Latest news with #Wil
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tragic detail in Aussie roadside photo prompts urgent call to action: 'Nothing more traumatic'
Footage showing a badly injured kangaroo, struck by a car and unable to move, has sparked widespread calls from conservationists and the public to slow down and pull over if they encounter an animal by the road in distress. Charity group Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue shared a heartbreaking video this week of a kangaroo lying motionless on the side of a South Australian road, its body too badly injured to move except for its head. As cars sped past, the paralysed animal watched on helplessly. "This video shows how stressful fast cars are for this poor roo that was hit and left badly injured. Our team took this footage while waiting for further assistance to arrive," the group wrote online. It's the latest plea in just a matter of days from wildlife advocates who say the nationwide issue is getting worse. Speaking to Yahoo News on Friday, Queensland-based train driver and vocal wildlife advocate, Wil, also urged the public to "do the right thing" and stop if they strike an animal. ""If an animal jumps out last minute or you didn't see it, you can't help it, but every action after that, you can control. You can stop that vehicle, and you can go and survey the situation. You can provide care, if you're able to, you can get it to a wildlife carer. You can put it out of its misery," he said. In SA, Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue later clarified that the most humane course of action was to euthanise the kangaroo. "Please slow down when you see cars with their hazard lights on because there is probably a hazard ahead, like a kangaroo, that has been struck by a vehicle and left on the road, too injured to move," it said. "There is nothing more traumatic for phone operators than to hear an animal get killed during the phone call because someone didn't slow down." 🚘 Warning to Aussie drivers after tiny roadside find 🐦 Rare creature spotted outside Aussie workplace 🚊 Incredible discovery centimetres from train tracks Driving at night in Australia comes with a higher risk of wildlife collisions, as many native animals are nocturnal and often wander onto roads under the cover of darkness. Slowing down in rural or bushland areas is not just about protecting animals — it's also about keeping drivers and passengers safe from potentially dangerous accidents. When a driver sees an injured animal on the roadside, even if it appears to be dead, stopping safely and assessing the situation is a responsible and humane action. Often, animals may be alive but immobilised, or in the case of marsupials, may have young still alive in their pouches. Wildlife advocates urge Australians not to turn a blind eye but instead to call trained wildlife rescue professionals who are equipped to attend the scene and provide appropriate care or humane intervention. Even if you're unable to assist directly, making that call can mean the difference between prolonged suffering and swift relief. A simple act of compassion can have a profound impact — not only for the animal but for the values we uphold as a community. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Train driver's plea to Aussies after grim discovery: 'It's not easy'
An Australian train driver is urging motorists to show more compassion if they've struck an animal, amid a series of recent heartbreaking collisions on roads and rail lines. Wil Kemp, who operates trains in Far North Queensland along the Gulf Savannah, spoke to Yahoo News following a recent incident where his train struck a large goanna. The animal survived the initial impact but had a badly wounded snout and was ultimately euthanised. It's a grim task — one Wil said is sad but an unfortunate reality of the job. "Many don't die on impact," he explained, adding that the aftermath often involves unnecessary suffering. "I couldn't let him go because he couldn't eat. He was in really good condition. Reptiles can go for a very long time without eating. So this animal would have had weeks, maybe even months, of a slow, painful death by starvation." While wildlife collisions are often unavoidable for train drivers, Wil said it's more important than ever for motorists to take responsibility when accidents happen on the road. "It's not easy, but stopping to check what you can do is the right thing," he said. The incident left a lasting impression not only on Wil but on his co-driver as well. "The last thing my co-driver wanted to do was euthanise a lizard. But she knew she'd hit it, and instead of leaving it to suffer, she chose to help. This lizard was strong — a big goanna. She held him while I put him down, and she cried. She was really, really upset. But she knew it was really important. She didn't want him to suffer a slow, painful death." 🚘 Warning to Aussie drivers after tiny roadside find 🐦 Rare creature spotted outside Aussie workplace 🚊 Incredible discovery centimetres from train tracks Wil said the recent rain in Queensland has triggered more vegetation growth and, with it, increased wildlife activity. Earlier this week, his train also struck and killed a carpet python. But he pointed out that it's not just train drivers facing this dilemma — road users have an equally important role to play. "Whether you're driving a car or whether you're driving a train, sometimes these things happen and you can't control it," he said. "If an animal jumps out last minute or you didn't see it, you can't help it, but every action after that, you can control. You can stop that vehicle, and you can go and survey the situation. You can provide care, if you're able to, you can get it to a wildlife carer. You can put it out of its misery. "It's something that I make sure I do, and the drivers with me, I'll make sure they do it as well." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wil Morales promoted to Assistant Vice President at Monson Savings Bank
MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) – Monson Savings Bank has announced the promotion of Awildo 'Wil' Morales to Assistant Vice President and Community Lending Officer, recognizing his strong leadership and dedication to the communities the bank serves. In his new role, Morales will focus on building relationships with local borrowers, offering personalized lending solutions, and working closely with individuals and businesses to help them achieve their financial goals. Massachusetts sea turtles return to ocean after months of rehab A resident of Ludlow, Morales brings more than 15 years of experience in banking and retail to his new position. He has spent over eight years at Monson Savings Bank, most recently serving as Branch Manager and Security Officer. During his tenure, he has earned a reputation for delivering outstanding customer service, mentoring staff, and actively engaging with the community. 'We are thrilled to congratulate Wil on his well-deserved promotion,' said Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. 'Wil brings passion, leadership, and deep community roots to everything he does. His dedication to our mission of supporting customers and enriching the lives of those in the communities we serve is unmatched.' Morales is a graduate of Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in Business Administration and has continued his professional development through the New England School of Financial Studies, the Employer's Association of New England Leadership Class, and the X-Team program. He has also played a key role in employee training, particularly in personal and business account services. Before joining Monson Savings, Morales spent six years as a Branch Manager at Berkshire Bank. Beyond his banking expertise, Morales is deeply involved in the community. He participates in the Quaboag Chamber of Commerce referral group, leads financial literacy workshops at local schools and senior centers, and serves as an usher at LifePoint Church. Within the bank, he contributes to several internal committees, including Fraud, Waste Watchers, and CRA/Fair Lending. 'I am blessed to work for an organization that supports me while more importantly supporting the best interest of our customers,' Morales said. 'I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of Monson Savings and our surrounding communities.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
South China Morning Post
25-02-2025
- South China Morning Post
Your complete guide to Saigon in 2025: discover the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist destinations – from book boutiques and designer threads to jungle cruises along the Mekong River
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's most populous city and largest financial centre, is experiencing a cultural resurgence of sorts, with a slew of restaurant and bar openings and a greater influx of tourism than ever before. More importantly for our luxury-driven readers, it's also become a shopping haven and hub for young Vietnamese creatives, with exciting new spaces and concept stores offering a vibrant vision for Southeast Asia's future as a centre for fashion, arts and design. Ho Chi Minh City's famous Book Street. Photo: @raniaskdr_/Instagram Need help planning an itinerary to the sprawling heart of southern Vietnam but have no clue where to start? We've got you covered. Stay at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon The Driftwood Pool Bar at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. Photo: Handout Advertisement Formerly the InterContinental Saigon, this celebrated and centrally located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City's buzzy District 1 was recently reintroduced to the public as the JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon just last year, debuting a slate of trendy, newly rebranded facilities, like the Driftwood Pool Bar, to the area. Within walking distance from major landmarks in the city such as the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum, it's an excellent base for first-time visitors as well as a great place to stay for frequent travellers, with top-tier concierge services and a residential tower housing serviced flats and suites next door. Check into a room with a view at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. Photo: Handout Though perks like Executive Lounge access – a highlight of many Marriott hotels – may appear to cater more towards the corporate business traveller, the hotel is also decidedly family-friendly. Located on the 19th floor of the Marriott in Saigon, the lounge has an intimate, homey vibe, which is perfect for relaxing and unwinding over evening cocktails in preparation for another busy day of sightseeing. Meanwhile, the top floor deluxe suite is more than deserving of its name, sizeable enough to comfortably fit a family of three – or four, or more, if we're being honest – with sweeping views of the surrounding district and skyline. Amenities are refreshingly sleek and modern but still retain some signature old-school charm. A suite at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon. Photo: Handout Meal service is where this hotel truly shines though, and you'd be remiss not to try the banh mi here – a Saigon staple. If Western pastries are more your fix, the afternoon tea sets here are incomparable, comprised of delicious little cakes and canapés which are almost too pretty to eat. For Lunar New Year specifically, I indulged in a chocolate 'red packet' from the afternoon tea set made for the holiday before sampling some festive macarons from the in-house buffet restaurant, Market 39. Being spoiled for choice when it comes to even the smallest of snacks gives you a taste of the kind of grandeur that makes this Marriott experience truly special. As founder J. Willard Marriott himself liked to say, it truly is the little things that make big things possible. Pick up some literature from Book Street
