROSS THE LINE

DAVID VS MICHAEL: PUNCHES THROWN! On last year’s series of MAFS, things almost got physical between brides Cyrell and Martha. However this year we’re told one ﬁght between two contestants became so heated actual punches were thrown! “The morning David found out Michael had hooked up with his wife Hayley the night before, he was absolutely ropeable and he went and confronted him about it,” a source reveals. David was reportedly yelling at Michael and calling him a “gutless dog”. Things became so heated that producers

had to step in to separate them. “David is a huge guy, he’s twice the size of Michael and he’s a professional boxer too – he’s not someone you would want to have an argument with,” a source dishes. “The producers had trouble pulling him off Michael so one of the girls started yelling out to call the police, but the producers managed to shut the whole thing down.” After the grooms were separated, and producers eventually calmed David down, he did a piece to camera saying, “I’m really angry right

now. I’m going to stay in my room because if I see Michael again, I will punch his lights out and he will be a pile of dust”. Michael was apparently so “shaken up” by the confrontation with David that producers ended up sending him to a hotel in Parramatta for a few days to cool off, because they were worried what would happen if he crossed paths with David. “They never had any security guards at the dinner parties, but after that incident they brought them in at every one,” the source added.

Head to newidea.com. au/married-at-ﬁrstsight to watch the footage

Insiders say Michael and David almost came to blows when news broke of Michael’s fling with Hayley.

e m o c l e W BABY D A L LY

M ● 4.50A 0 2 . 2 09.0 3KG

U BABY BOY 22

UR Y!’

EXCLUSIVE CYRELL AND EDEN ON N THE THE BIRTH OF THEIR SON AND THE TRUTH ABOUT THEIR BREAK-UP

Cyrell and Eden welcomed their baby boy into the world on February 9.

eality TV couple After a night in hospital Eden Dally and with her baby, Cyrell headed Cyrell Paule have home and introduced him to welcomed a her family and friends. It’s a healthy baby life-changing adjustment to boy into the world. suddenly be responsible for The excited but tired mum a tiny person, however Eden and dad spoke exclusively to and Cyrell say it’s the best thing New Idea about the arrival of to ever happen to them both. their newborn son, who they But the trauma of such a are now just naming ‘bub’, painful labour and delivery has while basking in the happy changed Cyrell’s mind of giving glow of parenthood. her newborn a brother or sister. Married at First Sight’s “Not after going through Cyrell, 30, says the birth was four hours of that pain … I’ll traumatic – but meeting her definitely never be going little bub made all the pain and through that again. It was so heartbreak of her and Eden’s bad,” Cyrell admits. turbulent relationship worth it. When their little bundle “I probably took every drug of joy finally arrived – albeit you could take during labour,” quite early – Cyrell and Eden Cyrell jokes. “I ended up getting struggled with what to name cut as well, and because him. But there was one thing I genuinely couldn’t push anymore, he also had to get suctioned out.” Cyrell posed Their son arrived nude just days before giving two weeks earlier than birth to expected, with Cyrell’s her son. water breaking as she and Eden sat down for a takeaway dinner on a Saturday night. Cyrell was rushed to hospital before being induced, launching her into a painful four-hour labour. Eden, 27, was in the room as the pair welcomed their first child into the world – and thankfully he was perfectly healthy. “He’s so cute, I’m already obsessed with him,” Cyrell gushes. “He doesn’t cry loudly, he’s a quiet boy. He didn’t get a loud mouth like his mum!” Eden adds: “It’s so surreal, I’m just looking at him knowing that we created this little baby.”

says he never stressed about the idea of being a single dad when the TV power couple went their separate ways. “In every relationship, people always break up and make up,” he says. “Cyrell and I have always been close, and we didn’t have a nasty break-up. We just

“WE JUST NEEDED THAT TIME APART TO MISS EACH OTHER AND THEN GET BACK TOGETHER”

The reality TV couple are over the moon with the birth of their healthy baby boy.

Their son’s birth comes only two months after Cyrell and Eden confirmed they were back together after a brief but public separation. Nasty rumours and accusations their relationship and break-up was a publicity stunt started to fly. But the pair both admit they needed time apart to realise what was truly important – their new son. “We realised that was more important and we wanted to try to make things work. We just decided to do that for one another,” Cyrell says. Cyrell also admits she and Eden needed to change some of their habits. “The break-up was very simple. It was about certain changes I’d like to see within Eden, and Eden wanted some changes with me. When we realised that was more important than us being apart, and trying to make things work, we just decided to do that for one another,” Cyrell says. “We just needed that time apart to miss each other and then get back together.” Eden agrees – but

took a little break. And then we got back together. It wasn’t nasty at all. We’ve always been friends. “If it wasn’t going to work out, it was never going to mean I wouldn’t see the baby. We were just going to coparent – there’d have been days I’d have my baby and days Cyrell would.” The nasty comments continued to rain down on the couple while they navigated their break-up. But Eden says he isn’t worried by the trolling, especially now he has a son to focus on. “[The trolling] doesn’t bother me anymore. I just laugh things off now … when I know the truth, that’s all that matters,” he says. “People can make up their own things and talk about us. I just accept it now and don’t bite into it. I just get on with life.” When asked if marriage is on the cards

Jaydon Cabe from Luxe Portraits & JCA Models

they could agree on: he looks like a perfect blend of both his mum and dad. “When he arrived, the midwife said he looked like his mum,” Cyrell says. “But then another nurse came in and said he looked so much like his daddy. So he’s got a bit of both of us.”

soon, Cyrell says her first failed ‘marriage’ has made her hesitant about tying the knot again. “My last marriage was a bit crazy so I’m not really thinking about marriage,” she laughs. Cyrell also adds her two cents about the 2020 season of MAFS. “It’s just becoming a bit of a joke,” she says. “They just get another batch of people that just go and repeat the exact same mistakes.” But after welcoming her son into the world, it’s given Cyrell some much-needed perspective. “We’re just focusing on being great parents and being a good couple together,” she says. “You have to see Eden with him … it’s so cute.” By April Glover

New mum Cyrell is glowing with happiness over her new son.

“You have to see Eden with him,” Cyrell gushes.

1999

2005 The famous couple in their younger days.

2009

2014

THE BECK SHOCK S SECRETS!

ictoria and David Beckham may be world famous – but that doesn’t make them immune to insecurities. According to an insider, friends of Victoria, 45, and David, 44, fear the couple have recently gone overboard with cosmetic surgery procedures due to a growing obsession with their appearances.

a surgery-gone-wrong incident after undergoing a $57,000 veneer replacement. “Victoria has been spending a fortune on various surgeries as well as this crazy dental op that left her with a horrible lisp,” the insider reveals. “They’re starting to really go overboard and if they don’t calm things down there’s a real fear they will do some irreversible damage.”

“THERE’S A REAL FEAR THEY WILL DO SOME IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE” David was recently spotted with a noticeably waxy complexion while shopping in LA with son Brooklyn. “David isn’t coping well with the lines on his face,” the insider claims. “He may have had Botox and a brow lift.” Meanwhile, the former Spice Girl was reportedly involved in

1997

2003

2007

In the past it’s been rumoured Victoria has undergone rhinoplasty as well as lip fillers. Several experts also believe she’s succumbed to a number of nips and tucks. “It looks as though she’s had some good work done to improve the shape of her nose. There are some subtle but

2012

2016

2019

KHAMS’ SURGERY ! HAVE VICTORIA AND DAVID HAD PROFESSIONAL HELP TO MAINTAIN THEIR LOOKS? definite changes,” surgeon Mark Ho-Asjoe told Closer magazine on inspection of before-and-after pictures. “Victoria’s lips appear much fuller and, to me, it’s clear she’s had filler injected into them to achieve a fuller pout,” added Mark. “Lips tend to get thinner with age, so it would appear she’s had help to keep them looking full.” In 2014, the mum of four and former pop star admitted she’d had a boob job but had the implants removed. “I don’t have them any more. I think I may have purchased them,” she said pointing to a picture of her former busty self. That said, she insists that’s all she’s had done. “I haven’t been tempted by a cosmetic procedure, but never say never. It’s whatever makes anybody feel good about themselves,” she told This Morning last year.

2016

“But maybe ask me that question in 10, 15 years’ time and maybe that will have changed.” She added: “I would rather celebrate who I am and be the best version of myself rather than change too much.” David has also flatly denied having work done. “Cosmetic surgery might be OK for some people; I’m not saying it’s bad. But for me, personally, never. Never!” the former sportsman told the Evening Standard in 2018. “I have no interest in doing anything like that, ever. Growing old gracefully is my thing. I would never inject my face. Or my backside obviously.” But has the former footballer changed his mind? Maybe his wife is rubbing off on him!

2018

BEN AND LAUREN’S KISS HAS ROULA SEEING RED AT THE DINNER TABLE

hings had been looking up for MKR: The Rivals lovebirds Roula and Ben after their romantic date to the park, but that’s all about to unravel this week as Roula learns that Ben kissed his housemate Lauren after a night of partying. After finding out that Ben and Lauren had shared a clandestine kiss on the couch one night, Jake decides to tell Roula’s teammate Rachael at Sophia and Romel’s Instant Restaurant. Rachael then immediately spills the beans to Roula, and it’s fair to say the news doesn’t go down too well. “I didn’t expect that to happen because I was looking forward to a second date,”

SHOCK Will everything be forgiven between the three?

TRIANGLE

Roula and Ben enjoy a romantic date (left). Ben and Lauren are confronted by Roula (right).

MKR: THE RIVALS, MON. TO THU. 7.30PM, SUN. 7PM

Roula tells New Idea. “We kind of connected really well and then when that bombshell hit me, I thought, ‘OK, clearly we’re not on the same page’.” There’s only one thing for Roula to do – confront Ben and Lauren. “I wanted to know [what happened] with both of them there at the same time and see [their] reactions and who was going to say what,” adds Roula. Lauren immediately denies the kiss, but after several housemates reveal they knew about it, she breaks down and starts attacking the others. “I was just mad at the whole situation; that’s why I blew up. I dealt with it wrong,” Lauren admits.

Both Roula and Lauren are involved with Ben.

“I WAS JUST MAD AT THE WHOLE SITUATION; THAT’S WHY I BLEW UP” “The reason I denied it was because I didn’t want it to be everyone’s business and I didn’t think it was appropriate or necessary to bring it up. “I shouldn’t have lied, but it’s quite a hard thing to come out on TV and say that happened. I was naive enough to think if I denied it, it would go away.” What’s more, Lauren thinks Roula should have confronted Ben about the situation, not her. “I understand we are all in this situation, but I don’t think it should have been up to me to admit it. [Roula] should have asked him. Meanwhile, Ben has very little to say at the table, but he admits he was in shock when it all came out. “I was so stunned, like literally a deer in the headlights,” he says. “I wasn’t there to hurt anyone, let’s put it that way, so I was pretty gutted.”

Despite saying he didn’t want to hurt the girls, Ben’s failure to say anything really riles Roula up. “Ben should have told me himself,” she says. “He didn’t say much at the table or he was laughing, and after that I was like, maybe it’s a good idea that we don’t go on that second date.” But Ben confesses he still has eyes for Roula, despite everything that happened with Lauren. “I never had feelings for Lauren,” he admits. “Roula definitely is the most genuine and loveable girl, so it’s like, ‘Why not? Let’s give it a go and see what eventuates’. “The thing with Lauren was just a drunken kiss at the end of the day.” But after everything that has happened between the trio, will Roula be able to forgive Ben and give their relationship another go? 29

udy Garland’s story is one of astonishing success and legacy – but it is also tragedy marred by heavy drug use, rocky marriages and mental health issues. Here we take a look inside the real Judy Garland and her amazing yet poignant life.

YOUNG JUDY

Judy’s fame was marred by tragedy.

For more stories, pick up a copy of New Idea Retro – on sale now!

Born Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922 to a show-business family, she was thrown into the limelight at the tender age of 3. Her parents, Ethel and Frank, were vaudeville performers and quickly realised Judy had the most talent out of her siblings. Touring as part of the Gumm Sisters, Judy was soon up front singing solos. To help her young daughter sleep on the road, Ethel would ply her with sleeping pills. Judy had a fraught relationship with her mother and would often refer to her as the “real wicked witch”, admitting her mother was “mean” in an 1967 interview with Barbara Walters. “She was very jealous because she had absolutely no talent,” Judy said. “She would stand in the wings ... and if I didn’t feel good ... she’d say, ‘You get out and sing or I’ll wrap you around the bedpost and break you off short!’ So I’d go out and sing.”

HER CAREER

In 1935, at just 13, Judy signed her first movie contract. But her sensational success came at a price. The studio was concerned with Judy’s weight, and began to monitor her eating, often taking food from her. She was in a permanent state of hunger. She would also be pushed to work up to 18 hours a day, six days a week, and in order to keep her going and to keep her weight down, she was prescribed amphetamines to take during the day, and sleeping pills at night. “If Garland was in trouble, or you thought she might be, put her on pills. Speed her up, slow her down. Run her like a clock,” film critic Roger Ebert once said. At 17, Judy won an Academy Juvenile Award for her role as Dorothy in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, yet with the cocktail of drugs in her system, it wasn’t long before her health was badly affected.

HER TR G C

Deans, lasted just three months before her death in 1969.

DRUG ADDICTION, DEPRESSION AND DEATH

Liza Minnelli was the result of Judy’s second marriage.

HER RELATIONSHIPS

Judy had a string of ill-fated marriages. At 19, she wed composer and musician David Rose, who was 12 years her senior. She became pregnant soon after but her mother insisted she abort. The marriage only lasted for three years. In 1945 Judy married film director Vincente Minnelli, who was 20 years older. Soon after, she had her first child, Liza. The pair divorced in 1951, with Minnelli’s sexuality considered a contributing factor. It was widely believed the successful director was gay or at least bisexual. Her third marriage, to producer Sid Luft, lasted from 1952 to 1965, and they had two children, Lorna and Joey. During divorce proceedings Judy claimed Sid had struck her on numerous occasions. After a whirlwind romance, Judy married Mark Herron in 1965, but they separated only five months later. Her final marriage to Mickey

Due to the cocktail of drugs she had been dependent on for many years, Judy suffered a nervous breakdown and made two suicide attempts. Stevie Phillips, her agent from 1961 to 1965, said by that time, Judy was “a demented, demanding, supremely talented drug addict”. During her last years while performing live shows, Judy’s substance abuse became more apparent. On an Australian tour in 1964, she was booed off the stage in Melbourne by an angry crowd that suspected she was drunk. Judy openly spoke of the drugs she and co-star Mickey Rooney were fed to keep up with the long hours. “They had us working days and nights on end,” Judy said. “They’d give us pills to keep us on our feet long after we were exhausted. Then they’d take us to the studio hospital and knock us out with sleeping pills,” she recalled.” Judy died, aged just 47, of an accidental overdose, in 1969, yet her daughter Liza Minnelli believes she died of exhaustion. “She let her guard down,” Liza told Time in 1972. “She didn’t die from an overdose. I think she just got tired.”

RENÉE AS JUDY

Renée Zellweger won the best actress Oscar for her role as Judy.

Judy with husband number four, Mark Herron.

THE SCREEN LEGEND’S LIFE IS PORTRAYED IN THE ACCLAIMED BIOPIC, JUDY

FE STORY

REAL-LIFE

The 25-year-old suffered from severe acne.

young woman was so embarrassed by her acne that she refused to leave the house, pulled a sickie and didn’t go back to the office for two months. Software developer, Oonagh McLaughlin, 36, from Derry, Northern Ireland, noticed a change in her skin in April 2019, when she broke out in vicious spots and cysts on her face. Concerned by how rapidly it had developed, she first visited her GP in May 2019, but doctors were unable to properly diagnose her condition. She was prescribed birth control pills and antibiotics in the hope they would put a stop to the condition, but nothing worked. Ashamed of how her skin looked, Oonagh soon became a recluse. In June 2019, Oonagh went to Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast, where dermatologists assessed her skin. Oonagh was finally diagnosed with rosacea fulminans – a rare inflammatory dermatological disease that mostly affects women, often with sudden onset. “I felt really paranoid and hated leaving the house and having to cover my skin in makeup,” Oonagh tells New Idea. “I kept apologising for my skin and feeling the need to explain it to people, which completely ruined my confidence. I stopped going to my boyfriend’s house, didn’t go on nights out and events and even missed my nephew’s 1st birthday party. “It felt like my face just exploded. I took a week off work

ACNE HELL:

‘I WOULDN’T LEAVE THE HO

sick, then worked from home for nearly two months. “[Doctors] thought it was impetigo at the start, then thought it was a viral infection. “No-one was able to tell me whether it was stress, hormones, products I was using or something I was eating. “I visited my doctor numerous times and was sent home with a different birth control pill or antibiotic. I had no choice but to go to a private hospital, where I was diagnosed with rosacea fulminans.” Oonagh was prescribed Roaccutane, a highly controversial drug with mood-altering side effects that has been linked to suicide and depression. “I was really nervous about taking Roaccutane as it’s such a talked-about drug because of the negative side effects,” said Oonagh. “It was my last option after spending hundreds of pounds on skincare and taking several different antibiotics. “I was recently speaking to a girl from London who told me there is a six-month waiting list for Roaccutane in some parts of London. Other people have told me that their doctor isn’t prescribing Roaccutane when

they clearly need it.” For two months Oonagh waited for the Roaccutane to clear her skin, hoping that her disorder would improve. Luckily, the drugs prescribed for her began to take effect and she saw a noticeable difference in her condition. Now her skin is clear, Oonagh is passionate about sharing her story and highlighting the lack of support that is available for those suffering with acne. Sharing her experiences has also allowed her to feature in a campaign with major beauty brand Bare Minerals. “Even a mild form of acne can badly affect people’s mental health and there just isn’t enough support out there,” said Oonagh. “My family, friends and boyfriend felt very helpless when I was at my lowest as there was nothing they could do to help, and they didn’t know where to turn for advice. “When you are going through what I experienced, you think there is no end in sight, but you have to realise that nothing lasts forever and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

OUSE’

Oonagh even stopped seeing her boyfriend.

Her skin at its worst and after medication.

OONAGH HID FROM THE WORLD WHEN HER ACNE BECAME TOO MUCH TO BEAR 33

HIDDEN ILLNESS

‘IT’S TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME’ LAUREN ADMON HAS BEEN LIVING WITH A DEBILITATING CONDITION FOR 10 YEARS

auren Admon is sick of pleading with doctors to take her pain seriously. The 25-year-old Sydney woman suffers endometriosis so severely, it leaves her bedridden for days and she’s been unable to work at all for months. The female reproductive condition affects millions of women around the world, yet it is still disturbingly difficult to even have it diagnosed. Speaking with New Idea, Lauren says endometriosis has taken everything from her – even her ability to fall pregnant naturally. “Doctors have said I was just

a drama queen and that it was just a normal period,” Lauren explains. “I’d go to the hospital and I’d be told ‘it’s all in your head’ or ‘it’s nothing’. They try to tell me to take Panadol and that it’ll be fine.” Lauren has been battling chronic pain ever since she was 15. Torturous cramping and weeks-long periods are just some of the awful symptoms the young woman has had to deal with. In the last 10 years, she’s endured five surgeries and been to the emergency room more times than she can remember. “I’ve had to stop working

and I’ve lost jobs. I haven’t been able to work for three months,” Lauren says sadly. “The pain has literally taken everything away from me. Almost every day I’m in pain, sometimes I can’t leave my bed and I can’t do anything.” But despite the very real symptoms Lauren suffers and the debilitating pain, her condition is still overlooked by medical professionals far too often. Lauren knows if she presented with a broken arm or a bloody nose at an emergency ward she’d be taken seriously. So why is endometriosis any different?

Lauren has been in and out of hospital for years.

The pain is so severe she can no longer go to work. 34

“They just don’t get it and make me feel like it’s all in my head. And it’s not just male doctors, it’s females as well,” she says. “When I was in hospital a few months ago, several different doctors came up to me and said: ‘It’s just

REAL-LIFE

ETRIOSIS?

Endometriosis is a medical condition where the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, grows in other parts of a woman’s body, including the pelvis, ovaries or along the fallopian tubes. When menstruation occurs and the lining breaks down, the endometrium has nowhere to go and causes severe and debilitating pain, as well as heavy periods and cysts. It can even cause infertility. It is estimated that more than 830,000 (10 per cent of) women in Australia live with endometriosis, however delays in diagnosis and a lack of research could mean the number is much higher. Differing symptoms mean there is often a seven to 10 year delay in diagnosis for Australian women. Endometriosis is a chronic condition and sufferers are often left unable to participate in activities such as sport, work or school. There’s no deﬁnitive cure for endometriosis, however doctors can suggest a number of treatments, including pain medication, contraceptives and hormone therapy. Surgery can remove or burn the endometrial growth and a total hysterectomy may be done as a last resort when other treatments don’t help.

Lauren has suffered with chronic endometriosis for over a decade.

endometriosis, you’ll be fine.’ “Even now, if I end up in the emergency room, I’m told it’s just muscle pain. I’ve often been scared to go into the emergency room due to the nurses and doctors not believing me and leaving me to sit in a chair in absolute pain.” Lauren’s chronic endo pain has been plaguing her since puberty, but shockingly, she was only officially diagnosed with endometriosis around four years ago. “It was only four years ago I actually went to a new GP, and he was the first one to ever say ‘endometriosis’. I’d never heard it before,” Lauren says. It took a visit to a gynaecologist in Brisbane to confirm just how bad it was. “It was everywhere. I had it on my ovaries, my pelvis … everywhere,” Lauren says. “I wanted to go back to every single doctor and say: ‘See! I’m not making it up’.” It typically takes a woman

Lauren pictured with her husband, Daniel.

seven to 10 years to receive a diagnosis, so Lauren’s story is not uncommon. Finally having a name for her horrific pain didn’t actually change anything. Doctors still ignored her, friends didn’t understand and strangers would recommend fad cures that could never work. But for Lauren, the worst part of her endometriosis journey is her struggle with fertility. Many women opt for a complete hysterectomy, which removes the ovaries. However, this is simply not an option yet

for Lauren, who at 25 dreams of becoming a mother one day soon. “The hardest thing for me is not knowing if I’ll ever be a mum. That’s what really kills me,” Lauren says. “And because it took so long to diagnose me, I’m scared that if someone helped me earlier, it would have helped with my fertility.” According to Donna Ciccia, director and co-founder of Endometriosis Australia, Lauren’s story is the all-toocommon result of a culture of dismissing women’s pain.

Donna tells New Idea that Australia is only just starting to “unravel” the complicated beast of endometriosis. “What it comes down to with endometriosis is quality of life – it is a quality of life disease,” Donna says. “It is a chronic, lifelong condition and there is no prevention or cure, and we don’t even know what causes it. That’s why we have been working hard to bring about awareness. “We need more funding to try and unravel the enigma that is this disease.” Women like Lauren, Donna says, deserve the right to live a full and happy life without the burden of a devastating illness. “Endometriosis costs the Australian economy $9.7 billion annually. Women like Lauren want to be working and to be contributing to society,” Donna adds. “She wants to have a future and to fulfil her potential. These endo-warriors – which is what we call them – deserve to live to their full potential.” By April Glover Follow Lauren’s journey on Instagram at @endolauren.

crime

special

RONALD

LAST M

O Ronald Ryan’s mother, Celia, visited him in Pentridge Prison before he was executed.

nly a few decades ago, Australia was still legally able to execute prisoners for their crimes. While capital punishment was only officially abolished in Australia in 1984, the fascinating story of the last man to be hanged remains a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. In 1966, Ronald Ryan, a 41-year-old father of three from Carlton, Victoria, was sentenced to death for the murder of prison guard George Hodson, while escaping from jail in a bid to see his three young daughters and save his failing marriage. Recaptured, Ryan’s criminal trial and eventual sentencing divided public opinion, with students, churchgoers, lawyers and citizens on the street

campaigning against the death sentence. At the time of his sentencing, judicial executions were rare and seven of the jurors pleaded for his mercy. “We didn’t want the rope. If we had known Ryan would hang, I think we would have gone for manslaughter,” one anonymous juror told The Sun at the time. Yet despite the loud public outcry, the Victorian premier Henry Bolte insisted that Ryan be hanged. Bolte’s decision to uphold the death sentence was met with more fierce opposition across Australia. Barry Jones, the leader of

you all deserve. I am not afraid, and I think the credit is largely yours. Lovingly yours, Dad.” The young girls were denied seeing their father before his execution and even visiting his grave. “We were told from the time Dad died that we would never be allowed in to see his grave,” said Wendy, one of Ryan’s daughters, who was 13 at the time of his hanging. They were told: “He belongs to the government now.” As Ryan’s death sentence drew near, the girls and their mother waited by the phone, hoping it might ring and there would be some kind of a reprieve. But the reprieve never came and Ryan soon drew his last breath. His three girls huddled

“I DOUBT THAT RYAN HAD ANY INTENTION TO KILL ... BUT I AM CERTAIN THAT BOLTE DID” the Victorian Anti-Hanging Committee, famously said: “I doubt that Ryan had any intention to kill, but I am certain that Bolte did.” Before his controversial sentencing, protesters filled the streets with placards held up, reading: “Not in our name”, “Mercy, not two murders”, “No evidence, hang Bolte”, and “Even Jesus would never forgive what you do”. On the eve of his death, Ryan wrote his three daughters a heartbreaking deathbed note on a piece of toilet paper that read: “Goodbye, my darlings, and may you get the love and luck

around the living room of their Hawthorn home as their father was put to death at 8am, on February 3, 1967. Mourners gathered outside Pentridge Prison and observed a two-minute silence when the clock struck eight. Fourteen journalists were allowed to observe the hanging. Sydney journalist Ron Saw reported that Ryan: “hardly seemed to be a man at all; either from drugs or exhaustion or perhaps even some inexplicable last-minute composure, he seemed more like a boy waiting to be caned”.

RYAN

THE CHILLING STORY OF THE LAST AUSSIE MAN TO BE HANGED FOR HIS CRIME

MAN HANGED Saw also recalled Ryan looking “small and pale” as he faced his death. Wendy recalls her mother, Dorothy, refusing to watch or listen to the news about Ryan. “Mum had everything dead quiet,” Wendy told The Age in 2007. It wasn’t until 2007 – 40 years after his death – that the Victorian government gave permission for Ryan’s body to be exhumed from its unmarked grave. He was laid to rest next to his former wife. The exhumation came after the murdered guard’s daughter Carole Hodson admitted to the Herald Sun she had “jumped and danced” on Ryan’s grave. Since his death 53 years ago, archive footage has been revealed showing unedited moments from Ryan’s life, the build-up to his execution and interviews with his mother, Cecilia, after she saw her son for the last time. Ryan’s life began as a boy born to an alcoholic father and neglectful parents. Growing up, he began committing petty crimes. Later, as a family man married with three children, Ryan still found it hard to stay on the straight and narrow, and fell into the temptation of gambling and stealing. In 1964, he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for robbery and during his time he befriended Peter Walker, a fellow prisoner who convinced Ryan to hatch a plan for their escape. Overpowering a guard, the pair stole a rifle and managed to escaped before they were chased

by warden George Hodson. Amid chaos, a shot was fired and Hodson fell to his death, leaving Ryan and Walker to flee in their getaway vehicle. The pair managed to evade capture for 19 days before they were eventually tracked down in Sydney. During the trial, Ryan insisted he never fired the bullet that killed Hodson. Witness statements were inconsistent, with one even suggesting Hodson shot himself. Yet, after 12 days, the jury found Ryan guilty of murder and he was sentenced to death. Despite various appeals als his sentence remained, even though between 1951 and 1967 all 35 death sentences that were given in Victoria had been downgraded to life without parole. Even Robert Tait, a notorious criminal who killed an 82-yearold woman in 1961, was given life without parolee. Yet Ryan’s sentence remained. Old footage shows how citizens protested against his death, with th he community insisting Ryan not be killed. Ryan’s mother Cecilia told ABC at the time: “As he said, had he been guilty he may have deserved it, but not being guilty, he doesn’t deserve it.” “He’s quite sure the gun didn’t go off. He said he had it in his hand and he said: ‘it didn’t go off, it didn’t’.”

R Ryan being escorted by detectives after his arrest.

R ld R Ronald Ryan was sentenced to death by hanging and spent his last days at Pentridge Prison (right).

special

crime

MUM REVEALS:

‘MY HUSBAND’S DEADLY AFFAIR’ ASHLEE KNEW SOMETHING WAS GOING ON – BUT SHE HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD END IN MURDER

shlee Birk’s life turned upside down in a double heartbreak one awful day in 2011. The mother from Utah, USA, was living a seemingly perfect life with her husband Emmett and their five children – until one day she got the dreaded knock on the door. When she answered, the police delivered two horrific blows: her husband had been killed. And the murderer? It was the man his secret mistress was married to. “I had suspected something was going on. He hadn’t been

Ashlee has since remarried and had another baby.

acting like himself for a while,” Ashlee, 36, tells New Idea. “All of a sudden, he was never home and he wasn’t loving anymore. He was so cold, even to the kids.” Ashlee and Emmett married in 2004 and by all accounts appeared to have the quintessential allAmerican family. But behind his loving wife’s back, Emmett had become entangled in an affair that would soon turn deadly. “I was at home with the babies and I got a knock at the door and the detectives on the case told me everything,”

NEW FAMILY

Ashlee remembers. “They told me about the affair and they told me about so many details of this life I didn’t even know he had.” Ashlee was nursing her 7-week-old baby Tytus when her marriage – and life – shattered completely. Emmett had been hiding a steamy affair with a paralegal named Kandi from his law office. The night of his murder, Kandi’s husband, Robert Hall, had found the pair together in a pharmacy car park. He’d brought a shotgun and fired two bullets into

Emmett’s head and chest, killing him at the scene. The first emotion to tear through Ashlee was anger. She had been right – there was another woman in Emmett’s life. Dealing with the complicated grief of losing her husband while simultaneously learning about his infidelity was a lot for Ashlee to take in. “The affair overpowered my grief for a long time, because it was just easier to be mad,” she explains. Ashlee wished she had the chance to confront her husband about his betrayal. But his killer ensured she never got that moment with Emmett. “That was the biggest heartache for me, knowing that my chance to decide for myself – was I going to stay and work through it, or am I going to walk away? – was taken from me,” Ashlee says, “I didn’t get to know if that was an option. I had all of these decisions made for me by other people.” Ashlee had to tell her five young children that their daddy had been killed and

Ashlee thought she had the perfect life with Emmett and her five kids.

Ashlee and Emmett with four of their children.

’ Emmett’s affair E with Kandi (left) ended in her husband Robert (also left) shooting nd killing him. an

he wasn’t coming home. She felt humiliated as she told the story countless times to friends and family. The darkest secrets of her marriage were laid bare for the world to see. “I was humiliated and I was still mad at the choices he was making. I felt like I didn’t really get a chance to grieve

found guilty of seconddegree murder and was sentenced to 30 years behind bars. The trial revealed eveery d sordid detail of Kandi and Emmett’s seven-month affair. Their clandestine relationship had started when Ashlee was pregnant with the couple’s fifth child.

“AT THE SAME TIME I LEARNED OF HIS MURDER, I ALSO FOUND OUT ABOUT HIS AFFAIR” because I just held onto that anger so much,” she says. “He died in a moment of fighting for another man’s wife, when he should have been home fighting for us. “You marry someone so you can be their everything. Wasn’t I enough? Or my children enough?” In 2012, Robert Hall was

“I’d met her. I knew her – she even bought us a present when the baby was born, knowing all the things that were going on behind my back,” Ashlee says. “And hearing all the facts about how he died and how the bullet entered his heart and his head, it didn’t help me heal at all.”

IIn court, t Ashlee bravely read out an emotional testimony in front of Hall and the jury. “That gunshot didn’t just end an affair and a life, it ended my family,” she said tearfully. After being made a widow in an instant and with five young children to look after, Ashlee thought she’d never be able to love again. “After the betrayal, I just didn’t think I was even loveable,” Ashlee admits. “I just thought I was broken.” But incredibly – seven years after that awful day – Ashlee met her now-husband Scott, and they welcomed a baby girl named Kennady, now eight months old, into the world. Ashlee’s six children and

supportive husband allowed d her to shed the ‘woman scorned’ and victim laabel and be what she always wanted to “My kids are everything in my world,” she smiles. “They are strong and I am so blessed to have them.” While she may never truly move on from the trauma of losing her husband in such a horrific way, Ashlee says the power of forgiveness has helped her heal. “I realised that I needed to forgive,” she explains. “And it wasn’t for him or the other woman, or her husband, it was for me to be free from that hate. “But forgiveness is a process and not just a moment.” Ashlee now helps other victims of trauma by sharing her story in her blog, The Moments We Stand. By April Glover 39

KIDS PARTY CAKES

Candyland Rainbow Cake

Serves 16, Prep and Cook: 2 hours 2 x 440g packets golden buttercake mix Liquid pink, blue and yellow food colouring Electric orange food colouring gel 300g packet marshmallow twists Edible rainbow sprinkles, assorted lollipops, lollipop cake toppers, Love Notes candy and love heart lollies, to decorate FROSTING 250g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature 1½ cups icing sugar mixture 1 tblsp milk 1 Grease two x 20cm round cake pans. Line bases and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edges. 2 Prepare cake mixes, one at a time, according to packet directions, reserving icing mix sachets. 3 Divide cake mixture between four bowls. Using food colourings, tint each bowl a different colour. Spoon alternate coloured mixtures evenly into each pan. Don’t mix together. 4 Cook in a moderately slow 40

oven (160C) for about 40 minutes, or until cooked when tested. Remove. Stand in pans for 10 minutes. Turn onto wire racks to cool. 5 To make frosting, beat butter in a large bowl of an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Beat in combined sugar and reserved icing mixes, ½ cup at a time, until combined. Beat in milk. Transfer 1 cup to a bowl and tint pale orange. Tint remaining frosting pale pink. 6 Trim cakes to sit ﬂat. Sandwich together with ¹⁄³ cup pale pink frosting, spreading remaining over top and side. Arrange marshmallow twists around side of cake, as pictured. Reserve any remaining twists for another use. 7 Transfer orange frosting to a disposable piping bag ﬁtted with a 7mm star nozzle. Pipe a double row of stars around the edge on top of cake. 8 Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles in the centre. Decorate with lollipops, lollipop cake toppers, Love Notes candy and love heart lollies

Un-iced cakes can be made up to one day ahead. Store in an airtight container. Electric orange food colouring gel is available from most cake decorating stores or online. Assorted lollipops are available from major supermarkets and online candy stores.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a sleepover, these delicious cakes will get the party started!

Undecorated cupcakes can be made up to one day ahead. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature. Rainbow Nerds can be replaced with other small lollies or edible sprinkles. You can use any colour to tint frosting.

Rainbow Surprise Cupcakes Makes 12, Prep and Cook: 1 hour

410g packet vanilla cupcake mix 141.7g box Rainbow Nerds Sprinkles, to decorate FROSTING 375g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature 2½ cups icing sugar mixture 1 tblsp milk Liquid pink, yellow and blue food colouring 1 Line a 12-hole mufﬁn pan (¹⁄³-cup capacity) with paper cases. 2 Prepare cake mix according to packet directions, reserving frosting mix sachet. Divide evenly among prepared pan holes (about ¼ cup in each). 3 Cook in a moderately slow oven (160C) for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and ﬁrm to touch. Remove. Stand in pan for

5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 4 Using a small sharp knife, cut a circle from the top of each cake, about 1.5cm deep. Half ﬁll holes with Nerds, reserving remaining for another use. Replace cut-out circles. 5 To make frosting, beat butter in a large bowl of an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Beat in combined sugar and reserved frosting mix, ½ cup at a time, until combined. Beat in milk. Divide frosting among three bowls. Using food colourings, tint each bowl a different colour. 6 Alternately, spoon all frostings into one large disposable piping bag ﬁtted with a 13mm star nozzle. Twist top. 7 Starting from outer edge, pipe a spiral of frosting on top of cupcakes. Decorate with sprinkles

TURN OVER FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES 41

NEW FOOD IDEAS

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Photos: Benito Martin. Styling: Carolyn Fienberg. Food preparation: Kerrie Worner. Recipe development: Recipe development: Mel Burge.

Work quickly when spreading frosting over cake as the ice-cream will start to melt. Try dipping the knife in hot water occasionally. Cake can be decorated with cream and sprinkles up to 1 hour ahead. Return to freezer until serving.

Neapolitan Ice-Cream Mud Cake Serves 12, Prep and Cook: 50 mins 530g packet chocolate mud cake mix 1 litre tub strawberries and cream ice-cream 1 litre tub vanilla ice-cream ¾ cup creamy deluxe chocolate frosting Firmly whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and halved fresh strawberries, to decorate 1 Invert base of a 23cm springform cake pan (base measures 22cm). Grease and line base and side with baking paper. 2 Prepare cake mix according to packet directions, reserving 42

icing mix sachet for another use. Pour into prepared pan. Smooth over top. 3 Cook in a moderately slow oven (160C) for about 35 minutes, or until cooked when tested. Remove. Stand in pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Re-line base and side of pan, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 4 Place both ice-creams in separate bowls. Stand for 10 minutes to slightly soften. Stir until smooth. 5 Cut cake horizontally in half. Place base into prepared pan. Top with strawberries and cream

ice-cream. Spread evenly. Place remaining cake on top. Spoon vanilla ice-cream over cake. Spread evenly. Cover pan. Freeze overnight. 6 To serve, remove side of pan. Place ice-cream cake on a serving Dollop frostin top. Quickly The forged spread to co knives in the Cangsha TN1 Series 8-piece Swedish leaving a Sandvik steel block set are well 2cm border. balanced with minimal, sleek, Decorate wit hollow handles and blades of whipped exceptional sharpness made from cream, high alloy Swedish Sandvik sprinkles and steel. For more information strawberries. go to cangshancutlery. com.au

OUT NOW!

AVA I LA B L E AT SE L EC TE D NE WS A GEN TS A ND SU P E RMAR KE TS O R AT W WW. S U B S C RI BE TO DAY. C O M .A U

3 GREAT WAYS WITH...

PEANUT BUTTER From smooth to crunchy, these nutty dishes will entice your senses!

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If you don’t have a non-stick roasting pan, simply line the base of a roasting pan with baking paper to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning. Chicken wing nibbles are available from major supermarkets. Replace with whole chicken wings, however cooking time will vary.

Satay Peanut Chicken Wings with Cucumber Salad Serves 4-6, Prep and Cook: 1 hour ¹⁄³ cup crunchy peanut butter ¼ cup sweet chilli sauce 2 tblsps soy sauce 2 tblsps lime juice 1.25kg chicken wing nibbles Steamed white rice and lime cheeks, to serve 44

CUCUMBER SALAD 2 Lebanese cucumbers, coarsely chopped ½ cup fresh coriander leaves 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced diagonally 1 Combine peanut butter, sauces, juice and ¼ cup water

in a jug. Whisk to combine. 2 Place chicken wings in an oiled, large non-stick roasting pan. Drizzle with sauce mixture. Toss well to coat. 3 Cook in a hot oven (200C), tossing halfway through, for about 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked

through. Remove. 4 Meanwhile, to make salad, combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss to coat. 5 Scatter cucumber salad over chicken. Serve with steamed rice and lime cheeks.

NEW FOOD IDEAS

Peanut Butter Energy Balls Makes 16, Prep: 20 mins 12 Medjool dates (200g), pitted ¼ cup natural almonds ¼ cup traditional rolled oats ½ cup crunchy peanut butter ¹⁄³ cup desiccated coconut 1 tblsp cocoa powder Extra ¹⁄³ cup desiccated coconut 1 Process dates, almonds and

oats in a food processor until nuts are coarsely chopped and mixture is combined. Add peanut butter, coconut and cocoa powder. Process until combined. 2 Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls. Roll in extra coconut to coat. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

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Dressing can be made up to several hours ahead. Keep covered. Add to salad just before serving. You can replace beef steak with chicken breast fillets for a change.

Thai Beef Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

Photos: Benito Martin. Styling: Carolyn Fienberg. Food preparation: Kerrie Worner. Recipe development: Mel Burge.

Serves 4-6, Prep and Cook: 30 mins ½ x 250g packet vermicelli rice noodles 500g beef rump steak, trimmed 1 tblsp olive oil 120g mixed salad leaves 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 1 Lebanese cucumber, sliced 1 large carrot, peeled, cut into thin matchsticks Chopped roasted salted peanuts and lime wedges, to serve

Medjool dates are available from major supermarkets in the refrigerated fresh fruit and vegetable section. To pit dates, simply break date apart and pull out seed. Energy balls can be made up to two weeks ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

DRESSING ¹⁄³ cup smooth peanut butter 165ml can coconut milk 1 tblsp lime juice 1 tblsp fish sauce 1 tsp brown sugar 1 To make dressing, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Stir over a low heat until peanut butter is melted and mixture is warm. Remove from heat. Cool. (Makes 1 cup). 2 Place noodles in a large

heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well. Cut into shorter lengths using kitchen scissors. 3 Coat beef with oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. 4 Heat an oiled barbecue grill plate over a medium to high heat. Add beef. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until cooked to your liking. Remove. Rest, loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes. Thinly slice. 5 Combine noodles, salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumber and carrot in a large bowl. Toss well. 6 Divide salad among serving bowls. Top with beef. Drizzle with half the dressing. Scatter with peanuts. 7 Serve with lime wedges and remaining dressing. 45

Impressipe

NEW FOOD IDEAS

This devilishly decadent creation is heavenly

Photos: Andre Martin. Styling: Carolyn Fienberg. Food preparation: Sarah-Jane Hallett. Recipe development: Jane Ash.

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For a richer chocolate flavour, replace cookies with Choc Ripple biscuits and milk chocolate with dark chocolate in the topping. We used golden syrup from the jar, instead of the squeeze bottle. Tart can be made up to three days ahead.

250g packet Butternut Snap Cookie 100g unsalted butter, melted 3 x 50g Mars Bar chocolates EASY NOUGAT 2 cups white marshmallows (170g) 1 cup Milk Choc Melts (150g) 1 tblsp malted milk powder 2 tblsps milk CARAMEL 395g can sweetened condensed milk 125g unsalted butter, chopped ¼ cup golden syrup

No-Bake Mars Bar Tart Serves 12, Prep and Cook: 40 mins ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar TOPPING 150g milk cooking chocolate, finely chopped ¹⁄³ cup pure cream 1 Grease a 23.5cm round x 3.5cm deep, loose-base flan tin. 2 Process biscuits in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press mixture firmly over base and up side of prepared tin. Refrigerate. 3 To make nougat, place all

ingredients in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave on High (100%) for about 1 minute. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour evenly over biscuit base. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, while making caramel. 4 To make caramel, place all ingredients in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Bring to boil. Gently boil, stirring constantly for about 8 minutes, or until thick and light golden. Remove. Immediately pour

over nougat layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 5 To make topping, place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan until hot. Remove. Pour over chocolate. Stir until melted. 6 Pour topping over caramel. Smooth over top. Cut each Mars Bar lengthways into four even slices. Arrange in a circular pattern over topping. Refrigerate for 3 hours, or until set. 7 To serve, remove tart from tin. Transfer to a serving plate. Cut into wedges. 47

Bring on the sunshine with these delicious mango treats

EATS

You will need about 3 x 400g ripe mangoes for the puree and extra mango to decorate. Peel mangoes, then chop flesh into pieces. Process in a food processor until smooth. Mango tart can be made up to two days ahead.

A E THE OST OF ANGOES Fresh Mango Tart

Serves 8-10, Prep and Cook: 45 mins 250g packet Granita biscuits ¹⁄³ cup desiccated coconut 1½ tsps ground ginger 100g unsalted butter, melted Sliced fresh mango, to decorate FILLING 3 tsps powdered gelatine 2¾ cups fresh mango puree ½ cup caster sugar 48

2 tblsps lime juice 300ml thickened cream 1 Grease a 25cm round x 3.5cm deep, loose-base ﬂan tin. 2 Process biscuits, coconut and ginger in a food processor until ﬁnely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press evenly over base and up side of tin. Place on a tray. Refrigerate.

3 To make ﬁlling, sprinkle gelatine over 2 tblsps water in a heatproof jug. Sit jug in a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir until gelatine is dissolved. Remove. Cool slightly. 4 Place mango puree, sugar and juice in a food processor. Process until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatine mixture. Pulse to combine.

Transfer to a large bowl. 5 Beat cream in a small bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Fold gently into mango mixture. Spoon into biscuit crust. Refrigerate for several hours, or until set. 6 Just before serving, remove tart from tin. Decorate with sliced mango.

NEW FOOD IDEAS

Mango Cheesecake Crumble Muffins Makes 12, Prep and Cook: 55 mins

CRUMBLE ½ cup plain flour 50g cold unsalted butter, chopped ¹⁄³ cup shredded coconut ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 Line a 12-hole muffin pan (¹⁄³ cup-capacity) with muffin wraps. 2 To make crumble, place flour in a bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in coconut and sugar. 3 Beat cream cheese, 2 tblsps of the sugar and paste in the small bowl of an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer

to a separate bowl. 4 Beat butter and remaining sugar in same, clean bowl of electric mixer until fluffy. Transfer to a large bowl. 5 Whisk eggs and sour cream in a small jug until combined. Whisk into butter mixture. Stir in flour until combined. Fold in mango pieces. Divide evenly among muffin wraps. 6 Using a teaspoon, make a deep indent in the top of each muffin. Spoon in cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle crumble over top. 7 Cook in a moderately slow oven (160C) for about 30 minutes, or until golden. Remove. Stand in pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 8 Serve muffins warm or at room temperature.

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Muffin cases are available from major supermarkets. Muffins can be made up to two days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container in warm weather.

Mango Eton Mess Makes 4, Prep 15 mins 300ml tub thickened cream ¼ cup sour cream 2 tsps caster sugar 2 large mangoes (400g) 80g packet meringue nests Strawberries and raspberries, to serve 1 Beat cream, sour cream and sugar in the small bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. 2 Cut away cheeks from mangoes either side of the stones. Peel mangoes. Cut into thin slices. 3 Roughly crush meringues. Reserve ¾ cup. Gently fold remaining meringues into cream mixture. 4 Divide half the cream mixture and This dessert is best made just before half the mango slices evenly among serving. For a change, four serving bowls (2-cup capacity). replace mangoes Repeat layering with remaining with fresh mixed cream mixture and mango slices. berries. 5 To serve, sprinkle reserved meringue over desserts. Top with berries.

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Photos: Andre Martin. Styling: Janelle Bloom. Food preparation and Recipe development: Kim Meredith.

250g cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature 2 eggs ¹⁄³ cup sour cream 1½ cups self-raising flour 1 mango (400g), cut into 2cm pieces

4-In redient Pesto Tomato Tarts Makes 4, Prep and Cook: 35 mins 320g mini tomato medley 200g tub fresh basil pesto 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, just thawed ¼ cup finely grated parmesan Salad leaves, to serve (optional) 1 Cut tomatoes lengthways in half, or thirds depending on size. Toss in a bowl with 1 tblsp of the pesto and salt and pepper.

T E E SW O T A T O P 50

prea t sps o pesto over one sheet of pastry to cover completely. Top with remaining sheet. (Step 1) Cut into four equal squares. Place on a large oven tray lined with baking paper. 3 Using a small sharp knife, score a 1cm border in the top sheet of pastry on squares, without cutting all the way

t roug . (Step 2) Divide remaining pesto among the centres. Spread to the borders (Step 3) Arrange tomatoes over pesto. Sprinkle with parmesan (Step 4) 4 Cook in a very hot oven (220C) for about 20 minutes, or until pastry is browned and crisp. 5 Serve with salad leaves.

Don’t think of just cooking sweet potatoes in savoury dishes! Because of their natural sugars, they’re equally delicious in desserts and sweet treats. With the added bonus of nutrients such as fibre and vitamins A and C, try using them as an ingredient in a birthday cake – the kids won’t even notice! Always remember to store sweet potatoes loose, in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, not in a plastic bag and never in the fridge. For great recipe ideas visit australiansweetpotatoes.com.au

NEW FOOD IDEAS

Flavour Punch with the Pickle… Turn simple fresh vegetables into crunchy, flavour-packed morsels in minutes with this easy, quick pickling method. Great added to salads, rice dishes or crispy bread rolls with a chicken or meat filling. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup white vinegar with ¼ cup cold water and 2 tblsps caster sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cut radishes

and carrot into thin strips and Lebanese cucumber into thin slices. Add to bowl. Stir, pressing down the vegetables so that liquid covers them. Allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain vegies, discarding the liquid, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.

G C O Lightly grease a microwave-safe cup or mug. Add 2 eggs and 1 tblsp milk. Whisk with a fork until well combined. Microwave on Medium (50% power) for about 30 seconds, stir with a fork. Microwave for a further 15 to 20 seconds or until egg is cooked but still a little soft in the centre. Remove. Set aside for about 30 seconds as egg will continue to cook on standing. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with toast fingers.

Makes 24, Prep and Cook: 35 mins 395g can sweetened condensed milk 250g packet shredded coconut (approx. 3 cups) ¹⁄³ cup flaked almonds 1 Grease and line two large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. 3 Spoon tablespoons of mixture, about 3cm apart, onto prepared trays. 4 Cook in a slow oven (150C) for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to touch. Remove from oven. Cool on trays.

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Macaroons can be made up to five days ahead. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Photos: Andre Martin. Styling: Janelle Bloom. Food preparation: Kim Meredith. Recipe development: Mel Burge.

3-Ingredient Chewy Coconut Macaroons

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2 CREAM VS SERUM: WHAT AND WHY?

Isla Fisher

In a heavily saturated product market, it can be a struggle to decipher what we actually need. Consider hair serums as more of a superﬁcial styling tool. They can add shine, protect against humidity (making them great frizz ﬁghters) and smooth your hair. However, if it’s hair health you’re focused on, a cream is a far superior option to strengthen weak hair and protect against environmental stresses and damage from heat tools while nourishing hair and protecting your colour in both the short and long-term. Our top tip when looking for a new hair product? Always check the ingredient list – and stay away from silicones! Christophe Robin No Frizz Rescue Milk, $52, adorebeauty.com.au

YOUR BLOW-DRY WHILE YOU SLEEP •For fine hair: Tying your hair in a high pony with a non-crease hair tie while you sleep will give you natural root lift for the next morning. Simply shake and wear in the morning for that French girl ‘je ne sais quoi’. •For thick hair: Twist your hair into a low bun and secure with a loose-fitting scrunchie to flatten your flyaways while you sleep and naturally develop an elegant bed-head style for the next day.

1 CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES

HAIR HACKS

“In a perfect world, we should be thoroughly cleaning our hairbrushes at least once a month,” says Taylah. Why? Brushes can retain remnants of products such as dry shampoo and dead skin – but the cleaning part is simple. “Use a tail comb to glide through the bristle and remove excess hair. I love using Christophe Robin’s ﬁnish lotions ($51) for this – they contain vinegar, which is antibacterial and a natural cleanser. It’s also a great natural cleaning agent for boar bristle brushes as it seals down the bristles (boar bristles have the same keratin make-up as human hair) with the added beneﬁt of giving your hair that extra polish next time you brush it.” Win-win.

Rock & Ruddle Metallic Rose Gold Natural bristle brush, $44.95, davidjones.com.au

TAYLAH JONES, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT QUE COLOUR, SHARES HER HOT HAIR TIPS

Glow Lab Hair Serum, $18, available at Woolworths and Priceline stores

Sienna Miller

4 HOW CAN I FIGHT FRIZZ THIS SUMMER?

NEW BEAUTY

Our hair gets frizzy when our strands are dry and in search of moisture, so it quite literally stands up on end to say ‘help!’ For girls with unruly flyaways on humid days, swap out the products you currently have on rotation and opt for a shampoo/conditioner with hydrating properties. Aloe vera is a magic ingredient, as its high mineral and vitamin content acts like a balm for puffy hair, instantly penetrating the hair fibres for a calmer, less static finish. Taylah’s go-to is Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Leave-in Mist with Aloe Vera. Its natural formula is non-sticky, smells amazing and does the job quickly and efficiently. Avoid any serums, creams and sprays that contain alcohol, silicones or strong fragrances – they can irritate the scalp and dry out your hair over time, sending frizzy hair into a spin.

7 STYLE MEMORY: ON-THE-G

5 INCORPORATE MAGNESIUM INTO YOUR HAIR ROUTINE

Our hair follicles can get blocked with things like calcium deposits, dandruff and dead skin, causing inﬂammation and sometimes hair loss. Magnesium is an unsung hair hero which helps to unblock follicles, nourish the scalp and promote growth and glossy hair. Topical magnesium is valuable for strengthening hair and caring for your scalp, and Christophe Robin’s Detangling Gélee with Sea Minerals works wonders on fragile hair and upset scalps. Its serum-like texture is fabulously light and airy and can be applied directly on to the scalp before being worked through to the ends.

Aquis 04 Prime Restorative Leave-In Conditioner, $40, mecca.com.au

Frank Body Caffeinated Hair Mask, $16.95, frankbody.com

6 MULTIMASKING

An oily scalp and dry lengths can feel like a weekly struggle. Treat your hair as you would your skin and multi-mask your way to hair perfection. Use a lightweight treatment for your scalp and a heavier weight nourishing mask for your lengths to balance and future-proof your hair in all the right ways. “I’m addicted to Christophe Robin’s Detangling Gelée with Sea Minerals, which I intermix with my buriti oil-enriched colour correcting mask to look after my ends,” says Taylah. Christophe Robin Detangling Gelée with Sea Minerals, $52, adorebeauty.com.au

We’ve all been there. Your hair’s still half wet but you have to leave for work and somehow look presentable in the 30 minutes you have between now and walking in the office door. Stress less and use styl memory to create your wave For the cool-girl textural look, pinch the hair on either side o your hairline towards the cent your forehead, then with a sty cream or balm, work the lengt the hairline and tuck behind y ears. Twist the back of your ha a low bun with a non-crease scrunchie. When you reach the office, release the bun, flip the from behind your ears, and you’ll be left with a cool-girl style (and your co-workers will be none the wiser about your time crunch). Christophe Robin Curls, Care and Style, $48, adorebeauty.com.au

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NEW HEALTH

COMMON SLEEP ISSUES

EXPERT ADVICE FOR A BETTER 8 HOURS

t’s not just babies who frequently wake up overnight; it’s common in adults too. Disturbed sleep has been linked to mood disorders, memory problems, weightrelated issues and heart disease, according to a research published in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep. “If night waking stops you from sleeping well on a regular basis then see your GP,” says Professor Dorothy Bruck, chair of the Sleep Health Foundation, sleephealthfoundation.org.au

THE PROBLEM: RESTLESS LEGS

Text by Tara Ali

The uncomfortable creepycrawly feeling in the legs is known get worse when you’re resting, making sleep difficult. “Sometimes it’s caused by tiredness or dietary insufficiencies. Alcohol and caffeine can also be a factor,” says Professor Bruck. The fix: “Some people find standing in a cold tub of water or running a cold face washer over the legs can help. Other people find warm water helps in the same way. See your GP to rule out anaemia too,” she says.

THE PROBLEM: A RACING MIND

Did you reply to that text from your friend? Is that back pain

something serious? Why do these questions keep us awake at 3am? “Anxiety will make our sleep more fragmented. Once the worrying kicks it leads to staying awake for longer periods and not being able to go back to sleep,” says Professor Bruck. The ﬁx: Work on your daytime anxiety. “Before you go to bed list everything that’s bothering you in a worry journal. Then, if you do wake up, have some self-soothing strategies ready, like progressive muscle relaxation where you work your way around your body, clenching different parts, then relaxing them.”

THE PROBLEM: FREQUENT TOILET TRIPS

Childbirth, menopause and ageing can be culprits, as pelvic floor muscles become weak and unable to hold on to a full bladder. “Falling oestrogen also causes the tissue around the opening of your urethra to become thin, which makes it easier for urine to leak out,” says GP Dr Brad McKay. The fix: Dr McKay recommends stopping drinking fluids in the evening and emptying your bladder just before bed. “You can improve bladder control by

regularly exercising your pelvic ﬂoor muscles. Topical oestrogen creams may be recommended by your doctor to restore your urethral opening.”

THE PROBLEM: HOT FLUSHES

Fluctuating oestrogen levels can cause your internal thermostat to go haywire, which can lead to night sweats and flushes. The fix: “You can sometimes improve sleep by lying on an absorbent towel, keeping your bedroom window open, or using cool packs. Anti-depressants or blood pressure medications are sometimes prescribed to treat hot flushes, but hormone replacement

therapy (HRT) is usually the most effective option,” says Dr McKay.

THE PROBLEM: SNORING

Sleeping beside a human steam train is a disaster for your sleep, and your partner’s health. “If they’re having breathing pauses while they snore, they need to go to the doctor to see whether they need treatment for sleep apnoea,” says Professor Bruck. The ﬁx: There are many antisnoring devices available and it’s a case of trial and error to see if they help. “There are postural devices that get people to stay on their side, and they can be quite good if the person is an on-the-back snorer,” she says.

HOUSEHOLD

CEO

Also known as:

Head Chef, Financial Controller, Conflict Resolution Guru and Chief Hug Giver

Running a household has its ups and downs so each week we bring you the latest tips and tricks to make your home life easy

HOW TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST

SCAMMERS THEY ARE OUT TO HARM INNOCENT PEOPLE, SO HERE’S HOW TO STOP IT HAPPENING TO YOU

t can happen to any one of us. Ever received a direct email saying someone has access to your passwords? What about a phone call from someone claiming they’re from your bank and need your security details? The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that last year (2019), losses due to being scammed exceeded a record $532 million. Here’s how to safeguard against these sneaky criminals.

IS PET INSURANCE WORTH IT? CONSIDERING INSURING YOU R F U R R Y F R I E N D ? W E WEIGH UP THE BENEFITS

GET ALERTS According to a new report titled ‘Combating Scams’, released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), scammers are technologically adept, increasingly sophisticated and show no signs of stopping. Many telco providers are taking steps to raise customer awareness about scams generally, and, on a more targeted basis, about specific scams that may involve their networks and customers. For example, Vodafone provides a web page that is regularly updated to detail current scams and provides information about where to report scams. The ACCC’s Scamwatch website offers free email alerts on new scams targeting consumers and small businesses. scamwatch.gov.au; vodafone.com.au/support/contact/scams BLOCK NUMBERS Sick of getting calls from scammers? Callblocking handsets, filters for landline services and call-filtering applications for mobile phones are available and promoted by telco providers to their customers. According to ACMA, some telco providers also offer products to assist customers manage calls. For example, Telstra offers a range of products to assist management of unwanted calls, including its Call Guardian handsets that block numbers using a proprietary technology. BE SECURE WITH ONLINE SHOPPING Seen a bargain on a website you’re not familiar with? When online shopping, take the time to do your research and consider whether a website is real. Always look for the https (not http) and the padlock icon in the address bar to ensure there’s a secure

connection between you and the website. But don’t rely on this alone, as some scam websites use https too. Scammers often ask you to pay by nonsecure payment methods such as wire, bank or international funds transfers, money orders, pre-loaded gift cards, and cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. These methods are difficult to track and it’s rare to recover money sent this way. Always look for secure payment options such as PayPal or credit card.

LO OOKING FOR R OVE ONLINE? BEWARE LO According to the ACCC, dating and romance sccams cost Australians millions every year. The scammers create fake profiles on legitimate daating websites, mobile apps or social media ussing photos and identities often stolen from otther people. After gaining your trust, which m even include sending you gifts, the may sccammer will ask for money to help with illlness, injury, travel costs or a family crisis. Boottom line is, never send money or give your peersonal details to someone you have only met nline. Do an image search of your admirer to on heelp determine if they really are who they say hey are. Try image search services such as th Google or TinEye. G IT T’S NOT JUST ONLINE AND ON THE PHONE O The ACCC recommends we put a lock on our m mailbox and shred your bills and other im mportant documents before throwing them ou ut. If someone is door-knocking for charity, ch heck their credentials. Be very careful about hoow much personal information you sh hare with anyone new you meet. If afffected by a scammer, support is avvailable. Visit charity website, liffeafterscams.org

Have you been noticing the vet bills piling up lately for your trusty hound or precious pussy cat? Would insuring them make a difference? According to comparison site Canstar.com.au, it’s a good idea to read the fine print before signing up, as policies can vary. “Pet insurance won’t necessarily cover everything, while all policies are different, generally insurers will exclude pre-existing conditions – these are typically defined as injuries or illnesses that your pet had before you took out the policy,” Canstar says. Common exclusions can include elective treatments and illnesses that could be prevented by vaccines, such as kennel cough. And if your pet is older, the options are more limited. According to Canstar, it can be beneficial to buy pet insurance when your cat or dog is still a kitten or puppy. This is because as your pet ages, it’s more likely to develop health issues that could be excluded as pre-existing conditions decide diti if you d id tto switch it h policies. Additionally, older cats and dogs are generally only eligible for accident-only cover. The cost of pet insurance depends on a combination of factors, including whether your fur baby is a cat or dog, as well as its age, breed and gender. According to Canstar Research, the average annual premium for a small dog less than 1 year old on an accident and illness policy is $812. For a small dog between 6 and 7 years old, the price jumps up $1149 a year. An alternative, if you’re dedicated, is to set up a savings account for vet bills.

HOUSEHOLD

CEO

S OC IA L COMMENTATOR & S TA R OF NEW IDEA ROYALS P O DCAS T

ANGEL A MOLLARD

HOW TO BE MORE MINDFUL OF YOUR FAMILY’S HABITS

WE ARE

OWNED BY OUR PHONES

alf a century from now, I believe sociologists and historians will come up with a new name for the age in which we are currently living. It won’t be the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason but the Age of Addiction – in short, an era

when we became owned by our phones. More than anything else, I fear our constant clicking, flicking and scrolling will leave us anxious, reactive, agitated and full of self-doubt. Virtually everyone I speak to admits they spend far too much time on their phones. They check them during dinner, before bed and even in the toilet under some misguided belief there is something very urgent they need to respond to. Even teenagers think they spend too much time on their phones, with a Pew Research Centre report showing girls believe they spend too much Specialty apps and phone settings can help you be more aware of your screen time.

time on social media, while boys think they spend too much time playing video games. Almost 45 per cent of teens say they often check their phones for notifications as soon as they wake up and 30 per cent say they lose focus in class because they’re distracted by their phones. Almost half of girls (49 per cent) become anxious if separated from their phones. While parents worry about their kids’ screen time and have set boundaries for their use, surely we need a multi-pronged approach. I believe schools need to ban phones for all grades except the last two years of high school but, more than that, I think we need more public education around the dopamine hit we all receive from technology.

Likewise, I think businesses need to model positive phone behaviour by barring mobile phones from conference rooms. Leaders in organisations can do plenty to set the tone of a workplace and show younger employees acceptable behaviours when it comes to phone use. But, ultimately, we need to check ourselves. We need to monitor our average daily usage and use the ‘downtime’ and ‘app limits’ settings in our phones to schedule time away from our devices. What a sad world we live in if we spend more time looking at a screen than paying attention to another. Crucially, we need to value our own lives and the people we love so that there can be no doubt about what we prioritise.

HOUSEHOLD

READING OUT LOUD SHOULDN’T STOP WHEN YOUR KIDS START SCHOOL

CEO

7 W

REASONS TO READ TO YOUR KIDS

hile we tend to read to our kids when they’re little, there are plenty of benefits for reading out loud to our kids even after they’ve started school – and even into their teens. In a new book, 7 Steps to Get Your Child Reading, teacher and educational consultant Louise Park explains why you should keep reading aloud as long as possible.

THE BENEFITS OF READING OUT LOUD

For the sheer pleasure of it! It’s a fact, children of all ages love to be read to. In a recent survey, older children made themselves very clear on this, with 83 per cent of them stating that being read to was something they either loved or liked a lot.

Reading aloud to your child allows them to comprehend, access and enjoy stories and information that are bit too hard for them to read on their own. This expands their vocabulary and increases their literacy skills and knowledge of their world. It improves their listening skills – which is a vital skill for school and future workplaces. It’s a great doorway to discussing difﬁcult topics and problems your child might be facing. Reading aloud books that show characters struggling through issues such as exclusion, bullying, racism, gender bias and so much more allows you to explore these issues from a position that’s not quite as confronting – it’s one step removed. What’s more, seeing characters who are vulnerable, who are up against it but don’t give up, who make poor choices and grow as a result also gives

3 4

your child opportunity to empathise, to understand a difﬁcult situation from another perspective, and to take their discoveries into their own lives and apply them. It brings back the magic of reading! Somewhere along the way, all the reading of readers to parents, carers, helpers and teachers, all the analysing texts in class, has replaced the wonderful ‘being read to’ moments. They’ve forgotten there are sensational reads to be had, and they’ve lost the sheer joy of getting totally lost in a book. It’s your way of telling them that reading is a worthwhile activity to be valued, and that in the tween – and teenager – busy world of technology and television, extracurricular and social pressures, the gentle balm of words and story-sharing can soothe, comfort and recharge

and use different parts of their brain and imagination. Even in older children who can read, reading aloud contributes to their literacy success. They’ll be better writers, speakers, listeners and thinkers.

Edited Extract from ‘7 Steps to Get Your Child Reading’ by Louise Park (Allen & Unwin, $24.95).

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Head to Dunkeld for a feast you’ll never forget.

FOR CUISINE: ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, DUNKELD, VIC

Dunkeld became a regional culinary hotspot when chef Dan Hunter opened the Royal Mail Hotel over a decade ago, and now there’s even more reason for foodies to visit. While Dan has since moved on, the spectacularly designed Wickens at Royal Mail, under executive chef Robin Wickens, is now luring gastronomes here. Sample the extensive

degustation menu while enjoying a spectacular view of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. The menu evolves according to what’s in season in the impressive kitchen garden – which you can take a chef-led tour of – and there’s a wine list showcasing choices from the impressive 28,000-bottle wine cellar – which can also be

toured with a sommelier, and this tour includes a wine tasting. Also on site is Parker Street Project, the hotel’s casual, shared-plate restaurant, making a stay in the mountain-view rooms, cottages or apartments at the Royal Mail Hotel worthy of at least two nights.

royalmail.com.au

FOR SHOPPING: KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Incredible food? Tick! Inexpensive hotel rooms? Tick! Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is the perfect destination for a quick break. What’s more, ﬂights there are also incredible value for money. Drop your bags off at the recently renovated Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, known as the ‘Grand Dame’ of hotels in the Malaysian capital city and explore. Head directly to Lot 10 Hutong which houses 30 of KL’s best hawker stalls under one roof. Then it’s time for shopping. Suria KLCC and the nearby Pavilion KL shopping mall have hundreds of retailers, from high end

FOR CULTURE: ALBURY, NSW

A cultural boom is upon the city of Albury in southern New South Wales (on the Victorian border), thanks, in part, to MAMA, the Murray Art Museum Albury. The $10.5 million complex has one of the country’s ﬁnest collections of contemporary Australian photography. There’s also the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk along the Murray River, and part of the broader Wagirra Trail, where local Indigenous artists have created 11 works inspired by the unfolding narratives of the Wiradjuri people. A hotel that complements the cultural experience is the Atura Albury, where common spaces boast pops of colour and sculptural bunnies, cockatoos and ﬂamingoes feature heavily.

By Andrea Black

aturahotels.com; mamalbury.com.au; visitalburywodonga. com

Kick back and relax at Happy Buddha.

(think Hermès and Coach) to high street. Need some nature? Head over to KL Forest Eco Park, located at the foot of Menara KL (KL Tower). It’s the city’s last remaining patch of tropical rainforest. Here you’ll spy two species of monkey, monitor lizards and numerous species of birds. Best of all, it’s free. Take a long weekend and make the most of Air Asia’s top-value fares. They even have a child-free section so you can max that mini-break feeling as soon as you get on board. airasia.com; malaysia.travel/en/ au; sheratonimperial kualalumpur.com

NEW TRAVEL

FOR NATURE: SAFFIRE FREYCINET, TAS A sanctuary on the east coast of Tasmania, Saffire Freycinet is surrounded by the stunning, rugged grandeur of the Freycinet National Park and affords 360-degree views of the spectacular setting. Saffire offers a range of activities that will allow you to experience everything that makes this part of the world such a bucket-list destination. And there is a new hive-to-honey experience. Guided by Saffire’s horticulturist, Rob Barker, producer of Wild Hives Honey, guests are equipped with beekeeping suits for an up-close look at bees creating Tasmanian honey. Put on some waders and head in to the water at the Freycinet oyster farm to eat oysters right out of the bay, or jump on a cruise to the world-famous Wineglass Bay. Feeling lazy? Just sit on your deck and take in the pristine natural beauty that surrounds you. saffire-freycinet.com.au

Get back to nature at Saffire Freycinet.

BEST WEEKEND BREAKS FOR A RETREAT: HAPPY BUDDHA, BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW Want to feel energised again? Looking to relax and reconnect? Consider spending a weekend at a retreat. Happy Buddha Retreats in the Blue Mountains includes a mix of yoga, guided meditation and vision boarding in a beautiful bushland setting. Superbly prepared vegetarian meals are included. There are number of hikes from the retreat at varying degrees of difficulty – and you’re also walking distance from Wentworth Falls town centre if you need barista-made coffee. All activities are optional with guests free to do as much or as little as they wish. Accommodation offers spectacular views across the escarpment. happybuddharetreats.com.au

WHATEVER YOUR PASSION, THERE’S A DESTINATION FOR YOU. GO ON, TAKE A BREAK!

FROM THE TEAM AT NEW IDEA COMES…

Iff you find yourself googling unsolved crimes or thinking endlessly about incredible stories, then you need to listen to Investigates - the podcast that lifts the veil on some of the world’s most horrific crimes and baffling mysteries. From Australia’s most haunted house to the 37-year-old missing person’s case that started a national movement, Investigates explores some of the most fascinating stories the world has ever seen.

“REALLY ENJOY THIS SERIES, GOOD VARIETY AND WELLCONSTRUCTED INTERVIEWS, KEEP THEM COMING” – APPLE PODCAST USER.

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Are you a puzzle pro? Our selection of captivating crosswords, tricky trivia and sharp sudoku will test your skills To win one of two prizes of $50 in our word search, ﬁnd everything on the list in the grid. One of the entries can’t be found. Write this on the entry coupon.

To win one of four prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a ﬁlm starring Anya Taylor-Joy. Write this title on the coupon. Venomous snake

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1 5 10 13 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 28 29 32 35 37 39 42 43 44 45 47 49

Oration (6) Many legged creature (9) Removal of distress (6) At a higher level (5) – Doolittle, My Fair Lady heroine (5) Suction cleaner (6) Zucchini (9) Outdoor meal (6) Dog (5) Wine grape variety (5) Pine nut based sauce (5) Western Australia’s capital (5) Circus buffoon (5) Ornamental tree pruning (7) Potato dumplings (7) Russia’s capital (6) Whole, undamaged (6) Gotham City superhero (6) Fall over (6) Bird’s plume (7) Flat, apartment (4) Egypt’s river (4) Highly strung, irritable (7) Fortune-telling cards (5) Vegetable used to make Cinderella’s coach (7) 50 US crime fighting body (1,1,1) 51 Zodiac lion (3) 52 Level in a hierarchy (7) 55 Happy facial expression (5) 56 Balanced, even-handed (4) 58 From Cardiff (5) 60 Musical rhythm (5) 62 Chaotic disorder (6) 64 Collection of stamps (5) 65 Magazine launched in 1972 (4) 66 Minor chess piece (4) 67 Spirit, central quality (7) 70 Baked Sunday meal (5) 71 Following ninth (5) 73 Stand against, oppose (6) 75 Option (6) 77 2013 Rachel McAdams film (5,4) 78 Consuming (6) 81 Anne –, baby photographer (6) 84 Bank attendant (6) 85 Greek hero with a weakness in his heel (8) 86 Formal dress (4) 88 Major Indonesian island (4) 89 Number, amount (8) 90 Publishing executive (6) 91 Ancient Greek city-state (6) 92 Lassie’s breed (6) 95 Most populous of the Cook Islands (9) 97 Dairy product (6) 99 Race over a zigzag course (6) 101 76 down’s currency (5) 103 Objects of adoration (5) 104 Fainted (7) 106 Castle’s water-filled defensive ditch (4)

107 Stalin’s empire (1,1,1,1) 109 Elegance of movement (5) 110 Package (6) 112 Honking bird (5) 115 Row of shrubs as a divider (5) 117 Statistics (4) 118 Leaf on Canada’s ﬂag (5) 119 Female pride member (7) 120 Gratuity paid to waiter (3) 121 Allow, permit (3) 122 New, unusual item (7) 124 Desert waterhole (5) 125 Orange stone-fruit (7) 128 Mark of a wound (4) 129 Clothes-pressing utensil (4) 130 – Jones, Harrison Ford role (7) 134 Tony –, former Aus. PM (6) 136 Tusked aquatic mammal (6) 137 Ice rink patron (6) 138 Ringed planet (6) 140 Education level preceding high school (7) 143«The – Job, 1969 Michael Caine heist ﬁlm, remade in 2003 with Mark Wahlberg (7) 145 Relative size (5) 147 Eighth Greek letter (5) 149 Japan’s capital (5) 151 Fine ceramic dining ware (5) 152 Variety of orange (5) 154 Marlon –, actor (6) 156 Spicy pizza sausage (9) 157 On top of one’s game (2,4) 159 Unclear (5) 160 More pleasant (5) 161 Stick (to) (6) 162 Reject, disavow (9) 163 Banana colour (6) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 23 24 26 27 30 31 33 34 36 38 39

Pod vegetable (3) Explode volcanically (5) Camel’s back (4) Bowman (6) Strike solidly, clout (5) Esteem, view (6) Repair a hole, as in clothing (5) Become more profound (6) Captivated (4) From the area (5) – Wallach, actor (3) Ban (8) Guilt-free (8) France’s continent (6) Miranda –, actress (4) 143 across salutation (4) Afﬂuence (6) From Glasgow (8) Armoured glove (8) Twin-hulled yacht (9) Destroy (5) Melodic (7) – in the Middle, comedy series (7) Faucet (3)

40 Swirly fabric pattern popular in the 1960s (7) 41 House of government (10) 46 Winter statue (7) 48 Change or renew application to a task (7) 49 Egyptian god-king (7) 53 Abode, residence (4) 54 Leslie –, comedy actor (7) 57 Lessen, recede (5) 59 Take legal action (3) 61 Female sheep (3) 63 Major blood vessel (5) 68 Short distance (6,5) 69 Chance occurrence (11) 72 Frozen rain downpour (9) 73 University enrolment administrator (9) 74 Perceptive faculties (6) 76 Delhi’s country (5) 79 Cut of beef (5) 80 Book jacket text (5) 82 – Gabor, actress (3) 83 Follow-up story (6) 86 Harsh light (5) 87 Moist (3) 93 Eccentric (7) 94 Edition or topic (5) 96 Dental hygiene product in a tube (10) 97 Tree depicted on the flag of Lebanon (5) 98 Dark skinned (7) 100 Biggest (7) 102 Glamorous parade (7) 104 Distress signal (1,1,1) 105 Artificial colour (3) 106 Olympic place-getter (9) 108 Gin flavouring berry (4) 111 Spicy Spanish sausage (7) 113 Of vision (7) 114 Variety retail store (8) 115 Finland’s capital (8) 116 Motown records’ city (7) 123 Roman goddess of love (5) 126 General populace (6) 127 Many times (3) 131 Oslo’s country (6) 132 Water sport (8) 133 Abundantly productive (8) 135 Sticky strip (4) 139 Mother’s sister (4) 141 Grim –, scythe-wielding personification of death (6) 142 Ancient story (6) 144 North African cooking vessel (6) 146 Jousting weapon (5) 147 Refill, replenish (3-2) 148 Hawaiian greeting (5) 150 Organs prepared as food (5) 151 Bay, inlet (4) 153 Well ventilated (4) 155 2012 Taylor Swift album (3) 158 – de Janeiro, Brazilian city (3)

UP ABS

For a chance to win one of three prizes of $100, simply solve the crossword and work out the hidden word using the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. 1

4 13

21 25 29 30

18 20

31 38

41 43

44 48

55 56

61 65

64 67

66 71

78 80

79 81

100

101 104

103 107

102 106

105

108

111

94 99

110

109 112

113

114

115

116

117

118 119

120

123

122

121 124

125

126

127

129

128

133

132 134

137

136

135

141

140 146

145

147

155

139

144

148

149

156

150

153 157

158

160 162

OVER

143

152

159 161

138

142

151 154

131

130

IN PRIZES TO BE WO

163

OUT NOW!

HOW TO SOLVE

Five people have visited Europe. Use the clues below to work out where each spent the most time, how they travelled and how many weeks they stayed for.

Read the clues and place a tick in an intersecting box if you have any positive information and use a cross if you have any deﬁnite negative information. For example, you learn that Grant travelled by plane, so we have placed some ticks and crosses in the grid to help you along. Using this method you should be able to ﬁll in the smaller grid.

R N

I 1

E E

C O

TRVELLER

DANI PRANEEL

3 4

TRANSPORT

BOAT CAR MOTORHOME PLANE TRAIN

9 11

10 12

TRAVELLER

COUNTRY

TRANSPORT

WEEKS

ANDREW DANI GRANT

1 – Caruso, 20th century opreatic tenor (E) 2 – Klein, US fashion brand noted for their underwear range (C) 3 Naomi –, television presenter (R) 4 Staple crop, often used to make breakfast products (C) 5 Type of socio-economic system which flourished in medieval Europe (F) 6 Famous opera by Geroges Bizet, set in Spain, with a tragic love triangle involving a gypsy girl, a soldier, and a bullfighter (C) 7 Bob –, late Jamaican musician who popularised the reggae genre (M) 8 Capital of Lebanon (B) 9 Shakespeare’s tragic Prince of Denmark (H) 10 – Christie, crime writer who created Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple (A) 11 Round of ammunition for a firearm (B) 12 Wendy –, Australian actress who starred in Careful, He Might Hear You (H) 72

PRANEEL TAMMY

Rearrange the letters in the anagrams to work out the names of the hidden celebrities.

RENT RUG TRIP

TRAIN

PLANE

MOTORHOME

CAR

BOAT

PORTUGAL

HUNGARY

1 Grant ﬂew, spending most of his time in Portugal. 2 Tammy spent 2 weeks cruising on the Rhine. 3 One person spent 5 weeks travelling on the road, with most of their time in Croatia. 4 Most of Praneel’s 3 weeks in Europe was spent in Paris. 5 One traveller spent most of their 4 weeks abroad in Hungary. 6 The person driving the car spent less time abroad than the person in the motorhome. 7 Andrew travelled by train.

WEEKS

CLUES

GRANT

TAMMY

4 5

TRANSPORT

ANDREW

WEEKS

Each of the clues below has a six-letter answer. Write the answer clockwise in the spaces around the appropriate clue number. Where the hexagons touch, the letters in the adjoining segments will be the same. We’ve answered one clue for you. The letters in brackets tell you the ﬁrst letter of the answer. The letters in the inner coloured hexagon will spell a hidden word.

GERMANY

CROATIA

To win one of two prizes of $50, write the word in the coloured middle hexagon on the entry coupon.

FRANCE

COUNTRY

STEAM WOMAN

AFRICAN LED FIELD

Here’s a perfect puzzle for all you code-cracker ﬁends. Just like our prize Code Cracker but with a larger grid. Each number in the crossword represents a different letter of the alphabet. We’ve given you three letters to help you on your way to cracking the code, so you’ll see that 7=D, 11=N, and 17=M. Use the Letter Checker box to keep track of the letters you’ve decoded.

20 7

19 26

26 11

7 2 4

14 4

3 25

17 12

1 17

9 19

9 17

14 20

13 6

N V E V E A

9 19

9 20

20 14

LETTER CHECKER

14 4

24 20

19 25

19 17

11 20

11 16

Replace the 14 pieces in the grid to form a symmetrical puzzle with completed words.

14 7

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

R L U R Y N E A C R E F

N K E T Y P

T H Y E E A

H E R O S R

N E W O O F

R W E D I W

D L L E R A

9 10 11 12 13

D L G A C E

U MM P X I S

E A P L Y E

Y E G O T

T A S H E S N C E E R R

Here’s a twist on the traditional Sudoku. Instead of numbers 1 to 9 there are nine different letters you need to into each row, column and 3 x 3 square. When you have completed the puzzle the shaded row will spell out a hidden word.

R E N

D R

H O R D

H D E H

U N R G

N Y

G U

Write the answers to the clues below into the grid in a clockwise spiral starting at number 1, where the arrow points you in the right direction. The ﬁnal letter of every answer becomes the ﬁrst letter of the next. When the puzzle is complete, the coloured squares, reading diagonally downwards, will reveal a hidden word.

CLUES 1 Magazine featuring illustrated stories, often involving superheroes (5) 2 Spectators at an event (5) 3 Water down (6) 4 Capture in a snare (6) 5 Open to the populace (6) 6 Craven individual (6) 7 Leave, set off on a journey (6) 8 Twister, destructive whirlwind (7) 9 First whole number (3) 10 Periphery (5) 11 Moral principle (5)

7 9

11 8 5

ANSWERS THIS WEEK Give your brain a workout! To check if you’re right, see solutions. 1

Elver, Even, Event, Ever, Evert, Lever, Louvre, Love, Lover, Nerve, Neve, Never, Novel, Oeuvre, Oven, Over, Overt, Ovule, Revel, Revet, Revolt, Revolute, Revote, Revue, Rove, Trove, Veer, Velour, Vent, Venter, Venture, Venue, Veto, Vole, Volt, Volte, Volunteer, Volute, Vote, Voter.

TRAVELLER

COUNTRY

TRANSPORT

WEEKS

ANDREW

HUNGARY

TRAIN

DANI

CROATIA

MOTORHOME

GRANT

PORTUGAL

PLANE

PRANEEL

FRANCE

CAR

TAMMY

GERMANY

BOAT

N E W S C O F E R O N D L E V L A E R A T U M A S H P E X I H E R R S W E O I R K N E N C E T Y P E

Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe. 5

1 Comic, 2 Crowd, 3 Dilute, 4 Entrap, 5 Public, 6 Coward, 7 Depart, 8 Tornado, 9 One, 10 Edge, 11 Ethic Hidden word: Concert

Across: 1 Nonstop, 5 Potential, 7 Lavish, 8 Tom, 10 Hay, 11 Plumes, 14 Professor, 15 Glimpse Down: 1 Nepal, 2 Nativity, 3 Pair, 4 Dilemma, 6 Nashville, 8 Thumbs up, 9 Shampoo, 12 Serve, 13 Kong.

8 9 10 12

I P R O U A B O D K P S O A W H L M O N G H A V E R O A V T L E D T E M E S T A G O R O P T E M P I W N I S Q U I

A M U I N D O A N E E M O W J I T R C A D R E E T

G O H Y E A R L R Y

1 Snoop around Northern Territory without a break (7) 5 Pet lion at turning point shows great promise (9) 7 First Los Angeles video is so hot and extravagant (6) 8 He starts teasing other moggies (3) 10 Shout for barnyard fodder (3) 11 Decorative feathers suffer energy slump (6) 14 Academic arranged roses for parking (9) 15 Quick look at simple gravity in action (7)

What is Dr Dolittle’s ﬁrst name? Which country had a Civil War ﬁrst, England or the United States of America? In relation to paper products, what does GSM stand for? The islands of Bermuda and Capri both lend their name to what item of clothing? What would be the literal translation of the Latin term ‘magnum opus’?

1 Plane diverted to Himalayan republic (5) 2 Christmas scene expresses it with vanity (8) 3 Fruit invoiced for two (4) 4 Mature media left to deal with a problem (7) 6 Vine shall twist around Tennessee music city (9) 8 OK signal swings shut with a bump (6,2) 9 Mao hops around to get hair clean (7) 12 Opening shot at new verse (5) 13 King of Skull Island played with gonk (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1 John, 2 England, 3 Grams per square metre, 4 Shorts, 5 Great work. 3 4 7 9 1 6 5 2 8

K F L I A I N O X S A T S P A L O A R U S T S O R M A C N E L A X D

A P L E D G C E

Letter Checker

1 2 3 4 5

B A C O D O M M R I B E N N K I D N O U Z R M E E I N O R D F U N U U L Y N

N E E R Y V E L A M Y E S T T D E W A D R F U

6 2 8 4 7 5 3 1 9

5 9 1 8 2 3 6 4 7

4 7 3 6 9 1 8 5 2

8 6 9 2 5 4 1 7 3

1 5 2 7 3 8 4 9 6

9 8 5 3 4 2 7 6 1

7 3 4 1 6 9 2 8 5

2 1 6 5 8 7 9 3 4

5 9 6 3 2 7 4 8 1

7 1 4 9 6 8 2 5 3

8 2 3 4 1 5 9 7 6

4 7 9 8 3 6 1 2 5

J F P U Y C D L T H N V G

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

A Q K M Z R O B X W S E I

6 5 1 7 9 2 3 4 8

2 3 8 1 5 4 7 6 9

9 4 5 6 7 3 8 1 2

3 8 2 5 4 1 6 9 7

1 6 7 2 8 9 5 3 4

3 9 5 1 6 2 4 7 8

7 8 6 9 4 3 5 1 2

1 2 4 8 5 7 6 9 3

4 3 2 5 7 1 9 8 6

5 1 9 6 2 8 7 3 4

8 6 7 3 9 4 2 5 1

9 4 1 2 8 5 3 6 7

2 5 3 7 1 6 8 4 9

6 7 8 4 3 9 1 2 5

O R U Y G N D E H

E H Y D R O U G N

N G D U E H Y O R

U O R N Y G E H D

G Y E R H D N U O

H D N E O U R Y G

D E G H U R O N Y

R U O G N Y H D E

Y N H O D E G R U

NEW IDEA PUZZLES 02-20 WINNERS’ LIST: $100 Supercross: J Balderstone, Inverell, NSW; C Brown, Modbury Heights, SA; L Warren, Nambucca Heads, NSW $50 Compact Stars: P Keillor, Noosaville, Qld; J Lawson, Pooraka, SA; H Skepper, Gunnedah, NSW; K Watson, Bayswater, WA $50 Word Search: R Bettie, Boyup Brook, WA; P Thurkettle, Hillvue, NSW $50 Hex Word: L Connel, Maryborough, Qld; H Stephensen, Maryborough, Qld $100 Code Cracker: K Briggs, West Ulverstone, Tas; T Ejaz, Yagoona, NSW; J Redomond, Colac, Vic. CHEQUES SENT WITHIN SIX WEEKS OF BEING PUBLISHED. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Visit www.newidea.com.au for full Terms & Conditions. Competition opens 17/02/20 at 09:00 AEDT and closes on 01/03/20 at 17:00 AEDT. Winners are drawn at Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd 8 Central Avenue, Eveleigh, NSW 2015 on 13/03/20 from 08:30 AEDT. Weekly total prize pool is $1,000 (weekly draws include 6 x $100; 8 x $50). Prizes will be sent within 6 to 8 weeks. Winners notified by mail and their names published in New Idea on sale 30/03/20. The Promoter is Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd, 8 Central Avenue, Eveleigh, NSW 2015 (ABN 16 097 410 896). Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/39992; ACT Permit No. TP 19/04652; SA Licence No. T19/1948. Pacific Magazines is collecting your personal information for the sole purpose of running this competition including identifying and notifying winners. If you are not a winner, your personal information will be destroyed. Pacific will handle your information in accordance with Seven West Medias Privacy Policy which is available on our website at sevenwestmedia.com.au/privacy-policies.

TO ENTER POST THE COUPON OR; ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.NEWIDEA.COM.AU/WIN PACIFIC MAGAZINES PTY LTD EMAIL: newidea@pacificmags.com.au Full Terms & Conditions available at www.newidea.com.au/terms-and-conditions/. Start Date: 17/02/20 at 09:00 AEDT Close Date: 01/03/20 at 17:00 AEDT Draw Date: 13/03/20 from 08:30 AEDT. Weekly Total Prize Value: $1,000.00. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/39992; ACT Permit No. TP 19/04652; SA Licence No. T19/1948.

MAIL: FILL IN THIS COUPON AND SEND TO: NEW IDEA PUZZLES 08, AUSTRALIA: PO BOX 72, EASTERN SUBURBS MC, NSW 2004 NEW ZEALAND: PRIVATE BAG 92039, VICTORIA STREET, WEST AUCKLAND 1142

Competition closes 01/03/20 at 5pm AEDT.

A L E A L I N D R A C H A M G B E E L X H A R P C H E K E N W A S G I S E D S C O W W E

T R A M P A

G P A U L S A R A C G E R I A D O N E F I N N A E E N I D T O P A L O A L I M B D L E M T O O I N G E D I O U A I O L I E R R M M A M A R E S

S O N G

T H I N

Winning title: The Lodge

10 11 12 13

S A G U F D Q L N X R H Y

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

C E M O

W K T

Z I

Winning word: Tumble Winning answer: Maid in Manhattan ACROSS: 1 Dating, 4 Stress, 8 Retina, 11 Placed, 14 Valiant, 17 Aligned, 18 Realise, 20 Upset, 21 Artisan, 23 Obliged, 25 Pride, 26 Spaceship, 27 Strands, 31 Neediness, 32 Desks, 34 Between, 36 Origami, 38 Deter, 41 Kin, 42 Capsize, 44 Quell, 45 Argue, 46 Grinder, 48 Leech, 49 Skip, 50 Knead, 51 Stir, 53 Joyce, 56 Epsilon, 57 Ache, 58 Disc, 59 Pickles, 63 Thirds, 65 Disrobes, 67 Ilsa, 69 Assume, 73 Nephews, 75 Nestle, 76 Hostess, 77 Asti, 80 Islam, 81 Urchins, 83 Austria, 84 Clint, 86 Duff, 88 Unbolts, 89 Italic, 91 Look-see, 94 Arrest, 96 Tsar, 97 Marigold, 98 Castle, 102 Prepare, 103 Etch, 104 Smog, 106 Raunchy, 110 Rocks, 112 Soho, 113 Untie, 114 Tomb, 115 Debut, 119 Samurai, 121 Louse, 122 Lance, 123 Tyranny, 124 Ali, 125 Lilac, 127 Banquet, 128 Aroused, 129 Title, 130 Chanteuse, 133 Barista, 136 Fragrance, 138 Norma, 139 Legends, 142 Compass, 144 Incur, 146 Riviera, 148 Lindsay, 149 Nervous, 151 Lolita, 152 Chance, 153 Agreed, 154 Geneva. DOWN: 1 Devours, 2 Tales, 3 Gin, 5 Tank Top, 6 Evans, 7 Scion, 8 Ringo, 9 Tidal, 10 Nonagon, 11 Pie, 12 Cuisine, 13 Dieters, 15 Actress, 16 Teachable, 18 Redeeming, 19 Applied, 22 Apt, 24 Bud, 27 Scenes, 28 Rankling, 29 Neonatal, 30 Swings, 32 Decal, 33 Septets, 35 Tequila, 37 Aseptic, 39 Teddy, 40 Rorters, 43 Inhaled, 47 Injects, 49 Sink, 52 Ripe, 54 Chores, 55 Visitors, 56 Elton, 60 Louts, 61 Abolish, 62 Ask, 64 Impel, 66 Innocuous, 68 Satirical, 70 Edict, 71 Issuing, 72 Assault, 74 Emma, 78 Battery, 79 Echo, 80 India, 82 Interact, 85 Inset, 87 Force, 90 Legume, 92 Enemy, 93 Imp, 95 Sparser, 99 Asunder, 100 Fees, 101 Grub, 102 Parasol, 103 Echelon, 105 Grocers, 107 Cabinet, 108 Anteater, 109 Williams, 111 Camel, 116 Thyme, 117 Suburb, 118 Angora, 120 Imbruglia, 123 Ted Danson, 126 Cottage, 129 Terrier, 130 Central, 131 Arrival, 132 English, 134 Add, 135 Two, 136 Fiancée, 137 Eurasia, 140 Nylon, 141 Sense, 142 Costa, 143 Mayor, 145 Close, 147 Ria, 150 Egg. Winning word: Lightning 1 Pisces, 2 Barnes, 3 Stereo, 4 Moscow, 5 DuBois, 6 Cobweb, 7 Cubist, 8 Crusoe, 9 Opaque, 10 Torque, 11 Bisque, 12 Toiled. Hidden word: Timber

Published by Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd (ACN 097 410 896) of 8 Central Avenue, Eveleigh, NSW 2015, www.pacificmagazines.com.au. For competition entries, please use the address on entry forms. All content © 2020 Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd, all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Print by IVE, Unit 1/83 Derby St, Silverwater NSW 2128, under ISO14001 Environmental Certification. Distributed by Ovato Retail Distribution Australia. All prices and information are correct as at the time of printing. All material sent to New Idea (whether solicited or not) will not be returned. Unless otherwise agreed beforehand, all rights including copyright in such material are assigned to Pacific Magazines upon receipt and Pacific Magazines may use or sell the material in all media worldwide in perpetuity without further consent or payment. New Idea does not accept or assume responsibility for such material.

For all things astrological, visit my website: karenmoregold.com

ARIES

MAR 21 – APR 20

TAURUS

APR 21 – MAY 21

GEMINI

MAY 22 – JUN 21

CANCER

JUN 22 – JUL 23

LEO

JUL 24 – AUG 23

VIRGO

AUG 24 – SEP 23

LIBRA

SEP 24 – OCT 23

You’ll pour your energy into an exciting property or domestic undertaking, and repairs or a bold project will be a lot of work. Alternatively, a domestic commitment will grow and there will be complex family issues to work through. A challenging situation with a relative may tax your patience. A health, diet or fitness pursuit will inspire you, but make sure your goals are realistic. LUCKY NUMBERS: 24, 36, 45

SCORPIO

OCT 24 – NOV 22

An exciting project will be a learning experience, but there will be much ground to cover and new ideas may alter your original intentions, so making helpful contacts will provide timely guidance. Travelling further afield to see a relative will take both energy and patience. A fun get-together will also be meaningful, and for singles, this may be laced with romantic potential. LUCKY NUMBERS: 19, 29, 32

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 – DEC 21

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 – JAN 20

AQUARIUS

PISCES

FEB 20 – MAR 20

Questioning your direction in life or your career ambitions will highlight your changing objectives, and clarifying these will point the best way forward. At the same time, a brave or bold professional or personal challenge will stretch your resources, and it will turn into a huge task. A secret dream from the past could revive; you’ll need to do your research carefully to make it become a reality. LUCKY NUMBERS: 6, 20, 27

Someone close will need practical and emotional support as a demanding commitment with a relative will grow and a changing or new relationship will turn an important corner. It will take calm, thoughtful efforts to handle all this positively. A financial boost will replenish supplies. Travel, planning a holiday, or a place that holds a special magic for you will be inspiring. LUCKY NUMBERS: 14, 28, 33

A responsibility you’ve taken a break from could rev up again or expand, and it will be time to tackle it with gusto. There will also be action with a matter that was put on the back burner. A new personal endeavour will fire up your imagination, and you will have a vision that you’re keen to manifest. A place you find uplifting will weave its magic, while a short trip or long-distance relationship will change and grow as it unfolds. LUCKY NUMBERS: 2, 4, 22

A long-distance relationship may be changing; you’ll need to listen and learn to build new points of accord. You’ll pour energy into revisiting a place you have a past connection to or exploring a place you’ve wanted to go. A legal matter will require thorough follow-through. Fun outings and plans will offer tempting possibilities, and a promising introduction could lead to an exciting friendship. LUCKY NUMBERS: 7, 23, 35

Keeping a promise may well be a tough call this week. A challenging task or changing conditions on the job will test your resourcefulness. There will be an awkward clash with a colleague to handle too. Labours of love for relatives will require energetic follow-through. A growing health, diet or fitness interest will also ask more of you. You’ll dream big with an exciting financial opportunity. LUCKY NUMBERS: 13, 17, 30

JAN 21 – FEB 19

A family exchange may bring subtle issues of the past to the fore, and there will be an opportunity to resolve a nagging matter. A situation on the home front will need renewed effort, and a domestic enterprise will require focus and determination, while an old difference will need a fresh approach. A financial dream takes shape with an exciting new venture, special purchase or progress towards a long-term goal. LUCKY NUMBERS: 11, 21, 40

Doing your sums and doublechecking the details with a complex financial enterprise will help you to plan ahead. There will be more to take into account than meets the eye. There’ll also be large outlays this week to factor into the budget and an annoying matter to sort out patiently. Working through a deep-seated upset will bring insights. This is your time to reset your inner compass. LUCKY NUMBERS: 15, 18, 26 A surge of commitments with your children or a younger relative will require careful organisation. You’ll take a favourite interest to the next level – it will be hard work but you’ll have fun along the way! Invitations will expand your social circle. A connection you are keen to develop will grow and an event for someone close will shift your relationship onto a different footing. LUCKY NUMBERS: 8, 16, 25

A financial commitment could push up the pressure gauge. It’s time to really apply yourself and sort this out. The cost of an expensive undertaking could blow out, but ‘cutting your cloak to suit your cloth’ will bring you back on budget. A family gathering will touch your heart. A rare visitor will be a joy, and pouring love and energy into exciting family or domestic plans will bring them to fruition. LUCKY NUMBERS: 9, 10, 12 The price to be paid to go somewhere or do something that’s important to you may be high, but you’ll be keen to persist. You’ll pour energy into reviving old friendships, and some will be different this time around. Inspiring possibilities with new plans will fan your confidence; you’ll lead the way and explore all that’s offering. A flirty exchange will encourage a fun romance that shouldn’t really be taken too seriously. LUCKY NUMBERS: 1, 3, 5

NENE KING

It’s absolutely devastating what’s happening in Australia with the bushﬁres. I don’t know much about climate change, but the idea of it worries me. I want my grandchildren to be safe in the future. I want to donate to a variety of charities, but I’m not comfortable with giving my money online. How do I know they are safe? Are there other ways to help? POLLY, VIA EMAIL.

We all cried as we watched our beautiful country burn. To educate yourself on climate change, read as much as you can and listen to the experts. The more you learn the easier it will be to understand what the future holds. There are many ways to donate to reputable charities, like the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Vinnies and bushﬁre appeals run by the government. The ﬁres have devastated local tourism. Try to visit one of the affected areas and support local businesses. Your money will be safe with charities.

You know that feeling of despair that you can’t quite pinpoint where it comes from? I’ve been down for a few months now, and I don’t know where things went wrong. Everything in my life is smooth sailing, but I guess nothing is feeding me excitement. I’m not thrilled to wake up in the morning and start my day. Is something wrong with me? BELLE, VIA EMAIL.

You sound unwell and need help to shake yourself out of not facing the day. You need to speak to your GP. Antidepressants could help you. I would recommend a few sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist. There is nothing wrong with you – what is needed is help to erase negative thoughts. It may be time to take up activities that will make your life more exciting. Break out of the rut and keep yourself busy looking after your mind and body. Whether it be relationships, work, family or just personal troubles, Nene King can tackle any question given to her. Send your life questions to nene@newidea.com.au.

YOUR SAY SEND US YOUR BEST STORIES AND PICTURES My greatgranddaughter, Amara Jane, is pretty proud of herself, sitting up alone before her 6-month birthday. MARY FRENCH, GERALDTON, WA.

t Australia’s I loved reading abou Audino, Flo oldest triplets, Betsy phy (NI, Jan. Welsh and Dot Mur ing and 20). What an amaz dies have la eventful life these rly family had. Despite the ea ed their lives, tragedies that shap ain as close this happy trio rem , embracing and cheerful as ever fer. What a all that life has to of e these lovely great idea to featur utique’s models in a local bo n. I hope advertising campaig t many more these fun ladies ge irl and strut opportunities to tw their stuff. Go girls! VIC. J. CAINE, DONVALE,

My grandso n, who has just turn ed 6, was celebrating New Year’s Eve with his family at their friend’s home. They watched the spectacular fireworks a nd left immediately after. When he thanked the hostess, she asked h im, “Are you tired, Jo sh?” He replied: “Ye s, I am on two per cen t!” G. MERVIS, BONDI JUNCTION, NSW.

PET OF THE WEEK

Our cavoodle puppy, Macy, 11 months, on holidays down on the Mornington Peninsula. RHIANNON SMYTH, BUNDOORA, VIC. Send us a funny story about your children and mere males, a letter about an interesting piece you’ve read in our mag or a pic of your child/pet. The best entry of the week wins $100. Post your original letters and photos (sorry, photos cannot be returned) to Children’s World/Mere Male/Letters/Pets, New Idea, GPO Box 7814, Sydney NSW 2001 or email childrensworld@newidea. com.au, meremale@newidea.com.au, letters@newidea.com.au or pets@newidea.com.au with your full name and home address.

THE

FILES

I’m one proud Aussie first-time grandma. Sevenmonth-old Phoebe loves the outfit I made her, and her koala is an Aussie icon for her first Australia Day celebrations. If we are lucky enough to be in print, I would like to donate the money to a good cause to help those affected by the tragic bushfires in Australia. YVONNE HUMPHREYS, BULGARRA, WA.

KARINA MACHADO

Karina Machado is a journalist, host of the Spirit Sisters podcast and the author of Spirit Sisters, Where Spirits Dwell and Love Never Dies, a non-ﬁction series exploring the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people. Now, on The Ghost Files podcast each week, Karina will introduce a guest who’ll share their personal encounter with the spirit world.

REMNANTS OF THE PAST BEST OF THE WEEK

WINS $100

I overheard a mere male telling another MM that his wife wanted something with diamonds – so he bought her a deck of cards. Very funny, I thought! ANGIE MOLINO, AYR, QLD.

This is my greatgranddaughter showing off her Christmas present. Since seeing the movie Frozen, she has gone Frozen-crazy. B. TINSON, SUNSHINE COAST, QLD.

hen Anita was 9 years old, her family moved into a beautiful old home in Townsville, Queensland. With its wraparound verandah, soaring ceilings and bay window, the house boasted many period features associated with the beloved Queenslander style. Heritage architecture aside, the home carried another remnant from the past: a lovely spirit lady. Anita saw her one night, after her dad’s decision to repaint the kitchen seemed to ignite a spate of paranormal activity. Before beginning, he discovered (and removed) a small Indonesian mask that was hanging above the kitchen door, a relic which Anita later learnt was designed to ward off evil spirits … One day, Anita and her friends were playing hide-andgo-seek, making the most of the many nooks and crannies in the rambling home. Gleefully, Anita lifted the lid of the big window seat and climbed in, carefully lowering the lid on top of

herself. There was no lock or latch. But when she tried to get out, it wouldn’t budge. Certain the others were sitting on it, she yelled for them to get off. When it ﬁnally sprang open, the other children were standing metres away, looking just as bafﬂed as Anita felt. She went to bed that night trying her best to put the eerie moment out of her mind, but comfort arrived in the most unexpected way. “I saw the most beautiful woman standing at the end of my bed,” recalls Anita, my guest on this week’s episode of The Ghost Files podcast. Dressed in a turn-of-the-century white dress, the ghost emanated “protection, peace and love”. Terrifying events would go on to take place in the house, but Anita has never forgotten the radiant visitor from the past and how she made her feel. To hear more about Anita’s haunted childhood home, tune into The Ghost Files podcast.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE ON THE GHOST FILES PODCAST? WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT. EMAIL KARINAMACHADO@OPTUSNET.COM.AU WITH A SUMMARY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR CONTACT DETAILS. 77

rom the moment she arrived in Summer Bay last year as Mackenzie Booth, the feisty new owner of the seaside town’s popular local restaurant Salt, Emily Weir hasn’t wasted any time making her mark on our screens. Certainly, too, the gorgeous brunette, who was born and raised in Brisbane and studied acting at Queensland’s University of Technology, feels truly blessed. The Home and Away favourite shares her life in 10 pictures.

1 “Here I am in the back of a car afterr a birthday party with my brother, Tom. Tom is a year older than me, but everyone thought we were twins when we were little because of the ssheer size of baby that I was! I was a really large baby! We’re very close. He’s my best mate, absolutely.”

“This is my close group of friends. The photo was taken when I was leaving Brisbane in 2016 to move to Sydney to pursue acting. I was notorious for having very bad luggage when I travelled through Europe with my friends – I always had the bad backpack! As a parting gift, they bought me a great suitcase in my favourite colour – purple.”

“This is a lovely spot near Coogee and Clovelly in Sydney. It’s a bit of a ‘secret swing’. Every time I have friends who visit me from Brisbane or overseas, I take them to this swing. It’s a bit of a hike to get up there, but it’s worth it. I really do love the outdoors.”

“This is me with my family at the Nudgee Cemetery in Brisbane. I’m holding my gorgeous niece Willow and there’s my mum, Christine (in the burgundy vest), my aunties, my cousins and my brother. One of my aunties had planned a ‘Graveyard Day’, where we all went around together to look at the family graveyards to try to ﬁnd our ancestors. It was really cool and quite emotional, too.”

HOME AND AWAY MON. TO THU. 7PM

“This is me with my friend James Hennessy, who I’ve known forever, at Dracula’s castle in Romania. After our friend’s wedding in Santorini, we did a road trip through Romania, which was really beautiful. We’d done a bit of a hike that day and were exploring the castle.”

“These are two of my very close friends, Tiarna McCormack and James Hennessy. We’re at the 2018 wedding of my best friend Emma in Santorini, Greece. Twenty-ﬁve of us ﬂew over for the wedding and I was the maid of honour. It was so beautiful, and we all had such a great time.”

7 6

“To me, yoga is like a massage from the inside out. I try to do yoga every other day. It’s great for releasing tension and is very calming, so that’s my general practice. I’ve become more serious about yoga in the past two years.”

“At my ﬁrst-ever Logies with [co-star] Lukas [Radovich]. Look at us smouldering and trying to be so cool! The Logies were truly a pinchyourself moment and I’m so thankful. And Lukas is one of my favourite humans ever. He’s such a delight.”

9 “Out for brunch last year in Redfern in Sydney with [co-stars] Sophie [Dillman], Courtney [Miller], Lukas [Radovich] and Paddy [O’Connor] for Paddy’s birthday. It turned into a whole day thing, which was really fun. We’re so blessed as it is a family unit on the show. Coming on Home and Away really has been life-changing – in the best way possible. It honestly has been the best year of my life.”

“Here I am with James in Amsterdam, which we also visited after the wedding in Santorini. James was a great travelling partner – he’s so much fun. The way I describe James is that he’s infectious to your spirit. He’s so excitable and we know each other back to front and inside out. Boy, do we laugh!”

MARILYN’S SHOCK CONFESSION TO ARI

MARRIAGE IN CRISIS!

hey’ve long been one of our favourite Summer Bay couples. However, the once happy marriage of Marilyn (Emily Symons) and John (Shane Withington) is about to hit crisis point! “Marilyn and John have been a very successful couple,” agrees Shane. “But that looks set to change.” What’s more, Marilyn will find herself making a shock admission to hunky newcomer and fellow siege survivor Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams), with whom she has fast developed a close bond. Early in the week, we see that Ari, his sister Gemma (Bree Peters) and nephew Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) are struggling to find their feet in the small coastal town. Unable to pay their motel bills or even put food on the 80

table, the Paratas are forced to sleep in their car for the night. But their dire financial situation doesn’t go unnoticed by a kindly Marilyn, who is keen to do all she can to help the struggling family. The same, however, cannot be said for John, who finds himself clashing with Ari and Nikau when he spots the newcomers making use of the showers at the Surf Club. Before long, however, Marilyn has impulsively invited Ari, Gemma and Nikau to stay at her place for as long as they need. Safe to say, John is gobsmacked when he returns home later that day to discover the Paratas have moved in without his knowledge! “Post-siege, there is now incredible trauma and shock for Marilyn,” says Emily. “Ari was so kind to her when they were being held hostage, and now

she feels that no-one else can understand what she went through. She thinks that he was her saviour – that he showed her empathy and kindness when she needed it most – and that she is now indebted to him and his family.” But as a heated argument breaks out between Marilyn and John, it’s plain to see that a gulf has formed between the couple. And Marilyn is in no mood to hear anything her husband has to say. “This causes huge issues between Marilyn and John,” says Emily. Marilyn refuses, in fact, to retract her offer to the Paratas, informing John that the family is here to stay. “This takes John completely by surprise,” says Shane. The next day, Marilyn admits to Irene that her marriage is on shaky ground.

Soon after, she also finds herself having a heart-to-heart with Ari. It’s then that she drops a bombshell on the newcomer – she sometimes finds herself wondering why she married John!

The Paratas return to the motel to ﬁnd their bags on the doorstep – they’ve been evicted! Meanwhile, Mackenzie decides to hit the world of online dating.

John n clashes with n newcomer Ari outside the Surf Club.

TUESDAY

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

MONDAY

Gemma receives a call that completely takes her by surprise, and Mackenzie’s past comes back to haunt her.

WEDNESDAY

Dean asks Colby if he can move into his spare room, and Bella worries about what she may reveal to her counsellor Patricia. Marilyn and John clash yet again.

Marilyn takes in the Parata family.

THURSDAY

Dean blind-sides Ziggy with a surprise proposal. Elsewhere, Bella ﬁnally begins to accept that she needs professional help.

DATE FROM HELL!

“There are definitely big thunderclouds approaching in the John and Marilyn nest,” reveals Shane. “It’s a huge storyline.” What will Marilyn do now? Marilyn is questioning her marriage.

Still nursing a broken heart over her on-again-off-again relationship with Colby (Tim Franklin), Mackenzie (Emily Weir) this week decides the time has come to try to move forward. Despite the fact she is clearly still holding a torch for the Summer Bay police officer, Mackenzie believes she must make a new start. She sets up an online dating profile for herself. “Mackenzie needs to regain her inner confidence and find her mojo again,” says Emily. “She is ready to start dating again and stop pining after Colby.” The next day, Mackenzie reveals to Ryder (Lukas Radovich) that she has a blind date with someone she met on the app ‘Smoulder’. But when Mackenzie’s mystery date later arrives at Salt, the gorgeous restaurateur is in for a massive shock. She realises with horror that she has been cat-fished by her nasty ex-boyfriend Jason. What does Jason want?

Ziggy and Dean’s relationship is back on track.

HOME AND AWAY MON. TO THU. 7PM

DEAN’S SURPRISE

PROPOSAL His relationship with Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) is back on track at last – and once more all seems right in Dean’s (Patrick O’Connor) world. “There was such a massive sense of relief for Dean when he saw Ziggy after the hospital siege,” says Patrick. “He has realised just how important Ziggy is to him.” This week, relocating from the Caravan Park into the spare room

at the apartment of his best mate Colby (Tim Franklin), the River Boy decides he is also ready to take the next step with Ziggy. He wants the beautiful mechanic to move in with him! “I think that Dean feels that asking Ziggy this is a way of showing her that he’s matured and that his goals are more aligned to her goals,” says Patrick. “He really does love Ziggy and he wants to take more

responsibility for the future.” But while Dean is ready for this step, it seems the young mechanic may not be quite as keen on the idea. Indeed, Dean’s unexpected proposal blind-sides Ziggy! Caught completely off-guard, Ziggy rushes off without giving a stunned Dean an answer. “Dean is gutted,” says Patrick. “He’s mortiﬁed and feels he has freaked Ziggy out.”

HOW WILL ZIGGY RESPOND?

Soon after, at the garage, Ziggy confides in Justin (James Stewart), confessing to her boss that she fears her relationship with Dean may change if they live together. But with Dean still waiting on an answer from Ziggy, she has never felt more conflicted. “It’s definitely not all smooth sailing for Ziggy and Dean,” says Sophie. What will Ziggy’s answer be?

IT Y ECK Willow (Sarah Roberts) took Alex (Zoë Ventoura) by surprise – and in the best possible way – when she told her girlfriend she would leave the Bay with her. Indeed, Alex couldn’t be more thrilled that Willow will be by her side when she moves to Queensland for a new job.

“To both of them, it signals the start of a very exciting new chapter and a huge life change,” says Sarah. “But, of course, Willow will be leaving her loved ones behind in the Bay. She is the one who will be making the change in that regard.” Meanwhile, Alex can’t help but feel uneasy when a grieving Jasmine (Sam Frost) reveals she has never needed the support of her closest friends more than now. Suddenly, Alex realises just how much Willow means to all of her ‘family’ in the Bay. Stay tuned! Can Willow leave her family in the Bay for Alex?

SOPHIE DILLMAN (ZIGGY): Pocahontas.

A pair of thongs.

Dumplings.

To the US.

My sister.

‘I Love You Always Forever’ by Donna Lewis.

A shoulder workout. My second favourite.

BLAST FROM THE PAST It’s the phone call Gemma didn’t anticipate. And it’s one that may turn the single mum’s world upside down! During a shift at the Diner, Gemma (Bree Peters) is shocked to receive a call from her late husband’s brother, Tane (Ethan Browne). “Gemma has deﬁnitely had trauma in her life,” says Bree. “But now she wants to just keep going forward and she feels she has to hide her pain. She is ready to start again as she and the family ﬁnd their feet. Gemma is also someone who has a lot of pride.” However, it quickly becomes clear that Tane is one of the last people Gemma wants to hear from. Is Tane set to wreak havoc on Gemma’s new life in the Bay?

Gemma receives a call that shocks her. 83

Check out the hottest shows on the box this

TV HIGHLIGH

‘Droughtlander’ is over as Jamie and Claire return to our screens.

Claire starts her own surgery where she can treat locals.

MON. 7.30PM ON FOX ONE

OUTLANDER SEASON 5 The coming season of Outlander might start on a romantic note, but there is set to be plenty of danger and drama for the Fraser’s Ridge settlers. THE SEASON BEGINS WITH A WEDDING In the ﬁrst episode, Brianna (Sophie Skelton) and Roger’s (Richard Rankin) wedding takes place – something Claire (Caitriona Balfe) never thought

she would get to see before her daughter and her ﬁancé arrived in North Carolina from the future.

THE FAMILY REUNION MIGHT NOT LAST LONG Thanks to their knowledge of events still to occur, the family is aware that war is imminent, and Roger in particular wants to take Brianna back to their life in the 1960s. Will Claire and Jamie

(Sam Heughan) have to bid farewell to the newlyweds?

choice to make about whose side he is going to take.

JAMIE HAS HIS LOYALTIES TESTED At the end of Season 4, the governor instructed Jamie to hunt down the Regulators, a band of rebels who are endangering the safety of the settlers. The problem is, Jamie’s godfather, Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix), is part of the group, meaning Jamie has a

CLAIRE GETS HER OWN SURGERY The house Jamie built for his wife includes room for Claire to dispense medical assistance and even concoct her own medicines. But will she alter the future by trying to create penicillin, something not discovered until 1928?

SAM HEUGHAN

‘THE PARTS GET BETTER WITH AGE’ Women everywhere are swooning over his role as Outlander’s hunky Jamie Fraser. Here he tells New Idea about his upcoming birthday, his plans for the future, and thoughts on one day settling down.

Sam would love to find a girl and settle down.

Jamie is older this season and has plenty of wisdom to share, but you also have a big birthday coming up … This season Jamie hits 50, which is a big moment for him, too, and I think he’s looking quite good with it. [Laughs] But yeah, I have my 40th birthday in April, so I am quite excited about it. I have to say neither of you look that age. When I graduated drama school, I was 23, 24, and I was always going for the juvenile lead part. I quite quickly found out that I was losing those jobs to younger, much betterlooking lads ... Luckily, when you get to my age and beyond, I think the parts for men actually get better. It’s

not the same for women and that’s a shame. It does feel that there is some disparity there. But I am excited by a lot of the projects I have been offered. Hopefully, as the years go on, there’ll be more, as long as I can keep up with Jamie.

Outlander is ultimately all about family and love. Can we expect more of that this season? Last season was about family and about the Frasers, but this season, the pressure is so much greater, because Jamie has so much more responsibility. He’s now responsible for everyone at Fraser’s Ridge, and we know the War of Independence is coming, so he knows what is at stake. He’s on the wrong side – he’s supporting the losers. But he is doing it for the greater good. Family is so important to Jamie. Would you like to meet a girl and settle down? If it happens, it would be wonderful, but who knows? It’s so hard; certainly relationships are hard when you’re working in Scotland 10 months a year, so [at the moment] my career very much comes ﬁrst. But maybe I will ﬁnd someone eventually.

Sam has gained many female admirers.

SPICKS AND SPECKS ’90S SPECIAl For the ﬁrst of a number of specials throughout the year, the music quiz shows takes a trip back to the ’90s. Tina Arena, Kram, Tom Gleeson and Anne Edmonds are on board as team members, while a few guests drop by to revisit the era of grunge, girl power and great tunes. SUN. 7.40PM ON ABC

BOOK

JANE IN LOVE BY RACHEL GIVNEY Despite writing love stories that will enthral generations of readers, Jane Austen is struggling to find a husband of her own. After enlisting a matchmaker, she time-travels into the future, finds herself on the film set of one of her books and meets the perfect suitor. OUT NOW

MOVIE

THE CALL OF THE WILD Lovable dog Buck’s cushy domestic life gets turned upside down when he is stolen from his home and sold to freight haulers in the exotic wilds of the Yukon. There he crosses paths with John Thornton (Harrison Ford) and experiences the adventure of a lifetime, discovering where his heart truly belongs. OUT THURSDAY

ME EET THE CONTESTANTS

osted by Rebel Wilson, the new series Pooch Perfect sees 10 teams of dog stylists go head to head to prove who is the best in the country. Each episode, the teams get a chance to showcase their best styles on an assigned dog at the Pooch Palace salon. The winner goes through to the next round and the three lowest scoring teams face off in an elimination round, where one team will go home with their tail between their legs. So, who will be named best in show?

JACQUI & CHELSEY, WA After her marriage ended, stay-at-home mum of two, Jacqui, 50, decided to start her own dog grooming business. “I started my business as a pet stylist because my partner had an affair,” she laughs. Now with more than 18 years’ experience, Jacqui has teamed up with her dog handling colleague and friend Chelsey, 22, to show off what she can do. “I’ve been grooming my own dogs for about 20 years but started showing 17 years ago,” she says. “I love the creativity in styling dogs. There is a wonderful feeling that comes from making both the dogs and the owners feel fabulous.”

ANNETT & LISA, NSW Self-taught groomer Annett, 51, has competed in dog shows around the world, while Lisa, 30, a former vet nurse and wildlife specialist, is just starting out. But Annett admits there is always something new to learn in grooming.

BRAD, VIC, & ANNIE, NSW

LEE & SUE, QLD After moving from England to Australia in 2005 in the hope of giving their children a better future, Sue, 53, and Lee, 56, decided to open a dog grooming business. Despite knowing nothing about dog grooming, Sue quickly fell in love with it and now has several years of experience under her belt. She has enlisted Lee as her assistant and is hoping to show Australia everything she has learnt. “I believe I have my own unique style that I want to share and show the general public that pet styling is a very skilled job,” she says.

Successful groomers and friends Brad, 28, and Annie, 34, couldn’t imagine life without dogs. “For every human being that has an empty part in their heart, dogs really can ﬁll that place,” says Annie.

CHRIS & SHAYLA, QLD Experienced pet stylist Shayla, 29, has asked her ﬁancé, Chris, 34, to be her assistant on the show. But can the couple keep their cool? “We really need to focus on doing things together, rather than ﬁghting,” Shayla admits.

IN SHOW!

VYING TO BE AUSTRALIA’S TOP DOG STYLIST WENDY & NIKKI, NSW With stepdaughter Nikki, 27, as her assistant, Wendy, 50, has high hopes to take out the competition. A pet styler for 30 years, Wendy met Nikki’s dad six years ago. The stepmum and daughter pair became incredibly close and believe their bond will give them an upper hand in the competition. “Wendy is the best in the ﬁeld and together with my positivity, we make the best team,” says Nikki.

ALICIA & MICHAELA, NSW

Dog stylist Alicia, 26, and her younger sister/assistant Michaela,19, grew up in a family that struggled ﬁnancially. “When I was 12, all my friends were buying things for themselves and I never had any money, so I went and I made my own money washing dogs,” Alicia says. “Everything that I have got now, I haven’t been given. It’s been achieved. It’s been worked hard for. It’s blood, sweat and tears.” Can this hard-working attitude get them the prize?

POOCH PERFECT STARTS THU. FEB. 27, 7:30PM

DAVINA & NATASHA, QLD

Davina, 33, has been grooming dogs for 11 years. When it came to ﬁnding someone to compete with her on the show, she knew her sister-in-law, Natasha, 30, would make the perfect assistant, despite her lack of experience. Will they make it all the way?

PRUE & CAITLAN, NSW

This mother-daughter duo have dog grooming in their blood. Prue, 47, worked for her mother’s dog grooming business and now Caitlan, 25, is working with Prue. “To win this competition with Caitlan by my side would be amazing,” says Prue.

TASH & MONIQUE, QLD

Sisters Monique, 29, and Tash, 26, normally compete against each other at the dog shows, but this is their chance to work together. “I deﬁnitely think me and Tash balance each other out,” says Monique. 87

TCH

JULIA ROBERTS

CAUGHT WITH A NEW MAN J

ulia Roberts was seen leaving a pre-Oscars party hand-in-hand with a male friend last week. The Pretty Woman star was glowing in her all-black outﬁt, pairing a loose-ﬁtting jumper with tight leather pants and pointed-toe stiletto boots. What would her hubby say about the mystery man? Well, the 52-year-old’s husband of almost two decades, Danny Moder, 51, was spotted trailing behind the pair looking downcast.

Trouble in paradise, perhaps? While Julia and Danny are super private about their lives and three kids, the couple celebrated 17 years of marriage last year, after ﬁrst meeting on the set of The Mexican in 2000. And, in 2018, the Academy Award winning actress revealed that “[Danny] truly, to this day, to this minute, is just my favourite human … We just really, really like each other and we just enjoy each other’s company.” Rooting for this power duo!

Julia was spotted walking hand in hand with the mystery man.

Most girls dream of being kissed by a prince, but Sharon Stone appeared to be less than thrilled when Prince Albert II of Monaco gave her a kiss on the hand at the 2020 Hollywood For the Global Ocean Gala in Beverly Hills last week. The 61-year-old actress looked suave in a green and black sequinned suit with her hair slicked back into a bun. Meanwhile, Albert, 61, who was the guest of honour at the event, sported a sleek black tuxedo. Other celebrities in attendance included Uma Thurman, Michelle Rodriguez and Robin Thicke.

A ROYAL KISS! 88

ro on ’t e res e ’s .

Inspirational burns survivor, Turia Pitt, 32, and ﬁancé Michael Hoskin, have welcomed baby Rahiti. Born last Sunday, he is brother to 2-yearold Hakavai. The news was shared to Turia’s Instagram, which showed a pic of her cuddling Rahiti in bed. Turia previously told New Idea how motherhood had changed her. “[It] has completely and irrevocably changed my life,” she said. “I always thought that after Hakavai I’d go and do something crazy like Ultraman (almost three Ironman races), but now I’ve had him, my priorities have shifted.”

TURIA PITT WELCOMES BABY BOY

Brian Henderson

WON’T FIGHT HIS CANCER

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Legendary TV newsreader Brian Henderson has revealed that he has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. The 88-year-old has opted not to have treatment for the cancer. “My doctor said the tumour in my kidney is likely to be slow growing, so I’ve decided, at my age, to leave it there,” he told the Sunday Telegraph. “The doctor said I’m likely to die of something else before this kills me.” Brian has battled and beat various forms of cancer over the years and plans to spend his last days counting his blessings and spending time with his wife of 48 years, Mardi.

PRESLEY GERBER’S SHOCKING FACE TATTOO

a rs f

Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, is standing by his decision to get a new face tattoo. The 20-year-old model recently had the word ‘MISUNDERSTOOD’ tattooed under his right eye. Responding to the haters in an Instagram live video, Presley said, “If I thought this was going to ruin my face or I didn’t want this, I wouldn’t have done it”. The famous New York-based tattoo artist, JonBoy, whose celeb clients include Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner, was behind the ink work. We wonder what Presley’s parents think about it?

How does Cindy feel about her son’s new tattoo?

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H C T A W STAR

Left: Rebel Wilson finds the best seat in the house. Right: Rebel and James Corden transform into cats to present the best visual effects award. Mee-ow!

t f partyi – mpagn , o er n s r. actr s in her it i azuhi ok ho e t ue f hii r

SCENES SNAPS Swanning down the red carpet really works up an appetite! Salma Hayek was spotted spoon-feeding Penélope Cruz caviar after the awards show. “OMG we were so hungry,” Salma wrote alongside the pic. Looking a bit glum there Eminem? Maybe things would look rosier if you donned a pair of Elton John’s sparkly shades. The ‘Lose Yourself’ rapper posted this photo of himself catching up with ‘Uncle Elton’ − the Rocketman legend and 2020 Oscar winner − backstage.

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PAY NOTHING NOW 1. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/gd quoting promotion code: 110034 12 characters max per name. Granddaughter’s Name: (Front)

2. MAIL no stamp required, to: The Bradford Exchange, Reply Paid 86369 Parramatta NSW 2124 3. PHONE: (02) 9841 3311 8am-5pm E.S.T Mon – Fri

Grandmother’s Name: (Back) Please allow 20 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. ❑