Sampson wants stronger focus
AUSTRALIAN flights to Bali are continuing as scheduled amid fears an active volcano on the Indonesian island will erupt for the first time in more than half a century.
Thousands of villagers have been evacuated as Indonesian authorities raised the alert level for Mount Agung to the highest level on Friday following a “tremendous increase” in seismic activity.
The mountain, 72km to the northeast of the tourist hotspot of Kuta, last erupted in 1963 killing 1100 people.
Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas flights to Denpasar International Airport remain unaffected as the airlines continue to monitor warnings. Virgin Australia has warned of possible flight delays and said some Bali- bound flights would be making fuel stops in Darwin as a precautionary measure.
“This ensures that if an eruption occurs while the aircraft is en route, we will be able to get guests back to their originating port safely and quickly,” the airline said in a statement.
All Jetstar flights were operating as scheduled and passengers would be notified individually if changes occurred.
Qantas flights were also operating as scheduled, a spokeswoman said yesterday. QUEENSLAND rugby league presenter Yvonne Sampson wants the red carpet at this week’s Dally M Awards to focus less on appearances.
Despite being a new recruit for Fox Sports this year, Sampson will become the first woman to host rugby league’s awards ceremony, in Sydney on Wednesday, joined on stage by her League Life co- hosts Lara Pitt, Jessica Yates and Hannah Hollis.
“It’s a little bit more Hollywood than we are used to,” Sampson, 36, said. “We had a meeting the other day and we were talking about how to think about red carpet interviews … so we can get something extra and so it’s not just about their appearance but their accomplishments.
“It is rare to see rugby league players done up to the nines but we will try to bring something different.”
In another first for the ceremony, fans will be allowed inside the auditorium in a designated fans stand that will seat more than 200 people. Rapper Briggs will perform his rugby league anthem Here, while Mal Meninga, Nathan Hindmarsh and Arthur Summons will make presentations.
It is understood Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston will also be involved and there will be a surprise performance by one of Australia’s top singers.
The event will be televised live on Fox Sports on Wednesday with the red carpet at 7.30pm and the ceremony at 8.30pm.