Key Points
- Ian Wilkinson gives first comments to media after Erin Patterson sentencing
- Senior officer Neal Thompson remembered by loved ones at police funeral
- Raiders Josh Papalii injured a week out from qualifying final against Broncos
The sole survivor of Erin Patterson's death-cap mushroom laced meal, Ian Wilkinson, has thanked the police and the Leongatha community in Victoria for their ongoing support.
Mr Wilkinson and his wife, Heather, joined Erin Patterson's in-laws to have lunch at her home in July 2023.
Mr Wilkinson is the only guest who survived.
Patterson has been convicted of three counts of murder and one count of alleged murder against Mr Wilkinson.
She has been given a life sentence, with 33 years without parole.
Speaking to media for the first time in two years, Mr Wilkinson says he will continue to grieve and heal from the tragedy.
"I'd like to encourage all of those involved to keep turning up and serving others. Our lives and the life of our community depends on the kindness of others. I'd like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other."
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Australia will join another 17 countries and territories in the Solomon Islands this week, to attend the annual Pacific Islands Forum, where climate change is expected to top the agenda.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, earlier excluded China, Taiwan and the U-S from joining the Forum, to avoid escalated geopolitical tensions.
On Wednesday [[September 10]], leaders are expected to sign a treaty to establish the Pacific Resilience Facility to tackle climate change.
Pacific Islands Forum deputy Secretary, General Desna Solofa, says the treaty will guarantee the first pacific led, owned and managed regional resilience facility for communities at the frontline of climate change.
"For the treaty signing on Wednesday, we've got 13 countries that has confirmed ready to sign the treaty. This is a good number, it's a strong number, demonstrate the leaders' commitment, and our region's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, and that the pacific is owning the 1.5 degree to not only survive but thrive."
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New Zealand police are urgently seeking two of Tom Phillips' children, after the fugitive father was shot dead by police.
Mr Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his three children, for whom he didn't have legal custody.
Jill Rogers, New Zealand Police Northern Districts Deputy Commissioner, says police received notice early this morning of a burglary at a rural farm supply store in Pio Pio.
During the confrontation, one police officer was shot in the head and immediately taken to hospital.
A second police officer arriving shot Mr Phillips, who died at the scene.
Deputy Commissioner Rogers says one of Mr Phillips' children was also there.
"We are making urgent inquiries to locate Tom Phillips' other children who we hold serious concerns for. The child located at the scene is being provided wraparound support and we will not be providing any other comment at this time on their location."
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Mourners have paid tribute to a veteran police officer who was gunned down just days before he was due to retire.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson was farewelled with full police honours at a funeral at the Victorian Police Academy.
He was one of two officers killed last month while serving a warrant on Dezi Freeman - who police allege shot Mr Thompson and his colleague, Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart.
Today's funeral was attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and Police Minister Anthony Carbines.
In her eulogy, Senior Constable Thompson's partner Lisa said he had inspired her to want to become a detective as well.
"Neil was an incredible man with whom I was privileged to build a life, a partnership and a family. Words cannot convey the depth of sorrow and grief that his loss brings. We met in 2016 when I arrived at the Wangaratta Police Station as a constable. We worked one shift together, and it changed the course of my life. In just eight hours, I learned so much about him, of Jimmy, his wire head pointer, his passion for the Bombers, hunting, fishing and catching crooks."
Dezi Freeman remains on the run.
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To sport now and in N-R-L, on the eve of being named in the Raiders lineup for the qualifying final against Brisbane, Josh Papalii is in doubt.
The prop forward is wearing a moon boot, after rolling his ankle and will be monitored ahead of the minor premier's first finals game at GIO stadium this weekend.
The 33-year-old is a huge hope for Canberra, but the team won't risk him on the field against the Broncos if there is any chance of further injury.
Papalii is regarded as crucial in the Raiders' push for a first premiership in over 30 years.
