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The Advertiser
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'Farmer wow': tanties, texts and the 'chills you get walking home alone at night'
Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene. Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene. Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene. Farmer Wow! The 'previously on' package has given me chills down my spine as Farmer Tom tells Georgie in the most monotone, expressionless way that he has "fallen head over heels" for her. And not romantic chills either, more like the chills you get when you're walking home alone at night and you sense someone is following you. I can only hope that his flat affect is setting the scene for another fantastic episode of Farmer Wants a Wife. I am pretty bummed out to realise I missed seeing Farmer Corey's family and friends interrogating those poor, unsuspecting women. I wonder if any of these people have worked for ASIO? Farmer Corey - The lack of self-awareness is astounding as Farmer Corey gloats that his friends and family are the best ones to pick the love of his life because 'they know why my past relationships haven't worked'. Maybe he would know the reason, too, if he were a little more present. - Keeley goes in for the old 'Spiderman-style' upside-down kiss, and then backs it up later with some over-the-shirt action by the fire. Good for you Keeley. - I can't believe we're this far along in the season and Corey still has a shocked look on his face every time a woman reminds him they live in another state and might not be able to move at the drop of an Akubra. - Turns out Corey is behind on his farm chores, so he rallies the women to get the harvest to town. Nothing like a bit of free labour to increase on-farm income, just don't tell the ATO. - Jadee final gets some screentime but all Corey can think about is when she's moving in. He has a mortgage to pay and he's keen to go halvesies ASAP. She signs the tentative shareholder agreement with a snog. Farmer Thomas - Taking a plane ride to get to know someone seems like the best way to deal with rejection if it doesn't work out. - Poor Clarette is begging for old mate to communicate with her, but getting a compliment out of Thomas seems to be harder than finding the bung in an algae-filled trough. - Nothing says romance like tartan and Primo Twiggy Sticks, and Rachel can't help but succumb to Thomas' charms. - Thomas lines the women up and lets them know that he has a 'fun day' planned for them. Which is what my dad used to say to me before he'd leave me down the back paddock to rip out old fence posts. Apparently, his heart needs to know who can change a tractor tyre. - Clarette is sneaking around the side verandah to get Farmer T's attention. The camera does a quick pan to his hand rubbing the bit between her lower back and upper bum before they have a big old smooch. Farmer Jack - Who the hell is this guy? - He's nervous, excited and optimistic: sounds like every farmer who's just seen rain on the BoM radar. - He's looking for a woman who is 'down to earth, has a good sense of humour and someone who loves the outdoors'. I feel like he just described the majority of the alas, let the speed-dating begin! - Gold Coast-based Hayley is ready to play out the 'popular girl falls for the outcast' trope in some sort of Superbad meets Sweet Home Alabama mashup. They admit to ignoring each other in high school, but the uplifting music is making me think she's already won. Only time will tell. - Jack is happy to hear that Monique, the brickie, is no stranger to hard work, and it's starting to feel like these farmers are all just looking for a lackey. - After some consultation with the producer, he chose Sarah, Hayley, Olivia, and Monique. - Sarah gets to go back to the farm before the other women arrive, giving her a 24-hour advantage. - Jack takes Sarah out the back door to let her know that everything the light touches could be hers one day, and generously lets her name a few cows to show how serious he is. They reckon there would be some drama in this episode, and it's about blooming time. Farmer Jack: Back at the farm, new 10-year-old Farmer Jack attempts to master the smoulder as he wanders amongst his cows. Unfortunately, it comes across more as a lost primary school student considering a future of petty crime. - A carload of women yelling 'look at those bulls!' turns up. I just need to note toddler farmer Jack's bull is called Sponge Bob. - He says it's not a deal breaker if they can't work on the farm. He then gives them the crappiest job possible on a dairy - cleaning the milking shed. He makes Hayley shove her arm down a drain and pull out handfuls of poo. - The toddler takes his girls go-karting. GO-KARTING. They pull on hair nets and bore around. Sarah has a meltdown because she drives a go-kart like an 87-year-old woman trying to unwrap a barley sugar. - Meanwhile, the toddler and whoever was in his cart can't hear each other. This is how the conversation went: Him: I'm in primary school. Her: I like you toooo! Him: I look like a hobbit. Her: Thank you. My mum gave it to me. - After her crap driving, Sarah attaches herself to Bilbo Baggins, and incessantly rubs his nipple. - All the girls are staying in his play pen. Farmer Corey: - Corey and his girls go to play touch football - seeing five people attempt to play touch is like watching a goat trying to extract its head from a bucket. - Annie is cranky as a newly-spayed cow, and forces Corey into a conversation where she declares her worth. "I KNOW I'M A CATCHHHHH!'. She is so humble. - The whole of Biloela - so 10 people - turn out to watch them play the local team, who appear to be children. The farmer team shows the practice session earlier did not pay off. Farmer Corey doesn't pass the ball to Annie, so she's filthy. - That night at dinner, Annie chucks a tanty because she reckons Keeley is sneaking off to Corey's bed at night. They hiss at each other over the table, and when he returns to tears and scowls, Detective Corey senses there's drama. Keeley and Corey say nothing went on, Annie runs off crying, decides to break up with Corey before he dumps her, and leaves. Farmer Thomas: - Thomas' girls head to the coast on a perfect beach day - windy and gloomy. Thanks again, BoM. Clarette is sticky as a tick in the tropics, and gets the poos when other girls want to see their boyfriend. - But back at the farm, more poop is brewing than in Farmer Jack's dairy drain. Thomas got a text from Claire - you know the girl who left weeks ago? The girls are fuming like a shearer who turns up to full sheep. Farmer Thomas is very respectful towards Claire. "She's dead to me," he declares. He admits he sent Claire a photo of a tractor. Clarette does not want the tractor compromised. - Thomas sends a text to Claire to tell her to bugger off. He then gets cranky with the cameras following him - on a REALITY TV SHOW. Clarette wants to see the messages - there's more there than EBVs for a top-selling bull. He admits to flirting and Clarette calls him names that we got our mouths washed out with soap for. Thomas has had enough - and does a big burn-out in the dirt in the ute and drives away. We're so glad the production crew thought to include the sound of tyres screeching on bitumen for this scene.
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Two words after alleged sex assault: court
A political staffer alleges Kiama MP Gareth Ward told him he would 'take care of him' if he 'stuck by him', the morning after the politician allegedly sexually abused him, a court has been told. Mr Ward, 43, arrived at the Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday, for the second day of his criminal trial, wearing a grey suit and an Akubra hat. The state independent was charged in March 2022 with three counts of assault with act of indecency, an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old man at Meroo Meadow in 2013, and intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in Potts Point, in 2015. In court on Wednesday, the second complainant, who worked as a parliamentary staffer at the time of the alleged acts, was called to give evidence. Kiama Liberal MP Gareth Ward arrives at the Downing Centre Court on Wednesday. Credit: News Corp Australia The man appeared emotional and red in the face as he gave evidence in the criminal trial, and told the court he had attended an event on the night of the alleged assault at NSW Parliament House back in 2015. Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles asked the man about the event, to which the man, who was 24 at the time, said he had drunk 'three or four glasses of white wine', which was 'a lot for him'. The man said he ran into Mr Ward while he was trying to organise a cab ride home. 'We had a brief conversation then he invited me over (to his office at Parliament House) for another drink … I accepted,' he said. 'He poured me a wine, and I took a seat on his couch.' The pair then allegedly had a conversation on the couch, in which Mr Ward told the man he was 'impressed by the work' he was doing and told him he had a 'bright future'. The man told Mr Ward he had to leave as he lived 'a long way away'. 'Then he offered that I could stay at his that night,' the witness said. The pair allegedly walked to Mr Ward's apartment in Potts Point, and along the way Mr Ward continued telling the man about 'how bright' his future was. 'I was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable … he was being a bit too gracious with his kind words about me,' the witness told the court. Back at Mr Ward's apartment, the MP poured the man another drink and the man went onto the balcony. On the balcony, the man alleges Mr Ward leaned in and attempted to kiss him to which the political staffer pushed him away and said 'no'. Mr Ward leaned in again, a short time later and kissed the man, before the 24-year-old said he wanted to go to bed. Kiama Liberal MP Gareth Ward has been charged with historic sexual abuse charges. Credit: News Corp Australia The crown alleges the man was shown to his room by Mr Ward, who had allegedly stripped down to his boxers, before putting an arm over the man, and allegedly putting his hands on his buttocks before he was told to stop. Without warning, its alleged Mr Ward digitally penetrated him anally, before allegedly kissing his neck and masturbating to completion. The 24-year-old said he felt 'a bit down' and 'a little dirty and confused'. The following morning, while walking back to Parliament House, Mr Ward allegedly discussed the 24-year-old's future with him. 'It was a little quiet at first … at one stage he said if I stick by him he'll take care of me,' he said. The two maintained a professional relationship for some time after the alleged events. In March, 2022, the man made a formal statement to police and Mr Ward was formally charged. In her opening address on Tuesday, Ms Knowles told the court she alleges Mr Ward indecently assaulted another man, who had just turned 18, at his home on the South Coast in February 2013. Mr Ward, who remains on conditional bail, has pleaded not guilty to each of the five charges against him. He was committed for trial in August 2022, however, the trial has been delayed a number of times. Beginning his political career in 2011, Mr Ward was a councillor on the Shoalhaven Council, before becoming the Liberal Member for Kiama in 2011. He was re-elected as the MP for Kiama at the most recent state election in 2023. The trial continues. mental health support
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Distressing details as MP's trial begins
Distressing details of how Kiama MP Gareth Ward allegedly sexually abused two men have been heard in court, as the state independent sets out to fight the historic sexual assault allegations at trial. The 43-year-old arrived at the Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday, sporting a navy blue suit and an Akubra hat. Mr Ward was charged in March 2022, with three counts of assault with act of indecency, an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old man at his Meroo Meadow home, in Shoalhaven in February 2013, and intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man at his apartment in Potts Point, in September 2015. The 43-year-old arrived at the Downing Centre, Sydney on Tuesday. Photo: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia A jury for the four-week long trial was empanelled on Tuesday, and crown prosecutor Monika Knowles told the court in her opening address, she alleges Mr Ward indecently assaulted a man, who had just turned 18, at his home on the South Coast in February 2013. The court was told how Mr Ward had met the alleged victim, three months prior in Bomaderry, where they became friends. In February, 2013, the first complainant was at a party before Mr Ward allegedly offered for the alleged victim to come over to his house in Meroo Meadow, and offered to pay for his taxi ride. When he arrived, the 18-year-old realised no one else was at his home and the pair kept drinking at Mr Ward's house. At one point, the 18-year-old was laying on the grass when Mr Ward momentarily went inside. When Mr Ward returned outside the alleged victim pretended to be passed out on the grass, 'as a joke', the crown alleged. 'At this point … without warning the accused slid hand into his shorts and rubbed his buttocks,' she alleged. The alleged victim said he was in 'shock' and he 'froze', before Mr Ward allegedly moved his hand around to the 18-year-old's scrotum. Mr Ward was then told the 18-year-old wanted to go to bed, but Mr Ward replied it was 'not safe' for him to go to bed alone. Inside the home, the 18-year-old laid down on his stomach, before Mr Ward allegedly turned off the lights and mounted him, before allegedly massaging his back. The 18-year-old froze and told the accused to stop and that he wanted to go to sleep, to which Mr Ward allegedly told him to 'relax' before eventually stopping the massage and going to sleep next to him, the crown alleged. Kiama Liberal MP Gareth Ward has been charged with historic sexual abuse charges. Photo: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia The two maintained contact on a 'social level', the court was told. The 18-year-old reported the alleged acts to police in November 2020. The second complainant, was 24 years-old at the time of the alleged sexual assault, in September 2015, the court was told. Ms Knowles alleged the 24-year-old and Mr Ward had attended an event at NSW Parliament House, before he invited the younger man over to his house, since he lived 'far away'. 'He had a few too many drinks and had a long journey ahead of him to go home,' she said. Mr Ward's Potts Point apartment was just a short walk from Parliament House, Ms Knowles said. At the apartment, Mr Ward allegedly poured more drinks for the younger man on the balcony before allegedly attempted to kiss him, to which the alleged victim said no. Mr Ward then allegedly kissed the 24-year-old again, before he was pushed away and said he wanted to go to bed. He was shown to his room by Mr Ward, who had allegedly stripped down to his boxers, before putting an arm over the man, before allegedly putting his hands on his buttocks before he was told to stop. Without warning, its alleged Mr Ward digitally penetrated him anally, before allegedly kissing his neck and masturbating to completion. The 24-year-old said he was left 'sad' and 'confused'. The following morning, while walking back to Parliament House, Mr Ward discussed the 24-year-old's future with him, and said he would take care of him, the crown alleged. The two maintained a professional relationship for some time after the alleged events. In March, 2022, the second complainant made a formal statement to police and Mr Ward was formally charged. Mr Ward, who remains on conditional bail, has pleaded not guilty to each of the five charges against him. He was committed for trial in August 2022, however, the trial has been delayed a number of times. Beginning his political career in 2011, Mr Ward was a councillor on the Shoalhaven Council, before becoming the Liberal Member for Kiama in 2011. The trial continues.
The Advertiser
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
From fashion to farming: The over-50s influencers taking over your feed
From TikTok to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, social media platforms are offering older Australians a place to glow up and show us how to live at any age. Covering areas including gardening, fitness, fashion, musings about everyday life and wellness, these five Australian social media influencers have a vivacity that leaps off mobile phone screens and show how you can be your best self in later stages of life. Read more in The Senior Marion Saunders She might own a country pub made famous by Davie Bowie, but don't think this outback queen always walks around with an Akubra and boots. Marion Saunders has her own online fashion boutique @mazlifestyle where she proudly models clothes aimed at older women to her more than 230,000 followers on Instagram. It's not all glam; she also shows the funny side of life, including the struggle to apply makeup to wrinkly eyelids, plus her own parody of the characters Prue and Trude from Kath & Kim. She is also the owner of the Carinda Hotel - home to David Bowie's Let's Dance music video - and takes you behind the scenes as the site is renovated. Nick Rendina Take a walk around a traditional Italian market garden with the grandfather - sorry, nonno - as he shows off his produce and traditional cooking. Nick Rendina has amassed a big following online as he shows people his produce, recipes plus tips and tricks. Among his videos, the Leeton NSW resident shares how to rejuvenate a stressed-out lemon tree and prepare to graft it with another variety. He also shows how to cook recipes, including the pasta orecchiette (Italian for little ears) with zucchini flowers, and proudly shows off his tomatoes, eggplants and other produce. Using the handle @thehappyharvesterstable, Mr Rendita has more than 170,000 followers on Instagram, 3000 on TikTok and 3000 on YouTube. Marion Maclean This former weight loss coach helps women see the fabulous side of life with her page filled with fashion, beauty and fitness content. No sooner do you see Marion Maclean wearing a fabulous frock or lingerie, she's then doing pushups off a fence by the beach, sharing content she's created with collaborators, and posting messages of kindness. Speaking with ACM in 2024, the Illawarra resident said feeling confident while ageing came down to "loving yourself and embracing the person looking back at you in the mirror", and accepting the wrinkles. Today, she has more than 97,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on TikTok with the handle @embrace_the_50s. Robert and May Leong Better known as @robandmay on social media, Robert and May Leong prove that you're never too old to laugh at yourself. The Sydney-based couple make parody videos of pop culture references multiple generations can relate to, including a takeaway drive-through scene from the movie Dude Where's My Car, being in the top two of an Australian Idol grand final, and what a day in the life of a retiree looks like - including practicing modern slang grandchildren might use. They have a strong following with more than 101,000 followers on Instagram and 56,000 on TikTok. Kaye Cleave This storyteller had no intention of going viral when she started an Instagram account, but knew she had a message to share about ageism. Kaye Cleave uses the platform to tackle issues including ageism, plus how to normalise conversation about grief and loss, and how to stay present as people age. It's also a place where the Adelaide resident shares simple exercises people can try to maintain strength, mobility and flexibility. But there's also a lot of lightness as she makes videos, including doing a handstand to climb into a car, dancing freely on a beach, and tackling a kid's outdoor playground. She has more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram at the handle @ageingdisgracefully_ Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. From TikTok to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, social media platforms are offering older Australians a place to glow up and show us how to live at any age. Covering areas including gardening, fitness, fashion, musings about everyday life and wellness, these five Australian social media influencers have a vivacity that leaps off mobile phone screens and show how you can be your best self in later stages of life. Read more in The Senior Marion Saunders She might own a country pub made famous by Davie Bowie, but don't think this outback queen always walks around with an Akubra and boots. Marion Saunders has her own online fashion boutique @mazlifestyle where she proudly models clothes aimed at older women to her more than 230,000 followers on Instagram. It's not all glam; she also shows the funny side of life, including the struggle to apply makeup to wrinkly eyelids, plus her own parody of the characters Prue and Trude from Kath & Kim. She is also the owner of the Carinda Hotel - home to David Bowie's Let's Dance music video - and takes you behind the scenes as the site is renovated. Nick Rendina Take a walk around a traditional Italian market garden with the grandfather - sorry, nonno - as he shows off his produce and traditional cooking. Nick Rendina has amassed a big following online as he shows people his produce, recipes plus tips and tricks. Among his videos, the Leeton NSW resident shares how to rejuvenate a stressed-out lemon tree and prepare to graft it with another variety. He also shows how to cook recipes, including the pasta orecchiette (Italian for little ears) with zucchini flowers, and proudly shows off his tomatoes, eggplants and other produce. Using the handle @thehappyharvesterstable, Mr Rendita has more than 170,000 followers on Instagram, 3000 on TikTok and 3000 on YouTube. Marion Maclean This former weight loss coach helps women see the fabulous side of life with her page filled with fashion, beauty and fitness content. No sooner do you see Marion Maclean wearing a fabulous frock or lingerie, she's then doing pushups off a fence by the beach, sharing content she's created with collaborators, and posting messages of kindness. Speaking with ACM in 2024, the Illawarra resident said feeling confident while ageing came down to "loving yourself and embracing the person looking back at you in the mirror", and accepting the wrinkles. Today, she has more than 97,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on TikTok with the handle @embrace_the_50s. Robert and May Leong Better known as @robandmay on social media, Robert and May Leong prove that you're never too old to laugh at yourself. The Sydney-based couple make parody videos of pop culture references multiple generations can relate to, including a takeaway drive-through scene from the movie Dude Where's My Car, being in the top two of an Australian Idol grand final, and what a day in the life of a retiree looks like - including practicing modern slang grandchildren might use. They have a strong following with more than 101,000 followers on Instagram and 56,000 on TikTok. Kaye Cleave This storyteller had no intention of going viral when she started an Instagram account, but knew she had a message to share about ageism. Kaye Cleave uses the platform to tackle issues including ageism, plus how to normalise conversation about grief and loss, and how to stay present as people age. It's also a place where the Adelaide resident shares simple exercises people can try to maintain strength, mobility and flexibility. But there's also a lot of lightness as she makes videos, including doing a handstand to climb into a car, dancing freely on a beach, and tackling a kid's outdoor playground. She has more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram at the handle @ageingdisgracefully_ Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. From TikTok to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, social media platforms are offering older Australians a place to glow up and show us how to live at any age. Covering areas including gardening, fitness, fashion, musings about everyday life and wellness, these five Australian social media influencers have a vivacity that leaps off mobile phone screens and show how you can be your best self in later stages of life. Read more in The Senior Marion Saunders She might own a country pub made famous by Davie Bowie, but don't think this outback queen always walks around with an Akubra and boots. Marion Saunders has her own online fashion boutique @mazlifestyle where she proudly models clothes aimed at older women to her more than 230,000 followers on Instagram. It's not all glam; she also shows the funny side of life, including the struggle to apply makeup to wrinkly eyelids, plus her own parody of the characters Prue and Trude from Kath & Kim. She is also the owner of the Carinda Hotel - home to David Bowie's Let's Dance music video - and takes you behind the scenes as the site is renovated. Nick Rendina Take a walk around a traditional Italian market garden with the grandfather - sorry, nonno - as he shows off his produce and traditional cooking. Nick Rendina has amassed a big following online as he shows people his produce, recipes plus tips and tricks. Among his videos, the Leeton NSW resident shares how to rejuvenate a stressed-out lemon tree and prepare to graft it with another variety. He also shows how to cook recipes, including the pasta orecchiette (Italian for little ears) with zucchini flowers, and proudly shows off his tomatoes, eggplants and other produce. Using the handle @thehappyharvesterstable, Mr Rendita has more than 170,000 followers on Instagram, 3000 on TikTok and 3000 on YouTube. Marion Maclean This former weight loss coach helps women see the fabulous side of life with her page filled with fashion, beauty and fitness content. No sooner do you see Marion Maclean wearing a fabulous frock or lingerie, she's then doing pushups off a fence by the beach, sharing content she's created with collaborators, and posting messages of kindness. Speaking with ACM in 2024, the Illawarra resident said feeling confident while ageing came down to "loving yourself and embracing the person looking back at you in the mirror", and accepting the wrinkles. Today, she has more than 97,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on TikTok with the handle @embrace_the_50s. Robert and May Leong Better known as @robandmay on social media, Robert and May Leong prove that you're never too old to laugh at yourself. The Sydney-based couple make parody videos of pop culture references multiple generations can relate to, including a takeaway drive-through scene from the movie Dude Where's My Car, being in the top two of an Australian Idol grand final, and what a day in the life of a retiree looks like - including practicing modern slang grandchildren might use. They have a strong following with more than 101,000 followers on Instagram and 56,000 on TikTok. Kaye Cleave This storyteller had no intention of going viral when she started an Instagram account, but knew she had a message to share about ageism. Kaye Cleave uses the platform to tackle issues including ageism, plus how to normalise conversation about grief and loss, and how to stay present as people age. It's also a place where the Adelaide resident shares simple exercises people can try to maintain strength, mobility and flexibility. But there's also a lot of lightness as she makes videos, including doing a handstand to climb into a car, dancing freely on a beach, and tackling a kid's outdoor playground. She has more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram at the handle @ageingdisgracefully_ Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. From TikTok to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, social media platforms are offering older Australians a place to glow up and show us how to live at any age. Covering areas including gardening, fitness, fashion, musings about everyday life and wellness, these five Australian social media influencers have a vivacity that leaps off mobile phone screens and show how you can be your best self in later stages of life. Read more in The Senior Marion Saunders She might own a country pub made famous by Davie Bowie, but don't think this outback queen always walks around with an Akubra and boots. Marion Saunders has her own online fashion boutique @mazlifestyle where she proudly models clothes aimed at older women to her more than 230,000 followers on Instagram. It's not all glam; she also shows the funny side of life, including the struggle to apply makeup to wrinkly eyelids, plus her own parody of the characters Prue and Trude from Kath & Kim. She is also the owner of the Carinda Hotel - home to David Bowie's Let's Dance music video - and takes you behind the scenes as the site is renovated. Nick Rendina Take a walk around a traditional Italian market garden with the grandfather - sorry, nonno - as he shows off his produce and traditional cooking. Nick Rendina has amassed a big following online as he shows people his produce, recipes plus tips and tricks. Among his videos, the Leeton NSW resident shares how to rejuvenate a stressed-out lemon tree and prepare to graft it with another variety. He also shows how to cook recipes, including the pasta orecchiette (Italian for little ears) with zucchini flowers, and proudly shows off his tomatoes, eggplants and other produce. Using the handle @thehappyharvesterstable, Mr Rendita has more than 170,000 followers on Instagram, 3000 on TikTok and 3000 on YouTube. Marion Maclean This former weight loss coach helps women see the fabulous side of life with her page filled with fashion, beauty and fitness content. No sooner do you see Marion Maclean wearing a fabulous frock or lingerie, she's then doing pushups off a fence by the beach, sharing content she's created with collaborators, and posting messages of kindness. Speaking with ACM in 2024, the Illawarra resident said feeling confident while ageing came down to "loving yourself and embracing the person looking back at you in the mirror", and accepting the wrinkles. Today, she has more than 97,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on TikTok with the handle @embrace_the_50s. Robert and May Leong Better known as @robandmay on social media, Robert and May Leong prove that you're never too old to laugh at yourself. The Sydney-based couple make parody videos of pop culture references multiple generations can relate to, including a takeaway drive-through scene from the movie Dude Where's My Car, being in the top two of an Australian Idol grand final, and what a day in the life of a retiree looks like - including practicing modern slang grandchildren might use. They have a strong following with more than 101,000 followers on Instagram and 56,000 on TikTok. Kaye Cleave This storyteller had no intention of going viral when she started an Instagram account, but knew she had a message to share about ageism. Kaye Cleave uses the platform to tackle issues including ageism, plus how to normalise conversation about grief and loss, and how to stay present as people age. It's also a place where the Adelaide resident shares simple exercises people can try to maintain strength, mobility and flexibility. But there's also a lot of lightness as she makes videos, including doing a handstand to climb into a car, dancing freely on a beach, and tackling a kid's outdoor playground. She has more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram at the handle @ageingdisgracefully_ Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Anthony Albanese criticised for breaking protocol during Pope Leo XIV's inauguration
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticised for wearing an Akubra during Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass. While world leaders and royals alike braved the heat in Vatican City on Sunday, Albanese was seen sporting the iconic Aussie garment. Dr Claudio Betti, director of Australian Catholic University told Sunrise Albanese's attire was 'absolutely not' within protocol. 'But of course, the sun was very bad,' Dr Betti said. 'I think considering it's a liturgical celebration, men should not wear hats but eventually the protocol had to be changed a little bit because the sun was really hot. 'And it lasted three hours and a half.' Very few other attendees were spotted wearing hats. After a clip of the PM's hat was shared online, many Aussies called him an 'embarrassment' for breaking the church's protocol. 'A national embarrassment,' one wrote. 'Does he know how ridiculous he looks?' another said. However, others came to the defence of Albanese, saying it was unreasonable to expect those waiting outside for several hours to forgo sun protection. 'It was an outside service, it was very hot. Common sense to have his hat on,' one said. 'If wearing a hat in the sun is breaking protocol, perhaps a new protocol needs to be made,' another wrote. Albanese later documented his meeting, minus the Akubra, with the new Pope on social media. Footage showed the pair shaking hands and sharing a brief conversation. 'Honoured to attend the inaugural Mass and meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who is in the prayers of Australia's five million Catholics today,' Albanese wrote. Ahead of the ceremony, he told reporters in Rome: 'It will be a special day for the five million Australians of Catholic faith ... and it is a great honour for me to be here representing Australia.' Since arriving in Rome, Albanese has met with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli at Domus Australia. The mass, attended by tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square, began at 10am local time (6pm Sunday AEST). Church leaders presented the Pope with the pallium, a vestment that signifies his assumption of the papacy, and a fisherman's ring, the symbol of the first apostles being 'fishers of men' in the gospels. Albanese said the Pope would be invited to Australia for the International Eucharist Conference in 2028. If it goes ahead, the trip would mark the first papal visit to Australia in more than a decade and attract thousands of Catholics from around the globe. 'As part of this visit we will be inviting his holiness Pope Leo to visit Australia at that time and give us that honour,' Albanese said. He will lobby for the visit alongside Australia's ambassador to the Holy See, former federal minister and Nationals MP Keith Pitt, who also attended the inaugural mass at St Peter's Basilica on Sunday. 'It's been a long time since a Pope has been in Australia,' Pitt told Sky News. He added that the Pope, who hailed from America but spent much of his life in Peru, was 'a student of the world'. 'He's been to Australia a number of times ... and I was reminded again this morning by an Archbishop that apparently he loves Tim Tams,' Pitt said. Albanese, who is also Catholic, said he did not often talk about his religious views but they had helped inform his politics. 'One of my first memories is of Pope Paul VI visiting Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown, across the road from my house,' he said. 'My mum took me across to get close to Pope Paul.
