Latest news with #Bartel
7NEWS
7 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
AFL great Jimmy Bartel opens up on ‘incredibly violent' father and dark family past
Geelong champion and Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel has revisited his dark childhood and time spent with an abusive, alcoholic father. Bartel, an Australian Football Hall of Famer, has previously spoken about his violent father, but he has now shared more details about the relationship, and documented one 'scary' night in particular. Bartel was only a baby when his parents split up but his father still featured in his life. 'I didn't understand the reason for the separation early doors or the volatility in that relationship,'' Bartel said on the A Life of Greatness podcast. 'Even though my parents divorced, my mum never said a negative word about my father, who was violent. 'He battled alcoholism and gambling addictions and was incredibly violent towards my mum and others in my family (Bartel has two sisters). 'I was shielded a bit being younger but as you got older your eyes start to open (and) you go, 'That's not right'. 'It became a real tough thing for me to deal with. 'I'm pretty guarded and reserved, and I remember coming home, I went straight to my bedroom and then mum comes in and goes, 'What's wrong?' I just don't think he's the person I think he is ... I didn't have a great time up there with him and had a pretty average night, one night with him, which is pretty scary for myself. 'We had been heavily drinking and things like that, he got pretty physical with myself, sort of stuff (behaviour) that you'd put away and seen earlier, that sort of all came to the surface.' Bartel said his father would still came around to his family home, even though his mother had an AVO on him. 'He came around and told her to lift the AVO or else he was going to take mum. And he did. He took my mum out of the house and took her,' he said. 'I remember looking out the loungeroom window and he was taking my mum and I only found out until I was older, he was taking mum out to the back of Geelong and pretty much gave her the ultimatum, either remove the AVO or this is the end for you. 'And so it was a tough decision for my mum, do you leave three kids with no mum or you come back home and you remove the AVO and you try and manage things a different way. 'So it was, it wasn't until I was older, you know, in your teenage years where you start to work out, hang on, this is not the hero that you want as a dad.' Bartel also touched on his life with former wife (model and influencer) Nadia Bartel. 'I've never commented on anything to do about my separation,' he said. 'I never will because I just don't think it's needed. And so I just go about my business. I don't see what's so fascinating about myself. 'Like there's nothing that I can do and say. And other people's opinion on me is none of my business. And so they'll form their own narrative, their own thinking, or their own thought. 'The only thing that matters to me is the people that I care about and I just foster those relationships and it can be tough at times (because) you do want to bite back and you do want to respond or you want to go, 'Well, I'll say my bit,' but people don't care. 'Deep down they don't. The people who care are the people that actually care about you. And so that's all I'm worried and focused about.' Bartel also spoke about his former teammate Joel Selwood, who this year lost his older twin brothers. 'I don't think we can ever comprehend it,'' Bartel said. 'Joel, who's obviously the famous Joel Selwood, there's a grandstand (named after him), he and I lived together for quite some time,' Bartel said. 'Then of course, his parents, my mum and his parents became quite close. I played over 13 years with Joel and shared so much with him. And I think the most difficult thing is, like, what do you say? And I know that's the minor end of the problem, but you just want to make it all better for them. 'Then you think everyone's trying to make it all better for them, but trying to let them know whatever you need, we're there. And the resilience of that family is extraordinary. I still can't get my head around it. 'I think it gets put into laser focus with when you have your own kids (and) losing one child ... every time you think about it, you think about Joel, you think about Scott, the youngest brother, and then Bryce and Maree, it's like, can you give me some of your hurt? And I think everyone thinks that, can you move some of that load on to us? Because no one deserves that.'
West Australian
05-08-2025
- West Australian
Jimmy Bartel: Former AFL star reveals violent father's impact on childhood and connection to Selwood family
Former AFL star-turned-media personality Jimmy Bartel has lifted the lid on his troubled childhood at the hands of his 'violent' father, and revealed why he believes the game's first openly gay men's player is yet to come forward. In a candid interview with Sarah Grynberg on the A Life of Greatness podcast , Bartel revealed that behind the three-time premiership player and Brownlow medallist was a man who had endured his fair share of personal challenges. Largely raised in Geelong, the ex-Cat's parents separated when he was just one-year-old, recalling a pivotal moment in his relationship with his father after spending school holidays with him aged 14. 'I'm pretty guarded and reserved, and I remember coming home, I went straight to my bedroom and then Mum comes in and goes, 'What's wrong?'' Bartel recalled, responding, 'I just don't think he's the person I think he is'. 'I didn't have a great time up there with him and had a pretty average night, one night with him, which (was) pretty scary for myself. He had been heavily drinking and things like that, he got pretty physical with myself, sort of stuff that you'd put away and seen earlier, that sort of all came to the surface.' Bartel shares sons Henley and Aston with ex-wife Nadia Bartel, and young daughter Paloma with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd. He added it was difficult to see his father, who had battled alcoholism, turn on his charm and charisma around friends but cut a totally different figure in the presence of loved ones. At one particularly low point, the former player revealed his father threatened to end his mother's life if she didn't allow him more time with Bartel and his two sisters. Despite his parents' separation, Bartel said his father would 'come around home and my mum had placed an AVO (Apprehended Violence Order) on him, he came around and told her to lift the AVO or else he was going to take mum'. 'I remember looking out the lounge room window and he was taking my mum and I only found out until I was older, he was taking mum out to the back of Geelong and pretty much gave her the ultimatum, either remove the AVO or this is the end for you. 'And so it was a tough decision for my mum, do you leave three kids with no mum or you come back home and you remove the AVO and you try and manage things a different way?' Sharing much of his playing career with fellow club legend Joel Selwood, the 41-year-old said it was difficult to watch his close friend suffer the tragedy of two premature family deaths in brothers Troy and Adam earlier this year. And with more than just his personal connection to the Selwoods, Bartel said his mother had also drawn close to Bryce and Marie Selwood after sharing the locker room with their son for more than 13 years. 'I think the most difficult thing is, like, what do you say? And I know that's the minor end of the problem, but you just want to make it all better for them,' Bartel said. 'But then you want them to know that you're still always there, even after the phone call, the message, or seeing them in person. And the resilience of that family is extraordinary. I still can't get my head around it. 'I think it gets put into laser focus, you know, with when you have your own kids losing one child.' Having met all types of AFL players in his time, Bartel shared what he believed might be holding back the game's first ever openly gay male player from coming out. Describing modern AFL locker rooms as 'open-minded', Bartel suggested clubs are better placed than ever to support such a player. And it's just as likely an accomplished star feels forced to mask their sexuality as someone on the fringe. 'One of the factors I think might be holding back a player, a male player of coming out is that'll be all they'll be referenced as for the rest of their life… he might be a four-time Brownlow medal winner, five time Premiership player, won every award in the game, 300 games, a legend. But if they were the first player, that would be how they'd describe them,' he said. 'And I think it diminishes what they've done incredibly well in the game. Not that it should, but I reckon there'd be some who might be thinking, you know, do I want that always attached to me? And again, that's only an opinion of someone who's never walked a mile in that person's shoes.' Retiring in 2016 after 305 games, Bartel has since become heavily involved in AFL media across TV and radio as an analyst.
Perth Now
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
AFL champ details abusive upbringing with ‘violent' father
Former AFL star-turned-media personality Jimmy Bartel has lifted the lid on his troubled childhood at the hands of his 'violent' father, and revealed why he believes the game's first openly gay men's player is yet to come forward. In a candid interview with Sarah Grynberg on the A Life of Greatness podcast, Bartel revealed that behind the three-time premiership player and Brownlow medallist was a man who had endured his fair share of personal challenges. Largely raised in Geelong, the ex-Cat's parents separated when he was just one-year-old, recalling a pivotal moment in his relationship with his father after spending school holidays with him aged 14. 'I'm pretty guarded and reserved, and I remember coming home, I went straight to my bedroom and then Mum comes in and goes, 'What's wrong?'' Bartel recalled, responding, 'I just don't think he's the person I think he is'. 'I didn't have a great time up there with him and had a pretty average night, one night with him, which (was) pretty scary for myself. He had been heavily drinking and things like that, he got pretty physical with myself, sort of stuff that you'd put away and seen earlier, that sort of all came to the surface.' Bartel shares sons Henley and Aston with ex-wife Nadia Bartel, and young daughter Paloma with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd. Jimmy Bartel and partner Amelia Shepperd. Credit: Jimmy Bartel / IG He added it was difficult to see his father, who had battled alcoholism, turn on his charm and charisma around friends but cut a totally different figure in the presence of loved ones. At one particularly low point, the former player revealed his father threatened to end his mother's life if she didn't allow him more time with Bartel and his two sisters. Jimmy Bartel and his sons Henley and Aston. Credit: Jiimmy Bartel/IG / IG Despite his parents' separation, Bartel said his father would 'come around home and my mum had placed an AVO (Apprehended Violence Order) on him, he came around and told her to lift the AVO or else he was going to take mum'. 'I remember looking out the lounge room window and he was taking my mum and I only found out until I was older, he was taking mum out to the back of Geelong and pretty much gave her the ultimatum, either remove the AVO or this is the end for you. 'And so it was a tough decision for my mum, do you leave three kids with no mum or you come back home and you remove the AVO and you try and manage things a different way?' Sharing much of his playing career with fellow club legend Joel Selwood, the 41-year-old said it was difficult to watch his close friend suffer the tragedy of two premature family deaths in brothers Troy and Adam earlier this year. And with more than just his personal connection to the Selwoods, Bartel said his mother had also drawn close to Bryce and Marie Selwood after sharing the locker room with their son for more than 13 years. Geelong v St Kilda in the Grand Final at the MCG; Joel Selwood, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel and Cameron Ling with the cup. Credit: Mal Fairclough / WA News 'I think the most difficult thing is, like, what do you say? And I know that's the minor end of the problem, but you just want to make it all better for them,' Bartel said. 'But then you want them to know that you're still always there, even after the phone call, the message, or seeing them in person. And the resilience of that family is extraordinary. I still can't get my head around it. 'I think it gets put into laser focus, you know, with when you have your own kids losing one child.' Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood and Scott Selwood embrace during Troy Selwood's Funeral Service at GMHBA Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Geelong. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images Having met all types of AFL players in his time, Bartel shared what he believed might be holding back the game's first ever openly gay male player from coming out. Describing modern AFL locker rooms as 'open-minded', Bartel suggested clubs are better placed than ever to support such a player. And it's just as likely an accomplished star feels forced to mask their sexuality as someone on the fringe. 'One of the factors I think might be holding back a player, a male player of coming out is that'll be all they'll be referenced as for the rest of their life… he might be a four-time Brownlow medal winner, five time Premiership player, won every award in the game, 300 games, a legend. But if they were the first player, that would be how they'd describe them,' he said. 'And I think it diminishes what they've done incredibly well in the game. Not that it should, but I reckon there'd be some who might be thinking, you know, do I want that always attached to me? And again, that's only an opinion of someone who's never walked a mile in that person's shoes.' Retiring in 2016 after 305 games, Bartel has since become heavily involved in AFL media across TV and radio as an analyst.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Syrian girl receives life-saving treatment at Rambam Hospital in Haifa
The evacuation and treatment of Syrians at Israeli hospitals have been a part of ongoing humanitarian initiatives, with full approval from military censors to ensure safety and well-being. A 12-year-oldSyrian girl who was critically ill due to a heart problem received life-saving treatment at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa last week, following a joint humanitarian effort between the IDF and the "Yitro - Jews for Druze" association. The young girl was evacuated from southern Syria last Thursday and brought to the Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital at Rambam. She was in a life-threatening condition, requiring urgent medical care. Accompanied by her mother, the girl underwent a medical procedure in the pediatric intensive care unit to treat her heart issue. After four days of intensive care, her condition improved significantly, and she was released in stable condition. Following her discharge from the hospital, the girl was transferred back to the IDF, which arranged for her safe return to a meeting point in southern Syria to reunite with her father. Mr. Amnon Bartel, chairman of the Yitro Association, expressed his gratitude to the IDF for making the operation possible and praised Rambam Health Care Campus for its professional medical care. "This complex and moving humanitarian effort exemplifies our commitment to saving lives. Rambam and the Yitro Foundation will continue to work together to provide medical excellence and support to those in need," said Bartel. The evacuation and treatment of Syrians at Israeli hospitals have been a part of ongoing humanitarian initiatives, with full approval from military censors to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
Campaign ME
28-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Instinctif Partners MENA acquired by Italy's Excellera
Excellera Advisory Group, a corporate affairs advisory group based in Italy, has acquired Instinctif Partners MENA, a leading strategic communications consultancy in the MENA region. The acquisition aligns with Excellera's growth strategy launched in 2022 with the strategic and financial support of Xenon Private Equity. The move also aims to further consolidate the Group's position as a reference point in corporate affairs. This deal will give Excellera a significant presence in the Middle East and Arabic-speaking North African markets, where Instinctif Partners MENA has built a strong presence over the past 12 years. The company will retain the same management team, led by founder CEO Samantha Bartel, and will operate under a new name, IP Excellera, marking the change in ownership of the company and Excellera's expanding footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing and most dynamic markets. 'We are delighted to be joining Excellera Advisory Group for the next stage of our growth journey. It has been an amazing 12 years since we established in MENA and I'd like to thank all colleagues for their hard work and dedication and clients for their loyalty, who have made it so special over the years,' said Bartel. With the addition of IP Excellera, the Group claims its total turnover will exceed $75 million, with a team of more than 350 professionals, further extending its international footprint. IP Excellera's offices in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will expand the Group's global network, which already includes locations in Bergamo, Berlin, Brussels, Genoa, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, New York, Paris, Rome, and Treviso, bringing the total to 15 locations worldwide. Gianfranco Piras, Chairman of Excellera Advisory Group and Partner at Xenon Private Equity, said: 'The acquisition of IP MENA marks a fundamental step in Excellera's growth journey, confirming the soundness of our investment strategy and the Group's ability to attract high-value companies in fast-growing markets.' IP Excellera will operate as an integrated strategic advisory firm with offers across strategic communications, capital markets and investor relations, corporate reporting, and ESG & sustainability. A team of 60 talented consultants, drawn from the world's leading financial, government, and academic institutions, offers clients best-in-class advice to help them navigate risk, reputation, and change. The company also claims to represent clients in the public and private sectors and has a portfolio of more than 100 corporate clients with a combined market value of over $3 trillion. 'At Xenon Private Equity, we have believed from the very beginning in the creation of a strong, competitive Group capable of establishing itself as a leading player in the corporate affairs sector and serving as a platform for further aggregation,' Piras said. 'Entering the MENA region strengthens Excellera's platform and broadens its scope, laying the foundations for long-term growth.' Leadership at IP Excellera claims the company has achieved more than 20 per cent annual growth for the last 5 years, cementing its position as a leading advisory firm in the region and setting a strong basis for growth in partnership with Excellera. 'This transaction is another important step in our international development strategy,' said Paolo Zanetto, CEO of Excellera Advisory Group, on the acquisition. 'In an increasingly interconnected world, the EMEA region has become a natural arena for those, like us, who provide strategic advice on complex and global issues,' he added. IP Excellera's integrated service offering aims to be complementary to Excellera's strength in financial communications and its leading position in M&A in Europe, which will enable organic growth across the Group. 'We will continue to build our value proposition so we can consistently offer our clients the very best advice across strategic communications, capital markets and investor relations, corporate reporting, and ESG & sustainability and service our growing client roster even better,' Bartel added. Finally, Julian Walker, CEO of Instinctif Partners, also commented on the acquisition, following the sale. 'On behalf of us all, I thank Sam and her team for such consistently great work and send our very best wishes for their future as part of Excellera,' he said, noting the new potential of IP Excellera's new journey.
