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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
After a liver transplant Newcastle teenager sees dream come true
Walking on the red dust of Central Australia, fourteen-year-old Willow Mowbray knew she had used her Starlight wish of a lifetime well. "It was almost like a dream, it was surreal, I didn't even feel like I was here," Willow said. The Newcastle teen, who is part of the Dunghutti people on the NSW Mid-North Coast, was flown out to Uluru and Alice Springs with her two younger siblings and parents by the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity supporting sick kids. Her first wish came true when she visited the Northern Territory spot in April, and again in August with two other children as part of a partnership with Virgin Australia. Two years ago, Willow was eating dinner at her pop's house when her mother noticed yellow on the whites of her eyes. "We went to John Hunter, and they sent us home with antibiotics, saying you have a cranky liver," Willow said. "That all escalated quickly because I was diagnosed with liver failure," she said. She was then driven down to Westmead Hospital, and twelve days after they first noticed symptoms, she was receiving a liver transplant. "I was the number one priority because I was hours away from being sedated and sent to the ICU," she said. Willow's mother, Paige Benson said she was told her daughter might need to be put on life support. The then-12-year-old received a type of liver transplant that only a handful of kids have had, Ms Benson said. A portion of Willow's sick liver was left behind alongside a transplanted donor liver. The idea is to give the sick liver enough time to repair itself, and the donor portion could be removed. The next year was tough for Willow. She had to take anti-rejection medication that caused insomnia, and mood swings, and she struggled to breathe. "During that year, I reduced my work hours by more than half to try and manage our new life as 'medical parents'," Ms Benson said. Willow required multiple revision surgeries and more time in the hospital and she missed a lot of her first high school year. "Emotionally, the fear of finding herself back in hospital and needing more surgery was always lurking in the back of her mind," she said. After a gruelling year, Willow's transplant was removed and she was considered healed. "I'm doing much better now that I'm off all that immune-compromised medication," Willow said. "I feel like myself again." As an Aboriginal girl, Willow really wanted to visit Uluru and experience how the people there connected to country. "The rock is really present in the middle of the desert and it's just really special to see it in person," she said. Also a keen artist, Willow got to see the Parrtjima Festival of Lights in Alice Springs in April, and both times she enjoyed practising dot painting. "I really like doing Aboriginal art because it's nice and detailed, and it's really creative," she said. Ms Benson said it was beautiful for Willow to be able to take her own inspiration away from Uluru and recreate some pieces in her own style. Willow was also excited to see the rare Mala or rufous hare wallaby. "It is just inspiring and amazing," Willow said. Walking on the red dust of Central Australia, fourteen-year-old Willow Mowbray knew she had used her Starlight wish of a lifetime well. "It was almost like a dream, it was surreal, I didn't even feel like I was here," Willow said. The Newcastle teen, who is part of the Dunghutti people on the NSW Mid-North Coast, was flown out to Uluru and Alice Springs with her two younger siblings and parents by the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity supporting sick kids. Her first wish came true when she visited the Northern Territory spot in April, and again in August with two other children as part of a partnership with Virgin Australia. Two years ago, Willow was eating dinner at her pop's house when her mother noticed yellow on the whites of her eyes. "We went to John Hunter, and they sent us home with antibiotics, saying you have a cranky liver," Willow said. "That all escalated quickly because I was diagnosed with liver failure," she said. She was then driven down to Westmead Hospital, and twelve days after they first noticed symptoms, she was receiving a liver transplant. "I was the number one priority because I was hours away from being sedated and sent to the ICU," she said. Willow's mother, Paige Benson said she was told her daughter might need to be put on life support. The then-12-year-old received a type of liver transplant that only a handful of kids have had, Ms Benson said. A portion of Willow's sick liver was left behind alongside a transplanted donor liver. The idea is to give the sick liver enough time to repair itself, and the donor portion could be removed. The next year was tough for Willow. She had to take anti-rejection medication that caused insomnia, and mood swings, and she struggled to breathe. "During that year, I reduced my work hours by more than half to try and manage our new life as 'medical parents'," Ms Benson said. Willow required multiple revision surgeries and more time in the hospital and she missed a lot of her first high school year. "Emotionally, the fear of finding herself back in hospital and needing more surgery was always lurking in the back of her mind," she said. After a gruelling year, Willow's transplant was removed and she was considered healed. "I'm doing much better now that I'm off all that immune-compromised medication," Willow said. "I feel like myself again." As an Aboriginal girl, Willow really wanted to visit Uluru and experience how the people there connected to country. "The rock is really present in the middle of the desert and it's just really special to see it in person," she said. Also a keen artist, Willow got to see the Parrtjima Festival of Lights in Alice Springs in April, and both times she enjoyed practising dot painting. "I really like doing Aboriginal art because it's nice and detailed, and it's really creative," she said. Ms Benson said it was beautiful for Willow to be able to take her own inspiration away from Uluru and recreate some pieces in her own style. Willow was also excited to see the rare Mala or rufous hare wallaby. "It is just inspiring and amazing," Willow said. Walking on the red dust of Central Australia, fourteen-year-old Willow Mowbray knew she had used her Starlight wish of a lifetime well. "It was almost like a dream, it was surreal, I didn't even feel like I was here," Willow said. The Newcastle teen, who is part of the Dunghutti people on the NSW Mid-North Coast, was flown out to Uluru and Alice Springs with her two younger siblings and parents by the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity supporting sick kids. Her first wish came true when she visited the Northern Territory spot in April, and again in August with two other children as part of a partnership with Virgin Australia. Two years ago, Willow was eating dinner at her pop's house when her mother noticed yellow on the whites of her eyes. "We went to John Hunter, and they sent us home with antibiotics, saying you have a cranky liver," Willow said. "That all escalated quickly because I was diagnosed with liver failure," she said. She was then driven down to Westmead Hospital, and twelve days after they first noticed symptoms, she was receiving a liver transplant. "I was the number one priority because I was hours away from being sedated and sent to the ICU," she said. Willow's mother, Paige Benson said she was told her daughter might need to be put on life support. The then-12-year-old received a type of liver transplant that only a handful of kids have had, Ms Benson said. A portion of Willow's sick liver was left behind alongside a transplanted donor liver. The idea is to give the sick liver enough time to repair itself, and the donor portion could be removed. The next year was tough for Willow. She had to take anti-rejection medication that caused insomnia, and mood swings, and she struggled to breathe. "During that year, I reduced my work hours by more than half to try and manage our new life as 'medical parents'," Ms Benson said. Willow required multiple revision surgeries and more time in the hospital and she missed a lot of her first high school year. "Emotionally, the fear of finding herself back in hospital and needing more surgery was always lurking in the back of her mind," she said. After a gruelling year, Willow's transplant was removed and she was considered healed. "I'm doing much better now that I'm off all that immune-compromised medication," Willow said. "I feel like myself again." As an Aboriginal girl, Willow really wanted to visit Uluru and experience how the people there connected to country. "The rock is really present in the middle of the desert and it's just really special to see it in person," she said. Also a keen artist, Willow got to see the Parrtjima Festival of Lights in Alice Springs in April, and both times she enjoyed practising dot painting. "I really like doing Aboriginal art because it's nice and detailed, and it's really creative," she said. Ms Benson said it was beautiful for Willow to be able to take her own inspiration away from Uluru and recreate some pieces in her own style. Willow was also excited to see the rare Mala or rufous hare wallaby. "It is just inspiring and amazing," Willow said. Walking on the red dust of Central Australia, fourteen-year-old Willow Mowbray knew she had used her Starlight wish of a lifetime well. "It was almost like a dream, it was surreal, I didn't even feel like I was here," Willow said. The Newcastle teen, who is part of the Dunghutti people on the NSW Mid-North Coast, was flown out to Uluru and Alice Springs with her two younger siblings and parents by the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity supporting sick kids. Her first wish came true when she visited the Northern Territory spot in April, and again in August with two other children as part of a partnership with Virgin Australia. Two years ago, Willow was eating dinner at her pop's house when her mother noticed yellow on the whites of her eyes. "We went to John Hunter, and they sent us home with antibiotics, saying you have a cranky liver," Willow said. "That all escalated quickly because I was diagnosed with liver failure," she said. She was then driven down to Westmead Hospital, and twelve days after they first noticed symptoms, she was receiving a liver transplant. "I was the number one priority because I was hours away from being sedated and sent to the ICU," she said. Willow's mother, Paige Benson said she was told her daughter might need to be put on life support. The then-12-year-old received a type of liver transplant that only a handful of kids have had, Ms Benson said. A portion of Willow's sick liver was left behind alongside a transplanted donor liver. The idea is to give the sick liver enough time to repair itself, and the donor portion could be removed. The next year was tough for Willow. She had to take anti-rejection medication that caused insomnia, and mood swings, and she struggled to breathe. "During that year, I reduced my work hours by more than half to try and manage our new life as 'medical parents'," Ms Benson said. Willow required multiple revision surgeries and more time in the hospital and she missed a lot of her first high school year. "Emotionally, the fear of finding herself back in hospital and needing more surgery was always lurking in the back of her mind," she said. After a gruelling year, Willow's transplant was removed and she was considered healed. "I'm doing much better now that I'm off all that immune-compromised medication," Willow said. "I feel like myself again." As an Aboriginal girl, Willow really wanted to visit Uluru and experience how the people there connected to country. "The rock is really present in the middle of the desert and it's just really special to see it in person," she said. Also a keen artist, Willow got to see the Parrtjima Festival of Lights in Alice Springs in April, and both times she enjoyed practising dot painting. "I really like doing Aboriginal art because it's nice and detailed, and it's really creative," she said. Ms Benson said it was beautiful for Willow to be able to take her own inspiration away from Uluru and recreate some pieces in her own style. Willow was also excited to see the rare Mala or rufous hare wallaby. "It is just inspiring and amazing," Willow said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Qantas launches new flights to tropical Aussie islands near Indonesia
When dreaming of a tropical destination for a weekend escape, most Aussies picture Queensland's sun-drenched coastline or the iconic Great Barrier Reef. But closer to Bali lie several islands that are actually part of Australia; the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. These island escapes – which boast snorkelling, diving, fishing, national parks and an abundance of wildlife – are now more accessible thanks to a new route launched by Qantas. The airline announced twice-weekly flights from Perth to the Indian Ocean Territories, with an additional Saturday service once a month. The new routes will replace Virgin Australia's former schedule, and are expected to boost visitor numbers to the remote communities. Chair of Christmas Island Tourism, David Watchorn, told Yahoo News that residents were excited about the announcement, as the islands rely heavily on tourism. 'Visitors bring energy and opportunity — creating jobs in accommodation, tours, hospitality, and retail,' he said. 'Unlike mining, which has a clear end date, tourism is renewable and sustainable, growing stronger as more people experience our extraordinary red crab migration, world-class diving, pristine nature, and vibrant culture. 'Tourism isn't just part of the economy — it's the pathway to a stronger, more diverse future for Christmas Island.' The phosphate mining industry has boosted the island's economy for over a century, but it's scheduled to end in 2034, leaving the territory more reliant on visitors than ever. 'This is about more than just flights,' Mr Watchorn said. 'It's about better connections for residents, better access to essential services, and putting the Indian Ocean Territories firmly on the map as a destination.' While the new Qantas schedule won't start until November 3, visitors are able to start booking flights from today, August 18. Flights will depart from Perth's international airport, and fares will include complimentary food and a 30kg baggage allowance. New flight route open between Cairns and Hamilton Island Another Aussie island escape is also welcoming the announcement of a new flight route, with Queensland-based East Air planning on operating a direct flight from Cairns to Hamilton Island. The service will also begin on November 3, and offer three flights a week to begin with, with the possibility of expanding if demand allows. 'This is an ideal opportunity for holidaymakers to maximise their time in Queensland and experience both of these exceptional destinations without additional costly and unnecessary travel and transfers,' East Air CEO Alan Milne said. It will be the first time the route has opened since pre-Covid times. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Virgin Australia to bring back pop-up Velocity 1 Point store across three Aussie cities
Virgin Australia is bringing back its Velocity Frequent Flyers 1 Point Rewards Store in three Aussie cities. The airline announced it would be bringing back its loyalty reward program after its sellout debut on Chapel St in Melbourne in 2023. For one day only, Velocity members will be able to redeem items such Bose, Dyson and GHD hair products, designer perfumes, Virgin Australia flights and Lounge access for one Velocity Point. It will first hit Sydney's Pitt St on Friday, August 22 between 8am and 9am, with dates and locations for Melbourne and Brisbane still to be announced. From 8am on August 22, members will be able to redeem one reward per member, per location. Upon claiming a reward, one point will be deducted from the Velocity member account in-store. Members must have the app downloaded and one point in their Velocity account to be eligible. The pop-up shops will feature a mystery prize carousel and claw machines, with Virgin Australia crew on the scene to help. Velocity Frequent Flyer chief executive Nick Rohrlach said it was easier than ever to earn points in every day life. 'Velocity is all about getting our members to rewards faster and the 1 Point Rewards Store puts the spotlight on that. With Velocity, earning Points is easy and fast,' he said 'You don't need to spend big or wait long for your next reward – spending daily on things like your morning coffee, a tank of fuel, weekly grocery shop or mobile phone bill could get you there in no time.' Originally published as Virgin Australia to bring back pop-up Velocity 1 Point store across three Aussie cities
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Virgin Australia to bring back pop-up Velocity 1 Point store across three Aussie cities
Virgin Australia is bringing back its Velocity Frequent Flyers 1 Point Rewards Store in three Aussie cities. The airline announced it would be bringing back its loyalty reward program after its sellout debut on Chapel St in Melbourne in 2023. For one day only, Velocity members will be able to redeem items such Bose, Dyson and GHD hair products, designer perfumes, Virgin Australia flights and Lounge access for one Velocity Point. It will first hit Sydney's Pitt St on Friday, August 22 between 8am and 9am, with dates and locations for Melbourne and Brisbane still to be announced. From 8am on August 22, members will be able to redeem one reward per member, per location. Upon claiming a reward, one point will be deducted from the Velocity member account in-store. Members must have the app downloaded and one point in their Velocity account to be eligible. The pop-up shops will feature a mystery prize carousel and claw machines, with Virgin Australia crew on the scene to help. Velocity Frequent Flyer chief executive Nick Rohrlach said it was easier than ever to earn points in every day life. 'Velocity is all about getting our members to rewards faster and the 1 Point Rewards Store puts the spotlight on that. With Velocity, earning Points is easy and fast,' he said 'You don't need to spend big or wait long for your next reward – spending daily on things like your morning coffee, a tank of fuel, weekly grocery shop or mobile phone bill could get you there in no time.'
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Aussie airline brings back pop-up store
Virgin Australia is bringing back its Velocity Frequent Flyers 1 Point Rewards Store in three Aussie cities. The airline announced it would be bringing back its loyalty reward program after its sellout debut on Chapel St in Melbourne in 2023. Virgin Australia is bringing back its Velocity 1 Point Rewards Store. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia For one day only, Velocity members will be able to redeem items such Bose, Dyson and GHD hair products, designer perfumes, Virgin Australia flights and Lounge access for one Velocity Point. It will first hit Sydney's Pitt St on Friday, August 22 between 8am and 9am, with dates and locations for Melbourne and Brisbane still to be announced. From 8am on August 22, members will be able to redeem one reward per member, per location. Upon claiming a reward, one point will be deducted from the Velocity member account in-store. The first pop-up store will be in Sydney, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane at a later date. Supplied Credit: Supplied Members must have the app downloaded and one point in their Velocity account to be eligible. The pop-up shops will feature a mystery prize carousel and claw machines, with Virgin Australia crew on the scene to help. Velocity Frequent Flyer chief executive Nick Rohrlach said it was easier than ever to earn points in every day life. 'Velocity is all about getting our members to rewards faster and the 1 Point Rewards Store puts the spotlight on that. With Velocity, earning Points is easy and fast,' he said 'You don't need to spend big or wait long for your next reward – spending daily on things like your morning coffee, a tank of fuel, weekly grocery shop or mobile phone bill could get you there in no time.'
