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Dog lovers rejoice after "greedy" serial puppy farmer handed life ban

A serial puppy offender has faced sentencing over 17 charges of animal cruelty, with both a lifetime ban and thousands of dollars in fees included in her punishment. The 51-year-old woman from Bullsbrook, a northern suburb in Perth, had been breeding sick dogs in squalid conditions while charging their potential new owners thousands of dollars, and has now been banned from owning or breeding any more dogs for the rest of her life. For her cruel actions, the Perth Magistrates Court handed her a “10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, $25,000 in fines and an 18-month Intensive Supervision Order.” Additionally, the repeat offender - who has been in custody since April 14 after breaching the conditions of her bail - was also ordered to pay $24,279.11 in legal costs, as well as care and treatment costs totalling $18,241.01. The charges were in relation to 23 dogs who were seized from her property in June 2020 - with sought-after breeds including the likes of Maltese, shih-tzus, poodles, and cavalier King Charles spaniels among them. It wasn’t her first offence - instead her fourth - but her most recent was in 2014 when the RSPCA found 50 dogs at her former home, with 12 of the animals “hidden in a bunker three metres underground”. This time around, she had been trying to conceal her crimes. As the court heard in December, she has been moving the dogs between three different Bullbrook addresses in a bid to avoid detection. It was a display of “callous disregard or at least wilful blindness,” Magistrate Janie Gibbs said. RSPCA WA had launched their investigation into her after a member of the public reported their concerns - they had been trying to purchase a puppy through Gumtree, and had grown suspicious when they were informed they couldn’t visit the dog at home. From there, RSPCA WA seized 32 dogs from the woman’s property - of which there were four adult males, 19 adult females, and nine puppies - with the majority of them showing signs of being “underweight, unkempt, or unwell”, and nearly all of them suffering from “ear infections and/or dental disease and … matted, overgrown hair”. Two did not survive, and five of them were pregnant, giving birth to 22 more puppies in the weeks to follow. All have been in the foster care of RSPCA WA while the case went on. As RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver explained, the woman responsible had been operating a profit-driven business, and had been placing her income well above the welfare of the dogs in her care. “This included using several locations to hide this operation from both authorities and potential puppy buyers,” she added. “All were popular breeds selling for thousands of dollars. These dogs were making her a fortune and she was treating them as nothing more than money-making machines, having litter after litter without proper care. “Please, if you want to get a dog, consider adoption from the RSPCA or another reputable rescue organisation first. If you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. “Always meet your new puppy and its mum in the home where it’s being raised.” Images: RSPCA WA

Family & Pets

Hollywood star engaged to Aussie farmer

Hollywood actress Kate Walsh accidentally announced she is engaged to Aussie farmer Andrew Nixon during an Instagram Live video. The 54-year-old Grey's Anatomy actress was chatting with her former Private Practice co-star Amy Brenneman when her partner walked into the frame. “Here comes the jungle cat,” she said. “That is my fiancé.” The farmer smiled and waved at the camera as Brenneman, 58, told him, “She just 100 per cent outed your engagement.” Walsh, whose ring could be seen during the video, then confirmed, “I did. I just outed our engagement.” News of the pair's relationship originally broke in February 2021, with reports they had met on a cruise. The couple have been living together in Perth, with Walsh telling The Daily Telegraph in August 2020 that she got “stuck” away from home during the pandemic. “I didn’t really want to go back to New York in the middle of a pandemic when it was pretty gnarly to say the least,” she said at the time. “I couldn’t go home initially, and now that I can, I don’t really fancy going back,” she continued. “I have my own mother saying, ‘Don’t come home,’ my 86-year-old mum. We are in a very challenging time!” Until now, Walsh's relationship with Nixon has been kept extremely private, as they have both chosen not to post photos of each other on social media. Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Relationships

Farmer's moving tribute after missing family funeral

A farmer in New South Wales has honoured a late family member in a very unique way. Ben Jackson, from Guyra in northern NSW, was unable to attend his aunt's funeral in Queensland due to COVID-19 border closures and restrictions. So instead, he paid tribute to his aunt in a very special way, and captured it all on his drone camera. The farmer used his property to create a love heart shape out of grain, causing hundreds of sheep to get in the formation. He captioned the video saying, "I made this for my Aunty Deb. We said goodbye yesterday." “I hope you had a peep down and saw this from up there.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS7nqwKhkFV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS7nqwKhkFV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Benjamin Jackson (@electricpostman)</a> </div> </blockquote> Bridge over Troubled Water can be heard in the background of the video, with Ben saying it was one of his aunt's "favourite tunes". The impressive tribute was played at Deb's funeral in Brisbane in place of her nephew's unfortunate absence. The farmer said he had been feeling “hopeless” on his farm, while being unable to travel to support members of his family. <div class="caas-body"> “…I wanted to show my love somehow. I know there are lots of people in worse situations, but it's still painful,” he said. Ben has long been creating “sheep art” on his property, and said his aunt loved to visit and hear about his latest creations. “I just hope that when I did it, Debbie took one eye off from having a yarn with her loved ones up there and looked down and saw my heart for her.” Image credits: Instagram @electricpostman </div>

Family & Pets

Farmer rescues “five little baby girls” found crying, abandoned

A Texan farmer made a shocking discovery on his ranch near the southern border with Mexico. Five abandoned girls from Honduras and Guatemala were reportedly found on Sunday, May 9 (local time) by farmer Jimmy Hobbs while he was “doing the rounds of his property”, according to local congressman Tony Gonzales. “While we thank God they were found alive, these tragic scenes are happening more and more,” he tweeted. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Take a good hard look at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BidenBorderCrisis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BidenBorderCrisis</a> These young girls were found outside a ranch near Quemado, Texas in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TX23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TX23</a>. The Del Rio Sector border patrol tell me they are uninjured, healthy, and in good spirits. 🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> enough is enough let’s work together solve this crisis. <a href="https://t.co/mt5P7ysN9g">pic.twitter.com/mt5P7ysN9g</a> — Tony Gonzales (@TonyGonzales4TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyGonzales4TX/status/1391529589256695810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2021</a></blockquote> In a video posted on social media, Mr Hobbs described the moment he found the girls. “About 8.30 in the morning, just driving along and then all of a sudden I see them, laying there, right beside the bank of the river,” he said. “Five little baby girls, all by themselves - hungry, crying, one didn’t have any clothes on. One wasn’t even old enough to walk.” Three of the girls are reportedly from Honduras, aged seven, three, and two, while the other two, aged five and 11-months-old, are from Guatemala. Mr Hobbs said he called Border Patrol and gave the girls something to eat and drink. “I don’t think they would have made it if I hadn’t found them,” he told congressman Gonzales. Unaccompanied children are often sent across the border with the hope they can stay in the US following Biden’s winding back of some of the harsher border policies of the Trump administration. Unaccompanied children have been exempted from expulsion under President Biden, allowing them to stay in America while pursuing asylum claims. The number of unaccompanied children encountered on the US-Mexico border has also been reduced from an all-time high in March, according to authorities, with more adults found coming without families. Image credit: Tony Gonzales / Twitter

News

Farmer’s mistake alters the French border

Along the border between Belgium and France, the boundary between the two countries is usually marked by a series of stone markers. But, when local enthusiast David Lavaux was walking through the forest, he noticed one of the stone markers had moved 2.29m. The Belgian farmer behind it was apparently annoyed by the stone being in his tractor’s path and moved it to be inside French territory instead. The incident that could have caused international uproar has instead been met with smiles on both sides of the border. “He made Belgium bigger and France smaller, it’s not a good idea,” Mr Lavaux, who is also the mayor of the Belgian village of Erquelinnes, told French TV channel TF1. “I was happy, my town was bigger,” the Belgian mayor said with a laugh. “But the mayor of Bousignies-sur-Roc didn’t agree.” Aurélie Welonek, mayor of neighbouring Bousignies-sur-Roc, said with amusement to La Voix du Nord, “We should be able to avoid a new border war”. The farmer will be asked to return the stone to its original location by local Belgian authorities. But if he refuses to comply, the case could end up involving the Belgian foreign ministry, which would have to summon a Franco-Belgian border commission which has been dormant since 1930. Mr Lavaux also noted non-compliance could see the farmer facing criminal charges. “If he shows good will, he won’t have a problem, we will settle this issue amicably,” he told Belgian news website Sudinfo. Image Credit: David Lavaux

International Travel

Man sent to prison for defrauding desperate farmers

In the midst of the crippling drought affecting many parts of the nation, scammers have been preying on the vulnerability of who are desperate to feed their livestock. And recently, a man from Parkes was sent to prison for his unscrupulous act of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/offences/fraud-charges/fraud-s192e/">dishonestly obtaining a financial gain by deception.</a> The story so far Stephen John Swindle (his real name) from Parkes had a business masquerading the sale of hay and grain to farmers, but simply did not deliver it after receiving payment. Mr Swindle was imprisoned last week for defrauding New South Wales farmers of more than $80,000 in a scam that lasted more than two years, after being found guilty of 10 counts of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/fraud/">fraud under section 192E of the Crimes Act 1900</a>. During Mr Swindle’s sentencing hearing, the presiding magistrate described his actions as reprehensible, in light of the tough drought affecting our farmers, and labelled the defendant as “lying, dishonest and violent”. According to police papers, several vulnerable farmers purchased food for their livestock through Mr Swindle’s business. Some of the orders were partially delivered, while others were not delivered at all. Mr Swindle lied to his customers about the whereabouts of the delivery trucks, and spent his ill-gotten gains on trips to theme parks, accommodation on the NSW South Coast, sports betting, groceries and liquor. Mr Swindle has been sentenced to a total of three years and six months behind bars and will be eligible for parole in November 2020. Not the first case Earlier this year, a Villawood man was also charged 13 fraud charges arising from a social media scam which allegedly advertised feed for livestock, which according to police was never delivered. The man allegedly targeted farmers in the Hunter Valley region, fleecing them to the tune of $40,000. Police say that, unfortunately, fraudulent schemes of this type are on the rise, and everyone needs to be vigilant. The offence of fraud in NSW Fraud is a general term used to describe a dishonest act which deceives another for financial gain, or another’s financial loss. The general offence of fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison where the charge comes before the District Court, or two years for each count up to a maximum of five years where the case remains in the Local Court. The severity of the sentence for a person who is found guilty, or pleads guilty, depends on a number of factors, including the value of the funds or property involved, the length of time it was conducted, the sophistication of the enterprise as well as the personal characteristics of the defendant, including whether he or she has previous convictions, whether a guilty plea was entered, whether the money was repaid, whether any underlying issues have been addressed (such as gambling or drug addiction) and any demonstrated remorse. Section 192E of the Crimes Act provides that: (1) A person who, by any deception, dishonestly– (a) obtains property belonging to another, or (b) obtains any financial advantage or causes any financial disadvantage, is guilty of the offence of fraud. Maximum penalty–Imprisonment for 10 years. (2) A person’s obtaining of property belonging to another may be dishonest even if the person is willing to pay for the property. (3) A person may be convicted of the offence of fraud involving all or any part of a general deficiency in money or other property even though the deficiency is made up of any number of particular sums of money or items of other property that were obtained over a period of time. (4) A conviction for the offence of fraud is an alternative verdict to a charge for the offence of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/offences/larceny-stealing-theft/">larceny</a>, or any offence that includes larceny, and a conviction for the offence of larceny, or any offence that includes larceny, is an alternative verdict to a charge for the offence of fraud. Written by Sonia Hickey and Ugur Nedim. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/man-sent-to-prison-for-defrauding-desperate-farmers/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

Legal

"You can't teach stupid": Folau receives more funds in two days than farmers' rural aid in one year

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> A Facebook post by The NRL Roast criticising those who donated to Israel Folau’s legal battle has gone viral in just 24 hours. The post highlighted donations given to the Rural Aid Buy a Bale campaign raised in one year matched the money raised for controversial Folau’s legal battle against the Rugby League Association. “In 2 days, Israel Folau has received more in donations than Rural Aid's "Buy a Bale" campaign did in the 2017/2018 financial year,” the post began. “Folau may or may not be in the right in regard to why he got sacked and has every right to launch legal action. “That’s not my gripe. “It's the fact that every day Aussies would rather donate their hard earned, already taxed money, to a multi-millionaire professional athlete who can use the funds however he wants...TAX FREE, while people who actually make a worthwhile contribution to society, and our communities, are left in the lurch. “But you can’t teach stupid… You are just born that way.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheNRLRoast%2Fphotos%2Fa.248365635620899%2F729888714135253%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="435" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Folau has raised $2.2 million in just two days by 20,000 people. Since then, the fundraiser, which is located on the Australian Christian Lobby’s website, has been paused – a little less than $1 million short of the sacked rugby star’s $3 million goal. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzATb_Wn3I_/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzATb_Wn3I_/" target="_blank">A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau)</a> on Jun 22, 2019 at 1:07am PDT </div> </blockquote> The ACL said the donations, which opened on Tuesday, had been “overwhelming". “ACL, Izzy and everyone involved is humbled and grateful. We are hitting the pause button. But if the case drags on and Israel needs more support, we will re-open this campaign,” a statement on the website said. The original campaign on GoFundMe was shut down after it was determined they had violated the site’s terms of service. “We are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” Nicola Britton, GoFundMe’s Australian regional director said. Managing director of the ACL, Martin Iles, confirmed any money raised in the $3 million campaign will exclusively be used to meet Folau’s legal costs. In a poll conducted by Over60 with over 5,200 votes, it was determined 60 per cent of Australians believe Folau deserved to be sacked from his contract with Rugby Australia. However, 40 per cent voted Folau's controversial social post that claimed “hell awaits” gay people, among others, was not breaching his contract. NRL Roast’s post, which now sits with over 3,000 comments, has continued to stir debate with some users claiming the page was only adding “fuel to the fire". “If he can say whatever he believes then he should have the guts to face the consequences of his actions and use his own funds to fight his own battles,” one user wrote. Another added: “I don't see why people find this surprising. There are A LOT of people in the world with the same views as Falou.” “So you're complaining about people who are donating their OWN already taxed hard working money to Folau because they choose not to donate it to where YOU think they should donate THEIR money to?” an additional comment read. However, other people said it was “sad” farmers did not have “priority“. "If only those who so support a sportsperson's contract breach which has been turned into a fight for Christianity could support those who grow our food and keep food on our tables...” one comment said. Another stated: “An absolute disgrace that people give money so easily to someone who broke his contract, not once but twice, but can’t find the money for the farmers who help put food on our tables every day, nothing like getting your priorities right.” Folau’s $4 million contract was terminated by Rugby Australia last month after a post on his Instagram page claimed homosexuals, among others, would burn in hell. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Prince Harry’s emotional “personal” message to struggling Aussie farmers

The Duke of Sussex gave an emotionally powered speech to the residents of Dubbo, Australia yesterday after he touched upon the stigma of mental health and the importance of asking for help when needed. The Prince highlighted the hard work farmers do to help run the nation, describing them as the “backbone of this country”, and while times are tough due to the drought, if they all stick together then can push forward. Here is his speech in full: Thank you to the mayor of Dubbo, Councillor Shields, the Honourable Mr Grant, distinguished guests and to you all for welcoming me and my wife so warmly and wet today. And thank you the Tubbagah people from the Wiradjuri nation for welcoming us to their country. Sixty-four years ago, my grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were right here visiting the war memorial. So, it’s a great pleasure to be able to visit this area now and be able to report back how much life has changed in the Great Western Plains region since then. Today we are here to meet as many of you as possible and to get an insight into some of the challenges and rewards of life in this thriving regional centre. Coming out here brings back memories of 2003 when I spent some time jackarooing on a small 16,000ha property near Roma in Queensland. From chasing cows through the bush and getting chased by countless bulls, it was a fantastic experience and I certainly perfected the great Aussie salute. <img style="width: 500px; height: 328.05555555555554px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821424/gettyimages-124147773.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/504bf813feed40d6aa3893bbd500e3e7" /> But the best part about visiting country Australia is the people. You are the salt of the earth. Honest, hard-working and as tough as they come and that resilience, sense of humour and commitment to the land are the qualities that make you unique. You are the backbone of this country. We were told that there are about 80,000 farm businesses in Australia employing around 310,000 people. Australian farmers produce almost 93 per cent of Australia’s daily domestic food supply. So, you are vital to this country and in a very practical way. The rich traditions of the Australian outback are legendary. You have a lot to be proud of. But I know that life has not been easy. You have just lived through two years of drought. And despite recent welcome rain it is going to take a lot more and a long time to recover. It must be hard not to lose hope when you endure so many dry months end on end knowing that you are powerless to do anything about it. This morning we visited Mountain View farm and learned about the reality of trying to feed your sheep and livestock when the hay is coming from interstate. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpByb_7nK7X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0px; text-align: left;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpByb_7nK7X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Meeting the Woodley Family at Mountain View Farm, who have been running a livestock and crop farm for over five generations since 1887. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the family to feed their cattle, and learned more about the impact of drought and adaptation strategies in Dubbo and across New South Wales. #RoyalVisitAustralia #Australia #Dubbo</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Kensington Palace</a> (@kensingtonroyal) on Oct 17, 2018 at 1:43am PDT </div> </blockquote> We have learned about the knock-on effect of drought on the community and families, livestock and crop losses, financial hardship, job losses, intergenerational issues, concerns over the future and the lack of time for rest and relaxation can take a huge mental and emotional toll on farmers and their families. People in many farming communities generally don’t seek the support they need for multiple reasons because they are often more isolated, their social networks are smaller and there is still a stigma surrounding mental health. We know that suicide rates in rural and remote areas are greater than in urban populations and this may be especially true among young men in remote regions. But outside all of that, here’s what I also know: You are one huge community. And with that comes an unparalleled level of internal support and understanding. All you need to do is to ask for it and your neighbour, your peer, your fellow farmer is literally right around the corner. Chances are they may well be suffering too and will relish the opportunity to either listen or talk themselves. And as I said earlier, you are all the toughest people out there. The most persistent, the ones who can weather the storm or the drought. But you need to know that part of being strong and tough is having the courage to ask for help when you need it. You must not silently suffer. You are all in this together. And if I may speak personally we are all in this together because asking for help was one of the best decisions that I ever made. You will be continually amazed how life changes for the better. You will continually be amazed how your life changes for the better once you put your hand up. It’s not easy and there are no quick fixes. But it’s about being the best version of yourself for you and for those around you. Initiatives and support services such as the Australian Men’s Shed Association, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which we visited this morning, and Headspace are working hard to help those who are struggling. Your culture of mateship and reputation for looking out for each other ensures that when people are ready to ask for help they will be heard. Hardship also brings out the best in people and we have been impressed and inspired by the stories of farming communities and the wider Australian community rallying to support each other through this challenging time. And there’s a lot to celebrate here in the city of smiles. Dubbo, I am told, is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its zoo festivals, boutique wineries and the old Dubbo jail. After lunch we’ll be kicking a football and shooting some hoops with the boys and girls from the Clontarf and Girls academies. The quality of life and shared values of people here in rural and regional Australia are very special. Meghan and I would like to thank you, Dubbo, for inviting us here today and for sharing your stories. And the rain was a gift.

News

Farmer witnesses snake regurgitating whole antelope

A South African game farmer witnessed a 3.9m python regurgitating a whole impala. Farmer Jaco Kotze, was trying to move the python but was forced to abandon his attempts after he realised what the snake was doing. The video was filmed last week on a property in Groblersdal, Limpopo and the video was shared with local news agency <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFfa0hFDxLw" target="_blank">Netwerk 24</a>. First the python regurgitated the hooves of the animal and then the entire body of the dead antelope followed out of the snake’s mouth. Jaco Kotze managed to seize the snake and measure its length with the assistance of some friends. The farmer wanted to relocate the python due to the danger it posed to the livestock on his farmer. It is normal behaviour for a snake to regurgitate its food when it feels threatened so it can make an easier escape.

News

Meet Maisie, the 90-year-old farmer who refuses to retire

What do you imagine your life would be like if you reached the ripe old age of 90? You might be thinking about how great it would be to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the simpler things in life. Well, this nonagenarian couldn’t think of anything worse. 90-year-old Maisie Brooks has been living and working on her Korumburra South farm (in eastern Victoria) for the last 57 years, and she has no plans to stop any time soon. After marrying late husband Bob Brooks, the couple cleared the property and began a 67-year-long partnership, tending to the land and enjoying country life. “We couldn't afford to buy anything except a patch of bush. It was hard work,” she told the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-07/farmer-maisie-brooks-going-strong-at-90-in-gippsland/7818382" target="_blank">ABC</a>. “It was virgin bush [when we first moved here], 342 acres. [Bob and I] cleared it together and now it's nice and green. It's a good looking farm now.” Maisie says she has absolutely no plans to pack up and leave the farm, particularly with beef prices at the current record levels. “I like the lifestyle,” she explained. “I couldn't bear to go and live in the city. I don't like the place; it's too busy, you don't know anybody.” Former neighbour Sinead de Gooyer was inspired by the hard-working senior from the moment they met. “She's just a pocket-rocket,” de Gooyer said, “She has lived through so much and has this get-on-with-it attitude. She is really inspiring and always up for a fantastic chat. I really enjoy our friendship.” Maisie hopes to continue working and living on the land for as long as she can, with the help and support of family, friends and neighbours. “Different people have told me you should be in Korumburra, you should go into a unit. I'm quite happy to stay here.” Good on you, Maisie. Tell us in the comments below, who’s the most inspiring person you’ve ever met? Image: Laura Poole / ABC Gippsland Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/09/canberra-milkman-delivering-old-school-doorstep-service/">Canberra milkman delivering old-school doorstep service</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/65-year-old-woman-celebrates-first-day-of-university/">65-year-old woman celebrates first day of university</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/royal-family-member-queen-chauffeuring-around-balmoral/">Queen Elizabeth II still in the driver’s seat</a>

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Retired farmers enlisted to help ex-urbanites adjust to country life

A new community project has been developed in the town of Kyneton in Central Victoria to assist “tree changers” (city folk who have left the big smoke in search of a simpler life) settle into their new homes. The Connors family is one of the first to benefit from the new initiative, which recruits retired farmers to help country newcomers learn more about the land and the lifestyle. “We knew nobody and we didn't know what to do,” Melissa Connors, who moved to Kyneton from Melbourne’s outer suburbs, told the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-10/community-project-recruits-retired-farmers-to-help-tree-changers/7717074?WT.tsrc=Facebook" target="_blank">ABC</a>. “We just found ourselves on a really steep learning curve.” Enter 78-year-old Noel Jenner, a retired farmer who befriended the young family and taught them about tending to the land and livestock. Jenner’s generosity inspired Melissa to begin a new community project, This Farmer Needs a Farm. “It's about creating a platform for tree changers, like myself and my family, who have moved up to our plots of land and know absolutely nothing about working them, getting our retired farmers to share their knowledge and build our farms into what we want them to be,” she explained. “The bottom line is, it's getting this knowledge out of these guys' and women's heads, rather than sitting behind your computer screens to find the answers.” Not only does the new program benefit tree changers, but it’s giving ex-farmers a purpose in retirement, and Jenner hopes more will get involved. “They've got nothing else to do,” he said. “They should get involved and come on board.” What a great idea. Tell us in the comments below, are you involved with any community projects? Photo: Larissa Romensky / ABC Central Victoria Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/08/hospice-patient-knits-hats-for-the-homeless/">91-year-old hospice patient knits hats for the homeless</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/granddad-and-granddaughter-are-an-adorable-dancing-duo/">Granddad and granddaughter are an adorable dancing duo</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/police-make-dinner-for-lonely-elderly-couple-found-in-tears/">Police make dinner for lonely elderly couple found in tears</a>

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70-year-old farmer plants 6,000 trees in tribute to late wife

Winston Howes' wife Janet, sadly passed away due to a heart attack 20 years ago. In a touching tribute to his late wife, the 70-year-old farmer decided to plant an everlasting tribute to the love of his live – 6,000 oak trees in a six-acre field. After 20 years of hard work his labour of love is finally complete and the oak trees have blossomed into the shape of a heart. ’’This idea came to me like a flash of inspiration,’’ said Mr. Howes, ’’I thought that it would be a lovely and lasting tribute to her that would be here for years.” “Once we planted several thousand oak trees with my son, we put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live in her childhood.’’ To view Mr Howes' touching creation, scroll through the gallery above. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/a-look-inside-first-class-cabins/">Inside 8 first class cabins that will amaze you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/most-photographed-locations-in-london/">London’s 8 most photographed locations</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/holiday-ideas-for-animal-lovers/">8 holiday ideas every animal lover needs to experience</a>

International Travel

NSW farmer set to lead convoy of 120 trucks to help drought-stricken farmers in Qld

A whole lot of hay, hope and a helping hand. Fourth-generation NSW farmer Brendan Farrell has been thinking about his Queensland counterparts, particularly those in the west, where the state's worst-ever drought has hit hundreds. Farrell is set to lead a convoy of 120 trucks travelling more than 1800km north to deliver over 150 trailers full of hay to drought-stricken farmers in Queensland. The act of kindness has required donations of all kinds such as trucks, drivers, and hay, as well as catering and accommodation and petrol money. For each truck there’s an estimated $2000 in fuel needed to complete the journey. Mr Farrell’s message was to make sure everyone knows that the drought is still happening. A record 86 percent of Queensland is currently stricken by drought. The hay will reportedly assist more than 200 drought-affected properties. Donations can be made to the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners via the Rotary Club of Sydney Drought Appeal. This will be the tenth hay run for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners led by Brendan Farrell. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/abandoned-puppy-rescued-on-christmas-eve/">Abandoned puppy rescued on Christmas Eve doesn’t look like this anymore</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/new-twisting-plane-seat-design/">New twisting plane seat design could banish discomfort</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/6-clever-uses-for-silica-gel-bags/">6 clever uses for silica gel bags</a>

News

The Kiwi sheep-farmer who could've been James Bond

It's not been seen for nearly 45 years, but the screentest that shows a Kiwi sheep-farmer uttering the words 'Bond, British agent!' has finally re-surfaced in London. It's testament to just how close New Zealander Roger Green, who had a copy of the test lying forgotten in the bottom of a drawer, came to winning the part of James Bond - before eventually losing out to Sean Connery, who changed his mind about reprising the role. Back in 1970, British producers were searching for a new Bond after Australian George Lazenby lasted just one film as 007. Green, raised on North Island sheep farms, was enjoying a boozy OE in London, and had done just enough acting to win an audition for the part at the famous Pinewood Studios - and did well enough that veteran Bond producer Cubby Broccoli wanted to hire him. The long-lost tape shows Green entering leading lady Tiffany Case's bedroom to seduce her, only to be interrupted by Bond villain Peter Franks, whom Bond is impersonating, being played for the screen test by Bond stuntman Bob Simmons. The two men tussle, before Green leaves Simmons dead on the carpet, and says: 'I've tangled with him before. Bond, British agent!'. Tiffany says: 'James Bond? The famous double-o seven licenced to kill?'. 'Oh, you've heard of him?' Bond replies. Green is now 77, and the director of an alcohol addiction treatment centre in Otahuhu, south Auckland. The Bond audition is just one part of a remarkable life story that took him from sheep farming, to playing alongside Wilson Whineray in the Junior All Blacks to London society life, to a successful meat exporting business, and then to a career in alcohol counselling. He's now the director of an alcohol addiction treatment centre in Otahuhu, south Auckland. Green's acting experience before the screentest was limited to some London theatre and a part in the 1970 film Waterloo, alongside Christopher Plummer and Orson Welles. But when he met Broccoli, the producer told him he was less interested in his acting chops than his athletic prowess as a rugby player. He then met with fellow producer Harry Saltzman, who asked if he felt he could handle the role: "Being full of bravado and especially after my meeting with Broccoli, I said 'no problem'." He was given two weeks to rehearse before the screentest, which went so well they only shot a single take. "The director, Guy Hamilton, told me straight after the test, upon sitting me down on Tiffany Case's boudoir bed, that I had a great chance of getting the part," he says. Written by Steve Kilgallon. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/10/gardening-is-healthy-study/">5 ways gardening is good for you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2015/10/iphone-photo-tips/">8 iPhone photo tips you’ll want to know about</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/10/woman-discovers-she-is-a-grandma/">Lady’s reaction that she’s a grandma is priceless</a>

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Meet Maisie, the 90-year-old farmer who refuses to retire

Retired farmers enlisted to help ex-urbanites adjust to country life

70-year-old farmer plants 6,000 trees in tribute to late wife

NSW farmer set to lead convoy of 120 trucks to help drought-stricken farmers in Qld

The Kiwi sheep-farmer who could've been James Bond