Dec 20, 2025 – 5.00am

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In 1789, Governor Arthur Phillip served his Christmas guests roast turtle from Lord Howe Island and an 11-kilogram cabbage, grown by the fledgling colony’s gardener Henry Dodd.

By modern standards, the meal can be considered both overgenerous and faintly nauseating – but useful in understanding the plight of those on Ozempic this festive season as they are confronted with roast turkeys, glazed hams, prawn cocktails, pavlovas, beer and wine.

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