Chopper flight nets two finals

Jady Brkic get a helicopter from Coburg to Drysdale to play in both her football and netball grand finals. Picture: Andy Brownbill Source: News Corp Australia

JADY Brkic charged out of the helicopter with her football gear on but with netball glory beckoning.

There was little time to spare. Her B-grade netball grand final at Drysdale was about to begin.

The 23-year-old had faced a difficult decision when it became apparent that her two great loves — netball and football — had collided on the most critical of days: Grand Final day.

Or so she had thought.

"We're putting you in a helicopter," Jady's Geelong Amateurs netball coach explained as she arrived at Queens Park for training during the week.

Before her double header, Jady explained the situation.

"My two grand finals landed on the same day but one final's in Melbourne and the other is in Drysdale, so the helicopter was offered and it's been organised," Jady said

Jady ran out for the North Geelong Magpies in the Victorian Women's Football League grand final at 12.15pm before suiting up as goal shooter for the Ammos' B Grade season decider against Torquay.

Jady left Coburg City Oval, the venue of her Division 2 football grand final against Seaford Tigers, at three-quarter time.

"

Fresh from her footy grand final in Melbourne, Jady Brkic played in goals for the Geelong Amateurs in a netball decider against Torquay. Picture: Andy Brownbill Source: News Corp Australia

The three quarter siren went off, I went to the girls said good luck and I left," she said.

"We won by a point, when I left we were two goals up and I had to leave and I didn't want to leave.

"I've just been talking to the girls — most of them cried. It would have been amazing but I wanted to be a part of (the netball) as well. I'll have my own celebrations when I see them."

The 15-minute flight to Drysdale meant she arrived for her B Grade grand final just after her teammates took the court.

"I actually wasn't relaxed, I wasn't thinking about netball I was thinking about football because we were playing so good and I didn't want to leave,"

"The helicopter ride was amazing. I got to take my Dad for Father's Day and he was taking so many photos. He was enjoying it more than me I think.

"Once I stepped on to the court I got a massive cheer from the crowd and that was fantastic and then I went in there and shot."

However it wasn't a fairytale ending for the shooter, with Ammos losing their Grand Final to Torquay by 15 points.

Jady Brkic in action. Source: News Corp Australia

"It's the best day of my life. To find out I've won one, at least one it definitely tops it off," Jady said.

"I only missed about three or four shots so it was a good shooting day, it just wasn't enough."

Jady was reluctant to disclose the name of the kind-hearted person who had made her grand final dream possible, declaring it was "just a good friend".

"My football coach wanted me to commit fully but I couldn't really refuse a helicopter ride. It made me feel special that they want me there so badly," Jady said.

"I wouldn't say I'm a key player but I've been the shooter for the whole season.''

Remarkably, Jady is only in her maiden football season.

"This is only my second year playing netball as well and I fell in love with Ammos," she said.

"I just went for a pre-season in football, I just wanted to get fit, and I realised I could kick the ball all right so I thought I'd give it a go.

"But I didn't know finals would land on the same day. This is the third time that I've had to choose between my football and my netball.

"Last week I had to flip a coin and netball won that toss and the other time football won, so I've had to flip a coin twice.

"I'm just so excited to be part of two grand finals. I've worked really hard with all of my girls."

Originally published as Chopper flight nets two finals

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Drama and hiccups result in best kitchens ever

Dee and Darren scored an almost perfect 28, but it still wasn't enough to win kitchen week. Source: Channel 9

IT was dubbed "Kitchen Nightmare Week", but after all the drama and the hiccups, five of the biggest and best kitchens ever seen on The Block emerged in all their shiny glory.

Problem after problem threatened to derail each of the teams, but they all managed to get the impossible task done in a week.

Bulkhead dramas, dwindling budgets, plumbing issues and as always, not enough time, were just the start of the problems, with most teams experiencing some of their worst days on The Block.

For the first time this season two teams tied for first with Scotty generously awarding them both $10,000 in prize money.

Michael and Carlene and Simon and Shannon were each awarded scores of 29, just one mark off perfect.

As they say on The Block, "kitchens sell houses", so judging by this feedback, who do you think is going to win?

Michael and Carlene

Michael and Carlene's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

Michael and Carlene's secret weapon was the wow factor of an indoor garden under the stairs, which was described as "brilliant" by the judges and something they'd never seen before. Of the kitchen, Shayna said: "This is hot", while Neale added: "The immediate impact is terrific, it's absolutely superb". The judges praised the well-planned use of the space, while the pantry was described as the "icing on the cake". "It's an entertainer's kitchen, a serious kitchen," said Neale.

Michael and Carlene's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

Michael and Carlene's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

SCORE: 29

Chris and Jenna

Chris and Jenna's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

Chris and Jenna's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

Chris and Jenna had the biggest kitchen on The Block, with the judges declaring "Chris and Jenna are back in the game" after some lacklustre reviews in past weeks. "This is beautiful," said Shayna. Their copper sink won big points. "I love, love, love this kitchen, I think it's really elegant and sophisticated," said Darren. "You could store two kitchens worth of stuff in here." While Shayna said of the massive pantry: "That is a whole 'nother postcode right there". Chris and Jenna also added a bar and a wine fridge, but the judges said that space could have been used better as a study nook. But Neale concluded by saying, "It spells out luxury with a capital L," adding that luxury is not a word he uses often.

Chris and Jenna's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

SCORE: 28

Maxine and Karstan

Max and Karstan's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

"Its just massive", was the judges' first impression. "They're really all about space and gloss," said Neale, while praising the "astonishing level of execution" and the separate breakfast bar. But Shayna was harder on the duo, saying they needed to balance the hard, soft and glossy surfaces better. "I'm screaming for some timber in here, screaming for some softness ... its got a very clinical feel to it". The kitchen overall was described as like a working kitchen in a commercial environment. "It's got everything. It has everything you could possibly need ... except soul", said Neale. For once, Shayna actually thought there was too much storage in the butler's pantry, which was described as "like a clinical storage box".

Maxine and Karstan's butler's pantry. Source: Channel 9

SCORE: 26

Shannon and Simon

Simon and Shannon's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

Despite a nightmare week the boys were immediately praised for their stunning polished concrete floor. This is "cool", said Neale, while admiring the cooktop with the view out to the street. Their kitchen was described as modern, edgy with a "sophisticated palette". Shayna particularly loved the stools underneath a bar that opened out to the bi-fold doors. While Darren loved the great combination of glossy surfaces with great textures. The judges were overwhelmed with the execution of the apartment, with Neale concluding: "If I was to imagine the perfect inner-city Prahran kitchen in 2014, this would be pretty damn close to it."

Inside Shannon and Simon's kitchen. Source: Channel 9

"That is the perfect place for a microwave", said Darren. Source: Channel 9

SCORE: 29

Dee and Daz

Inside Dee and Daz' kitchen. Source: Channel 9

Inside Dee and Daz's pantry. Source: Channel 9

The judges said from the floor up, the kitchen was "spectacular and hugely successful". Said Neale: "The marble becomes the hero of this room ... everything feels exactly right," adding that the kitchen was the perfect mix of contemporary and traditional. But Shayna said she looked "silly" sitting on the stool in the study nook and the area would best be used as a place to "dump the bills" and paperwork. The judges concluded that this kitchen had a "sense of family and a sense of home". While Shayna said of all the kitchens, this one was like a "warm hug" and Neale added "it has a lovely spirit".

Inside Dee and Daz's butler's pantry. Source: Channel 9

SCORE: 28

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VIDEO: Kimye enjoy Jamie Oliver’s hospitality

Jamie's Italian restaurant hasn't been open for long but is already being visited by some of the world's biggest celebrities - Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were spotted dining there on the Adelaide leg of the Yeezus tour.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian at Adelaide Airport. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: News Limited

KIM Kardashian and Kanye West have spent a relaxing afternoon in Adelaide, eating at the restaurant of global foodie superstar Jamie Oliver.

Accompanied by their one-year-old baby North, the world-famous family touched down at Adelaide Airport at 1.55pm to the delight of a small group of fans.

They were quickly whisked off to a CBD hotel ahead of West's performance at Adelaide's Entertainment Centre on Sunday.

RELATED: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West fly out of Perth after rapper launches Australian Yeezus tour

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West arrive at Adelaide Airport. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: News Limited

They checked into the InterContinental Adelaide, leaving baby North at the hotel before heading to Oliver's restaurant, Jamie's Italian, which only opened its doors to the public this week

The couple sat opposite each other and dined with an entourage of about 20 people on the North Terrace side of the eatery.

Looking relaxed in a black top and with her hair up in a bun, Kardashian mixed easily with the rest of the group, also spending considerable time playing with her phone.

Fans mob Kimye as they leave Jamie's Italian restaurant in King William St. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: News Limited

West, who changed into a red check shirt for dinner, appeared to be in good spirits, if a little tired after performing in Perth last night.

Once word got out the superstar couple were dining in the Adelaide's new foodie hotspot, excited fans and curious onlookers started to enter the restaurant, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pair.

But a burly security guard made sure no one got too close, stopping several people from approaching the couple.

Kim Kardashian and baby North West at Adelaide Airport. Source: Supplied

After a 90-minute stay, West and Kardashian left the restaurant out the front door and were driven away in black Audi.

Devoted Kim Kardashian fan, Terrence Weetra, 20, of Adelaide, says he "almost cried" when he saw Kardashian, Kanye and baby North at Adelaide Airport.

"She is really beautiful in real life. They are pretty awesome, they waved to everybody."

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Source: News Limited

Terrence travelled to Perth on Friday just to catch a glimpse of the celebrity mega couple, and flew back home this morning, waiting at the airport for three hours for their arrival.

Now he's waiting outside the hotel, along with a small group of 20 teenage fans, hoping to see them emerge from their room.

"I'm going to wait until they come out again," he said.

Kanye West. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: News Limited

Casually dressed in a black tank top and pants, Kardashian shielded her face from cameras as they left Perth.

It was a quick visit for the queen of reality TV.

She arrived last night, following a 24 hour flight from London, only 50 minutes before her husband's concert at Perth Arena.

West performs at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday night.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West at Jamie Oliver's restaurant in King William St. Source: Supplied

Originally published as VIDEO: Kimye enjoy Jamie Oliver's hospitality

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The reality of being gay and homeless

Many gay and trans young people avoid religious organisations and seek out government care or shelters in the face of shrinking budgets and options. Source: Supplied

OF THE 105,000 homeless people in Australia, a staggering 42 per cent are aged 12-25. Some have had to leave repressive or violent home lives because of their sexuality or gender confusion.

Tim is one such young person. At 16 years old, he was kicked out of his family home in Melbourne earlier this year after his religious parents discovered he was gay.

He spent his first night sleeping under a tree, in the middle of Melbourne autumn. He then stayed with friends until ultimately he was forced to sleep on the street.

"Sleeping rough" is exactly as it sounds: no roof, no bed, no blanket. Tim moved somewhere different every night looking for a safer and warmer place to hide out.

Incredibly, he still went to school each day.

There are over 100,000 people sleeping rough in Australia every night. Source: News Limited

While living on the streets, Tim encountered staff and volunteers from Wesley Mission, one of the largest providers of services to homeless people in Australia (and one of the most heavily funded by the government).

But Tim was reluctant to accept their help.

"It was awkward because they asked me why I was on the streets and I didn't know what to say," he tells news.com.au. "They're a religious organisation and I didn't want to hear what they'd say so I just left."

Tim isn't alone. He's since met a number of gay and transgender young people who avoid homeless organisations because they suspect that beneath the support offered is the view that you deserve "endless punishment," simply for being born gay.

Reverend Graham Long has transformed the Wayside Chapel, in Sydney's colourful Kings Cross, into a thriving community where everyone is welcome. Source: News Limited

In Australia 60 per cent of homeless services are provided by religious organisations.

In NSW alone, $11 million of the $15.39 million available for funding inner-city homelessness services is divided between four large faith-based groups.

That's a significant slice of the pie.

"I guess knowing that their belief system is religious kind of scares me away," Tim says.

The Salvation Army dedicate significant resources to helping the homeless, and are by all accounts motivated by a capacity to help those in need.

However, front and centre on their webpage, just one click away from that message of help and support, is their doctrine. It claims to be underpinned by the values of the Old and New Testament and calls for 'the endless punishment of the wicked,' and claims that 'repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.'

Rev Long, right, at a Wayside Chapel gardening class, asks, "What kind of faith shuts people out?" Source: News Limited

In 2012, The Salvation Army's Major Craib went on gay radio and confirmed that it was their belief that gay people should die. In the media flurry that followed, a more senior member of the church qualified that Craib really just meant a 'spiritual death'.

Since this experience, the Salvation Army is making roads towards a better understanding of at-risk youth.

Dr Bruce Redman has worked with the organisation for over 30 years, and expresses his disappointment that in the past there have been misunderstandings, describing previous interactions with the LGBTIQ community as "messy".

"Things are moving along, but it's like trying to turn a ship around," Dr Redman says. He points to a forum the church is holding this month, exclusively on the topic of human sexuality, as a sign that a dialogue on this issue is occurring.

"The problem with a conservative organisation is that it is about 'conserving', holding on to stuff, and sometimes stuff is around for far too long. It doesn't catch up to where everybody is at, certainly where people's heads are at and their hearts are at."

The Salvos' Major Andrew Craibe was criticised for his comments on gay people in 2012. Source: News Limited

While this may be an issue for these heavily funded embedded organisations, over at Sydney's Wayside Chapel Pastor and CEO Graham Lang says their mission is to create community, not preach religion, and everyone is welcome.

Wayside, which was founded in 1964 in the heart of Sydney's colourful Kings Cross, sees at least 15 regulars who are openly LGBTIQ, but that's the just the proportion who self-identify. Getting them to even acknowledge their sexuality can be difficult.

On these larger faith-based organisations, Lang sees the problem as one of scale.

"People become the cogs in your machine. The people you are here to serve become 'things', the object in your activities. Be that government, church, whoever is running it."

Lang believes their mission is to create community, not to save anyone, and that preaching from the pulpit will only drive away those at need.

"You have to be careful about the language of 'lost' and 'saved', especially in this conversation because the church thinks it sets itself up as 'we're the found ones and we have to go out and get the lost ones.'"

A homeless woman with her dog and possessions, outside David Jones in Melbourne. Source: News Corp Australia

Overall, organisations like the Salvos and Wayside are driven by the kindest of Christian values: charity, helping others, and love.

You would be hard pressed to find employees or volunteers at these organisations who are not motivated by a sense of good.

"I've worked with homeless for last 30 years and I've got to tell you I've never seen in that time a situation where people have been unfairly advantaged because of their sexuality," says Dr Redman. "It's something I'm really proud of. We wouldn't tolerate it on any level."

But stigma remains a significant barrier for young LGBTIQ people struggling to overcome adversity, and when that comes from the very people charged with helping them, we will struggle to see all young people off the streets.

Thanks to his social worker (and his own resilience), Tim now has an intervention order against his stepfather, who still sends him abusive text messages about his sexuality.

He is still in school, and is now living in secular accommodation provided by the government, which he shares with other young people. He says he feels "lucky."

If you or anyone you know is facing difficulties with their sexuality, call the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard on 1800 184 527 or visit Minus18.org.au.

If you are struggling to find somewhere to live, or experiencing financial, mental health or other difficulties, visit ReachOut.com.au.

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Get a room Kimye, not a loo

Trouble keeping up with the Kardashians? Know your Kim from your Kanye with this 60 second celebrity family refresher.

THEY couldn't keep their hands off each other at the GQ Men of the Year awards.

But what, exactly, were Kim Kardashian and Kanye West getting up to in the disabled toilets?

The world's most famous couple sparked a panic among organisers when they reportedly disappeared during the bash in London, The Sun reports.

Loved up ... Kim and Kanye know how to cause a scene. Picture: Getty

The newlyweds were reportedly found locked in the disabled toilets just five minutes before Kardashian was due to pick up her Woman of the Year award.

Head turner ... Kim Kardashian sets the red carpet on fire in her jaw-dropping dress at the GQ Men of the Year awards. Picture: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images Source: Supplied

The pair were said to have looked "flustered" as they made their way out of the toilet and returned to the ceremony in time for her to receive her prize.

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "We don't know if they were fighting or doing something quite different, but they came out looking very flustered."

Perhaps Kim popped a button on her jaw-dropping bondage-inspired dress and Kanye was simply helping her get fixed up?

Happy together ... Kim and Kanye stayed close all night. Picture: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The incident came as Kardashian — who infamously made a sex tape with ex-lover Ray J — fronted up at the Radio One studios in London and proceeded to wax lyrical about her bedroom antics.

Upfront ... Kim is not afraid of spilling the beans about her sex life. Source: AP

She said: "My husband and I have an amazing sex life. So far as the sex tape is concerned, whether or not we've made another — if we have it's never something I want to go public.

"Not something I would want anyone else to see but me and Kanye."

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Live: Roosters lead Rabbits at break

A SHOT at the minor premiership is on the line as the Roosters face the Rabbitohs in a blockbuster Thursday night footy. Follow all the action in our live blog below.

We don't need to build this one up anymore — it doesn't get much better than this, as two power-packed local rivals go head-to-head.

04.30 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lambie delivers fiery maiden speech

PUP Senator Jacqui Lambie becomes passionate about the transport cost crisis facing Tasmanians, and calls for a royal commission into abuses of ADF personnel during her maiden speech to parliament.

THE Palmer United Party's most outspoken Senator has warned there will be an army of Jacqui Lambies unless action is taken to help her beloved state of Tasmania.

And the Department of Veterans' Affairs better watch out too – with the former soldier using her maiden speech to call for a Royal Commission and the "greatest reforms" of the Defence Force.

Wearing her trademark yellow, Senator Lambie slammed the serving Tasmanian Senators for not doing enough to reduce the cost of shipping goods across Bass Strait.

'BRICK WITH EYES': Lazarus calls for fat tax in maiden speech

Call for action ... Palmer United Senator Jacqui Lambie delivers her maiden speech in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra as fellow PUP members Dio Wang and Glenn Lazarus look on.

"What I can't understand is every Tasmanian Senator, especially those who have been in power or are in power now, have chosen to do nothing," she said.

"Every Tasmanian Senator has turned a blind eye into this outrageous, stinky, filthy injustice."

"Why is it up to myself and Palmer United Party to find a solution that should have been found 20 years ago.

"So the solution is clear, if the powers that control the Treasury benches in this place don't want an army of Jacqui Lambie's in this place speaking uncomfortable truths and challenging them in the future, then fix the Bass Strait transport cost crisis."

The PUP Senator wants an increase in the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, labelling the current situation a "national disgrace".

Fair go ... Senator Jacqui Lambie gets animated during her passionate maiden speech at Parliament House. Source: News Corp Australia

"If we are to be treated fairly as a state the cost of people taking their cars, motor homes, campervans, caravans, motorbikes, greyhounds, racehorses or unicorns from Devonport to Melbourne or vice versa should be no more than the cost of driving 327kms of national highway from Melbourne to Albury," she said.

"It is time to fix this issue."

Jacqui Lambie at the PUP headquarters for this morning's daily brief. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

The former soldier, a passionate advocate for veterans' affairs, also called for a royal commission into the department.

"Perhaps one of the reasons why God performed a miracle and put me in this place is because I intend to be part of the greatest reforms of Australia's department of veterans affairs and our defence force," she declared.

Time for change ... Jacqui Lambie arrives for the daily brief at the Palmer United Party headquarters. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

The current department is not only dysfunctional she warned, it is "dangerous", describing the culture of senior leadership as "toxic".

She cited the story of former soldier Marcus Saltmarsh – present in the public gallery —

who faced a court martial over the death of his best mate Corporal Stuart Jones, shot dead in East Timor in August 2000 while travelling in the back of an ASLAV armoured vehicle.

It was Mr Saltmarsh's Steyr rifle which discharged. Mr Saltmarsh had insisted the weapon was faulty as there had been numerous cases of inadvertent firing of Steyr rifles in East Timor.

Senator Lambie said he was cleared, but despite repeated requests he was never properly and publicly exonerated and became a scapegoat.

The former army officer was sent graphic autopsy pictures of his friend years later under a freedom of information request.

"What it sheer incompetence that caused these photos to be sent to Mr Marcus Saltmarsh or was it a deliberate, abusive act."

PUP senator Jacqui Lambie took a 'cement teabag' to toughen up before her Ice Bucket Challenge on The Project overnight. Courtesy Channel TEN/The Project

The PUP Senator – who helped axe the carbon tax – said electricity costs in Australia were some of the most expensive in the Western world and needed to instead be the cheapest.

"The Greens, most Labor members and even some Liberals have tried to convince Australians that they can stop world climate change by paying more for their clean electricity and power.

"This lie has caused massive damage to our economy, business, manufacturing and primary industries."

Senator Lambie acknowledged traditional owners, the ANZACs as well as God as she began her speech – while outlining her heritage.

"I acknowledge and pay my respects to Australia's Aboriginal traditional owners.

"I share their blood, culture and history through my mother - Sue Lambie's family.

"We trace our history over six generations to celebrated Aboriginal chieftain of the Tasmanian east Coast - Manalargerna."

04.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inside Australia’s ghost towns

Road to nowhere? Cook, South Australia is abandoned. Picture: Amanda Slater Source: Flickr

ONCE upon a time, these prosperous Australian towns were bustling hives of activity. But the years have taken a devastating toll, and now few souls remain to tell the intriguing stories of these formerly rich regions.

From mining towns to failed settlements and rail hubs, our nation is full of ghost towns that offer a fascinating glimpse at a past that most of us can only imagine.

They remain standing today, simply frozen in time.

While they may be shells of their former selves, some of these areas are so fascinating in their sheer emptiness that they've been picked as the backdrops for famous movies such as Mission Impossible II, or have even been visited by celebrities such as Patrick Swayze.

Here are 14 towns that Australia forgot. This list was compiled with help from a map of ghost towns created by Lifehacker.

1. Cook, South Australia

This railway stop on the Trans-Australian Railway was built in 1917 in the middle of nowhere, at the Nullarbor Plain. Cook used to have a population of 50 who helped maintain the railway tracks, but now there are just four people left. Most of the buildings have been condemned, including a school.

It's actually the longest straight stretch of railway in the world, at 478 kilometres.

The abandoned town of Cook. Picture: Sheila Thomson Source: Flickr

A jail cell at Cook. Picture: Sheila Thomson Source: Flickr

2. Farina, South Australia

This ghost town is situated on the edge of the desert. It was settled in 1878 by farmers and reached a population of approximately 600. But years of drought and dust storms, the closure of nearby mines (in 1927), and realignment of the Ghan railway line led to the town eventually being deserted.

It's now being restored by the South Australia Government, and the ruins of its two hotels, underground bakery, bank, church and shops remain.

In 1909, a 1143kg iron meteorite was discovered nearby.

Fascinating Farina. Picture: Brett Source: Flickr

Smashed bottles and an upturned car. Picture: Hal Jacob Source: Flickr

A tourist enjoys a bath. Hal Jacob Source: Flickr

A look inside. Picture: Hal Jacob Source: Flickr

3. Silverton, NSW

This tiny ghost town located about 30km from Broken Hill in the far west outback of NSW has featured as the backdrop of many movies including Mission Impossible II (1999) Dirty Deeds (2001) and Mad Max II (1981).

It was first settled by the Wiljakali Aborigines, and miners flocked to the region upon the discovery of silver. It blossomed into a bustling town of 3000 people before residents began to leave in the early 1890s in favour of mines in Broken Hill, with many taking their houses with them. Nowadays less than 50 people remain here, and there are even fewer buildings.

Spooky Silverton. Picture: Alexander-Head Source: Flickr

Sunset across the Mundi Mundi Plains near Silverton. Picture: Vincent Ross Source: Supplied

A disused stone church at Silverton. Picture: Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre Source: News Limited

4. Walhalla, Victoria

Once upon a time, 2500 people called the mountainous town of Walhalla home. Today, it's frozen in time and has less than 20 permanent residents, though its tourism industry is solid due to the many holiday homes in the area and interesting heritage buildings.

Patrick Swayze is said to have spent time in the area during his youth.

A home perched on the edge of a mountain, back in 1976. Picture: WIV John Lloyd Source: Flickr

A look from above. Picture: WIV John Lloyd Source: Flickr

5. Joadja, NSW

This mining town in the Southern Highlands thrived from 1870-1911 with 1200 residents, mostly immigrants from Scotland. When the local mine closed, the town languished.

Legend has it that at least two ghosts haunt the area. Conservation work is being undertaken here, protecting the ruins.

Joadja is a true ghost town. Picture: Gordon Chirgwin Source: Flickr

Eerie ... Picture: Gordon Chirgwin Source: Flickr

6. Nerrigundah, NSW

Nerrigundah was a gold mining town with a population of 1200 in the late 19th century, and now only 30 people remain. The notorious Clarke gang held up a hotel here in 1866, and shot a policeman.

It also used to have a great tennis team.

Nerrigundah's main street. Source: Flickr

7. Broad Arrow, Western Australia

This ghost town is 38km from Kalgoorlie. Gold was first discovered here in 1893 which triggered a gold rush, and a population of 15,000 soon followed. But 30 years later, with no gold left, the town was abandoned.

The movie Nickel Queen was filmed here in 1971. Visitors should check out the handwritten notes left by visitors all over the walls of the remaining hotel, the Broad Arrow Tavern.

Messages from Broad Arrow. Picture: Don Pugh Source: Flickr

Not much remains here. Picture: Railways of Australia by Darylle Phillips Source: Flickr

8. Mary Kathleen, Queensland

While it was first established in the 1860s, the town boomed when a uranium mine was opened in the 1950s. When the mine was shut in 1982 most of the homes of Mary Kathleen's former residents (which amounted to nearly 1000 by 1961) were sold or removed.

The now disused Mary Kathleen uranium mine. Source: News Limited

The mine. Source: News Limited

9. Gunbar, NSW

This once-thriving area is now a ghost town, after many people moved during the depression. Few building remain, apart from the church and there are just 97 residents.

Gunbar's public hall. Picture: Mattingbgn-talk, Wikicommons Source: Supplied

10. Aberfeldy, Victoria

The population of this town diminished during World War I, before a series of bush fires destroyed many buildings in 1938. It then fell into ruins, with only a few residents remaining.

Aberfeldy. Picture: Melburnian Source: Supplied

11. Mount Mulligan, Queensland

One of the most sacred sites in Far North Queensland, Mount Mulligan is known by indigenous people as the birthplace of the Rainbow Serpent. It's also one of the oldest Aboriginal sites, with evidence of occupation dating back some 37,000 years.

It has a grim history, with an underground explosion killing 75 miners in 1921, forcing its closure for two years. It was the nation's third worst coal mining accident, with the town then dominated by the graves resulting from the disaster.

Soon it was abandoned, with buildings demolished and relocated. Just a single home remains occupied.

Mount Mulligan's single chimney. Picture: Bruceanthro, Wikicommons Source: Supplied

12. Port Essington, Northern Territory

All that remains of this early attempt at a British settlement is a series of ruins that are very difficult to reach. The rampant spread of disease, poor living conditions and a cyclone (in 1830) hit the area hard and it was deserted from 1849.

Port Essington in 1846. Picture: Ernest Goupil, Wikicommons Source: Supplied

13. Kanyaka Station, South Australia

Located in the Flinders Ranges, Kanyaka Station was a cattle and sheep station that was inhabited by Aborigines for thousands of years before European settlement.

There were once 70 families working at the station, with cottages, workshops, shed and a large homestead set up. That's until severe droughts resulted in the death of over 20,000 sheep and forced its closure.

Many buildings survive and are tourist attractions to this day.

The remains of Kanyaka Station. Picture: Kr.afol, Wikicommons Source: Supplied

14. Waddamana, Tasmania

The site of Tasmania's first hydropower station, it used to have a population of over 100 in the early 1900s. But now there's only approximately four people left. The town, in the middle of Tasmania is subjected to harsh weather.

Waddamana Power Station. Picture: Stephen Edmonds Source: Flickr

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Beyonce, Jay Z crazy in love again

They are more than just a family, The Carters are a corporation worth one billion dollars .

THE world's most intriguing celebrity marriage just got, erm, more confusing.

Pictures have emerged of superstar Beyonce and rapper Jay Z — who have been dogged by split rumours for months — looking well and truly loved up while engaging in a sexy slow dance PDA.

The couple, parents to Blue Ivy, put on a united front at the Made in America music festival in Los Angeles, quashing rumours they are on the verge of divorce.

What split? ... Jay Z and Beyonce are the picture of marital bliss at the Made in America festival. Picture: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for American Eagle

Pop superstar Beyonce giggled while holding a cocktail as her rap mogul husband hugged her from behind.

UH OH: Beyonce, Jay Z's body language troublesome

SHAM SPLIT: Matthew Knowles sheds light on split rumours

FAIRYTALE OVER: Inside Beyonce and Jay Z's crumbling marriage

The 32-year-old, dressed in a black crop that exposed her toned stomach, looked up lovingly at her man who whispered into her ear while he rested his hands on her hips.

The way she moves ... Jay Z can't take his eyes off Beyonce at the Made in America festival. Picture: Michael Buckner/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

An awestruck Jay Z only had eyes for his stunning wife — not surprising considering he's married to one of the world's sexiest women.

The couple appear to be attempting to put rumours of an impending split to rest.

Body language ... Jay Z getcs close to Queen Bey. Picture: Michael Buckner/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

They appeared onstage together at last week's VMAs when Jay Z and daughter Blue Ivy presented Beyonce — who celebrates her 33rd birthday this week — with the Video Vanguard Award.

Sweet nothings ... rapper Jay-Z and Beyonce put split rumours to rest with their PDA. Picture: Michael Buckner/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Some media reports claim that the couple are waiting until the end of their On The Run Tour, which is set to gross $100 million, before splitting.

Beyonce's father, Matthew Knowles, flipped that theory on its head last week when he claimed the power couple were generating the split rumours themselves to drum up publicity for the tour.

With a combined net worth of nearly $1 billion — and no pre-nuptial agreement — a divorce would prove to be a financial nightmare.

All smiles ... Beyonce looks relxed and happy at the Made in America Festival. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch Source: Getty Images

According to reports, the couple's marriage has been crumbling since Beyonce's sister Solange was caught attacking Jay Z in a hotel elevator after the Met Gala.

Time will tell whether the latest crazy-in-love images are just another ploy to protect the couple's brand or are, in fact, the real deal.

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ISIS takes aim at Aussie aid plane

Tony Abbott has spent the day defending his decision to go back to the war in Iraq after the revelation that Australian war planes will drop guns and ammunition to Kurdish forces in the country's north

AN AUSTRALIAN C-130 Hercules transport aircraft came under fire from Islamic militants during a humanitarian mission over Iraq.

News Corp Australia can reveal the aircraft was lucky not to be hit when fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) attacked it — as it swooped in low to drop aid packages to civilians in the town of Amirli in northern Iraq — with heavy machine guns and small arms last weekend.

Under threat ... the aircraft was lucky not to be hit by ISIS fighters as it dropped aid packages to civilians. Picture: News Corp Australia. Source: News Limited

The drop took place at night so the rebels would have been firing by noise rather than sight as the darkened planes flew below 300 metres to make the delivery of 15 bundles of water, biscuits and hygiene packs.

Troubled nation ... the Australian plane was dropping aid to the town of Amirli in northern Iraq, where a tense battle is being played out between Kurdish troops and ISIS militants. Picture: AFP. Source: AFP

US fighter jets flying top cover for the mission responded to the enemy attack with maximum force after being guided to the ISIS fighters by a high flying US Air Force J-Star spy plane fitted with powerful ground attack radars.

Aussie help ... a loadmaster conducts a final check of the C-130 Hercules before it dropped aid supplies over northern Iraq. Picture: Supplied.

"The top cover provided by American aircraft was very effective," a source close to the operation told News Corp Australia.

The biggest risk to Australian aircraft comes from man portable shoulder fired missiles, but a lucky shot from a rifle could potentially bring down an aircraft. Military aircraft are fitted with effective missile counter measures.

A huge Australian C-17 jet transport plane is expected to land in the nearby Kurdish city of Erbil within 24 hours carrying the first load of weapons for Peshmerga fighters who are holding the ISIS militants at bay.

Help on way ... an Australian C-17 jet transport plane is expected to land in the Kurdish city of Erbil within 24 hours. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Limited

The four-engine transport aircraft is a much bigger target than a Hercules and it will also be provided with top cover by the J-Star and fast jets.

It will also carry a detachment of elite RAAF Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs) from the Amberley base near Brisbane supported by a small contingent of SAS troops.

Neither the ADGs or SAS troops are defined as 'combat troops' or 'ground forces'.

The attack on the C-130 highlights the high risk faced by Australian aircrews and troops undertaking the humanitarian and weapon supply missions in support of thousands of civilians under siege by the brutal ISIS rebels.

Fear factor ... the attack on the C-130 highlights the high risk faced by Australian aircrews and troops. Source: Supplied

Those missions are likely to be stepped up in coming days to support a counter offensive by Iraqi and Peshmerga forces following the swearing in of a new government in Baghdad on 10 September.

The RAAF has about 400 ADGs based in Number One and Number Two Airfield Defence Squadrons with a mixture of full-time and high-readiness reserve personnel.

Unlike regular troops the ADG mission is to defend rather than to take ground.

That means operating in small teams of between four and 10 with similar tactics to special-forces units.

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