Latest news with #Tassie
The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Playing in the snow: a taste of winter wonderland for Aussie Ark animals
SNOW dusted across the Barrington Tops on Monday afternoon, turning the Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary into a winter wonderland for its animals. Hand-raised rufous bettong, Buttercup, had a quick play in the alpine conditions before she and Parma Wallaby, Petey, were moved into indoor enclosures where they could stay warm and protected. Aussie Ark operations manager Dean Reid said while the snow wasn't deep, the strong winds and steady flurries created dramatic, alpine-like conditions that lasted well into the evening. He said the Tasmanian devils took it all in stride, relishing the icy change - a climate not unlike their native Tasmania. Just last week the sanctuary welcomed 10 new, healthy Tassie devil joeys. "A dusting of snow like this is exactly what our Tasmanian devils love; they come alive in these conditions," he said. "Watching them explore and enjoy the snow is a special reminder of how well-adapted they are to this environment." Mr Reid said rangers prepared and fed animals for a comfortable night ahead and dry straw was added to provide warm bedding where needed. "Dry straw gives the animals extra insulation against the cold. It was a calm, coordinated response from a team experienced in managing wildlife through the extremes of the Australian bush," he said. The snowfall followed severe flooding that affected the sanctuary just weeks earlier. National parks, including the Barrington Tops, remain closed until further notice. The public is urged to avoid affected areas. Gale-force winds swept across the Hunter over the King's Birthday long weekend, bringing icy temperatures and damaging weather. SNOW dusted across the Barrington Tops on Monday afternoon, turning the Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary into a winter wonderland for its animals. Hand-raised rufous bettong, Buttercup, had a quick play in the alpine conditions before she and Parma Wallaby, Petey, were moved into indoor enclosures where they could stay warm and protected. Aussie Ark operations manager Dean Reid said while the snow wasn't deep, the strong winds and steady flurries created dramatic, alpine-like conditions that lasted well into the evening. He said the Tasmanian devils took it all in stride, relishing the icy change - a climate not unlike their native Tasmania. Just last week the sanctuary welcomed 10 new, healthy Tassie devil joeys. "A dusting of snow like this is exactly what our Tasmanian devils love; they come alive in these conditions," he said. "Watching them explore and enjoy the snow is a special reminder of how well-adapted they are to this environment." Mr Reid said rangers prepared and fed animals for a comfortable night ahead and dry straw was added to provide warm bedding where needed. "Dry straw gives the animals extra insulation against the cold. It was a calm, coordinated response from a team experienced in managing wildlife through the extremes of the Australian bush," he said. The snowfall followed severe flooding that affected the sanctuary just weeks earlier. National parks, including the Barrington Tops, remain closed until further notice. The public is urged to avoid affected areas. Gale-force winds swept across the Hunter over the King's Birthday long weekend, bringing icy temperatures and damaging weather. SNOW dusted across the Barrington Tops on Monday afternoon, turning the Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary into a winter wonderland for its animals. Hand-raised rufous bettong, Buttercup, had a quick play in the alpine conditions before she and Parma Wallaby, Petey, were moved into indoor enclosures where they could stay warm and protected. Aussie Ark operations manager Dean Reid said while the snow wasn't deep, the strong winds and steady flurries created dramatic, alpine-like conditions that lasted well into the evening. He said the Tasmanian devils took it all in stride, relishing the icy change - a climate not unlike their native Tasmania. Just last week the sanctuary welcomed 10 new, healthy Tassie devil joeys. "A dusting of snow like this is exactly what our Tasmanian devils love; they come alive in these conditions," he said. "Watching them explore and enjoy the snow is a special reminder of how well-adapted they are to this environment." Mr Reid said rangers prepared and fed animals for a comfortable night ahead and dry straw was added to provide warm bedding where needed. "Dry straw gives the animals extra insulation against the cold. It was a calm, coordinated response from a team experienced in managing wildlife through the extremes of the Australian bush," he said. The snowfall followed severe flooding that affected the sanctuary just weeks earlier. National parks, including the Barrington Tops, remain closed until further notice. The public is urged to avoid affected areas. Gale-force winds swept across the Hunter over the King's Birthday long weekend, bringing icy temperatures and damaging weather. SNOW dusted across the Barrington Tops on Monday afternoon, turning the Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary into a winter wonderland for its animals. Hand-raised rufous bettong, Buttercup, had a quick play in the alpine conditions before she and Parma Wallaby, Petey, were moved into indoor enclosures where they could stay warm and protected. Aussie Ark operations manager Dean Reid said while the snow wasn't deep, the strong winds and steady flurries created dramatic, alpine-like conditions that lasted well into the evening. He said the Tasmanian devils took it all in stride, relishing the icy change - a climate not unlike their native Tasmania. Just last week the sanctuary welcomed 10 new, healthy Tassie devil joeys. "A dusting of snow like this is exactly what our Tasmanian devils love; they come alive in these conditions," he said. "Watching them explore and enjoy the snow is a special reminder of how well-adapted they are to this environment." Mr Reid said rangers prepared and fed animals for a comfortable night ahead and dry straw was added to provide warm bedding where needed. "Dry straw gives the animals extra insulation against the cold. It was a calm, coordinated response from a team experienced in managing wildlife through the extremes of the Australian bush," he said. The snowfall followed severe flooding that affected the sanctuary just weeks earlier. National parks, including the Barrington Tops, remain closed until further notice. The public is urged to avoid affected areas. Gale-force winds swept across the Hunter over the King's Birthday long weekend, bringing icy temperatures and damaging weather.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
Homeless ex-con turned his life around and now helps others do the same
When Ashley Smith woke up from his third overdose, he knew something had to give. Finding himself in and out of jail, homeless and abusing substances, Mr Smith was left with nothing. But he knew one thing: life had more to offer. "I thought, I've got to do something with my life - being in prison, living on the streets, drinking in parks, there had to be something bigger," Mr Smith said. Growing up in a troubled family, Mr Smith said most of his family were in jail. After a domestic violence incident involving his mother and stepfather a few years ago, Mr Smith's mother was sentenced to long-term imprisonment. As a result, Mr Smith was evicted from the home where he had been living for ten years and became homeless. "I lived on the street for about 12 months, I've lived behind skip bins, in a safe space shelter, I've been to prison five times, it got to the point that I thought it was normal," he said. After numerous stints in rehab and multiple attempts at treatment in facilities across Australia, Mr Smith made the decision to turn his life around for good 12 months ago after an almost fatal overdose. A few weeks ago, he returned from Melbourne, where he spent two months in a sober house. He's since secured housing in Launceston and started a business cleaning solar panels. But there was still something he had to do - give back. "I want to give back now. I feel like it's my purpose now to help the youth and the community," he said. Mr Smith made it his mission to supply the homeless community in Launceston, TAS, with kits and uses his Facebook page - Breaking the Cycle Tassie - to advocate for positive lifestyle change. "I engage with the homeless community and have a chat," he said. "The kits could include tents, blowup mattresses, hand warmers, beanies, socks, undies." Using his story to inspire others, Mr Smith's advocacy has helped him just as much as it's helped others. "I met a bloke with his 14-year-old kid who is homeless. He actually follows me on TikTok, and he thanked me for helping him," he said. "It's crazy. I go into the CBD and I get at least two people who want to shake my hand." With first-hand experience of homelessness, Mr Smith said substance abuse was often a path those sleeping rough went down. He urged the community to be more understanding of people's circumstances. "It's the cold, alcohol helps people go to sleep and stay asleep," he said. "People say they should 'get a job', but you can't on four hours of sleep. In weather like this, you wake up soaked, and you have to find somewhere to shower. "All you want to do is block it all out, drink and use drugs." 'Don't give up' Mr Smith said he wanted to show people, especially youth, that they can "break the cycle" of criminality, drug and alcohol use, they are born into. "You can break that cycle, even if you come from disadvantaged families - you've got to put your head down and work hard, he said. "Don't give up, there is hope. If I can do it, anybody can." With his life together, Mr Smith said he felt better than he ever has, and although some days are harder than others, he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm 74 days clean and sober, and it feels good. My head feels so clear, I can think properly, it's great," he said. When Ashley Smith woke up from his third overdose, he knew something had to give. Finding himself in and out of jail, homeless and abusing substances, Mr Smith was left with nothing. But he knew one thing: life had more to offer. "I thought, I've got to do something with my life - being in prison, living on the streets, drinking in parks, there had to be something bigger," Mr Smith said. Growing up in a troubled family, Mr Smith said most of his family were in jail. After a domestic violence incident involving his mother and stepfather a few years ago, Mr Smith's mother was sentenced to long-term imprisonment. As a result, Mr Smith was evicted from the home where he had been living for ten years and became homeless. "I lived on the street for about 12 months, I've lived behind skip bins, in a safe space shelter, I've been to prison five times, it got to the point that I thought it was normal," he said. After numerous stints in rehab and multiple attempts at treatment in facilities across Australia, Mr Smith made the decision to turn his life around for good 12 months ago after an almost fatal overdose. A few weeks ago, he returned from Melbourne, where he spent two months in a sober house. He's since secured housing in Launceston and started a business cleaning solar panels. But there was still something he had to do - give back. "I want to give back now. I feel like it's my purpose now to help the youth and the community," he said. Mr Smith made it his mission to supply the homeless community in Launceston, TAS, with kits and uses his Facebook page - Breaking the Cycle Tassie - to advocate for positive lifestyle change. "I engage with the homeless community and have a chat," he said. "The kits could include tents, blowup mattresses, hand warmers, beanies, socks, undies." Using his story to inspire others, Mr Smith's advocacy has helped him just as much as it's helped others. "I met a bloke with his 14-year-old kid who is homeless. He actually follows me on TikTok, and he thanked me for helping him," he said. "It's crazy. I go into the CBD and I get at least two people who want to shake my hand." With first-hand experience of homelessness, Mr Smith said substance abuse was often a path those sleeping rough went down. He urged the community to be more understanding of people's circumstances. "It's the cold, alcohol helps people go to sleep and stay asleep," he said. "People say they should 'get a job', but you can't on four hours of sleep. In weather like this, you wake up soaked, and you have to find somewhere to shower. "All you want to do is block it all out, drink and use drugs." 'Don't give up' Mr Smith said he wanted to show people, especially youth, that they can "break the cycle" of criminality, drug and alcohol use, they are born into. "You can break that cycle, even if you come from disadvantaged families - you've got to put your head down and work hard, he said. "Don't give up, there is hope. If I can do it, anybody can." With his life together, Mr Smith said he felt better than he ever has, and although some days are harder than others, he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm 74 days clean and sober, and it feels good. My head feels so clear, I can think properly, it's great," he said. When Ashley Smith woke up from his third overdose, he knew something had to give. Finding himself in and out of jail, homeless and abusing substances, Mr Smith was left with nothing. But he knew one thing: life had more to offer. "I thought, I've got to do something with my life - being in prison, living on the streets, drinking in parks, there had to be something bigger," Mr Smith said. Growing up in a troubled family, Mr Smith said most of his family were in jail. After a domestic violence incident involving his mother and stepfather a few years ago, Mr Smith's mother was sentenced to long-term imprisonment. As a result, Mr Smith was evicted from the home where he had been living for ten years and became homeless. "I lived on the street for about 12 months, I've lived behind skip bins, in a safe space shelter, I've been to prison five times, it got to the point that I thought it was normal," he said. After numerous stints in rehab and multiple attempts at treatment in facilities across Australia, Mr Smith made the decision to turn his life around for good 12 months ago after an almost fatal overdose. A few weeks ago, he returned from Melbourne, where he spent two months in a sober house. He's since secured housing in Launceston and started a business cleaning solar panels. But there was still something he had to do - give back. "I want to give back now. I feel like it's my purpose now to help the youth and the community," he said. Mr Smith made it his mission to supply the homeless community in Launceston, TAS, with kits and uses his Facebook page - Breaking the Cycle Tassie - to advocate for positive lifestyle change. "I engage with the homeless community and have a chat," he said. "The kits could include tents, blowup mattresses, hand warmers, beanies, socks, undies." Using his story to inspire others, Mr Smith's advocacy has helped him just as much as it's helped others. "I met a bloke with his 14-year-old kid who is homeless. He actually follows me on TikTok, and he thanked me for helping him," he said. "It's crazy. I go into the CBD and I get at least two people who want to shake my hand." With first-hand experience of homelessness, Mr Smith said substance abuse was often a path those sleeping rough went down. He urged the community to be more understanding of people's circumstances. "It's the cold, alcohol helps people go to sleep and stay asleep," he said. "People say they should 'get a job', but you can't on four hours of sleep. In weather like this, you wake up soaked, and you have to find somewhere to shower. "All you want to do is block it all out, drink and use drugs." 'Don't give up' Mr Smith said he wanted to show people, especially youth, that they can "break the cycle" of criminality, drug and alcohol use, they are born into. "You can break that cycle, even if you come from disadvantaged families - you've got to put your head down and work hard, he said. "Don't give up, there is hope. If I can do it, anybody can." With his life together, Mr Smith said he felt better than he ever has, and although some days are harder than others, he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm 74 days clean and sober, and it feels good. My head feels so clear, I can think properly, it's great," he said. When Ashley Smith woke up from his third overdose, he knew something had to give. Finding himself in and out of jail, homeless and abusing substances, Mr Smith was left with nothing. But he knew one thing: life had more to offer. "I thought, I've got to do something with my life - being in prison, living on the streets, drinking in parks, there had to be something bigger," Mr Smith said. Growing up in a troubled family, Mr Smith said most of his family were in jail. After a domestic violence incident involving his mother and stepfather a few years ago, Mr Smith's mother was sentenced to long-term imprisonment. As a result, Mr Smith was evicted from the home where he had been living for ten years and became homeless. "I lived on the street for about 12 months, I've lived behind skip bins, in a safe space shelter, I've been to prison five times, it got to the point that I thought it was normal," he said. After numerous stints in rehab and multiple attempts at treatment in facilities across Australia, Mr Smith made the decision to turn his life around for good 12 months ago after an almost fatal overdose. A few weeks ago, he returned from Melbourne, where he spent two months in a sober house. He's since secured housing in Launceston and started a business cleaning solar panels. But there was still something he had to do - give back. "I want to give back now. I feel like it's my purpose now to help the youth and the community," he said. Mr Smith made it his mission to supply the homeless community in Launceston, TAS, with kits and uses his Facebook page - Breaking the Cycle Tassie - to advocate for positive lifestyle change. "I engage with the homeless community and have a chat," he said. "The kits could include tents, blowup mattresses, hand warmers, beanies, socks, undies." Using his story to inspire others, Mr Smith's advocacy has helped him just as much as it's helped others. "I met a bloke with his 14-year-old kid who is homeless. He actually follows me on TikTok, and he thanked me for helping him," he said. "It's crazy. I go into the CBD and I get at least two people who want to shake my hand." With first-hand experience of homelessness, Mr Smith said substance abuse was often a path those sleeping rough went down. He urged the community to be more understanding of people's circumstances. "It's the cold, alcohol helps people go to sleep and stay asleep," he said. "People say they should 'get a job', but you can't on four hours of sleep. In weather like this, you wake up soaked, and you have to find somewhere to shower. "All you want to do is block it all out, drink and use drugs." 'Don't give up' Mr Smith said he wanted to show people, especially youth, that they can "break the cycle" of criminality, drug and alcohol use, they are born into. "You can break that cycle, even if you come from disadvantaged families - you've got to put your head down and work hard, he said. "Don't give up, there is hope. If I can do it, anybody can." With his life together, Mr Smith said he felt better than he ever has, and although some days are harder than others, he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm 74 days clean and sober, and it feels good. My head feels so clear, I can think properly, it's great," he said.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Three Lotto players walk away a million dollars richer
Three Lotto players will be having a very happy hump day after scooping up a life-changing sum in Wednesday's Millionaire Medley Draw. Credit: Lotterywest / TheWest Three Lotto players will be having a very happy hump day after scooping up a life-changing sum in Wednesday's Millionaire Medley Draw. The trio will each pocket a cool $1 million after netting the division one prize. Division two produced ten winners who will walk away almost $5,300 richer. Although none of the division one or two ticketholders were from WA, 22 sandgropers pocketed $515.85 from the division three prize. The winning numbers for draw #4555 were 11, 36, 34, 21, 22 and 12 — the supplementary numbers were 4 and 30. Two West Aussie's came away with division two wins in Tuesday's Oz Lotto draw, taking home the division two prize of $48,365.75, while a Tassie player claimed the entire $70m division one kitty.
Time Out
09-05-2025
- Time Out
Three wildlife parks in Victoria are among the most Instagrammable in the world (outside of Africa)
Africa may be considered the king of the savannah when it comes to animal experiences – lions! Elephants! Giraffes! Rhinos! You can see them all over there – but in comparison to the rest of the world, our humble state doesn't fare too bad. The researchers at Titan Travel recently published a Wildlife Safari Index, which aims to spotlight the best destinations around the world for animal lovers outside of Africa. They compiled a list of locations offering the ideal balance of diverse wildlife, endangered species conservation and accessible travel, then ranked them across categories like most affordable, top-rated and most Instagrammable. And wouldn't you know it, three of the top five most Insta-worthy spots can be found in Victoria. Yep, if you were hoping to have a special wildlife encounter – whether that's hand-feeding a roo or joining a cheetah on its morning walk – you can do all that right here. Coming in second place on the list is Werribee Open Range Zoo, with more than 126,000 location tags. Visitors have long flocked here to take an African-inspired journey on one of the zoo's famous open-air safari buses, where you can see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and hippopotamuses splashing in the river. In March, the zoo also opened the brand new Elephant Trail – an $88 million enclosure spanning a massive 21 hectares that's become home to a herd of nine Asian elephants. Healesville Sanctuary – a haven for native Australian animals – claimed fourth spot for the most picturesque wildlife experience (94,400 tags), while in Pearcedale – home to dingoes, quokkas and Tassie devils – followed closely in fifth (56,900 tags). But it was another Aussie wildlife destination that landed in first place: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park topped the list with more than 160,000 tagged location tags. With more than 2,000 native animals, including 68 endangered species, the park puts a big focus on conservation – but also on unforgettable hands-on encounters with its (generally) cute mammals. You can check out the full results below. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Australia Werribee Open Range Zoo, Australia Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka Healesville Sanctuary, Australia Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Australia
Time Out
07-05-2025
- Time Out
The most Instagrammed wildlife experience (outside of Africa) is right here in NSW
Calling all animal lovers! Think you need to travel all the way to Africa to go on safari? Think again. The animal experiences available in NSW are just as diverse and wonderful as our landscapes, which provide plenty of places to have close-up encounters in the wild. But if you're hoping to spot more than roaming wallabies and roos, our top wildlife parks also offer the chance to see Tassie devils, giraffes, echidnas and even cheeky quokkas. Want to know the best spots to see them all in one place? New research has just unveiled the most picturesque wildlife locations in the world, and the top spot is right here in NSW. The researchers at Titan Travel recently published a Wildlife Safari Index, which aims to spotlight the best destinations around the world for animal lovers outside of Africa. They compiled a list of locations offering the ideal balance of diverse wildlife, endangered species conservation and accessible travel, then ranked them across categories like most affordable, top-rated and most Instagram-worthy. The top scorer? Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney's west. Located deep within Sydney's sprawling west – just a 45-minute drive from the CBD – Featherdale boasts the world's largest collection of native Australian wildlife. With more than 2,000 native animals, including 68 endangered species, the park puts a big focus on conservation – but also on unforgettable hands-on encounters with its (generally) cute mammals. You can hand-feed wallabies and kangaroos, pat a koala, step into a penguin enclosure and snap a quokka selfie – talk about a guaranteed Instagram win! Victoria's Werribee Open Range Zoo ranks as the second most Insta-worthy wildlife location, with more than 126,000 tags. The highlight is the zoo's open-air safari buses, which take visitors on an African-inspired journey to see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and hippopotamuses splashing in the river. Just outside of Melbourne, Healesville Sanctuary claimed fourth spot for the most picturesque wildlife experience (94,400 tags), with Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park following closely in fifth (56,900 tags). You can check out the full results below.
