DEAR Jasminda, I am going away with a group of school friends and we are sharing rooms. To save money, we booked a room with two queen beds, but one of our group members has become an incessant snorer. I’m a light sleeper. How do I tactfully ask that she is not my bed companion […]
Afford
Letter to the Editor: How good is Telstra?
DEAR News Of The Area, THE twin severe weather events of Cyclone Alfred and the following intense low pressure system have caused loss, turmoil and disruption in the lives of thousands of people in the east of Australia. In many places, mud is still to be cleaned up and people are grieving while also trying […]
Legal Hypothetical: Probate sought over smartphone ‘note’
PETER Smith’s health had been failing over the past few months and after paramedics are called due to complications regarding his blood sugar levels, he composes a “Note” on his smartphone, entitled “Last Will of Peter Smith”. The document appoints his friend, Ben as his executor and leaves him the bulk of his estate. The […]
Floods
The Big Screen
THERE is only one notable release in Australian cinemas this week, though it’s likely to be on a fair few “Top 10” lists come the end of 2025. Lilo & Stitch gets the live-action adaptation treatment from Disney. It follows the adventures of the alien “Experiment 626” after he crashes in Hawaii and is adopted […]
Legal Hypothetical: Mutual Wills challenged in Supreme Court
PETER and Penny have a daughter, Diane and a son, Daniel. Peter and Penny purchase a home in which to live with Daniel. The property is registered in Daniel’s name. Later, Daniel moves-out and Peter and Penny continue to reside in the property. Peter and Penny enter into a Deed with Daniel to the effect […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, THE other night, my brother-in-law invited himself over for dinner. However, I had not prepared enough for him (as he was unannounced), and he got annoyed and left. Now he won’t reply to either my husband’s or my messages. How do you suggest I go about this? Normine B Dear Normine, I’m picking […]
Defib
Letter to the Editor: Concerning election stats
DEAR News Of The Area, OF concern in the recent federal election was a “swing” towards informal voting, with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) reporting a national average of 5.55 percent ballot papers that could not be counted. Within the electorates of Cowper and Page, the AEC’s corresponding local figures were 9.03 percent and 9.15 […]