Latest news with #Nomads
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Footy prodigy on brink of NRL deal becomes big-shot bikie before incredible transformation in jail
Owen Turnbull could have been an NRL star but he threw it all away for booze, cash and women. The former Canberra Raiders and Parramatta Eels junior makes no bones about it — he was 'a waste of talent'. 'I was on the cusp of the NRL and I threw it all away for the bikie life,' he said. 'There was a lot of pressure from my dad to play footy and I guess I just turned my back on it. I was young and naive, I got into that mindset of doing all the things like drinking and girls that I felt like I'd missed out on because of footy.' That pivotal decision sent Turnbull down a dark path into a world of drug dealing, violence, and eventually a jail cell. At the time he thought he'd found his people — bikie brothers who had his back. 'My first ever line of cocaine was with my president at the time. I was too scared to do it. I watched a doco back in the day and a guy had his first line and he died from it, so I was always too scared to do that.' But four years after he joined the Rebels he became 'really dependent'. 'I was a broke bum for a lot of years until I started hustling and making money with the pingas, all the cocaine, bottles of Valium. I was making a killing and then, yeah, we're doing like an ounce a week of cocaine.' Turnbull defected from the Rebels and became sergeant at arms of the Canberra chapter of the Nomads. He had his share of enemies. 'I was on social media back and forth and this guy was warning he was gonna come and shoot up my house and I was like 'whatever'. 'I was laying in bed with my girlfriend and I looked out the door and there were flames. I opened the door and this kid with balaclava was standing there with a gun I opened the door and said 'go on then c**t' ad he did it. 'It's funny to look back now, it was only pellets but it still stung and burned and he ran away and there I was putting out the first with a shoe in my undied.' What wasn't so comical was the second time a gunman came after him. 'It was a real wake up call. They came with pistols and shot up the place. It went through my parents' room and thankfully my mum was overseas at the time. 'For a couple of hours police did all the measurements of where the bullets went and one of the trajectory was that it would have hit my mum while she was sleeping. Yep, that was a big wakeup call.' Turnbull said his time in jail for drug trafficking made him realise he didn't belong there. He needed to find a way to turn things around. Watching inmates shooting up ice, others behaving like grubs, he thought 'this is not me, I grew up a nerd, playing videos and watching cartoons'. That's when he decided to keep his head down, get away from the bikies who never really had his back and just do his time. 'I was at the right place at the right time when I got out of prison,' he said. However someone must have seen the potential in him. 'One of the cops that arrested me asked if I wanted to do a gang exit thing with QLD police.' The exit program - the first of its kind - was called Project Kairos. It helped members of outlaw motorcycle gangs to leave their criminal lifestyle and reintegrate into society. 'I did that and the detective helped me so much. I then got invited to talk in Melbourne in front of American DEA agents and I've done other talks for police and NRL.' Today Turnbull is making an honest living - but the road to being a clean skin isn't always a smooth one. 'I've gone from a bikie to a nerd. I tried to get into certain jobs but I had trouble getting work places. So since August last year I have focused on my card business. Ive got thousands of Pokemon and sport cards and so I decided to really focus on turning that into a business. 'The first one I sold was a very rare Lebron James rookie card.' It seems police were not convinced Turnbull would stay on the straight and narrow. In April 2023 police raided his home, believing he was selling drugs again. 'I had a bedroom full of my cards, the business was registered so it all sorted out but they thought my text messages about rookie cards, Lebron James and things were some kind of code... it was mad.' Turnbull has a message for anyone thinking gang life is glamorous, but also for young footy players about to come into money on their first contracts. 'A lot of the boys have just got their first contracts, like I can tell them what to watch out for, like don't get used, be cautious of who you're hanging around with. 'Be careful of who you are taking photos with, uploading on social media, like just basically stuff that what I went through. 'Be careful who you trust because it's really easy to throw away your opportunity.'
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
Nomads cycling group to fight proposed e-bike ban on public transport
Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025. Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025. Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025. Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025.
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Keep on moving is Quay boss Disney's message to Oswell!
Oswell, the former Wrexham striker, made the move to Connah's Quay from relegated Newtown over the summer and he has been in fine goal-scoring form for Nomads in pre-season matches. Team boss Disney told the club's X site: 'A constant threat in the box and I think again that's what we've got to work on. 'So, we're working towards our patterns of what we're looking to do and how we load the box when Jason's in there, because, you know, you speak to the players that have played against him within the league and even higher, and, you know, he's played in the Football League. 'He moves in the box constantly and I think very good strikers do that. I think he's been a really good addition around the place. 'He's a really good professional. He's a good player. He gets on the end of all the crosses and he brings other people into play. 'So, yeah, really positive with Jason. I think we knew what we were going to get and I think his movement... you can't match it when you're in the box.' Nomads have confirmed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Callum West. Having come through the academies at Burnley and Barnsley, West went on to make senior appearances with Macclesfield, Hyde United and Hebburn Town. West will be a part of Quay's new hybrid first team model. Disney told the club's website: 'Callum is a player who I first saw playing for Macclesfield at 16 and caught my eye right away with his fantastic left foot and was rightfully rewarded a full time move to Burnley. 'Callum also made his senior professional debut at Barnsley last season and is another very versatile player with wonderful fitness levels. Callum has had three years in full time football and once the opportunity to become a full time player here arose it was something he and his family wanted to commit to.' Nomads will continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly trip to Lower Breck tomorrow. Flint Town United have confirmed they have received formal offers from EFL clubs for Isaac Lee. 'Permission has been granted for him to hold talks with all parties involved,' said a club statement. 'Further announcements will be made in due course.' Lee Fowler's Silkmen, who drew 1-1 with Llay Welfare in midweek, are in friendly action at home to Avro tomorrow. Holywell Town have bolstered their squad ahead of next weekend's Cymru North kick-off. James Stead has made a move to the Wellmen. A composed and intelligent midfielder, Stead is sure to bring quality on the ball and he will add depth to boss Johnny Haseldin's options in the middle of the park. In addition, striker Oli Buckley has returned for a second spell at Holywell. He previously enjoyed a two-year stint with Town between 2021 and 2023. There's no Welsh League Cup action for Holywell this weekend and they will host NFA in a friendly tomorrow. In midweek, Ieuan Hewitt netted for the Wellmen in a 1-1 draw versus Llanrwst. Tomorrow's friendlies: Liver Academy v Hawarden Rangers; Llangollen Town v Ruabon Rovers; Llansantffraid v Rhostyllen; Llay Welfare v Capenhurst Villa; Penycae v Whitchurch Alport; Wythenshawe v Airbus. Sunday: Chirk AAA U19s v Corwen Reserves.
Otago Daily Times
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Holdem hat-trick sinks Royals in lively seven-goal thriller
The Dunedin City Royals have come up short in an entertaining seven-goal thriller. After leading 2-0 early, they fell 4-3 as Flynn Holdem delivered a hat-trick to give Nomads United victory in their men's Southern League game at Logan Park on Saturday. The scoring opened from a corner, when Max Davidson glanced his header into the far post on 16 minutes, then two minutes later Jack Julian's mazy run into the penalty box drew defenders and he squared the ball to Connor Neil to slot home from close range. Nomads pulled one back on the half hour mark when striker Holdem powered home a towering header from a corner on the left. Just as Nomads threatened to equalise, the Royals restored their two-goal buffer. Brady Jacobs' diagonal run beat the offside trap and he flicked his lob over the on-rushing keeper from the edge of the box on 34 minutes. Two minutes later Holdem again out-muscled the defence to head home from another corner. The Royals conceded the equaliser right from the restart of the second half, when Cooper Goldsmith scored within seconds. Nomads took the lead for the first time on 52 minutes, when the Royals conceded a free kick on the edge of their penalty box. The first attempt hit the wall and on the rebound keeper Jonathan Tucker pulled off a great save. But Holdem reacted quickest to the loose ball, scoring the eventual match-winning goal. Wānaka travelled to Christchurch and were toppled 4-1 by Cashmere Tech. A strong defensive showing in the first half was undone by conceding two goals in first half added time. The first goal came when a quickly taken free kick caught Wānaka's defence napping for Lyle Matthysen to tap home, before a long ball allowed Yuya Taguchi run through the middle. That pair scored again in the second half, before Wānaka's Ed Belingher rifled home a late consolation goal. Christchurch United remain top of the table after a 1-0 win over Ferrymead Bays. Cashmere Tech are one point behind, while Coastal Spirit are third after they beat Selwyn 4-2 and Nelson Suburbs thumped UC 6-1. In the women's Southern League, the Dunedin City Royals won their 10th consecutive league match with a 10-1 win over Roslyn Wakari, moving eight points clear of second place University. Toni Power opened the scoring with a brace and Amy Hislop made it 3-0 at the break. Hislop went on to score another four, making it five for the day and pushing her five goals clear atop the golden boot race, on 14 for the season. Yesterday Otago University beat Northwest United 3-0 in Christchurch and remain second on the table. — Neville Watson
Glasgow Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Emmerdale star returns to ITV show months after vanishing
Fans were left in the dark when cleaner Lydia Dingle, played by English actress Karen Blick, failed to appear for her own birthday party after leaving the village without any notice. The character was last seen in March and even then only appeared for a single episode after 'silently exiting' the show in February. Now, the character has made her long-awaited return, according to The Sun newspaper. Emmerdale star makes long-awaited return to ITV soap opera months after mysterious exit In the Emmerdale episode, which aired this week, the character made her return and explained her absence. Walking into the cafe, she runs into Joe Tate, who makes a joke to her about dusting before she shuts down the ITV character. After reuniting with her old friend Kim Tate, Lydia tells her confidant that she has been away caring for her mother, who has apparently fallen ill. Lydia told her: 'Well, she's back to bossing me about and giving me the running commentary on every last twinge.' She added that she would not be back permanently and that she would be leaving again soon to continue her caring duties. "I'll be to-ing and fro-ing a bit, but she's definitely on the mend,' she said. Recommended Reading: Who is Karen Blick and what other shows has she been in besides Emmerdale? Karen Blick is an English actress from Leeds in West Yorkshire, according to Emmerdale's official fan wiki. She took on the role of Lydia Dingle all the way back in 2016, but initially appeared in Emmerdale in 2006 as an unnamed nurse. Born in 1974, she has starred in a number of programmes besides Emmerdale over her long career. She appeared in a 2004 TV show called No Angels as well as a programme called Nomads.
