Hopes fade as searches called off for missing swimmers
Authorities have suspended their searches for a 14-year-old boy and two men who went missing in separate incidents while at sea, following a spate of drownings.
public holiday
World bids goodbye to 2025 with fireworks, icy plunges
People all over the world are saying farewell to 2025 and ringing in the new year with traditions old and new.
Millions party safely as vigilant police deter trouble
Respectful revellers have welcomed the new year at largely trouble-free celebrations across the nation, as a highly visible police presence deterred violence.
New Year revelry ‘act of defiance’ after Bondi terror
Partying in Sydney on New Year's Eve is an opportunity for people to thumb their noses at terrorists, says the premier in the wake of the attack at Bondi.
Australians focus on peace as they ring in the new year
New Year's Eve revellers have had a moment of silent reflection for the Bondi victims before enjoying brilliant firework displays across the county.
Feline good: Lions and Cats fans turn out to AFL parade
Diehard fans have turned out to show their support to their footy heroes ahead of the AFL grand final, with many confident their teams can get it done.
Businesses baulk at cost of bonus public holidays
Businesses could lose more than $100 million a year under a state proposal that adds two public holidays to the calendar, a lobby group claims.
More holidays in richest state could boost productivity
A public holiday review is under way in a western state to potentially better align it with the rest of country and boost productivity.
Ex-PM lauded over honours gong but not everyone’s happy
Scott Morrison, who led Australia through the COVID-19 pandemic, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday Honours List.
Firework row ignites as seizure threatens cracker night
A large shipment of fireworks bound for a region's famed cracker night celebrations has been seized, potentially putting a dampener on a 47-year tradition.
Fish frenzy at famous market for Good Friday feast
An iconic Sydney fish market has enjoyed its busiest day of the year, with people opting to observe tradition and ignore red meat on Good Friday,
Bumper crowds as savvy travellers hop into Easter break
Millions of Australians are braving crowded airports and busy roads to take an extended Easter long weekend break despite cost-of-living pressures.
Australians prepare to shun and celebrate January 26
There are mixed emotions surrounding January 26, with many Australians planning to celebrate as others prepare to shun the national holiday.
Protests and parties across nation mark Australia Day
Quiet reflections kicked off Australia Day commemorations before many attended protests while others opted for the beach.
Extreme fire risk as wind, dry lightning spark alerts
Bushfires in two states have triggered warnings as extreme weather conditions place authorities on high alert as temperatures soar and winds increase.
New year welcomed with dazzling fireworks displays
The New Year has been welcomed with a bang in Australia with millions gathering to watch spectacular firework displays across the nation.
Cities across the globe prepare to welcome the new year
Cities around the world are getting ready to ring in the new year with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions.
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.
Christmas conditions sparkle for millions of Aussies
From the beach to the bush, Australians were treated to a day of sunshine on Christmas though it remains a time when many are doing it tough.
Australia set to go off with a colourful bang on NYE
Preparations are under way for a fireworks extravaganza across the nation with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all set to sparkle with skyline light shows.
Pandemic hardline premier honours ‘independent of govt’
The prime minister has played a straight bat when asked about the inclusion of a hardline pandemic-era premier in the King's Birthday Honours list.
Lost luggage hampers New Zealand Anzac commemorations
New Zealand defence force personnel will commemorate Anzac Day on the Gallipoli peninsula without band instruments after losing their luggage in transit.
Luxon strives for unity amid Waitangi Day unease
New Zealanders are marking the 184th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi with their national day as PM Chris Luxon urges unity.
Unity in focus as Australians mark their national day
Australians have been urged to reflect on the things that unite us as millions of people celebrate, commemorate and protest Australia Day 2024.
‘A privilege’: Thousands of new citizens call Aust home
Ceremonies around the nation have been officially welcoming more than 22,000 people as Australia's newest citizens.
Masses flock in Brisbane as cricket hit by protests
Rallies for Invasion Day across Brisbane remained civil until incidents at the second day's play between Australia and the West Indies.
Law change considered after ‘ridiculous’ neo-Nazi march
So-called white power salutes might follow Nazi symbolism into the NSW criminal code after neo-Nazis marched in Sydney on Australia Day.
Man charged over Australia Day vandalism at Woolworths
Police have charged a man over pro-Australia Day vandalism at two Woolworths stores in Brisbane.
MPs blamed for stoking culture war over Australia Day
Politicians are leading the public conversation on Australia Day even when their views don't always reflect their communities, an expert says.
Shoppers seek Boxing Day bargains across the country
Australians have splurged at unprecedented sales on Boxing Day spurred on by a cost-of-living crisis this year.
Australia readies to welcome in the new year
Huge crowds are expected to ring in the new year at public events across Australia with one in three people set to take advantage of free sites.