Meet the 24-year-old Australian behind a $300m US start-up
At just 24, Australian entrepreneur Max Marchione has Silicon Valley at his feet. His start-up, which promises to help health-obsessed people live longer, has caught the imagination of big-name investors and celebrities and is now worth more than $300 million just two years after it was founded.
Marchione moved to San Francisco to start Superpower and capitalise on the US' under-resourced healthcare sector and the growing demand for longevity among the tech crowd. It has just closed a $US30 million ($47 million) funding round that values the firm at $US200 million.
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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Die due to depression': woman's pet parrots denied entry to Australia
A pair of "beautiful" green and blue-feathered "family members" has been denied entry to Australia because they pose too great a biosecurity risk. Shadoon and Shellman's owner has spent two years wrangling with authorities to bring her pet parrots into the country which she claims will "die due to depression and dependency" in Iran without her. Despite providing identity certificates, health checks and vaccination documents - and offering to fly the Indian ringneck parrots via Qatar to New Zealand for quarantining - the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry rejected Mehri Shafiei's import application. That decision was upheld on June 12 by the Administrative Review Tribunal. While accepting Ms Shafiei had gone to great lengths to reduce risks the birds could carry avian influenza or Newcastle disease into the country, tribunal member Stewart Fenwick said the evidence was consistent "there has been a high biosecurity risk identified". "The former carries grave implications for the Australian poultry industry and the latter is highly contagious," Mr Fenwick said in his decision in Melbourne. Mr Fenwick acknowledged Ms Shafiei, an Australian permanent resident, had experienced "depression over separation from Shadoon and Shellman" and had travelled to Isfahan in Iran where they live just to spend time with them. She described the parrots, aged nine and six, as "cute feathered family members". The tribunal heard the agriculture department received between 100 and 120 import applications each year like Ms Shafiei's, which were also denied. "It is evident that a policy decision was made some time ago to prohibit the import of psittacines, and that a considerable amount of effort has been invested in considering the future of this import trade," Mr Fenwick said. "It is not reasonable to take account of the sentimental importance of the pets to Ms Shafiei." He noted the birds had clear "sentimental importance" to their "devoted" owner. "It is important to observe that Ms Shafiei presents as a sincere and loving pet owner," he said. "I fully accept that she has cared for Shadoon and Shallman and, indeed, appears to have been so concerned about them that she spent additional time in Iran to be with them during the life of this application." In his decision, Mr Fenwick noted the Psittacula krameri species was a long-lived and popular pet and "a natural mimic". Shadoon and Shellman had "beautiful green and blue plumage respectively". "Unfortunately, the steps taken - largely it seems with a view to facilitating their import to Australia - including, in particular, vaccination, have not contributed to reducing the high level of biosecurity risk arising from the importation of psittacines from Iran," Mr Fenwick said. "As noted at the outset, publicly available information from the Victorian government indicates that this exotic species is identified as a pest, as unpleasant as this reality may seem to the applicant." Australia's strict biosecurity laws attracted international attention in 2015 when then-agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce decided US actor Johnny Depp's dogs, Pistol and Boo, would have to be put down or deported. Ms Shafiei originally applied for a permit to import the birds on June 23, 2023. This was refused by the agriculture department in July and October of the same year. She then applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal in November to have the decision reviewed. A pair of "beautiful" green and blue-feathered "family members" has been denied entry to Australia because they pose too great a biosecurity risk. Shadoon and Shellman's owner has spent two years wrangling with authorities to bring her pet parrots into the country which she claims will "die due to depression and dependency" in Iran without her. Despite providing identity certificates, health checks and vaccination documents - and offering to fly the Indian ringneck parrots via Qatar to New Zealand for quarantining - the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry rejected Mehri Shafiei's import application. That decision was upheld on June 12 by the Administrative Review Tribunal. While accepting Ms Shafiei had gone to great lengths to reduce risks the birds could carry avian influenza or Newcastle disease into the country, tribunal member Stewart Fenwick said the evidence was consistent "there has been a high biosecurity risk identified". "The former carries grave implications for the Australian poultry industry and the latter is highly contagious," Mr Fenwick said in his decision in Melbourne. Mr Fenwick acknowledged Ms Shafiei, an Australian permanent resident, had experienced "depression over separation from Shadoon and Shellman" and had travelled to Isfahan in Iran where they live just to spend time with them. She described the parrots, aged nine and six, as "cute feathered family members". The tribunal heard the agriculture department received between 100 and 120 import applications each year like Ms Shafiei's, which were also denied. "It is evident that a policy decision was made some time ago to prohibit the import of psittacines, and that a considerable amount of effort has been invested in considering the future of this import trade," Mr Fenwick said. "It is not reasonable to take account of the sentimental importance of the pets to Ms Shafiei." He noted the birds had clear "sentimental importance" to their "devoted" owner. "It is important to observe that Ms Shafiei presents as a sincere and loving pet owner," he said. "I fully accept that she has cared for Shadoon and Shallman and, indeed, appears to have been so concerned about them that she spent additional time in Iran to be with them during the life of this application." In his decision, Mr Fenwick noted the Psittacula krameri species was a long-lived and popular pet and "a natural mimic". Shadoon and Shellman had "beautiful green and blue plumage respectively". "Unfortunately, the steps taken - largely it seems with a view to facilitating their import to Australia - including, in particular, vaccination, have not contributed to reducing the high level of biosecurity risk arising from the importation of psittacines from Iran," Mr Fenwick said. "As noted at the outset, publicly available information from the Victorian government indicates that this exotic species is identified as a pest, as unpleasant as this reality may seem to the applicant." Australia's strict biosecurity laws attracted international attention in 2015 when then-agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce decided US actor Johnny Depp's dogs, Pistol and Boo, would have to be put down or deported. Ms Shafiei originally applied for a permit to import the birds on June 23, 2023. This was refused by the agriculture department in July and October of the same year. She then applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal in November to have the decision reviewed. A pair of "beautiful" green and blue-feathered "family members" has been denied entry to Australia because they pose too great a biosecurity risk. Shadoon and Shellman's owner has spent two years wrangling with authorities to bring her pet parrots into the country which she claims will "die due to depression and dependency" in Iran without her. Despite providing identity certificates, health checks and vaccination documents - and offering to fly the Indian ringneck parrots via Qatar to New Zealand for quarantining - the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry rejected Mehri Shafiei's import application. That decision was upheld on June 12 by the Administrative Review Tribunal. While accepting Ms Shafiei had gone to great lengths to reduce risks the birds could carry avian influenza or Newcastle disease into the country, tribunal member Stewart Fenwick said the evidence was consistent "there has been a high biosecurity risk identified". "The former carries grave implications for the Australian poultry industry and the latter is highly contagious," Mr Fenwick said in his decision in Melbourne. Mr Fenwick acknowledged Ms Shafiei, an Australian permanent resident, had experienced "depression over separation from Shadoon and Shellman" and had travelled to Isfahan in Iran where they live just to spend time with them. She described the parrots, aged nine and six, as "cute feathered family members". The tribunal heard the agriculture department received between 100 and 120 import applications each year like Ms Shafiei's, which were also denied. "It is evident that a policy decision was made some time ago to prohibit the import of psittacines, and that a considerable amount of effort has been invested in considering the future of this import trade," Mr Fenwick said. "It is not reasonable to take account of the sentimental importance of the pets to Ms Shafiei." He noted the birds had clear "sentimental importance" to their "devoted" owner. "It is important to observe that Ms Shafiei presents as a sincere and loving pet owner," he said. "I fully accept that she has cared for Shadoon and Shallman and, indeed, appears to have been so concerned about them that she spent additional time in Iran to be with them during the life of this application." In his decision, Mr Fenwick noted the Psittacula krameri species was a long-lived and popular pet and "a natural mimic". Shadoon and Shellman had "beautiful green and blue plumage respectively". "Unfortunately, the steps taken - largely it seems with a view to facilitating their import to Australia - including, in particular, vaccination, have not contributed to reducing the high level of biosecurity risk arising from the importation of psittacines from Iran," Mr Fenwick said. "As noted at the outset, publicly available information from the Victorian government indicates that this exotic species is identified as a pest, as unpleasant as this reality may seem to the applicant." Australia's strict biosecurity laws attracted international attention in 2015 when then-agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce decided US actor Johnny Depp's dogs, Pistol and Boo, would have to be put down or deported. Ms Shafiei originally applied for a permit to import the birds on June 23, 2023. This was refused by the agriculture department in July and October of the same year. She then applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal in November to have the decision reviewed. A pair of "beautiful" green and blue-feathered "family members" has been denied entry to Australia because they pose too great a biosecurity risk. Shadoon and Shellman's owner has spent two years wrangling with authorities to bring her pet parrots into the country which she claims will "die due to depression and dependency" in Iran without her. Despite providing identity certificates, health checks and vaccination documents - and offering to fly the Indian ringneck parrots via Qatar to New Zealand for quarantining - the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry rejected Mehri Shafiei's import application. That decision was upheld on June 12 by the Administrative Review Tribunal. While accepting Ms Shafiei had gone to great lengths to reduce risks the birds could carry avian influenza or Newcastle disease into the country, tribunal member Stewart Fenwick said the evidence was consistent "there has been a high biosecurity risk identified". "The former carries grave implications for the Australian poultry industry and the latter is highly contagious," Mr Fenwick said in his decision in Melbourne. Mr Fenwick acknowledged Ms Shafiei, an Australian permanent resident, had experienced "depression over separation from Shadoon and Shellman" and had travelled to Isfahan in Iran where they live just to spend time with them. She described the parrots, aged nine and six, as "cute feathered family members". The tribunal heard the agriculture department received between 100 and 120 import applications each year like Ms Shafiei's, which were also denied. "It is evident that a policy decision was made some time ago to prohibit the import of psittacines, and that a considerable amount of effort has been invested in considering the future of this import trade," Mr Fenwick said. "It is not reasonable to take account of the sentimental importance of the pets to Ms Shafiei." He noted the birds had clear "sentimental importance" to their "devoted" owner. "It is important to observe that Ms Shafiei presents as a sincere and loving pet owner," he said. "I fully accept that she has cared for Shadoon and Shallman and, indeed, appears to have been so concerned about them that she spent additional time in Iran to be with them during the life of this application." In his decision, Mr Fenwick noted the Psittacula krameri species was a long-lived and popular pet and "a natural mimic". Shadoon and Shellman had "beautiful green and blue plumage respectively". "Unfortunately, the steps taken - largely it seems with a view to facilitating their import to Australia - including, in particular, vaccination, have not contributed to reducing the high level of biosecurity risk arising from the importation of psittacines from Iran," Mr Fenwick said. "As noted at the outset, publicly available information from the Victorian government indicates that this exotic species is identified as a pest, as unpleasant as this reality may seem to the applicant." Australia's strict biosecurity laws attracted international attention in 2015 when then-agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce decided US actor Johnny Depp's dogs, Pistol and Boo, would have to be put down or deported. Ms Shafiei originally applied for a permit to import the birds on June 23, 2023. This was refused by the agriculture department in July and October of the same year. She then applied to the Administrative Review Tribunal in November to have the decision reviewed.
7NEWS
17 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Winter skin saviour: Nalia Skin launches 2-in-1 mask for a dewy, hydration complexion
You know that satisfying feeling when you've just walked out of a facial? Skin gleaming, pores purged, glow levels set to maximum? That's exactly what Nalia Skin is bottling with its newest launch, and it's set to become your new skincare obsession. Introducing The Dewy Duo by Nalia Skin: a two-in-one mask system that packs the power of a detoxifying clay mask and a deeply nourishing overnight treatment into one sleek, click-together jar. It's smart, streamlined skincare that's made for people who want results without the fuss, and it's giving spa-at-home vibes in all the right ways. Retailing for $115 with free shipping across Australia, the Dewy Duo is already gaining buzz for its clever design, impressive formula and luxe texture. And right now, you can take 20 per cent off your entire order with the code DEWYOU20 until 31 July 2025. So what's actually inside the jar? Think of it like a skincare double act one mask to clear the stage, and another to steal it. On one side, you've got the Nalia Skin Clay Mask, a creamy blend of Kaolin and Bentonite clays that helps draw out impurities and unclog pores without leaving your skin parched. It's spiked with antioxidant-rich Davidson Plum (an Australian native powerhouse), and has just the right amount of coconut oil to keep things balanced. The texture is smooth, the results are instant, and the Tropical Crème scent makes you feel like you're on a spa retreat in Queensland. Then, there's the real MVP: the Nalia Skin Sleep In Nourishing Mask. Designed to work while you sleep, this buttery overnight treatment is powered by L22 (3 per cent Squalene), an active that mimics the lipid profile of healthy, youthful skin. Your skin wakes up looking plump, firm and properly hydrated. With calming Mangosteen and Tasmanian Kelp, it's the ultimate night cream in mask form and the White Melon scent is subtly addictive. Unlike traditional masks that work solo, the Dewy Duo is made to be used together. Start with the clay to detox and clarify, then follow with the sleep-in mask to soothe, repair and deeply moisturise. It's a mini-facial in two steps. Nalia Skin was founded by Cambodian-Australian entrepreneur and digital creator Piyané Ung, who launched the brand earlier this year with a focus on high-performance, no-fuss formulas. 'Why should you need a six-step routine, or an expensive facial, when two masks can do it all?' she says. With the Dewy Duo, she's proving that streamlined skincare can still pack a serious punch. From the dual-chamber packaging (which feels more luxe than your average bathroom shelf essential) to the smart formulas that actually do what they promise, this launch is anything but your average face mask. It's custom skincare in one clever little jar.
SBS Australia
a day ago
- SBS Australia
New study reveals some popular Australian sunscreens are not meeting their sun protection claims
New study reveals some popular Australian sunscreens are not meeting their sun protection claims Published 12 June 2025, 9:45 am A new study has found some of Australia's most popular sunscreens are failing to meet their sun protection claims. Independent testing by consumer group Choice has revealed a large proportion of sunscreens they tested did not have the advertised protection level. Several sunscreen manufacturers have disputed the findings.
