Daily News Roundup

Aussie Humour Shines Through Amid Devastating Bushfires 

A video of a prank played on UK ITV News Asia reporter Debi Edward has gone viral, after she was convinced to don protective gear to hold a ‘drop bear’. 

The video was shared by Sydney journalist Dean Mulcahy on his Facebook page, and has gone viral, even appearing on the TODAY Show. 

“In times of tragedy and incessant misery, sometimes humour is the best medicine.” he said. 

Edward was covering the Kangaroo Island bushfires, and jumped at the chance to hold a ‘drop bear’, falling for the prank hook line and sinker. 

The “protective drop bear clothing” consisted of a motocross outfit worn backwards, along with welding gloves, boots and goggles. 

Kangaroo Island had a population of around 60,000 koalas with 30-40,000 of them feared to be lost due to the fires. 

Mr Mulcahy said the light hearted humour was posted to social in efforts to raise money for the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, which has been nursing injured koalas after bushfires wiped out most of Flinders Chase National Park. 

He said amid the devastation, it was important to take a break from the heartache. 

You can watch the full three minute video here. 

XXX

Queen gives the thumbs up to Prince Harry and Meghan ‘stepping back’ from Royal Duties. 

After calling a crisis meeting yesterday, Queen Elizabeth II has given her blessing to grandson Harry and his wife Meghan’s wish for a more independent future. 

“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family, “ the 93-year-old monarch said in a statement. 

“Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

The Queen has said there would be a transition period during which the couple would spend time in Britain and Canada, adding there was more work to be done on finalising future arrangement for the couple. 

XXX

2020 Oscar Nominations Announced 

The nominations for this year’s Academy Awards have been announced, with an impressive 11 nominations to the Joker. 

The origin story of the comic book villain received nominations in categories including; Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role and Directing. 

Other Oscars 2020 nominees with multiple nominations include; The Irishman, 1917 and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood with 10 nominations and JoJo Rabbit, Little Women, marriage Story and Parasite with six. 

The Oscars will air live in Australia on Monday February 10, on Channel Seven. 

You can read the full list of  nominations here.