Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, has emerged victorious in this year’s edition of *Dancing with the Stars*, a decade after his sister Bindi Irwin claimed the same title. The 21-year-old, despite battling a rib injury, delivered a series of stellar performances throughout the 11-week competition, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to his father and a surprise appearance by Bindi. The finale, broadcast locally on Tuesday evening, showcased Irwin’s versatility as he and his professional partner, Witney Carson, performed to tracks by Avicii, Sydney-born Sam Sparro, and Australian rock band Jet, adding a distinctly Australian flavor to the event. Irwin and Carson also excelled in the ‘instant dance challenge,’ where they were given the style and song just minutes before performing. Competing against finalists like influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Irwin secured the win despite three other contestants earning perfect scores earlier in the night. Emotional after his final performance, Irwin expressed his desire to make his father proud, saying, ‘I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here.’ Steve Irwin, known globally as the ‘Crocodile Hunter,’ tragically passed away in 2006 during a diving expedition. Following in his father’s footsteps, Robert has become a passionate wildlife photographer and an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize.
标签： Oceania
大洋洲
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What was the sandpaper scandal?
The 2018 Australian cricket scandal, infamously dubbed ‘sandpapergate’, remains one of the most contentious episodes in the sport’s history. The incident unfolded during a Test match against South Africa when Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. The fallout was swift and severe: Bancroft, along with then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, faced significant repercussions. Smith and Warner received 12-month bans from international and domestic cricket, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Warner was identified as the mastermind behind the scheme, having instructed Bancroft on how to tamper with the ball. Smith, aware of the plan but failing to intervene, also bore the brunt of the punishment. The scandal led to a complete overhaul of Australia’s cricket leadership, with coach Darren Lehmann stepping down at the end of the series, though he was cleared of any direct involvement. Despite the bans, both Smith and Warner eventually reclaimed their spots in the national team. Smith even ascended to the role of vice-captain under Pat Cummins and recently led Australia to victory in the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series. Bancroft, however, has not played international cricket since his brief return in 2019. The scandal’s shadow lingers, with Cricket Australia reopening an investigation in 2021 after Bancroft hinted that some bowlers were aware of the tampering. The incident continues to be a point of contention, particularly in the Ashes series, where England fans have taunted Smith and Warner with chants referencing the scandal. Former England spinner Monty Panesar recently suggested that England should make Smith feel ‘guilty’ about the incident, prompting a sharp retort from Smith. Lehmann has also weighed in, criticizing the persistent abuse directed at Smith by England fans. ‘Sandpapergate’ remains a stark reminder of the pressures and pitfalls of professional cricket, a story that continues to resonate years after the fact.
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Australia senator condemned for burka stunt in parliament
An Australian senator has ignited widespread condemnation after donning a burka in parliament while advocating for a ban on the Muslim garment. Pauline Hanson, a member of the anti-immigration One Nation party, faced sharp criticism from her colleagues, with one labeling her actions as “blatant racism.” The senate proceedings were temporarily disrupted as Hanson refused to remove the burka, which she wore in protest after her proposed bill to ban full face coverings in public was rejected. This marks the second time Hanson has worn the garment in parliament, following a similar stunt in 2017. Her latest act has drawn ire from fellow lawmakers, including Muslim senators who denounced her behavior as “disgraceful” and “disrespectful.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the government leader in the senate, condemned Hanson’s actions, stating that she was “not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate” and moved to suspend her. Hanson defended her actions on Facebook, writing, “If they don’t want me wearing it – ban the burka.” This incident is the latest in a series of controversial statements and actions by Hanson, who has long been criticized for her anti-immigration and anti-Muslim rhetoric, including her 2016 maiden speech in which she claimed Australia was being “swamped by Muslims.”
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First Australian woman to win a Michelin star dies
Skye Gyngell, the trailblazing Australian chef who became the first woman from her country to earn a Michelin star, has passed away at the age of 62. Gyngell, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer last year, died in London on Saturday. Her family described her as a ‘culinary visionary’ whose influence extended globally, inspiring chefs and growers to rethink the relationship between food and the land. Gyngell rose to prominence in the UK after her garden centre cafe in south-west London, Petersham Nurseries, was awarded a Michelin star in 2011. This achievement, however, came with challenges, as she later expressed frustration over customers expecting a traditional Michelin-starred experience at her rustic establishment. Gyngell’s career was marked by innovation and resilience. She pioneered the ‘slow food movement’ in the 1980s and went on to become a private chef for high-profile clients, including Nigella Lawson, Madonna, and Guy Ritchie. Her later ventures included Spring at Somerset House, London’s first single-use plastic-free restaurant. Beyond her culinary achievements, Gyngell was known for her award-winning cookbooks and her role as a food editor for Vogue. She also overcame personal struggles, including drug and alcohol addiction in her younger years. Last year, she was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, and underwent surgery that temporarily affected her sense of smell and taste. Tributes poured in from the culinary world, with Jamie Oliver praising her for inspiring young cooks and Nigella Lawson expressing her grief on Instagram. Gyngell’s legacy as a pioneer in the culinary arts and her commitment to sustainable and thoughtful food practices will continue to resonate for years to come.
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Australia beaten by France to complete winless tour
In a stunning display of rugby prowess, France triumphed over Australia with a commanding 48-33 victory at the Stade de France, marking a historic low for the Wallabies. This defeat concludes Australia’s European tour without a single win for the first time in 67 years, adding to their string of losses against Italy, England, and Ireland earlier in the autumn. The Wallabies have now suffered their 10th defeat of the year, a record-breaking low for the team.
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Why this is England’s worst defeat in Australia in years
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Australia handed England a crushing defeat in the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, marking England’s worst Test loss in Australia in years. The match, which concluded in just two days, was the shortest Ashes Test since 1921, leaving English supporters reeling. Travis Head’s exceptional innings dismantled England’s attack, turning the tide in Australia’s favor. Despite England’s initial advantage, they collapsed spectacularly, losing by eight wickets. This defeat not only highlights England’s recurring struggles in Australia but also underscores Australia’s dominance in the Ashes series. The hosts now head to Brisbane for the second Test, where their formidable record in day-night matches poses a significant challenge for England. As England contemplates their next steps, questions linger about their ability to recover and compete in the remaining matches.
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Captain Cummins could return for second Ashes Test
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has expressed optimism about his potential return for the second Ashes Test against England, scheduled to begin on December 4 at Brisbane’s Gabba. The 32-year-old fast bowler missed the opening Test in Perth due to a back injury but has been making steady progress in his recovery. Despite his absence, Australia dominated the first Test, dismissing England for 172 and 164 in their two innings, with Mitchell Starc claiming 10 wickets to secure an emphatic eight-wicket victory within two days. Cummins, who was temporarily replaced by Steve Smith as captain and Scott Boland as a fast bowler, hinted at reclaiming both roles for the upcoming day-night Test. ‘It’s feeling good,’ Cummins stated during an interview on Fox Sports TV. ‘I had a couple of good sessions in Perth this week, and I’m on track. I’m half a chance for the next game.’ However, concerns remain over the fitness of top-order batsman Usman Khawaja, who injured his back during the first Test and was unable to open the innings. ‘Unfortunately, Uzzy is not moving too well,’ Cummins added. ‘His back flared up again in the slips, so he was unable to open.’ As Australia prepares for the second Test, Cummins’ potential return could bolster their already formidable lineup.
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Murder of Australian police not an act of religious terrorism, coroner finds
In a tragic incident that shook rural Queensland in December 2022, police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were ambushed and killed during a routine property visit. The attack, carried out by Nathaniel, Gareth, and Stacey Train, initially sparked fears of a religious terror attack. However, Queensland State Coroner Terry Ryan has now clarified that the ambush was not an act of terrorism, despite the perpetrators’ extremist beliefs and conspiracy-driven motives. The coroner’s findings, released on Friday, shed light on the events leading to the deadly confrontation. The Trains, described as religious fanatics and conspiracy theorists, had fortified their property and prepared for a lethal encounter, viewing any police intervention as an ‘evil advance.’ The attack unfolded when Arnold, McCrow, and two other officers arrived at the Wieambilla property, approximately 270km west of Brisbane, to investigate a missing person report. Upon approaching the house, the officers were met with a barrage of gunfire. Arnold and McCrow were fatally shot, while a third officer sustained a leg injury. A neighbor, Alan Dare, who arrived at the scene, was also killed. The coroner acknowledged that the responding officers were ill-equipped to handle the situation, emphasizing the Trains’ meticulous preparation for violence. The inquest revealed that Gareth Train’s anti-government and conspiracy theories had intensified over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to his increasing isolation and radicalization. The coroner also criticized the failure of New South Wales police to share critical information that could have alerted Queensland authorities to the potential danger. In his recommendations, Ryan called for enhanced police safety measures, including the use of drones for risk assessments in remote areas. The incident has reignited debates over gun control in Australia, with experts warning of the erosion of strict regulations introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
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Streaming platform Twitch added to Australia’s teen social media ban
Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban targeting users under 16 has now extended its reach to include Twitch, the popular livestreaming platform predominantly used by gamers. The ban, set to take effect on December 10, mandates that platforms like Twitch must prevent under-16s from creating new accounts and deactivate existing ones by January 9. Twitch, owned by Amazon, joins other major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat in this regulatory measure.
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Australia is banning social media for kids under 16. How will it work?
Australia has become the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, effective from December 10. The groundbreaking policy, widely supported by parents, mandates social media companies to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent under-16s from creating accounts and to deactivate or remove existing ones. The government aims to shield children from the ‘pressures and risks’ associated with social media, including harmful content and behaviors such as cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to misogynistic or self-harm-promoting material. A recent government study revealed that 96% of children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% encountering harmful content. The ban currently applies to nine major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, though platforms like YouTube Kids and WhatsApp are exempt. Social media companies face fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, but critics question the effectiveness of age verification technologies and the adequacy of penalties. While some platforms, like Meta, have begun implementing measures, others remain silent on their compliance strategies. The ban has sparked debates about its potential to isolate teens and drive them to unregulated corners of the internet. Despite concerns, the government asserts that the legislation includes robust data protection measures. Australia’s pioneering move is being closely watched by other nations, many of which are exploring similar restrictions to safeguard young users.