Table of contents for Issue 26, 2023 in New Idea

Hello! Our fearless editor Karleigh is away enjoying a much-deserved mini-break, so I have the honour of bringing you this week’s issue. Like the rest of Australia, the New Idea team were shocked watching the wedding bus crash tragedy in NSW’s Hunter Valley unfold. On page 8, we look at how communities are pulling together in the wake of the unimaginable horror. It’s a stark reminder of how precious life is. On a lighter note, we’ve also got all the photos from Naomi Watts’ secret wedding to Billy Crudup. As a longtime fan, I’m thrilled (and slightly envious!) she’s finally found The One! newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

New Zealand supermodel turned yoga teacher Rachel Hunter can now add grandmother to her resume! Her son Liam Stewart, and his partner Nicole Artukovich welcomed their first child, Louie Mark Roderick Stewart, earlier this month. Liam, the 28-year-old son of Rachel and British rocker Rod Stewart, announced the happy news via his Instagram account. The first-time dad shared a series of images of his little Louie, which he captioned: “Welcome, lad. You American, British, Croatian, Kiwi.” Rachel, 53, was quick to comment on the post, writing “Welcome, you beautiful angel.” She had been eagerly awaiting Louie’s arrival. In January, she wrote on social media that she was “so excited” to be finally coming a grandparent.…

NEWS There was a noticeable absence when I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here’s cast hit the Gold Coast for a reunion last week. Controversial campmate and TV legend Kerri-Anne Kennerley appeared to skip the night out with her co-stars, including Nathan Henry, Below Deck star Aesha Scott and former AFL champion Adam Cooney. While KAK, 69, is based in Sydney, it didn’t take long before fans pointed out that she likely missed the celebrations to avoid another heated run-in with former Married At First Sight bride, Domenica Calarco, who was also in attendance. KAK and Dom, 30, clashed during their time in the jungle, with Dom calling her self-centred and unleashing several profanities after KAK refused to take part in an eating challenge. “I have apologised for…

Royals Trooping the Colour is one of the biggest events on the royal calendar – and this year’s events were especially significant given it was King Charles’ first. But behind the scenes, the festivities were almost overshadowed due to the continued bitterness between royal sisters-in-law, Queen Camilla and the Princess Royal. New Idea’s palace insiders reveal the rehearsals leading up to the June 17 parade were marred in controversy after the King’s wife and only sister “butted heads” throughout the proceedings. Sources say a feud ignited between the Princess Royal and the Queen Consort after Anne seemingly refused to curtsy to Camilla ahead of the big day. “There’s no doubt Camilla and Anne have a lot of grievances to air but the only thing Camilla hates more than a confrontation…

Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew has laid bare private health struggles her family has been facing in an emotional new interview. The journalist told The Australian Women’s Weekly that her husband Neil Varcoe received news that ignited some “tough decisions” after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Neil, who shares two children with Eddy, is braving the long-term illness that impacts around one in 100 Australians with the support of his wife and alternative medicine. Signs first emerged when Neil struggled to recover from a virus that Edwina revealed “knocked” him. “There were moments when I would walk to the end of my street, and I had to turn around and come back home. I had nothing left,” said Neil.…

Hollywood Surprise! Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup shocked the world last week when they announced they’d gotten “hitched” without any fuss at a New York City courthouse. The actress, 54, stunned in a lace dress by high-end designer Oscar de la Renta dress as she said “I do” to Billy, also 54, her partner of six years. Despite no expenses being spared on the gown, Naomi kept it simple for her bouquet, which she said came from a “local deli”. This is the first time Naomi has tied the knot. She previously dated Liev Schreiber for 11 years, who she shares two kids with. Billy, meanwhile, has had high-profile relationships with Mary-Louise Parker, the mother of his teen son, and Claire Danes. “For years Naomi dreamt of getting married to…

Pumpkin Soup with Crispy Chorizo SERVES 4PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ 1.25kg butternut pumpkin■ 1 large onion, finely chopped■ 2 cloves garlic, crushed■ 1½ tsps sweet smoked paprika■ 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock■ 1 chorizo (130g), finely chopped■ Sour cream, to serve 1 Peel and deseed pumpkin. Cut into 3cm pieces. 2 Heat an oiled stockpot over a medium heat. Add onion, garlic and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until soft. 3 Add stock, 1 cup water and pumpkin to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Gently boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes, or until pumpkin is very tender. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. 4 Meanwhile, heat a small non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add chorizo. Cook,…

Gingerbread Pudding with Ginger Butterscotch Sauce SERVES 10-12 PREP & COOK 50 MINS ■ 125g unsalted butter, chopped■ ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar■ ¼ cup golden syrup■ ¹⁄³ cup ginger marmalade■ ¾ cup milk■ 2 eggs, lightly beaten■ 1½ cups self-raising flour■ 2 tsps ground ginger■ Vanilla ice-cream, to serve GINGER BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE ■ 1½ cups thickened cream■ 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar■ ¼ cup golden syrup■ 25g unsalted butter, chopped■ 1 tsp ground ginger 1 Grease a 20cm x 30cm lamington pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above long edges of pan. 2 Combine butter, sugar and syrup in a medium saucepan. Stir over a low heat for about 3 minutes, or until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Transfer to…

ANDREW SHARES HIS TOP TIPS ON FINDING YOUR NEXT HOME Avery real dilemma for many people right now is how do you secure that elusive rental property? In my many decades working in the real estate industry, I have never witnessed such a competitive rental market on a national level. At various times, certain areas may see high demand and low stock. But for tenants, the solution is often simple – look at neighbouring areas for alternatives. Unfortunately, this solution doesn’t seem to apply in the current situation. However, I have a few tips that may help: Do you have to rent a new place right now or can it wait? Could you try to renegotiate or persuade your landlord to let you stay where you are? Maybe friends, family…

How to declutter and organise my closet Our wardrobes can very easily become places of chaos, especially when we’re not willing to let go of items that may have had their heyday. However, a simple sorting of belongings can help reduce a lot of your stress, not to mention save you time and money. We spoke to Bridget Johns, declutter expert and founder of Be Simply Free, who shares her Sort, Simplify and Systemise method to declutter your wardrobe. 1 TAKE INVENTORY OF EVERYTHING YOU OWN Start by sorting your clothes into categories for a clear idea of what you have. This will help you make more rational decisions on what to keep and what to let go of. “It’s important to be honest with yourself about…

Best cruises for star spotting ROARING TO GO When Katy Perry stepped aboard Norwegian Prima last year in her role as the ship’s godmother, she wasn’t just there for the ceremony, she wanted a holiday at sea. Fiancé Orlando Bloom and daughter Daisy joined her to sail out from Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik. And from all reports, she’s a big fan of cruising. Katy even took part in a The Price Is Right game on board. “I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. The well-loved entertainer is an inspired choice by Norwegian Cruise Line, renowned for its array of innovative entertainment options. The ship features the world’s first venue that transforms from a theatre into a Vegas-style nightclub. Add to this fun family experiences, including…

Q Can you see me buying a home this year? I’ve saved a sizeable deposit and have bid at a few auctions, but the places I like are always just out of reach. – Sal, Geelong, VIC. A Purchasing a home looks likely towards the end of summer, so keep a close eye on the market. Even if it’s not in your perfect location, I think you’ll love it. Keep an open mind, broaden your search parameters, and remember, good things come in small packages. Q My daughter is considering a career in the defence force, possibly in the communications area. Does this look like a good move for her? – Julie, Gold Coast, QLD. A With her strong work ethic and her eye for detail, your daughter…

ROMANCE THE MOON GATE by Amanda Geard A faded photograph in 1939, an abandoned house in 1975, and a wartime secret revealed in 2004 link three generations across Tasmania and London. But the question remains: should some truths stay hidden? OUT NOW CRIME BROKEN BAY by Margaret Hickey When a cave diver drowns in Broken Bay, Detective Sergeant Mark Ariti is asked to assist with the investigation. The drama doesn’t end there however, when a former actress is murdered soon after. OUT NOW HOME CREATE by Ali Heath An interior stylist and journalist, Ali Heath will guide you on a journey to connect to your inner creative. From defining your palette to fabrics and texture, Ali encourages readers to express themselves freely at home. OUT NOW FICTION THE BROKEN PLACES…

NEWS Could another wedding be on the cards for Sean Penn? Fans think so after he and his latest love, Olga Korotyayeva, were spotted living the dream in Italy recently. They took their time to stroll through the streets hand in hand, happily perusing the shops. The duo looked very much in love as they dipped into luxury jewellers Bulgari, but it was their visit to Tiffany & Co. that had tongues wagging. Olga, 43, left with a small bag in tow – the perfect size for a ring! If Sean, 62, has proposed – or gearing up to! – it would be his fourth trip down the aisle. The actor first married pop queen Madonna in 1985. He then went on to wed actress Robin…

Natalie Portman is yet to speak out about the claims her husband, Benjamin Millepied, had a rumoured affair with a 25-year-old ballerina – but something seems to be taking a toll on the Hollywood star. On June 11, Natalie, 42, and Benjamin, 46, were seen in a Paris park having what appeared to be an intense conversation. At one point, Natalie looked like she was wiping away tears as she spoke to Ben. The mum of two later placed her head down on the top of the bench as her dancer husband appeared to console her.…

TV scoop Matt Shirvington has just taken on the biggest job of his TV career, replacing David Koch as host of Sunrise. Behind him every step of the way is his wife and the mother of his three children, Jessica. “Jess has been so supportive of this promotion,” tells a source. There’s no denying Shirvo’s stardom is currently hitting new heights. But what Sunrise viewers at home might not realise is that Jessica has her own well-established and successful career! Although she has a more private profile compared to her husband, Jessica, 44, has quietly made a name for herself as a young-adult fiction author, penning the popular Embrace series of supernatural romance novels. Matt, 44, and Jessica first met at the age of 17. They wed on March 30,…

Local stars It seems like only yesterday that Bec and Lleyton Hewitt were celebrating the arrival of their firstborn daughter, Mia. But in the blink of an eye, their now 17-year-old is officially a graduate – and her famous folks couldn’t be prouder. On June 8, a beaming Bec, 39, and Lleyton, 42, watched on as Mia received her diploma at Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse. Extended family, including Bec’s parents, Darrel and Michelle, also attended the ceremony. Mia looked very grownup in her formal graduation gown and cap, which she wore over a stylish polka dot dress. It’s understood she was awarded a Diploma of Branded Fashion Design from Torrens University. Mia has a long-held interest in fashion and is often seen dressed in designer wares. In addition, she has taken…

Local stars With her 2018 divorce firmly in the rear-view mirror, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has made a bold confession about the type of man she is now looking for. Having signed up to the popular dating app Hinge to meet potential suitors, Jackie, 48, admits she is prioritising personality. “Ninety-nine per cent of [my] checklist was characteristics,” she said. The revelation comes after Jackie was seen enjoying a night out with Russell Crowe in Sydney on June 10. Sources reckon the Oscar-winning actor, 59, is very much the single mum’s “type” – it’s just too bad he’s not on the market! The pals came together to celebrate Jackie’s KIIS radio co-host Kyle Sandilands’ 52nd birthday. Friends treated the shock jock to a special party at the University of Sydney’s Manning…

Honey Mustard Pork and Vegie Bake SERVES 4PREP & COOK 50 MINS ■ 700g sweet potatoes, cut into 2cm-thick wedges■ 2 red onions, cut into 2cm-thick wedges■ 2 tblsps olive oil■ 4 x 200g pork loin cutlets■ 2 bunches broccolini, thick stems halved lengthways■ 250g punnet cherry  tomatoes■ ¹⁄³ cup honey■ 2 tblsps wholegrain mustard■ 2 tblsps fresh thyme leaves 1 Place sweet potato and onion in a large, non-stick roasting pan. Drizzle over 1 tblsp oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread in an even layer. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C) for 20 minutes. Remove. 3 Meanwhile, heat a lightly oiled, large, non-stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Add pork. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden. Remove.…

Glazed Salmon with Asian Vegetables SERVES 4PREP & COOK 25 MINS ■ 460g packet skinless salmon fillets, cut into 3cm pieces■ ¹/³ cup Dumpling Soy Sauce■ 1 bunch baby pak choy, trimmed, sliced (see Tip)■ 300g bag carrot sticks■ 200g snow peas, trimmed■ Steamed rice, finely sliced green spring onions and toasted sesame seeds, to serve 1 Toss salmon with 1 tblsp of sauce in a large bowl. Reserve remaining ¼ cup sauce. 2 Heat an oiled, large, nonstick wok over a high heat. Add salmon in two batches. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm. Wipe wok clean. 3 Reheat same oiled wok over a high heat. Add vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2…

3 easy ways to stay warm ROLL IT Instead of sweltering in chunky knits, try a trusty lightweight turtleneck. They’re often wool blend, have a high neck to keep you warm, and can easily be layered under shirts and even dresses. WRAP IT The neck is the most trending spot to accessorise this winter, and we’re not talking about jewellery. Big scarves are back and bolder than ever! Try one with colour or pattern to add an extra dimension to a simple outfit. TIE IT Up until now, tying your jumper around your neck and shoulders was thought to be practical rather than an intentional styling trick. However, with many fashionistas currently rocking this look, it’s a trend we can get around for its easy extra-warmth factor.…

Advice ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HAPPY This topic is close to my heart, and I speak openly about my own journey with the hope it inspires other women with similar experiences to get help! Pelvic floor damage is a well-recognised consequence of both pregnancy and childbirth. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE After six kids, my pelvic floor dysfunction was problematic. But each birth led me to learn more about my body and – with kindness – train it back to being continent (most of the time). Following my final birth with the twins, I remember getting off the couch weeks later and still having immediate leakage. I felt like I had no control. I love my Modibodi protective underwear, but I was worried this was my new normal.…

YOU CAN WIN A SHARE IN ! $2000 COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a TV series featuring Harrison Ford (9). Write this title on the coupon. $300 UP FOR GRABS! SUPER CROSS For a chance to win one of two prizes of $250, simply solve the crossword to reveal the name of a space western TV series featuring our pictured star (3,11) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. $500 UP FOR GRABS! ACROSS 1 and 1 downPictured actor (5)4 Spring bulb flower (5)6 2022 Baz Luhrman movie (5)9 Gathering of former colleagues (7)12 Miranda –, actress (4) 13 Love –, 1989 hit by the B-52’s (5) 14 Boston’s…

My 15-month-old granddaughter Olivia with her best mate Lenny watching you know who. ROSS MCKIBBIN, YACKANDANDAH, VIC. I have followed New Idea for 23 years as the magazine always gives readers so much and covers all special occasions. What could be more uplifting than the coronation of King Charles III? ‘Inside the Coronation’ was an outstanding tribute of what King Charles has achieved and with his crowning, he will serve with wisdom and care. Long may King Charles and Queen Camilla reign. FELICITY ROONEY, SALE, VIC. Being teenagers, my grandchildren Lillian and Jacob were slightly embarrassed with their mum’s surprise of a ‘build-a-bunny’ holiday workshop. Nevertheless, the bunnies are very cute and they enjoyed making them! JULIE ZAMMIT, ROXBURGH PARK, VIC. Fun-loving Lexi, 9, couldn’t…

Comedy NO HARD FEELINGS Jennifer Lawrence is on fine form in this coming-of-age laugh-fest. The Oscar winner plays Maddie, an Uber driver who agrees to be a shy 19-year-old’s girlfriend in exchange for a new car from his parents. IN CINEMAS THU. Thriller THE COVENANT US Army sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) is left in debt to Ahmed (Dar Salim) when the Afghan interpreter saves his life. When he hears that Ahmed and his family are in trouble, John must rescue them before they’re found by the Taliban. STREAMING ON PRIME VIDEO TV GRUEN The expert panel that is Wil Anderson, Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft return to peel back the curtain on advertising! AIRS WED. 8.30PM ON ABC TV AND ABC IVIEW…

“THEY ALMOST FIRED ME … MY AUSTRALIAN ACCENT KEPT COMING IN AND OUT.”Tammin Sursok reflects on her US soap opera days on The Young and the Restless “I AM ALWAYS HUNGRY WHEN I GO TO MEDITATE. ACTUALLY, I’M ALWAYS HUNGRY.”Chris Hemsworth only ever has one thing on his mind … food! “IT DRIVES ME BANANAS. I CAN’T STAND IT.”Being told she looks great for her age is Jennifer Aniston’s biggest pet peeve. “I AM NOT RETIRING. WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IS HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON FOR A YEAR AFTER I REACH MY 70TH BIRTHDAY IN 2026.”Bryan Cranston clarifies headlines that suggested he was quitting acting for good. Phew! “I HAD NO IDEA WHO I WAS TALKING TO!”Britney Spears didn’t get no satisfaction meeting Mick Jagger, as she didn’t…

Special report Vigils were held across Singleton, NSW, last week to mourn the 10 people killed in the tragic Hunter Valley bus accident. On June 11, Mitchell Gaffney and Madeleine Edsell’s “fairytale” wedding turned into a nightmare when the bus carrying guests leaving their celebrations overturned as it entered a roundabout. It rolled onto its left side, landing on a guardrail. Survivor Alex Tignani, the MC at the wedding, described the crash site as a “war scene” to his mum in a panicked phone call shortly after the collision. His mother, Loretta Tignani, told 9News he was plucked from the wreckage “covered with other people’s blood”. “He was very emotional because he’s seen a lot of his mates die. It’s a small town so everybody knows each other,” she said.…

TV scoop Watch out Travel Guides, there’s a rival show on the way! Just one week after his celebratory exit from Sunrise, David Koch has unveiled his next project for Channel Seven: a travel series. Titled Passport, the show promises to delve deep into the world of premium travel, exploring highly coveted destinations and providing tips for everyday travellers. The series will be backed by Pinstripe Media, founded by Kochie and his wife Libby. The pair have a decade-long history of creating programs and signals a new chapter for Kochie, who is going behind the camera and expected to be producing a plethora of new programs for the network.…

Hollywood Wining and dining his wife Calista Flockhart at the fancy Santa Monica restaurant Via Veneto ended on a sour note for Harrison Ford, with the actor seen melting down on the sidewalk. Following what was supposed to be a peaceful evening, insiders say Harrison, 80, “lost it” after the meal. Fed up with her “cranky husband”, Calista, 58, made a hasty exit from the venue. As the Brothers & Sisters actress raced off to get their car, Harrison was seen throwing his hands in the air and covering his face in anguish. So what’s got Harrison breaking down so publicly? With his latest Indiana Jones blockbuster just weeks away from its premiere, friends tell New Idea Harrison is already feeling “exhausted” and overworked from preliminary media duties, and…

Warm Spiced Apple and Pecan Dessert Cake SERVES 10PREP & COOK 1 HOUR, 25 MINS ■ 6 red apples (1kg)■ 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar■ ½ cup golden syrup■ ¹⁄³ cup lemon juice■ 2 tsps ground cinnamon■ 125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature■ 3 eggs, at room temperature■ 1½ cups self-raising flour■ ²⁄³ cup buttermilk■ Whipped cream, to serve CRUMBLE TOPPING ■ 1 cup plain flour■ ½ cup chopped pecans■ ¹⁄³ cup raw sugar■ 125g unsalted butter, melted 1 Grease a 22cm round springform pan. Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 2 Quarter and core apples. Cut into thick wedges. Combine apples, ½ cup brown sugar, golden syrup, juice and 1 tsp cinnamon in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium…

Can contact lenses give you cancer? If you’re among the around 13 per cent of Australians who wear contact lenses, news about a possible link between contacts and cancer risk might have caused concern. A recent US study found 18 popular brands of contact lenses contain compounds that some research has linked to cancer and other serious health issues including liver and kidney diseases. But the study doesn’t mean contact lenses actually cause cancer. Confused? To help us make sense of the issue, we talked to Luke Arundel, chief clinical officer at Optometry Australia. WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS The study found extremely high levels of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in Acuvue, Alcon and Coopervision brands of contact lenses, which are all widely used in Australia. PFAS compounds are resistant…

Celebrity favourite beauty products? SUNDAY RILEY Drew Barrymore & Oprah You may be familiar with the Sunday Riley brand and its array of cult-favourite products, including the original Good Genes. It’s a lactic acid serum that deeply exfoliates the skin for bright, glowing results. Loved by celebs, it’s expensive but worth it. WESTMAN ATELIER Jennifer Aniston Jen’s known for her gorgeous skin, and the star’s makeup artist Gucci Westman has revealed she uses the Complexion Drops from her eponymous brand, Westman Atelier, on the actress’ face. The drops are a hybrid between tint and serum, providing buildable coverage that hydrates the skin. DERMALOGICA Mindy Kaling If you’re looking for a new cleanser, take some beauty advice from Mindy and try Dermalogica’s PreCleanse Oil. Perfect for evening use to remove makeup,…

Stars From June 19 - 25 Gemini MAY 22 – JUN 21 Your caring side is acting like a beacon. Connections are beginning to strengthen, both at work and on a personal, more intimate level, so start letting out those bottled-up feelings. If searching for ‘something more’, why not learn about a topic that’s always intrigued you? Lucky crystal: Golden citrine Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 Things are looking up! When the sun shifts into your sign on Thursday, some much-needed support should start heading your way. An unexpected payment could open up your options (just don’t book any expensive holidays), while an offer or invitation might take you by surprise. Lucky numbers: 1, 12, 18, 27, 29, 35 Leo JUL 24…