For five weeks, viewers watched the controversial couple from WA, Paige and Jesse struggle on The Block.
Their turbulent journey was the focus in the few weeks before the couple’s decision to exit the renovation series – a move that came as no surprise to Blockheads.
Shortly after their departure, Paige Beechley took to TikTok to “lift the veil” on her experience, claiming their relationship was ‘incorrectly’ portrayed on TV.
“I think a lot of people have seen through this narrative that just doesn’t make sense. Week Four rolls around, Jesse and I have quite a big argument on the Friday night. I was pretty much done, I did not want to be there, I wasn’t feeling like myself,” she said.
“The time wasn’t even correct on the TV and we never fought at night time we fought during the day… they had a narrative because they start editing whilst we’re filming. So, they had a narrative ready to go and my mental health didn’t fit in that box.
“So, whilst you see this one narrative on TV, we were living this complete other narrative.”
In her three-part TikTok video, Paige admitted to “dealing with very real mental health issues” at the time.
“I really tried to push my mental health to the side, but anything was setting me off. I was nervous, anxious, paranoid… but I really did try my hardest to be ok,” she said after revealing it was a triggering experience to wake up to “crew coming into our rooms in the morning to film” with “no warning.”
“By the time the morning visits stopped it was just sadly a little too late for me. I was off the deep end,” she said.
Two weeks after this, Jesse and Paige decided to leave. She stood up for herself and allegedly questioned why no one had talked to her about her mental health. To which the producers reportedly sent an email.
Following their departure, The Block host Scotty Cam commented on the situation, explaining it “was a duty of care moment.”
“We didn’t force them out,” he said in a video published on 9Now. “We’ve always said we’re not doing anything important here, we’re just renovating. Health, well-being, happiness, always comes first on The Block. We always make sure contestants’ wellbeing is number one.”
“We got professional help and had extensive chats… we followed it up with professional care in their home state for as long as they needed it.,” he concluded.
Despite her experience, Paige remains close to the contestants as she revealed she will “watch [The Block] to support our wonderful castmates, especially Maddy and Charlotte who we are really close to.”
Summer is in full swing and we are just itching to get down to the beach or spread out by the pool and lap up the warm weather and rays (slathered in sunscreen of course).
As it usually goes, with the transition to warmer weather and days spent in swimmers comes the anxiety of what to do when our period comes.
Swimming in pads is near impossible and of course, tampons are an option. However, the fear of leaking, not to mention the serious environmental effects of disposable period products is enough for anyone to look elsewhere for solutions.
In Australia, 20 billion sanitary products end up in our landfills and oceans every year. Enter the period panty and following that – period swimwear!
Period swimwear is the latest development in sustainable menstrual products and offers an eco-friendly alternative to the classics and we are so excited to see more brands taking on the challenge of embracing the trend.
The best period swimwear to buy in Australia
If you are looking to relieve yourself of the anxiety of leaking while you enjoy your summer, then look no further as we have rounded up some of the best brands out there at the moment that have taken the dive into period swimwear so you can focus on the waves.
Modibodi has spearheaded the popularity of the product in Australia, and their leak-proof bathers are suitable for all-day protection – perfect for the beginning and end of your cycle and when you’re spotting or experiencing leaks.
The company’s website explains their bathers are designed to lock leaks in even when you’re swimming, and they dry fast so you can feel comfortable when lying on the sand or buying fish and chips.
Shop this full coverage brief that provides two tampons worth of blood thanks to the leak-proof gusset that won’t leave you feeling damp in the wrong places.
Because it is a classic black hue and material you can pair these with any black bikini top you already have for when that time of the month comes around.
Some days you just may want some extra coverage for that peace of mind, in that case, try out these swim shorts from Scarlet that also can hold up to three teaspoons of blood.
Period swimwear is much like your usual favourite bikini or one-piece.
While every brand is different and uses its own techniques and tech to nail leak-proof swimwear, the basic gist is that there is an extra absorbent lining to catch blood and prevent leaks along with extra quick-drying material.
Period swimwear can be worn alone for light to moderate periods or can help add an extra layer of protection while using menstrual cups or tampons. They’re also a great option for anyone who wants extra protection from light incontinence.
Just make sure to pick the right size and follow the brand’s instructions for changing and cleaning, and you’re good to go. They’re a game-changer for many folks who menstruate during water activities!
There are several ways to style a denim skirt. You can opt for the trendy length of a maxi, or stick to the classic mini style, and do so in a blue, white or even black wash.
Either way, a denim skirt will see you through all seasons – especially those transeasonal days – and will become a wardrobe staple before you know it.
If you’re looking to explore a new style or upgrade an old favourite, scroll on to shop our top picks for the best denim skirts right now.
For a chic, feminine look you can hardly look past this midi-length denim skirt. With a front zip fly and button close, it effortlessly combines style with comfort for all-day wear.
The Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft were in the punishing mood after one contestant chose not to partake in a challenge, a move they considered to be “tantamount to cheating.”
In previous episodes, the Blockheads were gathered off-site for an art challenge. However, Grant – who is teamed up with wife Courtney – decided to stay back in order to complete plastering the walls.
A move which did not impress the two renovation series hosts.
“That is not allowed to happen ever again,” Scotty said. “It’s your obligation to come to the challenge – number one, because I said so, and number two, because it’s unfair to the other teams.”
“You’re here working on your bedroom, [in the hopes of] winning $10,000, while they’ve left their bedroom back at the challenge. So, that is almost tantamount to cheating.”
Despite the “cheating” allegation, Grant did not appear remorseful as he explained the plastering wouldn’t be finished had he not stayed back. As expected, the explanation didn’t hold well as Shelley responded: “But everyone else is in the same boat Grant.”
After missing one challenge, Scotty and Shelley were not going to allow Grant the opportunity to miss another.
In what was disguised as a regular shopping day as punishment for Grant, was actually a challenge in Freedom where one contestant from each team had limited time to beautifully design and make a bed.
“I loved Grant’s punishment, very appropriate,” one fan commented on Instagram.
Grant, who has been famously dubbed as ‘Grumpy’ by Scotty, stumbled across the colour choices and pillow designs before calling Courtney for help. Shelley quickly shut down the phone call, labelling it an unfair advantage.
Ah, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts – two of our favourite Aussie actresses who just-so-happen to also be best friends.
Whilst they have both had illustrious careers and become Hollywood icons in their own right, their childhood friendship has truly stood the test of time.
Nicole and Naomi first met way back in 1991 while filming Flirting together in Australia. At the time, both actresses were baby-faced and in their early twenties, with no idea just exactly where their careers would take them.
Though they haven’t appeared in a movie or TV show together since Flirting, the pair have remained thick as thieves and have been friends for nearly 40 years.
Both actresses have been through difficult times in their lives, like when Nicole Kidman divorced Tom Cruise and when Naomi Watts separated from Liev Schreiber, but the pair had each other to help them through.
Now both of them are happily married, and we can’t help but wonder if Keith Urban and Billy Crudup are besties now too.
Nicole and Naomi are often seen together at awards shows where they always support each other, and also frequently feature on both of their Instagram pages.
Most recently, Naomi posted a photo of her with Nicole in honour of her 56th birthday on 20 June 2023.
“Happy birthday my darling friend 🎉 here’s to more years of deep friendship and fun adventures. Love you to the moon. So grateful for your love and support. 💥💕,” Naomi wrote.
“Dynamic duo 😍😍,” Aussie actress Teresa Palmer commented, and we couldn’t agree more.
Nicole and Naomi have also expressed their desire to make another movie together!
Speaking to Good Day New York, Naomi said she’d love to make a movie with Nicole, even just so that they could spend more time together.
“We’ve been talking about it for too long, we’ve gotta make it happen. Now that we’re getting to the age where it’s like, we just want to spend more time with each other. Let’s just get on a set, so we can have good, lengthy conversations on a daily basis and share meals,” Naomi shared.
While there’s currently no specific project in the works just yet, the actresses are keeping their eyes peeled for the “right piece of material”. Whatever they end up creating, count us in.
It’s clear the pair of Aussie blonde bombshells are inseparable, and we’re sure they’ll be besties for life.
It’s one of Perth’s most iconic and picturesque beaches, so it’s not hard to see why people flock to Cottesloe Beach for a summer getaway.
With everything from swimming to snorkelling and surfing to ocean sunsets, the stunning location is the perfect destination for any type of traveller.
So, if you’re after crystal clear waters and sensational white sand, below we’ve found the best hotels and accommodations near Cottesloe Beach for 2024.
Situated right on Cottesloe Beach and offering gorgeous views is the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. With classic Art Deco characteristics, two bars and a restaurant, the perfect getaway awaits.
Just a mere 300 metres from Cottesloe Beach, Ocean Beach Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. With an average 8.3/10 rating from over 1,000 reviews, you can’t go wrong with a stay here.
Ideal for the location-conscious traveller, this apartment boasts stunning views of the Indian Ocean via a sunny north-facing balcony and offers a super-stylish and modern stay.
Key features:
Breathtaking ocean views
Beachfront cafes, pubs, beach bars and restaurants all within a short stroll
This spacious airy apartment offers some of the best panoramic views in Cottesloe Beach. The modern apartment also has all the comforts and features of a boutique home for a true home away from home experience.
Just a stone’s throw from the main Cottesloe Beach, cafes and restaurants, this luxury unit offers comfort everywhere you look. It comprises of two bedrooms, a study nook/seating area and private porch, bathroom/ensuite, open plan kitchen and living/dining area opening onto another alfresco porch.
Cottesloe Beach, located in Perth, Western Australia, is famous for its stunning white sands, clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking Indian Ocean sunsets.
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the beach is also home to iconic landmarks like the Cottesloe Pavilion and hosts events such as the annual “Sculpture by the Sea”.
But its proximity to the city – just a 20-minute drive – along with a vibrant café and dining scene, makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Colour blocking is your ticket to creating striking, memorable looks. By pairing contrasting shades in innovative ways, you can revamp your style and add a fresh, modern twist to your everyday fashion.
Layer up
An easy way to colour block without committing to multiple shades all day is with layering. Queen Letizia of Spain looks dynamic in these striking tones layered together.
Layering bold colours allows for maximum impact upon entrance, then you can peel off the outer garment to stand out in just one striking hue.
Stripes and panelling in tops and dresses not only allows you play around with vivid colour pairings, the pattern and cuts can also offer flattering ways to shape the silhouette.
WE LOVE…
YLDCN Womens Skirts Color-Block Retro Dress $117.48 from Amazon Australia
Coloured suiting has been a wardrobe staple for a few seasons now. But if you’re looking to update your favourite set, do so by mix and matching bold contrasting shades.
Sandra Bullock’s subtle pink suit, for instance, could look a little corporate back with a neutral shade, but instead takes on a whole new dynamic look and feel when paired with these vivid red pieces.
Not all shades you’d like to try are going to suit your skin colouring. The beauty of colour blocking is the ability to put shades against the complexion that suit your features the most, while wearing less flattering shades down below.
We love the way Nicole Ari Parker has taken advantage of also mixing in multiple bold shades into the ensemble via her accessories.
Alice Collins, who headed up the “Where’s William?” campaign, can still remember the first time she saw pictures of the sweet little boy in a Spider-Man suit.
It was mid-September in 2014, and she was turning off her phone ahead of a flight to London when she saw images of the missing toddler, William Tyrrell, across her social media feed.
Hoping there would be good news by the time she turned it back on, like so many other Australians, she was heartbroken when it became clear over the coming days and weeks that William’s shock disappearance wouldn’t be quickly resolved.
Ten days later the Sydney executive, who runs a public relations company with her mother Clare, was contacted by a former colleague, who explained that she was a close friend of the missing boy’s mum – later to be revealed as his foster mother – and asking if they might be able to help.
“It was a horrible rainy day and I remember opening the front door and there was this broken woman standing before me,” says Alice.
HEARTACHE & HOPE
“That afternoon was an incredibly emotional experience. In our work we speak to many people who have lost loved ones but this was the first time it was from the perspective of someone who had been a victim of crime and [from] the extreme heartache and desperation of William’s mother.”
Over the hours, the women talked about how best to mobilise resources to help bring William home.
Several months later, on June 26, William’s fourth birthday, the official Where’s William? campaign was launched to provide the community with more information, keep his disappearance in the public eye and hopefully encourage anyone with knowledge of what happened to come forward.
A few months later, keen to keep momentum going, the first Walk 4 William event took place on the one year anniversary of William’s disappearance on September 12, 2014.
Clare can still remember the feelings of desperation and hope felt by everyone involved, not least the locals of Kendall, who were so affected by William vanishing in their small town.
“The heartbreak that this community has suffered has never healed. And you feel that when you’re with them,” she says. “But that day was very special because it gave us all an opportunity to thank them. It was very emotional.”
In the following weeks, as hundreds of calls were made to the police and messages sent to the “Where’s William?” Facebook page, there was a real sense that a breakthrough was surely coming.
FRUSTRATED EFFORTS
“Every time the phone rang we thought, ‘Is this the call?’ It was very tough because so much effort had gone in, so many inquiries made and so many searches and then… nothing,” remembers Alice.
The same hope was raised when the $1-million reward for information was announced on the second anniversary of William’s disappearance, along with another huge campaign. Still, the happy phone call that everyone was waiting for never came through. “I can’t tell you the amount of times I felt the [foster parents] sobbing in my arms,” says Alice.
It has now been a decade since William vanished and Clare and Alice can’t believe there are still no answers as to what happened to him. “We didn’t think we’d be having this conversation 10 years later,” says Clare. “Why are we still waiting for answers?”
A breakthrough appeared imminent after new forensic searches in 2021, but as yet no arrests have been made. NSW police still appear to believe William’s foster family were involved in his disappearance. They categorically deny this and Clare believes them.
“There is no doubt in my mind as to their complete innocence,” she says. “This bereaved couple love William, and they’ll never give up the fight to find out what has happened to him.”
BRING HIM HOME
She points to how the foster parents twice lobbied for police investigative resources to be doubled so that William’s case didn’t get relegated to an unsolved crime and how they fought to have the reward increased from the original $250,000 offering.
“What many won’t know is how hard this heartbroken couple fought behind the scenes,” she says. “Someone with anything to hide would hardly work so hard to increase investigative resources.”
Like the rest of Australia, the Collinses are eager to hear the final report from the coronial inquest. Following that, Alice believes that a pair of “fresh eyes” on the case “would be a good thing”.
“Police need to go back to square one. I do believe the person responsible for William’s abduction is still out there and are laughing because they’ve got away with it,” she says.
This week, Clare and Alice will be keeping the little boy, who would now be 13, close to their hearts.
“On this anniversary we’ll be asking the community to light a candle for William,” says Alice.
They will also be holding out hope that a resolution of any kind will finally come.
“There’s not a person in Australia who doesn’t want to find out what happened to William,” she says.
“We have a duty of care to find out what happened and bring him home. For his loved ones – his birth family, foster family, siblings and friends.”
INQUEST RESUMES
The coronial inquest into William’s disappearance is expected to resume before Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame in November and December. A witness list and list of issues will soon be finalised. Her verdict will take time, however, and will likely be heard at a later date.
The inquest began in March 2019, was adjourned in 2020 due to Covid lockdowns and then delayed when the police began investigating the foster parents and undertook new searches in Kendall. Last year the coroner was handed a letter from the DPP, outlining how advice from prosecutors regarding possible charges would be given to NSW police.
However, no charges have been laid against anyone as yet.
When we talk about pets, the conversation often goes straight to four-legged varieties (namely dogs and cats). However, if you’re short on time, space or simply looking for an animal friend that isn’t too demanding, it might be time to consider getting a fish.
With their sparkly finned attire, you might say fish are the fashionistas of the pet world. They do need care and attention, but you won’t have to take them for daily walks or worry about them doing zoomies up and down the house at 1am.
Petstock live manager Madison Miller says fish can also make a wonderful first pet for families. “With minimal routine tasks required like feeding, water-testing and changes, along with regular tank cleaning, the upkeep becomes an easier task for new owners,” she explains.
Fish can also be a great for animal lovers with allergies, or those who are short on space. And while they sometimes have a (somewhat unfair) reputation for being boring, they have unique personalities, and can be shy, friendly, bold or curious.
Like other pets, keeping fish can also have a soothing effect on your wellbeing.“Observing fish swimming peacefully in an aquarium can have therapeutic benefits including reducing stress levels, and helping create a calming environment that can have an overall positive effect on your mood,” says Madison.
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, here are a couple of pointers to get started…
Setting up
Probably the biggest myth about fish is that they can live happily inside any bowl. Regardless of the fish you choose, they will need a proper tank with all the fittings to accommodate their size and species.
“Small bowls or tanks can often lead to health issues as they accumulate waste faster and can cause stress if the species requires a larger space,” explains Madison. “It’s important fish have the appropriate space for them to fully grow and develop as well as ensuring that proper filtration is achievable.”
The cost can be a little expensive at the outset, but Madison says that fish are generally cheaper to keep in the long run.
“Apart from buying new accessories for your tank or topping up on fish food and health products, fish thrive without the additional costs that can be associated with other types of pets,” she says.
Introducing your fish
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, but before you fill your aquarium up with flippered friends, it’s essential to do your homework. You’ll need to know the right foods for their species, and just as importantly, make sure you’re not feeding them too little or too much. Tropical fish also require adequate heating.
To avoid any turf wars, Madison says you also need to make sure the fish you keep are compatible with each other.
“For example, male Crowntail Bettas are extremely aggressive toward each other and battles between males often end in death,” she explains. “However, they are peaceful towards some other species.”
You’ll also need to consider the lifespan of your chosen fish. “There is a common misconception that pet fish have a short lifespan, but some breeds, such as the popular goldfish, can live up to a decade or longer,” adds Madison. “Following the appropriate care based on the species of your fish will ensure they live a healthy and long life.
Care and maintenance
To keep fish happy, you’ll need to ensure they have a clean and comfortable home. “Routine water changes and cleaning of the tank is dependent on the size of the tank, the species of fish and population,” Madison explains.
“Smaller tanks build waste faster and will likely require weekly maintenance. Using a gravel vacuum can be a helpful way to remove any waste found within the gravel and tank water. Paired with a good quality internal aquarium filter, [it] will assist in the cleanliness and upkeep between sessions.”
You’ll need to test the water quality regularly, which can be done at home with a kit. Petstock also has a water testing service, so you can bring a sample from your tank into the store to have it checked.
“When changing the tank water, it’s key to use treatments such as tap water conditioner as this will remove chemicals in the tap water that can be harmful to the fish,” Madison says.
Choosing your fish
Here are three popular varieties to consider for your aquarium!
Crowntail Betta
Also known as Siamese fighting fish, these stunning divas are big on personality as well as looks. “Crowntail Bettas are known for their engaging and interactive behaviour,” says Madison. “They often recognise their owners and may swim to the front of the tank or display various behaviours when approached. This can create a more personalised and enjoyable aquarium experience.”
Tetras
Madison says these non-aggressive, easy to care for pets are a good choice if you want to keep multiple fish in your aquarium. “They exhibit schooling behaviour, which means they prefer to be kept in groups,” she explains. “Keeping Tetras in schools not only enhances their natural behaviour but also creates a visually stunning display as they swim together in coordinated patterns.”
Swordtails
You can recognise these playful critters by their distinctively shaped tail. “Swordtails are very adaptable and can thrive in a range of tank conditions, their peaceful nature making them a perfect addition to a community tank,” Madison says. “Swordtails are active swimmers and often display playful behaviour, making them an engaging and entertaining species to observe. Their energetic nature can add life and movement to your aquarium.”
The best plants for your aquarium
Kit out your aquarium with these swish accessories that will keep your finned buddy swimming in style!
Live plants aren’t just great to look at, they provide a natural source of oxygen and filtration. Remember, live plants need adequate lighting to thrive, so ask your pet store for advice. You’ll also need to make sure any plants you buy are safe for your species of fish.
Faux plants require less maintenance, while still providing plenty of enrichment for aquatic pets. Your fish will love playing and hiding among its leaves!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour! The deep blue and purple hues of this lifelike looking plant will add a pop of vibrancy to any home aquarium.
With the amount of blood, sweat and tears the contestants pour into their renovations on The Block every year, you might assume they get paid quite well to be on the show.
Well, actually, that’s not the case. Here’s what the Blockheads really get paid.
To compete on The Block, contestants need to leave behind their homes, families and jobs.
When you take into consideration that the competition runs for 12 weeks and involves stressful challenges, tight deadlines and intense labour, it would be fair to assume they get compensated fairly well for that. But, that assumption would be incorrect.
Over the years, past Block contestants have spoken out about the income they received for their time on the beloved reality show.
The amount has varied every year, with 2014 Blockheads Bec and George revealing on their Facebook page that, “as contestants you get paid living expenses whilst filming.”
“This barely covers all the bills for your life you leave behind as well as eating everyday. Yes we can win money and it’s a gamble at auction BUT we also put our lives on hold for six months and work bloody hard for that money,” they shared.
Fast forward to 2022, Sarah-Jane took to Instagram to reveal how much Channel Nine paid them, claiming each contestant received “$100 a day.” This means each couple took home $1400 every week.
Sarah-Jane revealed that she and partner Tom actually drained their savings while on the show.
Though they won $20,000 at auction, they lost a total of $100,000 due to daycare costs for their daughter.
“[After childcare], straight away we were left with $80 combined to cover all of our bills at home — our rates, mortgages, utilities, pay for food for ourselves the whole time, feed and clothe our daughter, just everything,” she said.
2023 contestant Ash also confirmed these numbers, appearing on Triple M Breakfast with Margaux, Marto and Dan and sharing, “You get a little bit of pocket money a day. I think it was around $100 per person per day, which isn’t bad.”
He added, “But you still got to run a house at home. I mean, I actually shut down my whole business while I was down there. You know what I mean?”
If you compare these numbers to what participants on Nine’s Married At First Sight receive, it’s much less. MAFS stars are believed to earn approximately $150 per day, according to former contestant Domenica Calarco.