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Incredible winners of the 2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

<p>From thirsty camels and curious seals, to stealthy sharks and ocean-floor discoveries, these photos have been recognised as some of winners of the <a href="https://underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards</a>. </p> <p>More than 6,700 photos were entered into this year's competition by photographers from 28 countries, with the contest capturing all that lies beneath the surface of oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. </p> <p>The winner of this year's prestigious overall Underwater Photographer of the Year prize is Alvaro Herrero for his mesmerising shot of the "special relationship between a mother humpback whale and her newborn calf". </p> <p>Competition judge Peter Rowlands says of the winning photo, "This delicate yet powerful study of a mother and calf’s bond says all that is great and good about our world. We face our challenges, but the increasing populations of humpback whales worldwide shows what can be achieved."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Underwater Photographer of the Year Awards </em></p>

International Travel

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Extraordinary winners of the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards

<p>From fiery volcanoes and busy cities, to extraordinary mountains and underwater adventures, the winners of the 2025 <a href="https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sony World Photography Awards</a> have been announced. </p> <p>Over 419,000 images from more than 200 countries and territories were submitted to the 2025 contest overall, this year's awards "celebrate a great diversity of visual storytelling from across the globe".</p> <p>The National and Regional Awards program was set up by Sony and the World Photography Organisation to support "local photographic communities around the world", with the program winners capturing moments of a "crash-landing" penguin in Antarctica, a lava-streaked volcano in Indonesia and an underwater cave on a South Korean island. </p> <p>The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition featuring awarded works will take place in London between April 17th and May 5th.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sony World Photography Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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Breathtaking winners of the Travel Photographer of the Year awards

<p>From mesmerising glaciers and impressive lightning storms, to swarming stations and underwater adventures, the winners of the 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year (<a href="https://www.tpoty.com/tpoty-winners-galleries/2024-winners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TPOTY</a>) awards have been revealed. </p> <p>Both amateur and professional photographers from more than 150 countries submitted more than 20,000 images in this year's competition, with judges describing this year's entries as an "incredible visual journey around the world, capturing its breathtaking moods and colours".</p> <p>This year's overall winner is Piper Mackay, a U.S photographer who 'takes the unusual approach of shooting in infrared', who captured a photo of two Masai giraffes in Amboseli National Park in Kenya as a storm approached. </p> <p>Mackay, who is based in Kenya, says, "My philosophy has always been 'never let the photo dictate your experience, always let the experience dictate the photo'. This award completes my life's passion and work across Africa for more than two decades. There is no higher honour!"</p> <p><em>All image credits: Travel Photographer of the Year</em></p>

International Travel

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The hilarious winners of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

<p>The winners of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced, with this year's finalists showcasing the funniest parts of the animal kingdom. </p> <p>The contest, which has been dubbed the '"funniest and most popular photography competition in the world", featured over 9,000 images, with judges narrowing it down to their top 45 picks.</p> <p>Despite the extensive range of hilarious snaps, it was Milko Marchetti who was announced as the overall winner of the 2024 competition for his photo, entitled "Stuck Squirrel". </p> <p>The hilarious photo shows a red squirrel entering a tree, with its legs at right angles to the trunk. </p> <p>"I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels, in many situations over the years in Italy," Mr Marchetti explained.</p> <p>"But this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position, because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide."</p> <p>"Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explode with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!"</p> <p>The judges explained that Mr Marchetti's image really reflects the "enchanting" aspect of nature, as Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Europe, said, "We are thrilled to celebrate Milko Marchetti's outstanding achievement in the Nikon Comedy Photography Awards 2024."</p> <p>"His image, 'Stuck Squirrel', brilliantly captures the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting. This year's competition received a record number of entries, each one a testament to the power of photography in evoking emotion."</p> <p>"We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of wildlife photographers through these wonderful awards."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nikon Comedy Wildlife / 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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Extraordinary winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards

<p>A sneaky badger, a sleepy seal, monkey friends, and an erupting volcano have all been selected, amongst many others, for the People's Choice winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.</p> <p>In total, there are 25 contending photographs selected from more than 59,000 entries from 117 countries and territories, all selected by London's Natural History Museum and an international judging panel. </p> <p>Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said of the awards, "The People's Choice Award allows members of the public from across the globe to join the jury and vote for their winning image, inspiring everyone to connect with the natural world."</p> <p>"As always, this year's selection of images for the competition's 60th anniversary is truly exceptional, and we can't wait to see which one will be chosen as the public's favourite!"</p> <p>Fans can vote for their favourite photo on <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice?utm_source=enews-southken-20241127-lg&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=wpy60-peopleschoice" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">the NHM website</a> with voting closing on January 29th. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Natural History Museum -  Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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Breathtaking winners of the 2024 Panoramic Photo Awards

<p>The finalists of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards have been revealed, with the talented photographers capturing the wonders of nature in all its glory. </p> <p>The annual contest is the world's largest competition dedicated to panoramic photography. </p> <p>With over 4,500 entries from more than one thousand professional and amateur photographers across 95 countries worldwide, all of them have captured the beauty of our planet.  </p> <p>But the overall winner is Kelvin Yuen, from Hong Kong, who captured "astounding" photographs from China to Patagonia, with a drone shot of a lightning strike above  China's Guilin karst formations landing him the title of  2024 Open Photographer of the Year. </p> <p>"On the day I took this photo, I woke up at 3am and was supposed to hike up for the sunrise. However, a heavy thunderstorm struck out of nowhere, so I decided to shoot it" he said of his winning shot, pictured above. </p> <p>David Evans, competition curator has praised all the entries from the 15th year of the Pano Awards. </p> <p>"The quality of entries is astounding, and I am endlessly fascinated by the spectacular windows to the world presented by highly talented photographers far and wide," he said. </p> <p>A few other photos that caught the attention of the judges include dolphins playing in Western Australia, a sunrise over Japan's Mount Fuji, and Norway's Northern Lights. </p> <p>Take a look at some of this year's best entries below.</p> <p><em>Images: The 15th Epson International Pano Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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Dally M award winner surprised with emotional haka from teammates

<p>The Dally M award ceremony has ended in tears after the coveted award winner was surprised with an impromptu haka from his teammates. </p> <p>Melbourne Storm player and New Zealand native Jahrome Hughes took home the 2024 Dally M award, and at the end of the broadcast, watched on as his teammate Will Warbrick approached the stage.</p> <p>Warbrick then began performing the haka with his Storm teammate Eliesa Katoa and Canberra Raiders player Joseph Tapine joining in. </p> <p>Hughes was left with a tear in his eye as his Kiwi friends honoured his win. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAnvbqxBgDW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAnvbqxBgDW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by NRL (@nrl)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“That meant a lot,” Hughes said after the award ceremony. “To see that brought a tear to my eye. For them to do that is truly special. For myself, my culture and family, it just topped off an awesome night."</p> <p>“It’s such a surreal feeling. I was nervous, I didn’t come with too much expectations, but when it got down to the wire I was really nervous."</p> <p>“To win this award is massive for myself. You look at the quality of players were have in the game, to be up there is a real honour. I am very humbled.”</p> <p>Warbrick said he was inspired to perform the haka for Hughes after witnessing similar scenes at the 2018 Dally M awards and wanted to follow suit. </p> <p>“I was a bit nervous. I just wanted to show my respect to Jahrome and acknowledge him,” Warbrick said. “We both have Maori culture, that’s what it’s all about."</p> <p>“It was just off the cuff, I’m glad a couple of boys jumped in with me to make it look better. Jahrome is an integral part of the Kiwis team. It was rightful to acknowledge him by doing the haka for him.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

TV

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Readers response: What would you do if you won $1,000,000 in the lottery tomorrow?

<p>Many people, especially those who indulge in weekly lottery tickets, like to fantasise about what they would do if they came into a huge sum of money.</p> <p>For some people, their first purchase would be a house or a once in a lifetime holiday, while others would give the money to family or charity. </p> <p>We asked our reader what they would do if they won $1 million in the lottery tomorrow, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Anne Hare</strong> - I'd find a really good accountant and put him on retainer. I'd tell no one until I'd got my finances in order. Then I'd go nuts!</p> <p><strong>Irene Winters</strong> - Give most of it to our children and grandchildren, and keep a bit to pay for our old age.</p> <p><strong>Erica Whitehead</strong> - Help my family and do a kitchen and bathroom renovation.</p> <p><strong>Julie Armstrong</strong> - 1 million would be perfect for us to buy a house and live out the rest of ours days comfortably and not have to stress over the rent increases. Plus, we could pay off our daughter's mortgage.</p> <p><strong>Darlene Challen</strong> - Fix this house up properly, sell it and find my dream little house for myself and my dog, might spend Christmas in NY and/or go on a tropical cruise, then put the rest away for my 9 grandies.</p> <p><strong>Karen Neilson</strong> - Give a big chunk to my children and grandchildren, then give some to each of my siblings and Brother in Law. Keep some for myself, just enough to live comfortably for the few years I’m still on this earth! Give some to Cancer Research, The Heart Foundation and the Rescue Chopper. Give some to a couple of friend who do it tough.</p> <p><strong>Marlene Hassett</strong> - Buy a new car and a couple of things around my house and the rest to my kids and grandkids.</p> <p><strong>Alex Elson</strong> - I would finally, finally take our van out of the shed and go away for a while! </p> <p><strong>Jeannine Litmanowicz</strong> - I would open a scholar fund for my grandchildren so they have money for higher education when they grow up. And also, since they are still young, I would treat them to a week travelling around with them and my daughters and husbands to the Balkans.</p> <p><strong>Christine Whyte</strong> - Keep myself very comfortable till it was time to distribute to 10 grandkids.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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"Rest in love": All Blacks legend and Dancing with the Stars winner dies at 55

<p>The sports and entertainment communities are mourning the loss of former All Blacks hooker and <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> winner Norm Hewitt, who has passed away at the age of 55.</p> <p>Hewitt, a beloved figure both on and off the rugby field, succumbed to a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement.</p> <p>"Although rugby dominated his early life, he established a thriving human relations consultancy after retirement, and his services were much in demand both nationally and internationally," his family shared. "He walked confidently in both Māori and Pākehā worlds and was a particular role model for troubled youth, citing his own background, and offering inspirational teachings that one’s present life need not be one’s future."</p> <p>Hewitt leaves behind his wife Arlene and their two children, Elizabeth and Alexander. Born and raised in Pōrangahau, southern Hawke’s Bay, Hewitt's rugby career was nothing short of illustrious. Over 13 seasons, he played 296 representative matches for Hawke’s Bay, Southland and Wellington, earning 23 caps for the All Blacks. Hewitt was also a pivotal member of the Hurricanes during the formative years of Super Rugby, missing only one match in the first five years.</p> <p>The rugby community has been profoundly affected by Hewitt's passing. Former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u posted a touching tribute on Facebook: "I’m just devastated finding out the news today. I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle. No more pain, brother, you can now rest in Love. Fa’afetai tele lava my uso for having my back as I did yours. I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates. Rest in Love, Normy."</p> <p>Beyond his rugby career, Hewitt transitioned into a public speaker and mentor, focusing heavily on violence prevention programmes and advocacy. He worked with the SPCA as an animal cruelty and anti-violence publicity officer, visiting schools to spread his message. In 2005, Hewitt showcased his versatility by winning the first season of<em> Dancing with the Stars</em> alongside professional dancer Carol-Ann Hickmore.</p> <p>Hewitt's life was not without its struggles. In 1999, he made a public apology for a drunken incident in Queenstown, marking a turning point as he renounced alcohol and dedicated himself to helping others facing similar challenges.</p> <p>The outpouring of tributes was immediate, with The All Blacks expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened by the loss of All Black #938 Norm Hewitt who passed away yesterday in Wellington. Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 Games between 1993 and 1998. Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time.”</p> <p>Podcaster Martin Devlin shared his personal experience: “RIP Norm Hewitt. Not a lot of people know how kind & generous this man was. A truly wonderful person. Reached out to me and helped me considerably a long time ago when things were very rough. Love & respect.”</p> <p>Richard Hills echoed the sentiments of many: “This is bloody sad. A sad way to lose a kiwi icon so young. He had a really rough childhood and upbringing and faced it and turned his life around to become not only a rugby legend but also helped others who’d been through similar issues.”</p> <p>Norm Hewitt’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the positive change he inspired. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.</p> <p><em>Image: Radio New Zealand</em></p>

Caring

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World's best airline for 2024 revealed

<p>The world's best airline has been revealed for 2024, with the winning airline being voted above the rest for quality, customer service and overall flying experience. </p> <p>Qatar Airways, the Doha-based airline, reclaimed the title in the annual Skytrax’s World Airline Awards dubbed “the Oscars of the aviation industry”, returning to the top for an unprecedented eighth time.</p> <p>The 2023 winner, Singapore Airlines, fell back a spot to second place, while Emirates came third.</p> <p>Coming in next on the list was  ANA All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, EVA Air, Air France and Swiss International Air Lines in 10th spot.</p> <p>Qatar also took home three other awards: World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East.</p> <p>It’s also become the first aviation group to win Best Airline, Best Airport and Best Airport Shopping, in the same year in Skytrax history.</p> <p>“This is a proud moment for Qatar Airways. I am honoured to share this award with my dedicated team,” Qatar Airways group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said at the Skytrax event in London on Monday.</p> <p>“This award is a testimony to our relentless commitment to providing unparalleled service and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest level of excellence.”</p> <p>The Skytrax awards are based on the votes of travellers across over 100 nationalities, with any airline in the world eligible to be nominated.</p> <p>In terms of Aussie airlines, Qantas plummeted seven spots to be ranked 24 this year, while Virgin Australia fell from 46 to 54 and Jetstar from 69 to 75. </p> <p>However, Australian regional airline REX climbed from spot 56 to 50.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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Winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest announced

<p>The annual World's Ugliest Dog contest has unearthed some true diamonds in the ruff, with one long-tongued frizz-ball being honoured with the title of the ugliest dog in the world. </p> <p>At the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, an eight-year-old Pekingese called Wild Thang was crowned the winner and collected the $5,000 cash prize, after failing to take home the prize five years in a row. </p> <p>"He was a fan favorite … he's kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride," judge Fiona Ma told the <em>Associated Press</em>.</p> <p>"He really tugged at our heart strings and deserved to win."</p> <p>Wild Thang's strange looks stem from a virus he contracted as a puppy that almost killed him, but instead left him with permanent damage.</p> <p>As a result, his teeth never developed, so his tongue flops out, and his right front leg paddles all the time.</p> <p>"He's never had a hair cut so that is the way he is and [his owner] shaves his stomach and he likes to sleep on ice packs," Ma added.</p> <p>"He is just a sweet dog – I was just holding him and he loves to be held and cuddled. That's part of it, these rescue dogs, they just need forever homes, so please adopt, don't shop."</p> <p>Organisers stressed that the contest is not about making fun of the unusual looking dogs, "but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Family & Pets

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The hilarious winners of the Comedy Pet Photography Awards

<p>The finalists of the annual Comedy Pet Photography Awards have been announced, with the winnings photographs showcasing a hilarious selection of animals in unusual predicaments. </p> <p>The competition runs each year and is open to photographers of all level of skill and ability, giving pet owners the chance to share the personalities of their furry friends. </p> <p>According to the website for the competition, the annual contest is designed to "promote positive awareness of animal welfare issues and celebrate the incredible and valuable contribution that pets can and do have on our lives.”</p> <p>"Behind the funny images and videos of the competition, there is a very serious and fundamental message to help, respect and care for our animals in the most humane way possible. And every year as our competition gets a little bigger, the message is getting a little louder and we can help more animals."</p> <p>This year's finalists come from all over the world, and show pets buried in snow, captured in mid-air, caught in the middle of cheeky destructions, and even a horse with no head. </p> <p>Fans can <a href="https://www.comedypetphoto.com/peoples-choice-award/vote-peoples-choice-award.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vote</a> for their favourite picture, with the ultimate fan favourite winner taking home a cash prize.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Comedy Pet Photography Awards</em></p>

Family & Pets

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The captivating winners of the Mobile Photography Awards

<p>It turns out your smartphone camera can do much more than capture pictures of your pets, family holidays and fancy meals. </p> <p>These budding photographers have pushed the limits of their smartphone camera and emerged victorious in the first <a href="https://www.britishphotographyawards.org/2024-mobile-photography-awards/gallery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mobile Photography Awards</a>, launched this year by the British Photography Awards (BPA), in partnership with Samsung.</p> <p>Entrants submitted their snaps under categories including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scenes, Food &amp; Drink, Pets and Zoom In, creating some of the most breath-taking pics that look as though they have been taken with a professional camera. </p> <p>BPA Awards Director &amp; Photographer, Hugo Donnithorne-Tait, said, "As photography continues to develop as a medium, it is clear that the way people take and enjoy photos is changing too.'</p> <p>"More and more photographs today are being captured only because people have a top camera in their pocket when they need it. This means so many more of life’s moments are being documented."</p> <p>This year's winning photos feature a father and son sleeping side by side, a hiker atop the Scottish Highlands, the bustling London streets from above and below, a furry friend at bath time, and a few hungry seagulls. </p> <p><em>All image credits: British Photography Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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Beloved Oscar winner dies "exactly as he would have scripted it"

<p>Award-winning Hollywood screenwriter David Seidler has died aged 86. </p> <p>The playwright, best known for 2010's <em>The Kings Speech</em>, passed away while on a fly-fishing expedition in New Zealand. </p> <p>"David was in the place he loved most in the world — New Zealand — doing what gave him the greatest peace which was fly-fishing," his manager said in a statement to <em>The Hollywood Reporter</em>.</p> <p>"If given the chance, it is exactly as he would have scripted it."</p> <p>Seidler's cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>The British-American playwright, first moved to Hollywood - where he started his career - at the age of 40, with his first job writing <em>Tucker: The Man and His Dreams </em>for Francis Ford Coppola. </p> <p>He also worked on the <em>King and I</em> and <em>Madeline: Lost in Paris</em>.</p> <p>Seidler is best known for <em>The King's Speech</em>, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter. The film won him an Oscar and BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay. </p> <p>He previously told <em> The Los Angeles Times</em> that his interest in the story of George VI came from growing up with a stutter, just like the one Colin Firth's character had in the film. </p> <p>"It began, obviously, by the fact that I was a stutterer as a kid — truly a profound stutterer," he told the publication.</p> <p>"I grew up always having a great soft spot in my heart [for him], because I knew he was a stutterer, who had, if not been totally cured, at least improved to the point where he could give these very eloquent, moving, stirring wartime speeches."</p> <p>Seidler is survived by his two adult children. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Surprising Aussie beach crowned best in the world

<p dir="ltr">An iconic Australian beach has been named the best in the world in a prestigious list of the most picturesque coastlines on the planet. </p> <p dir="ltr">Each year, <a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-beaches-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Condé Nast Traveler</a> ranks the beaches from around the world to curate a list of 34 locations that every beach lover needs to visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the top ten list, five beaches from both Australia and New Zealand feature, living up to the countries reputations of stunning coastlines. </p> <p dir="ltr">With a “combination of leaning palm trees on powdery sand”, the publication crowned Palm Cove Beach as the best beach in the world, describing the spot in Queensland as “the epitome of a tropical paradise”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Located north of Cairns, the publication shared that Palm Cove is relatively “crowd free” and home to a range of unique wildlife. </p> <p dir="ltr">While many on social media were quick to agree with the winning location, others argued that there are beaches around Australia more deserving of the crown. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The only way you rank Palm Cove as the best beach in the world is if you have never been to Palm Cove or don’t like beaches,” one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Eyre Peninsula beaches leave Palm Cove for dead,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Best beach if you don’t ever want to go in the water. What about all the magic in WA?” one questioned.</p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the top 10 list of the world’s best beaches below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. Die Plaat, South Africa</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Awaroa, South Island, New Zealand</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Noosa Beach, Australia </p> <p dir="ltr">7. Dune du Pilat, France</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Mona Vale Beach, Australia</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Ora Beach, Indonesia</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Wategos Beach, Australia</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Brekon, Shetland</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Palm Cove Beach, Australia</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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The stunning winners of the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards

<p>From mist-covered jungles and hilarious animals, to bustling cities and stunning mountain ranges, the 2024 <a href="https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sony World Photography Awards</a> have showcased the best of every corner of the globe.</p> <p>The annual competition has named the winners of both the national and regional competition, with over 395,000 entries submitted from more than 220 countries.</p> <p>The Sony World Photography Awards run each year and aim to elevate the careers of photographers to the next level, while also championing inclusivity for entrants. </p> <p>This year's entrants hail from countries such as Singapore, Japan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, China, Ecuador and many more. </p> <p>Running for its 11th year and featuring topics such as nature, landscape, architecture, portraiture and sports, the organisers of the awards praised the “unique styles and approaches to the medium” in the 2024 competition. </p> <p><em>All image credits: Sony World Photography Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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$280 million lotto winner cuts ties with "greedy" family

<p>Scotland resident Gillian Bayford went from rags to riches in an instant when she won the equivalent of a $278.36 million jackpot in August 2012. </p> <p>Thinking luck was finally on her side, Bayford didn't expect the amount of drama that came with the life-changing prize. </p> <p>It all began just 15 months after her lucky win with then-husband Adrian, who she split with allegedly due to the stress of managing the jackpot. </p> <p>Not long after, she spent $1,324,304 to pay off her family's debt, which included money that her late father Ian McCulloch and her brother Colin owed over a series of failed business ventures according to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-won-187m-lottery-severed-ties-greedy-family-2023-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Business Insider</em></a>. </p> <p>“My dad and brother built up one company after another and then closed them down,” Bayford said. </p> <p>“I’ve bailed them out of every debt.”</p> <p>She continued to keep her family financially afloat spending a total of $37.31 million on them, and even bought her parents - who were broke and living in a caravan at the time - a $522,388 penthouse apartment in eastern Scotland. </p> <p>But, according to the <em>Mirror</em>, that wasn't enough and her father insisted that she should give her brother around $1.5 million, for a new play-centre business. </p> <p>She obliged, and instead of thanking her, Colin now drives Audis with private plates, owns a $546,000 house and reportedly stopped talking to his sister. He even got married to his girlfriend without inviting Bayford to the wedding. </p> <p>“They have lost touch with where they’ve come from,” Bayford told <em>The Sun</em>.</p> <p>“They’re rubbing people’s noses in it by flashing their cash, which I think is downright nasty.”</p> <p>At one point her father even tried to take control of her winnings and even take a piece of her business. </p> <p>“It’s upsetting and raw,” she told the publication. </p> <p>“The money was supposed to make everybody happy. But it’s made them demanding and greedy.” </p> <p>She added, "they brought our name into disrespect in the village, and we had people threatening to torch the family house.”</p> <p>Bayford said that despite it all she takes pride in herself "because I know I’ve taken them out of a situation.”</p> <p>The lotto winner officially cut ties with her family in 2016 after they called her an embarrassment, while her mum Brenda McCulloch claims she’s heartbroken over the lack of contact with her daughter and grandchildren.</p> <p>“Gillian says that we didn’t try and get in touch with them, but if I’d tried she wouldn’t have let me,”  she said. </p> <p>Her mum also claimed that while her daughter was “generous,” the actual amount she gave her family was much lower. </p> <p>“Every word that comes out of their mouths is a lie. I wish them a happy life, but there will be no reconciliation now," Bayford refuted. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

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2023 Drone Photo Awards fly high as winners are revealed

<p dir="ltr">The winners of the 2023 Drone Photo Awards have been announced, with photographers all around the world recognised for their commitment to aerial photography in the fierce international competition.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thousands of submissions were received for the annual contest across nine different categories: photo of the year, urban, wildlife, sport, people, nature, abstract, wedding, series, and video. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Drone Photo Awards are open to both aerial photography and video, with platforms including “fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, blimps and dirigibles, rockets, kites, and parachutes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The competition’s top award, Photo of the Year, went to a shot by Israeli photographer Or Adar. </p> <p dir="ltr">His submission, ‘Must resist’, presents the image of “protesters holding banners during a demonstration again Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plans” from an aerial perspective, capturing the moment in Tel Aviv when “tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Israeli cities for the ninth straight week, on Saturday March 4th, to fight a government plan to overhaul the country's court system.” </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🏆“𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑” 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 🏆</p> <p>Congrats to Or Adar for his stunning image “Must resist”. 👏👏👏<a href="https://t.co/leaZw2sazu">https://t.co/leaZw2sazu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sienawards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sienawards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dronephotoawards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dronephotoawards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photocontest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photocontest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dronephotography?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dronephotography</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyReGOTMC9">pic.twitter.com/pyReGOTMC9</a></p> <p>— Siena Awards (@SIPAContest) <a href="https://twitter.com/SIPAContest/status/1671458317472866313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Polish photographer Sebastian Piórek took home the win in the Urban category for his shot of Chorzów in southern Poland, which was described by The Siena Awards as a photo that “beautifully juxtaposes the colourful ambiance and harmony of the playground against the backdrop of the city.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Indian photographer Danu Paran won the Wildlife category with his shot of a napping elephant, where “the elephant’s grey and wrinkled skin perfectly merges with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious composition that showcases the beauty of wildlife.”</p> <p dir="ltr">French photographer David Machet won for Sport with his photo of tightrope walker Nathan Paulin in the French Alps, as Paulin traversed a ‘highline’ almost 2.5 km in the air. </p> <p dir="ltr">The People category went to British photographer Simon Heather’s picture of people in Portugal enjoying a sunny day by the sea, while the Series award went to American photographer George Steinmetz for his photo series of farmland.</p> <p dir="ltr">Indian photographer Thomas Vijayan took home the Nature award for his photo of Svalbard, with Vijayan sharing that “it was surprisingly sad to see that the ice had already melted in June, and we were able to reach the ice cap with our ship.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Abstract winner was Spanish photographer Ignacio Medem for a shot demonstrating how drought and poor water resource management has impacted a river in the American West.</p> <p dir="ltr">Polish photographer Krzysztof Krawczyk found success in the Wedding category, with his snap of newlyweds on a boat in the middle of a lake, while “they are enveloped by voluminous clouds and surrounded by thousands of dry leaves, resembling stars and creating gentle waves.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And last but not least, Bashir Abu won the Video category with “Why I Travel the World Alone”.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z6t4y3A28uA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">And for anyone hoping to check the winners out for themselves, Adar’s image - as well as the top photographs from the other winning categories - will be available for viewing in the Above Us Only Sky exhibition set to take place for the first time at Italy’s San Galgano Abbey from July 8 to November 19. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Drone Photo Awards</em></p>

Art

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Breathtaking winners of the 2023 Black and White Photo Awards

<p>The stunning finalists of the <a href="https://bwphotoawards.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 Black and White Photo Awards</a> have been revealed, with the talented photographers stripping all the colour out of their work. </p> <p>Having run for several years now, the annual contest was established to "nurture the spirit of monochrome photography".</p> <p>This year, thousands of images were submitted by record-breaking numbers of photographers from 92 countries around the world, with photos submitted under five categories: architecture, street, portrait, fauna and flora, and landscape.</p> <p>"The results have exceeded all our expectations," the judges said of the winners and finalists.</p> <p>Some of the winning photos include an icy sculpture in Antarctica, a full moon over the Canadian rocky mountains, a lightning storm in Italy, volcanic craters in Iceland, and a crowded train in Bangladesh. </p> <p><em>All image credits: 2023 Black and White Photo Awards</em></p>

International Travel

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How $10,000 lottery win ruined a wedding

<p>A bridesmaid who won $10,000 AUD from a scratchie that was gifted to her by the bride and groom, has been embroiled in a furious debate after refusing to share her winnings with the newlyweds. </p> <p>A tight-knit group of 10 friends - all couples - travelled to Cyprus together for their friend's destination wedding. </p> <p>As part of the wedding favours, the newlyweds gifted everyone a scratchie.</p> <p>All of them were in high spirits when the win was announced, until another bridesmaid asked lotto winners Sarah* and her groomsman boyfriend Paul* if they would share their winnings. </p> <p>“We all sat down to eat and while we were waiting, Sarah started jumping up and down shouting she had won $A10,000 on the scratch card,” the bridesmaid wrote on a Reddit thread. </p> <p>“The whole room erupted in applause, and the bride and groom ran over to congratulate them. It was already a very happy occasion but this just made it even better.”</p> <p>The bridesmaid asked the uncomfortable question over breakfast the next day.</p> <p>“They were saying what they planned to do with the winnings and everyone was asking questions and I casually asked how much of it they were going to give to the bride and groom,”  she said. </p> <p>“There was no agenda behind my question — I didn’t ask because I was trying to hint that they should do this, it just never occurred to me as a possibility that they wouldn’t give at least a small amount as a belated wedding gift to the couple, given they wouldn’t have had the ticket without them," she added. </p> <p>Much to her surprise Paul and Sarah went quiet until Paul replied that they weren't going to give the newlyweds anything. </p> <p>“We sat in awkward silence for a bit, and Sarah got up and walked out.”</p> <p>The bridesmaid later found out that Sarah had been crying over the question, and the couple have since cut their ties with her. </p> <p>“Paul said I was the a****** for making them feel awkward and implying they were cheap. I apologise and said that’s not what I meant.</p> <p>“I just said it because that’s what I would do in their situation, but it is their money and their decision so they should do what they want with the money.</p> <p>“Paul’s walked off and neither of them spoke to me for the rest of the holiday or since.”</p> <p>She later asked the rest of the group what they would've done with the winnings, and while some agreed that Sarah and Paul should give something to the bride and groom as a thank you, they also acknowledged that the question made the situation "awkward." </p> <p>“So am I the a****** for making my friend feel awkward for not sharing her lottery winnings?”  she concluded in the thread. </p> <p>Shockingly, a majority of people criticised the bridesmaid's question and defended Sarah and Paul's decision to keep the winnings to themselves. </p> <p>“You have no idea what Paul and Sarah might need that money for," one wrote.</p> <p>"The lotto ticket was a gift, so they have no obligation to share the winnings with anyone. But you just had to put them on the spot and implicitly pressure them to do what you think you would have done with the money if you had won instead." </p> <p>“That remark was in bad taste, and totally put them in an uncomfortable position," another commented.</p> <p>"You asked them as if giving the bride and groom some of the money was a no brainer, but it’s not. if they keep it all for themselves, it’s their right and no one ought to judge them. The fact is that you totally put your foot in your mouth." </p> <p>A third explained: “$A10,000 is a great win but it’s not so much they can share it without making their windfall pretty meaningless to them in the end and because of the way you phrased the question you stopped them from making a kind gesture themselves.</p> <p>“You turned it into an obligation where the amount they decided to share would then be an issue for people to question if it was ‘enough’ or not. It’s such a shame you turned something nice for them into something that made them sad." </p> <p>*Names have been changed.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

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