Latest news with #Perham
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Men return home after 100 days in Guinea prison
A search and rescue specialist hired to recover a downed research balloon in what was supposed be a four-day job has finally returned home after spending more than 100 days in a West African prison. Paul Inch, 50, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, and colleague Richard Perham, 29, from Bristol, had gone to Guinea to recover the equipment for a firm when they were arrested and accused of spying. "It was scary - the worst thing I have ever experienced," said Mr Inch. Lord Collins of Highbury, UK government Foreign Office minister for Africa, welcomed the men's return after their "lengthy ordeal". The Guinean government has been asked to comment. "We were threatened with all kinds of abuse," said Mr Inch, who works as a mountain bike guide, water safety officer, and as a volunteer with the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue. He described the conditions in the Conakry prison as "horrific", with 80 men sharing a toilet and shower. "Sleeping through the night you'd have rats and mice and cockroaches crawling over your body," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. Mr Inch said the water was contaminated so they washed with a disinfectant and were concerned about becoming unwell. He explained how he and his colleague had believed they "had the right permissions to be [in Guinea]... and then quickly found out that we hadn't". "We were in court and then told 'you're going to prison'," he said. Guinea's ex-military ruler pardoned over stadium massacre Tourist in US chained 'like Hannibal Lecter' Timothy Spall's new crime drama filmed entirely in Wales Mr Perham said: "We had to literally fear for our lives each day. "After we had been there for two months, the UK ambassador walked us to the prison gate, believing we were finally being released but a phone call to the prosecutor stopped it. "We had to turn around and walk straight back in for another month. It was devastating." After their release on 11 April, the pair were stuck in Guinea for 42 more days. Mr Inch's partner, Cheryl Potter, said: "Every single day has been a constant battle worrying about him." Mr Inch has thanked his supporters, the British Embassy and his local MP, Liz Saville Roberts, for their help to get them home. Ms Saville-Roberts said the organisation that hired the pair had informed Guinean authorities that Mr Inch and Mr Perham "had no role in operating the balloon, no knowledge of its technical contents, and no involvement in its flight or descent". "Their assignment was purely logistical: retrieving equipment under the understanding that all permissions had been granted," said the Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd. "This has been a nightmare for the two men and their families and friends who have been focused, resourceful and determined to ensure that never a day went by without seeking their release."
West Australian
21-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Australian mortgage holders tipped to save in just three days after RBA cut
Australia's fifth biggest bank, Macquarie Bank, will pass on the May interest rate to its customers a week earlier than its competitors, citing cost of living pressures. Macquarie has become the first major lender to cut variable interest rates just days after the Reserve Bank of Australia officially announced a rate reduction. Variable mortgage rate customers will get the full 25 basis point rate cut passed on by the 23rd of May. Macquarie Bank head of personal banking Ben Perham said it was important to pass on rate relief quickly during the current cost of living climate. 'We know homeowners across Australia are watching rate movements closely and that every dollar counts,' Mr Perham said. 'That's why we're reducing the time it takes for this rate cut to be effective from 10 days to three so our customers can feel the benefit of lower rates, and more money in their pockets at the end of each month, sooner.' From May 23 home loan rates will start at 5.64 per cent and Macquarie will automatically drop if paying the minimum and also have a direct debit set up. The changes come just days after the Reserve Bank of Australia slashed the official cash rate from 4.10 to 3.85 per cent in a widely predicted move. Meeting for the second time under its new dual-board structure, the RBA cut the national cash rate by 25 basis points, but surprised everyone by saying they open to a super-sized 50 basis point rate cut. 'There was an argument and we did debate it (a 50 basis point cut) but it wasn't the strongest argument in the room,' RBA governor Michele Bullock said. She stressed 'inflation hurts everyone', particularly those on lower incomes and renters. Responding to a question from NewsWire on whether households could expect further relief, she acknowledged Australians had gone through a 'really rough few years', typied by sharp rises in everyday prices. 'I would say that bringing inflation down is the best thing we can do to help them, while keeping employment strong,' she said. 'At the moment we are on track to deliver that. I know you're doing it tough, but conditions are improving.' All four of the major banks have announced they will also move on interest rates but it will take a week longer. NAB confirmed it would decrease its standard variable home loan interest rate by 0.25 per cent, effective from Friday, May 30, with the 10-day delay in line with previous changes to interest rates in the wake of a cash rate change. ANZ was quick to follow, also dropping its variable rate by 0.25 per cent, effective on May 30. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has moved in line with the other majors and will also drop variable interest rates on home loans by 0.25 per cent. Westpac told customers it too would pass on the rate cut in full – to mortgage holders and savers, albeit a touch slower. It was the only one of the major banks to make an announcement on savings rates. From June 3, the bank will decrease its variable interest rates by 0.25 per cent for new and existing customers. Speaking about the change, Westpac acting chief executive consumer, Carolyn McCann said it will give welcome relief to mortgage holders facing cost of living pressures. 'Our customers have shown remarkable resilience when it comes to managing their finances through a challenging economic period,' she said. 'However, we recognise things are still tough and every dollar counts in the family budget.' From May 30, variable rates on Westpac Life accounts will decrease by 0.25 per cent, while new customers applying online for a Westpac eSaver account will also cop a 0.25 per cent interest rate cut.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major lender slashes rates in just three days
Australia's fifth biggest bank, Macquarie Bank, will pass on the May interest rate to its customers a week earlier than its competitors, citing cost of living pressures. Macquarie has become the first major lender to cut variable interest rates just days after the Reserve Bank of Australia officially announced a rate reduction. Variable mortgage rate customers will get the full 25 basis point rate cut passed on by the 23rd of May. Macquarie Bank head of personal banking Ben Perham said it was important to pass on rate relief quickly during the current cost of living climate. 'We know homeowners across Australia are watching rate movements closely and that every dollar counts,' Mr Perham said. 'That's why we're reducing the time it takes for this rate cut to be effective from 10 days to three so our customers can feel the benefit of lower rates, and more money in their pockets at the end of each month, sooner.' From May 23 home loan rates will start at 5.64 per cent and Macquarie will automatically drop if paying the minimum and also have a direct debit set up. The changes come just days after the Reserve Bank of Australia slashed the official cash rate from 4.10 to 3.85 per cent in a widely predicted move. Meeting for the second time under its new dual-board structure, the RBA cut the national cash rate by 25 basis points, but surprised everyone by saying they open to a super-sized 50 basis point rate cut. 'There was an argument and we did debate it (a 50 basis point cut) but it wasn't the strongest argument in the room,' RBA governor Michele Bullock said. She stressed 'inflation hurts everyone', particularly those on lower incomes and renters. Responding to a question from NewsWire on whether households could expect further relief, she acknowledged Australians had gone through a 'really rough few years', typied by sharp rises in everyday prices. 'I would say that bringing inflation down is the best thing we can do to help them, while keeping employment strong,' she said. 'At the moment we are on track to deliver that. I know you're doing it tough, but conditions are improving.' All four of the major banks have announced they will also move on interest rates but it will take a week longer. NAB confirmed it would decrease its standard variable home loan interest rate by 0.25 per cent, effective from Friday, May 30, with the 10-day delay in line with previous changes to interest rates in the wake of a cash rate change. ANZ was quick to follow, also dropping its variable rate by 0.25 per cent, effective on May 30. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has moved in line with the other majors and will also drop variable interest rates on home loans by 0.25 per cent. Westpac told customers it too would pass on the rate cut in full – to mortgage holders and savers, albeit a touch slower. It was the only one of the major banks to make an announcement on savings rates. From June 3, the bank will decrease its variable interest rates by 0.25 per cent for new and existing customers. Speaking about the change, Westpac acting chief executive consumer, Carolyn McCann said it will give welcome relief to mortgage holders facing cost of living pressures. 'Our customers have shown remarkable resilience when it comes to managing their finances through a challenging economic period,' she said. 'However, we recognise things are still tough and every dollar counts in the family budget.' From May 30, variable rates on Westpac Life accounts will decrease by 0.25 per cent, while new customers applying online for a Westpac eSaver account will also cop a 0.25 per cent interest rate cut.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Maguire hit with Reece Walsh dilemma after season-ending injury blow
Broncos coach Michael Maguire is set to lose exciting star Hayze Perham for the season after the 25-year-old reportedly tore his ACL during the trial game against the Titans on the weekend. Perham had been one of the few players to have made a huge impression on Maguire in his brutal pre-season camp. The fullback was training the house down and showed he was ready to replace any star who suffered an injury in the backline with Perham also proving to be a capable replacement for Reece Walsh. However, reports suggest Perham suffered an ACL injury when running up for a hit-up on the weekend. Footage shows Perham stepping back onto his left, but buckling as he braced for impact. Perham left the field limping with seven minutes left in the first-half. Unfortunately, reports suggest Perham will miss the entire 2025 NRL season. NRL Physio, Brien Seeney, claimed it appeared to be a textbook non-contact knee injury and recovery time would be around nine months. This would rule the 25-year-old out for his first season at the Broncos after a career switch. Perham made the move from the Bulldogs to join the Broncos under Maguire with the hope he would get some NRL action. While Selwyn Cobbo could have replaced Walsh at fullback, Perham was selected in the trial game against the Titans and was looking to be a solid deputy across the entire backline in 2025. Perham was part of the Broncos outfit that looked fit and sharp as they hammered the Titans 50-12 with a number of players putting their hands up for selection. One such player was Corey Paix who is making a real case to be the starting No.9 in round one for Maguire's Broncos outfit. Reports Hayze Perham will miss the 2025 season after rupturing his ACL in the Broncos trial (via @9NewsBrisbane)His last run involved a textbook non-contact/change of direction mechanism for his right knee. Would be facing reconstruction surgery and ~9 months recovery time. — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 17, 2025 Bad news for the Broncos with reports emerging new recruit Hayze Perham suffered a ruptured ACL had hoped he would provide depth in an outside back corps ravaged by injury in 2024 and his loss is a sizeable blow. — The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) February 17, 2025 Paix has been one of the stars of the Broncos pre-season so far having potentially leapfrogged Billy Walters in the starting side. Under former coach Kevin Walters, Billy played No.9 for the 2024 season with Paix overlooked. However, Paix continues to push his case to take the starting jersey off Walters and didn't do his chances any harm on the weekend. Paix scored two tries as he showcased his speed from dummy-half in an exciting audition. Paix said he followed Maguire's instructions prior to the game and is ready to take that starting position if given the opportunity. "I went out and did my job. Madge (Maguire) gave me clear instructions to go out and front-load. I felt really good and I felt comfortable," Paix said. "I always thought I had to go back (to Queensland Cup in 2024) and work really hard. I did that at Wynnum. To train well in pre-season and play well today was pleasing. It is a clean slate here. I knew if I went and worked hard I would give myself a chance to be there round one." Another potential player who looked promising in the Broncos' first hit-out was Kobe Hetherington. Former coach Walters wasn't overly keen on Hetherington with the forward told he could potentially look for a new club. However, Maguire reversed the decision and told Hetherington he had an opportunity to show him he could be a starter. And Hetherington pushed his case to start at lock for the 2025 season, which would see Patrick Carrigan move into the front row. Towering Broncos prop Ben Te Kura is also firming for a potential bench position for the Broncos' opening game of the season.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Maguire faces Reece Walsh dilemma after horror news for Broncos recruit
Broncos coach Michael Maguire is set to lose exciting star Hayze Perham for the season after the 25-year-old reportedly tore his ACL during the trial game against the Titans on the weekend. Perham had been one of the few players to have made a huge impression on Maguire in his brutal pre-season camp. The fullback was training the house down and showed he was ready to replace any star who suffered an injury in the backline with Perham also proving to be a capable replacement for Reece Walsh. However, reports suggest Perham suffered an ACL injury when running up for a hit-up on the weekend. Footage shows Perham stepping back onto his left, but buckling as he braced for impact. Perham left the field limping with seven minutes left in the first-half. Unfortunately, reports suggest Perham will miss the entire 2025 NRL season. NRL Physio, Brien Seeney, claimed it appeared to be a textbook non-contact knee injury and recovery time would be around nine months. This would rule the 25-year-old out for his first season at the Broncos after a career switch. Perham made the move from the Bulldogs to join the Broncos under Maguire with the hope he would get some NRL action. While Selwyn Cobbo could have replaced Walsh at fullback, Perham was selected in the trial game against the Titans and was looking to be a solid deputy across the entire backline in 2025. Perham was part of the Broncos outfit that looked fit and sharp as they hammered the Titans 50-12 with a number of players putting their hands up for selection. One such player was Corey Paix who is making a real case to be the starting No.9 in round one for Maguire's Broncos outfit. Reports Hayze Perham will miss the 2025 season after rupturing his ACL in the Broncos trial (via @9NewsBrisbane)His last run involved a textbook non-contact/change of direction mechanism for his right knee. Would be facing reconstruction surgery and ~9 months recovery time. — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 17, 2025 Bad news for the Broncos with reports emerging new recruit Hayze Perham suffered a ruptured ACL had hoped he would provide depth in an outside back corps ravaged by injury in 2024 and his loss is a sizeable blow. — The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) February 17, 2025 Paix has been one of the stars of the Broncos pre-season so far having potentially leapfrogged Billy Walters in the starting side. Under former coach Kevin Walters, Billy played No.9 for the 2024 season with Paix overlooked. However, Paix continues to push his case to take the starting jersey off Walters and didn't do his chances any harm on the weekend. Paix scored two tries as he showcased his speed from dummy-half in an exciting audition. Paix said he followed Maguire's instructions prior to the game and is ready to take that starting position if given the opportunity. "I went out and did my job. Madge (Maguire) gave me clear instructions to go out and front-load. I felt really good and I felt comfortable," Paix said. "I always thought I had to go back (to Queensland Cup in 2024) and work really hard. I did that at Wynnum. To train well in pre-season and play well today was pleasing. It is a clean slate here. I knew if I went and worked hard I would give myself a chance to be there round one." Another potential player who looked promising in the Broncos' first hit-out was Kobe Hetherington. Former coach Walters wasn't overly keen on Hetherington with the forward told he could potentially look for a new club. However, Maguire reversed the decision and told Hetherington he had an opportunity to show him he could be a starter. And Hetherington pushed his case to start at lock for the 2025 season, which would see Patrick Carrigan move into the front row. Towering Broncos prop Ben Te Kura is also firming for a potential bench position for the Broncos' opening game of the season.
