Latest news with #SouthernHighlands
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie pet owners warned over hidden risk after four dogs die within a week
Pet owners on the east coast are being warned to be on alert amid a spike in cases of a nasty disease that can kill dogs if left untreated. Four have reportedly died in the space of just days this week. The four dogs died in the NSW Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions as a result of canine leptospirosis — a serious bacterial disease spread through contaminated water. Humans can contract it, and it's known to be fatal in dogs if not detected early. It targets vital organs — most commonly the liver and kidneys — leading to potentially lethal complications, said Dr Bing Zhu, Internal Medicine Specialist at SASH Bladder and Kidney Centre. In an interview with Yahoo News, she explained that symptoms in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy, muscle tenderness, and in severe cases, jaundice or kidney failure. She said leptospirosis is most commonly spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. What is leptospirosis, and how does it spread? Zhu warned the disease is more common in warmer, wetter climates, especially following periods of heavy rainfall. Vaccination is available and strongly recommended in high-risk areas. "If I saw my dog walking along and there was a puddle on the ground, especially in an area that had rodents, I wouldn't let them drink from it," she said. "I'd try to discourage it. But at the same time, you can't clean every single surface. They're going to go on the grass — rats are going to pee on the grass as well — so you can't completely avoid exposure. "The best thing that pet owners can do is make sure their dogs are vaccinated." Vaccination is not going to stop the disease from taking hold, Zhu said. However, it can significantly reduce how sick they get from it. "So it means that if they're vaccinated, they might be in the hospital for a few days with antibiotics," she said. "But if they're unvaccinated, they might go into really bad kidney failure, where you need dialysis to survive. That's the difference between being vaccinated versus not. "Take your pets to the vet earlier — don't wait. If your pet's unwell, especially in the rainy season, and you've got rodents around, don't wait a week or two of them being off-colour." Zhu recommended requesting a blood test if the dog has been off for a day or two. "The earlier you get this disease diagnosed and start antibiotics, the better chance you have of essentially getting through without anything major," she said. The specialist said that while leptospirosis isn't considered a common illness, it is present across much of Australia and tends to appear in seasonal spikes, coming in waves, often during rainy periods. "When rainwater collects and dogs sniff, lick, or flick at the ground, that's when cases start to rise," she said. At her clinic alone, Zhu estimates they treat between five and 10 cases a year, noting that many more are diagnosed at other veterinary hospitals. "It's not something we should dismiss as rare,' she said. 'It's uncommon and unfortunate, but any vet seeing a dog with kidney failure should have it high on the list of things to test for." What is the survival rate among dogs? In Australia, while official data on canine leptospirosis outcomes may still be limited, Zhu said information shared within the veterinary community suggests the fatality rate could be as high as 80 to 90 per cent. She said that many dogs are euthanised, often because the disease is detected too late, or they've progressed to a dialysis-dependent state. In some cases, dogs are treated with IV fluids but without a full understanding of how to manage kidney failure effectively. Zhu said excessive IV fluids can actually worsen the condition, pushing dogs into dialysis dependence. "Ideally, the moment a dog shows signs of illness, they should be taken to a vet," she said. Pet owner's warning after common mishap leaves dog fighting for life Aussie vet's stark warning to pet owners after 'terrifying' spike in cases Aussie woman's desperate $20,000 act to save beloved cat "Even the slightest changes in bloodwork should prompt a referral to a specialist — even if treatment isn't pursued there, early intervention improves the chances of recovery." She added that the cost of dialysis remains a major barrier. "Many of these dogs could survive if we had the resources to support them through dialysis, but the financial burden (around $30,000) is just too much for most families in today's economy." Yahoo News Australia has contacted the Southern NSW Local Health District for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
ABC News
11-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Residents 'outraged' by appeal over rejected Plasrefine plastic recycling factory
Community members on the New South Wales Southern Highlands say they are "outraged and distressed" a decision not to allow a plastics recycling facility to be built in Moss Vale will be appealed. Plasrefine, now rebranded as Repoly, commenced an appeal in the Land and Environment Court on Thursday against the Independent Planning Commission's (IPC's) decision to reject its recycling facility in January. The proposed factory was recommended for approval by the Minns Labor government, and would have aimed to process 120,000 tonnes of plastic per year, about 10 per cent of the state's total plastic waste. It was ultimately rejected by the IPC, which found the negative impacts outweighed the benefits, and received almost 3,000 submissions from the community, On Friday, dozens of residents gathered in Moss Vale, saying they were blindsided by news of Plasrefine's challenge, lodged just 15 days before the appeal process was due to expire. "I was completely gutted, astounded, I couldn't believe it," said David Baxter, who has lived at a property adjoining the site for more than 50 years. "We were going to have a celebration picnic at our place because we thought it was over, that we had won and then bang, one email and we're back to square one." Anna Phillips, one of the main organisers of opposition group Moss Vale Matters, broke down in tears. "Our community is outraged, we are absolutely distressed that this is what Plasrefine has done," she said. "It's really, really hard because now everyone has to rally again. "The state government has done this to us and someone will be accountable because it's not fair." In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said it was aware of the appeal and would not make further comment while the matter was before the court. In its decision to shut down the state significant project, the IPC drew particular attention to the risk a fire at the plant would pose to the neighbouring Australian BioResources medical research centre. Plasrefine relaunched as Repoly on a new website set up this year. The company declined the ABC's request for comment. In a mission statement on its website, the company described its plastics recycling process, which converts waste into products like flakes and pellets, as "a necessary waste management infrastructure to meet Sydney's future waste management requirements". The IPC issued a statement confirming the appeal, in which it indicated impacted parties could join the legal process if they wished. Ms Phillips said Moss Vale Matters was seeking legal advice and considering its next steps. "We are here to fight, and we are here to win, and they are absolutely never ever going to be bringing Plasrefine to Moss Vale," she said. Local MPs including the Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan, Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman as well as the Wingecarribee Council all formally opposed the planned facility and on Friday reaffirmed their support for the community in opposing the project. Wingecarribee Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said he was optimistic the appeal would not be successful. "The case was so strong against [it] we really did think it wasn't coming back up," he said. "People have been fighting this for many years and hopefully this is the last hurdle."
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bob Hawke's wife Blanche d'Alpuget doesn't look like this anymore! The late Prime Minister's widow debuts makeover as she promotes her latest X-rated novel
The wife of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke looked unrecognisable as she promoted her new raunchy book in Sydney. Blanche d'Alpuget, who became a widow in 2019 after her husband passed away, featured in a video posted to Facebook last week by Abbey's Bookshop. In the clip, the 81-year-old wore a bold makeup look and heavy rouge on her cheeks as she encouraged fans to buy her new book The Bunny Club. She wrapped up warm in a neutral-toned puffer jacket as she visited the iconic Sydney bookstore, accessorising with a red beret, a patterned scarf and pearl earrings. Her hair, usually voluminous and curled, was a far cry from her signature do as it lay flat on her head in a short, straight bob. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'There's plenty of s-e-x in it,' she told her fans of her new novel. Adding her saucy take on the 'murder mystery' genre, she revealed that it's 'not clear if it's murder or a sex game gone wrong.' 'Blanche D'Alpuget delivers a gripping novel that unravels the shocking death of 'Australia's darling', the nation's most beloved and recognisable morning television presenter, found dead under mysterious and disturbing circumstances in her Southern Highlands home,' the caption read. In 2020, Blanche sensationally claimed in a bombshell biography that her late husband Bob had four affairs while he was prime minister and was addicted to sex. The revered politician had about four 'serious affairs' while national leader from 1983 until 1991, his widow told the writers of Bob Hawke: Demons and Destiny. Hawke was married to his wife Hazel from 1956 until their divorce in 1995; the affair with d'Alpuget began in 1976 and went on and off before starting again in 1988. She said Hawke's behaviour would be classed as a sex addiction. 'At the end of a day of intense activity, he somehow had to let off steam, as it were, and there's nothing like a roll in the hay or five to do that,' d'Alpuget said. The book claims Hawke's charm saw countless women mesmerised, with women throwing themselves at him in the 1960s and 1970s. If rejected, Hawke was known to be brutal. Former tourism minister John Brown also recalled how Hawke 'constantly' chased women - and wasn't remotely discreet, according to excepts from the book seen by The Australian. Ex-union secretary Bill Kelty, who worked with Hawke at the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said the politician would routinely sleep with women during drinking benders which lasted until the early hours of the morning. 'Bob would drink, he would f**k somebody, and he would gamble until 2.30am or 3.30am in the morning - and then when the ACTU executive started at 9am in the morning, he was the second one there and he was fine,' Kelty recalled. Hawke famously gave up alcohol throughout his leadership despite being a heavy drinker in his trade union days.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Phoebe Burgess chases $2.25 million payout for her Southern Highlands property - as she lists it for sale after renting it out at $995 a week
Phoebe Burgess has finally set a price guide for her Southern Highlands home which was listed online this week as 'coming soon' by Ray White Bowral. The former rugby WAG, 36, purchased the rural property for $1.7 million in 2021, using the proceeds from her bitter and public divorce from footy star Sam Burgess. Now, the mother-of-two has high hopes of raking in $2.25 million for the house after previously renting it out for $995 a week, reported on Thursday. The Burradoo estate, called Acre Hill, has been listed by Ray White agents Charlotte and Hugh Hanrahan, and has already garnered 1,600 page views online. Phoebe and her two children Poppy, eight, and Billie, six, never officially lived in the house, according to the Daily Telegraph. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Instead, she has remained at her parents' nearby property, with the home leased for 'about a year', according to the publication. Phoebe's Mediterranean-style home is set on a tranquil 6,949 square metres and is described as a 'garden sanctuary'. Set at the end of a private road, the two-storey home features a generous four bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a separate 'powder room'. It also boasts a slow-combustion wood fire, which adds to the homely atmosphere, as well as a home office and separate TV room downstairs. The picturesque grounds also feature a chicken coop and greenhouse, plus irrigation throughout the gardens. Since splitting from former Rabbitohs captain Sam in October 2019, Phoebe and her two children have resided with her parents. She grew up at the property with her parents Mitch and Sarah Hooke, and sisters Jemima and Harriet, just a stone's throw from her Acre Hill property. She told Daily Mail Australia at the time the move back to her parental home was one of the best decisions she's made for her two children. 'I learned really early on that there's a trade-off. My kids love the space,' she said. 'Billy has an electric bike, and dad's just made him a cool track out in mum's horse arena of jumps... Poppy just loves going outside and being creative.' It comes as Phoebe's ex Sam revealed he's expecting a second child with wife Lucy. Taking to Instagram in April, Lucy shared the news by showing off her growing baby bump in a series of photos from the couple's holiday in Capri. The pair already share daughter Robbie, who they welcomed in September 2023. Sam married Lucy in a lavish Italian wedding after two years of dating. He proposed to his bride in June 2023, just nine months after they went public with their relationship. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Sam split in October 2019, after four tumultuous years of marriage. They initially separated in December 2018 - shortly after the birth of their son Billy - but reconciled in April that year, only to end things for good six months later.
News.com.au
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
WAG chases $2.25m post-divorce payout
Phoebe Burgess, the former NRL WAG, has now given $2.25 million guidance for her Southern Highlands listing. Phoebe bought the property with the proceeds of her divorce from ex-NRL player Sam Burgess. Acre Hill, the Burradoo estate that has so far garnered 1600-plus page views, has been listed by Ray White agents Charlotte and Hugh Hanrahan. The 6949sq m Moss Vale Rd property with a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house cost $1.725 million in 2021. It was last listed as a $995 weekly rental. 'Acre Hill – A Lifestyle Retreat in Burradoo,' the marketing for the home reads. 'Set back at the end of a private road, on an expansive, park-like 6,949 sqm (1.7 acre) parcel of established grounds, Acre Hill offers the ultimate in space, privacy, and potential in a convenient location. 'This spacious two-storey double brick residence has just been freshly painted and carpeted throughout, creating a bright and inviting canvas for your personal style. 'Perfect for the growing family, the generous and flexible floorplan offers multiple living areas, ample accommodation, and plenty of room to spread out and unwind. 'Timber floors and 8ft ceilings feature downstairs in the open plan kitchen and meals area. The kitchen with 40mm stone benchtops, 600mm Smeg oven and a 6-burner gas cooktop will make cooking and entertaining a delight. 'Additionally, the huge loungeroom features a cosy slow-combustion fire, soaring 9ft ceilings and windows with views to the stunning garden. 'Conveniently, a separate entry to the mudroom/laundry with an additional bathroom is ideal after a day in the garden and for the family to store their shoes and jackets.' Phoebe Burgess married former England international and South Sydney forward Sam Burgess in 2015 and divorced four years later.
