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Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and NAB close 37 branches

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020

Dozens of branches from the major banks are set to close – including Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and NAB

  • At least 37 branches are to be axed with the loss of 182 jobs across the nation
  • Westpac are closing 24 more branches, NAB axing 8 and Commonwealth shut 5
  • Bank bosses say it’s in response to consumers switching to online banking
  • Finance union bosses warn it’s leaving rural communities without banks

By Kevin Airs For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020.

At least 37 branches will be closed across the country at the cost of almost 200 jobs.

Westpac is making the biggest cuts, with 24 branches about to be shut down across its Westpac, St George, Bank SA and Bank of Melbourne brands.

Meanwhile the NAB is closing eight branches across three states and the Commonwealth Bank will be closing five branches.

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020

Dozens of bank branches will be closed over the coming months, after more than 550 sites were shut since 2020

Westpac bosses insisted consumers switching to online banking had sealed the fate of many of their branches, with five million now banking digitally

Westpac bosses insisted consumers switching to online banking had sealed the fate of many of their branches, with five million now banking digitally

The cull has sparked a call for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to step in to guarantee banking services for Australians, especially in remote communities.

‘We must act to stop the banks walking away from communities in our suburbs and towns,’ Finance Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said.

‘Communities depend on the banks to deliver financial services but if we don’t stop the current trend, there will be no branches left.’

BRANCHES SET FOR CLOSURE

The branches earmarked for the axe, with the loss of 182 jobs, are:

NSW: Lakemba Westpac, Engadine Westpac, Corrimal Westpac, Kingcliff Westpac, Five Dock St. George, Lavington NAB, Narrandera NAB, Corrimal NAB, Figtree NAB, Cronulla NAB, Maroubra NAB, Annandale CBA, Toongabbie CBA, Lindfield CBA.

QLD: Ashmore Westpac, Nerang Westpac, Rockhampton Westpac, Wynnum NAB

VIC: Braeside Westpac, Whittlesea Westpac, Werribee Westpac, Lilydale Westpac, Croydon Bank of Melb, Coburg Bank of Melbourne, Fitzroy Bank of Melbourne, Sunbury Bank of Melbourne, Footscray Bank of Melbourne, 114 William St, Melbourne Bank of Melbourne, Mornington Bank of Melbourne, North Melbourne NAB, Drysdale CBA, Woodend CBA

SA: Munno Parra Bank SA, St Peters Bank SA

NT: Berrimah WestpacWA: Mandurah Westpac, South Perth Westpac

Westpac had previously announced the closure of another 24 branches last month with the loss of 76 jobs.

‘Shutting down branches means Westpac will continue to put profits before people,’ added Ms Angrisano.

‘The bank quite plainly doesn’t care about forcing inconvenience on customers and throwing affected staff onto unemployment queues.

‘This race to shut branches has to stop and it’s time the Federal Government imposed a minimum service standard on the banks to make sure customers are protected.’

At least 37 branches will be closed across the country at the cost of almost 200 jobs

At least 37 branches will be closed across the country at the cost of almost 200 jobs

Westpac bosses insisted consumers switching to online banking had sealed the fate of many of their branches, with five million now banking digitally.

‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location,’ a bank spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

‘We take steps to ensure customers are notified in advance about the changes and are directly connected with the services they need to continue to do their banking.

‘For those who are new to digital banking, or may require more assistance with the changes, we provide dedicated support and education to make the transition easier.

‘As we continue to adapt to our changing customer needs, this will result in new opportunities for our employees within the Westpac Group as we grow our phone, digital and virtual offerings.

‘We have a robust process in place to assist employees to find new opportunities within Westpac Group, meaning the majority of employees affected secure a new role and continue their career in the group.’

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AGL customer says power bills are false due to wrong meter readings: Bryn Lawson

Bryn Lawson (above) said he's ready to cut all power to his house after consistently receiving overpriced bills from his Sydney power provider, AGL

Furious AGL customer EXPLODES at his power company for overcharging him revealing his $1200 bills cost him his marriage and forced him to use an esky instead of a fridge – now he’s threatening to cut electricity to his home for good

  • Bryn Lawson, 55, regularly receives power bills over $1,200 despite living alone
  • He said the bills are due to his power company, AGL, misreading his power meter
  • Mr Lawson has replaced his fridge with a camping fridge and doesn’t use heating
  • The bills have left him ‘broken and are part of the ‘decimation’ of his marriage

By Ashley Nickel For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A frustrated customer of one of Australia’s largest energy providers has threatened to cut the power to his home off for good after being stung with sky-high meter readings he says are false.

Sydneysider Bryn Lawson, 55, is drawing a line in the sand with electricity giant, AGL, as bills regularly soar over $1,200 a quarter, despite the fact he lives alone.

He even says the ‘overcharging’ s even cost him his 35-year marriage because the couple used to blame each other about which of them was responsible.

‘Fix it AGL. Get your s**t together and fix it, mate… Stop f**king me around,’ he told A Current Affair.

‘It was a part of the decimation of our marriage because I’d come home and the lights would be on the power would be on and the power bills were high.’

Bryn Lawson (above) said he's ready to cut all power to his house after consistently receiving overpriced bills from his Sydney power provider, AGL

Bryn Lawson (above) said he’s ready to cut all power to his house after consistently receiving overpriced bills from his Sydney power provider, AGL

‘I’d be saying “what are the lights on for what’s this on for, why is the heater on”.’

But after his wife walked out on him the chargers were just as high.

Mr Lawson has taken extreme measures to counteract the hefty bills.

He replaced his kitchen fridge with a camping esky and has refused to turn on the heater in all winter, despite near freezing temperatures.

But he still faces massive bills each quarter.

Mr Lawson is responsible for checking his own power meter as his power box is not accessible from the road.

However, Mr Lawson said the meter figure he confirms with AGL is never the number that appears on his bill.

He said AGL responds to his complaints with credits to make up the difference from his bill and the actual amount of power he uses but then the same mistake is made the next time round.

Mr Lawson has replaced his kitchen fridge with a small camping esky (above) in an effort to keep his power bills down

Mr Lawson has replaced his kitchen fridge with a small camping esky (above) in an effort to keep his power bills down

Now Mr Lawson has nothing left to give and said he is tired of ‘shivering’ every night and suffering from the paranoia of his upcoming bills.

He says he’s had enough and is threatening to cut off the power altogether.

‘It’s humiliating when I think about what they’ve made me do. It’s not the appliances, it’s AGL,’ he said.

‘I have no problem at all putting my swag out there, putting my solar panels, my battery and running that fridge out there and living out there,’ he said.

AGL told A Current Affair they apologize for Mr Lawson’s experience and are committed to fixing his concerns.

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Metricon: Construction giant tells dozens of staff they will be sacked on Microsoft Teams

In a Microsoft Teams video call, Metricon announced it would cut its NSW sales team, which is roughly 60 employees, down to 18 and would terminate 15 trainee sales consultants

Construction giant tells DOZENS of staff they will be sacked via Microsoft Teams – as the building company confirms major ‘restructure’

  • Metricon announced it would reduce its NSW sales staff down to 18 employees
  • Redundancy payments and redeployment was not offered to 15 trainee staff
  • In a statement read out to staff, Metricon said its decision was not made ‘lightly’

By Antoinette Milienos For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Building giant Metricon has fired dozens of its sales staff via an online video chat as the company confirms it is in the middle of a restructure and will shed jobs.

In a Microsoft Teams video chat on Monday, Metricon told its staff it would cut its NSW sales team, which is roughly 60 employees, down to 18 and would let go 15 trainee sales consultants.

Staff unable to be redeployed were offered redundancy payouts while trainee staff were terminated without job offers elsewhere in the company or severance payments.

In a Microsoft Teams video call, Metricon announced it would cut its NSW sales team, which is roughly 60 employees, down to 18 and would terminate 15 trainee sales consultants

In a Microsoft Teams video call, Metricon announced it would cut its NSW sales team, which is roughly 60 employees, down to 18 and would terminate 15 trainee sales consultants

Metricon’s NSW state sales manager David Shorten reportedly read out a statement to staff which explained the decision was ‘not undertaken lightly’ but was made for the company’s short and long term goals.

‘To better accommodate and reflect the requirements of the current market and ensure the most appropriate deployment of resources, we have undertaken an important review of the sales team,’ Mr Shorten read, according to news.com.au.

‘This is necessary to ensure we remain competitive in both the short and long term. The review was not undertaken lightly and has resulted in proposed changes to the current structure of the team.

‘We understand that you may feel anxious at this time and that you are likely to have a number of questions. Under the proposed structure, the number of new home advisors will be reduced to 18.’

Employees have until 12pm on Wednesday to offer their ‘thoughts, insights or feedback’ regarding the restructure while terminated employees will be informed by the end of the week.

The construction giant said it will select the most ‘appropriately skilled individuals’ for the limited remaining roles at the company.

Those who turn down an opportunity to remain with the company may not be entitled to redundancy payments.

A statement letter (pictured) was read out to employees explained the company's staff restructure

A statement letter (pictured) was read out to employees explained the company’s staff restructure

It comes as construction companies in Australia are unable to meet fixed price contracts as they face mounting financial challenges caused by supply chain issues, labor shortages and the soaring costs of raw materials.

‘With the current headwinds buffeting the industry, specifically labor costs due to competition for skills, combined with present global material cost hikes and with our very strong existing pipeline of work,’ Metricon’s Acting CEO Peter Langfelder said in a statement given to Daily Mail Australia .

‘We need to carefully balance the pipeline of new builds with the construction side of the business.

‘We are working to restructure our front-end of the business given the current climate and the need to move forward efficiently.

‘We are committed to looking after any of our people who may be impacted by these proposed changes, and they will continue to have ongoing access to the company’s support and mental health services.’

Metricon’s financial stability was under intense scrutiny earlier this year before its lender, Commonwealth Bank, agreed to a rescue deal in May.

Metricon held crisis talks amid cashflow pressures after its founder, Mario Biasin, 71, (pictured) suddenly died on May 16

Metricon held crisis talks amid cashflow pressures after its founder, Mario Biasin, 71, (pictured) suddenly died on May 16

Mr Langfelder said the company’s owners would also give $30million to help the business.

In early May sales staff were reportedly told to increase cash flow by securing more deposits.

Metricon held crisis talks amid cashflow pressures in the building industry after its founder, Mario Biasin died on May 16.

The company confirmed the ‘sudden and unexpected’ death of Mr Biasin and added the 71-year-old had been ‘experiencing mental health issues’.

Last month, Metricon listed at least 56 display properties worth almost $65million for sale despite reports the company was struggling financially.

The sales include homes in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland ranging from $650,000 to $3.2million.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Metricon for comment.

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Hugh Jackman keeps things casual on a stroll in New York City

Hugh Jackman kept things decidedly casual on Tuesday as he went for a stroll in New York City

Buff-looking Hugh Jackman keeps things casual while taking a stroll through New York City

By Jimmy Briggs For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

He has built a career playing superheroes and magicians.

But Hugh Jackman kept things decidedly casual on Tuesday as he went for a stroll in New York City.

The Aussie actor, 53, sported a form-fitting blue longsleeve and white cargo shorts.

Hugh Jackman kept things decidedly casual on Tuesday as he went for a stroll in New York City

Hugh Jackman kept things decidedly casual on Tuesday as he went for a stroll in New York City

He was seen heading out for lunch in the Big Apple, the city he has called home for many years.

He accessorized with stylish sunglasses, white sneakers and a black bag.

The Covid-conscious star covered his face with a black mask.

The Aussie actor, 53, sported a form-fitting blue longsleeve and white cargo shorts

The Aussie actor, 53, sported a form-fitting blue longsleeve and white cargo shorts

Hugh announced in June he’d tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time, forcing him to temporarily step away from his Broadway production of The Music Man.

At the time of his return, he thanked his supporters as well as the understudies who stepped in to make sure the show could go on.

‘So so happy to get back to the Music Man family and get back in front of audiences,’ he said on Instagram.

Hugh announced in June he had tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time

Hugh announced in June he had tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time

‘Thanks for all the well-wishes but in particular thanks to Max Clayton, my incredible stand by.’

Hugh recently offered a glowing endorsement of the movie Elvis, directed by fellow Australian Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler.

‘Baz, you’ve done it again!,’ Hugh said in a video on social media.

Hugh recently offered a glowing endorsement of the movie Elvis, directed by fellow Australian Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler

Hugh recently offered a glowing endorsement of the movie Elvis, directed by fellow Australian Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler

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Jodi Gordon rugs up head-to-toe in black as she steps out for a walk in Double Bay

Jodi Gordon appears to be in good spirits as she was spotted on a morning walk, following her recent 30-day rehab stint

Jodi Gordon appears to be in good spirits following a recent 30-day rehab stint.

The former soap star, 37, was photographed heading out for a stroll through the affluent Sydney suburb of Double Bay on Wednesday.

Jodi opted for a chic look – dressed head-to-toe in black activewear. She kept herself warm in a black puffer vest, a black long-sleeved top and leggings.

Jodi Gordon appears to be in good spirits as she was spotted on a morning walk, following her recent 30-day rehab stint

Jodi Gordon appears to be in good spirits as she was spotted on a morning walk, following her recent 30-day rehab stint

She topped off her look with a $240 black beanie from Acne Studios, while accessorizing with gorgeous drop pearl earrings and a black Gucci handbag.

Jodi spent 30 days in rehab for alcohol addiction earlier this year, and is now on the path to redemption after embracing a healthier lifestyle, banning booze and staying single.

‘Life isn’t always perfect, you go through your ups and downs’, Jodi exclusively told Daily Mail Australia at the launch of Life Botanics’ new vitamin range in Sydney last month.

‘I’ve made some big changes this year. So it’s been a journey of getting my life to a place where I’m making changes, really taking time to invest in myself.’

Jodi opted for a chic look - dressed head-to-toe in black activewear. She kept herself warm in a black puffer vest, a black long-sleeved top and leggings

Jodi opted for a chic look – dressed head-to-toe in black activewear. She kept herself warm in a black puffer vest, a black long-sleeved top and leggings

She topped off her look with a $240 black beanie from Acne Studios, while accessorizing with gorgeous drop pearl earrings and a black Gucci handbag

She topped off her look with a $240 black beanie from Acne Studios, while accessorizing with gorgeous drop pearl earrings and a black Gucci handbag

Jodi, who is Life Botanics’ celebrity ambassador, said she’s been making positive changes in recent months, including following an exercise regimen, practicing meditation and looking after her nutrition.

‘I’m making changes where I want to create the life that is good for me. Looking after myself, my wellness. Just waking up in the morning and seeing what I really need and what’s going to be beneficial for myself to get through a day,’ she explained.

‘Quit alcohol. I do n’t drink, ‘Jodi, who previously described booze as her de ella’ poison ‘de ella, added.

Jodi, who is Life Botanics' celebrity ambassador, said she's been making positive changes in recent months, including following an exercise regimen, practicing meditation and looking after her nutrition

Jodi, who is Life Botanics’ celebrity ambassador, said she’s been making positive changes in recent months, including following an exercise regimen, practicing meditation and looking after her nutrition

The former Home and Away star underwent ‘immersion therapy’ at an exclusive alcohol rehabilitation clinic called The Sydney Retreat in Stanmore, where clients are offered a ’30-day recovery program’ for $8,800.

She checked herself in following her acrimonious split from investment banker Sebastian Blackler.

The exes are currently subject to court ordered AVOs prohibiting them from contacting each other until April 2024.

Jodi has suffered a string of doomed romances over the years, including with Channel Seven heir Ryan Stokes, entrepreneur Aidan Walsh and a lawyer only known as Cedric.

Jodi checked into an alcohol rehabilitation clinic earlier this year, following her acrimonious split from investment banker Sebastian Blackler (right)

Jodi checked into an alcohol rehabilitation clinic earlier this year, following her acrimonious split from investment banker Sebastian Blackler (right)

'Life isn't always perfect you go through your ups and downs', Jodi exclusively told Daily Mail Australia at the launch of Life Botanics' new vitamin range in Sydney last month

‘Life isn’t always perfect you go through your ups and downs’, Jodi exclusively told Daily Mail Australia at the launch of Life Botanics’ new vitamin range in Sydney last month

She also dated controversial real estate agent Warren Ginsberg in 2016, years before he was convicted after pleading guilty to drug possession last year.

When quizzed on her love life, Jodi told Daily Mail Australia that she is now single and hopes to stay that way for the time being.

There’s nothing happening [in my love life],’ she said, adding: ‘I talk about health and wellbeing and things like that, and part of that is taking care of myself. Making changes for me means looking after me and not involving anyone else in it. So definitely, no time for that.’

Jodi told Daily Mail Australia that she is now single and hopes to stay that way for the time being

Jodi told Daily Mail Australia that she is now single and hopes to stay that way for the time being

Jodi partnered with Life Botanics at the start of the year, and swears by the brand's hyaluronic acid capsules and marine collagen powder to hydrate the skin and promote hair and nail growth

Jodi partnered with Life Botanics at the start of the year, and swears by the brand’s hyaluronic acid capsules and marine collagen powder to hydrate the skin and promote hair and nail growth

‘Giving back to myself and making sure I’m in a good place,’ she continued. ‘There’s no inviting anyone else into my life until I’m in the right space.’

Jodi, who is best known for playing Elly Conway on Neighbors between 2016 and 2020, was previously married to rugby league footballer Braith Anasta, 40, between 2012 and 2015.

The pair welcomed daughter Aleeia, eight, back in 2014.

Jodi, who is best known for playing Elly Conway on Neighbors between 2016 and 2020, was previously married to rugby league footballer Braith Anasta, 40, between 2012 and 2015. Pictured together in 2011

Jodi, who is best known for playing Elly Conway on Neighbors between 2016 and 2020, was previously married to rugby league footballer Braith Anasta, 40, between 2012 and 2015. Pictured together in 2011

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Olympia Valance looks sensational in a bikini with husband Tom Bellchambers in Mykonos

Olympia Valance (pictured) looked sensational in a bikini as she enjoyed her sun-soaked honeymoon in Mykonos with husband Tom Bellchambers on Monday

Neighbors star Olympia Valance showed off her incredible figure in a skimpy baby blue bikini in Mykonos on Monday.

The former soap actress, 29, looked stunning as she enjoyed some fun in the sun on the popular Greek island.

Olympia appeared to be having the time of her life with her former AFL star husband Tom Bellchambers, 33, who donned matching blue swim shorts.

Olympia Valance (pictured) looked sensational in a bikini as she enjoyed her sun-soaked honeymoon in Mykonos with husband Tom Bellchambers on Monday

Olympia Valance (pictured) looked sensational in a bikini as she enjoyed her sun-soaked honeymoon in Mykonos with husband Tom Bellchambers on Monday

Olympia appeared delighted as she waded into the water for a refreshing dip.

At one point, the brunette bombshell appeared to flick her hair back and squeeze the salty sea from her famous locks.

She then tied her tresses into a chic ponytail, as she continued to frolic in the Aegean Sea.

Olympia’s sensational curves were on full display as she paddled in her sizzling swimwear.

Olympia appeared delighted as she waded into the water for a refreshing dip

Olympia appeared delighted as she waded into the water for a refreshing dip

The former soap actress, 29, looked stunning as she enjoyed some fun in the sun on the popular Greek island

The former soap actress, 29, looked stunning as she enjoyed some fun in the sun on the popular Greek island

At one point, the brunette bombshell appeared to flick her hair back and squeeze the salty sea from her famous locks

At one point, the brunette bombshell appeared to flick her hair back and squeeze the salty sea from her famous locks

At one point, the brunette bombshell appeared to flick her hair back and squeeze the salty sea from her famous locks

Olympia ensured she was comfortable for her day in the sea

Olympia ensured she was comfortable for her day in the sea

She then tied her tresses into a chic ponytail, as she continued to frolic in the Aegean Sea

She then tied her tresses into a chic ponytail, as she continued to frolic in the Aegean Sea

It wasn’t long before Tom joined his beautiful wife for a dip.

The couple waded in the shallows and lovingly looked at each other, as holidaymakers buzzed round them.

Olympia soon draped her arms around Tom as the couple shared a laugh.

The Playing for Keeps star’s skin started to show signs of being sun-kissed as she paddled in the crystal clear waters.

It wasn't long before Tom joined his beautiful wife for a dip. Both pictured

It wasn’t long before Tom joined his beautiful wife for a dip. Both pictured

The couple waded in the shallows and lovingly looked at each other, as holidaymakers buzzed round them

The couple waded in the shallows and lovingly looked at each other, as holidaymakers buzzed round them

Olympia soon draped her arms around Tom as the couple shared a laugh

Olympia soon draped her arms around Tom as the couple shared a laugh

Olympia soon draped her arms around Tom as the couple shared a laugh

The lovers shared a kiss as they cooled off, with Olympia's sparkler on full display

The lovers shared a kiss as they cooled off, with Olympia’s sparkler on full display

The Playing for Keeps star's skin started to show signs of being sun-kissed as she paddled in the crystal clear waters

The Playing for Keeps star's skin started to show signs of being sun-kissed as she paddled in the crystal clear waters

The Playing for Keeps star’s skin started to show signs of being sun-kissed as she paddled in the crystal clear waters

After their paddle, the newlyweds relaxed beneath the shade of a beach umbrella and took in the sights and sounds around them.

Olympia donned sunglasses for the occasion, as she surveyed the beach with a refreshing drink.

Olympia and Tom’s beachside frolic comes after she and sister Holly celebrated the highly anticipated finale of Neighbours.

After their paddle, the newlyweds relaxed beneath the shade of a beach umbrella and took in the sights and sounds around them

After their paddle, the newlyweds relaxed beneath the shade of a beach umbrella and took in the sights and sounds around them

After their paddle, the newlyweds relaxed beneath the shade of a beach umbrella and took in the sights and sounds around them

Olympia looked divine as she quenched her thirst

Olympia looked divine as she quenched her thirst

Olympia donned sunglasses for the occasion, as she surveyed the beach with a refreshing drink

Olympia donned sunglasses for the occasion, as she surveyed the beach with a refreshing drink

The pair were pictured drinking Champagne at sunset after the soap bid farewell.

‘WOW. So that’s it, the last episode ever of Neighbours. What an end of an era for us all.’

She added in reference to their characters on the show: ‘Big love from Greece, Flick and Paige.’

Holly began her career on Neighbors as Felicity ‘Flick’ Scully back in 1999.

Olympia and Tom's beachside frolic comes after she and sister Holly (right) celebrated the highly anticipated finale of Neighbours. The pair were pictured drinking Champagne at sunset after the soap bid farewell

Olympia and Tom’s beachside frolic comes after she and sister Holly (right) celebrated the highly anticipated finale of Neighbours. The pair were pictured drinking Champagne at sunset after the soap bid farewell

Holly left the soap in 2002 to begin her music career, producing hits including Kiss Kiss and Down Boy.

However, she’s mostly retreated from the spotlight since marrying billionaire Nick Candy.

Olympia meanwhile played Paige Smith on Neighbors from 2014 to 2017, but reprized her role in 2020 for the 35th anniversary of the show.

Olympia and Tom couldn't get enough of the cool water

Olympia and Tom couldn’t get enough of the cool water

Olympia played Paige Smith on Neighbors from 2014 to 2017, and reprized her role in 2020 for the 35th anniversary of the show

Olympia played Paige Smith on Neighbors from 2014 to 2017, and reprized her role in 2020 for the 35th anniversary of the show

Both sisters returned to the show for the finale this week, which also saw the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce return.

Olympia recently told Greek publication Neos Kosmos: ‘Neighbours have always felt like home to me. There is a reason why everyone refers to Neighbors as the best training ground in the world.’

She said news of the show’s cancellation in March, following the loss of its main UK broadcast partner Channel 5, left her extremely sad.

Olympia recently told Greek publication Neos Kosmos, 'Neighbours have always felt like home to me. There is a reason why everyone refers to Neighbors as the best training ground in the world'

Olympia recently told Greek publication Neos Kosmos, ‘Neighbours have always felt like home to me. There is a reason why everyone refers to Neighbors as the best training ground in the world’

She said news of the show's cancellation in March, following the loss of its main UK broadcast partner Channel 5, left her extremely sad

She said news of the show’s cancellation in March, following the loss of its main UK broadcast partner Channel 5, left her extremely sad

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How to light a sparkler: Aussie baker sparks a headed debate on TikTok

Melbourne baker Tegan 'Tigga' Maccormack (pictured) posted a now-viral TikTok video responding to a comment from a viewer claiming sparklers are meant to be lit from the bottom, not the top

Have you been lighting sparklers WRONG your whole life? Professional baker sparks heated debate after her startling revelation

  • A video has caused a heated debate online regarding how to light sparklers
  • Baker Tegan ‘Tigga’ Maccormack responded to a comment from a viewer
  • The person claimed sparklers are meant to be lit from the bottom, not the top
  • In the clip Tigga can be seen looking confused and tried the method
  • While some were mind blown others weren’t convinced

By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A popular baker has caused a stir after claiming she’s discovered the ‘right’ way to light sparklers – sparking a heated debate.

Melbourne baker Tegan ‘Tigga’ Maccormack, who co-founded the business Cake For Days, posted a now-viral TikTok video responding to a comment from a viewer claiming sparklers are meant to be lit from the bottom, not the top.

In the video, Tigga can be seen with a confused look on her face and was left ‘mind blown’ after trying the recommended way.

The 34-year-old and thousands of others online were left ‘mind blown’ by the little-known method, but others weren’t convinced.

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Melbourne baker Tegan 'Tigga' Maccormack (pictured) posted a now-viral TikTok video responding to a comment from a viewer claiming sparklers are meant to be lit from the bottom, not the top

The 34-year-old and thousands of others online were left 'mind blown' by the little-known method, but others weren't convinced

Melbourne baker Tegan ‘Tigga’ Maccormack (pictured) posted a now-viral TikTok video responding to a comment from a viewer claiming sparklers are meant to be lit from the bottom, not the top

chicken

How do you light sparklers?

  • From the top 177 votes
  • From the bottom 15 votes
  • either way 26 votes

The comment read: ‘You’re meant to light them form the bottom so the sparkles go up.’

Using a baking blowtorch, Tigga ignites the sparkler form the bottom and the light finishes at the top.

In the comments on person was left in disbelief and wrote: ‘Whaaaaaa???’

‘How have I not known this!!!!,’ another wrote, and a third added: ‘So much less dangerous too.’

In the video, Tigga can be seen with a confused look on her face and was left 'mind blown' after trying the recommended way

In the comments on person was left in disbelief and wrote: 'Whaaaaaa???', but others failed to believe this method is 'better' than lighting the sparkler from the top

In the video, Tigga can be seen with a confused look on her face and was left ‘mind blown’ after trying the recommended way. In the comments on person ella was left in disbelief and wrote: ‘Whaaaaaa ???’, but others failed to believe this method is ‘better’ than lighting the sparkler from the top

But some failed to believe this method is ‘better’ than lighting the sparkler from the top.

‘Why is this mind blowing? If you light it in the middle it sparks both ways,’ one person wrote.

‘I’ve never met a single person that lights it from the bottom,’ another admitted.

A third person said: ‘Always light your sparkler at the tip, keeping the open flame the furthest away from the bare wire handle as possible.’

After less than 24 hours the video went viral exceeding a staggering 4.1million views.

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Neighbours’ Alan Fletcher plans a career in medicine after playing Dr Karl Kennedy

'I'm thinking about really going into medicine': Neighbour's Alan Fletcher has revealed he plans a career change following the soap's ax (pictured earlier this month)

Australia’s longest running soap Neighbors ended last week after 37 years.

And Alan Fletcher, who played Dr Karl Kennedy in the show for almost three decades, revealed on Monday he was considering following his character into the world of medicine.

Speaking on Magic Radio’s Breakfast Show the actor said: ‘Now that I’ve finished Neighbours, I’m thinking about actually going into medicine’.

'I'm thinking about really going into medicine': Neighbour's Alan Fletcher has revealed he plans a career change following the soap's ax (pictured earlier this month)

‘I’m thinking about really going into medicine’: Neighbour’s Alan Fletcher has revealed he plans a career change following the soap’s ax (pictured earlier this month)

Alan, 65, told hosts Ronan Keating and Harriet Scott that up until now he had done everything to keep his on-screen person separate from his personal life.

He joked: ‘While I’ve been on Neighbours, I religiously don’t give medical advice, because I’m really worried about the authorities tracking me down’.

Speaking about the show’s finale which was watched by over 3M viewers in the UK he said: ‘Well, all I can say to you is that we’ve already had a celebration of a show that people have loved for 37 years’.

In character: Alan played physician Karl Kennedy in the long running Australian soap and featured in many high profile storylines

In character: Alan played physician Karl Kennedy in the long running Australian soap and featured in many high profile storylines

‘We want to see tears in the eyes in lounge rooms all over the UK. That’s our objective. … As we’re saying thank you to the audience for being on the journey with us. It’s a great way to finish, I think it’s a beautifully crafted finish. Hopefully people will be happy with it’.

Speaking about his fellow cast mate Margot Robbie, who played Donna Freedman in the show before hitting big in Hollywood, he said: ‘The treat to me is the pinnacle of what Neighbors can achieve in terms of training people and guiding them’.

Before adding: ‘Mind you, when she walked into the studio very early on, both Jackie Woodburne, who plays Susan, literally turned and went okay, she’s the bees knees’.

Pals: Alan has starred with his on screen wife Jackie Woodburne on the show for 28 years making them the longest serving characters

Pals: Alan has starred with his on screen wife Jackie Woodburne on the show for 28 years making them the longest serving characters

I gushed: ‘She’s got everything. She can do comedy; she she can do wonderful high drama. Ella Margot is a natural talent that was always destined to go to the top… Ella she’s just marvelous, absolutely marvelous.’

Alan then went on to say that all his fellow actors who returned to the show came back with the feeling of giving back to the show changed their lives in a big way.

‘My greatest experience over the last few weeks was I walked into the canteen and Guy Pearce [who played Mike Young] is sitting there and that guys a big wheel in Hollywood these days. I worked with him about 20 years ago’.

Proud: Alan gushed about co-star Guy Pearce who returned to his role of Mike Young for the finale

Hollywood: Speaking about his fellow cast mate Margot Robbie, who played Donna Freedman in the show before hitting big in Hollywood, he said: 'The treat to me is the pinnacle of what Neighbors can achieve in terms of training people and guiding them'

Proud: Alan gushed about his fellow co-stars Guy Pearce (left, in 2022) Margot Robbie (right, on the show in 2011)

Goodbye: Stars Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan also returned to their roots for the soap's finale

Goodbye: Stars Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan also returned to their roots for the soap’s finale

‘And to walk up and just say good day mate, how are you? It’s like it was yesterday. All he had to say was I wanted to come back and do this because I know how many Neighbors have given me, and it’s time to pay it back. And I think that’s the attitude that everybody bought to it. Let’s just honor the show that gave us our start.’

Alan went on to say he would soon be touring the UK in a one man show: ‘I created the Dr. Karl Kennedy in conversation show three years ago. It has been canceled year after year, but finally in September, I am actually touring all over the UK doing that show’.

Before adding: ‘And then again next March we’re doing the Neighbors farewell tour. Which is massive and going to be in every major city, in the biggest venues.

Surprise! Hours before the finale Australian Alan surprised EastEnders fans as he swapped Ramsay Street for Albert Square in a special farewell clip posted to social media

Surprise! Hours before the finale Australian Alan surprised EastEnders fans as he swapped Ramsay Street for Albert Square in a special farewell clip posted to social media

‘I think we’ve got three shows at The London Palladium, and it’s gonna be huge. So yeah, I’ve still got plenty of Dr. Karl’s activities.

Hours before the finale Australian Alan surprised EastEnders fans as he swapped Ramsay Street for Albert Square in a special farewell clip posted to social media.

As well as clever interaction which saw Alan playing himself in a scene with some cast members of the BBC soap, stars sent heartwarming messages to the cast and crew of the Aussie show.

In the short video, Linda Carter, played by actress Kellie Bright, is sat expressing her sadness over Neighbors coming to an end.

When actor Alan – who recently revealed he has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss – unexpectedly pops into Bridge Street Cafe looking for a taxi in order to make a ‘swift exit,’ Linda is stunned.

She leaps to her feet and, after confirming that it’s ‘Dr Karl Kennedy’, swiftly asks Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, to take a photograph of her with the Australian soap star.

Finale: The show ended after 37 years with a special finale episode watched by 3M people in the UK

Finale: The show ended after 37 years with a special finale episode watched by 3M people in the UK

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Entertainment

Young man’s shock at finding his dad on dating app Grindr

A man has told Kyle and Jackie O about finding his dad on Grindr - despite the man still being married to his mum

A young man has revealed his shock at finding his married, ‘homophobic’ father on Grindr – years after the older man ‘disowned’ him for coming out as gay.

Speaking to Kyle and Jackie O the man known only as Jacob said he clicked on his dad’s headless profile one day when he was cruising the popular hook-up app.

He didn’t recognize his dad’s torso from the pictured but couldn’t shake the feeling there was something a little too familiar about it.

‘They have one of those ensuites that are through the walk-in closet – I thought that looks sort of like my parents house,’ he said.

A man has told Kyle and Jackie O about finding his dad on Grindr - despite the man still being married to his mum

A man has told Kyle and Jackie O about finding his dad on Grindr – despite the man still being married to his mum

‘I clicked through the profile to see if it could be my dad,’ he said.

The young man went on to explain that his parents seem as happy as ever, and have been together for 27 years.

‘I have never seen any signs of a rift between them,’ he said.

So he decided to engage with the profile, to see if it really was his dad, a fake profile or someone with an eerily similar home.

‘I wasn’t flirting with him, I just engaged in normal conversation, told him I liked his picture and asked where he is from,’ he said.

‘Then I asked for a picture of his face – when he felt it through it was my dad,’ he said.

Jacob is now torn over what he should do and says he feels for his mum.

‘I am very open and forward thinking, I don’t care if he is gay I just don’t want him lying to my mum,’ he said.

chicken

What should Jacob do?

  • Pretend he doesn’t know. 21 votes
  • Talk to his dad! 67 votes
  • Talk to his mum. 17 votes
  • Talk to both of his parents! 22 votes
  • Call his dad live on air! 11 votes

‘So now I am torn, do I tell mum, do I confront my dad,’ he asked the dumbfounded radio hosts.

Jackie O said she would have ‘walked away’ after seeing the familiar bedroom in the background.

‘I want to hear his opinion and get his story,’ Jacob said.

‘I want to know why he has been hiding it from me for so long.’

He also added that his father stopped talking to him for years when he found out he was gay.

‘He was super against it when I was coming out – he hated me – he was super angry and didn’t want anything to do with me in his life,’ he said.

‘The older closed men are often homophobic,’ he added.

Jacob said it took years for him and his father to get back on good terms.

‘I just don’t want this to hurt my mum,’ he said.

He then asked for advice from the shows listeners who all agreed he needed to have a sit down chat with both of his parents.

‘You have to discuss this with both of your parents, they have to be aware,’ one man said.

‘My partner had a similar thing happen, his dad had six kids, was a construction manager and appeared happily married.

‘Your dad will be happier if he can be true to his real identity, and your mum deserves the chance to be happy too,’ he said.

Another said he should speak with his father first – before having a chat with his mum.

The man said he and his dad both have anonymous Grindr profiles - like many users only sharing face pictures after connecting online

The man said he and his dad both have anonymous Grindr profiles – like many users only sharing face pictures after connecting online

A third said his dad did the same thing – but has managed to repair the relationship with his wife while being honest about his sexual identity.

‘I found gay magazines in the back of his car and followed him after work where I found out what he was doing in the evening,’ he said.

‘I spoke to my siblings about it and we realized he had been doing it our whole lives.

‘My parents are still together, we had a sit down chat about it, after all we all need to be able to feel proud about who we are,’ he added.

Jacob was undecided by the end of the segment, but told Kyle he wouldn’t be calling his dad on-air about it.

Jacob also has a headless profile on the app, and says many men choose to keep their faces off the app.

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Entertainment

JoJo Siwa’s mother Jessalynn weighs in on Candace Cameron Bure drama

'It's not about a simple photo it's about how you treat people': JoJo Siwa's mother Jessalynn Siwa weighed in on her daughter's controversy with Candace Cameron Bure; pictured 2018

JoJo Siwa’s mother Jessalynn Siwa weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding her daughter and actress Candace Cameron Bure.

Siwa, 47, posted a video in which she explained the interaction her daughter allegedly had with Bure when she was 11-years-old. The exchange ultimately led to JoJo, 19, calling the Fuller House actress the ‘rudest celebrity’ she had ever met in a now-viral TikTok video.

‘I talked about this on my podcast a while back,’ she posted to Instagram. ‘The recent story told wasn’t quite right so here is the real version. At the end of the day this story, it’s not about a simple photo it’s about how you treat people.

'It's not about a simple photo it's about how you treat people': JoJo Siwa's mother Jessalynn Siwa weighed in on her daughter's controversy with Candace Cameron Bure; pictured 2018

‘It’s not about a simple photo it’s about how you treat people’: JoJo Siwa’s mother Jessalynn Siwa weighed in on her daughter’s controversy with Candace Cameron Bure; pictured 2018

‘Real, genuine kindness always goes a long way. It’s super easy to quote a Bible verse when everyone is looking at you but morals are what you have when no one is looking,’ she added.

In the video, Jessalyn recounted the exchange between her daughter and Bure. The two briefly interacted at the Fuller House premiere when JoJo asked Bure, who played DJ Tanner on the show, for a photo.

‘JoJo ran into DJ and was like, “Oh, my God, I love you so much. Can we please take a selfie?”‘ Jessalynn said. ‘And she was like, “Not now. Maybe later.” Word for word, “Not now, maybe later.”‘ she explained.

‘Fast forward, we go on the Kelly Clarkson show, who was on the day JoJo… I go, “If she even asks for a picture, please say not now maybe later. Just kidding, don’t say that.” ‘

'Real, genuine kindness always goes a long way': Siwa, 47, posted video in which she explained the interaction between her daughter and Bure which ultimately led to Siwa calling the Fuller House actress the 'rudest celebrity' she had ever met in a now-viral TikTok video

‘Real, genuine kindness always goes a long way’: Siwa, 47, posted video in which she explained the interaction between her daughter and Bure which ultimately led to Siwa calling the Fuller House actress the ‘rudest celebrity’ she had ever met in a now-viral TikTok video

Asked if there was any interaction that day, she said, ‘No, she just couldn’t be bothered,’ she explained. ‘And you know what, maybe she was having an emergency and her kid was crying and she was trying to get a hold of the babysitter, I do not know what was going on, but it’s funny when you don’t know and somebody treats you like that? Not now, maybe later?

And it’s hard to be a celebrity, I’ll give it to you, but that was so long ago. I can’t even tell you and I still remember it.’

The JoJo-Candace controversy erupted last week after the former Dance Moms star called the Fuller House actress the ‘rudest celebrity’ she had ever met in a now-viral TikTok clip.

Bure revealed in a subsequent Instagram post she ended up calling Siwa over the matter, who explained why exactly she publicly bashed the actress as ‘rude.’

Center of controversy: The JoJo-Candace controversy erupted earlier last week after the former Dance Moms star called the Fuller House actress the 'rudest celebrity' she had ever met in a now-viral TikTok clip; Bure pictured in 2019

Center of controversy: The JoJo-Candace controversy erupted earlier last week after the former Dance Moms star called the Fuller House actress the ‘rudest celebrity’ she had ever met in a now-viral TikTok clip; Bure pictured in 2019

The Full House star said Siwa told her the comment stemmed from an incident when the pair met on a red carpet when the former Dance Moms star was just 11 years old. Siwa claimed she asked Bure for a photo at the time—but that Bure told her ‘not right now,’ and then she never returned for the photo despite moving on to take photos with others.

Bure, who is a devout Christian, admitted that the teenager’s story ‘broke her heart’, and revealed that she offered up an apology to Siwa, telling her: ‘I broke your 11-year-old heart. Please know that as a mom that it breaks my heart that I made you feel that way.’

‘All good on the JoJo front,’ Candace said after summarizing their conversation.

Stepping out: Bure was spotted out in Los Angeles on Monday

Stepping out: Bure was spotted out in Los Angeles on Monday

But in video obtained by Page Six, JoJo alleged the actress ‘didn’t share all the details of the meeting’.

‘It’s one of those memories that little 11-year-old me was just stuck with. And it was at the after party that she didn’t want to take a picture with me,’ she explained last week.

‘And I was okay with that, but then I turned around, and when I looked back, she was taking pictures with other kids. And that’s what made me really, really upset.

‘It’s just one of those memories that whenever you’re little, somebody says something to you and you just like never forget it for as long as you live.’

‘We had about a 10 minute conversation and it was sweet. She apologized and we talked and it was cool. It was nice,’ she added.

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