Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Victoria’s $1.5 billion plan to expand emergency departments will not by itself solve the state’s mental health pressures, a rural health researcher has warned. Professor Leigh Kinsman, Rural Health Research chair at La Trobe University, said sustainable solutions to overcrowding largely lay outside emergency departments, including in primary care, youth mental health services and support for older people. Writing about the Victorian Government’s promise to expand emergency departments and reduce waiting times, Professor Kinsman said investment should be guided by the circumstances driving demand in each community. “Emergency department data provides a window into unmet community healthcare needs,” she said,…

Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title at UFC 333 after stopping Movsar Evloev in the closing seconds of the second round in Abu Dhabi. The Australian landed a right hand before following up with ground-and-pound in the main event, bringing the scheduled five-round contest to an end with six seconds of the second round remaining. The official time of the technical knockout was recorded as 4:54, prompting a jubilant response from the Etihad Arena crowd in the United Arab Emirates capital. The defeat was the first of Evloev’s professional career, although the Russian paid tribute to his opponent after the…

Neurodivergent workers could have an advantage as artificial intelligence reshapes employment, according to Palantir chief executive Alex Karp and psychologist Daniel Wendler, who is autistic. Karp, who has dyslexia, said in an interview on the business podcast TBPN that there were two ways for workers to have a future in the AI era: vocational training or being neurodivergent. “There are basically two ways to know you have a future,” he said. “One, you have some vocational training. Or two, you’re neurodivergent.” The Palantir boss has previously described his dyslexia as a “formative moment” that helped him learn to “think freely”.…

The Victoria Racing Club board election is set to test the future direction of the organisation after Melbourne Cup week, with four positions potentially changing hands at the club’s annual general meeting in December. At least one new director will join the board after chairman Neil Wilson announced his resignation last month. His departure has added uncertainty to a succession plan that would see fellow director Vin Cox take over as chair. Cox, however, must first secure re-election. Treasurer Glenn Carmody and fellow committee member Michael Saadie are also standing for re-election, creating the prospect of a contest that could…

Victoria Beckham has revealed the traditional family routine behind the Beckhams’ weekends, including a 6.30pm Sunday roast and a preference for budget gravy. David and Victoria Beckham sit down with Romeo, Cruz and Harper for the meal, which includes Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and plenty of vegetables. Parsnips, however, are left off the menu because David dislikes them. “Yorkshire puddings are a big crowd-pleaser, stuffing, lots of vegetables. No parsnips – it’s one of the only foods my husband does not like and will not eat,” Victoria said. The meal is finished with “extra thick” Bisto, which Victoria noted costs £1.75.…

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has made a surprise visit to China as ties between the two countries strengthen. The visit underlines the developing relationship between North Korea and China, though no further details were provided.

West Coast Eagles co-captain Bella Lewis has identified defensive improvement as a priority after the side’s slim AFLW finals hopes were ended by a loss to Sydney on Sunday. West Coast must strengthen at the back if they are to return to the top eight next year, with Lewis highlighting defence as the area requiring the greatest attention.

Egypt is considering a limited military role in support of Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensify, but President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has stressed that any deployment would be defensive and would not involve direct attacks on Yemen’s rebels. The Egyptian parliament is due to vote on Monday on the possible deployment of troops outside the country. The vote was delayed by a week while lawmakers considered the proposal. Cairo’s National Defence Council said on October 18 that Egypt was prepared to provide “all necessary and possible support to Saudi Arabia to defend its safety and stability”. Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr…

Ciara’s 41st birthday has been marked with a series of glamour photographs celebrating the singer’s style and image. The selection includes a striking image of Ciara wearing black lace, with the photographs highlighting her figure and posing. Another picture shows the birthday girl in a selfie accompanied by flowers. Russell Wilson is also referenced in the birthday tribute. Further images are included in a gallery dedicated to Ciara’s 41st birthday.

A 29-year-old man has been taken to hospital after a ute crashed into a house in South Perth on Saturday night. Police allege the black GWM utility was travelling along Douglas Avenue at about 9pm when it veered off the road, struck trees and a light pole, and then hit the brick wall of a residence. The driver was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. WA Police, St John WA and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene. Road Policing Group South is investigating the crash. Police are appealing for anyone with information, or CCTV,…