Those who didnt get a chance to see Bindi and Powell say their wedding vows will get a chance when Crikey! It was her dream wedding. Revealed: The mystery third guest at Bindi Irwin and 'Words cannot describe it!' As Alex is jailed for horrific executions of his wife and son rumors abound in the sleepy South Carolina town of Walterboro - and locals say 'most people don't believe he is the killer', Woman, 31, who had sex with 13-year-old boy and then became pregnant with his child will serve NO jail time in plea deal, 'Are y'all OK in LA?!' An inside look at Australia Zoo where the wife and children of late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin carry on his legacy But the Irwins are no strangers to wildlife. 'That's just the way it goes, but we're all still great friends and I was just talking to them the other day,' he said. Its the Irwins shows exactly what that support is going toward, from a giant runway that helps the elephants at Australia Zoo (where the Irwins live) move around more freely to the care given to the koalas during breeding season. 'Crikey! Dominique Franks (pictured) now runs her parents' wildlife business with Wes Mannion in Noosaville, Wes Mannion (pictured right), 52, married Dominique Franks (pictured left) in April this year. She moved into his $1.1million love-nest in Tinbeerwah, north of the Sunshine Coast, which features a pool and cellar, four large bedrooms and bathrooms, and a shed with enough space for three cars and a boat. On the website's 'meet the team' page, Wes is listed as 'Director and Passionate Wildlife Advocate', with 'over 30 years of experience working with wildlife and conservation'. After taking over last year, the Mannions moved the business - which employs around 10 people - to a bigger modern shed in Noosaville. Crikey! According to the documents, Terri has been both the sole director and secretary of the Queensland wildlife park since his departure more than two years ago. As noted by ScreenRant, Wes has talked about the time his friend saved his life several times. Mr Mannion has one son, 17, from his first marriage, while Dominique - who is the cofounder of clothing brand Terra Dea - has two young sons from a previous relationship. That move leftlongtime close friend and colleague Terri Iwin as the sole director of the business. Time and again, he proved himself more agile and cunning than the powerful beast with its deadly jaws. Harry's chat with guru who compared Hamas terrorists to Jews who battled the Nazis has appalled Rabbis: What DOES Duke know about man who defended anti-Semites, called for ALL drugs to be legal and who will want intimate detail of his upbringing? a self-described 'big fan' - tweeted. I promise to stand beside you as your wife, teammate and friend. Its hard to believe its been 10 years since we lost Steve and these past years have been tough for all of us, Wes wrote. Steve Irwin 's best friend John Stainton has opened up about the rumours that he had a falling out with Terri Irwin and the rest of the Crocodile Hunter's family. Just my 2 cents! IT'S THE IRWINS will stream exclusively on discovery+ starting February 7! Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, Despite eagle-eyed fans raising questions about his absence, the leadership change has not been publicly addressed by Australia Zoo, the Irwins, or Mannion. Enter Season 4, which is likely to show us just that. You can watch the upcoming series on Animal Planet. Shasta, Californias Mysterious Volcano, is an Enigma Waiting to be Explored, Three New Species of Snakes Discovered in Graveyards and Churches in Ecuador. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. The then-teenager quickly became an integral part of the animal park and, in 1988, was only the second employee outside of the Irwin family to be given full-time employment. And I know hed be proud.. The first three season of the series can be viewed in their entirety by audiences in the U.S. on the Animal Planet GO app. Four months earlier, he asserted his role as a father figure during a live show at Australia Zoo by telling Chandler he had to 'prove himself' 'before marrying Bindi by walking into crocodile-infested waters. Do any of the Irwins have degrees? I hugged Mum for you and told her how much we love her. Bindi Irwin said that being a new mother has increased her passion for the work her family does because being wildlife warriors, its not just what we do, its who we are., I think were incredibly lucky to have found our purpose in life and to be able to share it together, and, for me, being a new mama, Im so blessed that I get to bring my beautiful daughter with me on the adventure, too, she said. The new season of CRIKEY! Four rescued Sumatran Elephants arrive to Australia Zoo from Indonesia, fulfilling a dream that began over 30 years ago when Steve and Terri decided to fight for the survival of this critically endangered species. The series follows the family of Steve Irwin, and their work at the Australia Zoo. Wes Mannion is the best friend of late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Steve Irwin's best friend has married again and taken on a new job - running yet another family business that rescues wildlife - after mysteriously and inexplicably stepping down from Australia Zoo. 'We've all got a great relationship, but we tend to look to the future instead of looking at the past,' he said. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Kellyanne Conway and husband George SPLIT after 22 years following admission in her 2022 memoir that her husband's criticism of Trump was a betrayal, Where IS Gavin? 2023 Warner Bros. She has also deepened her work on television with works like the TV special, My Daddy the Crocodile Hunter. I promise to encourage your dreams and help you achieve them. BRILLIANT!' Citing sources close to the family, New Idea magazine claimed Terri was considered the option of selling the business for personal and professional reasons. She has reportedly finished her courses in business, and was . 'It was an honor to photograph these two on the most special day! A love like this is meant to be felt, in every part of our soul. Wes still works at the Australian Zoo and considers it his life. False rumours started circulating claiming he was swiping money from the zoo, left in disgrace, and ruined his relationship with the Irwins. 'It made it so special that we picked a location that no one else would of said their vows at - it's ours forever.'. They're a wonderful example of how a family should be. Stars Terri Irwin Bindi Irwin Robert Clarence Irwin See production, box office & company info Watch on Animal Planet Prince Andrew has 'offered to manage prestigious Royal estates including Balmoral but King Charles has told How to survive a killer asteroid impact: NASA confirms it can deflect a deadly space rock from hitting Earth How the 'cha cha' will do wonders for your bowel and cabbage juice is a miracle cure. She is pictured wearing on of her brand's lingerie sets. 'Dominique has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about customer service,' it says. ET. The debate? The Irwins will take over the Animal Planet channel for the entire month of February. Their lives have always revolved around it, and . The new season first kicks off with the CRIKEY! You can also catch a special sneak peek on the same night after Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet. It's an enlightening and fun experience with a slew of helpful information and a great love for animals. He explained that after being at the zoo for more than 35 years, it was just time to move on. To understand where we're at with"Crikey! Joy once ran the food court at Australia Zoo with her husband, Frank Muscillo, but reportedly left in 2016. They strive to bring people closer to animals and continue the proud tradition of conservation that Steve championed. Moreover, What happened to Brian Coulter Crocodile Hunter? Like many of us, 2020 brought major changes for the family and Australia Zoo as a whole. All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. I still like the Irwins and wish them all the best! Frank was reportedly 'marched off the property', with Joy and her adult children, who were also employed at the business, leaving soon afterwards. ### About discovery+ In another quarrel, Terri has also reportedly fallen out with Steve's older sister Joy Muscillo and her family after firing her husband Frank, the zoo's general manager, in 2015. We all thrived because we all had the same vision: to spread the word of conservation, build the most unique zoo in the world and put the Sunshine Coast on the map. The couple handpicked the location for the wedding - which counted just a handful of close family as guests - a day earlier while walking through the desert. Train fares will rise by 5.9% TOMORROW - but travellers can still get cheaper tickets if they buy them What happens when classic cars sell for too much? . 57567 Crikey is the name of the main belt asteroid that received its namesake from Steve Irwin. They have all had a rough stretch of road with the unprecedented bushfires of Australia in the last year that . It's the Irwins," but there's no questioning that she's the most exciting new addition to the show's cast. The internet is left in uproar after shopper reveals she spent a whopping $50 on a GROCERY BAG from pricey celebrity-loved food store Erewhon, Sun goes down on the Murdaugh dynasty: As Alex is jailed, surviving son Buster is left with modest apartment, $530k inheritance, a law career in tatters after plagiarism incident - and could now face probe over gay teen's death. As baby Grace discovers the world, Robert and the team attempt . The trio's passion for pandas, pythons and everything in between will be put on full display in their new Animal Planet series, "Crikey! Here at the @AustraliaZoo Wildlife Hospital our juvenile patients receive around the clock care when in our nursery ICU to ensure they feel safe, relaxed and comforted. Speaking to maternity brand biglittlethings for a Mother's Day blog in May that year, she described herself as a 'small fashion business owner, social media manager, co-host to luxury Airbnb, and a solo mother to two beautiful, wonderful, individual boys'. This season will also follow personal family milestones as newlyweds Bindi and Chandler prepare to welcome their own little Wildlife Warrior to the world. Following Steve's shock 2006 death from a stingray attack, Mannion maintained a close bond with the family and said he had assumed a 'father figure role', helping Terri raise Bindi and Robert, now aged 24 and 18, respectively. Wes Mannion has been working as a Director at Australia Zoo for 34 years. The season one finale of Crikey! so it's best that they not be seen as something that one can treat like a domestic cat. All rights reserved. WATCH:Terri Irwin says she will never marry again. Bindi and Powell met while she was giving a tour of the zoo. They will be based on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve this August and September! They have put their hearts and souls into continuing their mum and dads legacy., Dad, Today is your birthday. That said, I am so glad that they never got together romantically after Steve died. 3:42 PM EST, Sun January 2, 2022. A brand new season of Crikey! It's The Irwins premieres Saturday, November 3, at 6.40pm on Animal Planet. Crikey! It's the Irwins" Season 4. Bindi revealed her surprise wedding in an Instagram post. 4 Reasons You Can't Miss the New Season of Crikey! I've had enough of life': Grandmother, 86, is reduced to tears after killjoy Tory Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers speaks out on his deep depression after chemotherapy which left him having Top equestrian rider, 39, once known as the 'golden girl' of horse eventing, is facing jail after being My boss is furious I didn't give my first class seat to her and left her stuck in economy - despite the fact Drake lost another 335,000 betting on Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul, as well as 837,000 on the World Cup final Will Vladimir Putin's empress pay the ultimate price for his war on the West? We can take on the world together, Bindi said. Oh - how these liberal minds work! We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 'They've taken it to another level,' he said. one woman tweeted. Crikey! Almost 4 years later and our home life is incredibly enjoyable. It's the Irwins. $1.99. It's no wonder that fans of this family from down under are eager to learn all the details of "Crikey! 2. In the interview, she opened up about her struggles having children young and raising them on her own. Please keep it on. We all spend a lot of time together, Wes shared. While"Crikey! Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Wes Mannion, 52, quietly stepped down as director of Australia Zoo in July 2020, Steve Irwin's widow Terri is now the solely in control of the family business, The move has not been publicly addressed by Irwins, Mannion, or Australia Zoo, Daily Mail Australia can reveal he has recently remarried Dominique Franks, 30, He is now the director of her parents' family's business making nests for wildlife, Do you know more? Digital Marketing; Food & Health; Technology; Business; News & Trends; How to; Contact us. Crikey! In a move that is yet to be publicly addressed by the Zoo, the Irwins or Mr Mannion, the businessman stepped aside in late 2020 just months after being one of three guests to attend the wedding of Steve's daughter, Bindi, to Chandler Powell. It's The Irwins Crikey! Its the Irwins Season 4 debuts on Discovery+ on New Years Day. John widely recognised as the brains behind Steve's international success but reportedly stopped working on the project with the Irwin family in 2009. Sue hosted the wildlife-themed game show, Bindi's Bootcamp and appeared in a couple of films. Asteroid Ryugu Has Dust Grains Older Than the Sun. 10/19/19. Everything they made through filming got poured back into the zoo or other conservation projects from acquiring land to protecting endangered wildlife and ecosystems, to protecting tigers and elephants and a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital. Your favorite shows, personalities, and exclusive originals, all in one place. 'I'd be in jail if that was the case,' he said. Youve made me smile every day since I first met you. In a heartwarming documentary coming to discovery+, The Duke of Cambridge embarks on a royal mission to save the planet. Also among them was Briano Coulter, who was with Steve Irwin when he was killed by the barb of a stingray in far north Queensland in 2006. After watching Steve, who was eight years his senior, with a crocodile, he begged the wildlife handler to let him work at the zoo. It's the Irwins' all about? Finally I wanted to share all my hopes for the future and I ran out of notebook paper. It's the Irwins" hasn't officially been greenlit for another season, there's a good chance it's on the way(per Next SeasonTV). Pictured: Terri, Bob Snr, Bindi and Robert attending Steve's memorial service in 2006. IT'S THE IRWINS, Terri, Bindi dan Robert Irwin, suami Bindi Chandler Powell, dan ahli keluarga Irwin terbaru, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, meneruskan misi Steve Irwin untuk mendekatkan orang ramai dengan haiwan dan memberi inspirasi kepada mereka untuk menjadi Pahlawan Hidupan Liar dan bekerjasama untuk melindungi dan memelihara hidupan liar dan . the couple took over his company because he and his wife wanted to step down and were looking for young energy to take it to a new level. In that short time, the family's gone through a lot of changes and has been happy to share them with the world. They are so loving with each other and with all the others who work there. Mr Franks explained the company had grown beyond what he and his wife Stacey were able to manage - 'it needed youth, and they provided that option,' he added. A message from our beautiful koalas: Happy snacking and remember to eat your greens! It's the Irwins," which premieres globally on Sunday, Oct. 28. Wes is still there with the family teaching them everything he learned from his years at Steve's side. When asked about the business' performance under new management, the former business owner beamed. It's the Irwins" is the focus on family. "Then I decided it was time to do other things. Steve jumped on top of Graham shove a wooden stick in his mouth. Robert and I went on a hike through the mountains you cherished. The legendary conservationist agreed and the pair became very close, with Wes given the nickname Steve's 'younger brother' and dubbed an honorary member of the Irwin clan. Vice President Kamala Harris is joined by other ranking members of the Biden administration to discuss the impact of climate change on the world in the new original series ACTION PLANET. The all-new special BARE HANDS RESCUE premieres Sunday, August 22 at 10PM ET/PT on Animal Planet and discovery+. Call Michael "Bare Hands" Beran! That was Bindithe Jungle Girl. Wes Mannion, Steve Irwin's best friend, attended Bindi Irwin's wedding. Its all we ever talked and dreamed about and to say we were obsessed was an understatement., Dora the koala is getting the best care possible, as well as lots of love! After seeing Steve with a crocodile named Allison, Wes begged Steve, who was eight years older than him, to allow him to work at the zoo as a volunteer. The joyous moment was bittersweet for fans who know how these milestones always open the family up to missing their beloved patriarch,Steve Irwin. Season three of the award-winning series, CRIKEY!IT'S THE IRWINS, makes its linear debut to Animal Planet on Saturday, June 5 with an all-new season featuring re-openings and rescues as the Irwin family continues Steve Irwin's mission to bring people closer to animals and inspire them to become Wildlife Warriors to help protect and preserve our environment and its animals. It's The Irwins" star loves and respects her mother. Dominique Franks, Wes Mannion's new wife, is pictured outside the home they share wearing a shirt from their family wildlife business, Wes Mannion - who worked at Australia Zoo for more than three decades - is seen outside hisTimbeerwah home, packing a 4WD for an overnight trip. 'Coming from a small country town a lot of my friends already had children or were pregnant, so it was just kind of expected and normal Oh how naive I was! Bindi Irwin has a high school degree and a college certificate. It's the Irwins star opens up on narrowly 4 4.What Happened To Wes On Crikey ? WATCH: Terri Irwin says she will never marry again John - who was at Steve's side when a stingray took his life on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland in 2006 - toldThe Daily Mailthat he was happy for the family. Wes still works at the Australian Zoo and considers Their new show "Crikey! Some people claim that he has already left the Australian zoo. Trump wants 'Freedom Cities' where cars can fly, parents get 'BONUSES' for having babies and huge monuments are built to 'true American heroes' in 'Quantum Leap' vision for the future, US soldier is sentenced to 45 years in jail for conspiring with Satanic neo-Nazi group to launch jihadi massacre on his OWN platoon as it guarded secret military site, Tom Sizemore, 61, dies after aneurysm and stroke: Action star known for Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down and Born on the Fourth of July battled addiction, Floridians are told not to wash their face with tap water over brain-eating bug fears: Public health experts issue warning after man died from amoeba-infested water. All Rights Reserved. Beneath Wes' blurb, which is the first after his in-laws, his wife's role is described as 'communications director'. Season three of the award-winning series, CRIKEY!IT'S THE IRWINS, makes its linear debut to Animal Planet on Saturday, June 5 with an all- new season featuring re-openings and rescues as the Irwin family continues Steve Irwin's mission to bring people closer to animals and inspire them to become Wildlife Warriors to help protect and preserve our environment and its animals. "Crikey! They had an interesting honeymoon, Wes said. And now, here you are, helping us during our regular crocodile demonstrations. I promise to share an I love you before I sleep each night no matter what our day has brought. Uncertainty about his employment status first began circulating online in December that year after followers realised the 52-year-old was notably missing from key Australia Zoo platforms and projects. 'Whether you are looking for a small intimate experience or a larger scale event, we have the perfect location for your wedding celebrations!'. ET on Animal Planet. She toldThe Daily Mailthat she keeps "away from all that" and "It's just very sad family stuff.". The pair became so close that Mannion was said to have been nicknamed Steve's "younger . Bindi and Robert Irwin now work alongside mom Terri at the Australia Zoo, dedicated to continuing Steve's legacy of animal conservation. To quote our favourite show, I love you and I like you. What many are most looking forward to is seeing how the adorable little Grace fits into the family fold. It features special moments between the couple and their family including Robert walking Bindi down the aisle, Bindi lighting a candle to honor her father, Steve Irwin, during the ceremony, and in true Irwin fashion, special appearances by their animal family including koalas, macaws and snakes, a description for the special says. The documentary premieres February 20 on discovery+. Please bring back Crikey! The disaster and next steps. There are some who have claimed that he's already quit the Australian Zoo. By 1992, he became the head reptile keeper and curator, then picked up a management role in 1995, before being promoted to director in the early 2000s. Mannion's career move has not been publicly addressed by the Zoo or the Irwins, but he stepped aside in late 2020 - just months after he was one of three guests invited Bindi Irwin's wedding to Chandler Powell. A brand new season of Crikey! Wes Mannion has married his girlfriend Dominique Franks (pictured together in 2019) and started a new career since leaving Australia Zoo in July 2020, A post shared by Dominique Mannion (@dominiques.digest). Wes is now listed as the director of Hollow Log Homes, alongside his wife, after taking over her parents' business, Wes is pictured with the Irwins at the unveiling of Steve's star on the Hollywood walk of fame in April 2018, The family-run business builds nesting boxes (pictured) for native animals. 'I'll never be their dad, you can never replace your father, but I'll be a father figure and loving uncle.'. 1. Irwin Became The Crocodile Hunter by "Vlogging" From that moment on, life became a blur. It's the Irwins" Season 4 is likely to be filled with a lot of beautiful moments. It's the Irwins . According to the publication, Steve's father. I watched one of your documentaries with Chandler and shared stories about you. The Irwin family has shared that adventure with fans in recent years on their Animal Planet series, "Crikey! In April of this year, the52-year-old tied the knot with his longtime partner Dominique Franks, 30, in a ceremony held in outback Arizona. Keep up with the conversation on social media with #TheIrwins and follow discovery+ on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more. Shes now recovering at the #AustraliaZoo Wildlife Hospital where shell stay until shes ready to be released back to the wild. I walked through your office in the zoo and smiled at our old family photographs. Yes, there is an asteroid in outer space that is named after the Crocodile Hunter. Wes was the only non-relative guest at Bindi's wedding (pictured) to Chandler Powell in March 2020, Wes pictured with Robert during a crocodile show at Australia Zoo - where he worked for decades. ", He added: "I wish them continued success and Bindi a very happy new life. The secret WhatsApp mode that lets you EDIT texts after you've sent them. "She loves being outside on adventures with us, cuddling up to hear a good story, feeling/grabbing everything around her and giggling," Bindi shared on Instagram. The Irwins are like his family. They say theres a moment when you know youve fallen in love with someone, for me it was watching you happily jump in the water with a 15 foot crocodile and then tell me how much you enjoyed it. Even more special because I used to watch Wes on TV growing up with Steve Irwin. It seems to be the most kind of intimate look into our family lives and really exciting time for us personally, of course, with the arrival of Grace.. It's The Irwins - Season 4 episodes (6) The team makes history when they capture and transport 10 feisty gators. ", WATCH:Terri Irwin's first emotional TV interview after Steve's death. What many fans love about"Crikey! Irwin Month starts Tuesday 1st February on Animal Planet. From running Australia's largest family-owned zoo, Australia Zoo in Queensland, to crisscrossing the world protecting and celebrating the most wondrous animals on the planet, The Irwins work thoughtfully and tirelessly to carry on Steve's mission to bring people closer to animals and ignite the connection that will ensure an abundance of . In that short time, the family's gone through a lot of changes and has been happy to share them with the world. Terris (Irwin) such an awesome mother. When asked whether his relationship with the Irwins survived his departure from the zoo, he said: 'Yeah it's great, they're like my family.'. Alan couldn't speak to Mannion's relationship with the Irwins, and said the bulk of their conversations revolve around about species of birds, new bird box designs, upcoming holidays, and his grandsons. 'Crikey! It's the Irwins," which premiered in 2018 (per IMDb ). ( m. 2004-2012) . It's the Irwins TV Series 2018- TV-PG 42 m IMDb RATING 8.4 /10 761 YOUR RATING Rate Play trailer 0:33 1 Video 42 Photos Documentary The Irwin family share their wildlife adventures from around the world. Take a look below for 4 major changes you'll witness on the new season. Bindi Irwins Wedding Special Date, Time & Channel. Wes Mannion net worth Wife Jodie Mannion; 5 5.Wes Mannion - IMDb; 6 6.Wes Mannion, Steve Irwin's Best Friend: 5 Fast Facts You Need to ; 7 7.is wes still on crikey it's the . My job with Steve was finished. I promise to be your strength and light when you need a it. Chandler, Thank you for loving me for me. Published: 15:10 GMT, 7 November 2022 | Updated: 15:16 GMT, 7 November 2022. TV personality Robert Irwin recently had an almost calamitous experience as he narrowly escaped the jaws of a 12-foot crocodile. Terri cares for an influx of puggles that arrived at the zoo. Is Wes still on Crikey It's the Irwins? Powered by. Wes and Steve worked together at the Australia Zoo for more than two decades. Now Bindi and Chandler get the joy of raising their own little Wildlife Warrior. The Last Unknown Streams Thursday, March 18 on discovery+. Crikey! Is he still the director?' that she keeps "away from all that" and "It's just very sad family stuff.". " Australia Zoo has officially reopened to guests today. A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin) on Apr 15, 2020 at 2:45am PDT. But our Second Gentlemen is lecturing us about 'toxic masculinity'. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. '[There was] no stress, no chaos, no pressure. Between January 2021 to April this year, several others tagged or wrote directly on the zoo or the Irwins social media pages asking if Wes was still an employee - but did not receive a response. Wes and Steve worked together at the Australia Zoo for more than two decades. MEGHAN MCCAIN: Ohio in a poisonous soup. Skunk in your hot tub? Indeed, his closest friend, Wes Mannion, owes his life to Irwin's quick thinking during a crocodile attack. 'His passion for wildlife and the protection of habitat has been a lifelong journey which started from the young age of 14,' it reads. It's the Irwins" Returns with a New Season of Reopenings, Rescues, Newborn Wildlife and Exciting News About the Future Generation of the Irwin Family on Discovery+ . Crikey! In 2019, his fractured relationship with Bindi made headlines after she wrote a scathing post in Instagram claiming he had shown 'no interest in spending time with me or my family' and had 'ignored her' since she was child. Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi Irwin gave birth to her first child with Chandler Powell. The news comes a month after Steve's older sister, Joy Muscillo revealed that she is estranged from Terri, Bindi and Robert. The show stars Robert, Bindi, and Terri Irwin. As for when it will premiere, it's anyone's guess now that there's a little one involved. 'I first became a mother at the young age of 22. Play it now! This stopped Graham from being able to continue to attack West and allowed Steve to rescue Wes to safety. See more of Crikey, it's the Irwins on Facebook. There's radioactive water to be potentially released into the Pacific Ocean. He eventually gave in and I knew I had found my calling, Wes wrote in a 2017 op-ed for Sunshine Coast Daily.