Latest news with #VirginGroup
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Raygun a year on from Olympic controversy
Australian breakdancer Raygun is back in the spotlight one year on from her divisive performance at the Paris Olympic Games. Rachel Gunn made international headlines when she scored zero points for her breakdance in the sport's Olympic debut. Gunn, better known by her B-girl name Raygun, took to sport's most prestigious stage with moves that imitated hopping kangaroos, wriggling snakes and the Australian classic, sprinkler. The performance instantly went viral and was the subject of endless memes and relentless ridicule from around the globe. A Halloween decoration inspired by Olympic sensation Raygun. Supplied Credit: Supplied About 12 months on from the infamous act, Raygun is the subject of an Australian Story investigation that delves into why the arts academic isn't celebrated despite being a sporting underdog. US breakdancing pioneer Michael Holman told the ABC there was a lot of backlash from the international breakdancing community because the performance was seen as culturally insensitive. 'The anger that came from Raygun's performance at the Olympics comes from a lot of different places,' he said. 'A slice of that pie came from people who knew what breaking was, saying, 'Wow, you know, that's not great breaking'.' He said breakdancing originated from marginalised teenagers with poor, working class black and Puerto Rican backgrounds. 'So her being white and Australian and jumping around like a kangaroo, that's going to be a loaded gun,' Mr Holman told the ABC. 'Whether she intended it or not, the end result was mockery.' Virgin Group founder Richard Branson was a huge fan of Raygun, inviting the Australian breakdancer on-board a Celebration Voyage through the Mediterranean after the Paris Games in 2024. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire While the university professor was mocked for the performance, others came to her defence including billionaire Richard Branson. The Virgin Group founder invited the Australian breakdancer on-board his Celebration Voyage cruise through the Mediterranean where she danced alongside the global businessman and pulled out the infamous kangaroo hop. Mr Branson said Raygun was plucky, brave, courageous and original. 'Hats off to her for being so bold and different. Since we have a couple of kangaroos on Necker, that move in particular certainly got me smiling,' he said. But the controversy did not end at the Olympics. Back in Australia about four months after the Olympic Games, a comedian was about to stage Raygun: The Musical when a legal storm erupted. Creator Stephanie Broadbridge cancelled the show after she was contacted by lawyers representing Raygun over fears it would damage her reputation. She later rebranded the show to Breaking: The Musical. The comedy club that was going to stage the show was also sent a letter demanding $10,000 from Raygun's lawyers. The comedian alleged the lawyers told her that she was not allowed to perform the dance moves because the kangaroo dance was owned by Raygun. Ms Broadbridge told the ABC that she was captivated at how Raygun handled the situation and was excited that a woman her age was behaving like that in public. 'She's the hero that Australia needed, the female Shane Warne. The one that's flawed but we love her anyway,' she said. 'I wanted to tell that story. I wanted an Australian larrikin story that was a woman.' Gunn declined to comment to Australian Story.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Virgin Games casino review: Get 100 Free Spins when you play £10!
BACKED by one of the biggest brand names in the UK, Virgin Games has an advantage competing in the crowded online gaming industry. The Virgin Group has been associated with the casino sector for over 20 years now, which has given them time to back up their notoriety with real substance. This Virgin Games casino review will delve into what is on offer for new and existing customers, and give players a better idea of whether they want to give the platform a spin. 🧑⚖️ The Sun UK's verdict - 4.37/5 Our Virgin Games casino review concludes that this is a provider worthy of consideration among UK players. The welcome deal is potentially one of the most generous around and it's backed by fair terms. Ongoing promotions add to the value, and there is a vast selection of casino games here. Virgin Games is backed by efficient customer service, a wide range of responsible gambling tools and a good selection of funding options. Keep reading to see why we give Virgin Games such a high Sun Factor ranking, and we list it among the best online casinos in the UK. ⚡ Virgin Games casino quick facts This review will explore all key aspects of the Virgin Games online casino platform, but here is a quick roundup of some essential facts: 💰 Virgin Games bonuses and promotions Virgin Games is one of the more active casinos in terms of bonuses and promotions. Following a generous welcome offer outlined below, there are several ongoing deals to choose from. Free spins are a regular part of promos for existing players and there is also a loyalty programme called Virgin Games Plus for those who stake regularly. It's an invite-only VIP programme. Virgin Games notifies those that are selected to join. Virgin Games welcome bonus The welcome bonus at Virgin Games currently includes 100 free spins for new players. This is only available when new members successfully complete the criteria and play through an initial £10. There are some terms and conditions to follow. The essential rules of this promotion include: Use the dedicated welcome offer link and directly register via the landing page. Opt in by selecting the free spins offer before making your first deposit. The £10 initial deposit must be played through once on any game within 30 days. Once the playthrough requirement is met, Virgin Games will release 100 free spins within 72 hours. Free spins are exclusively for the Double Bubble slot. 🎰 Virgin Games games and software providers 3 Virgin Games works with some of the top software providers to deliver a diverse range of games online. There are more than 30 game development companies working with the brand, including well-known providers such as Microgaming, Nolimit City, Evolution, Push Gaming and Red Tiger. Some of the newer and more innovative game producers are also here, including Wazdan, Lightning Box, Greentube and Snowborn Games. Virgin Games is most known for their selection of classic casino games like roulette, blackjack and poker. Their 900+ game library also includes slots, progressive jackpots, live dealers, Slingo and online bingo. They also have daily free games which give you the opportunity to win cash or free spins at no additional cost. Another perk that Virgin Games offers is a range of exclusive game titles like Virgin Gold Blitz, Big Bass Virgin Games Xplorer and Virgin Gates of Olympus. Exclusive titles like these give you a fresh and unique gaming experience that is only available at Virgin Games. ⭐ Top 3 Highest RTP slots at Virgin Games This Virgin Games casino review has uncovered some high RTP slots that are more popular than most. The return to player percentage is clearly a factor, making Guns N' Roses, Lady Earth and 88 Fortunes Megaways three of the most played titles on the platform. 🎰 Slot name Guns N' Roses Lady Earth 88 Fortunes Megaways 🪙 RTP 96.98% 96.8% 96.36% 🧑💻 Software provider NetEnt Crazy Tooth Studio Shuffle Master 📚 Theme Rock Music Fantasy Oriental 💫 Reels 5x3 5x5 Variable 🤑 Paylines 20 51 117,649 🔥 Volatility Low to medium Medium Medium to high 📅 Year released 2016 2020 2019 🏦 Banking options to deposit and withdraw at Virgin Games Even though Virgin Games' banking options might not be the most impressive compared to some other casinos, their options are still pretty solid. Players can choose from Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Deposits should hit your account instantly. Withdrawals may take up to three days, but players will generally see their returns arrive between four to 24 hours. Virgin Games doesn't charge any transaction fees. Payment method Min. deposit Min. withdrawal Processing time Visa £10 £10 1-3 days Mastercard £10 £10 1-3 days PayPal £10 £10 1-3 days Apple Pay £10 £10 1-3 days Google Pay £10 £10 1-3 days 📱 Virgin Games mobile app and play Virgin Games online casino has recently introduced an app, and it's available for both iOS and Android devices. The app can be accessed from the usual stores, but the operator also has a QR code on its main website. It's fast and free and the Virgin Games app offers high functionality as all games are optimised for mobile play. The software has received positive reviews on the usual platforms with few, if any, comments about freezing or lag. The app scores a 4.5 at Google Play and 4.6 elsewhere. 👉 How to sign up at Virgin Games The best online casinos have a streamlined sign up process. It's important to gather all your essential information beforehand, but nobody wants to get stuck in a lengthy process that delays their game time. Fortunately, it's quick and easy to register at Virgin Games online casino. Here's what you need to do: Click on the red 'Join Now' button at the top right of the homepage. There are four stages to the sign up form. The first requires an email address and password. Enter your first and last name. Select your date of birth Lastly, enter your physical address The operator may be able to verify your identity straight away, but it's possible they may ask for scanned ID documents, so remember to keep these on hand. ⚠️ Responsible gambling at Virgin Games As part of this Virgin Games casino review, it's important to consider all the responsible gambling tools made available to customers. The best casino operators are those that provide links to charities and independent support sites, while also providing tools that customers can use to keep their play in check. Here's what to expect at Virgin Games: Links to the independent bodies GAMSTOP and GamCare Ability to set limits on deposits Reality checks to remind players how long they've been online Timeouts and self-exclusions for temporary and permanent breaks ☎️ Virgin Games customer support Anyone who needs assistance from Virgin Games can get in touch using one of several methods. The quickest of these is live chat, which is accessible on a 24/7 basis. For those who are not in a rush, you can send an email through the online support form on their website and review their comprehensive set of frequently asked questions. Virgin Games also provides customer support on several social media platforms. To recap, Virgin Games customer support is available through: Live chat Email support (via an online support form) Frequently asked questions Social media help Players should note that the only supported language is English. 👇 FAQ about Virgin Games casino UK Some of the more commonly asked questions about Virgin Games include: 1. Is Virgin Games casino legit? Yes, Virgin Games is a legal casino platform. The operator is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, and details of the licensing arrangement can be found at the bottom of the homepage. 2. How long do Virgin Games casino withdrawals take? Virgin Games withdrawals will usually hit the customer's account on the next working day. Requests are processed within 24 hours, but there may be occasions when the funds take up to 72 hours to arrive. 3. Who owns Virgin Games? Virgin Games is owned and operated by Bally's Corporation. The company runs other brands and is a well-known operator within the gambling industry. 4. Does Virgin Games have an app? Yes, Virgin Games has an app, and it's available for both the iOS and Android platforms. The Virgin Games app is free to download from the usual stores. 5. For what games can I use my Virgin Games bonus? Any casino game can be used when playing through the £10 qualifying deposit. The free spins included in the welcome bonus are exclusively for the Double Bubble slot game. About the author James Anderson James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing. Find James on LinkedIn Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Wired For Change: Endeavour Energy's Strategy For A Net-Zero Future
Between now and 2030, the energy network will change faster than it did in the last century. That's according to Guy Chalkley, CEO of Endeavour Energy. Chalkley was sharing his thoughts on navigating the energy transition at the recent SAP for Energy and Utilities 2025 conference in Rotterdam. 'Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision, and change,' he said, quoting Richard Branson, the British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group. The topic of aviation was clearly on his mind—perhaps because he lives in a country where it takes five hours to fly from one side to the other. Endeavour Energy, the major network operator in New South Wales, Australia, delivers electricity to over 2.7 million people across the eastern coast of the country. 'We've typically added about 20,000 new customers each year,' Chalkley said. 'But what's really benefited Endeavour lately is a strong push—both from the federal and state governments—to move more people to Western Sydney.' Chalkley went on to explain that in ten years, 7 out of 10 new jobs and 7 out of 10 new residents will be based in Western Sydney. 'But it's not just about moving people—they're building the full infrastructure to support the move,' he said. 'A big part of this is the new Western Sydney International airport, which is acting as a major catalyst for all the development happening in the area.' Most airports are located in the middle of cities, so flights usually stop by 11 p.m. due to noise restrictions. Building a new airport in Western Sydney changes that. The new airport will operate 24/7 and be a major logistics hub. Amazon has already set up its central Australian distribution center there, along with many major supermarket distributors. The new airport will also open up access for international airlines, which currently struggle to get landing slots at Sydney's main airport. In addition, a brand-new city—Bradfield—is being developed around the airport and is expected to grow rapidly. The new airport is a transformative project for Australia's logistics and freight sectors, offering enhanced capacity, continuous operations, and integration with broader economic initiatives in the region. All of these developments come with a substantial demand for energy. Managing a complex energy system Endeavour Energy The energy ecosystem is complex. It includes transmission infrastructure to transport energy from generators such as wind or solar farms to supply stations. It includes electricity distributors such as Endeavour Energy to transport energy from the supply stations to the local substations, as well as retailers who handle billing and invoicing. It now also includes privately generated power and distributed energy resources (DER) to manage electricity that is generated and shared locally. With the rise of solar panels and home batteries, many households are now playing a direct role in creating and distributing energy. DER refers to the devices that can generate, store, and control energy to ensure its consumption at a particular time. The contribution of a single household to the network might seem insignificant, but the combined energy flow can have a significant impact on the network load. In this new scenario, energy is flowing two ways—from the customer to the network and vice versa, creating a challenge for traditional networks that were not designed for the two-way flow of power. Many adjustments are required to smooth the flows of fluctuating power and ensure power reliability. However, DER offers great benefits. When well managed, it allows more renewable power onto the network, which is often cost-effective. 'We are leveraging technology and data to plan the grid of the future where batteries, microgrids and solar integrate seamlessly with the traditional distribution network to power communities for a brighter future,' Chalkley explained. The company supplies an area over 25,000 square kilometers, with more than 430,000 power poles and streetlight columns, 202 major substations, and 32,600 distribution substations. They are all connected by nearly 60,600 kilometers of underground and overhead cables, more than the distance from Sydney to London and back. The network also integrates with renewable energy sources including 200,000 residential solar connections, industrial solar and embedded large-scale batteries. 'We're working with customers, stakeholders, and regulators to help deliver a clean energy future where smart meters, batteries, and solar enable customers to generate, store, and sell back electricity into the grid,' he said. For this reason, the company is deploying more than 80 community batteries throughout the network to alleviate some of the pressure on energy costs while increasing access to renewable energy. Chalkley highlighted the fact that such a vast network can't be reliable without being resilient to climate change. 'There's a growing dependence in society on electricity as we electrify everything,' he said. 'We have a detailed strategy for making our networks resilient against weather events like floods, bushfires, and increasing urban heat.' At Endeavour Energy, resilience is defined by the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover, and learn from major disruptive events. The resilience strategy includes: To achieve this level of resilience the company's strategy is fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 'From a distribution perspective, we're in a good place to actually effect change, as we're probably the link that allows other businesses to change,' Chalkley concluded. Because sustainability is not just an environmental issue, the company is engaging more with the community and customers. It is also investing heavily in innovation and in employee training to build the necessary skills and mindset for the future. Prepping for a net-zero future Endeavour Energy 'As a distribution company, our goal is to facilitate the transition to renewable energy to secure a more sustainable future,' he said.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eurostar steps up plans for direct trains to Frankfurt
Eurostar has stepped up plans to run direct trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva as it braces for fresh competition from new entrants in the Channel Tunnel rail market. The firm is aiming to begin direct services from St Pancras International early next decade using a fleet of 50 new trains that it intends to order later this year or early in 2026. Frankfurt could be reached in five hours and Geneva in five hours and 20 minutes, according to Eurostar, which hopes to attract both tourists and business people bound for the financial hubs. It comes after Britain's rail regulator said last week that a number of companies had been invited to submit plans for operating trains through the Tunnel in competition with Eurostar. Those include Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, which exited the UK rail market in 2019, and Gemini Trains, chaired by the Labour peer Lord Berkeley, a former chairman of the Rail Freight Group. Trenitalia, the main operating arm of Italy's state railway company FS Italian, is also in the running and is expected to partner with Evolyn, backed by the Spanish Cosmen family. Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar's chief executive, told the Telegraph last year that she was working on plans to take passengers to cities as far afield as Frankfurt, Geneva and Zurich as the company prepared for an end to its near 30-year Channel Tunnel monopoly. Ms Cazenave said this week that subsequent studies had indicated that rail passengers are open to longer journeys spanning five hours or more, and that Eurostar's planned train order will be placed with 'bold ambitions' for new destinations in mind. She told The Telegraph: 'Eurostar plans to make direct rail links from London to Switzerland and Germany a reality, just like we did between London and the Netherlands. 'We're seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide.' Eurostar already allows customers to book tickets from London to Geneva and Zurich, although they must change in Paris onto trains run by TGV Lyria, a sister company under French state rail operator SNCF. Discussions are continuing with Germany's Deutsche Bahn about a similar arrangement that would allow passengers on Eurostar trains to Cologne, a service inherited from its takeover of Thalys in 2023, to continue to Frankfurt. A spokesman said the alliances would lay the groundwork for Eurostar to begin offering its own direct services following the delivery of the new trains, expected to be purchased from Alstom or Siemens in a £2bn order. Eurostar plans to retain its 17 existing Siemens units, giving it a total of 67 trains once all 50 new deliveries arrive. Ms Cazenave said the new trains must be able to operate in Britain and across the existing Eurostar network while being compatible with signalling and other systems in Germany and Switzerland, unlike the existing fleet. Eurostar envisages a timetable of four return services a day to Frankfurt and three to Geneva. Operations to Rotterdam and Amsterdam, which it launched 2018, will increase to seven a day this year. The expansion plans would also require work on securing track access, creating more passenger space at stations, and installing border facilities in the destination cities. The UK and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at establishing direct train services between the countries. Eurostar will also need to enlarge and modernise the Temple Mills maintenance depot in east London to accommodate the new trains. A Eurostar spokesman said that could extend to establishing a second site for the upkeep of rolling stock, following last week's ruling from the Office of Rail and Road on admitting a new entrant to the depot. Eurostar's underlying earnings fell 18pc last year to €346m (£292m) in what Ms Cazenave called a 'challenging economic climate'. Revenue was little changed as the company attracted 19.5m passengers, while fixed costs rose and expenses related to the opening of new station lounges and improved facilities in Amsterdam ate into margins. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Guardian
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Eurostar vows to run direct trains from UK to Germany and Switzerland
Eurostar has vowed to run direct trains from the UK to Germany and Switzerland, as it attempts to fend off potential competitors eyeing its London depot space. The cross-Channel rail operator's chief executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, said she had no doubt the direct services would run in the early 2030s despite the failure of previous ventures to connect London and Frankfurt. Eurostar said the conditions were now 'finally right' and it was ready for a 'new golden age of international sustainable travel', as it reiterated plans to buy up to 50 new trains. Total passenger numbers for Eurostar grew 5% last year, and a number of other possible players have announced plans to break into its monopoly on train services between Britain and France. However, the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has said that there is only depot space in London for one more operator – or for Eurostar to expand. The ORR has asked Eurostar and its rivals to submit plans, for a decision later this year, on how to allocate the space in the Temple Mills depot in east London. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin group has announced plans for a 12-train cross-Channel service, while a similar-sized operation could be run by a British startup, Gemini Trains, chaired by the Labour peer Lord Berkeley. The Italian state railway FS Italiane is also looking to enter the market in a joint venture with a Spanish company, Evolyn. Eurostar has insisted there is no space in the depot, particularly if its own growth plans go ahead. It has indicated it would help fund a new depot, although it has called on the UK government to develop a 'clear national strategy for supporting international rail'. It is targeting direct trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, taking about five hours to the German financial hub and about 20 minutes more to the Swiss city. It said that the number of flights operating on the routes showed the strong demand for travel – and many business and leisure passengers would now wish to take the train instead to travel more sustainably. The next generation of trains would also be able to handle the complexities of different systems and these longer routes. Creating the new connections will require a number of hurdles to be overcome, including establishing border controls, station infrastructure, and timetable paths, a spokesperson said. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion However, Cazenave told the PA news agency that she had 'no doubt' the new direct services would happen because of the 'willingness' of Eurostar, passengers and governments. The UK and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at establishing direct train services between the countries. Eurostar said its revenues grew 2% to €2bn (£1.7bn) in 2024, with passenger numbers across its services – including those within France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany – up to 19.5 million. It has yet to select a manufacturer for its planned €2bn train order. Eurostar, meanwhile, confirmed it will boost the frequency of its direct trains to the Netherlands after the completion of building work at the international terminus in Amsterdam in February, allowing it to board a full complement of 850 passengers. A fourth daily return service between London St Pancras and Amsterdam will run from 9 September, and a fifth one will start in mid-December.
