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"You saved me, Dad." Shane Warne’s children pay tribute to their late father.

Updated 10:15am 30 Mar 2022

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10:15am 30 Mar, 2022

"You saved me, Dad." Shane Warne’s children pay tribute to their late father.

By Isabella Ross

To finish off the MCG memorial, Shane Warne’s brother and kids shared their gratitude to the Australian public for commemorating Warne.

Warne's brother Jason teared up while expressing his appreciation for all the tributes that have flown in from around the world. 

"To know that the stand is going to be renamed in his honour is just amazing. He was my mate, and he made me a better person. We wanted each other to succeed. The bond of brothers lasts a lifetime," he said.

"He will leave a massive hole in my life that will never be filled."

Warne's son Jackson thanked the crowd for their "unbelievable turnout". Referring to his dad as his "best friend", Jackson shared that it's the simple things he will miss the most.

"We didn’t have to do much for us to enjoy our time together," he said, referencing golf games, walks with the dog, and watching movies on the couch.

"I was so proud of everything you do. I’m so proud you are my dad. I feel like I’ve been robbed and you’ve been taken too soon. There’s not a day that won’t go by that I won’t think of you. 

"I promise I will look after Brooke and Summer for the rest of my life."

Daughter Summer said: "You will always be with us dad, just not in the way we hoped. You saved me, Dad. You truly did.

"When Dad would walk into a room, the whole room would light up. He made you feel appreciated and so loved. He was an inspiration. He was so thoughtful and one of the happiest people I knew. I took that for granted... thinking you would always be around."

She went on to say how heartbreaking it is to fathom that her dad will not be around to "walk her down the aisle" or "meet his grandchildren". 

And finally, daughter Brooke said to the crowd:

"My dad taught me resilience and strength in so many ways. 

"I will miss grabbing your big wrists and feeling your hands and saying that I have big fat fingers just like you. I will miss our chats just about how big our double chins are and how big our bellies are looking especially after we’ve just eaten our body weight in cheese pizza and pasta."

She finished: "But what makes me the saddest is, I will never get to wrap my arms around you and give you the biggest hug."

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9:17am 30 Mar, 2022

"The darkest day in our family’s life." Shane Warne’s father speaks.

By Isabella Ross

One of the standout moments from Shane Warne's memorial at the MCG was an emotional speech from Warne’s father, Keith Warne. 

Keith told the crowd: "It was the darkest day in our family’s life [when he passed]. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes."

He went on to detail some of Warne's incredible sporting achievements. But it was Warne's life off the field that Keith is most proud of - the "doting father" that he was, his charitable work, and how he treated people, regardless of their social standing.

"We are grateful the world loved our son like we did. People will remember Shane in their own way. But for us it will be his unconditional love for family and friends," Keith said. 

"Mate, your mother and I cannot imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son.

"Rest in peace, mate. Love you, mum and dad."

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8:51am 30 Mar, 2022

Celebrities pay tribute at Shane Warne’s memorial.

By Isabella Ross

Fans and loved ones have gathered at the MCG to farewell Shane Warne.

The granddaughter of cricket legend Don Bradman, Greta Bradman, started the night by singing the national anthem. 

During the memorial, several celebrities shared tributes to the late cricketer.

In a video message, Kylie Minogue recounted one of her memories with Warne, sharing how she remembers Warne and his parents turning up to her parent’s house in Melbourne for a barbeque.

"Shane with his blue eyes and big cheeky smile. He had it, he had that star quality and charisma that the world got to know and love," she said. 

"He had it and took it everywhere he went and how lucky we were to get to know that. That light will continue to burn bright in our memories forever more. We'll miss you, Warnie."

In another video message, Hugh Jackman shared: "Today we mourn not only in Australia but all over the world an incredible life and achievements of Shane Warne. But we also celebrate because Warnie, yes, one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the game, somehow as a human being reminded us to make the most of every single second. Man, he sucked the marrow out of life."

He continued: "He was a great teammate. He loved the game of cricket. He loved his friends and family. He loved life. There was no one like you, Warnie and never will be again. We will miss you."

There have also been several powerful performances, including one from Elton John who dedicated his song 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me' to Warne's children Summer, Brooke and Jackson.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also played a musical tribute to Warne, singing 'Yellow'.

The MCG tonight. Image: AAP.
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5:38am 30 Mar, 2022

Byron Bay and Lismore seriously affected by floods.

By Isabella Ross

A woman is believed to be missing in floodwaters in Lismore, after the regional city had its levee breached for the second time in weeks. 

The Wilsons River has so far peaked above 10.65 metres on Wednesday, with floodwaters and mud spilling into the city centre.

Dozens of people have been rescued in the past 24 hours. Over 16,000 people have been told to leave their homes, with 13 evacuation orders active on Wednesday, seven issued as rain continued to fall during the morning.

Renewed flooding hit Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Coraki and Woodburn just as many people were returning to their homes and businesses after the previous floods.

Flood Recovery Minister Steph Cooke said: "We know this wet weather is likely to continue for quite some time, right throughout April and potentially beyond that. I know for many of you it must feel that this flooding emergency will never end, but I can assure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said: "Everyone’s exhausted. Evacuation orders started at four o'clock yesterday afternoon and then got cancelled before the phones started ringing again. [People are] running on no sleep at the moment. It’s hard to put into words. You’re feeling angry as well because the messaging hasn't been what it should have been. The hardest thing for these people is they have spent weeks and weeks cleaning and getting rid of all the flood mud, sanitising, and addressing the mould issue. Now you’ve got to virtually start all of that process from the start again."

Images from northern NSW are also circulating online, showing the devastation first hand.

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5:29am 30 Mar, 2022

Shane Warne’s MCG memorial to commence tonight.

By Isabella Ross

Shane Warne will be given one of the grandest farewells Melbourne has ever seen.

Almost four weeks since the cricket legend's death in Thailand, a memorial service at the MCG on Wednesday will be attended by up to 65,000 people. 

With 50,000 seats already taken, another 10,000-15,000 tickets have been released to ensure it becomes one of the biggest memorial services in Australian history.

A number of international stars, including Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran, will perform remotely at the memorial, while Australian rocker Jon Stevens will front a band playing some of Warne's favourite INXS and Noiseworks songs. 

Iconic Australians Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Kylie and Dannii Minogue, James Packer, Eric Bana, and Greg Norman will also pay tribute.

Four out of Australia's five free-to-air TV networks will broadcast the service. 

Warne's three children - Brooke, Summer and Jackson - his father Keith and brother Jason will also speak at the memorial while the Shane Warne Stand, formerly known as the Great Southern Stand, will be unveiled.

The two-hour event will get underway at 7pm AEDT.

- With AAP.

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5:27am 30 Mar, 2022

Another Indigenous death in custody has occurred.

By Isabella Ross

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this post contains the name of a First Nations person who has died. 

This post also deals with the topic of suicide and might be triggering for some readers.

Indigenous man Ricky Lee Jones-Cound died in prison last week. He was 22. 

Jones-Cound took his own life in Western Australia’s Hakea prison. According to his family, prison staff were repeatedly notified that "he should have been put on suicide watch", but the proper monitoring protocols were not put into place. The family also said it was known that Jones-Cound had been self-harming in the lead up to his death.

"His cries for help were not heard. This has shattered our family. He was more than just another Black death in custody," his family wrote on a GoFundMe page. 

As reported by ABC News, it is believed that Jones-Cound was placed in lockdown after a riot in the prison, leaving him on his own for three full weeks prior to his death.

The matter is now before a coroner.

If you would like to help support the Jones-Counds family, they have set up a GoFundMe funeral fund here.

If you or someone you know requires assistance or support contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or talk to your GP or health professional. In an emergency call 000.

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5:26am 30 Mar, 2022

The Jada Pinkett Smith story no one wants to hear.

By The Spill.

In an unexpected turn of events, Lady Gaga and Caitlyn Jenner are making headlines. An odd exchange between the two women was captured on camera as they headed into an Oscars event, and let's just say it’s uncomfortably relatable for anyone who is not Lady Gaga.

Plus, this week Jada Pinkett Smith’s name has flooded headlines and opinion pieces. All thanks to the fact that her husband Will Smith stormed the stage at the Oscars after presenter Chris Rock joked about her medical position. It all leads back to a story that Jada has been trying to tell us about Hollywood for years, but no one wants to listen.

Get The Spill’s latest episode into your ears today!

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2:35am 30 Mar, 2022

What the 2022 Budget actually means for women.

By Brielle Burns

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down this year's budget papers last night, outlining how the government will spend funds if they win the upcoming federal election.

While the budget focused on the rising cost of living, a number of measures centred around women in the areas of safety, health, economic security and leadership. 

Unfortunately, we saw a drop in funding for women and girls this year, with only $2.1 billion set aside compared to the $3.4 billion investment made last year.  

To help you better understand numbers, we've broken down all the budget measures that are focused on women, including what the experts are saying right here. 

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12:15am 30 Mar, 2022

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin expecting their seventh child.

By Emma Gillman

Hilaria and Alec Baldwin are expecting their seventh child. 

The 38-year-old shared the news on her Instagram earlier today, writing: "Another Baldwinito is coming this fall."

"After many ups and downs over the past few years, we have an exciting up and a huge surprise...

"We were pretty sure our family was complete, and we’re beyond happy with this surprise.

"I’m sharing with you the moment we told the kids—as you can see, they are super excited! Our new baby is a very bright spot in our lives. A blessing and a gift during such uncertain times," she wrote. 

In October 2021, Alec Baldwin was involved in an accidental fatal shooting while filming for his new film, Rust.

At the start of March, Hilaria announced that she was taking a break from social media, but today told her followers that she's back.

"I’ve missed you during my break from social media…I’m back and looking forward to continuing with you this wild journey that we call “life.” Our love to you and your loved one."


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7:34pm 29 Mar, 2022

Federal budget "full of temporary fixes", and all the news you need to know this morning.

By Brielle Burns

Morning everyone! 

You'll be hearing lots of talk about the federal budget today after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the papers last night. 

If you're struggling to keep up with it all, we've rounded everything you need to know about the budget, including all the winners and losers, right here. 

Speaking of, let's get stuck into the biggest news stories you need to this morning, Wednesday March 30. 

1. Welfare budget labelled band-aid solution.

Welfare advocates have slammed the government's federal budget, labelling it a band-aid solution to many critical issues.

The 2022/23 federal budget includes a $250 cash payment for cost of living for six million people, including welfare recipients and pensioners, and halves the fuel excise to 22.1 cents for the next six months.

However, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service chief executive, Cassandra Goldie, said the measure was just short-term relief and did not adequately address many issues.

"This budget is full of temporary fixes, when we need permanent solutions. Much of the assistance goes to people who don't need it, and too little goes to people who do," she said.

"Whilst we welcome the inclusion of people on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance who will receive the $250 bonus payment, when you live on $46 a day, this payment will help for a week, but how do you pay the next week's rent?"

While the budget doubled the government's home guarantee scheme to 50,000 places per year, Dr Goldie said there was very little in the federal budget that actively addressed the country's housing crisis.

"There is no social housing investment in this budget, when we absolutely need it," she said.

"Despite the ongoing natural disasters we are witnessing, the government has not given security to communities that if they're hit by a disaster, they get sufficient income support to deal with it."

2. Second man found dead in Queensland floods.

A second man has died in floods in southern Queensland after a body was found by police in a swollen creek near Toowoomba.

The man in his 40s was swept away after getting out of his car when it became stuck in a torrent at North Branch about 6am on Monday.

His death comes after a man and five dogs were killed after their ute was washed away at Kingsthorpe, northwest of Toowoomba on Monday.

A major flood warning has been put in place for the Myall Creek at Dalby, west of Toowoomba, as well as the nearby Condamine River, senior meteorologist, Helen Reid, said on Tuesday. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said at least 2000 homes in the Dalby region had water through their yards.

Across the border in NSW, heavy rain has forced a new evacuation order for Lismore in the state's north, with residents of the town along with those in surrounding Lismore Basin, East Lismore and Girards Hill urged to leave immediately.

It is the second such order for the town in 24 hours after an all clear was issued to return with caution on Tuesday afternoon.

3. Outgoing Liberal senator claims Morrison "not fit to be prime minister".

Outgoing Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has called out Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a fiery late-night parliamentary speech.

The senator, who lost preselection for her NSW upper house seat, attacked Morrison for being "ruthless" and "not fit to be prime minister" during a speech last night, hours after the federal budget was revealed.

"He is adept at running with the foxes and hunting with the hounds, lacking a moral compass and having no conscience," she told the Senate.

"In my public life, I have met ruthless people. Morrison tops the list followed closely by (Immigration Minister Alex) Hawke. Morrison is not fit to be prime minister, and Hawke is certainly is not fit to be a minister."

Senator Fierravanti-Wells also labelled Morrison an "autocrat", adding that other members of the Liberal Party shared a similar view.

"They have lost faith in the party, they want to leave. They don't like Morrison and they don't trust him," she said.

"Morrison is not interested in the rules-based order. It is his way or the highway, an autocrat, a bully who has no moral compass."

4. Shane Warne to be farewelled tonight. 

Aussie cricket legend Shane Warne will be given one of the grandest farewells Melbourne has ever seen tonight. 

Almost four weeks since the 52-year-old's death in Thailand, up to 65,000 people will attend a memorial service at the MCG. 

A number of international stars, including Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran will perform remotely, while Australian rocker Jon Stevens will front a band playing some of Warne's favourite INXS and Noiseworks songs.

Iconic Australians Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Kylie and Dannii Minogue, James Packer, Eric Bana, Greg Norman, as well as American surfing legend Kelly Slater, will also pay tribute to arguably the country's greatest-ever cricketer after Don Bradman.

Warne's three children - Brooke, Summer and Jackson - his father Keith and brother Jason will also speak as the Shane Warne Stand, formerly known as the Great Southern Stand, will be formally unveiled.

The two-hour event will get underway at 7pm AEDT.

5. Queen attends Philip's memorial service.

Queen Elizabeth has made her first public appearance in five months, joining the royal family at a memorial service in honour of her husband Prince Philip, who died last year.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at their Windsor Castle home in April, two months shy of his 100th birthday.

Only 30 mourners were able to attend his funeral at the time due to strict COVID-19 rules, leaving the Queen to sit alone as her husband of 73 years was lowered into the Royal Vault of St George's Chapel of the castle.

Tuesday's service of thanksgiving at London's Westminster Abbey was a larger event, with the Queen joining Prince Charles, William and Kate and other members of the royal family, including their children.

"A man of rare ability and distinction, rightly honoured and celebrated, he ever directed our attention away from himself," David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, said of Philip.

The Queen has been forced to cut back on her duties since she spent a night in hospital last October for an unspecified illness and was advised to rest.

And that's it, you're all up to speed. We'll be back to bring you more of the biggest news stories throughout the day. 

- With APP.

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7:01pm 29 Mar, 2022

MAFS: Why we need to stop weaponising nude photos.

By The Quicky

On one of Australia's biggest reality television shows, the fallout from what has been labelled a 'nude photo scandal' continues.

But why do we continue to frame these issues in a way that implies that a woman should be ashamed of her naked body, instead of focusing on the person who chooses to share these images maliciously?

The Quicky speaks to an expert in social media, and a mother whose daughter was blackmailed with nude photos, to find out how we can stop weaponising images of women and girls.

READ: 

Feature Image: AAP.

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