News

Mushroom foraging tours face rising insurance costs

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

Published

7 months ago

July 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

In Short:
Erin Patterson’s trial for poisoning relatives has raised concerns about rising insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours in Australia, impacting operators like Feresh Pizarro and Natasha Vorogushin. Despite increased premiums, the Insurance Council maintains these changes are not directly related to the trial, highlighting a need for better public education on fungi.

The trial of Erin Patterson, who poisoned three relatives with death cap mushrooms, has affected mushroom foraging tours in Australia.

Operators report rising insurance costs, though the Insurance Council of Australia states these increases are unlikely linked to the trial. Patterson was recently convicted, prompting concerns among tour guides like Feresh Pizarro, who claims her insurance premiums have skyrocketed, threatening her business viability.

She explains the importance of educating the public about fungi, which play significant ecological roles. Similarly, Natasha Vorogushin from Morwell faces challenges obtaining adequate insurance for her foraging workshops, illustrating industry-wide issues.

Insurance costs

Richard Ford, a tour operator in Mount Macedon, also notes high insurance costs looming over his activities. Despite these challenges, the Insurance Council asserts that insurance adjustments often do not arise from perceived risks associated with singular events, such as Patterson’s case.

University of NSW actuarial studies professor Michael Sherris believes that while premiums are rising generally, this specific trial is unlikely to affect the insurance landscape for mushroom foraging.

News

Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

1 hour ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion