Latest news with #250thParkrun


Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
$30K for breakfast? How Napier Council is justifying the spend as job cuts loom
Napier City Council drew public attention after it disclosed nearly $30,000 spent on a staff Christmas breakfast for 612 employees, plus a $480 depot morning tea, totaling $32,089.50 over three months. The expense was revealed in the Audit & Risk Committee's sensitive expenditure report for December 2024 to March 2025. With more than 100 staff positions under review, critics say the lavish outlay feels out of step with the council's financial climate. Mayor Kirsten Wise defended the cost, stating it aligned with council policy on staff recognition . She called the breakfast 'a small but meaningful opportunity' to thank those who work early shifts and maintain essential services during the holidays. Also Read: Meet Professor Richard Scolyer, the scientist who just completed his 250th Parkrun while battling terminal brain cancer Wise described the NZD 48.22 per-person cost, covering food, coffee, logistics, and set-up, as reasonable and transparently reported. Live Events Councillor and candidate Nigel Simpson said the tradition began under a previous CEO and could be made more cost-efficient, perhaps by switching to filter coffee. Local caterers are surprised at the per-head cost. A cooked breakfast for 600 typically costs around NZD 22, with continental options under NZD 20. In contrast, Napier's breakfast cost NZD 48.22, presumably including logistics, equipment hire, staff, and coffee expenses. Chief Executive Louise Miller explained that the annual breakfast at McLean Park has been the only council-funded staff recognition event since 2019. She said the event brings together colleagues who rarely meet and rewards their hard work. The Napier council is undergoing a structural review, with proposals considering cuts to more than 100 roles. In a climate of fiscal restraint, some argue that big spending on staff events could erode public trust. Others say investing in staff morale supports service delivery, especially during periods of change. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )


Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Meet Professor Richard Scolyer, the scientist who just completed his 250th Parkrun while battling terminal brain cancer
Australian pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer , completed his 250th Parkrun on June 14 at Haberfield's Greenway Reserve in Sydney's inner west. A crowd of almost 600 family, friends, and locals cheered as Scolyer finished alongside his wife, Katie Nicoll. Moments later, rain cleared to reveal a rainbow arching over the park—a symbol of hope for many. Just two years ago, in 2023, Professor Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with Glioblastoma , one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer . The kind of diagnosis that comes with limited options and even fewer hopes. Also Read: Tattle Life founder unmasked: Who is Sebastian Bond, the man behind the toxic gossip forum? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Kalinga-apayso - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now He underwent experimental immunotherapy , the same used in melanoma treatment, which delayed progression for nearly two years. In March 2025, doctors confirmed a recurrence and gave him just months to live. But Scolyer, never one to back down, didn't just submit to the odds. He turned his life and illness into a global scientific experiment. Live Events Completing the Parkrun milestone, Scolyer said he doubted he would make it. He praised the turnout and the supportive atmosphere, saying, 'One of the challenges of having cancer is the worry for the future, but there's more to life.'. Also Read: What happened to Yung Filly? Inside the allegations that made the Beta Squad star fall from fame Who is Richard Scolyer? Professor Richard Anthony Scolyer, born December 16, 1966, in Launceston, Tasmania, is a world-leading melanoma researcher. He is a senior specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Conjoint Professor at the University of Sydney . Scolyer co-leads the melanoma research program at the Melanoma Institute Australia . He has authored over 700 publications and was the world's No. 10 publisher in melanoma research in 2019. He earned an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2021 and, with Professor Georgina Long, was named Australian of the Year in 2024. In 2025, he won the Social Impact Book of the Year award for Brainstorm, co-written with Garry Maddox. Also Read: Superannuation changes explained: Why 80,000 retired and super-rich Aussies will pay more tax For Richard, the event was deeply emotional. His wife Katie, who began running with him post-diagnosis, recorded her personal best. Their daughter Emily said the run and the rainbow felt guided by a higher force. Hundreds of supporters celebrated with cupcakes and balloons spelling '250'. He hinted at another walking or cycling option, possibly returning to the City2Surf 15 km run.

The Age
a day ago
- Sport
- The Age
Professor Richard Scolyer completes his 250th Parkrun
Hundreds of people cheered on Professor Richard Scolyer as he completed his 250th Parkrun at Haberfield in Sydney's inner west this morning.


9 News
a day ago
- Sport
- 9 News
Professor Richard Scolyer completes his 250th Parkrun at Haberfield in Sydney's inner west
Hundreds of people cheered on Professor Richard Scolyer as he completed his 250th Parkrun at Haberfield in Sydney's inner west this morning.

Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Professor Richard Scolyer completes his 250th Parkrun
Hundreds of people cheered on Professor Richard Scolyer as he completed his 250th Parkrun at Haberfield in Sydney's inner west this morning.