Correcting Steve Jackson in The Australian
The story by Steve Jackson in The Australian today ("Rumours rife Hamish Macdonald is keen to cut back on ABC shifts") is incorrect.
Jackson was told yesterday: "There's no truth to this. Hamish hasn't asked to go to three days and it isn't happening." It's disappointing The Australian still chose to rely on unsourced rumours after being told they were baseless.
Hamish has been engaged by the ABC since 2016, including presenting ABC Radio Sydney Mornings, Q+A and Radio National Breakfast, reporting for Foreign Correspondent, hosting special broadcast events such as the Australian of the Year and presenting documentary series including The China Century and Reef Live. He has also hosted Take Me To Your Leader since 2022 and Global Roaming since the start of 2024.
Hamish is taking some leave in June, which was planned and approved before he joined ABC Radio Sydney, and Kathryn Robinson will fill in for him.
Media contact
Laura Todd, ABC Communications
todd.laura@abc.net.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Inside Celebrity Edge cruise: What to expect
For years, I have been curious about cruising but never took the leap of faith until recently, when I hopped on a Celebrity Edge cruise – and let's just say I was pleasantly surprised. I opted for a three-day trip from Sydney to Eden on the NSW south coast as a taste test. I'll be honest — I did not expect it to be so lush and swanky inside. In my mind I associated cruises with having super old decor, a few average restaurants and a couple of facilities like a swimming pool. But the moment I stepped foot inside, I was blown away by its sheer size. It had everything from designer shops, a massive gym, swimming pools, including an exclusive retreat, fancy restaurants and modern decor. The one thing I wasn't expecting was a thermal spa – the ship was honestly like a floating five-star hotel. However, before we get into all that. First things first – we did not get to dock in Eden due to crazy swells. I won't sugar coat it – I was nursing a bad headache for a few hours due to the rough seas but thankfully I stocked up on meds including sea sick pills. It also helped there was plenty to do and see on the ship as we had to spend two days at sea. Seamless check-in process I have to commend the staff on the seamless check-in process. It was quick, efficient and took about 15 minutes in total including passing security. I was a bit reluctant to hand over my suitcase because it sounded too good to be true. 'Hi Miss, we can take that for you and have it taken to your room'. They gave me a tag and that was it – in about two hours I was reunited with my bag in my room. Not having to lug your suitcase around was a huge bonus. The ship itself is huge with 14 decks. It was overwhelming at first given its sheer size, but I became a pro in navigating my way around in no time. The highlights for me were my super impressive room, the spa facilities which helped during some pretty rocky moments, and the food, especially the Japanese restaurant Raw on 5 – my favourite of the 29 eateries and bars. Room It was like I had checked into a fancy hotel. It was nothing like I pictured it to be. It had classy decor, ample storage space, a huge bathroom (considering it's a ship) and a comfy double bed. I was in the Infinite Veranda room and when they say it 'takes you right to the water's edge', they weren't lying. With the touch of a button (can confirm the novelty did not wear off) it gives you open air access to the sea. We were docked at Sydney Harbour and let me tell you, despite being an Aussie from Sydney – the view of the Opera House never gets old, especially when you get to appreciate it from a totally different setting – aka my bed. If you want specifics, the total living space is 22.5-square metres and the veranda 4-square metres – not bad at all. Food Given the ship has a capacity of 2,918 passengers, there's a lot of people to feed. But there was no shortage of options with 29 food and beverage experiences including five speciality eateries. It was truly something else to be able to hop from one restaurant to another whether it be for a light feed, knock back a few cocktails or indulge in five-course meal. And not just that, they each have such a unique fit-out. Take Eden Restaurant for example – it acts as a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue, with floor to ceiling windows over three levels. It's located at the back of the ship and happened to be the first restaurant I dined at, which was pretty special given the sun was setting as we pulled further away from the Harbour Bridge. It's a relaxing, tranquil space living up to its name 'Eden' and happens to be 'by far the grandest space we've ever designed that purposefully connects you to the sea' – I'm told. It costs extra (it's not included in the food and drinks package) but for around $65 you're getting five courses that will have you leaving full and satisfied given the generous portions. Mydishes included the Mulligatawny soup with coconut and dhana dahl and the Atlantic salmon with apple, asparagus, croissant, pistachio and port wine jus. Fine Cut Steakhouse was another winner. I do love my steaks and went straight in for the ever so tender Certified black angus Tomahawk. This restaurant was super fancy with its rich ruby, amber, and gold design elements. But the ultimate winner was Raw on 5. The vibe, fresh seafood, service, view – it all played a huge role. The menu is crafted by expert sushi chef Yoshikazu 'Yoshi' Okada, originally from Japan, with now a restaurant in Hollywood. Everything I ordered was impressive from the assorted sashimi and sushi, lobster tail and crab salad. Every other restaurant is complimentary so you can basically just waltz on in and order whatever you like. The gym I don't think I've seen a bigger gym on land. This one was massive and located at the front of the ship so you're working out with the best view. There's a free weights area and endless cardio and weights machines. They also do classes and have a dedicated stretching area. Now this space was truly something else and so unexpected. As a first time cruiser I really did not expect it to have such lush facilities. It was decked out with a hammam, crystalarium, salt room, steam room and infra-red sauna. I spent a lot of time here. The approximate cost for a day pass is $106 plus a 20 per cent gratuity. Things to do I was worried I was going to get bored but there was plenty going on, whether it was a show in the theatre or (my fave) music you feel like spending, there's a casino and fancy shops board too. Verdict At first, I was sceptical but luckily I was on a cruise that offered plenty to do and see – otherwise it would have been tough given the wild weather conditions. Am I willing to extend further than three days? If it's got facilities like Celebrity Edge, then definitely because the food and activites really made it (especially if things don't go to plan, like not docking at Eden). Aussies are obsessed with cruising I had a quick chat to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director in Australasia Joel Katz, and he told me Aussies love to cruise – and I finally understand why. 'Well over one million Australians take an ocean cruise each year, which is almost 5 per cent of our population and one of the highest rates in the world,' he told me. 'Once people have taken their first cruise, they often come back again and again. Our surveys show around 80 per cent of people who have cruised previously plan to cruise again in the future.' Yes, I am going to be one of those people (surprisingly) given I had no desire previously. 'Younger generations are heading to sea in increasing numbers,' he said. 'Almost one third of Australian cruisers are aged under 40, with Millennials and Gen Zs showing some of the strongest interest in cruising. 'Cruising has always had a very broad appeal, but I think in recent years we've seen some of the stereotypes put aside as people realise there are different styles of cruise to suit different tastes.' (This is me). 'Cruising has always offered excellent value, but people are especially conscious of this right now. A cruise includes your travel, accommodation, dining, activities and live entertainment, all in the one fare.' The cost The cost for the three-night Eden cruise is roughly $1,225 per person in a balcony/stateroom, with the next short trip a five-night sailing through Eden and Tasmania in November from $1945, in a veranda, twin share. Premium beverage and Wi-Fi packages can be added for approximately an additional $130 per person per day for local AUNZ itineraries Mr Katz said at a time when some parts of the world have become expensive to visit and exchange rates are unfavourable, a cruise offers good value and you know the cost upfront. 'Cruise lines have invested billions of dollars in new ships, new technologies and new on-board innovations, and there's more to come.' I now understand why people love to cruise.
ABC News
3 hours ago
- ABC News
Changes at Licola's caravan park and store prompt 'intimidating' threats
Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Macalister River, Licola is a popular stop for four-wheel drivers, motorcyclists and caravanners heading bush to explore Victoria's rugged Alpine National Park. But changes to how the town's store and caravan park will be managed have upset locals and tourists. With a population of about 15, the entire town — including store and caravan park — is privately owned by the Lions Club. Earlier this year, the Licola Wilderness Village board announced it would not renew the lease held by shopkeeper Leanne O'Donnell. And at the caravan park, guests can no longer pay an annual fee to leave their van year-round. "We're trying to keep Licola going," board secretary Stephen Boyes said. Mr Boyes said the changes had caused so much anger that staff at a nearby camp run by the Lions Club had been threatened. Mr Boyes acknowledged the previous operator Leanne O' Donnell had run the shop well, but said the lease had been financially unsustainable for the board. "We're on track to lose about $50,000 this year just maintaining that side of the road," he said. Mr Boyes said the change in management would include introducing 24-hour access to fuel at the store. "We are looking to put an after-hours card payment in on fuel," he said. "The operations will be very much the same. Fuel will remain a major part." The caravan park will temporarily close next year for upgrades, including a new layout for tourist stays, an upgraded power system and a modern camp kitchen. There will be 40 powered sites and 10 riverfront camp sites available by early next year, but annual sites will be removed. "We will be looking to run it as a tourist caravan park … it wouldn't have annuals in [it]. It would be just for short-term stays," Mr Boyes said. "We're doing this to improve viability. "When sites are permanently taken but not occupied, that limits how many visitors we can actually host." Licola is about three hours' drive east of Melbourne and is the only privately owned town in Victoria. All of the facilities in Licola were bought by Lions Club New South Wales and Victoria in 1969 to keep the town alive. The group established Licola Wilderness Village, a camping site that hosts camps for disadvantaged students, which is separate from the caravan park and sits opposite the shop. Mr Boyes said the changes at the general store and caravan park had prompted anger and backlash directed at innocent staff. Mr Boyes said staff at the Licola Wilderness Village camp were getting threats in emails and in person. "We are getting close to a point where we think we may have to remove our staff from the village for a while," he said. Mr Boyes said he wanted locals to understand the board was working in the best interest of Licola. "We have a responsibility under the Corporations Act to act in the best interests of the entity," he said.
ABC News
5 hours ago
- ABC News
Cronulla Sharks to debut historic Pasifika jersey in game against the Warriors this weekend
This evening the Cronulla Sharks NRL team will debut their historic 'Tangata Moana' Pasifika jersey when they run out against the Warriors at home, honouring and acknowledging the Sharks Pasifika players who have laid down the foundation for the players today and for those who will continue to be leaders. The jersey design and concept had been driven by the club's Pasifika and Maori NRL players - KL Iro (Cook Islands), Braden Hamlin-Uele, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Oregon Kaufusi (Samoan), Addin Fonua-Blake, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai and Chris Vea'ila (Tongan) and Briton Nikora, Mawene Hiroti, Tuku Hau Tapuha and Niwai and Hohepa Puru (Maori). The jersey itself 'Tagata Moana' honours the strength, resilience and legacy of Pasifika people. Cronulla Sharks prop and Tonga Rugby League co-captain Addin Fonua Blake says that these qualities show up in the Pasifika community here in Australia. Cronulla Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake is also Tonga Rugby League's co-captain. ( Supplied: Cronulla Sharks ) "Obviously moving countries, working so hard to provide for their families and for their children for a better opportunity in their upbringing," he said. "So you know, they're very resilient people, obviously get knocked about a lot but the determination to keep working hard for their families, it's a strong pillar." Sharks Centre KL Iro agreed, pointing out that most Cook Islanders live abroad but as a nation they're strong and when they go home, everyone's just family. "I think there's 200,000 that live in Australia or New Zealand or everywhere else and there's only 16 or 18 thousand back home," he said. "We've always been a voyaging country but we're proud to be Cook Islanders." Renowned Pasifika artists Allen Vili and Katrina Iosia from the Katal Creative Studio in New Zealand and with Samoan/Maori and Niuean heritage respectively, are behind bringing the designs to life on the jerseys incorporating symbols and patterns from the Pacific. Now that Pacific representation in the NRL is over 50 per cent, fellow Sharks Centre Siosifa Talakai says it's special to have pacific culture represented on the jersey because growing up there weren't many Pacific Islanders in the game. "There wasn't much representation when we were younger in the NRL, but now to have our culture on a jersey, yeah that's something special to all of us," he said "It makes it that much more special that we're going to run out in it come Saturday night." Siosifa Talakai says it'll be special running out wearing the Pasifika jersey. ( Supplied: Cronulla Sharks ) Some of the patterns on the jerseys have special meaning to the players and are patterns that they also have inked on their own bodies. Iro says the Cook Islands designs used on the jerseys are designs he has tattooed and asked to have included on the jersey, the main one being the Tiki Tiki Tangata. "It represents our people holding hands, I've got it tatted on my back as well as the spearhead pattern which represents our warriors as well," he said "It's pretty special to actually see it on our jersey, I don't think an actual Cook Islands design in itself has been on a (NRL) jersey before." This round also doubles as the 'Sharks have heart' round in celebration of the community coming together as one and will be a memorable round for Iro with at least 75 people coming from Rarotonga to watch the game including his father, former Cook Islands and Kiwi international Kevin Iro. The senior Iro is in town coaching the Arorangi Bears Under 13s team, a club that the younger Iro grew up playing for in Rarotonga. KL Iro heads over the try line to score for the Cronulla Sharks. ( Supplied: Cronulla Sharks ) The team played the Kurnell Stingrays last night with cultural performances and a BBQ to celebrate the unity between the clubs after the game. KL who has just recently decided to go by his unofficial birth name which are the initials of his father Kevin Leslie, has fond memories growing up in Rarotonga and is one of only two Cook Islanders who grew up in the Cooks to have made it to the NRL. "Hopefully I can be a role model to younger kids looking up to me, and they can know that it's possible and they can know that they can get here as well," he said. One memory in particular stands out when his father used to coach the Titikaveka Bulldogs and would make the team train longer if they couldn't beat a young KL. "When I was a little kid, I used to be really fit, just a little crazy fella and I used to join the fitness drills with the adults," he laughed. "I think my Dad used to give them a challenge, if I beat them, then they'll keep going so yeah, it's pretty funny. With his father and a big group of Cook Islanders watching on tomorrow, KL and the rest of his Pasifika Sharks team mates will be hoping to emulate the strength, resilience and legacy that their jerseys represent.
