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More rain set for Brisbane and Southeast Queensland.
Southeast Queensland is on flood watch with dangerous thunderstorms looming that could trigger "life-threatening floods" just days after the region's worst deluge in a decade.
Large parts of the region remain underwater and residents have barely started to clean up after floods which killed nine people and damaged more than 17,000 homes and businesses.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns the line of storms will be "dangerous and potentially life-threatening" with catchments across the southeast already saturated.
Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said Grantham residents were urged to evacuate as a precaution ahead of possible flash floods after the nearby Lockyer Valley recorded 80mm of rainfall in 24 hours.
"We've already had 80mm there, so we would only need one more severe storm system over that which would cause issues there, and that's the same right across the areas that have been mentioned today," he said.
Severe thunderstorms may persist into the weekend and multiple flood warnings are in place across south-east #Qld and eastern #NSW
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 3, 2022
This rapid scan imagery from Himawari-8 shows severe #thunderstorms this morning over south-east Qld.
Latest warnings: https://t.co/P7NDsA5iNJ pic.twitter.com/POzAQ3GxAu
- With AAP.
Image: Twitter @BOM_au / @JohnRos19020709.
Pamela Anderson’s ultimate revenge.
Following the popularity of the controversial new series Pam & Tommy, Pamela Anderson has announced that she’s ready to tell her real story via an unfiltered Netflix documentary. And once her real story comes out, it will be the ultimate revenge on the people who used her life and tragedy for their own personal gain.
In Australian TV news, a new Stan Original and 9 Network co-commissioned series called Bali 2002 is in production and will air later this year. The series will star Rachel Griffiths and Richard Roxburgh and centres on the 2002 terrorist attacks on Bali’s tourist hotspots.
And Kim Kardashian’s request to be declared legally single amid her divorce from Kanye West has been granted, at the same time, Kanye released a questionable new music video taking aim at Kim’s new boyfriend Pete Davidson.
Listen to The Spill now!
51 Aussie children rescued from child abuse as part of major operation.
More than 100 Australians have been charged with child abuse-related offences and 51 children removed from harm across the country as part of a massive global police operation spanning more than two years.
Operation Molto launched in 2019, coordinated by the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
And for over three years, police charged 117 men with 1248 child abuse-related offences and removing 51 children from harm across the country.
The operation also led to more than 150 children being removed from harm globally, including 79 in the UK, 12 in Canada and six in New Zealand.
"The work of police across Australia in rescuing these children shows that victims remain front of mind for law enforcement. Viewing, distributing or producing child abuse material is a horrific crime. Children are not commodities and the AFP and its partner agencies work around the clock to identify and prosecute offenders,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale said.
Parents can help keep children safe by having proactive conversations about online safety, Victoria Police Cybercrime Detective Superintendent Jane Welsh said.
"Children can be groomed in a matter of minutes. "It's so important that everyone understands the warning signs of unwanted contact, how to protect your or your family's privacy online, and how to report any suspicious activity."
- With AAP.
After nearly 37 years on our screens, Neighbours has been cancelled.
Neighbours is a classic that has been on Aussie screens for almost four whole decades.
Rumours that the show was losing its broadcasting partner (and therefore funding) began circulating last month, but the production team made an announcement via their official Facebook page this afternoon to confirm the end of an era.
Here is their statement in full:
"We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June. Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.
"To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."
With production wrapping in June, we still have a few more months of Neighbours to look forward to. Until then, we'll keep you posted on any farewells shared by the cast.
“This is not our war. There is no need to be here." How Russians are defying their president.
According to reports, there’s a growing number of objectors to war in Russia - despite the harsh punishment given to those who “commit treason” according to Putin.
Ukraine says Russia has lost over 5,840 soldiers in the opening days of the conflict - some of its fastest losses since the Second World War. The loss of life has spurred some Russians to voice their criticism against the invasion.
In videos that have now gone viral on social media, some troops can be seen crying: “You don’t touch the corpses [of our dead fellow soldiers] because otherwise the FSB (Russian federal security service) will arrest you. We are killing peaceful people. This is not our war. Mothers and wives, collect your husbands. There is no need to be here.”
Video shared on Ukrainian channels of a captured Russian soldier apparently being fed by locals. The post says he burst into tears when he was allowed to video-call his mother. So many of these troops are just teenagers, with absolutely no clue what this war is really for. pic.twitter.com/oCPUC8cKcO
— Matthew Luxmoore (@mjluxmoore) March 2, 2022
And since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly touched on “the tragic death toll” of Russian soldiers, expressing empathy for them and their families.
There are also indications from senior US officials that morale is sagging among some Russian troops on the ground, with some surrendering without a fight and many running out of fuel and food. Of course, Putin has challenged that narrative.
But when you take into consideration the fact thousands of Russians were willing to protest in Saint Petersburg against the war, it does appear that a handful are making the brave decision to defy Putin.
Thousands of people attend an anti-war protest in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
— Julie Lenarz #IStandWithUkraine (@MsJulieLenarz) February 24, 2022
Their bravery is humbling. pic.twitter.com/m9WN3oCDBd
Image: Twitter @mjluxmoore / Getty.
Victoria youth waiting 60 days for mental health support.
Wait times for young Victorians needing urgent psychological support have blown out to 60 days. The wait time was 40 days in early 2021 but has since grown to 60 days, with the issue even worse in regional and rural parts of Victoria, Headspace revealed.
Headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan said the wait was "too long" and accused both state and federal governments of delaying the release of new funding to the service.
"A lot of the new funding for Headspace is tied up in lengthy negotiations between state and federal governments. These agreements matter to young people and families. Young people are seeking help now more than ever before and it's critical we ensure that help is provided in a timely way so they can get through tough times and back on track," he said.
Headspace, which is federally funded, offers early intervention mental health support to people aged 12 to 25. The Kids Helpline is also available on 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25). In an emergency, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- With AAP.
Five charged as looting reported across QLD and NSW flood zones.
As if the victims of the NSW and QLD floods haven't gone through enough, they're also having to worry about thieves stealing their water-logged possessions.
Looters have been reported in boats and canoes in Queensland, with some even turning up to flood ravaged areas with trailers to pick through the ruins of people's lives.
Five people have been charged, with QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calling the behaviour "outrageous."
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed reports of looting at Bundamba, Goodna and Blackstone, west of Brisbane.
Police have launched a preventative operation to combat property crime and protect homes and businesses in flood affected areas.
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) March 1, 2022
Operation Uniform Nash follows several incidents of looting activity reported to police in Ipswich.
More info🔗https://t.co/ifTV74STRN pic.twitter.com/QSO2vZRLaw
"I cannot overstate how disappointed and disgusted I am that this has occurred in areas where people have had to leave their houses," she said.
Police have launched Operation Uniform Nash in a bid to stop looters.
"Our message to anyone thinking about stealing from homes or businesses is that you can expect police to track you down and ensure you are held responsible for your actions," said Commissioner Carroll.
Further south in NSW, Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg has also reported looting, writing on Facebook, "Unfortunately there have already been arrests, and more reports of people looting property. If you see, or know of anyone engaging in this activity, call police on 131444."
- With AAP.
We need to talk about the coverage of the Ukrainian crisis.
According to the UN's refugee agency, over half a million people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began last week. But the angle that some commentators and media outlets have chosen to fixate on is the ethnicity of those fleeing; a focus on those who are "European", and "white" with "blue eyes and blonde hair".
Even the word "civilised" has been used to describe Ukrainian/European refugees. As if those who've fled wars in the Middle East or Africa, are "uncivilised" in comparison.
I take you through some of the troubling examples below:
One person said on BBC News television: "It's really emotional for me because I see European people with blue eyes and blonde hair being killed every day with Putin's missiles." https://t.co/sVZn2vUnLh
— Mamamia (@Mamamia) March 2, 2022
The pop culture stories you may have missed.
Avril Lavigne was the first celebrity I was truly 'obsessed' with.
It was 2002. I was nine years old, and I thought the pop punk vibe was the coolest thing in the world. I eventually moved on and Hilary Duff became my teen idol of choice, which was a real change in direction. But still to this day, Avril gives me a sense of nostalgia.
The songs on her debut Let Go still hold up, FYI! 'Sk8er Boi' is a BOP.
So you know I devoured every word of my colleague Shannen's story about what Avril's been up to for the past 20 years: Avril Lavigne was writing a breakup album. Then she fell in love with her producer.
Closer to home, MAFS has aired another problematic storyline. Who saw that coming?
This time, a bride has caught the dreaded 'ick' because her groom is... not tall. How dare he.
My colleague Ads has written a brilliant (and funny!) opinion about why this is a dating double-standard that refuses to go away: Carolina, Dion, and the double standard of women not wanting to date short men.
NSW endures 'tough night' of flooding, and all the news you need to know this morning.
Morning. Over the past week, my colleague Rebecca Davis has been busy speaking to Australian families stuck inside Ukraine right now.
Too terrified to show you their faces, they share their stories with us here.
It's one of those weeks where you don't know where to look - between the war, the floods and COVID - it's a pretty harrowing news cycle right now.
We've waded through the headlines for you. Here are the biggest stories you need to know about this morning:
1. Thousands told to evacuate in Sydney as NSW endures 'tough night'.
Overnight, thousands of people in Sydney's west, northwest and southwest were ordered to flee their homes, as NSW's devastating floods move south.
The State Emergency Service received 3166 calls for help in 24 hours and overnight issued more than 20 evacuation orders, including areas such as Windsor, North Richmond, Camden and Milperra.
On Wednesday, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Georges River was likely to exceed the heights of the 2021 flood and residents were in for a "tough night".
"If you were effected by flood in 2021 get out now," he said.
Major flooding is expected at Menangle, North Richmond, Penrith, Windsor and along the Nepean and Hawkesbury River, which is expected to reach 14 metres this morning.
SES assistant Commissioner Sean Keans says an east coast low off Newcastle will bring heavy rain to the Hunter, the Central Coast and Sydney, the Illawarra and the South Coast this morning.
"That's going to bring with it up to 250mm of rain over a two to three hour period which can be really dangerous and it's also going to bring strong wind, so we are asking people if they can avoid unnecessary travel," he told Sydney radio 2GB.
More than 40 evacuation orders are in place across Sydney, with the Hawkesbury River expected to hit 14 metres this morning. #9Today pic.twitter.com/DljKDGcdjy
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) March 2, 2022
In Lismore, two women in their 80s and a man in his 70s were found dead in their flooded homes, while another man's body was found in a Lismore street. A fifth man died on the Central Coast last Friday morning after his car was swept away in floodwaters.
Water is starting to recede finally in Lismore, but nearby Northern NSW towns like Ballina are yet to see the worst.
2. Scott Morrison addresses flood crisis, which could cost Qld over $1bn.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has addressed the flood crisis in Queensland and NSW while isolating with COVID-19.
In a video shared on Instagram, Morrison thanked those trying to keep Aussies safe and expressed his concern for flood hit areas including Logan in Queensland and the Northern Rivers and Ballina in NSW.
"Can I just thank everybody for their very kind wishes after I confirmed last night that I tested positive for COVID," he began the video.
"Over the morning, we've been straight back into the briefings on what has been happening with the floods, obviously very concerned about what is happening up in Logan right now where many homes have been impacted."
The damage from Queensland's flood disaster could cost over $1 billion as thousands of homeowners begin to assess the scale of the destruction.
The Insurance Council of Australia says that more than 37,800 claims have been lodged to date, but it is still too early to pinpoint the overall cost.
More than 8000 volunteers have signed on to help with the massive recovery effort, with the state's mud army busy collecting flood-damaged items that continue to pile up outside homes and businesses.
3. Families reunited as WA hard border opens.
After almost 700 days, Western Australia has opened its hard border, welcoming Aussies around the country.
The state is the last to bring down its hard border but some travel restrictions remain in place, including the requirement for people to be triple vaccinated and complete a travel pass to enter.
The reopening comes after Premier Mark McGowan delayed easing border regulations earlier this year due to rising COVID-19 cases across Australia.
BREAKING: After nearly 700 days, the hard border has officially been brought down in WA, with fully vaccinated travelers now allowed to travel in and out of what's been a fortress state. #9Today pic.twitter.com/NKgsrRWOlY
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) March 2, 2022
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said he expected an influx of travellers with almost 23,000 travel applications as of Wednesday morning.
One of those will be Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who has been eager to campaign in WA ahead of the federal election.
4. 500 Russian troops die as UN condemns war.
Russia has reported its military casualties for the first time since their invasion on Ukraine, saying nearly 500 troops have been killed and almost 1600 wounded.
Ukraine insists Russia's losses are far higher, with a military adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggesting the number killed is well over 7000.
On the battlefield, there are fears of a mass casualty event in Ukrainian city of Mariupol, near the Russian border, after "more than 15 hours" of shelling.
Deputy Mayor Sergiy Orlov told the BBC a riverside district has been "nearly totally destroyed".
"We cannot count the number of victims there, but we believe at least hundreds of people are dead. We cannot go in to retrieve the bodies," he said.
Horrible conversation with the deputy mayor of Mariupol. Says residential areas heavily bombed, including his father's neighbourhood.
— Joel Gunter (@joelmgunter) March 2, 2022
"The situation is awful, we are near to a humanitarian catastrophe. We have been under more than 15 hours of continuous shelling without pause."
Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly voted to demand that Russia stop its offensive and immediately withdraw all troops, with world powers and tiny island states alike condemning Moscow. The vote was 141 to 5, with 35 abstentions.
The countries to vote no were; Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea and Syria. Longstanding allies Cuba and Nicaragua joined China in abstaining.
5. The Queen returns to work while recovering from COVID.
The Queen has returned to work, just over a week after testing positive for COVID-19.
The 95-year-old monarch, who is fully vaccinated against the virus, undertook two virtual audiences on Tuesday.
"Her Majesty The Queen today conducted two virtual audiences via videolink from Windsor Castle," royal officials wrote in a statement.
🤝Today The Queen held Audiences with incoming Ambassadors via video link from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 1, 2022
🇦🇩 His Excellency Mr. Carles Jordana Madero, Ambassador from Andorra.
🇹🇩His Excellency Mr. Kedella Younous Hamidi, Ambassador from Chad. pic.twitter.com/S33bwfCnTM
The Queen cancelled events last week after she was said to have been suffering mild cold-like symptoms.
And that's it, you're all up to speed. We'll bring you more of the biggest news stories women are talking about throughout the day.
- With AAP.
Life in a flood zone.
For weeks, rain has drenched much of the east coast of Australia, causing floods of historic proportions in many towns and cities.
Tragically several people have died, and while flood waters in some areas are starting to recede, the danger is far from over.
The Quicky speaks to a woman trapped in Lismore with her family, and an emergency services commander about the realities of surviving a flood disaster.
READ:
Feature Image: Twitter @mjluxmoore / Getty.