Court awards Sydney mothers $2m after landmark abuse case authorities refused to prosecute - ABC News
Two mothers have been awarded $2 million in damages in a landmark civil case they brought against a family-owned childcare centre, after authorities declined to pursue criminal charges for child sex abuse. Key points: Rodney Bird has never stood trial for any criminal offenceActing Justice Monika Schmidt concluded Bird had most probably touched the girls in inappropriate waysThe two victims provided written statements to the court Sydney women Angela* and Karen* took matters into their own hands to make sure Rodney Raymond Bird was held accountable after an 18-month police investigation ended in all charges being dropped. The pair took a major financial risk to embark on a "horrific" 10-year fight which ended in the NSW Supreme Court in October when Acting Justice Monika Schmidt concluded Rodney Bird had most probably touched the girls in inappropriate ways and the centre was liable.
Respite foster carers provide support, laughter and love a few days at a time
Posted about 3 hours agoThu 9 Apr 2020, 11:00pm Wendy Hollick has built BMX tracks, baked countless cakes and organised beach trips for children she has never met. When facing a grandchild-less retirement 10 years ago she asked: "What's next?" Key points:
Survey reveals major shift in Australian drug use during coronavirus pandemic - ABC News
Drug taking in Australia has shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with users finding it difficult to source heroin and methamphetamine and turning increasingly to cannabis. Key points: Two major surveys of regular drug users have found major changes in behaviour during the pandemic71 per cent of users have reported a decline in the availability of crystal methamphetamine during coronavirus restrictionsSome users have reported increased use of drugs such as cannabis and alcohol Two major surveys of regular drug users suggest lockdowns have affected the availability of some illegal drugs, as well as the kinds of drugs people want to take.
Broome car theft spree leaves a trail of torched vehicles with residents, tourists demanding action - ABC News
Forty cars have been stolen in the past 30 days in the Western Australian town of Broome, some of which were incinerated, leaving locals and visitors calling for action on community safety and youth crime. Key points: 40 cars have been stolen in the last 30 days in BroomeLocals and visitors have lost personal items and their cars set on firePolice have bolstered Operation Merchant in response to the increase in crime
My son needed regular blood transfusions, but now coronavirus threatens the survival of children like him
By Jessica Lake Updated 35 minutes agoSun 12 Apr 2020, 12:32am Almost two years ago, our world fell apart.
Working from home during COVID-19 is changing what we're wearing in the office — and going back is like 'casual Friday every day' - ABC News
Comfort dressing — or 'quarantine style' — was a fashion force to be reckoned with during COVID-19. If seeing your colleagues in jumpers and clutching a mug of tea during Zoom meetings was not proof enough, you only had to look to social media to see friends and celebrities alike embracing the trend. No-one did it better than US rapper and actor Will Smith who, part-way through the lockdown period, began posting a #WillFromHome series on Snapchat. One of his best posts was a mock-fashion show with model Tyra Banks, making light of quarantine style. "This is a fashion show for all of us who are dressed up with nowhere to go," Smith said to the camera. "Every hallway is a runway!"
South Korean computer 'geek' bailed over alleged $360,000 theft from elderly Canberra woman - ABC News
A South Korean visitor to Australia has been freed on bail despite concerns from ACT police that he will try to flee the country while facing 27 charges of fraud. Key points: Byung Uk Cho was arrested last month by police at Sydney Airport for allegedly stealing more than $360,000 from an 89-year-old Canberra womanMr Cho has pleaded not guilty to all chargesHe was granted bail on the conditions he report daily to police, remain in the ACT and not apply for a new passport
Calls for Tasmanian children in controversial NT program to be brought home - ABC News
There are calls for the Tasmanian Government to bring home six children who are in a controversial program in the Northern Territory. Key points: The man who runs the program, Allan Brahminy, has been accused of fabricating his Aboriginal heritageTasmanian Human Services Minister Roger Jaensch has asked his department to look into allegationsIt costs Tasmanian taxpayers about $5,000 per week per child, with six Tasmanian kids currently in the NT The program is run by Allan Brahminy, who claims he was abandoned on a riverbank as a baby and adopted by an Aboriginal family. Yesterday, the ABC revealed allegations from his biological family, former Royal Australian Air Force colleagues and his ex-wife, that Mr Brahminy is not who he says he is.
Genome testing has changed Karla De Lautour's life and helped scientists understand her autoimmune condition - ABC News
Meet Karla De Lautour today and you'll find a lively seven-year-old who enthusiastically takes to her bike, or seizes any opportunity to bounce on her trampoline. Key points: Doctors could not figure out how to treat Karla De Lautour's rare combination of arthritis and liver problemsThey referred her to the Garvan Institute to participate in a study on genetic auto-immune conditionsThe scientists mapped her genome and discovered a drug already existed to treat the cause of Karla's problems A few years ago, she could barely walk 20 metres without needing her mum to carry her.
