Latest news with #FreddoFrog
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Freddo creator is ‘rolling in his grave' at new price, says daughter
The creator of the iconic Freddo frog chocolate bar would be 'rolling in his grave' if he could see the current price of the small Cadbury treat today, according to his daughter. A single 35g bar retails for $2 in Australian retailers such as Woolworths and Coles, after suffering a 100 per cent price hike in August last year that Cadbury said was due to the 'record global price of cocoa and increased input costs'. When the bar was first introduced by the MacRobertson's Chocolate Factory in Fitzroy in 1930, it cost just a penny to buy. And Leonie Wadin, whose father Harry Melbourne first crafted the frog-shaped bar, says its affordable price point was an integral part of the chocolate treat's integrity. 'Dad was disgusted with how small it is now and how much they charge for it,' the 74-year-old told Sky News. 'He'd roll over in his grave if he could see it now; he'd be disgusted. It was a penny chocolate. 'Since Dad died, I haven't bought a Freddo.' The popular treat-sized chocolate has become the poster child for 'shrinkflation' in recent years, with many consumers airing frustration as the size of their favourite snack items reduce in size, while the price either remains stagnant or goes up. Chocolate has been hit particularly hard by rising costs and inflation. The price of cocoa has more than doubled in the past year as poor weather conditions in West Africa, the largest cocoa-producing region in the world responsible for 70 per cent of supply, devastated crops. This has forced major manufacturers such as Cadbury owner Mondelez to pass on some of those costs to customers. But those who enjoyed the affordability that a Freddo once gave have been unimpressed by the seemingly massive jump in price, which last year went from $1 to $2, and some have been quick to agree with Ms Wadin's remarks. 'I got these as a child in Australia for 5c now they are $2 each,' one said on TikTok. 'Stop I can't believe he's $2 now! That's a joke!' agreed another. As one stated: 'The price of a Freddo these days is absolutely shocking.' Harry Melbourne was just 14, according to his daughter, when he was challenged by his boss at the MacRobertson's Chocolate Factory to create a new product to celebrate the company's 50th year. Sir Macpherson Robertson, his boss, was considering a mouse, but Mr Melbourne interjected, telling him the treat wouldn't sell 'because women and children are afraid of mice'. Instead, he suggested frogs – because local children 'delighted' at catching tadpoles – which later grow into the green creatures – in nearby ponds. Three days later, and the Penny Chocolate Frogs were born. These were later renamed 'Freddo' after Mr Melbourne's friend Fred, who worked in the packing department. By the time Cadbury bought MacRobertson's in 1967, Freddo was already a household name, and more than 90 million of the chocolate frogs are sold each year. As much as the modern Freddo price would upset her father, Ms Wadin said he 'never knew' its appeal had reached his native UK, adding he would have been 'so proud' of the chocolate bar's success. Mr Melbourne died on January 24, 2007, in Epping, Melbourne, at the age of 94. Ms Wadin, who has five children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, has kept his memory alive by sharing his story. 'They're very proud of their great-granddad, they still buy them [Freddo bars], they love them,' she told Sky News. 'The Freddo has to be passed on, Freddo is never going to die. 'It will always be there … I just want it all passed down, so that the frog is always in our lives.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Australia to recognise Palestinian state, man wins lottery twice in 2025, price of Aussie icon blasted as 'disgusting'
Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Monday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise a Palestinian state. It comes after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Australia and protests in support of Palestinians, saying he is doing what "any country would do". The daughter of the man who's behind an iconic Australian treat says she will never buy his creation again. Harry Melbourne's daughter Leonie Wadin says she's "disgusted" how much a Freddo Frog now costs and refuses to buy one. Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day. Albanese says declaration is not 'symbolic' Anthony Albanese dismissed suggestion the government is being too "simplistic" when it comes to belief Palestine can be decoupled from Iran-backed Hamas. Albanese said a "very clear" statement of intent from the Arab League meant it was clear it did not see a future for Hamas in Gaza. Asked whether the announcement was a "symbolic gesture", Albanese said it was a "practical contribution towards building momentum". "This is not Australia acting alone. What we are seeing is a range of countries engaging in detailed dialogue as well behind the scenes, if you like, talking about what a peace looks likes in the region." Australia informed Trump administration ahead of declaration Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she contacted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "as a matter of diplomatic courtesy" about Australia's plans to announce it will recognise a Palestinian state. She was asked whether the move would damage relations with the US, however she said both sides remained "very committed" to security ties including AUKUS. Albanese says now is the time to act Bringing you more from that press conference, Anthony Albanese stressed now is the time to act. "The story of this struggle is also one of opportunities not taken. That is where the risk of trying is nothing compared to the danger of letting this moment pass us by," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day and it could be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed. "That only means waiting for a day that will never come. There is a moment of tune here and Australia will work with the international community to seize it." Australia to recognise Palestinian state Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise a Palestinian state. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he told reporters alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong. "I have said it publicly and I said it directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu - the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. "Far too many innocent lives have been lost. The Israeli Government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children." Australia follows France, the UK and Canada with such a declaration. It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Australia for considering such a move, saying it wrongly supported Hamas. Albanese stressed "there can be no role for the terrorists of Hamas in any future Palestinian state". Wong said it was time the "heartbreak, death and destruction must end" in Palestine. "September is that time when the world says this has gone on far too long," she said. Man wins lottery twice in a year A Melbourne man has remarkably won $1 million just months after claiming his share of another division one lottery prize. The Tarneit man had the winning ticket in Friday night's Weekday Windfall draw and revealed he accidentally bought the ticket, and had instead intended to play tonight's game. 'It was actually earlier this year that I won $60,000 in a division one syndicate, and now this!" he told lottery officials. 'My parents are into astrology, so I might need to pull up my birth chart and they can tell me if it was in the stars. I'm starting to think it's a lucky year for me." Do you think you'll own your own home? More than one in three Australians who don't own their own home believe they never will. That's according to disturbing findings from Finder, with its Consumer Sentiment Tracker saying 35 per cent of Australians believe they won't ever get beyond renting their home. 'Record prices, steep borrowing costs, and saving for a deposit are locking people out. In many suburbs, even a six-figure salary won't comfortably cover a mortgage," Finder's Graham Cooke said. So if you don't own your own home, do you think you will at some point? Let us know below. 'Amazing' find in regional NSW For the average city dweller, this might be something you've never actually come across before. So for those who didn't know, this is what emu nests look like. Murray Local Land Services, which covers the NSW LGAs north of the Murray River, shared two nests they came across while out on the grasslands. The RBA move that would trigger 'all-out attack on their legitimacy' They won't hold it again will they? Well, you never know. Everyone pretty much banked on a rate cut the last time the RBA met, so we will wait and see until tomorrow afternoon. But if Michele Bullock and her board do decide to hold, expect a major outcry from the Australian public. 'If the RBA doesn't cut next week, they are risking an all-out attack on their legitimacy in the eyes of many homeowners,' Finder's Head of Consumer Research Graham Cooke said. 'Last month's decision to hold shocked the market, and we are now seeing a 90 per cent plus certainty of a cut. With inflation well within the target range, there is no reason to hold." We'll be bringing you live coverage in the build up to Bullock's call and all the reaction after it over at Yahoo Finance. Albanese presses on with Palestine recognition Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is 'actively considering' recognising Palestine as a state, with a decision to come this week, a source familiar with discussions has told NewsWire. France, the UK and Canada have all announced plans to conditionally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next month. The news of Australia's consideration comes just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned recognition would only 'bring war'. NewsWire has contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment, which pointed to Mr Albanese's comments during his visit to New Zealand at the weekend. 'I've said it's a matter of when, not if,' he told reporters on Saturday, alongside Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon. 'I think overwhelmingly Australians want to see two things. 'One is they want to see a ceasefire. They want to see the killing stop, they want to see hostages released, they want to see peace in the region. 'The second thing they want is they don't want conflict brought to Australia either.' Earlier Netanyahu branded Australian support for Palestine as "shameful". - NewsWire How to stay safe around dingos – but don't make this $26k mistake With a spate of dingo attacks in recent years, Queensland's Environment Department is reminding K'gari visitors of one measure they can take to stay safe. But it says there's a common misconception with safety sticks, which aren't meant to be used as something to strike a dingo with if it comes too close. "Dingo safety sticks can be anything that is long and sturdy. They're used to keep distance between yourself and dingoes, and shows the animal that you shouldn't be approached," the department said last week. If you were found to have struck a dingo with a stick, you could face a maximum fine of up to $26,614, it warned. "The safety stick should never be used to attack these animals in any way, as this could escalate the situation and is illegal." Labor apologises over algal bloom response The federal environment minister has apologised, acknowledging authorities have been too slow to respond to an algal bloom that's killing vast swathes of marine life. Tens of thousands of marine animals have been killed since an algal bloom was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia in March, and has since spread along the coastline. Environment Minister Murray Watt has apologised to South Australians who believe not enough has been done to tackle the escalating marine crisis. "I accept that South Australians think that governments were too slow to respond to this event, and for that, I apologise," Mr Watt told Nine's Today Show on Monday. But he touted the government's recently announced jointly funded $28 million package. The reason it took months for the funding was because the federal government was working to "understand" the unprecedented event, Mr Watt said. "We are in uncharted waters as to how to deal with it and what support is needed," he said. Read more here. Daughter of man who created iconic Aussie treat says she no longer buys them The Australian daughter of the man who came up with the idea for the iconic Australian chocolate bar Freddo says she'll never buy one because of how expensive it's become. Harry Melbourne helped create Freddo bars in the 1930s while working for confectionary company MacRobertson's in Melbourne. Cadbury later bought out the business and the Freddo bar would go on to become a chocolate staple across Australia and the UK. But its increasing price has become a simple measure of inflation for many in recent years, with shoppers outraged by how high the price for what was once a relatively cheap treat has risen. "[My father would] roll over in his grave if he could see it now; he'd be disgusted. It was a penny chocolate," Harry's daughter Leonie Wadin told Sky News. Harry died in 2007 and Wadin says she hasn't purchased a Freddo since. Last year, Cadbury Australia doubled the price of a Freddo bar from $1 to $2, blaming a record price for cocoa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cadbury Australia (@cadburyaust) Netanyahu says Palestine support is 'shameful' Benjamin Netnayahu has blasted Australian protests against the war in Gaza, calling them 'shameful' and saying they 'buy into' Hamas propaganda. The Israeli Prime Minister overnight held a press conference in English to set the record straight, as he sees it, after Western allies, including Australia, condemned his plan to occupy all of Gaza. An Australian journalist asked Netanyahu if his Western counterparts, who consistently support the Israel's right to defend itself, 'are now struggling to stomach what they're seeing you and your military doing in Gaza'. 'First of all, those who say that Israel has a right to defend itself are also saying, 'but don't exercise that right,' when we do what any country would do, faced with this genocidal terrorist organisation that has performed the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust,' Netanyahu responded. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel in 2023. Militants killed more than 1200 in the shock assault, slaughtering entire families. Much of the violence was celebrated by perpetrators and sympathisers online. Israel's furious response has decimated Hamas, but also killed tens of thousands of civilians in the process. Most of the innocents killed are women, children and the elderly. Netanyahu insisted his country is 'actually applying force judiciously', adding that critics in Canberra 'know it'. 'They know what they would do if right next to Melbourne, or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack,' he said. 'I think you would do at least what we're doing, probably … not as efficiently and as precisely as we're doing it. 'We've lost quite a few soldiers in that effort.' Netanyahu went on to address the global momentum for recognition of a Palestinian state. France, the UK and Canada have all committed to conditionally recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month. Anthony Albanese is yet to commit to such an act but has previously said recognition is inevitable. Netanyahu said the 'Jewish public is ... against the Palestinian state for the simple reason that they know it won't bring peace', pointing to a recent vote in the country's parliament that overwhelmingly rejected the idea. 'It'll bring war,' Netanyahu said, directly countering rhetoric put forward by the Albanese government. 'To have European countries and Australia march into that … rabbit hole just like that, fall right into it and buy, this canard is disappointing, and I think it's actually shameful. 'But it's not going to … change our position. 'Again, we will not commit national suicide to get to get a good op-ed for two minutes. We won't do that.' - NewsWire Member of public finds body on road after crash A dead body has been found on a major highway near Byron Bay in northern NSW. The grim discovery was made by a member of the public on Sunday night after a crash involving cars and an unoccupied motorcycle. Officers at the scene were told three cars crashed into the motorcycle before a person found the body of the man believed to be the rider nearby, police say. The body is yet to be formally identified. The incident was reported at about 7.15pm on Sunday. Police and paramedics were called to the M1 Pacific Motorway near Billinudgel, following reports several cars had crashed into an unoccupied motorcycle. After a member of the public found the body, two drivers were taken to Byron Central Hospital for mandatory testing. A third driver underwent testing at Tweed Valley Hospital. 'A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Crash Investigation Unit were called to commence an investigation into the incident,' a police spokesperson said. 'All vehicles were seized to be forensically examined.' - NewsWire Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Albanese says declaration is not 'symbolic' Anthony Albanese dismissed suggestion the government is being too "simplistic" when it comes to belief Palestine can be decoupled from Iran-backed Hamas. Albanese said a "very clear" statement of intent from the Arab League meant it was clear it did not see a future for Hamas in Gaza. Asked whether the announcement was a "symbolic gesture", Albanese said it was a "practical contribution towards building momentum". "This is not Australia acting alone. What we are seeing is a range of countries engaging in detailed dialogue as well behind the scenes, if you like, talking about what a peace looks likes in the region." Anthony Albanese dismissed suggestion the government is being too "simplistic" when it comes to belief Palestine can be decoupled from Iran-backed Hamas. Albanese said a "very clear" statement of intent from the Arab League meant it was clear it did not see a future for Hamas in Gaza. Asked whether the announcement was a "symbolic gesture", Albanese said it was a "practical contribution towards building momentum". "This is not Australia acting alone. What we are seeing is a range of countries engaging in detailed dialogue as well behind the scenes, if you like, talking about what a peace looks likes in the region." Australia informed Trump administration ahead of declaration Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she contacted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "as a matter of diplomatic courtesy" about Australia's plans to announce it will recognise a Palestinian state. She was asked whether the move would damage relations with the US, however she said both sides remained "very committed" to security ties including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she contacted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "as a matter of diplomatic courtesy" about Australia's plans to announce it will recognise a Palestinian state. She was asked whether the move would damage relations with the US, however she said both sides remained "very committed" to security ties including AUKUS. Albanese says now is the time to act Bringing you more from that press conference, Anthony Albanese stressed now is the time to act. "The story of this struggle is also one of opportunities not taken. That is where the risk of trying is nothing compared to the danger of letting this moment pass us by," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day and it could be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed. "That only means waiting for a day that will never come. There is a moment of tune here and Australia will work with the international community to seize it." Bringing you more from that press conference, Anthony Albanese stressed now is the time to act. "The story of this struggle is also one of opportunities not taken. That is where the risk of trying is nothing compared to the danger of letting this moment pass us by," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day and it could be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed. "That only means waiting for a day that will never come. There is a moment of tune here and Australia will work with the international community to seize it." Australia to recognise Palestinian state Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise a Palestinian state. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he told reporters alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong. "I have said it publicly and I said it directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu - the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. "Far too many innocent lives have been lost. The Israeli Government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children." Australia follows France, the UK and Canada with such a declaration. It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Australia for considering such a move, saying it wrongly supported Hamas. Albanese stressed "there can be no role for the terrorists of Hamas in any future Palestinian state". Wong said it was time the "heartbreak, death and destruction must end" in Palestine. "September is that time when the world says this has gone on far too long," she said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise a Palestinian state. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he told reporters alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong. "I have said it publicly and I said it directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu - the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. "Far too many innocent lives have been lost. The Israeli Government continues to defy international law and deny sufficient aid, food and water to desperate people, including children." Australia follows France, the UK and Canada with such a declaration. It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Australia for considering such a move, saying it wrongly supported Hamas. Albanese stressed "there can be no role for the terrorists of Hamas in any future Palestinian state". Wong said it was time the "heartbreak, death and destruction must end" in Palestine. "September is that time when the world says this has gone on far too long," she said. Man wins lottery twice in a year A Melbourne man has remarkably won $1 million just months after claiming his share of another division one lottery prize. The Tarneit man had the winning ticket in Friday night's Weekday Windfall draw and revealed he accidentally bought the ticket, and had instead intended to play tonight's game. 'It was actually earlier this year that I won $60,000 in a division one syndicate, and now this!" he told lottery officials. 'My parents are into astrology, so I might need to pull up my birth chart and they can tell me if it was in the stars. I'm starting to think it's a lucky year for me." A Melbourne man has remarkably won $1 million just months after claiming his share of another division one lottery prize. The Tarneit man had the winning ticket in Friday night's Weekday Windfall draw and revealed he accidentally bought the ticket, and had instead intended to play tonight's game. 'It was actually earlier this year that I won $60,000 in a division one syndicate, and now this!" he told lottery officials. 'My parents are into astrology, so I might need to pull up my birth chart and they can tell me if it was in the stars. I'm starting to think it's a lucky year for me." Do you think you'll own your own home? More than one in three Australians who don't own their own home believe they never will. That's according to disturbing findings from Finder, with its Consumer Sentiment Tracker saying 35 per cent of Australians believe they won't ever get beyond renting their home. 'Record prices, steep borrowing costs, and saving for a deposit are locking people out. In many suburbs, even a six-figure salary won't comfortably cover a mortgage," Finder's Graham Cooke said. So if you don't own your own home, do you think you will at some point? Let us know below. More than one in three Australians who don't own their own home believe they never will. That's according to disturbing findings from Finder, with its Consumer Sentiment Tracker saying 35 per cent of Australians believe they won't ever get beyond renting their home. 'Record prices, steep borrowing costs, and saving for a deposit are locking people out. In many suburbs, even a six-figure salary won't comfortably cover a mortgage," Finder's Graham Cooke said. So if you don't own your own home, do you think you will at some point? Let us know below. 'Amazing' find in regional NSW For the average city dweller, this might be something you've never actually come across before. So for those who didn't know, this is what emu nests look like. Murray Local Land Services, which covers the NSW LGAs north of the Murray River, shared two nests they came across while out on the grasslands. For the average city dweller, this might be something you've never actually come across before. So for those who didn't know, this is what emu nests look like. Murray Local Land Services, which covers the NSW LGAs north of the Murray River, shared two nests they came across while out on the grasslands. The RBA move that would trigger 'all-out attack on their legitimacy' They won't hold it again will they? Well, you never know. Everyone pretty much banked on a rate cut the last time the RBA met, so we will wait and see until tomorrow afternoon. But if Michele Bullock and her board do decide to hold, expect a major outcry from the Australian public. 'If the RBA doesn't cut next week, they are risking an all-out attack on their legitimacy in the eyes of many homeowners,' Finder's Head of Consumer Research Graham Cooke said. 'Last month's decision to hold shocked the market, and we are now seeing a 90 per cent plus certainty of a cut. With inflation well within the target range, there is no reason to hold." We'll be bringing you live coverage in the build up to Bullock's call and all the reaction after it over at Yahoo Finance. They won't hold it again will they? Well, you never know. Everyone pretty much banked on a rate cut the last time the RBA met, so we will wait and see until tomorrow afternoon. But if Michele Bullock and her board do decide to hold, expect a major outcry from the Australian public. 'If the RBA doesn't cut next week, they are risking an all-out attack on their legitimacy in the eyes of many homeowners,' Finder's Head of Consumer Research Graham Cooke said. 'Last month's decision to hold shocked the market, and we are now seeing a 90 per cent plus certainty of a cut. With inflation well within the target range, there is no reason to hold." We'll be bringing you live coverage in the build up to Bullock's call and all the reaction after it over at Yahoo Finance. Albanese presses on with Palestine recognition Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is 'actively considering' recognising Palestine as a state, with a decision to come this week, a source familiar with discussions has told NewsWire. France, the UK and Canada have all announced plans to conditionally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next month. The news of Australia's consideration comes just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned recognition would only 'bring war'. NewsWire has contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment, which pointed to Mr Albanese's comments during his visit to New Zealand at the weekend. 'I've said it's a matter of when, not if,' he told reporters on Saturday, alongside Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon. 'I think overwhelmingly Australians want to see two things. 'One is they want to see a ceasefire. They want to see the killing stop, they want to see hostages released, they want to see peace in the region. 'The second thing they want is they don't want conflict brought to Australia either.' Earlier Netanyahu branded Australian support for Palestine as "shameful". - NewsWire Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is 'actively considering' recognising Palestine as a state, with a decision to come this week, a source familiar with discussions has told NewsWire. France, the UK and Canada have all announced plans to conditionally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next month. The news of Australia's consideration comes just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned recognition would only 'bring war'. NewsWire has contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment, which pointed to Mr Albanese's comments during his visit to New Zealand at the weekend. 'I've said it's a matter of when, not if,' he told reporters on Saturday, alongside Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon. 'I think overwhelmingly Australians want to see two things. 'One is they want to see a ceasefire. They want to see the killing stop, they want to see hostages released, they want to see peace in the region. 'The second thing they want is they don't want conflict brought to Australia either.' Earlier Netanyahu branded Australian support for Palestine as "shameful". - NewsWire How to stay safe around dingos – but don't make this $26k mistake With a spate of dingo attacks in recent years, Queensland's Environment Department is reminding K'gari visitors of one measure they can take to stay safe. But it says there's a common misconception with safety sticks, which aren't meant to be used as something to strike a dingo with if it comes too close. "Dingo safety sticks can be anything that is long and sturdy. They're used to keep distance between yourself and dingoes, and shows the animal that you shouldn't be approached," the department said last week. If you were found to have struck a dingo with a stick, you could face a maximum fine of up to $26,614, it warned. "The safety stick should never be used to attack these animals in any way, as this could escalate the situation and is illegal." With a spate of dingo attacks in recent years, Queensland's Environment Department is reminding K'gari visitors of one measure they can take to stay safe. But it says there's a common misconception with safety sticks, which aren't meant to be used as something to strike a dingo with if it comes too close. "Dingo safety sticks can be anything that is long and sturdy. They're used to keep distance between yourself and dingoes, and shows the animal that you shouldn't be approached," the department said last week. If you were found to have struck a dingo with a stick, you could face a maximum fine of up to $26,614, it warned. "The safety stick should never be used to attack these animals in any way, as this could escalate the situation and is illegal." Labor apologises over algal bloom response The federal environment minister has apologised, acknowledging authorities have been too slow to respond to an algal bloom that's killing vast swathes of marine life. Tens of thousands of marine animals have been killed since an algal bloom was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia in March, and has since spread along the coastline. Environment Minister Murray Watt has apologised to South Australians who believe not enough has been done to tackle the escalating marine crisis. "I accept that South Australians think that governments were too slow to respond to this event, and for that, I apologise," Mr Watt told Nine's Today Show on Monday. But he touted the government's recently announced jointly funded $28 million package. The reason it took months for the funding was because the federal government was working to "understand" the unprecedented event, Mr Watt said. "We are in uncharted waters as to how to deal with it and what support is needed," he said. Read more here. The federal environment minister has apologised, acknowledging authorities have been too slow to respond to an algal bloom that's killing vast swathes of marine life. Tens of thousands of marine animals have been killed since an algal bloom was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia in March, and has since spread along the coastline. Environment Minister Murray Watt has apologised to South Australians who believe not enough has been done to tackle the escalating marine crisis. "I accept that South Australians think that governments were too slow to respond to this event, and for that, I apologise," Mr Watt told Nine's Today Show on Monday. But he touted the government's recently announced jointly funded $28 million package. The reason it took months for the funding was because the federal government was working to "understand" the unprecedented event, Mr Watt said. "We are in uncharted waters as to how to deal with it and what support is needed," he said. Read more here. Daughter of man who created iconic Aussie treat says she no longer buys them The Australian daughter of the man who came up with the idea for the iconic Australian chocolate bar Freddo says she'll never buy one because of how expensive it's become. Harry Melbourne helped create Freddo bars in the 1930s while working for confectionary company MacRobertson's in Melbourne. Cadbury later bought out the business and the Freddo bar would go on to become a chocolate staple across Australia and the UK. But its increasing price has become a simple measure of inflation for many in recent years, with shoppers outraged by how high the price for what was once a relatively cheap treat has risen. "[My father would] roll over in his grave if he could see it now; he'd be disgusted. It was a penny chocolate," Harry's daughter Leonie Wadin told Sky News. Harry died in 2007 and Wadin says she hasn't purchased a Freddo since. Last year, Cadbury Australia doubled the price of a Freddo bar from $1 to $2, blaming a record price for cocoa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cadbury Australia (@cadburyaust) The Australian daughter of the man who came up with the idea for the iconic Australian chocolate bar Freddo says she'll never buy one because of how expensive it's become. Harry Melbourne helped create Freddo bars in the 1930s while working for confectionary company MacRobertson's in Melbourne. Cadbury later bought out the business and the Freddo bar would go on to become a chocolate staple across Australia and the UK. But its increasing price has become a simple measure of inflation for many in recent years, with shoppers outraged by how high the price for what was once a relatively cheap treat has risen. "[My father would] roll over in his grave if he could see it now; he'd be disgusted. It was a penny chocolate," Harry's daughter Leonie Wadin told Sky News. Harry died in 2007 and Wadin says she hasn't purchased a Freddo since. Last year, Cadbury Australia doubled the price of a Freddo bar from $1 to $2, blaming a record price for cocoa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cadbury Australia (@cadburyaust) Netanyahu says Palestine support is 'shameful' Benjamin Netnayahu has blasted Australian protests against the war in Gaza, calling them 'shameful' and saying they 'buy into' Hamas propaganda. The Israeli Prime Minister overnight held a press conference in English to set the record straight, as he sees it, after Western allies, including Australia, condemned his plan to occupy all of Gaza. An Australian journalist asked Netanyahu if his Western counterparts, who consistently support the Israel's right to defend itself, 'are now struggling to stomach what they're seeing you and your military doing in Gaza'. 'First of all, those who say that Israel has a right to defend itself are also saying, 'but don't exercise that right,' when we do what any country would do, faced with this genocidal terrorist organisation that has performed the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust,' Netanyahu responded. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel in 2023. Militants killed more than 1200 in the shock assault, slaughtering entire families. Much of the violence was celebrated by perpetrators and sympathisers online. Israel's furious response has decimated Hamas, but also killed tens of thousands of civilians in the process. Most of the innocents killed are women, children and the elderly. Netanyahu insisted his country is 'actually applying force judiciously', adding that critics in Canberra 'know it'. 'They know what they would do if right next to Melbourne, or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack,' he said. 'I think you would do at least what we're doing, probably … not as efficiently and as precisely as we're doing it. 'We've lost quite a few soldiers in that effort.' Netanyahu went on to address the global momentum for recognition of a Palestinian state. France, the UK and Canada have all committed to conditionally recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month. Anthony Albanese is yet to commit to such an act but has previously said recognition is inevitable. Netanyahu said the 'Jewish public is ... against the Palestinian state for the simple reason that they know it won't bring peace', pointing to a recent vote in the country's parliament that overwhelmingly rejected the idea. 'It'll bring war,' Netanyahu said, directly countering rhetoric put forward by the Albanese government. 'To have European countries and Australia march into that … rabbit hole just like that, fall right into it and buy, this canard is disappointing, and I think it's actually shameful. 'But it's not going to … change our position. 'Again, we will not commit national suicide to get to get a good op-ed for two minutes. We won't do that.' - NewsWire Benjamin Netnayahu has blasted Australian protests against the war in Gaza, calling them 'shameful' and saying they 'buy into' Hamas propaganda. The Israeli Prime Minister overnight held a press conference in English to set the record straight, as he sees it, after Western allies, including Australia, condemned his plan to occupy all of Gaza. An Australian journalist asked Netanyahu if his Western counterparts, who consistently support the Israel's right to defend itself, 'are now struggling to stomach what they're seeing you and your military doing in Gaza'. 'First of all, those who say that Israel has a right to defend itself are also saying, 'but don't exercise that right,' when we do what any country would do, faced with this genocidal terrorist organisation that has performed the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust,' Netanyahu responded. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel in 2023. Militants killed more than 1200 in the shock assault, slaughtering entire families. Much of the violence was celebrated by perpetrators and sympathisers online. Israel's furious response has decimated Hamas, but also killed tens of thousands of civilians in the process. Most of the innocents killed are women, children and the elderly. Netanyahu insisted his country is 'actually applying force judiciously', adding that critics in Canberra 'know it'. 'They know what they would do if right next to Melbourne, or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack,' he said. 'I think you would do at least what we're doing, probably … not as efficiently and as precisely as we're doing it. 'We've lost quite a few soldiers in that effort.' Netanyahu went on to address the global momentum for recognition of a Palestinian state. France, the UK and Canada have all committed to conditionally recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month. Anthony Albanese is yet to commit to such an act but has previously said recognition is inevitable. Netanyahu said the 'Jewish public is ... against the Palestinian state for the simple reason that they know it won't bring peace', pointing to a recent vote in the country's parliament that overwhelmingly rejected the idea. 'It'll bring war,' Netanyahu said, directly countering rhetoric put forward by the Albanese government. 'To have European countries and Australia march into that … rabbit hole just like that, fall right into it and buy, this canard is disappointing, and I think it's actually shameful. 'But it's not going to … change our position. 'Again, we will not commit national suicide to get to get a good op-ed for two minutes. We won't do that.' - NewsWire Member of public finds body on road after crash A dead body has been found on a major highway near Byron Bay in northern NSW. The grim discovery was made by a member of the public on Sunday night after a crash involving cars and an unoccupied motorcycle. Officers at the scene were told three cars crashed into the motorcycle before a person found the body of the man believed to be the rider nearby, police say. The body is yet to be formally identified. The incident was reported at about 7.15pm on Sunday. Police and paramedics were called to the M1 Pacific Motorway near Billinudgel, following reports several cars had crashed into an unoccupied motorcycle. After a member of the public found the body, two drivers were taken to Byron Central Hospital for mandatory testing. A third driver underwent testing at Tweed Valley Hospital. 'A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Crash Investigation Unit were called to commence an investigation into the incident,' a police spokesperson said. 'All vehicles were seized to be forensically examined.' - NewsWire A dead body has been found on a major highway near Byron Bay in northern NSW. The grim discovery was made by a member of the public on Sunday night after a crash involving cars and an unoccupied motorcycle. Officers at the scene were told three cars crashed into the motorcycle before a person found the body of the man believed to be the rider nearby, police say. The body is yet to be formally identified. The incident was reported at about 7.15pm on Sunday. Police and paramedics were called to the M1 Pacific Motorway near Billinudgel, following reports several cars had crashed into an unoccupied motorcycle. After a member of the public found the body, two drivers were taken to Byron Central Hospital for mandatory testing. A third driver underwent testing at Tweed Valley Hospital. 'A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Crash Investigation Unit were called to commence an investigation into the incident,' a police spokesperson said. 'All vehicles were seized to be forensically examined.' - NewsWire
Daily Mail
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Freddo chocolate creator's daughter say he would be 'rolling in his grave' - as once 10p treats rocket to £1
The daughter of the man who invented Freddo Frog has claimed he would be 'rolling in his grave' over the current price of the chocolate treat. Leonie Lewis's father Harry Melbourne first came up with the idea of the edible amphibian as a teenager while working for an Australian confectionary company MacRobertson's almost a decade ago. The young Brit overheard one of his bosses talking about selling a new chocolate bar in the shape of a mouse and, unprovoked, decided to give his own thoughts. 'He said children are scared of mice, so why not a frog? Because kids go down to the lake and catch tadpoles,' Leonie told Sky News. And just like that the cult favourite chocolate bar - which even adopted the name of Harry's 'best mate' Fred - was born. His newfound fame came much to the delight of Harry's daughter Leonie, who would often wait for her father to come home from work with boxes of Freddos for their family to feast on. But since his death in 2007, she has vowed to never to buy one again after prices for the bar shot up in recent years - with some being sold for as much as £1 in the UK. 'He'd roll over in his grave if he could see it now; he'd be disgusted. It was a penny chocolate,' Leonie told Sky News. She added that he had been 'disgusted with how small it is now' and how much shops charge for it. Leonie shares the same fury as thousands of other Freddo fans who have witnessed the price of the once-10p chocolate frog rise to as much as £1 earlier this year. A post of the popular lunchbox snack on Reddit showed a Freddo selling for £1 at a WHSmith store in Carlisle. Although it is still available for less in many shops, the price represents a staggering tenfold increase since the bar returned to shop shelves 20 years ago. Lovers of the miniature amphibian sweet were quick to vent their rage online, with one saying: '£1 for a Freddo is disgusting. Daylight robbery at its finest!' Another angered fan raged: 'Name and shame where this atrocity has occurred.' One outraged lover of the chocolate even rounded on Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the Freddo's 'snackflation'. 'Freddo's are now a quid. Wtf is going on in this country? @RachelReevesMP, you should resign,' they wrote on X. Freddo was launched in the UK by legendary British chocolatier Cadbury in 1973 but was withdraw in 1974. The bar, which first originated in Australia, was later relaunched in 1994 at a price of 10p, proving to be a smash hit lunchbox treat. The cost of the beloved bar remained the same for 11 years, until in 2005, it started to slowly increase 2p a year in price. By 2016, the 95 calorie bar cost 25p. However, since then, its cost has ballooned rapidly, much to the dismay of fans. In 2017, the price rose to 30p. Five years later, in 2022, a Freddo was seen being sold for 49p at WHSmith in Liverpool. The £1 bar in Carlisle is higher than in major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury's or Asda, which sell the chocolate snack for 30p, 40p and 34p respectively. But this is still more than if the cost of Freddos had only kept pace with inflation more widely, which would see them priced at a mere 19p.
