Latest news with #MatthewWade
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hurricanes lock down big hitter for title defence
The Hobart Hurricanes hit the right notes for a maiden Big Bash League title - and they've essentially got the same band back together in their back-to-back quest. Big-hitter Tim David inked a new two-year deal with the franchise on Tuesday, joining several re-signings ahead of the league's December start. David, who averaged 42 last season at a strike-rate of 177, said he was always intending to stick with Hobart despite some media noise suggesting he would jump to another franchise. "As a group we all wanted to keep playing together," he told reporters. "We had to talk to each other about how we were going to make that happen and what each of us was thinking. "We feel we're at the peak of our powers … and we're excited for what is coming next season." View this post on Instagram A post shared by KFC Big Bash League (@bbl) Veteran Matthew Wade and quick Billy Stanlake have extended deals, overseas allrounder Chris Jordan is again on board, with the club adding further re-signings were to come. The Hurricanes have locked down six of the top seven that got the job done in the final against the Thunder - Caleb Jewell is off to the Renegades. They've picked up heavy hitter Jake Weatherald (Strikers) as well as Tasmania-born Beau Webster (Stars), who is impressing in the Test side. David, who has played 54 T20 internationals, said his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered in the IPL was progressing well. The 29-year-old said last season's final, headlined by Mitchell Owen's brutal 42-ball 108, was still fresh in his mind and would give the Hurricanes confidence. "In my lounge room there is the champions hat. I walk past that most mornings," he said. "That looks pretty good. (It was) just an awesome time with your mates. "If we've got a good attitude towards the games, that is going to carry us far. We know we've got enough in our dressing room to win a championship."
The Guardian
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
‘Cruel joke': tax concession drives donations to Australia's richest private schools and must stop, critics argue
The Albanese government has been urged to end an 'outrageous' and 'cruel joke' that incentivises donations to Australia's richest private schools in return for a tax deduction. But the peak body for independent schools says the criticism is overblown and that tax-deductibility is 'essential' to build campus infrastructure, with 95% of capital expenditure funded through parent contributions, fundraising, loans and philanthropy. Analysis of federal government data by the campaign group Save Our Schools has found that more than $106m was donated to 60 private schools in 2023. Some of these donations were considered tax deductible gifts to charities, provided the money was designated for campus buildings. Some tax experts and analysts believe this concession – which is not extended to all charities and has been criticised by the Productivity Commission – has exacerbated inequality in the education system and added to the largesse of exclusive schools. The analysis revealed dozens of private schools received donation totalling more than $2m in 2023, in addition to substantial revenue from investments and property portfolios, and funding from government. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email 'It is a cruel joke that taxpayers who could never dream of sending their own kids to such superbly well-resourced schools are indirectly subsidising those that can,' said Matthew Wade, a sociologist at La Trobe University who has studied the scheme for years. 'We should all be offended by witnessing something so manifestly unfair continue unabated.' Eleven private schools received more than $3m from donors in 2023, topped by St Aloysius' College, in Kirribilli, which collected $9.1m for bursaries and major building works from donation campaigns. Melbourne Grammar School received $5.9m in donations, followed by the Scots College in Sydney ($4m) and Xavier College in Melbourne ($3.9m). Years of philanthropy has helped fund major building projects at these schools, including a sculpture walk, a rooftop playground with Sydney Harbour views, and expansive aquatic and sports centres. Prof Ann O'Connell, a tax expert at the University of Melbourne, said 'the tax concession for gifts to school building funds is outrageous'. 'It dates from a time when it was difficult for the commonwealth to make grants to non-government schools,' O'Connell said. But Graham Catt, the chief executive of Independent Schools Australia, the peak body for the sector, said tax-deductibility for school building donations was 'not just fair – it's essential'. 'If anything, this is about private families picking up the bill where government support falls short,' Catt said. 'The lion's share of government capital grants still flows to public schools. 'Philanthropy plays a vital role across the independent school sector not just in funding buildings, but in enabling life-changing opportunities for students.' Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Catt said donations to private schools have supported scholarships and bursaries that help families facing financial hardship, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Jason Ward, an analyst with the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, said it was 'ludicrous that donations to these elite private schools, with family median incomes ranging between $225k and $495k, should be tax deductible'. 'On top of that, these well endowed schools with high fees and their own income sources are getting more than $580m in annual government funding, while the state public school systems are struggling with higher rates of teacher turnover and class sizes.' But Catt said many of the buildings funded by donations – including science labs, libraries, outdoor learning areas, and multipurpose halls – benefited the broader local community. 'The benefits of philanthropy extend well beyond the school gate,' Catt said. David Crosbie, the chief executive of the Community Council for Australia (CCA), said many small charities were unable to provide tax deductible status to donors 'despite providing services to the community that provide a clear public benefit'. 'CCA believes there are many issues with the current deductive gift receipt system that need reform and private school building funds would be part of the reform,' Crosbie said. Last year, the Albanese government declined to support the Productivity Commission's recommendation that school building funds no longer be tax deductible. The federal government was contacted for comment.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Calhoun County Commission honors Sheriff Wade for his service
ANNISTON — Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade was honored Thursday for his nearly three decades of service. He is retiring, and his last day is Monday. Commissioner Lee Patterson thanked Wade for his dedication to the community. "Being a servant is a calling and it has been the biggest privilege of my life to serve other people,' Wade said during the commission meeting. 'That's what makes the job very enjoyable. After 29 years — and everything has a season — my season has come to an end. One of the biggest things I will miss is being able to help people, but I will still be around and help people in a different way." Wade began his public service in high school when he joined the Army Reserve. He completed basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., and trained as an aviation operations specialist at Fort Rucker. In 1996, he started his law enforcement career as a correctional officer at the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. He advanced through the ranks as a deputy, investigator, emergency services team member and chief deputy, serving 12 years under Sheriff Larry Amerson. Appointed sheriff in 2016, Wade made history as the first Calhoun County deputy to graduate from the FBI National Academy. He later became the first law enforcement executive to complete the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, the FBI National Academy and the National Sheriffs' Institute. Wade, recently named president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, was honored by all five commissioners for his leadership and dedication. Also during the meeting, the commissioners passed resolutions on several items, including repaving Bynum-Leatherwood Road between Alabama 202 up to a point north of Morrisville Road. One visitor to the meeting, Audrey Maxwell, is the tourism director at the Calhoun County Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. She reminded those in attendance that sports tournaments are underway at the Choccolocco Park. Also, she mentioned several big events in Anniston that are coming up, including The Noble Street Festival and Sunny King Criterium on Saturday, April 5. Visitor Kevin Chandler introduced himself as the new park ranger at the Freedom Riders National Monument. The rangers' job will include making small changes to the monument, which includes the old bus depot on Gurnee Avenue and the site of the bus burning on Alabama 202.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Multiple fires, dry conditions keep Calhoun County on high alert
Firefighters across Calhoun County have battled multiple blazes this week as dry conditions and gusty winds continue to fuel fire dangers. Officials have contained two large fires in the region, while authorities warn that the risk remains high in the coming days. A fast-moving wildfire in the northern Calhoun County community of Asberry forced evacuations Tuesday night, burning 180 acres and destroying an occupied mobile home. Crews from the Alabama Forestry Commission and the U.S. Forest Service contained the fire by creating a firebreak, stopping the flames just 30 yards from a nearby home. 'There were two mobile homes right close together, one of them was vacant and the other one was not. It caught fire and burned. We were able to evacuate him before it burned. I do know the Red Cross is helping him,' Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade said. No injuries were reported. A woman and several pets were also safely evacuated, Wade said. 'We're here to serve them and we did our best to make sure we could take care of them, and that's my utmost desire is to help people. I'm so thankful that they're alive,' The Sheriff said, 'You can replace property, but you can't replace people.' The rapid spread of the fire was fueled by low humidity, according to Erik Baker, a supervisory engine captain with the U.S. Forest Service. 'That was the driving factor of it,' Baker said. On Wednesday afternoon, another fire broke out in the 5000 block of Alexandria-Jacksonville Highway, about a half-mile northwest of Buckhorn Marketplace. The fire spread into a wooded area, consuming one structure and igniting another before Jacksonville fire and police crews brought it under control by 4:30 p.m. The Sheriff confirmed this fire was unrelated to the Asberry wildfire. No cause has been determined, and officials have not released details on any injuries. Outdoor burn ban in effect With multiple fires reported across the region, the Alabama Forestry Commission and city officials are urging caution. Anniston has implemented an immediate outdoor burning ban within city limits and its police jurisdiction, including McClellan, Saks, and Wellborn. No burn permits will be issued until further notice. Asberry Fire Grey Knight on the side of Charity Circle Wednesday afternoon in the Asberry Community. Knight helped residents evacuate during a Tuesday night wildfire. The woods were still smoldering. Photo by Ashley Morrison. The National Weather Service reports that Anniston is experiencing unusually dry conditions, with dropping humidity and gusty winds increasing the fire risk. Statewide, the Alabama Forestry Commission has recorded more than 130 wildfires in the past seven days, burning about 3,000 acres. This includes two major fires in Calhoun County — a 550-acre blaze and a 207-acre fire that destroyed two structures — along with large fires in Lowndes, Perry, Pike, and St. Clair counties. Asberry Fire The Tuesday night wildfire in the Asberry Community burned part of a cemetery along Charlie Penny Road. Photo by Ashley Morrison, The Anniston Star Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued Friday, Feb. 28, and anyone burning a field, grassland, or woodland without a permit could face prosecution for a Class B misdemeanor. 'Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters,' the Alabama Forestry Commission said in a statement. Residents are encouraged to report wildfires by calling (800) 392-5679. According to the Alabama Drought Monitor, Calhoun County is currently classified as "abnormally dry," with officials warning that conditions could worsen.
