Rain threatens new year party for east coast revellers
Festivities are ramping up across Australia as the nation prepares to farewell 2024 but rain may dampen the spirits of some.
human interest
‘A true legend’: family, stars farewell tennis great
Roger Federer has penned a letter to the widow of Australian tennis great Neale Fraser, read to his state funeral, describing him as a true legend.
King Charles to deliver Xmas speech from ex-hospital
King Charles will break with tradition and deliver his Christmas Day message from a former hospital chapel.
US House panel finds Matt Gaetz paid for sex and drugs
The US House ethics committee has accused Matt Gaetz of paying for sex and drugs while he was a congressman, in a newly released report.
Sad homecoming as teenage backpackers’ bodies returned
The heartbroken parents of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles have brought their bodies back to Australia after their deaths from methanol poisoning in Laos.
‘Made an error’: Court overturns magpie star licence
A court has ruled a couple caring for a magpie best known for his friendship with two dogs should no longer have a licence to look after the famous bird.
Parents of twins, triplets battle multiple cost issues
Parents with multiple children, like twins and triplets, are crying out for help in dealing with cost of living pressures, particularly in the first two years.
Australians urged not to walk but to work on the moon
Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg is urging local researchers to look to space for answers to some of earth's biggest challenges.
Risky business for students at notorious Schoolies
School leavers are descending on the Gold Coast to soak up their freedom after 13 years of education, with many set to take part in some risky business.
Prayers answered with divine comedy in Sister Act
A musical version of the hit 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film opens in Melbourne starring Casey Donovan.
Patrols increased as dingo attacks man at tourist spot
Rangers have increased patrols and asked visitors to beware after a man was bitten by a dingo, marking the 21st attack of the year at a popular tourist spot.
A ‘sweetheart’: Cassius the record-breaking croc dies
Cassius the saltwater crocodile has died at the age of 121, or thereabouts, after spending 37 years in captivity being cared for by his capturer and keeper.
King Charles becomes Samoan ‘high chief’ and tries kava
King Charles has been declared a Samoan "high chief" during his visit to the Pacific island.
Last pick of the litter, Bear the kelpie is now top dog
Six years after being the last of his siblings to find a home, Bear the kelpie has taken out a working dog competition after clocking up 570km in two weeks.
King, Queen heading to airport ahead of departure
King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing to leave Australia for Samoa after a whirlwind tour that featured cheering crowds and a slice of controversy.
Departing royals leave crowds and controversy behind
King Charles and Queen Camilla have left Australia after a whirlwind tour that featured cheering masses and a run-in that made international headlines.
Thousands queue to but see the royals passing by
The King and Queen greeted some of the people who queued for hours in a bid to get a glimpse on the final full-day of their brief royal tour of Australia.
King Charles and Queen Camilla touch down in Australia
Australia has welcomed the reigning monarch for the first time in more than a decade as King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Sydney.
Royals take a sunny stroll in Aussie whistlestop tour
King Charles and Queen Camilla are about to start a busy program of official events across two cities over the course of three days.
‘Like the Opera House’: the tiny halls that loom large
Country halls remain at the heart of small towns in times of both celebration and disaster, but their longevity largely depends on the kindness of locals.
King cracks jokes as Aussies get close look at royals
After being greeted by royalists and protesters outside a church service, King Charles has drawn laughs while presenting a gift to parliamentarians.
Pomp and pyrotechnics, Aussies set ablaze by royal tour
King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued their Australian tour across the nation's capital, duly trailed by adulating crowds.
Red Cross on a quest for clothing fit for a friend
The Red Cross wants Australians to donate quality to its clothing drive this year, with Uber also on hand to pick up people's offerings from their doorstep.
PM maintains Lebanon ceasefire call as US backs Israel
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stood by his call for a ceasefire in Lebanon after a senior US official expressed support for a limited Israeli incursion.
Sleep experts debunk daylight saving health risks
Researchers have released a comprehensive study into the long-term effects of daylight saving on sleep, debunking myths it makes people ill.
No clear winner for Australia in US poll: former envoy
Australian businesses could be hurt no matter who wins the US presidency, with flagged economic policies aimed at China potential threats, a former envoy says.
Lions fans roar as Swans fly high at grand final parade
Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans fans have had a pre-game glimpse of their teams as the players paraded through Melbourne's streets ahead of the AFL Grand Final.
The ‘invisible’ magic of Australia’s 2100 small schools
Small schools are the beating heart of many Australian rural towns but their benefits can be lost on policymakers, leaving families to fight for their future.
‘Flock off’: furious farmers fume over sheep export ban
Furious farmers have flocked to Parliament House to rail against a live sheep export ban, with truckies and cockies making their voices heard.
‘Love the town’: Birdsville’s only cop to bid farewell
After 10 years as the only cop overseeing a patch of Queensland as big as the UK, Senior Constable Stephan Pursell is preparing to farewell the outback.
From pony rides to Birdsville, where horses ‘just go’
It's a long way from Alan Lai's home in Hong Kong to Birdsville, but the young jockey has embraced his debut at "the Melbourne Cup of the outback".