Tag Archives: oceania

‘Lowlife’ on the run after carjacking person who stopped to help him

A man who stole a car at knifepoint from a driver who stopped to help him following a two-car crash in Sydney's west remains on the run.

At about 11.30pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Amy Street in Regents following reports of a two-vehicle crash.

Officers arrived to find a Volkswagen Ute and a Volkswagen Hatchback that had been involved in a crash.

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A black Volkswagen hatchback that was involved in a car accident in Sydney's west. The ute has been seized for forensic examination.

The 18-year-old female driver of the hatchback was uninjured. 

Police were informed that a 47-year-old man driving a van had stopped to help.

Police were told the driver of the ute then threatened the man with a knife before stealing his van.

"At this stage, we don't believe any parties are known to each other," Detective Chief Inspector Alison Fenwick said.

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The 47-year-old man driving a van stopped to help before being carjacked. Police were informed that a 47-year-old man driving a van had stopped to help.

"That's just lowlife," a local told 9News. 

"I really feel sorry for the poor bugger."

"That's disgusting," another resident told 9News.

"You shouldn't have to put up with that, trying to help someone." 

"It's as low as it goes."

The van was found shortly after, abandoned near Regents Park Train Station.

Both vehicles have since been seized by police for forensic examination.

"Anyone producing a knife and taking a vehicle is a serious crime. It will be investigated by detectives," Fenwick said.

"I'm confident we will identify who committed the crime, and action will be taken."

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Thousands to swelter without power as mercury soars again across Queensland

Almost 3000 homes and businesses remain without power in south-east Queensland after the region was hit by more severe storms yesterday.

While there are no storms on the forecast today, the region has sweltered in temperatures well over 30 degrees as the clean-up effort continues.

The heat is expected to linger into the weekend, with some further destructive storms possible tomorrow, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

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The Bureau also issued its long term forecast today, warning of a sweltering summer with warm nights to come.

Power still out for thousands

Up to 2000 customers, many on Bribie Island which was hardest hit by storms last weekend, have been without power since Monday.

Earlier today, Energex said a clear forecast should allow crews to restore power to all affected homes and businesses by tonight.

Six weekends in a row of severe storms have triggered an "insurance catastrophe" declaration by the Insurance Council of Australia, meaning storm-damage claims will be prioritised.

Disaster payments have also been activated for five south-east Queensland government areas, $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families.

Wednesday night's storm dumped hail on the Brisbane CBD, Milton and Bardon, as well as Elanora and Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

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The Warwick Turf Club suffered damage to some of its facilities.

Warwick on the Southern Downs was hit by strong winds that tore roofs off houses, and brought down trees and powerlines.

The Warwick Turf Club was forced to temporarily close after some of its facilities and infrastructure were destroyed.

The machinery shed was torn to pieces and collapsed within minutes, while part of the clubhouse roof also went flying.

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‘His legacy is profound’: Award-winning winemaker found dead after house fire

An award-winning winemaker found dead after a house fire has been remembered by a shaken community as "deeply loved" and a "light".

The body of Peter Fraser, 51, was found inside his burning home on Chalk Hill Road in Clarendon in the Adelaide Hills yesterday afternoon after emergency services received reports of the blaze.

He leaves behind his barrister wife Tessa Hume, his two children and two step-children.

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Peter Fraser, 51, was found dead inside his burning home on Chalk Hill Road in Clarendon yesterday afternoon after emergency services received reports of the blaze.

The Yangarra Estate winemaker and general manager has been remembered as "loved, respected, and admired" by his colleagues.

"For more than 25 years, Pete was the driving force behind Yangarra and was an incredible winemaker, thought leader, mentor, and a defining voice in the industry," the McLaren Vale vineyard said in a statement.

"All of us who had the privilege of working with him are devastated by this loss. He was deeply loved, and his legacy is profound.

"Our thoughts are with his family and with the many friends whose lives he touched.

"We ask our community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Born to chicken farmers in 1974, Fraser grew up on a property near McLaren Vale before going on to study winemaking at the University of Adelaide.

He also served in the army reserves and sold bulk manure from the chicken farm.

South Australian Cattle Co. managing director Tim Burvill said he became friends with Fraser in university, where they "clicked immediately".

"After graduation, Pete and I moved in together, and both landed jobs in the Barossa Valley, with Pete starting his winemaking career at St Hallett Winery," he said.

"I remember we thought we'd made it in life, and celebrated by each buying a mobile phone. He was the first person I ever spoke to on one.

"From those early days, Pete's star continued to rise."

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Peter Fraser, 51, was found dead inside his burning home on Chalk Hill Road in Clarendon yesterday afternoon after emergency services received reports of the blaze.

Fraser became the chief winemaker at Normans Wines before he was approached by the Jackson family to help establish Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale in 2000.

The 51-year-old has been described as the driving force behind the vineyard, growing it to its acclaimed status it has today.

His attention to detail, gentle and sensitive practices and innovative techniques helped create award-winning wines.

His 2023 High Sands Grenache⁠ and 2023 Ovitelli Blanc⁠ were named in Halliday Wine Companion's top 100 wines of 2025.

Fraser himself was awarded the title of winemaker of the year by Halliday in 2015 and most recently by Drinks Business in 2025.

The Australian wine industry has been left shaken by the news of his death and has paid tribute to him today.

"We are heartbroken. A light has gone out in our world. We will treasure the memories of all the chats, dinners, tastings and wonderful wines… rest in peace Pete, you will be missed more than our words can express," Alkina Wines said.

"This has rocked our small wine community tragically. Pete was a driving force of change in McLaren Vale and Australia. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers with his family, colleagues and friends," Liquid Links said.

"Vale, Pete. Heartbreaking news. One of the best people. Thoughts to Tessa and family," Crawford River Wines said.

The house fire is being investigated, but police do not believe his death is suspicious and are preparing a report for the coroner. 

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

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