Latest news with #Gillman
News.com.au
23-07-2025
- News.com.au
Secrets of the missing Joker Steve Williams: The underworld ghost
It's been 20 years since notorious bikie boss Steve Williams vanished without a trace. He was last seen on June 14, 2005, at about 2.30pm at the Gepps Cross Hotel in Adelaide. Police believe he was then dropped at a trucking company in Gillman by an associate. His body has never been found and, while bikies, his family and the police all have differing theories on what happened to the Gypsy Joker, all agree he was likely murdered. A $200,000 reward is still on offer for information leading to a conviction or the recovery of Mr Williams' remains. Now, investigative reporter Luke Williams (no relation) revisits the case and uncovers secrets of the missing Joker in this three-part subscriber exclusive documentary launching Friday. Major Crime detectives believe the case is solvable – and that there are people who know exactly what happened to the notorious bikie. Detective Sergeant Paul Ward, Major Crime Investigation Branch, said 'despite the code of silence in outlaw motorcycle gangs' the police had 'received information and tip offs on potential burial sites' over the years. 'Over the last 20 years, friendships and loyalties may have changed,' he said in a statement marking the anniversary of Williams' disappearance. 'People are 20 years older, they may now have children of their own. I ask them to put themselves in Blayze Williams' position, growing up not knowing what happened to her father. 'For the sake of the Steven Williams' family, if you have information, please contact Crime Stoppers and help find his remains and bring him home to his family.' Watch Episode 1 here from 5am Friday Watch Episode 2 from 5am Saturday 'I was wrong about who killed dad': Blayze's shocking confession Watch Episode 3 from 5am Sunday
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Southern Discoveries Puts New Emergency Survival Equipment To The Test
Press Release – Southern Discoveries The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events. Southern Discoveries has become the first tourism company in Milford Sound to be AF8-ready with specialist emergency survival equipment. The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events. And the initiative has already got the attention of tourism trade partners. Yesterday, Southern Discoveries' coach team and senior managers attended a simulated training exercise near Queenstown to familiarise themselves with the life-saving gear they may need in an emergency situation. The drill at Wilson's Bay saw staff simulate realistic earthquake scenarios, practising shelter setup and testing rescue tools with the new equipment. The specialist survival equipment has been supplied by Christchurch-based company The Survival Co., whose owner Peter Gillman was on-site during yesterday's training exercises. Gillman says Southern Discoveries' investment in such an extensive range of survival and medical gear puts them ahead of others in the industry. 'Southern Discoveries is the first tourism operator to take this level of equipment from The Survival Co.,' he says. 'They've taken the approach that if you're going to do it, you should do it properly, and that's exactly what's been achieved.' The Survival Co. created a tailor-made package for the company, considering the additional challenges of remote locations like Milford Sound. 'We looked at the scenarios people might find themselves in and what particular hazards exist in these areas. This gear provides an opportunity to keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency situation until help arrives.' Each of Southern Discoveries' five coaches is now equipped with long-life food supplies, bottled water, purification tablets, emergency shelter, headlamps, waterproof ponchos, survival blankets, personal hygiene items, and stretchers. The gear also includes four-person survival self-rescue backpacks, enabling passengers and drivers to evacuate safely if required, plus satellite communication devices with SOS and two-way texting capabilities to maintain contact in remote areas. Survival packs will be placed in nine company vehicles and all coaches will carry Heartshine Samaritan AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for immediate medical response capabilities. Grab-and-go packs have been placed in staff housing in Milford Sound. Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker says the delivery of the gear aligns with the company's goal of continuously improving and ensuring safety for guests and staff at all times. 'We operate in a region with significant seismic risks, so it's our responsibility to be prepared for any eventuality. This equipment provides genuine peace of mind for our staff, guests, and the local community,' Walker explains. The proactive safety initiative has already received strong support from Southern Discoveries' international trade partners, particularly agents from the United States and Japan, who value the company's commitment to safety standards. 'We know our travel agent partners place high value on safety for their clients, so we're delighted to be able to provide this level of comfort,' Walker adds. While Gillman notes his company is seeing increased interest from city councils and Civil Defence organisations, and is encouraged to see more tourism operators starting to invest in high-level survival equipment. Walker adds: 'We're proud to position ourselves as industry leaders in emergency preparedness, but we also want to encourage others to work with The Survival Co., who are experts in this area. One of Southern Discoveries' major trade partners has already contacted The Survival Co. to discuss obtaining safety gear for their organisation.'
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Southern Discoveries Puts New Emergency Survival Equipment To The Test
Southern Discoveries has become the first tourism company in Milford Sound to be AF8-ready with specialist emergency survival equipment. The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events. And the initiative has already got the attention of tourism trade partners. Yesterday, Southern Discoveries' coach team and senior managers attended a simulated training exercise near Queenstown to familiarise themselves with the life-saving gear they may need in an emergency situation. The drill at Wilson's Bay saw staff simulate realistic earthquake scenarios, practising shelter setup and testing rescue tools with the new equipment. The specialist survival equipment has been supplied by Christchurch-based company The Survival Co., whose owner Peter Gillman was on-site during yesterday's training exercises. Gillman says Southern Discoveries' investment in such an extensive range of survival and medical gear puts them ahead of others in the industry. "Southern Discoveries is the first tourism operator to take this level of equipment from The Survival Co.," he says. "They've taken the approach that if you're going to do it, you should do it properly, and that's exactly what's been achieved." The Survival Co. created a tailor-made package for the company, considering the additional challenges of remote locations like Milford Sound. "We looked at the scenarios people might find themselves in and what particular hazards exist in these areas. This gear provides an opportunity to keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency situation until help arrives." Each of Southern Discoveries' five coaches is now equipped with long-life food supplies, bottled water, purification tablets, emergency shelter, headlamps, waterproof ponchos, survival blankets, personal hygiene items, and stretchers. The gear also includes four-person survival self-rescue backpacks, enabling passengers and drivers to evacuate safely if required, plus satellite communication devices with SOS and two-way texting capabilities to maintain contact in remote areas. Survival packs will be placed in nine company vehicles and all coaches will carry Heartshine Samaritan AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for immediate medical response capabilities. Grab-and-go packs have been placed in staff housing in Milford Sound. Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker says the delivery of the gear aligns with the company's goal of continuously improving and ensuring safety for guests and staff at all times. "We operate in a region with significant seismic risks, so it's our responsibility to be prepared for any eventuality. This equipment provides genuine peace of mind for our staff, guests, and the local community," Walker explains. The proactive safety initiative has already received strong support from Southern Discoveries' international trade partners, particularly agents from the United States and Japan, who value the company's commitment to safety standards. "We know our travel agent partners place high value on safety for their clients, so we're delighted to be able to provide this level of comfort," Walker adds. While Gillman notes his company is seeing increased interest from city councils and Civil Defence organisations, and is encouraged to see more tourism operators starting to invest in high-level survival equipment. Walker adds: "We're proud to position ourselves as industry leaders in emergency preparedness, but we also want to encourage others to work with The Survival Co., who are experts in this area. One of Southern Discoveries' major trade partners has already contacted The Survival Co. to discuss obtaining safety gear for their organisation."
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman About To Buy House Left Stunned by Realtor's Comment: 'Left the Room'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A video about a woman's uncomfortable moment during a final walk-through of her soon-to-be new home—when the estate agent casually asked if she was pregnant, despite her not being so—has gone viral on TikTok. The video, shared by New York State resident Megan Gillman (@unfilteredlifecoach), 36, sees the life coach and mother of a toddler recount the May incident. "So there are some people who don't know that you can't ask a woman this in 2025," she says in the video. Gillman explains that while touring the property on closing day, the estate agent unexpectedly asked her "When are you due?" Caught off guard, Gillman responded with "excuse me?"—only to hear the agent follow up with "Are you expecting?" After Gillman replied "no," the agent pressed once more, asking if she had "just had a baby recently." "No," Gillman replied again, saying: "I'm just a woman who happens to carry her weight around her mid-section." Gillman told Newsweek that she was mildly surprised by the comment but still found it inappropriate. "I think it's rude to ask any woman about whether she's pregnant, especially if you've only just met," she said. "However, I've been asked this question at least three times before in my life by people I don't know at all, both before and after actually being pregnant." This time, instead of brushing it off or cushioning the agent's discomfort, Gillman stood her ground. "Well, maybe you should just stop asking them," she said. In her video, which has received over 500,000 views since being posted, Gillman explained that she "left the room" after the exchange. According to an April 2021 YouGov study, 76 percent of Americans believe that "women are under more pressure than men are to have a certain body type." Screenshots from a viral TikTok video of a woman recalling a question that a realtor asked her during a house tour that left her stunned. Screenshots from a viral TikTok video of a woman recalling a question that a realtor asked her during a house tour that left her stunned. @unfilteredlifecoach on TikTok 'It's None of Your Business' Charlotte Markey, a clinical health psychology professor at Rutgers University and author of the upcoming book The Body Image Book for Women, told Newsweek: "The poster handled this well. It may not have been a malicious mistake, but still, the estate agent should not have commented on her repeated questions from the agent suggest some deep-seated weight bias." Markey emphasized that people carry weight differently, and public assumptions about someone's body often reflect harmful stereotypes. "People's bodies come in different sizes and shapes—they do not all look the same," she said. Etiquette expert Liza Mirza Grotts was equally blunt. She said: "The rule is simple—don't speculate or congratulate. If a woman is expecting, she'll tell you. Never comment on a woman's body. Pregnant or not, it's none of your business until she makes it so." Carol Kaemmerer, an executive branding strategist and author, added that even well-meaning comments can cause harm. "When it comes to something as personal as pregnancy—or anyone's appearance—assumptions can wound, even when intention is harmless," she told Newsweek. "Respectful curiosity waits to be welcomed in." Gillman reflected on how her response has evolved over the years. "The first time I remember spiraling for days, stressing about my body and that little bit of belly fat I could never seem to get rid of no matter what diets and exercise I tried! I was so embarrassed," she told Newsweek. "After that I'd try to laugh it off... I'd say things like 'oh no! I just love doughnuts!' so that the person who'd made the statement felt like we were in on a joke together." But that approach has changed. "Now, after over a decade of random people asking me if I'm pregnant, I'm not trying to make them feel comfortable. I'm just trying to make them stop, even if it's just one at a time." Gillman said she had hoped society had moved beyond these kinds of body-shaming moments. "The expectation that a woman should have a flat stomach at all times is unrealistic, and often deeply harmful," she said. "I guess I thought we'd all learned that and started to try to be kinder to each other." To those unsure why these comments are offensive, Gillman offered a final piece of advice, saying "pick different small talk topics next time." Do you have a similar story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Marine Corps eyes future stability of Indo-Pacific with Balikatan 2025
The U.S. and Philippine militaries will launch the 2025 Balikatan military exercise in April, marking 40 years of joint drills aimed at strengthening the countries' defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Set for April 21 to May 9 on the Philippine islands of Luzon and Palawan, the annual exercise will include U.S. Marines alongside other U.S. military forces and troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or AFP, conducting coordinated military operations across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, according to 2nd Lt. Ben Gillman, spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force and 2025 Balikatan exercise. This year's exercise will also include a 'full battle test' between U.S. and Philippine forces, Gillman said. 'The exercise covers a range of scenarios, from conventional warfare to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, ensuring that both nations are prepared for various contingencies,' Gillman said. 'The Full Battle Test is a culmination of past bilateral planning and training that will showcase the modernization efforts of the Philippines and our ability to operate as a team to advance our shared interests.' The I Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing will participate in the event. The Army, Navy and Air Force will join the Marine Corps in the exercise, which will also include troops from Australia and Japan, plus up to 16 other countries invited to the international observer program. While the exact number of troops involved was still being finalized, according to Gillman, 16,000 troops from the Philippines and the U.S. took part in Balikatan 2024. Events will include integrated air and missile defense exercises between the AFP and the U.S. military; a joint sail between the U.S., Philippine Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force; and counter-landing live-fire training between U.S. and AFP forces. See US, Philippines stage Balikatan military exercise Gillman described the Balikatan — Tagalog for 'shoulder-to-shoulder' — exercise as a way to improve the collective capability to defend the Philippines, the U.S.'s oldest ally in the Pacific region, and maintain a peaceful Indo-Pacific. Balikatan will take place near the disputed South China Sea, which has seen a spike in hostilities between Chinese and Philippine vessels in recent years. China has been vocal about its disapproval of Balikatan and has intimated potential retaliation against the Philippines for teaming up with the U.S. The U.S. pledged $500 million in military aid to the Philippines in June 2024, fortifying its military's ability to defend the country by providing equipment that might include asymmetric systems like missiles, drones or commercial-style arms, Defense News previously reported. This year's Balikatan comes as U.S. Marine Corps has expanded its footprint in the region in recent years to bolster defense capabilities against adversaries like China. The service announced its first littoral regiment in 2021, based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and converted the 12th Marine Regiment out of Okinawa, Japan, to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment. Another littoral regiment is planned for Guam sometime this year.
