Latest news with #Cowper
ABC News
29-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
AEC investigates high informal vote at Missabotti election polling place
People who cast ballots in the recent federal election at a small booth in northern New South Wales are worried they will be known as the "stupidest" voters in Australia. Of the 111 people who voted at Missabotti, south-west of Coffs Harbour, 50 filled out the House of Representatives ballot incorrectly. Many are now blaming incorrect directions issued by Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) staff. Missabotti is in the electorate of Cowper, which had 11 lower house candidates. Resident Adrian Weir said he could clearly recall his conversation with an AEC employee who handed over his ballot papers. "They just said to vote one to six, that's all you needed to do [on both ballot papers]," Mr Weir said. The experience has sparked a formal AEC investigation and left residents calling for better training procedures for regional election staff. One resident joked during an emergency meeting of concerned locals that "everyone is going to think we're the stupidest people in Australia". Another resident, Dawn Kennedy, said she carefully researched how she would cast her vote in the federal election. But she said AEC staff handing over her ballot papers told her only to number six candidates for the House of Representatives. "I said straight away, 'Isn't it one to 11?', and she said, 'No, it can be just one to six,'" Ms Kennedy said. Ms Kennedy followed the instructions and cast her vote but became confused after overhearing contrary instructions from a friend handing out how-to-vote cards. "So I went back inside to question it, and [was told], 'No, you can vote one to six on the House of Representatives form.'" "He said it was a valid vote." Days after the election, Ms Kennedy realised something had gone horribly wrong after her daughter noticed a massive spike in the rate of informal voting in Missabotti. It recorded the highest increase in informal voting (up 38.35 per cent) anywhere in Australia, other than a few mobile polling teams deployed to hospitals and prisons. AEC spokesperson Alex Morris said it was clear that something had gone wrong in Missabotti. "The open question now is what exactly has happened here, and what instructions were provided to voters?" he said. Mr Morris said the informal votes would not change the result in Cowper, which was won by Nationals MP Pat Conaghan by a margin of 5,441 votes. The AEC said it had not received allegations of incorrect information being issued by staff at other polling places. Missabotti resident Spencer Parry said he too was given the wrong information about how to vote, but decided to follow the instructions on the ballot paper to number every candidate. He said the incident had shaken his faith in the democratic system. "How did that come about? Was it just one person's mistake or are there many other polling booths around the country that would hold the same wrong information?
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Former Australian cricketer and Monaco-based multimillionaire Bob Cowper dies at the age of 84
Former Australian cricketer Bob Cowper has died at the age of 84. Cowper was the first batter to score a triple-century against England in Australia. The Victorian represented Australia from 1964-68, representing his nation in 27 Test matches. The southpaw scored 2061 runs in his career, which includes the triple-ton, which lasted for about 12 hours at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1966. Cowper remained the only Australian to score a triple hundred on home soil until Mathew Hayden's 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003. 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper, who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket,' Cricket Australia chair, Mike Baird, said. 'Bob was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple-century at the MCG, as well as his strong influence in the Australian and Victorian teams of the 1960s. 'He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles, including as an ICC match referee, and his wisdom was always keenly sought,' Baird added. 'On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob's family, friends and former teammates at this very sad time.' Cowper retired from cricket at the age of 28 and pursued a career in finance. He became a Monaco-based multimillionaire working in stockbroking and banking. 'Too intelligent and ambitious to linger long in a game offering such modest financial rewards,' said renowned Australian journalist Gideon Haigh, speaking to ESPNcricinfo. 'His fertile cricket imagination and sense of injustice at the lot of the average Australian cricketer left a strong impression on Ian Chappell, in time a militant campaigner for the rights of his comrades,' he added. 'I'm proud of what I achieved. It was totally different in those days . . . everyone had another career running alongside cricket. It would have been a great honour to be there but, as you can imagine, it's a little far to go.'' Cowper told Fairfax Media in 2003.
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Business Standard
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Former Aussie legend Bob Cowper dies at 84 due to undisclosed illness
Bob Cowper, the elegant left-hander who etched his name into cricket history with Test cricket's first triple century on Australian soil, has died aged 84 after an undisclosed illness. Cricket Australia confirmed the news on Sunday, describing Cowper as a respected figure whose contributions had left a lasting impact on the game. Officials recalled his legendary 307 at the MCG in 1966 as a defining moment in Australian cricket, praising his consistency and poise at the crease. They also reflected on his influence in the national and Victorian teams during the 1960s. Cowper's family, including his wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera, survive him. The cricket community is remembering him not just for his runs, but for the dignity and dedication he brought to the sport. A brief but impactful Test career Cowper played 27 Tests for Australia between 1964 and 1968, scoring 2,061 runs at an average of 46.84. He notched up five centuries and also contributed with the ball, taking 36 wickets with his part-time off-spin. His calm demeanour and technical proficiency made him one of the most reliable batters of his time. Historic triple century at the MCG The highlight of Cowper's career came in February 1966, when he scored a mammoth 307 against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The innings, which lasted 12 hours and took 589 balls, remains the only Test triple century made in Australia in the 20th century. It came in dramatic fashion after Cowper had been left out of the previous Test in Adelaide and returned on his home ground to produce one of the game's greatest innings. Second only to Bradman at home Cowper's record on home soil was particularly outstanding. His average of 75.78 in Tests played in Australia ranks second only to Sir Donald Bradman, cementing his place among the elite. Though his international career was relatively short, he left an enduring mark with both bat and ball. Life beyond cricket Following his retirement in 1968, Cowper pursued a career as a stockbroker but remained involved in cricket as an ICC match referee. His lifelong service to the game was recognised in 2023 when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Tributes from Cricket Australia Cricket Australia remembered Cowper as a 'wonderful batter' and a figure who had a 'strong influence' on Australian and Victorian cricket. Chairman Mike Baird said Cowper's triple century at the MCG would forever be one of the sport's iconic moments, highlighting both his skill and composure. A lasting legacy Survived by his wife and two daughters, Bob Cowper leaves behind not only a remarkable statistical record but also a legacy of grace and commitment to cricket. His contribution to Australian sport will continue to inspire generations to come.
Deccan Herald
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Deccan Herald
Cowper, first Test triple-centurion on Australian soil, dies aged 84
Left-handed batter Cowper played 27 Tests for Australia between 1964 and 1968, scoring five centuries including a 12-hour 307 off 589 balls against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Ashes series in 1966.
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Bob Cowper, first to score triple century on Australian soil, passes away at 84
MELBOURNE: Bob Cowper, who scored test cricket's first triple century on Australian soil, has died at the age of 84 due to an undisclosed illness, Cricket Australia said Sunday. Cowper played 27 test matches for Australia between 1964 and 1968, with a record of 2,061 runs at an average of 46.84, including five centuries, while also taking 36 wickets with his part-time off-spin. The left-hander was renowned for both his stroke-play and steadiness, particularly during his most famous innings, a 12-hour, 589-ball 307 against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in February 1966. The innings was the only test triple century made in Australia in the 20th century, and just the 10th ever scored at that time. It came after he was recalled on his home ground, having been the 12th man in the previous test in Adelaide.
