Sydney: 七月 2011

2011年7月2日星期六

Chinatown revamp on track for year of dragon

在 ServiceModel 客户端配置部分中，找不到引用协定“TranslatorService.LanguageService”的默认终结点元素。这可能是因为未找到应用程序的配置文件，或者是因为客户端元素中找不到与此协定匹配的终结点元素。
在 ServiceModel 客户端配置部分中，找不到引用协定“TranslatorService.LanguageService”的默认终结点元素。这可能是因为未找到应用程序的配置文件，或者是因为客户端元素中找不到与此协定匹配的终结点元素。
Posted June 30, 2011 14:40:00

Sydney's Chinatown is set for a makeover.

The City of Sydney's Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, says local businesses have supported the plans.

She says the improvement include new street paving and signage.

"They're going to include public art, improved pedestrian links and improving seating, lighting, street planting and providing especially better amenities for pedestrians," Ms Moore said.

Work will start today and the council hopes it will be finished in time for Chinese New Year in January 2012.

Tags: government-and-politics, local-government, australia, nsw, haymarket-2000

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Parents appeal over Brit found on Sydney road

The family of a British backpacker found lying on a Sydney road in the early hours of last Sunday have appealed for a taxi driver to come forward.

Daniel Moore caught a taxi with a friend from the Sydney CBD to Pine Street in Manly, in the northern beaches.

His friend got out of the taxi about 3:00am (AEST) but Mr Moore did not.

Soon afterwards a police patrol found him lying on the road nearby at the corner of Pittwater Road and Collingwood Street.

The 21-year-old remains in the Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

His parents have now arrived from the UK.

Mr Moore's mother, Valerie Rutter, was inconsolable at a media conference held to appeal for the taxi driver to come forward.

Police are not sure if the incident was a hit-and-run.

Tags: disasters-and-accidents, accidents, road-accidents, australia, nsw, manly-2095

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Stuart may gamble on one prop

New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart is contemplating rolling the dice and going into the State of Origin decider with just one specialist prop following the axing of young gun Trent Merrin.

Merrin, who made minimal impact coming off the bench in the opening two games, was culled on Friday from the 20-man Blues squad and will return to play with St George Illawarra on Sunday.

It was assumed his omission would open the door for giant Wests Tigers front rower Keith Galloway to make his New South Wales debut on Wednesday night at Lang Park.

But it is understood Stuart is toying with the idea of going with all-out speed and mobility off the interchange bench, which would see Manly back rower Glenn Stewart get the nod over Galloway.

The ploy worked to great effect in game two, when New South Wales' five-man rotation of back rowers ran the Queensland defence ragged.

Galloway's omission would leave Tim Mannah as the only specialist prop in the Blues' 17 - up against Queensland's high-calibre trio of Matt Scott, Petero Civoniceva and Ben Hannant.

The Blues do of course have game two hero Paul Gallen, who moved from lock to prop in Sydney and proceeded to produce one of the more memorable displays in Origin history.

Back rower Greg Bird said the lack of a specialist props is not an issue as long as players are willing to do whatever is required - admitting even he had a spell in the front row in game two.

"You're out there in the middle of the field running, taking hit-ups - you play it for one game. It's not like you're a front rower," he said.

"Gal's pretty much showed that he can mix it with the specialist props so that doesn't really bother me.

"We're 17 players and if I have to play on the wing or if I have to play at hooker, I'd be quite confident of getting out there and doing a job for my mates, and I think everyone takes that same attitude.

"We haven't really focused on the fact that we might be light on props because we're strong in back rowers so I think that counteracts it."

Supporting the argument that Stuart could go with a bench of Stewart, Luke Lewis and Anthony Watmough, alongside utility Kurt Gidley, is the fact that Merrin played only 12 minutes for three hit-ups in game two.

But pushing the case for Galloway's inclusion is that everything went right for the Blues in Sydney - what would happen if either Gallen or Mannah went down in the first five minutes?

While adamant Galloway has the game to stand up to the rigours of Origin football, Bird said the players have no idea which 17 will take to the field on Wednesday night.

"I think there's a few people still in doubt with injury but it's still working out what sort of game plan we're going to take," he said.

"Sticky (Stuart) likes to keep his cards pretty close to his chest and I'm pretty sure he still doesn't even know who he wants to take in.

"Big Chubsy (Galloway) has been great for the Tigers for a few years now.

"I'm not sure whether him or Glenn Stewart's going to be named in the team. We still haven't been told."

All of New South Wales' injured brigade took some part in Friday's training session, with Jamie Soward (hamstring), Michael Jennings (ankle) and Beau Scott (knee) training freely with the full squad.

Gidley was limited to light running drills away from the main group, with officials confident the back-up hooker will be fit to take his place on the bench.

- AAP

Tags: rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, balmain-2041, campbelltown-2560, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 16:09:00

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Tahs sign Cheetahs half Pretorius

The New South Wales Waratahs have signed highly-regarded Cheetahs scrum half Sarel Pretorius for the next two Super Rugby seasons.

Pretorius has just completed his best season of professional rugby as the top tryscorer in this year's Super Rugby competition, equalling Bjorn Basson (Bulls) on nine tries.

The Waratahs said Pretorius will become the franchise's senior foreign player import and will join their squad following his 2011 Currie Cup commitments for Griquas in South Africa.

Pretorius, 27, will replace former Wallabies scrum half Luke Burgess, who is heading to France to play with the Toulouse club after this year's World Cup in New Zealand.

"This is an exciting opportunity which was just too good to refuse," Pretorius said.

"The Waratahs clearly have a culture of high performance and I'm looking forward to being a part of that.

"I had my best Super Rugby season so far this year, but I'd like to think that I am still improving as a rugby player and I'm looking forward to developing my game further in Sydney."

Pretorius will spark a Waratahs' backline containing Wallabies stars Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner and Ryan Cross next season.

Pretorius was selected for the Emerging Springboks in 2008 and has played in every match for the Cheetahs over the past two seasons with an impressive strike rate of one try every 2.4 matches.

-AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, nsw, sydney-2000, south-africa

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Dogs fight for GWS target Ward

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has labelled Callan Ward a future leader of the AFL club, as the Bulldogs try to persuade the talented youngster to reject a lucrative offer from Greater Western Sydney.

Ward has been offered a five-year deal from the Giants, believed to be worth close to $5 million, but Eade said the Dogs would do whatever they could to keep him.

"We're going as hard as we can with Callan," Eade said.

"He's an extremely valuable player, but we see him as a future leader of the club and we're doing everything in our power.

"We liken him to our Joel Selwood, where he's courageous, he's tough and he's young and we see him as a future leader of the club."

Eade said the Bulldogs were not angered that the Giants had approached Ward during the season.

"That's the system we live in, people know that, so there's no anger as such," he said.

The AFL has said that while players cannot be signed to contracts or heads of agreements with rival clubs during a season, they are free to be approached.

Despite the huge pay increase on offer for Ward if he leaves, Eade had high hopes that the midfielder, who grew up only a short distance from the club, would stay loyal.

"Being a local boy and how he's viewed at the club as a future leader, we're more than hopeful he'll stay," Eade said.

But the coach said the Dogs' coaching staff and players would not be pressuring Ward to sign on and would try to allow him to concentrate purely on his football.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, blacktown-2148, vic, footscray-3011, melbourne-3000

First posted June 30, 2011 13:55:00

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Jihad book Qantas cleaner could be released soon

A former Qantas cleaner jailed for compiling a do-it-yourself terrorism book could soon be released on bail.

Belal Khazaal, 42, has been in jail since 2008 after being found guilty of sourcing documents about terrorism and posting them on the internet.

He was given a minimum jail sentence of nine years.

Earlier this month he was granted an appeal and a retrial which is due to start in the next six to nine months.

In applying for bail his lawyer told the Supreme Court Khazaal has two teenage children who need their father at home.

One of his relatives agreed to put up a $460,000 house as surety, another two offered to put up $200,000 cash each.

The justice residing over the case said he will make a decision in the next few days.

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, crime, unrest-conflict-and-war, terrorism, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 00:14:00

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Hodges looking good for Origin III

Queensland continues to play down concerns over the fitness of strike centre Justin Hodges for State of Origin III after he was put on ice following a hamstring scare.

Hodges, who has a bad history with hamstrings, left training on Thursday to have treatment on his left hamstring which felt "tight" early in the team's training session on the Sunshine Coast.

The team's medical and coaching staff have modified Hodges' training program over the weekend to reduce his load but purely as a precautionary measure.

"We took Justin out of the (training) session yesterday because he has some hamstring soreness but he's good this morning," Maroons team doctor Roy Saunders said.

"He's got no pain. He's had a run this morning and basically he's done all we asked him to do today.

"He'll continue to train but obviously there'll be some modifications to his training because we're concerned he has a history of past hamstring problems.

"At this stage, though, everything looks extremely good."

Queensland will go into lockdown from Friday afternoon, with the media denied any access to players or training, as coach Mal Meninga wants them totally focused on Wednesday night's decider with four training sessions planned.

-AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, nsw, sydney-2000

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Hodges tweaks hamstring at training

Justin Hodges' hamstring curse resurfaced on Thursday, forcing the Queensland star to quit training early for treatment six days out from his first State of Origin league game since 2009.

While news their strike weapon Hodges had "felt a twinge in his good hammy" will draw a collective groan from Queenslanders, the initial word out of the Maroons camp was that it was "not serious", even though he was whisked away to ice the injury and start physio.

Team doctor Roy Saunders said there was absolutely no evidence to suggest Hodges had done any damage to his left hamstring.

"He felt a little tight in the hamstring at training, whether it was a cramp or just some tightness we're not sure," Dr Saunders said.

"But there's no evidence of a tear and he won't be having any scans.

"We'll treat him and monitor him but all we've got is he pulled up feeling a little tight in his hammy.

"It's more precautionary than anything. Given his hamstring history, we're being obsessively cautious."

After missing out on the services of damaging forward Dave Taylor, who was suspended on Wednesday night, Queensland can ill afford to also lose a player of Hodges' experience and intimidation, with and without the football.

Hodges has a worrying history of hamstring issues.

He only returned from his latest hamstring episode six days ago against South Sydney in a NRL clash in atrocious conditions in Perth.

Before that, he'd been sidelined with a low-grade hamstring tear, suffered playing against Penrith in May, the week after making his Test return against New Zealand.

Fortunately for Queensland, Melbourne centre Dane Nielsen, who played in the first two Origin clashes, is in camp as the Maroons' 18th man as insurance for Hodges and Greg Inglis, who came into the squad with a minor shoulder injury.

Hodges' Origin career has been littered with injury, restricting him to just 11 games since his infamous debut in 2002.

His ability to make big metres out of dummy half with his right-foot step and fend, along with the way he shuts down attacks by jamming up in defence or sliding at the right time, were seen as major bonuses for Queensland.

His combination on the right edge with Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Jharal Yow Yeh was another plus.

Queensland is expecting Hodges to play despite his latest injury scare.

Lockyer, meanwhile, said an unprecedented media blackout over the weekend, in which the players will be off limits and training closed, will help the team focus on what they need to do on Wednesday night.

"We'll be back on Monday. We just need some time over the weekend to work on some things without any distractions," he said.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted June 30, 2011 17:11:00

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Ibrahim neighbour targeted in drive-by attack

Police say the Ibrahim family is not cooperating with investigations into another drive-by shooting last night near their family home in Sydney's west.

A house next door to the Merrylands home was peppered with bullets about 8:30pm (AEST).

A 42-year-old woman and her seven-year-old son inside the house at the time escaped injury.

It is the fourth shooting involving the family of Kings Cross nightclub identity John Ibrahim so far this year.

His older brother, former bikie leader Sam Ibrahim, was shot in the legs outside the neighbouring house during a drive-by attack in January.

Superintendent Brett McFadden says police are investigating whether the Ibrahim family owns the house targeted last night, but the family is not cooperating.

"The obvious concern is the proximity of the premises to the neighbouring property, which has been correctly identified by the media previously as being an Ibrahim family home," Superintendent McFadden said.

"The proximity of this home and the incident last night is a natural concern.

"The people that are involved in this, whether they be victims or otherwise, are often silent. They fail to share the information that may assist us.

"The key message here is in order to solve complex, very challenging and very difficult issues the police must work with the community and not in isolation.

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, crime, police, australia, nsw, merrylands-2160

First posted July 1, 2011 08:00:00

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One long-haul flight for a man: Armstrong visit

The first man to set foot on the moon is set to make a rare visit to Australia.

The accounting organisation CPA Australia has announced Neil Armstrong will attend its 125th anniversary next month.

The 80-year-old will be guest speaker at the gala dinner in Sydney.

The former US Navy pilot stepped onto the moon's surface on July 21, 1969 as part of NASA's Apollo 11 mission.

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," he famously said as his foot touched down.

Tags: science-and-technology, astronomy, person, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

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AFL says players rejected $1.1b offer

AFL players have been offered $1.1 billion over five years for their new pay deal but have rejected it, says league chief Andrew Demetriou.

Demetriou said the players had offered a deal which could be either taken up front in salary or split as part-wages, part-pension plan.

But instead they are holding out for a percentage of between 25 and 27 per cent of total AFL revenue.

Demetriou said he believed agreement would eventually be reached between the league and players' union.

Players all but ruled out strike action at a meeting in Melbourne on Wednesday night, although they remain united in their demands for a percentage-based cut of AFL cash.

Demetriou said he would be happy to address players directly on the issue, and on the AFL's opposition to a fixed percentage pay deal.

"The more we can inform them the better," he said.

"The package we've offered is around the $1.1 billion (mark) and that really equates to what the broadcast rights cash component is.

"We'll work collaboratively and constructively to get an outcome."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, brisbane-4000, sa, adelaide-5000, vic, melbourne-3000, wa, perth-6000

First posted June 30, 2011 17:09:00

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Burka complaint case back in court

A Sydney court has heard releasing a document that helped a woman overturn her conviction for a false police complaint would invade her privacy.

Carnita Matthews is seeking legal costs after winning an appeal against her conviction for falsely claiming an officer tried to lift her burka during a traffic stop.

The 47-year-old's conviction for making a false statement was quashed because the District Court judge said there were doubts about who had signed and delivered the written complaint.

He also said there were differences between the signatures on the complaint and Ms Matthews' driver's licence.

A Sydney newspaper has applied for the document to be released, with a lawyer for the outlet telling the court this morning it is in the interest of open justice.

But Ms Matthews' lawyer told the court releasing the document would be an unacceptable invasion of his client's privacy.

Tags: print-media, law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted June 30, 2011 13:12:00

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2011年7月1日星期五

Anti-carbon tax rally hits Sydney CBD

More than 1,000 people have gathered in central Sydney for a rally against the Federal Government's carbon tax plans.

Banners in the crowd took specific aim at Prime Minister Julia Gillard with familiar lines, including "Ditch The Witch", "Julia Lied" and "Resign Now".

The rally was organised by a group formed to oppose the tax, the Consumer and Taxpayers Association.

Veteran singer Angry Anderson revved up the crowd by changing the lyrics for the song I'll Be Watching You to become I'll Be Taxing You.

National Party leader Warren Truss and Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce were among those who addressed those gathered.

Mr Truss told the crowd, which was dominated by people over 50, the Prime Minister has continued to mislead the public.

"I've never seen a tax yet that can change the climate, but this is supposed to be such a remarkable tax it's going to do something that people have never seen before. A tax that's going to save polar bears, save the Barrier Reef," Mr Truss said.

He said a tax without compensation will not hurt enough to change behaviour, regardless of what name the Government gives it.

"The important thing is that whatever it's called it's going to cost us money, it's going to cost us jobs and it will do nothing for the environment," Mr Truss said.

"So the name doesn't matter all that much, but people really know that it is in fact a tax. It's something extra they're going to have to pay and it's something they don't want."

He said Australia's scheme is 25 per cent larger than Europe's, despite that region being a much bigger emitter.

Tags: environment, climate-change, government-and-politics, federal-government, tax, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 15:07:00

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Waratah train finally on track

Sydney rail commuters have finally had a chance to board one of the city's new, much-delayed Waratah trains.

The fleet of air conditioned trains was meant to be ready more than a year ago.

Manufacturer Downer EDI has been plagued with problems, including software defects and the discovery of asbestos at its factory in the Newcastle suburb of Cardiff.

This morning passengers were allowed on board one of the trains for the first time at Redfern.

The eight-car train was then scheduled to make its way through the city to Circular Quay before continuing on to Macarthur, in the city's south-west.

It is part of one of the biggest train orders in Australian history, with more than 600 carriages to be produced over three years.

Each train can carry up to 900 passengers.

The New South Wales Government has been highly critical of the project.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian says she is pleased a train is finally in service but there is still a long way to go.

"This is a big project with big problems. We're taking a step at a time to make sure everything is put right," Ms Berejiklian said.

"But we also want to emphasis that this problem we inherited from the Labor Party. They signed the contract in 2006.

"The problems are ongoing and we're taking (it) a step at a time."

Train drivers have given the fleet's newest addition the thumbs up though.

Bob Newham from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union says the Waratah offers a smooth ride.

"It's very nice, it's very quiet, very smooth, very modern piece of equipment, very nice to drive. I had a drive of it as part of the testing regime," Mr Newham said.

"Cab layout and control design is based on the Millennium train and the later version of that, the Oscar train. It's similar to both of those."

Tags: industry, government-and-politics, states-and-territories, rail-transport, australia, nsw, redfern-2016

First posted July 1, 2011 10:39:00

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Kearney banking on Maitua lift

Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney says he expects the return of Reni Maitua to the NRL to give his struggling squad a lift in Friday night's clash with Brisbane.

Maitua is set to play for the first time in more than two years following his drug ban after being named on an extended bench for the must-win match for the Eels.

While Kearney admitted on Thursday the final make-up of his squad is still in some doubt, he anticipates the former Australian Test forward Maitua getting his chance against the Broncos.

And he is hoping the positive emotion of his return will give the entire team a lift.

"I think he gives the lads that at training at the minute," Kearney said.

"We're well aware of what he was capable of before his time out of the game, his experience.

"He's been a welcome addition to the group over the last month or so.

"The lads are excited for him if he gets the opportunity."

Kearney said a final decision on the make-up of his side will not be made until just before kick-off.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, parramatta-2150

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Police probe Ibrahim link in drive-by shooting

A woman and her young son have escaped harm after their home in Sydney's west was peppered with numerous gunshots.

The home is located next door to a house belonging to the Ibrahim family, which has been the target of previous drive-by shootings.

Officers were called to the home on the corner of Holdsworth Street and Price Street at Merrylands about 8.30pm (AEST).

Police say they arrived at the scene to find bullet holes in the front of the house.

Neither the woman in her 30s nor the seven-year-old boy were hurt.

Officers say neighbours heard a car drive past and several shots being fired.

Police say they are investigating any possible links to the Ibrahim family.

The Ibrahim family house in Price Street is also where former bikie boss Sam Ibrahim was shot twice in the leg in January.

- ABC/AAP

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, crime, nsw, merrylands-2160, sydney-2000

First posted June 30, 2011 23:29:00

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Galloway set to debut as Merrin cut

Keith Galloway is set to make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in Wednesday's series decider after fellow prop Trent Merrin was cut from the Blues squad.

Wests Tigers front rower Galloway is expected to earn a spot on the interchange bench in place of Merrin who played in the first two games of the series.

Merrin was part of an extended 20-man squad selected earlier in the week for the deciding third game against Queensland at Brisbane's Lang Park.

But he was released by Blues coach Ricky Stuart and will now play for his club St George Illawarra in Sunday's NRL match against Newcastle.

Stuart gave no indication as to when he would finalise his final 17-man squad, with some lingering fitness concerns remaining over centre Michael Jennings, five-eighth James Soward and utility Kurt Gidley.

-AAP

Tags: rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, balmain-2041, campbelltown-2560, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 10:25:00

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Ibrahim labels shooters 'gutless'

Sydney nightclub identity John Ibrahim has called the gunman who fired shots into his clifftop mansion "gutless" just hours after another shooting in a street where his mother lives.

Police are examining spent bullet casings found on the footpath outside the Dover Heights mansion in Sydney's eastern suburbs after shots were fired at 11:30am (AEST) today.

Police would not confirm whether Mr Ibrahim was home when at least two shots were fired into the house.

Police have cordoned off the end of the street with police tape and detectives are inside the home.

It is the fifth shooting linked to the Ibrahim family this year.

Just last night a woman and her seven-year-old son who live next door to Mr Ibrahim's mother in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands escaped injury when their home was peppered with bullets.

Speaking through his lawyer Stephen Alexander, Mr Ibrahim said he was safe, described the attackers as "gutless" and took a verbal potshot at police investigating the spate of shootings involving his family.

"The class of 2010-2011 is the most gutless Sydney has ever produced," Mr Ibrahim said in a statement.

"And Sydney's finest will solve this mystery as they've solved all the other Ibrahim shootings."

The shootings are the latest in a string of violent incidences involving the Ibrahim family that have taken place across Sydney since 2009.

- ABC/AAP

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, police, australia, nsw, dover-heights-2030, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 16:00:00

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Breastfeeding mums warned about painkillers

Updated July 1, 2011 11:17:00

Mothers who breastfeed are being cautioned to limit their use of painkillers containing codeine to four days.

The warning is being discussed at a meeting of anaesthetists in Sydney.

Medications that contain codeine such as Panadeine are widely used, but Dr Gavin Pattullo says breastfeeding mothers and young children should limit their use.

"This is because codeine needs to be metabolised by the liver into morphine to offer pain relief and this liver conversion process is very unpredictable," he said.

"Some patients' livers produce large amounts of morphine after taking codeine, causing drowsiness, while others fail to produce any morphine at all."

Dr Pattullo says for breastfeeding mothers, a large dose of morphine could make its way into the baby and result in the baby's death by overdose.

"While new mums shouldn't be unnecessarily alarmed, they need to be aware that codeine-containing painkillers in certain circumstances can cause harm," Dr Pattullo said.

"New mothers should limit their use of codeine-containing painkillers to no more than four days and, if they feel drowsy while taking this medication, cease its use and have their baby examined by a doctor for signs of drowsiness."

Breastfeeding mothers should see a doctor if their baby gets sleepy while taking the painkillers.

Tags: health, reproduction-and-contraception, breast-feeding, breastfeeding, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 11:08:00

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Baby Broncos survive Eels test

A pair of tries from veteran full-back Luke Burt kept the Eels in the match, but one of Brisbane's best young products provided the telling blow as the 'Baby Broncos' continued Parramatta's slide 16-12 on Friday night.

Burt's double levelled the scores at 12-12 with a quarter of an hour remaining and cancelled out a brace from Broncos winger Dane Gagai before an uncharacteristic mistake from Casey McGuire gifted the young Brisbane side victory.

Boom lock forward Matt Gillett - the Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2010 - charged over the top of former Bronco Maguire and stepped through the hole provided by the missed tackled, galloping 20 metres to score the winner.

That gave the 'Baby Broncos' - missing a stack of key players as they prepare for Origin III in the Queensland camp - a second victory from three attempts in a challenging representative period.

"When you're doing it without six Origin players it makes them (victories) a little bit special," said Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.

"They (young players) all like rising to the occasion. Some of them don't get many chances but this is their chance - games like this.

"They've got a spring in their step, they worked hard over the off-season and they were able to tough it out when required."

Griffin will be delighted with not only the finishing prowess of Gagai, barging into veteran winger Chris Walker for his first and racing 95 metres to score his second, but the defensive muscle demonstrated by his young charges.

The hard-bodied Broncos thwarted Parramatta's expansive passing attack in the first half and did not let up until the 57th minute when Burt poked his nose through to score.

Reni Maitua was influential on his Eels debut, returning from a two-year drug ban, and looked to rally the home side with McGuire struggling to provide a spark and Burt chiming in on and off from the back.

Parramatta wrested back the momentum when Burt piled on 12 points in eight minutes but that counted for nothing when a basic tackling error gave Gillett an opportunity to steal the points for his club.

Griffin's side remains in fifth spot on the ladder despite being without six players due to State of Origin commitments.

"We worked really hard in defence - they had us under the pump for a while and the boys just kept turning up," Gillett told ABC Grandstand.

"They definitely did have that momentum - the defence just kept us in the game but that's what we worked on during week.... it really paid off for us tonight."

A closely-fought opening period saw Brisbane take a 6-0 lead at the interval with Gagai breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute.

The young winger capitalised on the back of good work from hooker McCullough, who made a successful return after spending a week on the sidelines due to disciplinary reasons.

The Eels, as so often this season, showed promise in attack, but poor handling and decision-making let them down. The young Brisbane side showed great discipline in defence to deny the hosts twice on on the stroke of half-time.

The Eels' miserable year was handed a further blow early in the second half when exciting young centre Jacob Loko was carried off with a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Despite the loss of Loko the Eels looked threatening, creating a sustained spell of pressure, but Gagai added his second when he raced 95 metres to score after Justin Horo fumbled the ball centimetres from the Brisbane line.

Wallace's conversion increased the lead to 12-0, but the home side, languishing in 13th spot on the ladder, got themselves back into the game with two tries from the club's record Luke Burt.

But once again the Eels were left to rue some poor discipline with the Broncos moving the ball into good field position after a penalty was awarded against Mitchell Allgood.

Gillett received the ball 30 metres from the Eels' line, skipped past a feeble attempt at tackle from McGuire and scampered through to score.

The defeat all but ends Parramatta's finals aspirations, and the boos that rang around the stadium at the sound of the final siren from the frustrated home crowd said it all.

Brisbane: 16 (D Gagai 2, M Gillett tries; P Wallace 2/3 conversions)

Parramatta: 12 (L Burt 2 tries; L Burt 2/2 conversions)

- ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, parramatta-2150, qld, brisbane-4000

First posted July 1, 2011 21:42:00

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Suspended Taylor lifts Rabbitohs

He should have been in Queensland preparing for the game of his life.

Instead, Dave Taylor cut a lone figure as he powered around Redfern Oval cheered on by a couple of South Sydney team-mates and a handful of fans.

Taylor was back at Souths training a day after being suspended for five weeks, having failed to have his grade-two dangerous throw charge downgraded and ending his slim hopes of playing for the Maroons in Wednesday's State of Origin decider.

After completing a ballwork session with his team-mates, who tackle Cronulla at Shark Park on Sunday, Taylor was put through his paces in a solo session.

The giant second-rower ran several laps of Redfern Oval with a Souths conditioner, barking times at him with every passing of the halfway line on the grandstand side of the famous ground.

A couple of fans clapped as Taylor rounded a corner of the ground, while one yelled "Bad luck about last night, Dave. Don't worry about it".

Rabbitohs half-back Chris Sandow, who was practising his goalkicking, yelled encouragement every time the 'Coal Train' came roaring by the goalposts.

"Keep going Davey," he said.

And with one lap to go, Souths five-eighth John Sutton was within earshot as Taylor put in some big strides.

"One lap brah, one lap ... that's all," he said.

Souths backrower Dave Tyrrell, who lines up against the Sharks on Sunday, is proud of his team-mate for getting on with things despite his obvious pain.

"We're all devastated by what happened to Dave. I know he's not too happy about what happened, but who would be?" Tyrrell said.

"Everyone here is really close and he's got plenty of support within the club, and we know he wants us to get on with things and concentrate on our footy."

Tyrrell believes last week's victory over Brisbane in the wet has given the side a massive confidence boost ahead of the clash with Cronulla.

The Rabbitohs produced a stoic defensive effort in atrocious conditions in Perth last Friday to beat the Broncos 16-12.

Tyrrell said it was a great win to be part of and he is looking forward to the game against the Sharks, with both sides chasing a hat-trick of wins.

"It was a real confidence booster to know we can defend those sets against a really good team like the Broncos, and we know we'll have to work hard again this week against another very good team," he said.

Souths have included injured star Sam Burgess' older brother Luke on the bench for the Sharks match.

"He only arrived on Saturday, when we were in Perth, but he's very much like Sam. He's a top bloke and he's very big. It's great to have him on board," Tyrrell said.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, redfern-2016

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Genital removal doctor jailed for two years

Updated July 1, 2011 14:23:00

A former New South Wales gynaecologist has been jailed for at least two years for unnecessarily removing a woman's genitals and indecently assaulting two other patients.

In the state's District Court this morning Judge Greg Woods also lifted a suppression order on naming the former doctor, Graeme Reeves.

Reeves was found guilty in March of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Carolyn DeWaegeneire and unnecessarily excising her clitoris during an operation at Bega, in the state's south, in 2002.

The next month he was found guilty of indecently assaulting two other female patients, but acquitted of similar charges relating to a further three women.

The Crown alleged 58-year-old widow Carolyn DeWaegeneire did not give her consent for Reeves to remove her genitals.

She had told the jury Reeves said he was going to remove a small piece of skin with a pre-cancerous lesion lesion on it - but never mentioned removing anything else.

The defence argued Reeves was trying to save her life.

Today in court Reeves sat alone and with his head in his hands.

He was given a maximum prison sentence of three and a half years.

Reeves will be eligible for parole after serving two years.

The former doctor had been on bail, but was taken away by court officers to begin serving his sentence.

Justice Woods noted that Reeves had suffered depression and a breakdown which gave him a lack of empathy for his patients.

The judge said the criminality of Reeves' conduct was that he performed the operation without Ms DeWaegeneire's informed consent.

Of the other victims Justice Woods said "nothing in the conduct of these ladies invited this behaviour".

The court also heard Reeves must never again be allowed to practice medicine involving contact with patients.

During sentencing submissions, Ms DeWaegeneire said she was in shock after the operation.

"I couldn't believe what he'd done to me," Ms DeWaegeneire told the NSW District Court.

She had previously told the court she felt helpless reporting what happened at first because "doctors are above God, doctors protect other doctors, and nurses are gagged".

Speaking outside court today, Ms DeWaegeneire expressed disgust at the sentence given to Reeves, saying it was too lenient.

"My sentence is for life. I am an innocent person. I went to a hospital (run by) a registered doctor who is supported by all the bureaucratic, up there, people," she said.

"You go in. Never did I consider for one second he was going to do what he did."

Tags: health, doctors-and-medical-professionals, law-crime-and-justice, crime, courts-and-trials, assault, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted July 1, 2011 10:29:00

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Former Australian Idol judge dead

Former Australian Idol judge Jay Dee Springbett has been found dead in an apartment in eastern Sydney.

Officers went to a Woolloomooloo apartment on Thursday afternoon after "concerned acquaintances" called emergency services to check on Springbett when he could not be contacted, a NSW Police spokeswoman told AAP on Friday.

Paramedics were called to the scene but Springbett was "deceased on examination", a spokeswoman for Ambulance NSW said.

A NSW Police spokesman confirmed the 36-year-old's death was considered not suspicious.

Andrew Gunsberg, a former Idol host, wrote of his shock over Springbett's death on Twitter.

"I'm completely sidelined by the news of Jay Dee Springbett's death," he tweeted.

"My deepest thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."

English-born Springbett was a Sony Music talent scout who replaced shock jock Kyle Sandilands as a judge on the Channel 10 reality show in 2009.

- ABC/AAP

Tags: arts-and-entertainment, music, television, police, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

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Solo gunman robs Sydney bank

Sydney police are searching for a gunman who robbed a bank in the city's east this afternoon.

Witnesses say the man walked into the bank on New South Head Road at Edgecliff and drew a gun shortly after midday.

He was last seen running down New McLean Street with a sum of cash.

Police say no shots were fired and no-one was injured in the robbery.

The gunman is described as thin, about 185 centimetres tall and Caucasian in appearance.

He was last seen carrying a tan-coloured bag and wearing a blue shirt, beige cap and glasses.

Police say anyone who sees the man should not approach him, but instead call triple-0.

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, crime, police, armed-robbery, australia, nsw, edgecliff-2027

First posted June 30, 2011 14:11:00

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