Latest news with #Launceston-based
Metro
13-06-2025
- Metro
There's still time! 10 last-minute Father's Day gifts to shop now
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Father's Day is just around the corner now, and if you've still not picked up a gift then we're here with the top gift picks that'll make him forget you left it to the last minute. Ideal if you're not seeing your dad for a few days after or simply have that 'better late than never' mindset, these last-minute gifts are sure to score you kudos with pops and show him how much you care. From fancy socks and craft beer to grooming sets and tech picks, we've found the top ten best gifts that'll get you up to golden child status in a flash. One of our top picks are the brand new Shokz OpenFit 2, ideal if he's a tech nut. Designed to sit on the ear rather than in it, the ultra-lightweight Open-Ear headphones hook over the ear and utilise bone conduction, DirectPitch™ technology to transmit sound to your ears without obstructing them. Very smart. More Trending If he loves trying new beers, then the Beer & Glass Gift Set by Firebrand Brewing Co. will be a welcome surprise – and won't break the bank either. Featuring three beers and a glass from Launceston-based Cornish brewery Firebrand, this thoughtful set is perfect for filling his fridge with tasty and unique brews he'll love (tried, tested and approved by yours truly, too). Ready to find the perfect gift? Shop our picks of the best last-minute Father's Day gifts below. But you're already late so get a wriggle on. Whether you're running, commuting or on back-to-back calls all day, these sleek, bone-conducting wireless headphones are set to be the wearable tech upgrade he'll love. Designed to sit on the ear rather than in it, the ultra-lightweight new Open-Ear headphones hook over the ear and utilise bone conduction, DirectPitch™ technology to transmit sound to your ears without obstructing them. shop £169 If your dad is anything like mine, he'll absolutely love Firebrand and it's Cornish-brewed craft beer – especially this affordable four-piece set. The set features a sleek Firebrand glass, West Coast Session IPA, Summerleaze Hazy Pale and (my favourite) Helles Beach Cornish Lager. shop £14 For the dad who loves a cold dip or a wild swim, there's no beating the classic, weatherproof changing robe: Dryrobe Advance. Its iconic design combines a durable waterproof outer with a super-warm inner that will protect you from the elements, whilst giving you enough space to change in and out of a wetsuit, swimwear or sports kit. shop £175 Treat him to a moment of calm and confidence with this luxury, energising cedar and warming musk-infused grooming set designed to leave skin refreshed and subtly scented. This set features a Shower Foam 200ml, Anti-Dryness Body Lotion 70ml, Eau de Parfum Sport 15ml and Shampoo & Body Wash 70ml. shop £43.90 If he loves working up a sweat, then he's sure to love SUDU and its sleek, 'Run' range of menswear that's ideal for everything from long runs to workout classes. These SRS 01 shorts feature mesh undershorts for extra ventilation and pockets to stash your essentials, not forgetting the sleek elastic waistband and drawcord that enables you to adjust your fit for maximum comfort. shop £45 If he's a Negroni fan or can't get enough of Campari Spritz then he'll love a drinks cupboard-refresh of Campari. Vibrant red, herbaceous and deliciously bitter, this versatile aperitif is set to be the heart of all his summer drinks going forward. shop £16 (save £2) Whether he's after a new work bag, gym bag or something for those weekend getaways, this ROKA hold-all is set to be a perfect choice. Equipped with multi-functional handles and straps, an array of pockets and a waterproof base, the Gatwick bag is designed to withstand the rigours of travel while looking sleek and stylish in the process. shop £99.95 Treat him to a box of grooming essentials with this affordable edit from Next. Worth £88 but yours for just £22, it features the Bath & Body Works Ocean 3-in-1 Hair Face and Body Wash 295ml, Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel 40ml, Rituals Homme Charcoal Face Scrub 70ml, Percy Nobleman Age Defence Serum 30ml, Mo Bro's Cherry Beard Balm 25ml, Percy & Reed Session Styling Define & Hold Finishing Cream 100ml and Bath & Body Works Hand Wash Mahogany Teakwood Foam Soap 259ml. shop £22 For that bit of extra luxe, treat him to this set of three multi-colour socks from Paul Smith. These ankle socks have been made from a smooth cotton blend, making them both super comfy and stretchy, perfect for everyday wear. shop £42 Better late than never, right? Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: 'Everyone asks what fragrance I'm wearing – it's this little-known niche perfume' MORE: Sky's most affordable 4K TV yet launches – with no dish, box, and just £6 a month MORE: Uniqlo launches 'timeless' satin trousers for £24.90 – and we predict a sell out
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sad story behind sale of giant road trailer with sleeping pods as Aussie crisis worsens
A frustrated and exhausted anti-homelessness advocate said she's "done" trying to work with a local council after years of failed negotiations to establish portable sleeping pods for rough sleepers. Kirsten Ritchie, who runs Launceston-based charity Strike it Out, said community fundraising allowed them to purchase and fit out two huge trailers — one with seven sleeping pods and another with showers and amenities — at a cost of $160,000. The big undertaking to help the growing homeless population began back in 2019. But now more than five years later, still with no council approval, she has been left with no choice but to sell the innovative trailers. Ritchie warned that homelessness in Launceston in Tasmania is at crisis levels, with census data showing 67 in every 10,000 residents sleep rough, well above the national average of 48. Speaking to Yahoo News, she described her relentless efforts to get the project off the ground, only to have the council repeatedly reject her proposals, leaving her with no viable alternative as she has been unable to park the sleeping pods on council land. The City of Launceston Council said Kirsten failed to obtain the appropriate documentation to have the pods installed permanently, and cited "antisocial behaviour" among occupants and local complaints for their dismissal. But Kirsten argued the City made it unnecessarily difficult to obtain the permits, and said that effectively, she was told "council are not interested and never will be". The best course of action to further give back to the community, Kirsten said, is now to sell the pods. "I'm so exhausted, I'm pretty much done," she told Yahoo News Australia. "They're never going to be interested in making this happen." "We don't have money to afford our own piece of land to purchase, and it has to be in the correct zoning and all that kind of stuff anyway. I thought the community own the community spaces, don't we?" Council to crack down on city's campsites after locals erupt Upset after council's 'traumatising' act towards 'adored' rough sleeper Sad two-word message on tent as Aussies forced onto streets Kirsten argued council should prioritise "collecting rates, organising rubbish and the roads" and believes her and the local homeless community have been treated unfairly. "All I want is to provide the homeless community with their basic human rights, with infrastructure that's available 24/7," she said. With the pods now losing value "sitting in a paddock waiting for something to happen", she's looking for buyers. For its part, the City told the ABC it had "worked tirelessly" to help Strike it Out over the past couple of years, but the charity "repeatedly failed to come to the table" with what officials "needed for a legitimate proposal." Yahoo News Australia has sought further comment from the City of Launceston Council. Kirsten claimed she even sought advice from a human rights lawyer just before Christmas. Though she said his attempts at contacting the City were ignored. "Council said the risks are too high [to establish the pods]," she said. "Well I say, don't you think there's more risk in sleeping rough than there is providing amenities and helping people?" Kirsten said she's had quite a lot of interest in the pods, from those in "private businesses", to the healthcare sector and accommodation service providers. "It's just ridiculous, there's so many other mobile facilities operation around Australia — I don't know why it's so hard." Cities across the country are facing pushback over their handling of rising homelessness. On Wednesday, the Brisbane City Council and its Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner told homeless people living in tents in public parks they had 24 hours to pack up and vacate. He said the move was an effort to make the city safer. 'As a community that cares, I don't believe we should ever accept that tents in public parks are an acceptable substitute for secure and safe accommodation," he said in a statement. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
