Teen shark attack victim had a ‘passion for surfing’
The surfing community is in mourning after a 15-year-old was killed by a shark on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, the state's third fatal attack this year.
disaster and accident
‘Much loved’ teen surfer killed in shark attack
The surfing community is in mourning after a 15-year-old was killed by a shark on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, the state's third fatal attack this year.
Two-year-old girl drowns in backyard pool
A two-year-old girl has died after being pulled unconscious from a pool in northern NSW as the number of drownings this holiday season continues to rise.
Older swimmers, tourists warned of peak season danger
The period between Christmas and New Year is the deadliest for drownings in Australia, and the week has already taken a major toll.
Search for swimmer, 19, swept out to sea
A 19-year-old man was caught in a rip and swept out to sea after coming to the aid of a family member in difficulty in the surf off the NSW South Coast.
Tourists urged to visit north Qld amid recovery efforts
Port Douglas is grappling with water supply challenges as tourism bodies ask for visitors to return to the region.
Clean-up continues in Queensland’s far north
Clean-up efforts in far north Queensland following ex-tropical cyclone Jasper are continuing as tourists are encouraged to visit over the holiday period.
Far north open to tourists as flood clean up continues
Queensland's deputy premier has encouraged tourists to return to the far north as volunteers help Cairns residents clean up their homes after flooding.
Two more homes lost as WA bushfire threat continues
Multiple blazes across Western Australia are testing firefighters, with authorities warning there are more "difficult" days ahead.
Hopes fade for missing man as flood bears down on town
A Cape York community is bracing for major flooding, as the search for a missing man is scaled back.
Uninsured won’t be left behind in flood clean-up
People hit by flooding in far north Queensland who could not afford insurance will still be looked after, the federal government says.
Third home lost in bushfire, residents return to ruins
A fast-moving blaze has destroyed three homes in Perth's eastern hills with WA's fire commissioner describing conditions as above catastrophic.
Flood funding to get far north Qld back up and running
A funding package has been announced by the prime minister on a visit to Queensland's flood-ravaged far north amid concern for residents and the tourism sector.
Tourism takes a hit from Cairns flooding
Although tourism attractions in Cairns have started re-opening, holiday cancellations for December and January have hit the region hard.
Insurers told not to muddy the water on flooding claims
A federal minister and the insurance industry assure Queensland policyholders genuine claims for flooding will not be held up by a national scheme's rules.
Two homes destroyed as bushfires burn across WA
Bushfires are challenging firefighters in Western Australia, where authorities have confirmed two men have been injured and two homes have been destroyed.
Fresh bushfire emergencies as blazes burn around state
Two emergency warnings are active in Western Australia after a blaze broke out in hills east of Perth, as bushfires burn in other parts of the state.
Cyclone crop damage to hit supply as farmers count cost
Australians can expect a shortage of tropical produce and possible price rises as Queensland farmers reel from crop damage inflicted by Cyclone Jasper
Cape York braces for flooding as Jasper could intensify
Ex-tropical cyclone Jasper is still having an impact on far north Queensland eight days after hitting the coast and could intensify again on Christmas Day.
Town overcomes setbacks to welcome flood evacuees
Cooktown was one of the worst hit by record rainfall caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper but locals still welcomed evacuees from a flood-hit Aboriginal community.
Tinnie Army hailed as heroes after flooding rescues
Amazing stories of rescues are emerging after a Tinnie Army was mobilised during devastating flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Hundreds of calls for help as storms blanket NSW
The NSW State Emergency Service has responded to hundreds of calls for assistance in the past 24-hours, with residents told to prepare for a wet Christmas.
BOM defended amid criticism of emergency alerts
The Bureau of Meteorology has defended its warning systems following criticism about its forecasting and alerts.
Support for army reserve model in bushfire response
The majority of Australians support better working conditions for volunteer firefighters, as the government reviews the nation's crisis response capability.
Renewed flood menace as cyclone carnage mounts
Far north Queensland is bracing for more flooding as the evacuation of a community and the search for a missing elderly man continues.
Stranded residents evacuated from Aboriginal community
Wujal Wujal residents have been welcomed in Cooktown after being evacuated from the Aboriginal community on Tuesday afternoon.
Northwest China earthquake death toll increases to 127
At least 127 people have been killed, hundreds more injured and houses and roads seriously damaged by an earthquake in northwest China.
‘Too late to leave’: locals to shelter as blaze flares
An out-of-control bushfire burning in northwest NSW has quickly grown in size with residents in the region told it is too late to leave.
Heroic flood rescues as town evacuation postponed
The wet weather has not been able to stop heroic rescues across far north Queensland after the evacuation of a flooded town was postponed.
Rescue for stricken town as high cost of cyclone mounts
Supplies are trickling through to people stranded by flooding as far north Queenslanders assess the damage from devastating flooding and high winds.
Region sends SOS after floodwaters, landslides hit
The Douglas Shire has issued an SOS for help after being cut off by floodwaters and landslides with boulders the size of houses since Cyclone Jasper hit.